JT Auto

This place is great. My car a/​c conveniently decided to die on me on Saturday when it was about 110 degrees outside. I needed to have my a/​c repaired quick and went to Unilocal to find the best local shop. JT Auto had great reviews and I decided to give them a try. Unfortunately they were closed, but when I requested a quote through the site, I got quick responses to all my questions.
Today I was helped by Wendell and Stan and they were very helpful in solving my a/​c problem. They didn’t try to upsell me and were able to find the root cause of the problem and helped ensure that it would run optimally. The great thing was I was able to get it on the same day and didn’t have to overspend. I would definitely recommend this place and will now go here for all my car needs.

After this first-​time experience with JT Auto, I’ll probably go back there for oil changes and wheel alignment for my passenger car.
This time was for my RV, and it’s not easy to find a place that can align tires on an RV in Tucson. JT Auto did it, and did it right. They did not try to upcharge me for more expensive services, such as the many things that can go wrong with an RV’s front end. Wyndell, the owner and mechanic, and Scott the mechanic, together checked it out thoroughly and determined that the problem was as simple as alignment. Whew.
Scott drove the RV to their other location then helped the other mechanic at that location fix it.
This is not a fancy place with a nice showroom, but they made me comfortable while I waited (briefly, considering the amount of work that must have been involved). Best of all, it’s a locally owned business, they seem very honest and caring, were careful with my vehicle, and the price seemed quite reasonable.

JT Auto is my go to for any auto service needs. I have referred multiple friends and family here and all have been extremely satisfied. Customer service-​great, car service-​quick turnaround and zero issues.

I think the place is about right. They could probably work in their customer service a little bit.
I honestly was a bit disappointed with the place, although I think they did an OK job, I never really felt that the guy cared at all about my business.
I went because a friend recommended them, but honestly, I’ll probably just go back to my regular mechanic.

Great place! Gave it a shot because of all the other good reviews. Got an oil job and they got it done quick and right. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. Let you know whats good and whats bad without being pushy sales guys. Probably my go to from now on.

So far so great! Coming back for more work after Wyndall gave me a sound and honest assessment. I went in for an oil change and wasn’t shocked to hear that it was almost a miracle that my car with 199,000 miles on it made the drive from NY state to AZ. I knew the car needed work and he was compassionate about my finances and helped me prioritize what truly needed repair. Highly recommend.

I feel like I must have been in the twilight zone, because I cannot believe the experience I had here. I read all the reviews after being referred there by a friend, I was fairly excited I found a reputable mechanic. Boy was I in for a surprise.
I took my truck in that was leaking coolant. I explained, that I noticed that every month or so I had to add coolant when I noticed my air-​conditioning wouldn’t work as well and the temp gauge would pass the normal «middle» of the gauge. I dropped of the truck and rode my bike home. I live about a mile away. About 40 mins later I get a call from Wendel, telling me he did a pressure test and that it failed. He told me he thinks it’s the water pump. I agreed with him because I was reading up on some forums, for my truck. This is when things started getting weird. He said that because I was using ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ green coolant and not ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ DEX coolant that he will need to flush my truck coolant because I will damage my engine. Also because he is sure I drove the truck this way for a while, he would need to change my thermostat, a belt that he said was old and my coolant sensor. All of this on top of the water pump, water pump gasket and $ 200 in labor for a total of $ 600 dollars. I tried explaining to him that I never drove my truck overheated and that I was trading in the truck for a newer model in a month. Since it was leaking, go ahead and change the water pump and I will trade it in like that. Wendel, then proceeds to tell me that unless I agree to everything, that he wouldn’t fix my car! I was shocked!!! He said he didn’t want to be held liable if there was structure damage or if I blow a header because of the wrong coolant. I know for a fact that would never happen, yet here he is telling me this. I went to pick up my truck and was not charged for anything.
On the forums I read about K-​Seal and figured I had nothing to lose since I couldn’t afford the $ 600 anyways. Drove to AutoZone purchased it for $ 14.99, poured it into my reserve and it sealed my leak. I have been driving it without any problems and plan on trading it in a couple weeks. Had JT Auto charged me $ 350 or less to change the water pump, I would have done it, but it was a blessing in disguise. Maybe it was me and he just didn’t like my face lol or maybe it was because I told him I was referred by a family member of the (one of) owner but I felt like because I disagreed with getting everything done, he didn’t want my business.
In response to comment:
Jason–
I truly am sorry, you feel, I am trying to be harsh. I am not. In fact I was even more shocked because I was referred and by the number of wonderful reviews, your establishment had received.
I had no problem with the recommendation your mechanic gave me. My problem was with the finality of his decision. I asked to fix the leak, not to replace the majority of the system. Not for one second, did I go to your establishment with a «overheating problem». I arrived with a LEAK!!! He could have very well explained that replacing the pump may not fix the problem and you are only giving me fair warning. He could have tried showing me the leaks, if there was more than one (more than 1 part). Let me make that choice! But to insist I replace everything or nothing is harsh… to use your words. I knew the leak was not very large and I know how I treat my truck. I never abused it or drove it, overheating. Your mechanic tried to make it seem that because we used the ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ coolant that we HAD to change the thermostat, thermostat gasket, belt and have a coolant flush. When I asked just to have to water pump replaced (just fixing the leak) he refused and «had to walk away». I was totally willing to fix everything you guys recommended, but it wasn’t all going to happen with this visit, because I didn’t have it. So instead of working with your client, you shun them and tell them they are being harsh for sharing their experience. As shared by Danielle L in the reviews, it seems if someone disagrees somehow, we are refused service or «walk away».
Also, my comment about maybe him not liking my face was meant as in personally, not racially. Seriously… People always say I look angry. I apologize for the misunderstanding.
I am also sorry things didn’t work out. I am in no way questioning your mechanics skills. I am sure he is a great guy, but I think it could have been handled better.
~A

I found JT’s on Unilocal because I had some issues going on with my vehicle. I am in a new place, don’t have any recommendations, and have an issue with my vehicle that has the potential to be extremely costly. I gave JT Auto a shout and they were extremely helpful and had a no pressure approach. Although this may not be general practice, Wendell offered someone to come to my job and pick up my truck so they could evaluate what was going on and keep downtime without my truck at a minimum.
After the estimate, Wendell was extremely helpful and forthcoming about what was wrong with my truck (showed me parts, pictures, etc) and make it much more comforting for me having to spend the amount of money I did versus going to get a second opinion.
The repair took a little longer than initially expected, but that had nothing to do with the work they were doing, it had to do with the parts I needed. Overall, I would give JT Auto my highest recommendation and would go back there to get my truck serviced in a heartbeat.
Last but not least, support your local small business. This is a great example of what makes the city grow and thrive!

These guys are great! They gave me the best price in town for a set of four brand new tires for my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, installed them quickly, gave me an extra discount and even looked at my a/​c free of charge. Highly recommend Wendell and the team to anyone!

We took a car in for a pre-​purchase inspection yesterday, and could not have been happier with the service we received. After calling two other locally owned shops that we have used in the past (one of them being a shop we have used faithfully for routine maintenance), this was the first place that was able to work us in same-​day, and only charged $ 25 for the 135 point inspection. One of the other shops was going to charge $ 90 for the same service. JT’s completed a thorough inspection and gave us a detailed report upon completion. Based on my experience yesterday, I would recommend JT’s.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past 25 years, it’s that finding an honest mechanic these days is like looking for a needle in a haystack. And having only recently moved to Tucson, I was dreading the thought of searching through trial and error. I don’t know any more than the average Joe when it comes to cars, so when a mechanic gives me a long-​winded list of things that need to be replaced/​fixed, I tend to trust their judgment. For a lack of a better term, I’m a sucker.
With that being said, I saw the reviews on Unilocal and decided to give JT Auto a shot. I called and asked beforehand if it would be OK to bring my own synthetic oil and oil filter for an oil change, and they said it wouldn’t be a problem. Once I got there, Wyndell (the owner) completed the oil change and vehicle inspection all within 15 – 20 minutes. He deemed the car to be in good condition and offered advice on some parts that may need replacing later down the road. When I asked how much I owed him, he claimed that it was easy and that payment wasn’t necessary. Even after insisting, he simply refused.
It’s a small gesture on his part but he left a lasting impression. I can’t recommend this place enough. As far as I’m concerned, he’s gained a new loyal customer, and I’ve found myself the honest mechanic I was searching for.

Gabe the mechanic is a great mechanic. He fixed my impala ss when other shops wanted to charge me300.00 they only I charged me two .They are very professional and did what they said. I greatly appreciate the owner and the mechanic gabe fot doing a great job. I would recommend them Five stars

I have been back to JT’s for several different services since my first Groupon oil change and it is always a really great experience. As I mentioned before, the guys here are all extremely nice and helpful and the prices are extremely fair. (I’m a dork and I always call my dad to check when I get quotes on this stuff, even he was impressed.)
1. Needed a new headlight and they ended up replacing both for the same price. At the same time got two new tires for an incredible steal and they did not try to up-​sell me whatsoever or try to get me to buy all four.
2. My car almost died when driving home one day, I called JTs and it turns out they do a lot more than tires and oil changes! They told me to come right in and turns out there was some wiring issue that had caused the battery to be drained. They fixed that, replaced the battery for a good price, and had my car back to me by the following morning. They also drove me home the first day and picked me up when the car was ready! Amazing service.
Regarding another Unilocaler’s complaints about using her Groupon, I came in with my paper copy and they did ask me to log in and redeem the electronic version but they had an IPad for me to use and it was no problem at all. I know small businesses have to be strategic about using these online coupons and I don’t blame them for making sure someone is not exploiting their offers.

Words cannot express how grateful and fortunate I am to have found JT Auto. Having moved here recently, I knew I needed to find a reliable and trustworthy auto shop since I drive a really old car. After going to a few shops before them, I know that they are the kind of business that is not in it for the money but genuinely care about providing quality and honest work. I have come in a couple times for maintenance check ups and emergencies and thankfully each time I did not need to buy any new parts. They could have EASILY charged me for labor or lie to me that something was seriously wrong but, after the crew thoroughly checked and gave me feedback on what was wrong with my car, they let me leave free of charge each time. I’ve never heard of a place that is so courteous. You go, JT AUTO!!!

Went in just for an oil change with the knowledge that I did need new tires, brake work, and some fluid changes. Wyndell advised me that the other work on my car looked concerning and said that he could get it all done in the same day! He did in fact get it done in just a few hours… this includes the new tires and having some parts for my car delivered to the shop. Instead of just verbally telling me what needed to be done, he took the time to walk me around my car and visually show me, so I knew he wasn’t BS’ing.
I love that this shop is locally owned. It made it much more affordable than what other shops would’ve quoted me. Wyndell worked with the amount of money I was able to spend for all the work being done on my Mazda. They also recommended a place to get my car repainted after some a hole keyed it a couple of months ago.
I am definitely going to take my car here for future work!

So I come in excited to use my groupon deal. 3 oil changes+tire rotations for $ 30.00. mid way through the change Wyndell shows me the wear on all 4 tires (cracks. and tread is wearing out) He advises me its not a good idea to drive to phoenix tonight… and he looks like a pretty decent guy. He tells me I need new tires immediately. so I ask how much? he quotes me $ 475 for 4 tires… so I’m like cool I can do that. I got there probably around 1:30? and hes done around 3:00, and thats with him getting the tires delivered since he didn’t have them in shop. I think I’m definitely going to be back. He seems very honest and an overall nice guy, plus I like how he supports local sport teams. everything from little league to basketball to middle school cheer leading. plus its super cute how all the kids write thank you notes to him on the wall! I can DEFINITELY support that.

I’m not sure what I can add here that hasn’t already been said. I suppose the only compliment here is consistency. I visited JT auto for the first time today with my 2007 Honda crv for an oil change before I leave for a road trip this weekend and the gentlemen working there were so nice. They were thorough and kept me informed every step of the way showing me a weird anomaly with my tire situation. They also flagged a small transition leak and offered to double check it without trying to upsale admitting they don’t actually do transmission work. Also I could hear the crew in the shop talking with each other while they worked, I got the sense that this is a family run shop where everyone loved working with each other which is a breath of fresh air. Oil change, tire rotation, and fluid top, plus a basic inspection for under $ 30. Unbeatable. Support this locally owned business because they are absolutely worth your dollar.

Really good guys — very honest with me when I had some issues with some tires I bought on craigslist and were quick to offer other suggestions. Even offered to repair some parts of my car free of charge when and after I ordered the part online, so it would be cheaper. A good choice for light auto work or tires/​rims service in Tucson.

I was VERY unpleasantly surprised today by this business. I, like so many other reviewers below me, bought the Groupon for an oil change and tire rotation because I lived close by and it was a fantastic deal. I love supporting local businesses as well, and probably would have continued going to this shop if I had had a good experience as I just moved back to town and my old shop recently closed for business. That was not the case. I work during their business hours, so I sent my boyfriend over at our appointment time to redeem the deal with a paper copy of our voucher — completely within the rules and regulations laid out on the deal site. In fact, it SPECIFICALLY states that you can EITHER use the mobile app or the paper copy. It wasn’t feasible for my boyfriend to take my phone with him to redeem the offer or for me to give him my login info, since we typically don’t share passwords, and we figured the paper copy was good enough.
When my boyfriend arrived, he was told that he could not use the deal because he did not have the mobile app installed or the login information. He was completely turned away. He then called me, and I called the business to see what was going on. I tried to explain to the owner of the business that I was upset and confused by their policy, since nowhere on the deal is this policy mentioned, and was told in a very angry, condescending tone not to «tell him how to run his business». I was also told that «there are plenty of other tire shops I can go to». I also attempted to explain our predicament — that we had purchased the groupon with my account but I was not able to be present to redeem it — and I was told that there was no way to resolve it.
At this point I was seething, and decided to call Groupon. They were very troubled by this man’s behavior and gave me a refund for my purchase, since he refused to provide the service I had paid for.
I think we will go ahead and take the business owner up on his offer to go to one of the other shops in the area, Maybe they’ll be reasonable adults.

i really needed an oil change, so i randomly bought the cheapest nearby groupon. i had an extremely favorable experience at JT auto.
you need an appointment. even if you drive by the (kinda sketchy) location, and they look dead, they probably are booked out. they only have 2 bays.
the waiting room is super basic — bring something to read or your phone. they’ll offer you soda or a water, or maybe you’ll have to ask. there’s nowhere to walk to when it’s 900 degrees out.
but the thing is, they’re not gonna upsell you. if you need a filter, they’ll tell you; if not, they’re not gonna bring out a new filter and show you your mildly dirty one and blab on about how yours is reducing your mileage by .1 mpg.
you go it. you pay $ 20 without a groupon. you get your oil changed and your tires rotated. you leave. it’s the best.