Hi-Tech Automotive

These guys are amazing. They explained everything in detail. Great pricing, fast friendly and family business. If you have any question about any Mechanics look no further.

I can’t say enough great things about this shop. I’ve been using them exclusively for about 3 years now and I have never been more impressed with their customer service and quality of work. One of the biggest pros about Hi-​Tech is their attention to communication through the whole process of taking car of your vehicle. You might be bringing it in for something simple, or for something more complex… it doesn’t matter, they will let you know exactly what it will take to get you back up and running again and in what time frame. I can’t see any reason I will be taking my vehicles to anyone else. They really do care about their customer base and it shows in every aspect of the work they do. Keep up the outstanding work!

I went in there for an inspection on my BMW 650i, and they were so friendly. At first, the inspection guy wasnt there but they told me to come back in 40 mins. I was fine with that because I didnt call in first. When I came back the inspection was $ 18.50, it only took 20 mins and I was done. They were so nice and friendly that they let me use an IPhone charger.
I came back an hour later and I needed to get the front Texas drivers license plates drilled on my car. They dropped everything they were doing and did it for FREE. Now, that is great customer service, I trust them and I dont trust ANY car people, I would recommend them to anyone.

I recently returned to Austin and needed a car repair place near my new home. I found Hi-​Tech and have been impressed. Chmeis is there super early for early drop offs (7am) and work begins at 8am. Chmeis called me with an explanation of the work needed, why it was needed, and the cost estimate. He also called me once during the day to keep me up to date on my repairs. The work on my car was completed in full, on time and for the amount quoted. Chemeis showed me the replaced parts and explained the work that was done. I was offered a loaner car upon dropping my car off. I feel this family-​owned business is honest and offers great service. I’ve taken my car there twice now for different problems and have encountered this same level of service both times. My second repair was actually LESS than the quote. This is a great place.

The man I dealt with here was rude over the phone and in person, and treated me like I was stupid for asking a simple question. Terrible customer service, I won’t be going back there.

Awesome family owned business. I have never left a Unilocal review, but after the amazing service I received I felt it was necessary. Mr. Chmeis is incredibly honest and the team at Hi-​Tech are genuine in the service they provide. I don’t know anything about cars… Chmeis and his team will explain things and what needs to be done in order for people like me to understand. Great place!

I went in to get a state inspection. I knew my oil needed to be changed but didn’t tell them because of groupon (which offers 25 – 40 $ oil changes) Groupon doesn’t mention extra costs for synthetic and disposal of the oil OR that you car needs 6 liters instead of 5. It ends up costing the same. Yes. I could’ve gone to groupon, paid the same (excluding a oil filter) and wait 1 – 3 hours… Or go to my neighbor mechanic that has been caring for my families cars for years. They are fast, honest, and reliable. I will be back of course! Service is amazing! They have comfy couches, tons of magazines (like it matters because we have our phones), and coffee!

Thumbs up on quality and customer service at HI Tech Automotive. They are honest and explain everything in simple language. Good, honest mechanics and excellent communications by their staff.

I have been coming to Hi-​Tech since 2008 and will go out of my way to patronize their business. These are mechanics like my grandfather used to use — they want your long-​term business, not just a quick hit, so they provide advice and service to earn your trust.
In years past I’ve brought a flat tire in and they saved me money by examining it, airing up and not charging me because I actually needed a new tire and they didn’t have my size. Who does that?!? Who doesn’t charge to do 45-​an hour of work and then send you off to someone else? These guys. Because more than anything they want you to be satisfied.
When I was single I always knew when the car came in for a simple oil change they would check everything for me whether I asked or not. Most of the time there were no issues and no extra costs. If there was an issue they always explained and made sure I was comfortable and knew my options and risks.
Couldn’t ask for better people or better service.

I was very happy with the repair work done to my car. The owner showed me all the parts that were replaced and I noticed a significant difference in the ride of my car. I was very happy that the work done was done right! Thank you!

I purchased my BMW 550i from this location and they were very nice. Staff did not pressure me and took good care of my needs. They honored all the work post sale and I would highly recommend them to anyone in the market for a new vehicle or simply getting service on your existing car. Thank you Hi-​Tech Auto!

I took my husband’s truck into the Hi-​Tech location on Hwy 290 for an oil change, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I received! My husband uses full synthetic oil in his Dodge truck, and I was expecting this visit to come with a hefty price tag — I was astonished to see what a reasonable price I was charged for a full synthetic oil change! I was also blown away when the mechanic who completed the oil change told me about a few issues the truck has that need to be fixed — they even checked the brakes! And they were so professional when they told me about the issues that the truck has, there were absolutely no pushy sales or scare tactics, they just said, these are some issues you should definitely look into fixing. The owner of this location, Maan, is so incredibly kind and helpful too! I will definitely be a permanent customer of this shop! :)

Stopped in Hi Tech a week or so ago for something not at all vehicle related. I was in a real bind with a part needing repair for some work equipment. Two of the parts were rusted together, and my equipment repair could not be completed without them being separated. Without hesitation, they took the part back to their shop, and used some of their machinery to get the parts removed from each other. They helped me out of a bind, and would not accept any payment. Everyone at the front counter was friendly and even offered me coffee and donuts. They took time out of their day to help a stranger with something that was not even vehicle related. I’ll definitely give them some business if I have car issues that need a mechanic. Thanks again!

Ali at Hi Tech Automotive helped me resolve an issue with my daughter’s car and explained everything to me, step-​by-​step. He gave me his cell phone number and said I could call him anytime, which I did. He was forthright and honest and helpful throughout the entire process, and treated us very fairly. Honesty and integrity in the car business is not something you find every day — I highly recommend Hi Tech Automotive.

The owner, Ali Chmeis, and his family & staff are a pleasure to work with.
They’re the type of people that you want to go and visit even if you don’t need help with your car. I trust him and the business with all of my car needs. Chmeis serviced my car before a 14,000 mile road trip and I needed zero work on the car while gone.
Their prices are considerate and reasonable. It’s a breath of fresh air to work with these professionals! I recommend them to everyone I know.

I stopped by here recently to have a head light lightbulb replaced and the air pressure checked on my tire, as my regular mechanic is way up north and I didn’t have time this week for the drive. I was hoping I could find a good shop in my hood for small stuff so I don’t need to trek all the way up north for such small repairs. In a nut shell DONT GO HERE.
The mechanic I spoke to told me it would take 1 hour and cost 150 $ to replace my light bulb. He also informed me Hi-​Tech DOSENT GUARANTEE any of the parts or labor on repairs they perform.
I declined the service as my regular mechanic will give me a much better price.
HOWEVER I am giving them the ONE STAR rating because they are SHADY AS HELL.
I also requested they check the PSI on my tire as I watched. Just to be sure the tire is safe to drive on until I can get it to my mechanic.
AS I WATCHED he mechanic took 5 seconds to check the PSI and then walked away saying nothing. I had to then ask him him what it was reading. He strait up lied to my face saying it was at 20 and now its at 35. That’s impossible.
I know that car repairs are not my area of expertise butone thing I do know that it takes more than 5 seconds to fill a tire from 20 to 35 PSI. They were just trying to figure out a way to scam me. These guys are serious LIARS.
If they manage to be this shady about two very minor repairs I can only imagine what a headache getting any serious repair work done on you car is like with these guys… *****SERIOUS BUYER BEWARE

I got my car towed to hi-​tech to have the fuel pump repaired. I told them what was wrong with the car, and they offered me free diagnosis since it definitely was the fuel pump. they fixed it, and in 2 days i got my car back. The following day i had to bring it back for a fuel leak. i told 2 different techs that i had gone through an excessive amount of fuel in the day that i was driving it and i insisted that there had to be a leak. both techs told me they checked for leaks and there was no fuel leaking.
Later at a gas station i confirmed my suspicions when fuel began leaking from my gas tank as i was refilling. I called hi-​tech and they had it towed to the shop at no cost to me and repaired the gas tank fill neck for free as well.
I don’t take kindly to clumsy techs. that fuel leak could have caused a fire while i was driving around town. I would reconsider getting any serious work done by hi-​tech technicians. I would only consider coming back for a state inspection.

Had it not been for Hi-​Tech, I probably would have been taking the bus, or driving an old beat-​up cavalier – or some overpriced junker on its last legs.
Here is the deal about Hi-​Tech Automotive: They are the best at what they do.
What they do: Sell (for the most part) reconditioned titled cars to people who cannot get into a car, and do car repair and body work of just about any kind.
I was referred there by a friend who had bought two Volvos from them because my credit was low due to school loans and identity theft. I couldn’t get a car anywhere else – well except Dream Cars – and they wanted nearly 14k for a 2001 Ford Explorer back in late October 11 with compounding interest.
I had thought I could walk into a dealership and by a used car at low cost but banks won’t lend on them, and then the dealership dings your already low credit by hitting every bank possible trying to get you into a high priced tinker toy car for 16k or more.
I walked into Hi-​Tech drove out in a beautiful gold 2004 Volvo S80 Turbo Sedan.
Yes I paid more than the car’s blue book, but I only had to put down 1000k and the rest of the 500 dollar down payment was spread out with my car payments for the next three months or so. And unlike the others, the loan was just straightforward simple interest?
That’s a lot less money than the 2001 Ford Explorer from Dream Cars – monthly and overall price, and with free oil and tune-​ups for the duration.
To be sure, this wasn’t a cheap car. AND it is a reconditioned title with high mileage, as most of their cars are, but Hussein and his family have been doing this for 42 years here in Austin. I think at the same location on Congress across the street from Magnolia Café.
I wrecked that car. (My first real wreck ever in decades and decades of driving; it was totaled.) But Hi-​Tech rolled my downpayment over to a BMW, and I was in another car as soon as the insurance company settled.
There have been issues with the BMW, as there are with any older car – and some differences of opinion, as there are between most dealers, garages and customers.
But there has also been one big exception: ultimately, and always in the end, Hussein and Hi-​Tech Automotive and I have ALWAYS been able to have a candid conversation and an HONEST resolution to circumstances and payments.
They even let you do repairs on credit so you can stay on the road, and provide loaner cars while your car is being repaired.
What’s more, Hussein will show you codes for diagnostics, and walk you through the repair and parts replaced upon completion of a job, explaining it in a way that anyone can understand.
There will come a time when my credit will be repaired and I can buy a new or used car at a more preferred interest rate and price, but I have absolutely no reservation recommending Hi-​Tech Automotive as THE best place to get a car when you have no options left – or for repairs on any car. They seem to specialize in Chevy Trucks, Volvos, Cadillacs, BMWs, and Mercedes.
They care. And they do what they do better than anybody – period.

Fast and friendly service from trusted mechanics that have been there for over 25 years… and they even have loaner cars on big jobs :)

Ok. Ready for my saga (spanning November 2012-​May 2013)? Long story short, going to Hi-​Tech Auto was one of the worst decisions I have ever made. Here goes:
In late November, I discovered that my vehicle was having frequent issues with the power steering fluid, so I decided to have it looked over at a local mechanic shop that said it specializes in imports, Hi-​Tech Automotive. After an assessment there, they concluded that my power steering rack needed to be replaced.
Within a span of three days, one of the managers told me my car was ready to be picked up. After getting in my car to drive off, I immediately noticed that something was wrong. When turning the steering wheel, it was obvious that there was still work to be done because it was extremely loose and made a peculiar sound when turning it from left to right. The manager agreed that this wasn’t normal and that it needed to be looked at again, so they kept it in the shop.
I waited all day the next day for somebody from Hi-​Tech Auto to call as promised, but then only after my own initiative of calling to follow-​up, the manager told me that the part was defective and they needed to install another one. A few more days passed, and after they replaced the defective part, I went to go pick up my car. The same issue persisted, however. I spoke with another manager, who happened to be one of the owners. He informed me that it was my car, not the part, that was the issue. I assured him that my car had no issues (sans the power steering rack) prior to the installation, then he proceeded to tell me not to worry about it and that his daughter experienced the same thing. I found this extremely patronizing and unprofessional since this piece of information has nothing to do with specifically identifying what the issues may be and how to resolve them.
Regardless, I decided to drive my car for a short amount of time to see if there was perhaps an adjustment period since it was a «new» part. Because I still felt uneasy driving it, I called Hi-​Tech Auto again and let the owner know that the issues still persisted. Again, he mentioned his daughter and how it wasn’t the part that was the issue.
I followed up again and explained that I was uncomfortable taking my car back to their shop due to my prior experiences and that we needed to resolve this somehow. The most they offered was a refund for the part, which is simply unacceptable based on the damages that were incurred on my vehicle and the fact that labor was a big part of the cost.
After taking my vehicle to the certified Mercedes-​Benz dealership in Austin, the estimate concluded that the power steering raft needed to be replaced (again), as well as the power steering column/​power steering shaft and control modules, which cumulatively added up to about $ 5,300 in repairs from the damages from the original installation at Hi-​Tech Auto. Because my vehicle was a somewhat older model, it was unjustifiable to make all of these updates. Above all, the technicians at Mercedes informed me that my vehicle is a safety hazard if all parts are not fixed.
Based on the assessments from the technicians at Mercedes, it is clear that because of the workmanship and parts installed from Hi-​Tech Auto, it caused significant damages to my vehicle. Because of everything, an initial expense of $ 978.70 ballooned to expenses of over $ 5,000.
After a very long credit card dispute and unwillingness of the owners to fully reimburse me, Hi-​Tech Auto ended up «winning» since no refund was issued. Because my car was essentially totaled at this point, I had to trade it in (for close to nothing) at a time when I wasn’t anticipating having to incur unnecessary debt by purchasing a new car.
I do not doubt the quality service that Hi-​Tech Automotive has provided to their other patrons over the past 22 years. I respect that they are a local, family-​owned business. In my case, however, this was not the service that I received, which was why I was seeking reimbursement.
For these reasons, I highly discourage others to take their vehicles to Hi-​Tech Auto for any significant work needed.