UPDATE TO A PREVIOUS POST: After taking the '02 Pontiac Grand Prix in for a used car purchase inspection, I truly appreciated the thorough nature of Al's discovery process. When I drove the car there to be inspected, I thought the car sounded and drove wonderfully, yet I was wrong. Bill, Ed & their team found more than I expected...a book of issues that included oil in the coolant system. Not a good thing, However, a discovery that helped me make the right decision. So yes, I recommend Al's for a used car inspection. Very thorough! P.S... the car lot I was going to buy the car from actually complained that Al's was: "...too picky and showed too much on their list". Well, they did exactly what I expected....they protected me from a bad car buying decision. THANK YOU!!!!! Rick (A simple dad buying his teen daughter a car) read more

Al's Full Service is amazing! I went in knowing I had a problem with the alternator of my car. They went through their process and called me the second they knew what was wrong. They ordered the part and got it fixed! I dropped my car off the night before and they had it done by noon the next day. The front desk guy, Gavin, is also the sweetest! He asks questions to make sure you get everything looked at that you need to. I had an oil change, and a diagnostic test done, and they switched out alternators. I would 100% recommend and do repeat service with everyone at Al's! They also charge a reasonable price for all of their labor, products, and knowledge, they will not "pink tax" a female! read more

Al's Full Service - This was the alert that made me reach out. - Auto Repair Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

I called and spoke to them on the phone I explained what my car needed and asked if they did those repairs they said they did. So I booked an appointment on line. They claim to be full tow service so I called to have my car towed into their shop I was informed that no they don't do towing, so I asked why they claim to be full tow service when Gary informed me that they provide the phone number for me to call and make the arrangements to have my car towed into their shop, not sure how that makes them full tow service but I can certainly Google a phone number myself. I was also in formed that the online appointment don't coincide with the shops actual schedule. And just because I made the appointment for that day does not mean that is the day they will get to my car. I was at work and didn't have time to find another shop and explain what I needed done. I paid $181 to have my car towed to their shop. I called a few hours later just to make sure my car had been towed in. I was told they hooked a code reader up to the car and he proceeds to tell me a thousand different things that could or couldn't be wrong with the car. I told him I don't care what the code reader says are you going to fix the valve cover gasket which is why I brought it in. He goes on and on about this code reader and how fixing that isn't going to do any good if I don't fix this and this and this. So I said okay don't worry about it I'll come pick up my car because a code reader can give you 10 different codes and from there it's a guessing game. Never asked my car to be hooked up to a code reader I dropped it off explaining what I needed done. He informs me that I owe $87.00. they didn't do anything to my vehicle except hook it up to a code reader that I never asked for and literally takes what maybe 30-40 seconds. so $181 to have it towed, $87 for the 30second effort they spent on my car and the $100+ dollars it's going to be for another tow truck. It cost me over $400 just to have them hook up a code reader. And not the actual repairs I took it in for. After calling other businesses who will actually service my vehicle I was informed my car doesn't even have a valve cover gasket it has a cam carrier... Too bad the code reader couldn't tell them that! I can't even express how much I do not recommend read more

This is one of the best mechanics I've been to. These guys will take your car in, do the basics you ask for (in my case, oil change), and give it a good over like any place would, but the part that sets these guys apart is their pragmatism and customer advocacy. As I sat in the waiting room and mechanics came to the window to talk to the manager about the car they were just checking out, the manager would debate the mechanic on what the best solution was for the customer. This is great customer-advocacy. They'd ask questions like, "We talking about a temp fix or long term?" "Why'd you suggest that on a car worth that little?" Basically they're asking questions the customer would have on their mind, and I really appreciated that up front approach. Then the manager comes into the waiting room, shows you the options, in my case, I came in specifically asking about my tire treads and spark plugs. They told me the exact wear on all four tires, and said I could replace the back ones (they were at 4, when 5 is about the tolerance), if I wanted to. This kind of transparency makes me want to do the repairs, rather than what you'd see at a lot of other places that rely on scare-tactics. I now bring all our cars here and will recommend this place to as many as will listen. Great place! Also, the waiting room is really great. They've got cable, a keurig, VERY fast wifi, cookies, and a very comfy leather couch. read more

Al's Full Service - Waiting room. Keurig, goldfish, cookies and ample seating. - Auto Repair Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Great people and great service. I got in and out with ease and they charged me a reasonable price. I highly recommend Al's.

I recently ran into some car troubles and decided to not take it to the dealer, but I didn't have any experience in Cedar Rapids with any auto mechanics. I also needed my car towed to the service station. I asked around and a number of friends recommended Als. So, I called Al's, told them what was wrong and requested a tow. The guy picked up my car within a few minutes of the time they said they would. I didn't have to pay the tow guy, it was added to my total station bill. My car got the station about 5:00 and a little after nine PM I got a call from the station. They told me what was wrong, what they needing to replace, and what else might be wrong once they fixed what they were certain needed to be fixed. They gave me an approximate price range that seemed reasonable for the work and the parts. I was back on the road within 24 hours. The work was well done. The staff was prompt and courteous (none of this "are they ever going to call me back?!?") The price was fair and I will definitely go back the next time my car needs more work. read more

Went here to get an oil change based on the reviews...this was a mistake. When my car was done, they called me and I missed the call. They didn't leave a voicemail, so I called them back within minutes and they said my car was all set, great! He then said they replaced my air filter because it was dirty. I asked him why they did anything other than change the oil and his reply was that "we check over the whole car", which apparently means performing maintenance on someone's car without asking..."oh, if you don't want it we can just take it out," he explained. Ludicrous. When I picked up my car he added that they "took a gamble and changed the filter since it was dirty." I wanted an oil change, nothing else. Real mechanics have the courtesy and professionalism to ask. It was a scam and I called them on it. Their response? Charge me $5 for windshield wiper fluid, and even better, my check engine light is on! I tell them about the light and the mechanic ran a diagnostic quickly, which I did appreciate. Turns out the problem was that they forgot to reconnect the wiring harness to my air intake...that they disassembled without asking...when I dropped my car off for an oil change...hmmmm...it seemed simple enough, right? Not sure if they pulled these scumbag tactics because I travel for work and had out of state plates, but their actions were incorrigible and lacked any essence of a 5 star rating that is purported by their other reviews. I had planned on getting more work done, and my colleague was also planning on going there since their hours extend beyond 5pm, but you lost all that business...buyer beware, shady dealings and poor management if this is the way you treat 1st time customers. read more

My father has been taking our vehicles to Al's since they were on Edgewood Rd at the gas station. Al's is now located off of 16th Avenue and is very easy to get to. I now live in Chicago but get to CR fairly often. So, if there is any strange noise or my car drives funny at all, I give Al's a call and make an appointment. They always do their best to fit me in, and Gary will call and give us an explanation of exactly what is wrong, what needs to be fixed, and what can probably wait or won't harm the car. The whole staff is thorough and extremely helpful. This last visit, I think it took Andy about 30 seconds to figure out the issue with my car, which led to them keeping it overnight to give it a complete checkup. They are all honest, too, which is more than I can say about some other car places. So, to Al and his staff, thanks for all that you have done for us! You are highly recommended by this gal and her family! read more

Al Dolezal is among a dieing breed of independent, full service gas station owners. If you pull up the one of the full service pumps, you're likely to see Al wiping your windshield and checking your oil - sometimes two attendants will help at the same time! They keep the area looking nice by planting tons of flowers along the street every year. Al expanded his service garage about 10 years ago and now has four bays and two shifts of workers, working 6 days a week, open until 10 PM on week nights. I'm pretty sure I made a few of Al's payments with all my repair bills there over the years. Gary, the evening service manager, is great with customers; explaining exactly what's wrong and how they're going to fix it. They aren't cheap (better than the going dealer rate though) however they are almost always correct in diagnosing your car problem. They have a lot of experience on their service staff and seem to keep their people for a long time. read more

Extremely disappointed. I took my car in on a previous encounter and was happy with the work but not today. I took it in for new brake pads for the front and was told on the phone that the front brake pads needed replaced and the rears were at 5% left but I should look into replacing those as well. Nothing at all was stated about replacing the rotors on either the front or the rear otherwise I would have objected. So I agreed to do the front and rear brake pads. Needless to say I was shocked when I arrive to pick up my car and both front and rear rotors and pads were replaced and had to pay the $700 for something I did not want done. Very disappointed in this business. read more

I called them about an inspection on my vehicle and the guy I spoke to was very welcoming, and professional over the phone. He booked me for the very next day. I decided to get a few others things done as well as an inspection which only took about 2 hours. Once, he was finished he explained in detail what exactly was wrong with my car and even sent a checklist electronically for me to view as well. Great service! read more

Years of taking all of my family vehicles here. Great service, great hours and *honest*. Their evening hours are very convenient. I've never left there anything but satisfied. I recently had a repair done that had a defective part involved and they replaced the part promptly, with no hassle and no charge. read more

My daughter recently moved to Cedar Rapids and called saying she lost control and went into a ditch on a gravel road. She is newly on her own and us being 2 hours away we were in a bit of a panic. Her vehicle was acting funny so I looked up mechanics and stumbled upon Al's. Due to the reviews and the hours I texted my daughter to take her car there. Al's got her right in and fixed her car very reasonably. It is always a concern that a young girl would get ripped off in those situations but Al's was courteous and very honest. read more

I went in to get my fuel pump repaired here. The very first time I went to use my left turn signal right after leaving this shop my rear turn signal didn't work. I then called them to set up an appt. When I told them that it had stopped working right after they got done working on it, the moron I talked to said it must be a bad bulb and charged me for the repair. I've talked to other people about what happened and 3 of them had their own horror stories about this place. I also hear this place manufactures good reviews on this site. Buyer beware. read more

4 instead of 5 because I've found better prices on certain repair needs elsewhere (shocks and suspension work), but you can be sure theses guys will 1) tell you the truth 2) prioritize repairs so you don't have to lay out a ton of cash all at once and 3) do the work right the first time. The BEST thing is that they work two shifts so you can get your car repaired up until 10pm at night AND they have free popcorn! read more

While on a cross-country road trip from CA, our car started to make an unpleasant grinding noise from the brakes, which we figured was the result of the recent brake pad replacement job done before departing for our trip. We were passing through town on our way to I-80 and decided to go to Al's. Their schedule was very busy for the day but when Ed, who was working at the counter heard we were passing through, he made time for us. While the mechanic replaced the bolt on the caliper which had fallen off somewhere along the road in the Northwest, we were updated on the status of the car while waiting in the comfortable lounge over a free cup of coffee. The whole job took about two hours, in which time Ed also gave us directions to a restaurant walking distance so we could get a bite to eat. Al's is all around very professional service and totally accommodating to the needs of their customers. The price wasn't overly expensive for the time they found to fit us in and worth every penny for the level of service provided. They definitely understand the stress and exhaustion of car troubles and do great work in alleviating these troubles to weary travellers and locals alike. If I ever find myself in the area again with car issues, I'll be back without a second thought. read more

I took my car in this morning after feeling a little shake while dring at 70/75 MPH. Of course when they drove it, nothing. They checked it out and found some issues with the balance which was repaired at no cost. I'd purchased the tires there about 6 months ago. I've been taking my cars to Al's for several years and I've never been sorry. Great people with great service. read more

The absolute best mechanics I've ever been too! I've been taking my car here for years and have always received top notch service. I've been to almost every mechanic in the area over the years for different car issues and was never really satisfied with the service I received. Then I found Al's full Service and my search quickly came to an end. They get the job done right the first time. True professionals. It comforts me to know when something happens with my vehicles I have these great mechanics to turn to. Thanks for everything guys! read more

I have used Al's for over 30 years. Gary, Wade and Ed are knowledgeable and friendly. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else.

I've taken my car here 3 times. I am not sure why people say that there is a lack in communication they have always called or came out and told me what the issue was. They provide great customer service and have a nice clean waiting room and bathrooms. They usually can get you in pretty quickly. Also they are open late on weekdays which is awesome for people who work during the day. Prices are average as well. Best shop in the Cedar Rapids area. read more

Just got serviced at this Repair shop. Not impressed at all. Positive: 1) Got 1 of the jobs done that I came in for. 2) Fixed the next day after dropped off. Negatives: 1) Double the price of what other shops are changing for the same job. 2) Terrible people skills and lack of communication. 3) Found other issues with car yet chose not to fix them when asked. 4) Told me I had to take the Car to another shop to fix my 2nd issue I went in for. summary - If you have extra money to spend take it here. Just be prepaid to have to coax all the information out of the mechanic's since they lack the people skills to give you an explanation other than whats written on a paper sheet that you could of read yourself. read more

Im Not sure what all the buzz is about. They have horrible customer service, they won't give you quotes over the phone? They charge to diagnose?! Even if you've already diagnosed the problem?! These other reviews must be friends and family because my experience was far from enjoyable. I'll be taking my business elsewhere, to a place where customer service matters just as much as the work. read more

I called to have my starter replaced. I could do it my self but dont want to lay in the snow....I called to ask roughly how much they charge and he wouldn't tell me. He insisted that something else needed to be replaced that caused the starter to go bad. I have already thoroughly checked it over amd I am 100% that it is the starter. They just try to con you into getting unnecessary work done so they can make an extra buck. Take your vehicle to cedar hills repair. Much better mechanics. read more

Took my car in today for oil change and a service checkup. They took a reasonable amount of time and were thorough with the inspections. Service and price were friendly to boot. Definitely recommend read more

I had to get a substantial amount of suspension work done on my car, so I read up on reviews and decided to take it to Al's. So far the car is rock solid, but their communication lacked a bit. Only to get the invoice for the work done did I see that there might be some other stuff wrong with the vehicle. Not major things, but not only could they have made more money, but I wouldn't have to find another time to take my car there. read more

Great place to get propane for the grill. New location on 16th avenue has great access.

Al's was recommended to me by a longtime customer. I had some funny noises and was worried it would cost me plenty. I always feel like I am at their mercy and it will be bad. Turned out to be a belt tensioner and they fixed it and got me back on the road quick and easy and reasonably priced. It felt good paying the bill knowing they treated me fairly. I'd recommend Al's to anyone. read more

Al's was recommended by a few friends so I made the call. I took my vehicle in for service and what I thought was wrong. Ed informed me it would be around $44 for the diagnostic. I received a call that the hub was bad, what the total cost would be and when they would have the part to make the repair. Came back on Monday and dropped my car off. Ed again told me the price and contacted me around lunch to say my car was finished. The shop was spotless. Every employee was very friendly and everything was taken care of by Al's. Way to go!! read more

Extremely impressed with this mechanic. I have been burned by untrustworthy mechanics in the past and am always hesitant to try a new one, but since we could not get an appointment with the dealership we decided to give Al's a try. They were able to get us in for appointment the next morning. They are open until 10 PM which made dropping our car off the night before super easy. They fixed our brake issue quickly and professionally and cheaper than I had been quoted elsewhere. I can not recommend them enough and will use Al's for all of our future mechanical issues. read more