Downtown Automotive

These guys rock. I took my 350Z there because it had an airbag light coming on. Normally this kind of checkup requires going to the dealer, but they have the equipment to check the car’s computer. I hate dealers because they always overcharge for everything and make feel taken advantage of. Pat ran a full diagnostics check. He noticed that my tire sensors light was on too, which is an issue I had avoided fixing because both the tire place and dealer had quoted so expensive to fix (they had quoted $ 170 per tire). Pat offered to fix it for $ 60 per tire and only $ 40 for labor. Honest and affordable. Can’t beat that. I sure recommend them.

I am having problems starting my car. Sometimes it will start first try, sometimes it will be completely silent and only light up the dash but the second try it would turn over. I read all the great reviews and went to downtown auto to get my car checked out. Well, Mark said my battery was low but didn’t see any other problems. He suggested that I replace the battery. It didn’t sound right to me as there wasn’t any other signs my battery was low and I’ve had a low battery before. I bought the battery from Walmart so I took it there to get a new one since it was within warranty. Walmart checked the battery and found it to be completely charged… So I don’t know what happened at downtown auto. Seems to me someone wanted to take advantage of the fact that I’m a young woman who walked in alone and completely ignorant in regards to mechanics. I could be jumping to conclusions but I figured I would share my experience.

Waited twenty minutes to get helped and no one came. Not a single place to park your car for them to even service had to park down the street behind some abandoned car that was broken into and left to suffer in the burning sun.
If you have a major job maybe this is the place to go. For simple fixes and quick service, take your car somewhere else.
It’s two stars because it’s not like I actually got service that was miserable, I just never got any service period.

They did a great job. As a female, I usually feel uncomfortable going to mechanics. I feel as though they are ripping me off, checking me out, or both.
This place is very professional and did excellent work (at a great price!). Pat has a phenomenal personality and was an absolute pleasure to work with. I found out about this place in Unilocal and wanted to spread the word. I highly recommend them. Also the prices were very fair.

Nice folks, Pat especially, but it can get pretty busy on the weekends — took me about two hours to get an oil change. At least Niko Niko is within walking distance, so there’s a good place to wait.

Just moved to Texas, and needed a place to have my cars inspected to get Texas plates!
Everyone was really helpful over the phone and while I waited to get 2 cars inspected!
I definitely recommend this place!

Gilbert is the nicest representative I’ve spoken to all morning. Very helpful, very nice, and although they don’t offer tire services on site, give them a call and they will point you to the right guys!

I have never experienced such amazing service in my life. These guys truly put heart and soul into fixing a car. Usually the mechanic tells me what’s wrong, says that he will help fix it, I hope he does, I pay, I leave. I hope I don’t return anytime soon. Downtown Automotive comes from a truly genuine, honest place. They go above and beyond to fix your car and make sure you’re satisfied. I’ve never seen someone so committed to making sure I was happy with service. I will never go anywhere else again!

Awesome service. I was able to get a quick fix done dropping by on my lunch break. I’ll be coming back here for any more repairs.

My Brake calipers were busted and I needed a Brake Job badly. Mark, took my car in on a day where he was totally full of orders and my service itself was no short order. The technician George Vara worked on my car and when I got it back it felt like it was legit purring. These guys are humble and convey the best option before going through the work. The same job that would’ve cost me $ 900 at brand place was done in literally half the price. Before going I had looked at the youtube videos and so when I went to the place and they showed me what was wrong I could tell they were not stretching anything. They did as I asked, gave me suggestions for what was to come next and you can bet I’ll be going there for the next job, oil changes and anything else related to internal works of a car.
P. S. They even fixed something which was bugging me for the longest time, without me even asking for it (so you know they take care of their customers. I saw people come in and have the most smoothest experience while I was waiting.
Thanks guys.

I’ve never actually taken my car here, but as someone who lives and works very close to this establishment, I can tell you that they will leave your car out, in the middle of the street or parked illegally, all day and all night. Your car will not be safe, secure or looked after!
I’ve seen some very nice, very expensive cars almost get hit by passers by, including myself, because the road is completely blocked and they can’t be bothered to move it. The city and police have been out numerous times due to complaints. This is unsafe for you and the residents near by.

Ron Carboni went over and above to help us with our car! Excellent service! Highly recommend!

They took care of me. I’ll definitely be back. Great staff and explanations if repairs.

I’ve taken two vehicles to these guys and they have knocked it out of the park both times. Fast, friendly, competent and very fair pricing. I go out of my way to take my vehicles to these guys whenever I have a problem, and you should too.

Now I’m normally not one to write any reviews but I feel like this one is necessary. My car would not start yesterday, and I was stuck at the Autozone 3 blocks away (I stopped there for them to do a diagnostic test to tell me it was my starter). I called to see if Downtown Automotive could help me since 1) I didn’t have any way of getting my car there 2) I’m going to be honest, I’m not one to know anything about cars AT ALL. Mark answered the phone and told me that they can bring my car to the shop and not take a look at it. They also had Gilbert take me to work. They’ve kept me inform throughout the whole day on updates. Turned out it was my radiator and they were able to fix it for a very reasonable price.
My experience overall was great! These guys truly care! I’ve taken my car to a mechanic before and they told me that my car is done for (I have a 2007 Toyota Camry) and felt as though I was getting scammed. At Downtown Automotive, that is definitely not the case! Best part of all they have a cute little «mascot» named Markie, he’s an adorable Yorkie! Thanks guys for making a girl who doesn’t have a clue about cars feel not so stressed about this situation and I defiantly will be coming back again!

I have only had one experience with Downtown Automotive. I went in for an oil change for my 2014 Ford Fusion. I asked the price difference between a basic oil change vs. synthetic and the gentleman (who was very nice) told me that he did not know, but it would probably be $ 50 vs. $ 100. I told him that I would prefer the basic oil change. After waiting about 40 minutes (pretty standard), another gentleman said my total came out to $ 62.34, which is pretty steep for a standard oil change. As a young female, I felt taken advantage of, so I had a male friend call to inquire about pricing. They told him that a standard oil change on a Ford Fusion would be $ 45. I wont be going back and would not recommend using them.

The ambiance feels small town with the genuine southern hospitality even though it’s splat dab in the middle of Houston. I was greeted at my car and escorted to the office. Came in for an oil change and it was done in a jiffy!
The people there are very sweet, personable and genuine. They don’t try to nickel and dime you. They just get the job done. Couldn’t ask for a better place!

I was able to get off work early on Friday and on my way home, I got pulled over for not having my front license plate. Okay fair enough, I’ve been driving around 3 years and should’ve gotten it fixed a long time ago (I was in a minor car accident which caused the license plate to come off the front). Naturally, I was very upset and refused to get another «fix it ticket» so I stopped by auto zone and bought a license plate carrier thing and drove to the nearest shop.
I pulled up and approached a gentleman about getting this fixed who told me it wouldn’t take long at all to fix. He even offered to flatten out my license plate (it had a bend in the middle from the car accident). That’s not even the best part! When I asked how much it would cost, he said it was free! I was ecstatic. I understand that it’s a quick and easy fix but it just really made my day.
I wish I got his name! Will be coming back here if I have any car issues.

These guys are GREAT! I have gotten excellent service on everything from brakes to new calipers to strut transmission.

Great shop, great staff. Mark the owner and his team were determined to make the blows less painful.
I took my car in after feeling less than satisfied with the diagnosis, proposal or supposed fixes done at the BMW dealership down the road.
The team, on moment’s notice, evaluated the prior work done, pointed out what was not completed and offered a simple no cost solution for the same $ 900 fix as quoted at the dealership.
In the end, was pleased and walked out without a bill. All while watching two other customers walk in and pick their cars up surprised at the low cost.
Mark and Gilbert were stellar!
Thank you.