Art's Automotive Service

Reviews

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

  Isabella B
4 months ago
This place and people were lovely to work with! They worked me in super last minute even when I gave them a crazy schedule of mine to work with. They had me in and out within an hour and were polite and friendly to me while I was there. Their lounge is super comfy and the place is very clean. They also filled up my tires with air without me asking which I almost cried about because it is one of my least favorite and for some reason, anxiety provoking, tasks. Thank you guys for everything and I will certainly be recommending to my friends and family.

  Debra Renna
a month ago
I brought my car in today for the first time. What an awesome experience! Every employee was kind and respectful. The waiting area is so comfy. I was very satisfied and will return.

  Andrew Payne
a month ago
This place is great, I was able to get in the car in their shop quickly and my service advisor Chris was great. It sucks that I had to replace the engine in my car but I couldn t have picked a better shop to do the work. Thank you to everyone who works here!

  Keith Tapscott
2 months ago
In and out within an hour for my state inspection. Affordable maintenance prices and a good group of trustworthy people. Will be coming back for other repairs and maintenance in the future

  Kay Forrest
11 months ago
I forgot to get my car inspected on time. I arrived at Art's at 8:20 a.m. and left by 9:30 a.m. The staff is friendly, polite, and explained everything they did clearly. The bill was reasonable as well. We have been using them on the recommendation of our son since we moved to Richmond two years ago and will continue to do so. I highly recommend them.

  Omer Farooq
6 months ago
I had a check engine light on and two mechanic told me that they don t know what s wrong. Then I brought it to Art and they were able to fix it with in a day. Great service and on time repair.

  T. Adams
4 months ago
So this is yet another update on 9/25/2023. After many months of trying to get my son's car fixed, we are finally over the hump. We were put on hold so many times from auto repair/dealer due to a shortage of technicians. We finally found out what the problem was. I am updating this because I am going to take Art's to court to get my money back. They completely misdiagnosed this car. I sort of knew that, but needed to get my ducks and paperwork in a row. That's all I' m going to say for now. Nothing they said and charged us for was even the problem. So, I will be filing in small claims court soon!Visit at your own risk!!If I could give zero stars, I would. They should actually let you do negative stars!!!August 2023.I was just reading about recent, another, not so pleasant, review on Yelp about the repair shop. It was so bad, that Art actually ended up refunding the customer's money. We, we didn't do the same for us. My spouse and I just finished talking about how they screwed us our to +800. We drove away from the shop and the car only worked fine for a few weeks. Now, we are still trying to come up with more money to fix the exact problem we took it to Art's for. When we spoke to him on the phone afterwards, the only thing he wanted us to do was take the review down. Didn't give two cents about the problem not being fixed. Just beware. Maybe they were a good mechanic shop for years, but right now, I would give them ZERO stars, if the system would let me. There is no way you should pay almost 1K to fix and car and two months later, it starts doing the exact same thing. Shame on Art for now trying to trying to right a wrong. That shows a lot about a person's character.June 2023We took our son s 2013 Ford Focus in to ARTS Automotive in April 2023 because it was loosing power and driving rough. They diagnosed it and gave us an estimate of $834 to fix the problem. They did stated that at some point, it may need a catalytic converter, but not at that time. We ok the fix. Took approximately three days to do the repairs. Picked the car up and it drove good. Problem fixed, drove good for a whole month. Yes, I said one month. After a month, the exact same thing started to happen. We called ARTS and was told to bring the car back. The looked at it again and guess what???? They said now you need to pay another $1600 because it was the catalytic converter. Wait, what???? We just paid you $834 and now you re saying it an additional $1600 on top of that. So, what did we pay you $834 for? Not to put a band aid over it. They should have told us that the $834 was only going to be a temporary fix, because we would have said no way. Why would anyone in their right minds pay over $800 for something to last for one month. I was not happy, rightfully so. I feel ripped off by ARTS who had to have know the car was going to break down within a short period of time. So now the car is sitting in our yard, un-drivable, until we can come up with another $1600 to have it repaired (by another repair shop of course). After reading one of the reviews below, I relooked at our invoice. And guess what, we also have $26 charge for coolant. Now what the heck does adding coolant have to do with the repair we got done. That adds credence to the fact that this is an untrustworthy place. They may be nice, but nice people also take advantage when money is involved. To wrap this up, I say go there at your OWN Risk and this review is just the beginning of us trying to get our money back. ********This is edited on 6/20/2023 based on the response from Art's below to reach out to them. Well, we did and it did no good. Was told that that response did not come them. When we called, he acted as if he had no idea why we were calling and said those responses are put on by a 3rd party who monitors their reviews. That was a waste!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  JaNelle Payne
10 months ago
After reading the reviews for Art's Automotive, I decided to take my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder SE for service after it was partially fixed at another shop after they ran into a potential problem with the transmission and recommended I take the vehicle to Nissan. Needless to say, the dealer has scary pricing, so I opted to look for a small business with a decent reputation which led me to Art's. The staff was friendly, polite and explained my options. At the time I do not recall being advised that they performed transmission replacements, only "we do not repair transmissions". It was recommended that the radiator be replaced, new coolant added, and the transmission flushed excessively until no contaminants were present. It sounded odd to me; however, I'm no certified mechanic, so I trusted an expert, and it was stated that other vehicles with a similar issue were serviced this way. My bill was less than replacing a transmission, it was around $2,600, so I was pleased, and the vehicle ran like a charm for two weeks and was back at Art's, where it sat for nearly 2 � months. I had a few conversations with the gentlemen at the front desk, requesting a status update and ensuring I had not missed a call.In early April, I had to retrieve my granddaughter s car seat from the vehicle. I briefly spoke with Art and explained that I understood he was a small business owner and needed to use his bay/lifts for other vehicles that may need more reasonable repairs and that I was fortunate to have an alternate vehicle to use. Art came off as genuine and concerned about my vehicle and figuring out what was going on.I picked up my vehicle about 1 week ago and had another bill of nearly $300. This time the transmission filter was changed, and the transmission fluid was replaced. I picked up the vehicle after 4 pm, and by 11 pm the same day, it was inoperable and had to be towed to my residence. The tow truck driver recommended a repair shop in Eastern Henrico, where "all the Nissans go. The next day, first, I contacted Art s and advised the gentleman that works the front desk, The repair didn t work. I then contacted the other shop and provided the make and model of my vehicle and was immediately told, "We do not repair transmissions, we only replace them, and that Make and Model has this problem often." They provided me with a price of $3,000 - $3,500 to replace the transmission. They also recommended that I take the vehicle to a transmission specialist for a quote and, if they were higher, to come back if I wanted. I took the shop s advice and had the vehicle towed to a repair shop downtown that specializes in transmission repairs. In less than 1 hour of my vehicle s arrival, I was advised that the transmission either needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The cost would be between $4,000 - $5,000, and no amount of flushing the transmission or replacing the filter would resolve the issue because once the transmission is contaminated, the gears get stripped, amongst other things. Needless to say, the truck came back home and is parked.Proceed with caution, and if you have transmission problems, take your vehicle to a transmission shop for an assessment and move from there. Don t be like me, out of around $2,800. For an additional $200 - $2,200, I could have rebuilt or replaced the transmission, and my vehicle would not be an ornament in the parking lot.

  Real Life
6 months ago
I drive 120 miles round trip to go to Art's. Their integrity is second to none! They are the best in Va. Was there just last week. Unique. We need more Americans like these folks!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  joseph dalton
10 months ago
MY Wife and I use Art's Automotive for all of our vehicle services from Diagnostics to simple maintenance. I work in the Automotive industry and visit thousands of shops. I can say with out a doubt that Art is the most knowledgeable and trust worthy Technician/owner I have ever dealt with. I recommend Art to all of our friends and family because I know I can count on him to get the job done right. This is a top notch repair shop!Services: Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Brakes, Air conditioning, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Ms J
11 months ago
Art knows what he s doing. This place was quick, quiet, concise and professional. They changed a wheel bearing hub on my Subaru which is not an easy job for many, but for Art it was.They worked with my warranty company without ever having to discuss it with me. I expected an all-day wait but they got the job done quickly, and test drove it extensively to confirm the repair. I paid half of what I would ve at the dealership (my warranty only covered part of the OEM part which I wanted, and Art got for me!)All of this done simply.Art, please - don t retire on us! Thank you for making my trip back home safe. ~EllenService: General repairs & maintenance

  Portshau Smith
8 months ago
Absolutely horrible service. I took my car here last week because it broke down on me. Vdot driver and tow truck man stated it was my alternator because my battery light was on. Took it it to art automotive because I use to have them repair my car back in 2012. Art automotive charges me for a new battery and spark plugs. The day i pick up my car Friday July 28th. As soon I drive my car out of the mechanic shop an hour later my battery light comes back on. I take it to AutoZone and guess what they tell me it's the alternator and that new battery he put in my car was at 76%. That so called new battery he replaced in my car has yellow and white stuff on the side of the battery. So now I have no car to drive and am taking a Uber and Lyft to my job and to take my child to daycare. He refuses to give me a full refund. This is very unprofessional. I have spoke to art the president by email about this matter. And still have no resolution. He will never get my business again.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Ronnie
11 months ago
Awesome. My family now goes to Art s. I recommend him to anyone that will listen. I used to go to other (national) mechanics here and there in the area but Art s was the first one to get it right the first time. I really enjoy the quality of their work and the care that goes into it. Thank you!

  Callie Evans
a year ago
Very good customer service, my car had issues with the engine that would have run me more than the car is worth and he recommended me to get a newer car. The previous place I was going to gave me a $700 quick fix without thoroughly checking the engine over. I just wanna say thank you so much.

  Jay Martino
3 years ago
I am new to the State of Virginia and brought my car in for inspection. Art gave me the rundown of everything that the car needed to pass inspection and other things that needed to be done. He made the repairs that day, and the price was amazing! It is hard to find highly skilled, honest mechanics nowadays. At Art s Automotive you get that coupled with superb customer service. I was impressed with the front desk staff as well. I highly recommend this place, and will be back for my future needs!!Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Name Less
a year ago
I moved to Richmond a few years and dreaded the thought of finding a mechanic I could trust. I did a Google search and chose Art s Automotive and I m so glad that I did. Over the past few years, they have always been honest and worked quickly. Art s Automotive is the only place I trust to get work done on my car.

  Harrison Jones
a year ago
Art's saved the day! I'd never been here before but I was calling around to different shops when I ran over a screw & my tire went flat overnight. It's stressful when you have somewhere to be & most places said drop it off overnight. But Art said " we can work you in" and I drove over immediately. 20 minutes later I walked out with a patched tire, even though they were working on other customers. They were on the ball!

  Carole Moore
2 years ago
Art's has an incredible amount of knowledge about diagnosing and repairing cars! I took in my Subaru that had already been in another shop. They performed testing that the other shop didn't even know existed, and took the time to investigate properly. I'm so thrilled I found Art's!

  Sheila Keener
6 years ago
Highly recommend! They saved me over $700 - my dealer told me I needed new engine mounts and a new battery. Took it to Art's for a second opinion just to be sure - my engine mounts weren't broken and my battery was fine. It's nice to know they didn't take advantage of me just to earn extra money - and this was during slow season! Definitely my mechanic from now on!

  Cleveland Ford
10 years ago
This is hands down the best automotive shop in Richmond Virginia. They are family owned and operated. They were very professional. They take great pride in making sure all your issues with your vehicle will be fixed in a timely manner. When I arrived there I was greeted at the door by the owner Art. I was really happy when I got the bill. This will always be the place if i have any issues with one of my cars. I have served 20 years in the United States Navy and I invite all military members active and retired to visit Art's when they have any issues with your vehicle.They will take care of you. You will not regret it.

  Jack Willhite s Rock & Roll Comedy Show
9 years ago
For over 15 years, I've been a customer at Art's and they by far, are the most reliable, trustworthy & knowledgeable shop I've dealt with in town. Spot-on diagnosis they provide has saved me hundreds of dollars that would have been wasted with the runaround you get from most dealers. Having had five vehicles serviced there, two of which have made it well beyond 400K, Art's is absolutely the best place to get straight answers & excellent service for your hard-earned dollar.

  Thomas Brooks
7 years ago
Big shout out to Art Automotive from DC. My family went to Kings Dominion and broke down but I feel good that they were in good hands with my man Art. Talking about great customer service!!!! Folks this man went above and beyond, sent pictures of possible future problem and explained everything. All that great service for a very reasonable price. The best auto shop visit I have ever experienced. If you live in that area this should be your go to shop. Thanks again Art.

  Judy Skimin
5 years ago
Took my Ford Fiesta to John at Art's Automotive after the Ford Dealership recommended replacing both front wheel steering components and quoted me $1,000. John found only one wheel needed work, had the parts in house, and had me back on the road that day! Great service and great pricing. Paid much less than what it would have cost me at dealership. Thanks, John and Art!

  Margaret White
5 years ago
I just moved to Richmond and found out my rear license plate bolts were rusted when I went to get new VA plates on the car. Other garages were either rude/unhelpful or trying to shamefully overcharge me. NOT THE CASE at Art s. They all were professional/kind/ and super fast, which was an added bonus. They even took care of my state inspection for me on the spot too. I will absolutely be a return customer, and highly recommend Art s Automotive to anyone new to town and looking to find a trustworthy-fair shop.

  Eric Burgdorf
4 years ago
Art and his crew did an amazing job installing new cylinder heads on my pickup. Truck is running like a top now. They even used the parts I brought in. Work was done quickly and labor charges were very reasonable for such a big job! Highly reccomend these guys!! 2 thumbs up!!

  Nancy Walton
8 months ago
This is the 2nd time I have been to Art's Auto. Very satisfied! Easy to talk with. Honest Service.

  Jonathan Jennings
10 years ago
I took a Toyota Camry to Haley Toyota to have a check engine light diagnosed. I was told that the transmission needed to be replaced at a cost of $5500. I have dealt with Art's in the past with very good results so I took the car there. The owner diagnosed the problem as a couple of electronic shift solenoids in the transmission that needed to be replaced at a cost of $350, parts & labor. I gave them the green light and they repaired the car while I waited in their customer lounge. 15K miles later the transmission is working fine. I have had them work on several cars and trucks in the past, and every time was a good experience. They enjoy a very good reputation which is well earned.

  Ya'shar Yah
4 years ago
My first time patronizing this place was for an oil change and state inspection. It cost me an unexpected $28 to change one bulb from the inspection. I thought that was a bit much being that it was something I could have done myself. I didn't have any real work done, so I can't give an honest review on the service performance. I'm not sure if I will return, but if so, I will definitely have to find out the cost before getting anything done.

  Maria Vasquez
5 years ago
Amazing service! Art actually walked to my car which was stuck at the Food Lion near by to jump start my car. Once we got my car to his shop, he kindly took my car in, diagnosed and fixed it. He could not have been more kind & generous with his time.

  Kevin Blake
10 years ago
I have been dealing with Art & Art's Automotive for 17 years. First of all, 5 stars across the board, honesty & knowledge are EXCELLENT, you will not find better. I saw one bad review on here, and I can say with confidence it was likely the customer that was the problem, not this shop. Every aspect of this shop is closely overseen by its owner, who is a very knowledgeable christian man. Without going in to too much deal about every time he has saved me, I have countless stories about his knowledge and competence far exceeding the market standard, and I consider him the "automotive bible." He has saved me countless thousands of dollars over the years. Dealers (worst place to take your car in my opninion) do not care, they fix things that may not need to be fixed, they hire young guys with no experience, they charge rediculous prices, etc. Art's Automotive takes the time to figure out what is wrong before they start replacing parts. Art has fixed every type of car I have ever owned, which are many, and he has even fixed my RV. I trust nobody but Art with anything I own. My parents and family use him, my neighbors use him, and I have referred many people to him over all these years....always with positive feedback and compliments to dealing with him. It is nice to have someone you trust. I am thankful to know him.