University Tire and Auto Centers - Forest Lakes

Reviews

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

  D K
10 months ago
Sloppy work. See pictures below. Transmission and coolant were leaking and they didn t clean or wipe any of it up. Transmission pan is cover in transmission fluid. Also gave me three different prices. Went in at $1300 left paying $1700. I even asked if they needed to do the other work (change trans filters) I was told no. Then next day as they are almost done told me I had to do it and it would be more money. Still they charged me $700 for a filter change and flush. They will not work with you on anything. All parts they get is more than doubled to the customer. I was told they would put a special fluid in I had for transmission they told me yes. When I picked up they told me they arent allowed to. It s pretty much your buddies shop but charges you twice what it should be. Broke down so I had no choice. If you have a choice go elsewhere. If you don t they ll get it done but your pockets will hurt and the job won t be pretty.Two star because I do believe the work was complete. But they didn t clean up at all and customer service was lacking. Last star taken because pricing not what I was originally told and I basically forced to accept the new cost.

  George B.
2 days ago
I was traveling with my RV and needed a tire replaced. They located the exact tire I needed and did the repair in a timely fashion. True professionals I would highly recommend!

  Ghazal
a month ago
Discriminatory Practices Against Women and ImmigrantsI had a very bad experience at university tire and Charlottesville Hollymead by the airport. I have visited this auto shop multiple times mainly because of the reason that I live very close to the shop. However, every single time I m feeling like I ve been scammed. I recently had car inspection here and my bill came up to be over $2,000, I said ain t no way I m gonna pay that. Then I went to another place and got my car inspected again. This time the people made my total To come out to be just $600 for new tires and brakes. When I compared my two bills, I noticed just how much extra things university tire added on to my bill. Maybe because I am a woman or I don t have an American accent, they think I am an idiot. No doubt to make money. It seems like I m not the only one and that there s a lot of negative reviews. I truly hope that this place gets a better manager, and improves on honesty and customer.

  William Proffitt
6 months ago
Took my van in about a month ago for new tires and front end alignment. Was told my rear brakes also needed to be replaced. Did the brakes myself and they weren t even close to the squealer pads yet. Also when I was taking my wheels off I had 2 lug nuts that they had rounded off when they put them back on. I also had 3 other lug nuts that took my full body weight (200+lbs) on a breaker bar to get the lugs off. Toyota recommend 76ftlbs torque, obviously these lugs were well over that. Had to replace the rounded off lugs, wasn t expensive but it s also not that hard to put a lug on without stripping the head or over tightening. For the almost $1000 I paid for the tires and alignment I d expect a little better quality of service and attention to detail when putting things back together.

  Mark Van Petten
4 months ago
Was not at all happy with the PR or service. I will go back to the Seminal Trail store. Should have stayed with what you have experienced and not change. Obviously each store has their own manager and some are nice and some are not. I do not recommend this place, there is a better choice across the street in Airport Road Auto Center. Go there!

  John Z
11 months ago
I had my oil and air filter changed at University Tire and Auto Center (1792 Airport Rd Charlottesville, VA 22911 ). The quality of service here is very, very poor. Every time I come home, either the oil leaks, or the tire screws of the car are broken. This time when I was changing the cabin filter, they even messed up the ACM program, causing the car to be weak when refueling, and the dashboard light kept flashing. Until I went to another repair shop to check and fix the problem. .. I don't know how many other friends have the same experience as me? Do you still dare to come here in the future?

  Bryan
8 months ago
Out of all the University Tire and Auto franchises in town, I find this location to be the best and most consistent. Service and quality are very good, and I've never had a problem making an appointment for my vehicles. Understandably State Inspection Services do get booked quickly, and I don't believe you can walk in for an inspection. This shouldn't be a problem however because it is very easy to schedule service online. Their tire packages are fairly reasonable and include free lifetime balance and rotation. I find their tires to be of a higher caliber than the ones sold at big box stores. The only minor complaint I have is that they will not install replacement TPMS sensors unless you purchase from them. Apparently this is some kind of liability issue, but a sensor costs $15 at any parts store and they charge over $100 for the sensor alone.

  Daniel Mills
6 months ago
Got an oil change here last week since I was pressed for time and immediately regretted doing so. I know things are expensive these days, but getting handed a bill for $116 was mind blowing and approaching extortionate. Needless to say, I won't be going back to this place. I did get in same day though, fwiw.

  Halsey Green
9 months ago
Scheduled an appointment for June 13th on June 1st, confirmed by University on June 2nd. Took car over on June 13th as scheduled to drop off for preventative maintenance work. Didn t hear from them by closing on the 13th. I called at 10:34am on the 14th to inquire about vehicle and was told our vehicle was next. If they are going to waste my time they aren t getting my business. Picked up car prior to work being started and took my business across the street. Much better experience.I ve been a customer of University for many years and it is a great disappointment that they are failing at customer service. Can t just leave a vital vehicle for our family sitting at a shop for an undetermined amount of time.

  Jessica Detmer-Lillard
a year ago
Really pleased with my experience at this location. I showed up for my scheduled appointment and was told that one of the techs was out sick and therefore it might be a bit of a wait. I had time so I was happy to wait. I really appreciate the openness and having expectations set up front. The guy who was working at the desk was so nice and actually ended up taking back my car and doing the oil change himself. All told I only waited an hour and a half even though I had been expecting it would be more like 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Shops can be so hit or miss and of course can also very so much depending on your needs but I did want to take the time to leave them a positive review for how well they communicated and how quick they were.

  Shanika Vest
a year ago
Cameron and Alfonso both provided excellent customer service. I have visted this location twice for tire related issues. These two are always friendly, honest about the issue and get the work done in a reasonable time. Thanks so much for your great service!

  Prachi More
a year ago
I had the same experience as one of the reviewers here. They rejected my car inspection stating rotors and break pads need replacement costing $700. I knew something was wrong as I had my car serviced just couple of months ago and nothing had come up at that time. So, I went to other repair shop and got my car inspected, as suspected there were no issues around rotors and break pads!

  Sarah N
7 months ago
Went for a state inspection. Nice folks. They were pretty fast and offered a shuttle service to take me back home and then they picked me up once more to retrieve my car.

  DrewPrkns
3 years ago
The guys in this shop were awesome!! They were patient with me, they took their time fixing my vehicle instead of rushing through it, and they even fixed a minor problem I had with my door without charging me. Cody at the front desk was very informative about everything that was going on. He also was very kind and patient with me. They even gave me a ride home in their shuttle and offered to pick me back up. Highly recommend these guys! Thanks for doing taking care of my baby! She's running better than ever now!

  JB Mitchell
a year ago
I called University tire to see if they would be able to look at a leaking tire on my vehicle right away. I was told to come by and they would. After arriving, The person at the desk was far from courteous as I gave them my information and they took the keys. I waited for 35 minutes while one car was serviced in the entire garage. The rest of the place was idle as I sat waiting. I finally gave up and told the desk person I needed to leave to which they simply handed me my keys with no explanation or apology as to why It was taking so long. The lack of customer service was extremely disappointing and I definitely would not recommend this business

  robert Fiedor
a year ago
While the shop scratched up my wheel I've had an overall good experience working with this shop.Nonetheless, below is my experience with the wheel scratches.I visited this store to have a tire repaired or replaced (nail). I was told the tire needed to be replaced so the shop ordered the replacement tire. The shop ordered the wrong tire so it was another couple days before it could be mounted. When the shop mounted the tire, the person who balanced the wheel used [probably] a screwdriver to pry the old weights off, scratching the inside of the painted wheel. My wheels are 1yo mint forged Rays ZE40s from Japan. But regardless of what wheel a customer brings in, it should be treated much better. There's no shortage of plastic pry tools that can be purchased from Harbor Freight so there's no excuse.

  Robert Schuett
3 years ago
Very good customer service, professional, and work done on my truck was completed in a timely. Great guy at the front desks, Dakota. He can help you with whatever you need! While I waited for my vehicle, Dakota took time answer some questions about rims & tires. He explained to me what options were available to me as I considered changing my tire rims from 15 to 16 . I have very minimal options for tires for my truck right now. His explanation of tire details and what I can now do on tire selecting has made me a happy person. Next week when I come back, I will be happier with Dakota and University Tire and Auto, Forest Lakes.

  Jennifer Trevethan
2 years ago
On a mini vacation and needed quick service on my Audi. Cameron said to come on in. Him and his team fixed our vehicle and had us on our way within minutes. Great guy! Highly recommend this place. Merry Christmas, Cameron and team!! Thanks again!

  Soozie G
4 years ago
Dakota had exceptional customer service. He was at the counter all by himself the phones. Phones were ringing off the hook yet he took the time to talk to me and explain everything to me that needed to be done to my car. I was so grateful and thankful that Dakota helped me today. He even showed me the burnt out headlight fuse that he replaced he went over in detail all the issues that he found what the cost was going to be. He worked me in at the last minute. My car was making a funny noise and I was concerned about it. He diagnosed it and fixed it and explained everything in depth even though I didn t really understand what he was saying he took the time to explain it and answer any questions I had. I will definitely go back but only if I can work with Dakota he was awesome!

  Shawn Smith
7 years ago
Seemed like a good crew over there. Had to get a set of rear rotors and brake pads installed, but Johnny was very straight forward and very price conscientious when he talked to me. I would feel comfortable using them again for work. Traditionally I would have gone to Airport Auto, but University Tire & Auto had better prices and I didn't feel like I was being rushed to make decisions like I am across the street. I am happy I chose to go with them and though I don't look forward to shelling out more money they seemed honest and would trust them.

  Ernane Vieira-Neto
4 years ago
Contacted them mid-morning on a Saturday in need of a state inspection. Dakota was super nice and was able to help me even on such short notice without an appointment. They drove me home and picked me up when the service was concluded. I was ready to go home with my problem solved in a timely manner. These guys were friendly, worked fast and well! I'll be sure to take my vehicle there for any future services. Thank you, all! Happy holidays!

  James Hayhurst
7 years ago
I had a very satisfactory experience at University Tire & Auto Center. I dropped by early one morning; they put on four new tires and did an oil change in 90 minutes, while I waited, with several customers ahead of me. The manager's attitude was outstanding. I know service can ebb and flow with the day, time and circumstances at any auto shop. I've been here twice and both times had excellent service.

  Neal Blackburn
6 years ago
The first time I took my car to the Tire & Auto Center, I had a screw in my tire causing a slow leak. I was told that it could not be fixed and I d have to purchase a new tire. Not thrilled with the high price of the replacement tire, I bought a patch kit and fixed it myself; the tire has not leaked since. Not wanting to discount the business based on one unpleasant experience, I took my car back for an oil change because I had a coupon for a $19.95 oil change and tire rotation. I was told that my car required full synthetic oil and the coupon would reduce the price but it was still very high. I paid for the oil change but contacted a close friend who sells my make/model of car and was told that my car calls for synthetic blend which is much cheaper.

  Victoria
3 years ago
I purposely drove to this UTAC location (farthest from my home) on 7/1/20 because of the better reviews. I called to make an appt. for a synthetic oil change (previously bought on Groupon) and possibly new brakes. Surprisingly, Cody said I could bring my car in right then if I was available to. I didn't end up needing new breaks, but my tires were worn and I needed my brake fluid changed. Cody was really informative and helpful explaining everything along the way. While in the waiting room, a gentleman told be that he trusts Cody and has been buying tires from him for the past two years. I ended up doing both and with a $40 rebate on the tires. I believe I was there for about two hours.This cost me TOTAL $813.93 ($50 oil change, $379.96 4 tires, $79.80 mount/balance, $2 VA tire tax, $12 disposal fee, free protection plan, $94.56 alignment, $129.95 brake fluid exchange, $416.31 labor, $28.26 supplies, $38.40 sales tax). I would reccomend this location

  Tom Nelson
3 years ago
A couple years ago they told me I needed to replace my brake pads ASAP. I took it to a different mechanic who said the brakes were fine. Went more than 1.5 years before I ended up needing to replace them. They also used far too much torque force on the wheel lug nuts and twice cross-threaded the nuts, which required replacing the studs. I recommend going elsewhere.

  Michael Wang
2 years ago
Cody Marrs and Cody Collier, really nice guys! Got a flat tire after work late in the day when everyone was closing down near Forest Lake Food Lion. Cody Marrs tells me he can come personally after their shop closes at 6pm and help me with my spare. Within 30 minutes he was over and had changed the tire to my spare. Took my CRV to them the next day; and was able to quote me a fair price for the Michelin Defenders that I wanted. Tirerack's price was $730 for 4 (from prior experience with Tirerack... I'm guessing a typical $70 installation fee would be normal at any place you'll go for it). Cody M. gave me a quote for $800 including parts and labor. I also got some other work (transmission fluid flush, wheel alignment) done so the total bill came out to ~ $1200 after tax; which was OK. Also let me know me about some future preventative maintenance too look out for; which is nice to know, but also could be an upsell/cross-sell (probably pretty typical of a service shop). Worked in the area, so the manager Cody Collier gave me a courtesy shuttle back and forth to my office while my car was being worked on and we had a nice detailed chat about the work and recommendations. After getting my car back, I noticed the tire-pressure indicator light was on; measured my tires with my tire pressure gauge and 3 tires were a bit over-inflated (possibly from warming in the sun) and Cody M. took care of that right away. Nice guys, polite, fair price, you can tell Cody M. takes pride in his work. As with any auto shop, I always recommend knowing what the condition of your car is to the best possible extent possible, so you can make informed decisions and get as fair a deal as possible.

  Arindam Fadikar
2 years ago
They charged me more than double of the retail price for a pair of windshield wiper blades. I had gone for state inspection and they installed a pair of trico pro beam wiper blade for which I was charged $27 each. Later, I found the same windshield wipers at various retail shops for $13. I wish they were honest in their pricing of standard equipment.

  M. Keoni Medici
2 years ago
Great service from Cody and University Tire. Took a tire in after an unexpected flat on short notice. Cody took care of me, and in no time at all on a Saturday afternoon, they repaired my tire and sent me on way. Very pleased with my service.

  Shelley Shelton
4 years ago
On Monday I stopped by just to get a quote for new tires and Dakota was extremely helpful. He made a good recommendation for me with a decent quote and got me all set up. I now have four new tires, which makes one less thing I have to worry about. Thanks, Dakota!

  Kelly Pudhorodsky
5 years ago
Horrible, awful, shocking experience. I have never felt more dissatisfied or taken advantage of. My 20 year old son took his car (yes, an old clunker) for inspection. They told him $1600 of work to pass inspection and he said okay, do the work. 11 weeks later and hundreds of dollars in Uber rides to and from work, I asked my son where is your car??!! I got involved because he seemed to be getting nowhere. $1600 later they had fixed his breaks and a couple other little things, but they could still not pass it for inspection and said they had no idea how much more it would cost for it to be able to pass inspection. They did lower the bill to about $1050, but he paid over $400 for the sensors (that were still the reason they couldn t pass it for inspection), break work, window, and windshield wipers. I took it to my mechanic whom I trust, and one week later and $850 we were good to go. I went with my son to take it back for the reinspection and felt I needed to let them know how dissatisfied I was with the whole experience. They were unwilling to take any responsibility and seemed to think the bill adjustment was more than generous. I left after telling them that they should be ashamed of taking advantage of a 20 year old polite kid and that in the future if they felt like a car was a lost cause they should have never done the work in the first place. Do not trust these people for inspection, oil change, new tires...it seems to me they are looking to charge as much as possible with no care for who they screw over in the process. I am not a car person (nor is my son), but I don t think it s unreasonable to think that you should be able to trust people who claim to be able to perform a service for you.