Foster’s Automotive Service

This business has restored my faith in mechanics shops! Every time I have taken my truck to them they have gone above and beyond my expectations. Most important is pricing in parts and labor, which is more than agreeable, but also the little things, both expected and unforeseen. Courtesy rides to and from home, taking a dent out at no charge, validating a warranty replacing faulty parts when getting unrelated service done, and getting my truck back the same day. Wow. They care more about my safety on the road than their bottom line.

I haven’t brought my car to a mechanic for about 5 years after growing tired of shops and how i untrustworthy I felt they were. I decided to learn more about how to work on my own car and so far it has not only been enjoyable but saved me quite a bit of money. I don’t have a shop I can rely on or trust and unfortunately after visiting Foster’s, I still do not.
Originally i brought my car in for an inspection and then asked to be quoted for some work I was thinking of doing myself but knew it would probably take me all day since I don’t have all the specialty tools and equipment like a garage does. What I needed was specific and I was going to be providing my own parts. I was quoted $ 129 which after getting quotes from other shops that ranged from $ 150 – 175 was the best. I scheduled my appointment and was looking forward to saving my time and having this work done. I get a call about 2 hour later saying that they are looking at it now and that it is a harder job than they thought, he doesn’t know who gave me that quote, and they can’t do it for less than $ 270. Sorry, no deal, i don’t expect to take my car in and then have the price more then double after the original estimate.
I expected that a shop that has been around for over 50 years would be able to give a more accurate estimate. When I originally got the quote I explained exactly what I needed and that i would be providing my own part. The person at the front talked to a tech person, I even talked to the tech about it and that person agreed that $ 129 was a correct estimate. If they had just originally told me it would have been $ 270 then no harm no foul I would have moved on.
They all were nice throughout the process and very well may do good work, I don’t think they were being unscrupulous, but ultimately this experience was a waste of my time and I will not be going back.

Just left Foster’s after an impromptu stop and I’m super glad I went here! I was traveling through and my check engine light had come on and the car was shuddering, so I saw them on Unilocal and called ahead.
Got there and within five minutes (on a Friday afternoon!) they were working to diagnose the issue.
Within an hour, I was leaving with a new coil and spark plug installed at a fair price. I can’t recommend these guys enough!
Thank you to the Foster family, my car was driving better immediately and I now feel safer taking it on the road for the rest of my trip.

I enthusiastically recommend Foster’s Automotive Service. They are a family-​owned business that has been in the same place since the 50s — conveniently located in Eastwood, near Cullen Blvd. and Polk St. Everyone there knows their stuff; including the matriarch Mrs. Foster who told me that I was going to learn about my car because they explain everything thoroughly, letting you know exactly what is wrong and what needs to be done; or, what can maybe wait a little bit. Alan was always quick to call and give updates and estimates. Prices are fair — not in the crazy Montrose price-​range. My car is running better than ever — and where I was going to sell it and get a new one, I think now I’ll hang onto it a little longer and enjoy not having a note to pay. I will return to Foster’s with all my car repair needs and I suggest that if you need a mechanic you definitely give them a try.

There really is not a better mechanic in Houston (or maybe anywhere). Foster’s has done an incredible amount of work on my own car, my boyfriend’s car, and several of my friends. From huge jobs (like replacing the clutch and flywheel in my Volkswagen Golf) to regular oil changes and inspections on my roommate’s Mini Cooper and Mazda, Allan and Jimmy have always done incredible work and given us a great deal. These guys have even been able to make my boyfriend’s sentimental favorite (1994 Bronco) run like it’s only a few years old. The people at this shop are genuinely really good people and great mechanics. You can count on them for fair prices, thorough repair work, and even great conversation while you wait!

Foster’s is a class act of a place; they’ve taken care of my car through good and bad this past year. Allan is straight-​up and honest; he’s always carefully explained everything in clear terms, and they’ve always treated me with respect. They’ve even picked me up and dropped me off when I was car-​less.
Recommended that anyone with a car that needs looking at steers it Foster’s way. Conveniently located near I-​45, U of H, and just East of Downtown.

I’ve been coming here to get my car fixed since I started driving, and my dad has been coming here practically since HE started driving. It’s a family owned business, with a high standard of quality. They’re very fair-​dealing and honest, as well as friendly. I wouldn’t take my car anywhere else. They’ve even been good enough to tell me when something would have been cheaper to have done some place else and gave me referrals. It’s no fun having your car break down, but it’s good to have a mechanic who knows your name and does good work.