I took in a Toyota Camry in today for a pre-purchase inspection and the guys at AJ's auto repair were such gentlemen! The whole staff is very welcoming, I felt right at home and they took care of me right away. I could already tell I picked a very honest and trustworthy place to take the car. The men that were working seemed very well-trained & knowledgable. They gave me a checklist after the inspection and explained everything about the car to me. They treated me with respect and did not talk down to me at all. (I am a 23 year old female buying my first car without help/I have experienced men talk to me like I'm an idiot when going in to auto shops) One employee asked me if I needed a ride anywhere while I was waiting... Another offered me the wifi password to use and a cup of coffee while I waited... And another offered me employee lunch!!... Also my phone was dead so one of them let me borrow their charger! (...which I would've been screwed without since I am from Corvallis & had no idea how to get around Salem) Anyways.. I highly recommend this Auto Repair Shop if you are looking for outstanding service that goes above and beyond all of your expectations!! Thank you so much AJ's auto repair staff! read more

I called the shop this past week checking on the type of oil they used in my last oil change. I mentioned my oil was little low and I was wanting to use the same type to top it off. The folks in the office told me to just stop by and they would check and add oil if needed. I call that REAL cus service! Thanks to the AJ Team and congratulations on the celebration of your 50th of customer service! Bob R read more

I called AJ's for a repair to my car and told them the information about the repair, Did not receive a call back at all! Called back after a few days of not hearing from them and talked to someone else. He said he would relay the information back to the office manager and still have received NO response. DO NOT RECOMMEND! Its been over three weeks! read more

They've had my truck since August 3, 2024. Opted to by new engine since labor was over $4k. Paid 5K up front. They got the motor back and they said motor had leaky gaskets oil pump wasn't working. Called them today now they say the head gasket is leaking. HELP read more

READ ENTIRE REVIEW Very nice people. The flowers outside work in terms of marketing and buyer psychology. Here's what happened and you decide whether it's for you: Had a leak in my roof or sunroof; they removed the headliner ($1k out of the gate). Found leaks in several places, referred to rusty bolts in the roof and leaks in the sunroof. After having my car for almost two weeks, they gave me a quote for the repair, about $1.2k (including ordering a new sunroof). I took my car up to a sunroof specialist in Portland; they did another water test with the sunroof off and showed me where leaks were coming from - not the places AJ's said. The specialists said the rust on the bolts came from condensation over time being trapped in the headliner, and that the headliner does not have to be completely removed, almost ever. I showed them the quote from AJ's and they said those repairs were not necessary since the problem was misdiagnosed. Instead of a leak in the roof due to bad bolts, the leaks were caused by a missing part in my roof rack. Basically, there was a big hole that ran directly into the roof that was normally covered by endcaps that are a part of the roof assembly. I paid $215 for the roof repair AND a sunroof service, didn't have to order a new sunroof (there wasn't a leak there anyway), all in just a couple hours, came back down to AJ's, where the headliner was reinstalled. (Had I gotten this repair done earlier in the summer, I would have just ordered new roof rack end caps.) I was told the headliner would be disinfected before reinstalling, but I have no idea if that happened. They didn't mention it when I paid and it wasn't listed on the service record. Once I left, I realized that not all the screws that were removed to remove the headliner were completely screwed in, and my visor was broken, but they replaced it for free. I have a 3rd gen 4Runner. If you have a sunroof and need work done, I can tell you where to go which could save you at least a grand. I've been looking for a shop in town that knows my kind of car very well. Still looking. read more

It's been a while since I've needed service, but I was a happy camper from my first experience at AJ's. Friendly guys, affordable and quality service. read more

It is sad when a well-know quality business's owner backs away from the business and the quality goes down. That has been my experience with AJ's after years of doing business with them. Basic maintenance performed has continued to be good until my last oil change. However, when I have requested attention to some issues this past year, there now is a very casual response followed by inaccurate information being provided at the least, or frank false information being provided at worst that I have had confirmed with an excellent shop in Portland I would use more routinely if the distance wasn't so great. I more recently was told that there were no problems when I asked them to check symptoms of mechanical problems, and when I questioned their report of no problems found, they skirted a direct answer and said that "all I know is that no one reported a problem." I then took the car to Portland where the issues were identified and I had them fixed. This is just one of three instances in the past year which reflects laziness and/or incompetent assessments or communications. I also just discovered my oil is almost one quart over the full line after a recent routine oil change. As my previous 2017 review indicates, I used to be very satisfied with the service, the owner, and the office personnel who were honest and attentive to detail. I have not had similar experiences at AJ's now for the past two years. read more

Twice now, once in person once on the phone. Ive spoken to someone at AJ auto repair who was so condescending and rude. I thought the first time was a fluke but talking to him again just now, I realize it's not. Later , I spoke to Matt, who I think is the owner and also a woman at the front desk and I could not have been treated better. I'm deciding if I want to spend $7000 on a new transmission or not and I had a question for Matt who spent 20 minutes explaining what he thought the problem was and how to proceed. I called again a few minutes ago and the same gentleman answered the phone and made me feel like an absolute fool for thinking I might be able to speak with Matt again. If nothing else happens with this review, I hope at least they find someone else to answer the phone and great people at the front door. Thank you again, Matt for your kindness. 5 stars for Matt, 0 stars for the receptionist. read more

0 if it went that low. I have had my car in there 4 separate times for the same problem. It started with the windows not rolling down. So they ran down the wires and diagnosed it to be a master switch. I have taken 3 brand new master switches to them. They proceeded to say all of them were bad. Then this last time they said it was a problem with the wires which they has ruled out the first visit. AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. Now I am stuck with 3 master switches worth over $500 because I cant return them. I now have to go to a new auto repair shop and cost me even more money for them to re diagnose the problem. When I called them so I could pick my car up the told me there was no one there to put it back together but when I got there there were 4 people there. This place needs to be shut down!!!!!! read more

We were on a long car trip in the Cascades when the check engine light came on. The manual said since the light wasn't flashing and the car seemed to be running OK, it was OK to drive it to a shop, but it should get diagnosed ASAP. We started calling shops all around Salem, but they were all busy until the next week. One of them suggested AJ's - one of the larger shops - who might be able to fit us in. They were right, and the next day AJ's plugged in their tester and said it was OK to finish our trip, but we should take care of it as soon as we got back home. No charge! Very friendly crew as well as a pet-friendly business (two dogs were part of the office team). Very good experience for us. read more

My truck has been in the shop four times, from 4/17/18 to 8/16/19, for a coolant leak---and it still has a slow leak. The General Motors 350 V-8 has been in production for decades and its foibles should be understood by now. I was advised to have the manifold gasket replaced (that shop visit was $1460) and in retrospect this approach looks to me like a style of repair described as "switch out parts until the problem goes away." People change, businesses change. I still patronize this shop but if ever again a repair in high three figures or higher is recommended, I will get a second opinion. A person who seemed conversant with Salem shops recommended Aztec Auto Repair on Sunnyview Rd. read more

I would not recommend using these guys and would definitely not trust their work. My wife had felt poor brake quality and almost hit a car from taking longer than normal to stop, so she set up a brake inspection with AJ's. They had it the whole day and finally called me at the end of the day to say we could come pick up the vehicle and that there wasn't anything wrong with the brakes. They had said they looked at everything that had to do with brakes, pads, drums, rotors, etc., and all looked great. The very next day I get an oil change and they were saying the back brakes were really bad and down to under 3%, which is definitely time to change. So I tell that guy what AJ's had said about the brake inspection and he was still very adamant about the brakes needing replaced. So thinking he could be right I scheduled a time to my normal mechanic and he also confirmed that the breaks were bad and were in serious need to replacement. DO NOT TRUST AJ'S AUTOMOTIVE! Someone could have been seriously injured by their incompetence. read more

They took my van in and let me if the price for the repair was going to be over $135 they would let me know. Then they called with the cost and it was so reasonable. I also found out they work in classic cars! Thanks AJs! read more

This is my only Yelp review, ever, which should say something. Immediately after picking my car up for a basic tune-up, I noticed my AC didn't work, which worked perfectly before I took it in. When I returned my car, they took zero responsibility, claimed it was an enormous coincidence, then told me I owed $1200 for a new compressor. So, since they proved to be unethical, at best, I took my car to another shop for a second opinion. Low and behold, it was SIMPLY A BUSTED PIPE, which the other shop fixed and charged me only $200. No issue with the compressor what-so-ever! Its months later now and the AC still works like a charm. In conclusion, AJ's BROKE a pipe while in their care, REFUSED to take responsibility, then had the nerve to try and LIE about what was wrong to CON me out of $1200. I highly advise you to take your car elsewhere. read more

I recently had some car problems and AJ's came highly recommended by many people. I called, was greeted and advised over the phone in a very professional manner, AJ's team diagnosed the problem quickly and they got me back on the road much faster than originally expected. Needless to say, AJ's didn't disappoint! If you have any automotive issues I recommend you consider choosing AJ's for the job. read more

Aj's auto ripped the door off my car. When it was "fixed" a month later, it had black paint on it. Scratches all down the window and the inside of the door was ripped to shreds. I was the threatened by a part owner and forced to pay for the " tune up". They now continue to remind me of how they ruined my dream car by sending me emails twice a year telling me to bring it in for service. Beware of the crooked people at Aj's auto repair read more

Have used AJ's for a while for our Outback, Tacoma, and Prius. They've always done good work at a fair price. The last service we got there, there was a miscommunication and erroneous diagnostic charge, and once they became aware of it they remedied the issue very quickly. Really great customer service. Highly recommend this shop. read more

Over charges for a simple check up wouldn't recommend called over the phone to see how it would cost to see why my powered steering wasn't working and staff member was rude and sounded to me like he was talking down to me read more

I don't not recommend you take your vehicle here! I live in Troutdale I was looking at a car in Salem. So I had the car get a pre purchase inspection done here prior to my purchase...for $130 all I was told was that the wipers needed replaced. Based off that I drove down and looked at the car & just from walking around the car once I pointed out multiple issues that were not brought to my attention. The back bumper had multiple deep scratches on it very noticeable that they marked there was none. But they marked that it had a chip in the window. My transmission fluid they said was clear, it's never been changed and he admitted that to me on the phone after I called him complaining that none of this stuff was brought to my attention my brakes were also at 20% but he said they were 8MM and 7MM which is also incorrect and the paper that the stuff that was Wong on it I didn't get in the mail until seven days after I purchased the vehicle I was never told any of this information over the phone which is what I specifically asked for considering I was basing me driving down there and looking at the vehicle on whatever his response was after going through the vehicle prior to my purchase. I called asking what way he could compensate me or assist me or make the situation better after he left a message on my voicemail saying that he would most likely be able to assist me and make the situation better because he doesn't want his customers to feel like this he practically called me a liar about everything said he's absolutely not going to refund my money and was completely and totally unprofessional and rude to me about the entire situation do not take your vehicle here for a pre-purchase inspection. They lie they mark wrong things on the paper. Pretty much just take your money and do not do anything! read more

Brought our motorhome for some after market upgrades. They were so professional. They did all the jobs just as I requested in a fast timely manner. Very pleased. Thank you! read more

Hands down the best automotive shop I've ever been to! Their customer service deserves recognition! They worked with me through a car situation that wasn't ideal and I actually ended up scrapping my car! They made a stressful situation a breeze. Their prices are exceptional and they do fantastic HONEST work. I would trust them with any vehicle I own. As long as they are around, I'll be a customer. I can't say enough great things about AJ's!! read more

I took my vehicle in to be looked at at AJS AUTO When I got my vehicle back I noticed i had a scratch on my windshield that was not there before I took it in . THANKS SO MUCH. I'm not very happy . read more

I always trust my car to the folks at AJ's. I believe them to be honest and through. I'm not sure how long I've gone there but probably 20+ yrs read more

They did a great job fixing something that wasn't even wrong with my car... It wouldn't start, but turned over just fine. I told them that the battery was not the problem, they replaced it anyway and told me I was good to go. I was, until the next day. Luckily, a car-savvy friend of mine stepped in and figured the problem (only one of the keys given to me by the dealer had the correct security chip in it, and I was using the wrong one). Thanks for... nothing. Update to merchant response: sorry for the confusion. My car was towed to you; I left the good key with you (not knowing it was the good key), so the car didn't have an issue while you had it. You replaced the battery anyway. As soon as I got it back, I (unknowingly) used the bad key, and same problem. read more

Update: I was contacted by one of the happy jovial customer service guys today and was refunded my money. I had sent a letter with my case outlined and Pete, CS guy, clearly saw that I had been doubly charged and wanted to resolve the matter. He explained the bookkeeper I was working with no longer works there and probably buried my case with her leaving. He had excellent business practice and was embarrassed by this situation. All is resolved now and I can retract my complaint without any hesitation. Thank you Ajs - I can leave you off the list of my complaints of the Salem area. read more

I want to say the folks here embody old school, shake your hand integrity. They called me up, fixed the issue immediately and had me on my way. You can tell they all genuinely enjoy their jobs and strive for customer satisfaction. Everybody makes mistakes but it is how you react and remedy that matters most. Matt and Pete have great personalities humor and professionalism. If you want a trusted business partner and not just a mechanic, they are it. I will be back. read more

Very prompt, understanding, kind and helpful. Definitely will go back there for any mechanical needs

I love AJ's! We always take our trucks there for everything! Yes AJ's is a little more expensive but you get what you pay for. They are ALWAYS happy to see/talk to you and are always very timely about getting vehicle repairs done when considering the amount of traffic that comes through there daily. AJ's has always explained what was going on with my vehicle to my satisfaction and has never attempted to be a "sales man" of their services. I think how busy they are speaks to their quality of customer service and car repair. As long as we live in Salem or surrounding areas we will be taking our vehicles to AJ's. read more

Professional staff who are well trained and know their stuff. I've been to countless repair shops over the years and AJ's has got to be the best. The staff are very friendly and professional and they know a lot about different types of cars off the top of their heads. The service was fast and I was called about everything that needed to be approved such as removing a part that they didn't expect... Or adding fluid that I needed. I got a full breakdown of what was happening and the pricing sheet at the end broke down everything I needed to feel confident of my purchase. The Yelp check-in coupon saved me a solid 30 bucks so that was nice addition (or subtraction?) to the overall good experience. read more

I take my car to AJ's for everything from oil changes to major repairs and everything in between. We are talking about over 20 years worth of service. I have never had an issue with their ethics, and anytime there was an issue with a repair or service, they have been more than accommodating to my needs. Most importantly, I have never felt like I had to question how much I trust them, which I can't say about other businesses I have dealt with. Thanks guys, and I will miss Pete but I hope he has a happy retirement! read more

They charge wayyy too much and MILK WARRANTY COMPANIES to the point where your still left with a broken vehicle and zero warranty money left to actually fix the issue/problem... Don't make the same mistake I did. read more

Took my vehicle in and they told me it had a blown motor. Quoted me almost 8K dollars to replace. Besides being the highest quote in ALL of salem. It turned out to be a timing chain. It cost $1200 to fix. (Genius's) They claim to be ASE certified but come on!!! Beware they will try to sell you anything to make a buck. Highest place I've ever been to for shady work. Watch out or pay large amounts. They quoted almost double for the timing chain......And the service guy Pete made it out to be a joke. laughing the whole time(jerk)..Highly do not recommend this joint! read more

Dealing with car issues is stressful enough and I always dread dealing with repairs. Aj's has completely changed my feelings towards auto repair. They are professional, honest and friendly. They even have a shuttle that dropped me off at work and picked me up when the repair was done. I would recommend Aj's to anyone. read more

Driving back from Napa, California to Vancouver, BC, Canada my SUV started making a scary vibrating noise. Having stayed the night in Salem, I called these guys at 7:30am and they had me in to have my SUV worked on by 8am. Having had trouble on the drive down to Napa, I was worried it would be very expensive. Almost 2 hours of work, and they only charged me $50. However, the peace of mind to make it home safely was priceless. Nicest guys ever. I wish I was a local so I could go back. read more

Been here a few times now and have been pleased every visit. Travis was my mechanic and he was great about explaining things to me and making suggestions. Office staff is very friendly and receptive. All auto repair is expensive but I feel I get my money's worth here. Would highly recommend! read more

These guys will try to sell you anything to make a buck, and it's not cheap either! Took my car there, and they found a million things wrong with it, and then gave me some insane price quotes. Luckily, my dad is a mechanic, so he explained to me that these guys are crazy, and only half of those things would have to be fixed, and for half the price. Picked my car up and took it to another place rated high on Yelp. Suddenly the price drops by 50%!!! Good thing that we have Yelp guys :) read more

Very expensive and didn't even fix the problem. Was very rude when asked to fix original issue after thousands was spent! Very unprofessional and rude. I'll make sure to tell everyone I know read more

I had the worst customer service experience at this place that I have ever had. I took my car in to have them look at it - I just wanted to know what was wrong because it was running rough. I though it would take a few minutes so I was prepared to wait, but upon handing my keys to the snarky guy at the counter I was dismissed. They didn't prepare me to have a ride, and I was there by myself so I'm sure the a$$ knew I was in a pickle but didn't say anything so I ended up taking the bus home to wait for them to call me. It took ALL day, and finally I gave up and called them. It was obvious that they forgot about me, I couldn't say for sure but I'm assuming that they plugged my car in real quick while I was on the phone. They told me it was going to take thousands of dollars worth of work, which I could not afford. I didn't really realize how awful I had been treated until I took my car somewhere else and they didn't charge me at all to look at it (AJ'S charged a HUNDRED bucks!!!) and I got everything done for less than $400 and the car is still running a year later just fine. I called to complain and the same snarky jerk from before insulted me. I did finally talk to the manager who apologized for the bad service and offered to give me my hundred dollars back in credit, but I wouldn't even go back of they paid me. read more

I could not believe how wonderful AJ's is. Being a young women who knows nothing about cars, my biggest problem is finding a repair shop that won't take advantage of me and overcharge me for things. They were so kind and helpful. You can tell they love their job and are happy to see you when you walk through the door. I believe their names are Pete and Matt, and they have wonderful personalities. They were so patient in helping me understand what was wrong with my car. I will DEFNITELY be back here again when anything goes wrong with my truck. read more

Found them via Google for a pre-purchase auto inspection and called from Portland. I spoke to a guy named 'Pete' who was extremely friendly and helpful. Turns out the V.W. van I was hoping to purchase was not recommended by AJ's but spending the money with them saved me a lot more in the long run. The inspection was completely detailed and the service was not only timely but excellent. Highly recommended! read more