Dealer Alternative Auto Care

Reviews

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

  Texas Ed
5 months ago
I recently visited this shop for a Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection. I arrived with a "low tire" warning light on my car. The service person gladly checked and filled all four tires. He was friendly and helpful. I had zero wait time for the inspection. The inspection went smoothly and quickly. I was pleased with the entire experience as I was in and out of this shop in a matter of maybe 15 minutes. I plan to return for all of my automotive type work.Service: Vehicle safety inspection

  Carlos Cortez
3 weeks ago
Excellent experience. Just what I hope for, but only occasionally get out there. They were able to make an appointment, keep it, diagnose the issue in hours, provide a detailed estimate delivered through email and text, a few hours later, my car was ready. Friendly, professional, and most importantly, competent. I will certainly hire them again, well done!

  David Neundo
2 months ago
1 star due to a shady business practice of overcharging customers.I suggest everyone to be very cautious.I originally was told the diagnostic fee is $100. Came in, they diagnosed it and told me there is 3 small issues: car battery ground terminal had an aluminum piece that prevented a good connection, blinker connector needed to be cleaned and alternator bolt needed to be tightened. Received a phone call a few hours later to be told the total with fixes will be $330, diagnostic and an hour of labor. Math wasn t mathing, 100 diagnostic + 150 for a full labor hour + tax isn t 330. I called and tried to understand how the numbers came up and the manager wasn t able to explain it and later told me he gave me a discount and came down to 280. After I received my car I asked again how the original $330 price came up, and was told that he charged me 2 labor hours which comes out to $150 each. Essentially playing it off as if it was a mistake and he s just following what the system says. I then asked if the 100 diagnostic fee is standard across the board and was told it was. So there is no mistaking the total here. Reading through some of the replies to other bad reviews of other people feeling being overcharged allows you to give them the benefit of doubt. In this case there is none. They didn t volunteer to tell me how the price breaks down either, and no initial explanation to the total until I advocated for myself.In response to owner: sorry you didn t understand our billing process . The owners response is trying to shift my review towards a misunderstanding on my part when in reality there is none. 100 for diagnostic and 150 for an hour of labor yet you were trying to charge me over 330. Not only are you lucky to charge someone 150 for a simple fix, to tighten a bolt and clean a connection but you tried to overcharge by 80 dollars. All together the repairs take 15 minutes even with repair verification .

  Cassandra Tomaz
a month ago
The best mechanic I ve ever found, gave me a timeline on repairs and was finished before that, great price, beyond knowledgeable. Puts any brand dealership to shame with their amazing customer service. I tell anyone whose looking for a mechanic to go here.

  DeAnna Dean
a month ago
Dealer Alternative is a great San Marcos business. My family uses their services, and they do great work. It s nice to have a mechanic that I can trust.

  Jeremy Martens
6 months ago
Christina in the office was incredibly professional and friendly. They got me in and out in under 15 minutes for an inspection. Also asked about their labor rate, and they are super competitively priced. Will bring my vehicles here in the future.

  Cyndi Jackson
10 months ago
Over a year ago, we had a great experience here. The San Antonio Mercedes dealership told us our older Mercedes needed $1,000's in work and the service manager (Tim) assured us this was untrue and righted our course. Later, they replaced a fuel pump at a reasonable rate.This year, we brought the car in (check engine light was on) and were told we needed a new thermostat which they charged well above the predicted market rate to perform. There is a new service manager who is polite but I just didn't feel the same trust that I had the year before.3 days after the thermostat replacement, the check engine light was back on and Dealer Alternative told us the waste gate was stuck "open" and unfortunately the entire turbo system would need to be replaced. Gulp, $4,200+I checked with a well known foreign car garage in Austin and they provided a Mercedes master mechanic contact. $271 later, the master mechanic has replaced a breather hose, a vacuum hose , reconnected two loose hoses and of course charged the diagnostic fee around the turbo issue.Guess what, the turbo is fine and the car purrs. So, did Dealer Alternative knock hoses loose which created the code, or take a short path and just use the code to justify an expensive repair? Did they lie flat out about the waste gate being stuck? I don't know. But I'm very disappointed and don't feel they are the right folks for something other than minor repairs

  Lynn Brandau
8 months ago
I may get for posting this but here goes.. we needed our vehicle worked on and I called what SOUNDED as a reputable place.... well avoid DEALER ALTERNATIVE IN San Marcos. We were told we needed 1800.00 in work. I said it won't happen so we picked up the car. It did need an oil change..so I bought a Groupon for Midas in Kyle...what a great decision. The mechanic did the change and my husband mentioned what this other idiot told us. .ha. what a jerk. He said both engine mounts need replacement. The guy at Midas said only 1 is worn. My husband went to car parts store .bought the replacement parts that were surprisingly easy to replace. So after $60...3hrs in time to replace them...all check engine lights are off and the car runs better than it has. So a big word of warning...this guy is a scammer. Then to top it off he charged US $60 to call ENDURANCE...another waste of money ...on our behalf...and it would gave been $60 each call. I cancelled ENDURANCE immediately..they would only cover 300...as the mechanic told us but ENDURANCE said 400?? A little shifty on the mechanic. Anyway..long and short.. see if you can find someone you trust. This place...DEALER ALTERNATIVE off the feeder road in San Marcos is a very unprofessional person. I guess he thinks cause we are seniors we are also stupid. Sorry if this is bashing but he is ripping people off.And just to set the record right..our vehicle was brought there on 07/24/2023 and paid for and picked up on 07/27/2023....by my ability to count that is 3 days...2 days after we decided its not going to happen. I can add pictures to prove if you'd like...jerk!!

  Jonathan Aguayo
3 months ago
Great customer service and they went above and beyond to help me out with my vehicle issue. I would definitely recommend this place to family and friends.

  Jonathan Bailey
a year ago
Would not recommend this place for 160 bucks they were supposed to diagnose battery drain and running rough. They said I had a bad battery, which i did, but they didn t tighten my battery terminals or the battery bracket. The air filter box was open. They said i need a tune up. Bad spark plugs and coils. I go to change my plugs there is oil all over my plugs they didn t even check to see why it had a missfire. All they did is hook up a scan tool and see miss fire and recommend a tune up. I honestly feel like I should get a refund. Will never go here again. Never should of trusted a shop from now on I will make the time to work on it myself. In the pictures you can see the air filter and the oil on the bottom of the coil pack.Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Michelle Hurtado
6 months ago
Thanks for a great experience, Dealer Alternative Auto Care! The team here is professional and efficient. I appreciate the shuttle back to work too.Services: Tire rotations, Auto maintenance, Oil changeServices: Tire rotations, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  martin sharkey
10 months ago
Very good work, got my car running like new. They fixed my oil leak at a very reasonable price. I am very happy with the service and communication. Glad I found them. 100% recommended!

  brent jackson
a year ago
Seems like a good place but was ultimately disappointed. Friendly staff. Responsive.My car was chewing through tires and I had just replaced the front ones again. Went in to have it aligned. They put it up on the rack and pointed out that the rear tires also had uneven wear. Said they could do a 4 wheel alignment once I had new tires. Charged me $137 as a "diagnostic fee", which was higher than the alignment they couldn't do.I purchased new rear tires and returned. This time they said the car would not align, and quoted me just short of $4000 for parts and labor to resolve the issue (struts, shocks, axles, and motor torque mount). That was more than the car is worth. Said "no" when I asked if they would at least allow me to source the parts myself to reduce costs. They charged me another $137.I took a day, ordered the parts and tools, and did the work myself for about $800. Also replaced rear control arms to allow greater rear alignment adjustment (which turned out to be a common issue on my vehicle).Dropped the vehicle off to have a 4 wheel alignment, but they refused to do it because I had not paid them to do the other work.When the "dealer alternative" shop behaves more like the dealership, I'm not quite sure what the point is.

  Bea Sea
10 months ago
After my son bought a VW GTI he searched for and found a reliable and honest auto mechanic that had experience working on imports. Since day one they were alol extremely courteous and truly caring in addition to doing excellent work. Needless to say I am now also having my Jeep serviced at DAAC rather than taking it back to the dealer. After being there was a need for numerous costly repairs I decided to get a second opinion. DAAC gave my Jeep a clean bill of health

  dustin hayes
a year ago
I cannot leave enough starts for Alternative To Dealer. I am amazed by the customer service and work every time. Excellent pricing and quick quality work. Let me tell you they stand by their work! I ve brought my daily driver a few times after it s warranty expired and my off duty Police car many times. This is the only place I ll go and the only place I ll recommend.Services: Transmission, Auto exhaust system repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto A/C recharge, A/C installation & repair

  john marshall
a year ago
OUTSTANDING!!!!We were referred to them by a friend in San Marcos and we are so very happy with the service and support we received. Michael and team are outstanding at follow up, very professional and a delight to work with. If you have any sort of automotive needs for you vehicle they MUST BE your go to. We will definitely use them again if the time arises.. WELL DONE DAAC.

  Terence Carter
a year ago
After explaining my problem on the phone I had my vehicle towed to their location so they could diagnose the issue & advise me of the work needed & a quote. I was contacted shortly after my vehicle was towed & advised by Sean they had received it and would be in touch. Sean emailed me paperwork to authorize the work. Later that day Sean contacted me to explain what need to be done and the cost. I authorized the work & although Sean said it would be complete in a day or so, I honestly expected it to be a week at a minimum. Not only was my vehicle ready the next day but the quote was accurate as well.I will use Dealer Alternative in the future if needed & recommend them to anyone who ask. Why? Friendly, professional service and great communication from everyone there starting with Christina on the phone to Sean keeping me in the loop every step of they way!

  Robert Williams
3 years ago
I've had nothing but great experiences with this place so far. The prices are fair, but what really made the experience great was the customer service. The vehicles I brought to them were in and out within a couple of days! I spoke with an associate named Mary for awhile concerning my vehicle and she was always very happy and professional! She made the experience easier and much more enjoyable. They are also partnered with a towing service in the area and if you are having your vehicle towed to Dealer Alternative Auto Care they offer an amazing price! Also, I thoroughly appreciated the concierge service offered for free. When my vehicle was ready for pick up, they called and offered a free ride to the business. Vehicle issues can be a very stressful thing to deal with, but if you want a friendly, well priced, and stress free experience, I highly recommend Dealer Alternative Auto Care!

  Scott Norman
2 years ago
I've taken my car here multiple times. The customer service is always great and the work is always done in a quick and timely manner. They break down what work needs to be done on your vehicle very plainly and don't add any hidden fees.They also have a free shuttle service and will drive you back to your home and come pick you up when your vehicle is ready!

  Matthew Wackerle
2 years ago
Hands down the best customer service I have ever received from an auto shop. The staff was very friendly, attentive, and concerned with my needs as a customer. Told me that I needed the horn fixed (which I certainly did) and they quickly fixed that and performed the inspection so I could drive out of town in time. Prices were reasonable and also they did a good job working on my car. They also offered rides back home and to the shop. I am new to San Marcos and I am glad that I found such a good place to do business with. I will be coming back here for my automotive needs.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic

  Elizabeth
2 years ago
Janelle was helpful and friendly from start to finish. My daughters are attending Tx State and their car needed work. I was skeptical about automotive places in San Marcos since I do not live there and went off of Google reviews.Not disappointed at all. Great honest work/prices.Service: A/C installation & repairService: A/C installation & repair

  Michael Schreffler
8 months ago
Every time I take my vehicle in they have done a top-notch job. Every time I ask them a question they do a top-notch job giving me the information I need and want.

  Pix Howell
a year ago
After undergoing a general diagnostic and analysis from an OBD scanner there was no specific issue found that would allow the car to start. I brought the car to Dealer Alternative and within a few hours a relay that was only allowing 3 volts when the circuit need 5 volts was found and replaced all for the cost of the basic diagnostic. Great work, fair price and friendly service. I'm a fan.Services: Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic

  Tech Priest
11 months ago
Charged me $300 to misdiagnose my vehicle's issue, do things to it I already told them I tried, and break my headlight. Tried to blame headlight on vehicle's age instead of technician negligence.Will not be returning

  Shanethra Shay Shanee Jones Stephenson
8 months ago
My husband and I were in a small town that we do not live in and were walking somewhere but it's very hot and dehydrated and they gave us water wonderful people

  Josh Riveira
3 years ago
My engine light was on after I changed my spark plugs and ignition coils, and my truck felt slightly sluggish. Took it to dealer alternative auto care to check it out and they had my truck done in no time at all. They have great phone communication and the shop is clean and they have the right amount of technicians. Thanks for taking care of my truck in a last minute call. Highly appreciated Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic

  Seth Frei
5 years ago
I have been taking my cars to Dealer Alternative for about 8 years (since before the days when they were known as Dealer Alternative) and have always been satisfied. Their prices have always seemed fair to me and I've always been treated with respect and have felt like a valued customer. When I go in for routine maintenance, they are always able to get to my car very quickly while I wait. For larger jobs, they always get things finished up within a day for me. I would highly recommend Dealer Alternative as the place to go in San Marcos for your auto repair needs.

  Phillip Day
4 years ago
My first time at Dealer Alternative was a great experience! The lady who I spoke to, I believe her name is Cristina, was very professional and informative on the phone. I was pleased with the job they performed on my car and the price was very affordable. I will definitely be back!

  Megan Bonnett
2 years ago
These folks do immaculate work. Janelle, who often answers the phone, is a honey pot of sweetness (though a couple of the other folks didn't seem to be having the best day when I was there... but I'm sure that's all it was. I'm not choosing an autoshop for the new besties I'm making- I'm choosing the ones who can keep my sixteen year old car running like a champ... and these folks do just that). They offer an outdoor shaded seating area so everyone can have fresh air to breathe, and they also offer really, really great work at a very reasonable price. They will tell you if they see any glaring issues while "under the hood", but they aren't going looking for things you didn't ask them to fix and then telling you about the thousands of dollars worth of work your car may need, which I really appreciate as a person living on a budget and for whom those kinds of experiences can be anxiety inducing. Great autoshop. I highly recommend you take your car to them next time there is an issue.

  Courtney Dieckman
4 years ago
This is the only shop i will even consider using to fix my vehicle. They are not only super nice but very honest. Being a single women i'm always nervous that mechanics will take advantage of my situation. At this service provider i don't have to worry about that at all. I have my daughter drive her car down from Austin to have it serviced for this same fact. You will be very satisfied with the customer service they provide. They also will pick me up and drive me home, which is awesome. Knowing i can trust them makes having car issues not a big deal anymore.