Don's Automotive Repair

Reviews

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

  EJ M
a month ago
I've had the pleasure of bringing my car to Don s Automotive, and I must say, they are a gem in this overpriced city. Don's Automotive is not only nice and fair, but their prices are some of the best around. For example, they once worked on my car for 3 hours but only charged me for an hour a rare find these days!The office manager, Jimmy, is a real asset to the team. He's always a great time in the office and manages multiple cars with a timely manner. He's funny as all heck and makes dealing with car repairs a bit more enjoyable. Tony is the heart of the place, like the big brother you wish you had. It's impressive how much they accomplish with just two people. Tony also makes the language of cars easier to understand, which I really appreciate!My partner and I have different names, and it's never been an issue when making appointments. Just remember to have common courtesy if your name is different from your partner's on the schedule.Don's Automotive is so patient and fun that you'd be silly to go anywhere else. Don himself is a hoot and a half. His hot sauce is ridiculously delicious and tangy, and his love for pizza is so cute! Be sure to try his hot sauce it's a must!Overall, Don s Automotive is a top-notch mechanic that I would recommend to anyone looking for quality service at fair prices.

  Nancy A Lynch
2 months ago
We have gone to Don s for literally decades (almost four) and they have kept our used cars humming along waaaaay past their expiration dates. And Jimmy recently went above and beyond by allowing me to impose on him to review an estimate from another shop for someone whose car I help maintain. Highest ratings always! They will restore your faith in mankind (and mechanics)!

  Kyle Davis
5 months ago
We had an absolutely horrible experience after years of great service here. It took them 10 HOURS to change the oil and brake pads, despite having a reservation. Why? Because they forgot to call when the car was ready and were completely disorganized. The manager told my wife he'd need to find the key and ask the guys in back if it was read. The key was on his desk, in front of him.They were also dismissive of our service request, which we had called head about -- getting new brake pads. When my wife told them why she was in there, the guy said, "Don't tell me what you need. I'll tell you what you need." We literally came there from the Subaru dealership after having called to confirm they could replace our pads so we didn't have to pay dealership prices. We sought YOU out! Then when my wife mentioned my/husband's name, ad the guy became very understanding. The sexism is unreal. Girls don't know anything about cars, but guys do? Poor service, rude management, sexist treatment, all in 10 hours -- and we even got the pleasure of paying for it! What a deal!I've recommended this place for years, but I can't do that in good conscience any more. Unfortunately, we'll have to find a new mechanic and I'll have to tell people to steer clear.

  Kathryn Eader
2 months ago
After having bad experiences with another shop, I came here! They re the best, always straight forward and honest. My o my complaint is they re so popular it s sometimes hard to get in. But, if I have an emergency of any kind, they make it work! They ve kept my Honda Odyssey running with over 310,000 miles!

  Luis Flores
5 months ago
Can t express enough how grateful I am to these gentlemen. They kept it direct and honest about what needed to be done on my Mazda. I was told it was more than likely going to be into the next week cause of scheduling and sheer quantity of cars; but I got the car back the very next day! They went above and beyond to provide quality service and have gained a loyal customer. Top notch establishment with top notch people.Services: Auto brake repair, Vehicle Inspection

  Steven Grantham
3 weeks ago
This team are the best. They are always honest and fair. You can be assured they will do quality work. Highly recommend their service if you need auto repair.

  Joe England
a day ago
This is a good, reliable "no frills" shop where they don't try to up-sell you. The vibe of the place tells me that the mechanics like working there.

  Ms.Lauren
10 months ago
I've been to Don's quite a few times to help with my Nissan Xterra. Their team are very fair priced and communicate very well about what they need to do. I felt confident every time I needed something fixed and took it to them every time. They were also very kind with my toddler when I had to bring her with me. I appreciate everything they do! Thanks so much! This was a review I've been needing to do!

  Jasmin Vega
8 months ago
I ve been calling different mechanics all day to get a quote on a repair. Every shop I ve spoken to was able to quote me no problem. I called Don s because another shop recommended them. The guy I spoke with was so rude & condescending. He started berating me over giving me a quote over the phone after he already said he wouldn t even be able to take on the repair for weeks. So unnecessary. It cost s nothing to be polite to someone during a time that s obviously difficult.

  Mark Fisher
9 months ago
Over many years, I m now on my 4th and 5th vehicles that these guys take care of. Don and Jimmy and the crew are excellent. They consistently take the high road and make careful choices about what to do. I ve never had a doubt about the work done or the bill. Highly recommended. A+

  Teresa Kelly
a year ago
Don's is the best! I had my my 2013 Prius V towed to Don's in April 2023, when it broke down and wouldn't go more than 25 mph. Jimmy ran the codes and they indicated a battery problem...but not quite. We kept researching the strange symptom and discovered a "quiet warranty enhancement" on the Prius issued recently by Toyota following a class action lawsuit. Toyota paid to tow it to a dealership for a free fix. Jimmy was patient, helpful and as intent as I was at finding the right fix, even though it meant sending my vehicle on to another establishment. Don's provided me with good old-fashioned, customer-focused service and saved me $$$. I highly recommend.Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Faleasha Lynn Triunfo
a year ago
Long review, but I m now an enthusiastic supporter of Don s Automotive Repair.I had been taking my 2001 Honda CR-V to a commercial shop for about a year, (having no family here and not knowing anyone with car knowledge) and every time I got work done, I felt like my car was in worse shape even after doing the ~$1500 of work they scared me into every time I got an oil change. I just couldn t bring myself to go back there anymore and was super stressed out about a problem my car started having after one of their repairs.It kept getting worse and so did my stress about it, so I kept asking around, searching the internet and prayingggg for an honest mechanic that didn t see me as an opportunity to make easy $$ and was willing to work on older cars. I finally found Don s and gave them a call. Right off the bat, Jimmy was professional and attentive to the issues I was bringing up and scheduled me an appointment. When I called back with questions (stemming from my anxiety about bringing my car in) he was super understanding, kind and reassuring.They were so quick with their evaluation, yet so thorough. I thought it was going to cost me thousands of dollars but to my surprise it wasn t! I m convinced the same work would have been astronomical at the commercial place I was going to.Jimmy was so considerate, kind and knowledgeable about my situation and wallet. They did a full evaluation of previous work done on the suspension and corrected the mistakes made from that mechanic plus other issues they noticed. He did not make me do repairs that weren t necessary quite yet and told me what to look for to know when to come back to get that issue taken care of.I cried on the way home because of how great the experience was, and I forgot what it felt like for my car to actually work correctly.There were no scare tactics or any dismissive vagueness about my car, just sincere, honest and SO compassionate.Don s is the ONLY place I will go from now on, even for just an oil change. The only mechanic I trust. Thank you so much Jimmy!Y all are a blessing!!Anyone looking for a mechanic PLEASE get your car down to Don s!!!!!

  Dylan R
4 weeks ago
Exceptional Service & fixed my code quickly and efficiently!! Highly recommend.

  Sapna A
a year ago
Jimmy at Don's Automotive was super helpful, informed and professional! He helped me get the car ready and fixed only what was necessary to make sure it was safe and sound! Really appreciate the fast turnaround! Forever their customer. Trustworthy mechanic I know I can bring any car to and I know I am in great hands!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, BrakesServices: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes

  Roy Gomez
a year ago
I brought in my 2003 Chevy suburban because it had a check engine light code for a P0449 exhaust vent valve solenoid. I already replaced the solenoid and checked the wire harness for continuity with a multimeter. I'm pretty sure there was a leak somewhere and they needed to run a smoke test to pinpoint it. However, they did exactly what I already told them I did and erased the code w their computer. I understand that you should never take anyones word on trouble shooting an issue and do it yourself but they stopped right where I left off and didn't proceed forward. I told them I already done these steps and the check engine light will come back on once you restart the vehicle. They said it was ready for pick up. I asked them to please turn on the vehicle again to make sure before I head that way. They assured me they already done so. I get there and now I have a new problem where the vehicle wouldn't turn on without a jump start. We jump start it and the check engine light comes back on. I tell them I'm on a time crunch but I can leave the vehicle if they can fix it within a week. They said they ahould be able to manage that. They have a "we'll call you, don't call us policy" so when I call within a week, they try to explain that they put my vehicle on the back burner and haven't touched it. I give them a week and a half total and they still haven't touched it. They said they only have 1 mechanic servicing the whole shop while one is away on paternity leave. This would have been nice to know a week ago. I don't know how good their repair service is because they never prioritized working on my vehicle. However, thier customer service and communication were piss poor. They wasted my time and lead me on like they were gonna help me but really just blew a bunch of smoke.

  Terri deClairmont
3 years ago
Don's Automotive Repair is by far one of the hidden gems of the Auto Repair Industry in Austin. My car was towed in and put on the schedule for next Wednesday (its Thursday right now) to my suprise, I received a phone call 4 hours after taking it is informing me that my car was fixed and ready to go. They test drove it to make sure everything was properly working and had me come pick it up. Good as new! The customer service is above and beyond, and the quality of work put in to the repairs are also 5 star standards. I've been coming to Don's for years, and they will continue to have my business.

  Scott Rhodes
2 years ago
WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD! We moved to Austin 14 years ago and were lucky enough to find Don's from long time Austin friends. Don and the team have serviced our cars through the years. There are few things more valuable than a honest mechanic who tells you exactly what "needs" to be repaired and what still has some life it. Even for work that they don't do, I always call them and ask who they recommend. They know the best/honest folks around town. I've recommended Don's to my friends and family and it's always come back, with "HOLY COW, they are AMAZING". Love you guys. Thanks so much for all your help keeping me and my family safe and on the road. - Scott

  Alexis Pina
a year ago
The wonderful people down at Don's Auto repair took my car in as one of the last ones, on 4th of July holiday. They didn't have to but they did, they helped me out a ton. Not only did they fix my car, they provided me with all the reasons why this might have happened, as well as a lesson on not to trust YouTube tutorials haha. Thanks Dr. Rock (i hope I read your name tag right) and the rest of the team:)Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto maintenance

  Claire Miller
4 years ago
A friend recommended Don's Automotive to me to repair a tear in my fuel filler neck. I'm so glad I stopped by because Jimmy was so helpful and candid with the cost of the replacement part and of their rate to repair. Another automotive shop up the street was going to charge me over $800 and wouldn't explain where they were getting this number from. Jimmy at Don's charged me only $150 and had my car ready in a day. I will definitely be going back to Don's for any maintenance and appreciate Jimmy's great work!

  David Rodriguez
2 years ago
I went in to get some scratches on my bumper fixed. The team was available and responsive. They quoted out different options - getting the area fixed, getting the whole bumper replaced, etc. Then, Rick got some paint out and touched it up by hand which looked 90% better, and gave me the option of repairing it as he'd quoted. I thought it was good enough, and when I asked how much for the touch up. He said "free". Thank you! Great transparent communication and service.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Body & Trim

  Tony Lee
a year ago
Outstanding service- professional, efficient and honest. Estimate provided in a few minutes and matched actual cost. Cost breakdown was very easy to understand. Repairs were very affordable- would highly recommendService: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Annette Pizzini
2 years ago
WOOP WOOP Huge shout out to the gang at Don's! We were about to give up on our 2001 Toyota Tacoma when a Toyota dealership said they needed another 3,000 bucks to fix it. We did it once but couldn't wrap our heads around that much being wrong with the truck again nor that price. At the same time we just couldn't call it quits on what has been a great truck. We called Jimmy at Don's auto repair and he said bring it in. We told Jimmy everything the dealership said needed to be done and well, let's just say Jimmy was a bit skeptical. They were A-MAZING! Our Tacoma ended up in the best hands in town and after their diagnostics run and expert mechanic care our Tacoma is purring right on down the road again, at a serious fraction of the repair work and cost that the dealership quoted. Dealership $3,000.00 - Don's $450. Monumental difference in diagnostics, repairs, cost and trust.They are straight up, no nonsense, great mechanics that know their stuff and we are so happy we didn't put our Tacoma out to pasture but instead took it to Don's!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic

  Michael Young
4 years ago
We've been taking our cars to Don's Automotive for twenty years now. Every time these master mechanics make the right diagnosis and execute the best repair. So I always expect excellence from this shop, but my last repair exceeded all expectations.For the second winter in a row squirrels have taken to nesting under the hood of my 4Runner and gnawing on the wires. Don's fixed the wiring problem fast and cheap. I asked Jimmy at the shop how I might stop these meddling rodents in the future. We discussed fox urine. Tony said the smell would be too awful. Jimmy suggested snake poop. I left the shop wondering how to get my hands on some. The next day Jimmy calls me and leaves a voice message that he had a ziplock bag of python poop for me if I wanted to swing by the shop. Does your mechanic go to these lengths? Does any other shop on the planet?

  Daniel Bennett
2 years ago
They worked really hard on my car, and eventually found and fixed the problem, but charged me for 100 percent of the exploratory labor. Experts in the area of dispute resolution argue that in most cases, a mechanic should make an adjustment to the bill if a repair was based on a faulty diagnosis.Don's Automotive failed to do this, and at the time I didn't know how to stand up for myself when they presented me with $900 bill for a hundred-dollar fix. Instead of Don's, I recommend Newman's or Rising Sun.

  Shiree Schade
6 years ago
Nothing more to say than you will never find a better mechanic/car repair shop anywhere. Don provides character, well organized and fair business practices and a wealth of knowledge. Don and his crew even know how to rebuild things - a rarity these days. Living legend doesn't even begin to describe it - don't hesitate a moment to take your car to Don's.

  Ravi Verma
5 years ago
Experience speaks everything ... You will believe this when you meet Don, the owner of this place. He is a true automotive magician who is one of the most honest speacilazed person who won t suggest you to repair something that isn t needed. His diagnosis is bulls eye and not fire in the air. Ultimately one can save lot of money here and be rest assured of the best service as his mechanics are so skilled. While you chose to wait you can chose conversing with Don who has loads of experience to talk. Thank you Don for the confidence you gave, I know the place to suggest my friends...

  News Yews
7 years ago
I've always loved Don and his funky auto shop. He's done right by me each time but he totally reamed my son with his car, charging over 600 dollars for replacing a radiator. A radiator! Not difficult labor wise and a new part should not have cost that much. Really really disappointed in him. Would call around now.

  Jeremy Reyes (J-Rey)
6 years ago
Everyone reading this if you need Toyota service and live in South Austin I highly recommend Don's Automotive Repair shop on South 1st. I've been taking Toyota vehicles here for years now and am fully satisfied with their advice and work. Specifically talk or ask for Tony. He has helped me out so many times. Tony and Brandon know there automotive stuff at this shop and they have Rockin beards! I believe they are both part of the Austin Facial Hair Club.Ok, back to my review. Two weeks ago I described a check engine light problem I had on my Toyota 4Runner. I told Tony about it over the phone and gave him the engine light codes I received from the Toyota dealership. Well, to my surprise Tony told me "We could do the work but I'd highly recommend you go to Muffin Mufflers shop for replacement of the catalytic converters. Talk to Eric. They are more experienced and do that specific type of work all day plus they will give you a competitive price." I took Tony's advice and needless to say Eric at Muffin Mufflers did a great job.In my previous experiences receiving repairs at Don's Automotive I will schedule an early morning appointment so that I can drop off the vehicle. Usually Don or Tony will call me about the necessary repairs and then ask if I want to proceed with this or that repair. Keeping me in the loop on their assessment. I will give them the go ahead and they've been able to complete the repairs the same day. I usually pay with cash or debit so they know they've gotten there money the same day as well.I hope I never move to North Austin because I will miss this shop and all their hard work. It's getting tough to stay in business and even live in South Austin nowadays. So I encourage all of y'all contemplating this shop to give these guys your business. Please support local businesses in Austin, y'all!

  Dennis Chatham
9 years ago
I've had a couple experiences with other places in Austin that seemed shady and i brought my car to Don's. Sure enough, the other places were scamming! I've used Don's for 8 years and you can't beat it. They can keep busy and they are small so you might need to make an appointment but it's worth it if you don't want to get scammed.- - - - - -Also, took my car in for a code that said my car needed a new o2 heater sensor to the dealer thinking it might be under warranty. They said the sensor was fused to the manifold and I needed to replace the cheap sensor and the expensive manifold. I asked how much and the dealership said, "$1,600". So.... I took my car to Don's and they easily removed the sensor. They also told me whoever looked at the sensors apparently may have loosened another one and didn't tighten it. The final bill was $260.00. That's the tax I would have paid at AutoNation! If you are under warranty it probably doesn't matter, but if you are on your own dime and something feels wrong, BRING IT TO DON'S!

  J HART
a year ago
GREAT FOLKS. Jimmy is supet knowledgeable and Awesome Personality. Will definitely take my Toyota Tundra here . COOL KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.