Dave's Ultimate Automotive

RepairPal’s Comprehensive Evaluation

Assessment Summary

This is the original Dave's Automotive, servicing the Austin area since 1997. Their second location (also in Austin) opened in 2008. This shop has a team of very experienced technicians, three of whom are ASE certified (two Master Techs). In order to keep up with all of the latest technology, each of them regularly attend training classes and seminars. The shop is committed to having the most up to date scan tools and diagnostic equipment to aid their technicians in accurate and efficient repairs. Performing state mandated smog and safety inspections is an additional customer convenience. Dave's will always provide a detailed inspection report and review it with the customer in order to prioritize any repairs issues which may be noted.

Customer Reviews (15 reviews)

• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  Travis - Verified Customer
  May 31, 2012

  They are very personable, very, very friendly, very honest, and lots of integrity.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  Evelyn - Verified Customer
  May 30, 2012

  They were very polite. They were just excellent. I would always take my car back there. If you need to be picked up or dropped off somewhere, they will give you a ride and I was impressed by that.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  Shelly - Verified Customer
  May 25, 2012

  They were awesome. They do what they say and they do it on time.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  Delma - Verified Customer
  May 25, 2012

  They were very friendly, gracious, and helpful. They quoted me $500 for a fan motor for the air conditioner, and then they found that it fell off and they didn't have to replace it, so it made about a $200 price difference cheaper. It was very honest of them.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  Ken - Verified Customer
  May 23, 2012

  They are good people.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  Bill - Verified Customer
  May 17, 2012

  They were very good about explaining exactly what the problem was and what they were doing, so I felt very comfortable about it.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  huzzar
  June 25, 2011

  Great service - in and out as promised 90,000 mile service and replace timing belt. Got an extra 12 months on my warranty and Dave's saved me over $100 from the "Dealers Service Dept"

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  RedGirl
  November 04, 2010

  Dave's Ultimate Automotive is excellent for auto repair! Customer Service - very friendly and attentive, accomodating and communicate well. Facilities - clean, great waiting room for work and/or with kids, easy to get in and out of. Service - done right, done quickly, reasonably priced. We have been loyal customers of Dave's for over 10 years and have always been happy with their work!

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  CarLady
  October 29, 2010

  Dave’s has been my #1 auto repair shop for about the last decade.

  What impressed me and never disappoints are the high level of competency, friendliness, and integrity of the owner, Dave, and each & every one of his employed auto experts.

  They’ve been consistently on target in diagnosing & repairing my vehicle, and sending timely reminders for preventative maintenance.

  Every time I walk in I can’t help but notice how genuinely happy the staff is and that turnover is very low; I’ve run into the same folks there year after year, a very good sign at any place of business.

  In addition to its supreme auto repair service, Dave’s offers a myriad of peripheral services for the convenience and well-being of its customers and the community, including a free & safe shuttle, rental car availability, and charitable events as Dave “gives back”.

  At Dave’s I feel cared for, and I’ve been recommending Dave’s at every opportunity since before learning about his referral reward program, just because when I find such a good thing I feel compelled to spread the word.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  dianel52
  October 28, 2010

  Best Customer Service I've experienced in a long time!!! The guys really know their stuff! They explain everything thoroughly, and in English, not Car language. I was able to get an appointment the next day, and was very pleased with the service and prices. I'll definitely be a repeat customer. :)

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  dunn4u2nvme
  October 06, 2010

  Since my recent move to Austin, I searched for a loyal, trustworthy and dependable mechanic shop... and Thank Goodness I found Daves Ultimate Automotive! The saying is so true...."1st impressions are lasting impression" Since my first visit I was sold..... Outstanding service, awesome prices and great customer service... who could ask for anything more?.....

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  GARYLAB
  September 30, 2010

  These folks gave careful attention to the details of the work my tires and wheels required, went way beyond what I could have reasonably expected. Prices were very reasonable. Will be back for other services when the occasion arises.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  gkessel
  August 03, 2010

  It is very nice to deal with pleasant, compotent staff at Dave's Ultimate. They get the work completed and do the little extras such as putting my registration sticker on my windshield for me. I appreciate that very much. I will only take my vehicle to Dave's as I trust their work. Thank you.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  Williams1111
  April 05, 2010

  Thank you Dave! I never realized the value of maintenance until I recently visited your shop. The service manager there was amazing and really helped me understand exactly what my car needed and why. I was afraid I would have to miss work to get the work done, but you even took care of that with your free shuttle service. I highly recommend your shop and will definately be back.

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• Dave's Ultimate Automotive
  livingjohn
  March 20, 2010

  Dave's was recommended to me by a friend who said, "Their more expensive than a regular shop but cheaper than the dealer." And after looking up online reviews of them I was impressed.

  I took my vehicle into Dave's North because it had a 'check engine' light on and I had no idea what the problem was. They diagnosed the problem and said I needed my intake manifold gaskets replaced. They quoted me $995 for this repair. I had no idea what something like this should cost, but $1K seemed pricey.
  I asked them to break down their estimate and found out they were charging me $300 for this gasket. I found out the name brand of the part they used, and called a local parts store who told me they would sell me the exact same part for $100. Now I expect a little mark-up, but 200%? That seems like a rip off to me. I also pulled up RepairPal and found out the range for this type of repair in my area was between $400-$650. I even called another mechanic shop and they quoted me $580 over the phone for the same repair.

  So I called Dave's back and pressed them further about why they were charging me so much. They refused to lower their price and told me if I brought in my own part, they wouldn't warranty their labor. This isn't uncommon, but I'm not paying $200 just so they will warranty their own work! Then after looking through their estimate the sales rep mentioned how he "must have pressed a key twice" and that my quote should have been around $60 lower. Sounded fishy.

  Then when I went to pick up my vehicle, I paid and left but once I stepped into my vehicle there were interior body panels laying in my floorboard and exposed wires from the inside of my vehicle. I pointed this out and they quickly put these back on.

  All in all their customer service was always friendly and courteous, but their prices seemed sky high. So the next time my vehicle needs a repair, I'll continue on my journey to find a shop that has good customer service, honest mechanics, AND a fair price.

  Update: Apparently Dave's monitors these reviews closely and I received an unsolicited phone call shortly after posting this review. I spoke with a manager there and he apologized profusely and offered to do what ever it took to remedy the situation. Much appreciated. I might give them another shot now, but I still feel they are pricey and I will be double-checking their estimates on any future repair.

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