BAM Automotive

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Becky Galvin
a month ago
Ran into car trouble on a trip from Houston to Marfa. The folks at BAM got us in last minute and took care of our issues quickly and professionally and at a fair price! If I lived closer they'd be my new repair shop!

  Alison Payne
11 months ago
Vehicle started leaking oil while we were 9 hours from home visiting Big Bend. The guys at BAM found the leak and were able to complete an emergency repair to get us to a certified VW dealer to replace the oil pan. This is the best service I ve ever had at a mechanic shop! Van and his repairman were so kind and helpful. I would return to Alpine to have any future work done on my vehicles if I could. Wonderful experience at BAM!

  Gary Lanham
a month ago
We were visiting Big Bend and on the way home our truck started getting hot, we had a split water line. The guys at the shop were very professional and fixed the truck in a timely manner

  World Chaser - Chris Davis
2 months ago
I had some blown shocks and they were able to fit me in on the same day to get them switched out, and also did an oil change, which was incredibly helpful before I got back on the road. Nice and honest people, and I would definitely go back here for more service.

  Chelsea Quinlan
2 months ago
Don't go here. They held my car longer than they told me, didn't fix it entirely then blamed me for it. I initially came for new spark plugs and an ignition coil. They quoted me around $900. Then they said I didn't need the coil (??) Even though I had the codes read at other locations saying the opposite. When the lights on my dash came back on within the first hour of driving, I called them immediately. I was already on a roadtrip for work but wanted to bring the car back so they could make it right. The woman on the phone agreed. When I brought the car back I was told I needed to pay for more parts it needed. I agreed for parts and they said it would be a days worth of work. They held it for days again and then blamed me for not reaching out. When I went to pick it up it was around $800 after taxes because they said I needed three coils. I never would have came back to be charged again, I would have just went somewhere else. I didn't have enough money in my account and Bam refused a payment plan. He accused me of not going to pay him if I did a payment plan. Then he threatened me by saying he would sell my car for parts in 30 days if I didn't have the money. He said I could only take it with a "payment plan" if I gave him the Title to my car. He was incredibly rude and an old crotchedy, miserable man. When I began to cry, he told me I could stand there and cry all day because he knew I would never pay him. I honestly feel for the woman at the counter who tried her best, seems pretty left out of the loop. There's also a very sexist sign that hangs out on their counter that I suppose is supposed to be a cheeky jab at women. I feel bad for everyone that works there. The locals in Marfa describe the workers as "meth-y". I reported them to the Better Business Bureau but since they seem so dishonest I expect nothing and can only hope by writing this I help some one else. All of my money went to my truck which now I'll likely have to live in because I what I gave them was my rent on a new place I should have been moving into. Alpine and Marfa are small communities where we should be taking care of our surrounding community. Bam's Auto is not it, and they prey on people knowing there is no other mechanic around. Do not go here.I also heard there's been new owners from previous years, so any older reviews on here do not reflect what is currently going on with this business.

  pahnit pathanibul
11 months ago
Recommended by many in the community and the reviews speak for itself. My Toyota Land Cruiser broke down and parts were limited in surrounding towns (especially for foreign vehicles), but BAM was able to fix my vehicle and get me going back on the road before I needed to checkout of my AirBnB. Really saved the trip. I used my AAA membership which then hired SIXTOS Towing and they too did an amazing job. They were able to get a flat bed to Terlingua Ranch Lodge. Highly recommend! They both really do go out of the way to do the best they can. Thank you!

  JD's World
4 years ago
These folks are awesome! I drive over 2 hours to have them service my old ride. And they do me justice. My wheels aren't as vintage as some of the machines on the lot but it's old enough to want tender care... And they give it.

  Jorden McGuffie
a month ago
This place is a scam. They tried to charge me $3500 on a fix and charge me $1,000 more than the parts were worth. I could have gotten the parts myself for less than $500 and they wanted over $1,500 in parts alone. Joke. Then, when I finally sold the car for dirt cheap tried to charge me over 200 for diagnostics. Money hungry greedy people.

  Anton Grenier
2 months ago
Changed a radiator on a sprinter van with this garage, and I discovered that the front bodywork was poorly reassembled. The bumper clips are broken in some places, and the garage did not inform me. Not to mention the credit card fees.

  Kathy Sanders
7 months ago
My husband and I were traveling to Fort Davis recently in a Rented Mercedes Sprinter RV. We had been having an issue with it going into limp mode, and it had a check engine light suddenly come on about 80 miles from Alpine. This was the first Auto Repair place we saw coming into town, and felt we needed to have it checked. The folks at BAM Auto Repair could not have been nicer. They read the codes and checked it out immediately for us. The DEF fluid had not been topped off when they delivered the vehicle to us and we were instructed to fill it every 4 tanks. We had only used 2 full tanks but added DEF anyway to see it it would help with the limp mode issue. It took a lot of DEF fluid almost 2 gallons which led me to believe the owner had not topped it off upon delivery, yet told us they had. It was after this the check engine light came on, but it was running fine and out of limp mode. The Mechanics gave us the assurance there was nothing wrong with the engine and the confidence we could continue our trip! Thank you all for your professional, caring attitude. You saved our day, and maybe our vacation!

  Jason Tuggle
10 months ago
I cannot recommend Bam automotive. They were very friendly and got us in quickly, which was great. They unfortunately don t diagnose the root problems and replace parts the computer shows on codes. Ours, for example, had low power and had a code for a mass airflow sensor and oxygen sensor. They replaced the mass airflow and said it was good. We drove off and it was not. $289. Then they said the oxygen sensors were bad. We talked on the phone and I explained I thought it was the fuel pump, but Bam assured me it was the oxygen sensors, so I told him to proceed. $390. No fix. I called and let him know it still wasn t fixed and he told me it s probably the fuel pump then. The fuel pump going out caused a lean condition to set off the oxygen sensor code, and by a good diagnosis, we could have repaired that first instead of following the computer. So we are out an additional $680 to just throw parts at it. If you have something simple that doesn t take a mechanic diagnosis, they are probably fine, but I will not recommend using them for something that requires a true mechanic.Services: Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic

  Katy Pool LLC
4 months ago
Best family run businessAwesome mechanicSaved me got my stubborn 2005 f25o diesel running in under an hour thks love them

  Omar Samman
8 months ago
These guys will do you right. My boys and I were in a jam with a radiator leak as we got into Alpine from Terlingua and the BAM team found and fixed our issue on a Friday afternoon in no time. Otherwise we were stuck in Alpine for the weekend.Van even entertained my 15 yr old twin boys with his stories of music, cars and living life to its fullest.

  D Raj Raman
3 months ago
In all of 5 minutes, these good folks diagnosed a problem that the dealer in Iowa couldn't find. Lifesavers (unsecured caliper)!

  Elisabeth Chapman
a year ago
This place was a lifesaver! They literally bent over backwards to help my husband and I when we got stranded in Big Bend. Our car was originally in another shop and we had to leave town. They went to go get it for us, and helped us a ton. We are so grateful for them.

  Robert Sandoval
3 years ago
Super service, great people and honest service!! Thank you for fitting us in at the last minute. It saved our trip to Big Bend.

  James L. Maywald
2 years ago
Let's just say that taking our 2007 Trailblazer to a master mechanic (shop proprietor) with over 35 years of experience has been the best thing we've done this year! In spite of having been made to wait since January for the parts to arrive, the owner was downright apologetic while explaining the "former" shop manager had dropped the ball due to inexperience and ineptitude. Bam's promise to not only find the part needed, but also remove and replace the other 3 shock absorbers, was too good to pass up. Truth be told, the job was completed (start to finish) to our complete satisfaction in less than 10 days! Talk about delivering on a promise and "walking the walk" in a auto repair shop that is truthful, honest and dependable!!!

  L Murphy
2 years ago
Van, Larry and the whole crew really helped us out with a speedy diagnosis and repair when a punctured brake line cut short a trip into Big Bend! Pricing was reasonable, and they kept us informed throughout the process. I would wholeheartedly recommend this shop to anyone who asked me about them!Service: BrakesService: Brakes

  Edmond Handwerker
2 years ago
Lari and the crew were so incredibly helpful during my trip through the area. Needed an oil change for my Land Rover which is usually difficult to find parts for - and they had them in stock and were so reasonably priced and a pleasure to work with. Thanks for the last minute accommodation!

  Heather Magnus
a year ago
Our family was on the way back fromBig Bend when our truck started having issues . BAM checked our transmission fluid and other parts at no charge . Service like that is hard to find these days .Service: Auto engine diagnosticService: Auto engine diagnostic

  Omar Morales
4 years ago
We had spent a week camping at big bend, and our trailer lights stopped working. The owner and the gentleman looking at the vehicle were super nice, they spent the time to check the wiring and diagnosis the problem. We didn t have much options because we had to drive back (6 hours) that day, but I really appreciated their service and the fact they went out of way to look for parts at all the local auto shops. They weren t able to fix it because the part that was damaged was a Toyota part, but they didn t accept my money for the diagnosis. These guys are genuine, honest and good people. I highly reccomend their services if you have an issue while out in this area.

  Tony Drewry
2 months ago
On a recent trip to Alpine, the starter in my truck quit working. Having lived in the Big Bend for years now, I know all too well how difficult it can be to obtain parts and services in this remote area, especially in any kind of hurry. I have used BAM several times in the past, so they were my first call, and to my surprise they were able to get me in later that day, a Friday no less. By the time the tow truck dropped my truck off at the shop at noon, they'd already located the new part in town and ordered it. I was told they'd get to it around 2pm and should have it done by 4:30, it being a 2.5 hour job. Now, I've heard this before in similar situations out in the Big Bend with others, so I was optimistic but reluctant to believe that I'd have my truck back the same day. Lo and behold, they called me at 4:09pm to let me know that it was done and ready for pick up, and by 4:30 I was paid up and back in the driver's seat. Thanks to the BAM crew, and Marfa Tow too, for excellent service, honest quote, and getting me back on the road in no time. Truly a Big Bend miracle!

  John Lamkin
a year ago
What a difference, this is the best place in town. When no one else would look at a fuel leak they did. Polite, helpful, and in thirty minutes I was back on the road. If you are in need of service go here, the other two don't know the meaning of the word friendly or service.

  Michele Crumbliss
6 years ago
Great service! Our fuel pump went while visiting Alpine. Other shops I called wouldnt even see me for a week to a month. BAM said come on by and let me listen to it. They got us in the same day, drove to get the part and had us done the next day.Sue knows her customers and makes sure items like filters, oil and other items are checked out to insure her customers vehicles are taken care of.I recommend them highly.

  Beverly Rainwater
a year ago
The friendliest and most competent people ever ! They drove all the way to Big Bend Park to rescue my husband and nephews bc the slide out on motorhome would not go back in.Van and Sheldon were rockstars and Sue kept me informed all the way.

  Patrick Durochez
5 years ago
BAM Automotive really helped us out on our Big Bend trip. Our truck had to be towed there for repair, and Van got us back on the road quickly so we could continue our trip. We really appreciate all the help and would stop there for repairs again any time! Thank you so much!

  Nick Saban
5 months ago
Awesome shop. Had me back on the road and headed home in no time!

  Marisa Brown
3 years ago
WOW!!! Our RV broke down because of another mechanic s shoddy work and the workers here did EXCELLENT work. Honest, quick, and quality work is hard to come by in a mechanic. Even the taxi driver in town said best shop in Alpine. The total was WELL below what we were used to mechanics charging desperate tourists, and we had to leave a review after that.

  S. Q.
3 years ago
This was a super interesting place- there were dogs barking and part of it was a little confusing- but my partner and I were passing through, from Austin to Arizona- and a tire was going flat. This guy was SUPER friendly and helped a lot. He even showed us a technique he uses to spot the problem. Haha. Can t remember the situation fully but I remember walking out and being impressed with that fella. I think it was something like they were closed but he still went out of his way and helped us- Thanks! I still remember it after a couple years!

  Nils Timmermann
7 years ago
I what to say a big thank you to Van and his team. Me and my girlfriend broke down in big bend and the team fixed my Jeep without any problems. Van and the entire team were very helpful, nice and cost efficient. I wish you guys had a shop in Austin!!! Nils