Columbia Auto Repair

Used for the first time, not impressed.
The waiting room was so heavy with cigarette smoke. The guy behind the counter was not nice out courteous too anyone coming in.

Pretty good place, the only reason why they are getting a four is because they took a long time the first time they did my inspection BUT my car didn’t pass and Jim let me come back in and get it reinspected for free! I really appreciated that because I used a living social deal and typically people are really weird about customers and living social deals. Jim is pretty short with ppl but he’s cordial and I figured he has to have a poker face working at a place like this. I’m all about supporting local businesses so I would suggest for anyone to come here!

I called this place trying to get an appointment for a state inspection (Living Social deal). The guy who answered the phone immediately told me that I could not come in in the evening and did not give me any other days where he had evening appointments (I work, and I am not going to take off from my job and use sick leave to get a car inspection). He told me that I could only come in from 8 – 11 am. When I told him I work, he said there was nothing he could do, so I immediately disconnected the call. Some deals aren’t worth the rudeness of the workers, so I’ll just pay regular price and go somewhere that has employees that treat you with respect.

Always excellent customer service! Jim is very informative when it comes to car repairs. I will continue to go to Columbia Auto anytime I need work done. Can’t say enough about the timely, efficient, and affordable work they do. Thank you guys!

I was referred to Columbia Auto Repair by a coworker who had nothing but great things to say about them. I went in because my check engine light was on. I pretty much already knew why because the last time I had my car repaired about a year ago another mechanic at another place told me to expect some upcoming repairs due to the age/​state of my vehicle. This secret knowledge I held made me feel pretty great when I was given my estimate because CAR only said the things that I knew about — they didn’t tack on any other unnecessary repairs (aka $$$$$$$$). Every employee I encountered was friendly and overall I felt like it was a good value for what needed to be done. I will definitely recommend them to friends and family who need someone trustworthy and I will be back whenever the need arises.

NOTE: Unilocal has their address listed far away from their actual address! The shop the tip of a triangular corner bordered by Columbia, Southwest and Brannon on the Hill.
I stumbled upon a Groupon for Columbia Auto Repair a while back and decided I’d give it a shot. They keep busy and prefer reservations. However, the last couple visits I called «just in case» and they managed to squeeze me in. I got in and out of there fast, affordably and with the friendly customer service from Jim. He even took time to answer my question about how to weatherize my car since I’m not familiar with winter climate. All in all good experience, convenient location, and accommodating service that will definitely bring me back.

My advice to you is to RUN, not walk away from Columbia Auto. They are crooks! Not only do they overcharge they overcharge without authorization to do the work and then expect you to pay. They claim to be AC experts however they are nothing of the sort. There are many many other places that will diagnose your AC problems for UNDER $ 50.00. These crooks charged $ 200.00! And without my approval. Again they did NOT HAVE MY APPROVAL. do Not go to Columbia Auto. Do not.

So I looked at the one review and I had my doubts, however the fact that it is walking distance from my house so I could drop my car off and enjoy the rest of my day was too enticing to pass up, and I took my car in today for it’s oil change and to get a squeaky belt tightened. I am sorry that this person had a bad experience, but my experience was way above par!
First, let me explain what a beautiful piece of machinery I have, I currently drive a 1985 Impala, a mintish grey-​green monstrosity of a vehicle. It is not only difficult to find mechanics that CAN work on my car, but mechanics that are WILLING to work on my car! Some love to work on her, but it can be time consuming and difficult to diagnose. I have been going to a friend who has worked on her since 2005 but he took a job in a great shop out in St. Charles, but spending a day in St. Chuck isn’t how I like to spend an afternoon (plus it’s just hard to set aside a day to do it) so I wanted to find a new mechanic that was preferably close by.
Columbia Auto Repair is my new mechanic!
Not only did Jim listen to my long-​winded description of my lady’s «issues» he had some ideas on what was wrong. He got me an early appointment the next day. When I dropped off my Impala he and the other owner were there to meet my dog Auggie and I, and welcome us to the shop. When they called me to talk about what I needed fixed, they had prices for me and let me decide what I needed and what could wait. They were honest about the state of my car and described in great detail what the next step would be and how much it would cost. When I showed up to pay and pick-​up they were ultra-​friendly and I enjoyed the banter between the mechanics and some of the other long-​time customers.
Not only is my baby running smooth and sounding great, I think I found a group of mechanics that remind me of what going to a mechanic was like with my parents: the witty banter, the community vibe, the ability to describe in detail what is wrong and to offer solutions, and to not pressure you into things you can’t afford and can be put off to another oil change.
(Here is a word of advice to these groupon users: Don’t Get Mechanic Groupons. Your automobile is an extension of your family and once you find the doctor that can help your baby stay in good health– you don’t just jump to another doctor who hands out coupons– if you have a mechanic, stick with them, they learn your car and can see problems in advance. Groupons are for yoga classes and restaurants. Just a tip to the other reviewer)

I would give this business negative stars, were it possible. UNBELIEVABLY terrible customer service. I took my car there to have my break light fixed and found that for a year afterwards it was going in and out. I called to tell them and they kept giving me excuses and expressed no interest in even looking it. The man on the phone was unbelievably rude and hung up on me! Then I took my car there after calling back multiple times (they wouldn’t answer the phone) and getting them to agree to at least look at it. When I brought it there they showed me it was working, told me it was working when I left after they fixed it and didn’t even take a look at was going on. When I tried to explain that the light must be going in and out then because it wasn’t working 15 minutes ago, I was interrupted, told I was arguing with them, couldn’t get a word in, and then was SCREAMED at by the owner, told I was, «ridiculous» multiple times, and then they pulled my car out and told me to leave!!! This man was pacing around, waving his hands, screaming and just insane!!! I have never in my life been treated so poorly, and by an adult!
I wouldn’t let my worst enemy go here. I don’t trust this business. In my time there, I heard them fishing for work over the phone by taking advantage of their customers ignorance. They would tell each person that brought their car in all the potential issues that could arise from other «issues» they found. The guy sounded like a used car salesman. These people are dishonest and don’t care to ensure the quality of their work or the satisfaction of their customers. Disgusting.

I took my car there about a year ago because I had a Groupon for a free state inspection and emissions test. While there I asked them to change the oil and change my headlight. After they finished the work the man behind the register explained to me that they were giving me a «discount» and only charging me $ 100 in labor TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT BULB. They had already done the work so I paid and left.
Today I took my same car to the place I normally have work done to have my breaks checked. I mentioned to them that my headlight was out. When I picked up my car the guy told that they had changed my headlight and there was no cost because they had the bulb in stock. I will never recommend or return to Columbia Auto Repair again.