Christian Brothers Automotive

TLDR; I fixed my own problem. Service on 6÷16÷2014
(1) Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) diagnosed problems I didn’t even have.
(2) Their repairs did not fix the root cause for which I brought my car to them in the first place
(3) For what they did do, they grossly overcharged.
More Details:
My problem ended up being oil on the gap side of a single spark plug. This manifested itself as non synchronous jerking /​hesitation at freeway speeds. I later found and corrected this myself. I have not had this problem reoccur in the 18 months since. A recent good experience with another mechanic, made me realize how bad CBA was. Hence the delay in writing this review.
CBA recommended a valve cover gasket repair. This would explain oil on the outside of the plug but not the inside. I coulda shoulda woulda done the valve cover gasket myself, but I let the tech use fear, uncertainly, doubt to cause me to question my own ability. I have since done a Valve Cover gasket job. It is not beyond me. Did I mention that this service did not fix my problem. It turns out CBA misdiagnosed the cause.
CBA charged $ 600 after tax for the gaskets and an intake chemical cleaning service. That is way too much. RepairPAL puts the job at $ 150 max! for the gaskets on a V8.
Others have said similar on this company’s Unilocal,Buyer beware!

It is very bad experience. I spent almost 100 $ to diagnose it. they read some codes and told me it should replace whole engine, which cost 5000 $. it only needs to replace spark plug, the car’s value is 1500 $. bad mechanical technician

I was referred here by a friend who let me know that you can drop off your car and they will drive you to work (not sure on the radius). I didn’t do that because I needed my oil changed that day since I had to much oil in my car. I called at 4pm and asked if they had any appointments. The very friendly guy told me if I can get my car there by five and they could do it that day. I got there right at five and they started soon after, But before starting he printed out my invoice of the exact price it would cost. I really like knowing exactly what to expect when Milo was done being changed. About an hour later my car was ready and he went over everything that should eventually get fixed so that means they did a pretty thorough inspection, and I felt absolutely no pressure. I have absolutely no complaints and would definitely come back here.

To me, this appears to be a place trying to nickel and dime you. In addition to that, there might be some car issues that will go misdiagnosed even after several visits. At least, for me.
After an oil change I got here, my Honda started to leak oil VERY badly. I took it back to the same location a total of three times, the first time they replaced a sensor and the other two something else, both which didn’t fix the leak.
After the third visit back, the oil light came on.
I took it to a local mechanic in Carrollton and he was able to pinpoint the leak’s cause in less than 30 minutes. It was a problem with the gasket. I’m not insinuating Christian Bros. caused the problem, but it’s quite strange after three visits they weren’t able to diagnose the issue.
I can understand an honest mistake, but in addition to that, even when my car was still leaking oil they were trying to suggest other unnecessary services… I am certain they do this to every customer.
Prices are ridiculously high, I’ll just say that.
Well, thanks for replacing the oil sensor, Christian Brothers, I genuinely do appreciate that :)!

I have waited a few days to write this review because I was out of town and had car trouble. My car was towed here and I needed a new power steering hose, it was leaking and making a noise. I was afraid to drive it so hello roadside assistance!
After being towed here and talking to Bryan he said they had a complimentary shuttle service that would take me where I needed to go and pick me up. That was good and Bryan said he would call me in a hour and let me know what needed to be done to my car. The woman that drove me back to my apartment was lovely and very nice.
3 hours later I am still waiting for my phone call, so I called them. Bryan said my repair was going to run $ 3800.00!!! I just laughed and ask him to send me a itemized statement for the charges. After looking at the statement I laughed again! Ha! It was so ridiculous it was hysterical!
There were charges for everything, a new air filter (it had just been changed 2 weeks ago),
New rack and pinion, tires needed tightening, check tires (that was 79.00) and I had ask them when I checked in to do this service because they offered it for free after a Unilocal check-​in. Clean my power steering hose? Really, it needed replacing? Anyway it was so crazy, it was like they were just trying to find anything they could to rip me off and take advantage of me.
I told them not to do anything to my car until I have them the ok. By now it’s 4:30 in the afternoon, car not fixed. The next day I talked to Bryan and he said he talked to the mechanic that had made out the repairs and that he said I could get by with not getting a new rack and pinion and that the air filter was pretty clean, are you kidding me? RIP OFF!
I had done my research on the cost of my repair and it was anywhere from 250.00 to about 600.00, depending on what the labor charges were. The hose cost at the top of the line price $ 125.00.
I ended up telling Bryan what I wanted that was listed on the invoice, I got a new hose and a flush in the hose of my rack and pinion for 396.00 tax and all. Much better than the $ 3800 price tag. It’s been almost a week now and my Cadillac runs great!
Sad thing about this is my daughter will need a trust worthy mechanic, she just moved to Texas and it will not be CHRISTIAN BROTHERS!
Thank you to all my Unilocaler friends that helped me. I really needed your help and you were there!
I am giving them 3 stars because of the very nice woman that drove me back to my apartment. Also, because they did get me a new hose and I got back to TN safe.

I went here for an alignment check after I purchased some tires from discount tire where DT gave me a coupon for $ 20 off an alignment service. I went there and the service was fast, friendly, and well done.
However, I give 3 stars because I think they overcharge significantly for the other services they offer. After my alignment they gave me an estimate for a transmission fluid flush and an air filter-​replacement which came out to be $ 300! $ 57 for an air filter replacement and $ 243 to change the transmission fluid.
I would use this place if you have a coupon otherwise skip it. You an get a transmission fluid change for about $ 100 at Valvoline and can change an air filter yourself for $ 12. Way cheaper and not a rip off.

Been going here for years. Great service, kind owners, and wonderful staff. They offer services to drive you somewhere should it take a long time… home…the mall… wherever. (And yes, they will pick you up.) Yay! They are also kid friendly. 5* Fair prices — they don’t try to add on extras and simply tell you what’s wrong. I trust them.

I have had so many problems with my older car and the people here are incredibly helpful, they stand behind their work and will do just about anything to make everything right for you. The staff is beyond friendly and the service is A+

One would think that with the word «Christian» in the name of the establishment that the employees would be honest. One would be sorely mistaken by making that assumption about this location.
I took my car in at 7am on a Monday morning to have 2 cracked motor mounts replaced. I did not hear back from anyone regarding an estimate until around 2:30pm that afternoon. I asked Brian (unsure if he was a technician or just an office worker) to also replace the belt in my car in addition to repairing the motor mounts. I was told my car would be ready around 6pm. I received a call around 5:45pm indicating my car was ready. When I arrived to pick up my vehicle, Brian informed me that they only repaired one motor mount and replaced the worn belt. He explained they repaired the mount that seemed to be causing the shaking in my engine I described as my main reason for getting the repair done. He asked that I drive the car and see how it felt. His reason for not taking care of both mounts was «we simply ran out of time.» The jerking in the engine remained so I knew I would return to have the repair completed.
I returned a few days later after purchasing the part indicated on my estimate (for about $ 40 cheaper than Christian Brothers would have charged). Brian’s mood changed once I mentioned I purchased the part. He produces the same part from a nearby counter and says «This isn’t what we need.» Immediately I questioned why the part was on my estimate. Brian proceeded to spin a tale of mystery estimates that were emailed to me which indicated the correct parts and different costs. He clicked around on the computer before producing a new estimate which detailed a part never before referenced on previous estimates. The new estimate indicated a part whose cost was much higher than previously stated along with repair charges that were more than the fees given for replacing the two mounts combined on the previous estimates. How could a new estimate be generated from the time I last visited? Feeling frustrated, I left after advising him I would shop around for the part and return later.
Realizing that it was Friday and the shop had relatively few cars that needed repair, I suspected Brian simply did his best to discourage me from requesting the work that should have been completed earlier in the week. I found my original statement, returned to the shop and explained I needed the repair that was originally going to be completed to be finished for less the amount that I already paid. He begrudgingly agreed after mentioning doing so would not be fair to his technician. «Excuse me?!» I thought. If they had taken care of the requested repair the first time we wouldn’t have been in the position we were in. I politely agreed that it was unfortunate that the repair was not done in a timely manner on Monday since I was perfectly willing to pay the requested fees for service and parts at that time.
Christian Brothers lost a customer that day.

The technical specialists at Christian Brothers are amazing. It’s apparent that they take great care in hiring the best people. They have saved me thousands of dollars in the years they have taken care of me. As a single woman with no car maintenance knowledge, I finally don’t have to worry because I know I’m getting quality work at the most reasonable cost.
Terry G

Took my BMW in for an alignment. The service from the staff was wonderful. Very welcoming environment. Auto shops can be intimidating for women. Here, I felt confident that my service was priced fairly and didn’t fear being up sold on unnecessary additional services. Thank you for a positive experience. I will be back for any future needs!

They fixed my car and have the cutest pictures of Golden Retrievers in the washroom. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would visit again.

These people are fantastic! I recently went to Lexus for service and was told I needed several routine maintenance items completed; this would have cost almost $ 1,000 through the dealer.
I went to Christian Brothers and they checked the alignment and brake fluid before actually completing the service — come to find out neither of these procedures were actually needed… my alignment was great and brake fluid was not discolored like Lexus had mentioned. They performed a courtesy check on my vehicle and reccommended that I wait for service until it was actually needed. What started as 4 digits worth of maintenance actually ended up costing me $ 0.
The people at CB are honest and I feel comfortable reccomending their services to my friends and family. I would also reccomend any Lexus owner to their shop as they can do almost everything the Lexus dealer can for a fraction of the cost. It might not be a bad idea to get a second opinion from them if you are expecting expensive maintenance in the near future.

Came in for an alignment after per Discount Tire’s recommendation. Was very happy with the service and honesty of the guys here. Didn’t try to up sell and I never felt belittled like I do at so many other mechanic shops.
This particular location has terrible access though– you’ll miss it if you go along George Bush. Have to take Midway, go through a bank, and then park in a narrow lot that dead ends

Been waiting here for almost an hour n no one came to us for an update even though the problem was just a check engine light which can b checked with a machine n I think it takes less than 10 min and we were told that it’s not gonna take long n we should wait in their office instead of going back home. Btw we have made an app prior to come here. We had to get up and asked about the status. ** not happy **

Called to schedule an appointment (2:00pm) for an alignment check.
Came in at a little after.
Had me setup and ready to go in about 30 minutes.
Awesome service, and really nice people.

**update** the owner contacted me an seemed genuinely concerned about the bad experienced and why we had stopped using their facility.
She said the staff member that had ultimately caused us to switch service houses had alot of complaints and was let go. Positive.
She asked for specific details and offered a complimentary oil change to try them out again. I may do just that & report my experience.
It’s nice to experience an owner who to feedback and hopefully making changes. There are enough mean people in the world! No need to waste our $$ on them. I will update when its time for an oil change. Fingers crossed!
Their state inspections take an hour!
We used to bring out vehicles here religiously until about 3 years ago. We never had a negative experience here. My husband even hot to where he knew the mechanic personally. About 3 years ago there was a staff change. The actual work on the vehicle has always been fine but one of the employees is the opposite of customer service oriented. He is rude, arrogant and condescending. We have a neighbor that no longer comes here due to poor customer service from the same employee. It’s funny how even in 2014 simple pleases and thank you’s still go along way.
I must note that Lenny has always been very nice. It’s too bad he isn’t exclusively working the front.
We decided to take our business to Midway Auto and have had nothing but great experience with the employees. I have never had a state inspection take 30 minutes here.
Interesting Cindy, that is when I inquired about how much longer it would be. An employee told said it was normally an hour.
I had not budgeted for an hour so I asked for my car back. Lenny checked on it and said it was close to finished and the checked me out.
I see where the wonderful customer service at your shop probably comes from. Best of luck to you!
My

Sent a co-​worker here and was not disappointed in the service she received. Thanks for taking care of my friends and our 4 vehicles!

Not bad for a diagnosis. Even though I already told them I was aware of the problem they diagnosed. The repair quote was $ 1640.00,Clips for fuel hose were missing&belt tensioner bent.. They wanted to replace all the fuel hoses. The fuel pump was already replaced but mechanic did not install clips at different shop. Cost at dodge for missing clips $ 5.00 .Watched video on you tube to properly install clips. Did it FREE. Next problem bent belt tensioner. Part cost $ 55.00 oreilly. Found a mechanic in the parking lot of store. Part had one bolt he replaced it in about 10 min for $ 25.00. Total savings $ 1560.00. I would definitely recommend Christian brothers for diagnosis but not repair. Go get 2^nd and 3^rd opinions. I showed receipt of diagnosis to a lot of woman everyone said the would of paid cause they wouldn’t know the difference. Good luck.

I had to have my ignition switch looked at because my key would not turn in my car. I’ve had this problem fixed before in the past, so I was not too pumped about having it fixed again.
It was towed to the garage without me (I stayed at home), and I was given a call by tow truck when it was dropped off.
I got a call explaining the issue, and the cost associated with fixing it. I gave them the OK and they started working on it.
It was a lot of money to fix, more than I have paid in the past. It was necessary to have fixed, though, and the work came with a 12,000 mile/​1 year warranty. since it is a constantly reoccuring issue, the 12 month warranty helps to lessen the blow of the repair costs.
It did take a while to get it repaired, which is understandable, given they had to wait for the part to arrive.
When the repairs were done, they sent over a shuttle to pick me up, which was incredibly helpful.
Overall, the experience was pretty good. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive, but I’d like to think they weren’t ******* my in the butt on the price. At least, not anymore than any mechanic would.