Tao Auto

Let me start out by saying this used to be my favorite place to take my cars in. I had Acura TL and everyone in Cary garage took a real good care of my car.
Fast forward several years, I needed some diagnostics and major work done on Lexus RX350, and because I had such a good experiences, I didn’t even think twice to make an appointment. Since I already got some opinions earlier on what services I may need, I asked for an general estimate.
Day or two later, I called back again asking for a general estimate, thinking that stuffs can happen in a busy place and I knew they were not exactly a large operations (which I actually liked). When I didn’t get a call for the second time, I called them for the third time in the same week. This time, the receptionist, Heather, put me through Samantha, who started to explain that she just came back from vacation and she didn’t know about the call.
No problem I thought, but then she kept going on about how it would not be appropriate to offer an estimate without looking at the car. At that point, I lost my cool because
1. I didn’t ask for a specific estimate. I owned many cars and know full well that’s not really a good practice. That is why I made it very clear that I needed a general estimate on a specific repair I asked for so that I could prepare my piggy bank.
2. I detected a tone that nobody was really owning the problem. The real problem was that I, the customer, didn’t get a call for a week and had to call 3 times.
When I raised my voice, Samantha abruptly hung up the call. While raising voice was my fault, I still wanted to talk to someone about how multiple customer calls could go unanswered.
In my effort to reach the owner, I learned that Samantha is a daughter of the owner. I also learned that there were other, more decent, workers left at Tao auto who were kind enough to give me detailed estimates on the specific repair item I inquired.
Because of the last part, I give 1 star to Tao auto, but now I must go find another place to take my cars — other places that would value customer time and own a problem when problems happen.

I’m new to the area and found TAO by using Unilocal.This will definitely be the place I go to get my car worked on moving forward. Everybody was very friendly and knowledgeable. This is a much better experience than I’ve ever had at an auto repair establishment.

I have a solid indie that works on our Harley’s, and TAO Auto does all our car work. They are the best mechanics for your Honda and Toyota. They are very pleasant to deal with, and do quality work. TAO Auto is much easier to work with than the dealer, and they are fast and efficient.

Have taken two of the Hondas I’ve owned there for regular service. They have always been very professional, reasonably priced, and never pushed the hard sale like the dealers did. I have known many people that use them and they have always had good reports as well.

If you drive a Honda, Toyota, Lexus or Acura and are looking for a great mechanic in the Raleigh area, look no further. I’ve been taking my car to be serviced at Tao auto for the past two years. They are always fast and friendly and don’t try to over charge you or sell you services you don’t need. From my experience, they are an honest shop and will take the time to explain to you the repairs needed.
If you’re looking to get an oil change, which is usually what I go there for, you can get there when they open and they will get you right in. I got there at 8:00 am and they had me out at 8:45. This is convenient because you’re still able to get to work on time.
The waiting area isn’t bad for a garage. They offer water, coffee and usually have the daily paper out to read while you’re waiting. Above all, I really like taking my car to be serviced at a shop I feel like I can trust.

I have a Honda and TAO is my favorite mechanic in the area. TAO specializes in Honda and Acura repairs and is located in downtown Cary. This is a small garage and all the employees are extremely friendly and honest. I have had major repairs like an AC compressor replacement and brake pad replacements and I am getting honest prices and answers on all of my repairs. I plan to drive my car until it has 300k miles and Tao will help me get there :-) I highly recommend them if you have a Honda or Acura and they also have a Raleigh location. Jessica, Lisa and Keith are simply fantastic! Thank you!

A great alternative to the dealership. I see one of the reviewers has indicated something important. They do seem to get busy early. They’ve helped me with my 4 cylinder Accord, and I’m appreciative!

5 stars for Tao Auto! After taking my car to several Honda dealerships in the area, Googling extensively and getting no answers, Tao was able to creatively troubleshoot and resolve my issue.
This was a hazardous issue of dire importance. The technicians listened to my crazy car issues with complete detail and saved the day. I would recommend them to anyone. I think my technician was named William, but I’m not 100% positive.

These guys are Honda/​Acura/​Toyota/​Lexus specialists. I’ve been using them for 5 years for maintenance on Honda VTEC engines, as well as my growing stable of V8 Lexus GS’s. They are not the cheapest place in town, but would you really trust a cheap garage with a 32-​valve Lexus?
These guys get busy early in the morning, so it pays to show up at 8am when they open. They also can arrange a ride to work for you if you live close enough to their shop.