This place is the real deal! My husband and I moved here about 3 years ago and have struggled to find our "car guy". I've encountered so many dishonest, shoddy and unprofessional repair shops since we've been here, I was beginning to lose hope! After reading the other reviews on this place, we decided to give it a go. My husband took his car in last week for some routine maintenance and from the moment we walked in they were friendly, helpful and honest. Another place had told us we needed a certain part replaced "immediately". Within 5 minutes of being here they told us that part doesn't even exist on our car! We couldn't be happier with the customer service and work done on our vehicle. read more

Are you afraid of taking your car to the shop because you feel like they are going to try and take you for all you have? Don't be afraid of JC Automotive Specialists. I ordered some tires off of tirerack.com and had them installed here. The pro-tip I can give you is to be sure you just drop off your car and come back later. I stuck around and was there about 3 hours. The employees are friendly. The waiting area is clean. The free coffee is amazingly good. The best part was that when you interact with the employees they aren't dead inside like alot of other places. I haven't had any other services here so I'll have to post another review if that time comes. read more

I work as a massage therapist, yoga instructor and formerly as a cook. This means that if you have back problems or need a meal I can help you out. If you need car repairs...I'm almost useless. I can change spark plugs but I'll gripe and I can change a mean windshield wiper after years of practice. My wife first used JC Auto and spoke highly of them. People say their prices are higher but for information I'd take my car there first. My last visit is a classic example. I suffer from near anxiety when it comes to auto repairs. They're expensive, I cannot afford a new used car and I cannot do the work myself. I brought my car in to get it checked out and they said you need so and so ground down so the wheels don't jiggle when you brake. You also need to get new motor mounts. Being broke I asked them if it's necessary or is it near cosmetic. Without skipping a beat the mechanic said that the jiggle is more annoying than anything and it'll brake more smoothly but just bring it in when I've got the time/money. On the other he said he's seen cars lose all of the mounts and when you switch gears in an automatic it'll jerk, but there's no long term damage. Again, he honestly told me to bring it in when I had the time and money. So, I paid $60 for the consult and inspection and saved money that I didn't have to toss on a credit card. I'll get the repairs done slowly, over time, on a budget without the mental anxiety that my car is going to break down at any moment. I'll continue buying and driving used cars for some time to come but JC has helped me get over the lies of other shops that take one look at me and know I've not the first clue about cars. When my wife brings hers in the mechanics often bring her back, show her the issue and explain in English what the part does, why it needs to be changed and whether it needs to be done immediately or not. They're common sense, friendly mechanics with a good work ethic. read more

I brought my car in minutes after the shop had officially closed (yes I know I'd have to be a jerk to do that sort of thing). I had picked up my car from a certain tire shop that had managed to strip one of the studs on my wheels. I was nervous because the next day I was supposed to make a trip to Dallas, and doing that with 3 lugs on a drive wheel worried me. Anyways, JCAS could have easily said "We're closed", but they didn't. They opened the garage door grabbed a tool box, and cleaned up the threads while I was outside. The guys at Automotive Specialists will bend over backwards for their customers. It's rare to meet a group as appreciative and honest as this bunch. I've been bringing my 91 Miata to them for regular maintenance since I bought it. I would recommend them to anyone, and especially those with Mazda Miatas. read more

There's not another shop in town I'd bother recommending. I know my way around under the hood of a car, but when there's something I can't fix or don't want to fix, this is the only place I bother taking any of my cars. I know the guys will accurately diagnose the problem, fix it properly, and they'll charge me a reasonable price for it. That's pretty hard to find in any shop. The story that really sold me was when I sent my mother down to their shop several years ago. She was in from way out of town, and was having some problems with her car that I couldn't figure out. Plus, it was intermittent, so that made it even more difficult to diagnose. I told her to go down to JC Auto and to tell them that I sent her down there -- thinking that they at least know who I am, so they'll treat her a little better than some out of town stranger who just rolled in off the street. Not that I doubted them to treat her right regardless, but this is my *mom*, I've got to look out for her. Of course, she doesn't do that. She just rolls in and says she's having problems and doesn't know the first thing about cars and she's scared about driving it home. All the things you're *not* supposed to do! So, they put her car on a lift and accurately diagnose the problem. They then tell her that they don't have the part in stock, and can't fix the car today, but there's no reason she can't drive it home safely and what to expect from the car if she does. They also give her part numbers and complete workup of what's wrong and how much it should cost so she can take that to her mechanic at home and know that she's getting a fair deal. Then they took her car down off the lift and didn't even charge her a diagnostic fee before sending her on her way. This was someone they really could have taken advantage of with seemingly no repercussions and it never crossed their mind to treat her any differently than their best customers. I'm sold, and there's not another shop in town I'd recommend or use. read more

This is the only place I trust to do work on my car near my place after multiple bad auto shop experiences over my past 8 years of owning a vehicle. Everyone is nice here and the quality of service is top notch. They'll explain the work they've done on your car in easy to understand terms and they'll even show you the work they're doing on your car in the shop so your mind can be at ease. The vibe you get at JC Auto is one of quality, professionalism, and trustworthiness. Sure they may charge a bit more than other places, but you KNOW they're going to the job right the first time. That's worth every penny, especially in an industry with so many scammers and people who do shitty work. Take your car here. You won't be disappointed. read more

What a great feeling to find a mechanic that you can trust. What an even better feeling when you're a female. Somehow it's the nature of the business to rip people off and women get the worst of it just because they can get away with it. JC Auto is so much better than that. First experience with them was so great. My husband took my car in and told them to call me with the info later. They were honest and up front about all the information. They explained what options I had and what they would cost as well as why. I could do a less expensive fix, ie. a rebuilt starter instead of a new one, and what that could entail down the road. The second visit was to replace an item that we thought needed it based on the car's mileage. The guys explained that it is not something that needs to be done on that particular car. Every time we take a vehicle there, the people are honest and upfront about what needs to be done and what doesn't. They do the work in a reasonable time frame. Just dropped of a car this morning and the place has lots of business but I am confident they will get it back to us tomorrow if possible. read more

I'd EASILY come back to this place for any vehicle troubles. My serpentine belt needed to be replaced, and they fixed it for HALF the cost than the dealership offered. Their shuttle program was also reliable, so I was able to make it to work & back while the car was being serviced. They educate you about what may/may not need urgent attention and they never pressure you to purchase anything. Great quality and service. read more

These guys shoot you straight, have competitive pricing and do quality work. You never feel like you are being sold additional services. I take both our cars here for everything with the exception of oil changes at times just because of some great deals at other places with good management and time. Also, it's worth noting that they are closed on Saturday and Sunday. I think that speaks volumes about the management to value the time and lives of their employees. It's evident their employees like working there (which I can say about no other auto repair shop). read more

I decided to give JC Automotive Specialist a try after reading all the great reviews and had the firsthand experience of their ethic of honesty. For someone who worries about auto shops offering lists of unnecessary services, such as **cough cough** Jiffy's, I highly recommend you visit JC Automotive instead. I was prepared to spend another $80+ for oil change plus whatever recommendations they might offer but actually left the shop paying just $26 bucks! JC Automotive has my highest recommendation! read more

New in town and not to sure where to take our cars to get fixed. Make a long story short, my wife's PT was having some issues. So, I did some research on yelp and found JC Automotive Specialist, Round Rock. They're very good and friendly. They even offered to drop off if I didn't want to wait there. They finished the job in the promised time frame, and I've been very pleased with the result. What impressed me the most was their follow-up phone call and a thank you card. It's awesome. Take your car there! read more

As a woman, I have always *dreaded* having to take my car to any shop for any thing. I even had gotten to the point where I hated taking it in for a simple oil change. Mechanics were not my favorite people--I could never tell when they were being honest and when they were upselling things I didn't need. And then I came here. Not once have I ever been spoken to condescendingly. Not once have I ever been upsold on something that I didn't need. In fact, they've even sent me on my way telling me that what I thought I needed done did not in fact need to be done yet. They explain what is needed. They'll take you into the garage and show you. They actually listen to you and don't make you feel like an idiot. They are HONEST. And super nice too! They also try to get your car in and out the same day. I've taken my car to them since they opened, and it's been rare that they've had to keep my car overnight. They fix the problem, or they tell me that it's something I can live with for a while but to bring it in if it gets worse. One time - out of the many times I've taken my car in - they told me they knew in their gut what the problem was but couldn't replicate it, and they gave me the choice of going ahead and fixing it or waiting (I think it was something with the ignition). I went with their gut. I seriously trust these guys. A great mechanic is like a great hairstylist - you really want to find one and stick with 'em. :) read more

Dan, the service writer, and the guys at JC's know how to keep customers. I've been there three times, and I can't see taking my vehicles anywhere else. First trip was a dead starter. I had the car towed in, and went home. Less than 30 minutes and they were calling with a conformation and a quote. Hmmm... reasonable price. Okay. Two - three hours later they called and said the car was ready. Cool Beans. Second trip: over 100,000 miles and I knew that timing belt needed replacement so I took it in. I told Dan what I wanted, and he asked if I was hearing any noises or anything. I told him, "Nope... just regular maintenance stuff." He grinned and said, "Well, I'll replace it if you want me to, but you don't need to replace it." He then spent some time explaining to me that my car was different (timing chain vs. timing belt) and that there was no need to go digging around in my engine. I wonder how many mechanics would have done the work knowing it didn't need to be done, but that they could make some money. Third trip: Alignment. In-and-out in about an hour, and I liked Dan's demonstration of camber, toe, and caster using the maroon staplers. :) While I was there I listened to how they were treating their other customers over the phone and in the shop. They were professional, courteous, and always explained things pretty well. I'm convinced these guys know what they are doing and want to make relationships with their customers, not just make money. If you are anywhere near Round Rock take your car here for maintenance. read more

I have not run into a more humble yet knowledge group thus far in Austin. I'm new to the area. I own a pretty rare vehicle that another shop declined to work on. They recommended JC Automotive. These guys were very quick to note my issue, down to the part causing it. Its something I can fix on my own but am happy to know there a place in the area where I can take my car for future issues. Thanks guys, I'll be back. read more

We bring all our vehicles there whenever there is something my husband can't or doesn't have time to fix. They are highly recommended in car club circles and are very honest. John makes sure the guys really know there stuff. Dan the service manage is knowlegable, friendly and explains exactly why and what your car needs and doesn't need. There is no pressure. If you don't want to have it done no biggie. I have overheard people who have taken there car elsewhere and brought it too them afterwards because the problem is not fixed and they can't believe that it is that simple to resolve. Its always a pleasure to see these guys. They like what they do and it shows. read more

I gave up on crappy Wal-mart and Jiffy Lube oil changes long ago. Now I'm not dissing specialized trades, but doing a fast and cheap job chaning the oil in a vehicle pretty much means the technician is far from understanding how the entire vehicle works as a system in my opinion. I now only do my oil changes in mechanic shops where the technicians are certified and honest. So how do you judge honesty? Other reviews is what gives me a good indicator. And just checkout what others are saying about this place! It's totally true! The staff at Automotive Specialist are courteous, knowledgeable and didn't offer to "flush my radiator" or any other +$30 service that I just happen to need while getting my routine oil change. You just gotta like someone who does business like that. So if you are looking for an automotive service that just puts off a good vibe. This is totally it. read more

I'm a Miata owner, and if you've got one of these, there is no better place to have it worked on. John is a master mechanic of the highest quality and Dan, the service manager, is a Miata expert. I also would not hesitate to take any of my other cars there either if they ever needed repairs. The expertise extends to top replacement too. They did a perfect install on new top for my Miata recently. No drama, just good work! read more

OK, did my first review on this place about a year ago; time for an update. These guys STILL ROCK!! Every time I go here, service, attitude, pricing, and work are superb. I'd drive for hours to take my car here (assuming I could actually drive for hours when repairs were needed...) Everything I said the first time still stands. They're professionall, totally honest, super helpful, as fast as I'd want anyone to be. Not for the first time, the actual cost of work performed was less than the estimate (in this instance, estimate of $80-100, actual $63 and change.) This is a superb outfit, hands-down, from the folks doing the work, to the service writers, to the outstanding shuttle driver. Top marks. read more

When I needed to get routine maintenance done on my car post warranty I started asking around for a reliable place to get the work done. Even my friends who usually do most of their own work recommended these guys. Please note I am not a car buff by any means. I can barely change my own gas. lol Though I do keep up with stuff so I at least can talk about it and know what needs to get done. I just can't do it myself. I have used these guys a few times and have always been very happy with them. Not only did they happily shuttle me back and forth to North Austin when I it was going to be an all day or overnight job but each time they fixed it faster then they thought it would take and the final cost was actually LESS than the initial quote. I am moving out of state soon and will be sad I won't have these guys near by next time my car needs work. read more

These guys are wonderful. Trustworthy and dependable. I won't ever take my car anywhere else. I've been going to them about 4 years now since I moved back home here and recommend them as often as I can. Except, I don't want them to get too busy :P Call ahead and schedule, that really helps them better as they're very busy because of such a good reputation. Fantastic shop. read more

A virtue to look for when finding a good garage to take your vehicle to is credibility, honesty and transparency. I think one would find all three at the Automotive Specialist starting with when you drive by or walk to the lobby, you can see all their repair bays through and through. And that is important because personally I take comfort in knowing that they have nothing to hide there. I had been struggling with finding a good mechanic for my older model Miata and these kind folks have a Miata master technician who knows those machines inside out. They are also very good about giving you a ride back to work (within reasonable distance) and picking you up when your car is ready. I give them five stars and two thumbs up! read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review before now - but I haven't and it's long overdue. I've been a customer for 3 years now, and I will NEVER go anywhere else. These guys are professional, courteous, friendly, funny, fast, honest, and thorough. They explain everything patiently and then give me an array of choices & the cost of each, and they explain the outcome I can expect from each choice. They take your car in, diagnose the problem, and then call you to let you make the choice based on outcome and price. If they find anything different while working and the repair/price needs or should change, they call you and get your ok before proceeding. When you pick up your car, they even give you a heads up of what else they saw while fixing the current problem so you have an idea of what necessary repairs or maintenance may be coming up down the road (sorry for the pun!). And to polish off the extraordinary service, they offer fast and courteous shuttle service. It just doesn't get any better than this guys! read more

I'm fortunate that I haven't needed any major work on my old '97, 315K mileage Maxima, since I moved to Round Rock 9 months ago. That being said, it was extremely important to me to find a shop that truly cares about routine maintenance and helps with the small stuff before the bigger problems have a chance. I value a good, honest, knowledgeable, and reliable auto shop as much as (if not more than) I value the same traits in a doctor. My experience so far has convinced me that I've found all of that here. I was even more pleasantly surprised when I learned today about the shuttling service, which took me to work so that I didn't have to call for a Lyft ride - what a gift. Looking forward to bringing our cars here for many years to come, and driving my well-maintained Maxima for at least another 200K miles! read more

I have been taking my vehicles to Auto Spec. I have never been disappointed on any of the times that they have repaired my vehicles. But the greatest of these guys is the honesty, It is so valuable for a consumer to feel and know that they're telling them the truth period. Sometimes for some reasons I've taken my vehicles to other mechanics on Saturday because Auto-Spec does not open on Saturday it is so valuable for a consumer feel I know that they're telling them the truth.. Sometimes for emergency I've taken my vehicles to other mechanics on Saturday because Auto Spec does not open on Saturdays and I realized the level of dishonesty on some of these other guys I have gone to, I will not name them but they are out there and they are many. I do not write many reviews but these guys deserve it. read more

Wow! Finally a great shop close to the house. Dropped off my Jeep to have the valve cover gaskets replaced, after a nightmare at the dealership. Had it back in one day and Mike was super apologetic that it wasn't the same day. The dealership took a week and a half just to look at it. A fair price for good quality work. They'll be our goto mechanic from this day forward, glad to have them in Round Rock. read more

I brought my 2001 Mazda Miata to them for a loss of power and engine shake on March 15, 2013. Thy had the tech Andy Seevers take a look at it, and came back with the transmission was slipping. The quote was $2,800 for the repair. This seemed high to me, nor did I ever noticed the transmssion slipping, not ever feeling/showing on the RPM gauge. I picked the car up, paid the $65.00 diag fee. I took the car over to Mazda South, and was told by the dealer that the u-joints were gone, and would be $956 to replace the drive shaft. I picked it up there, and took the Miata to AAMCO, who told me the u-koints were gone and would be $950 to replace the driveshaft, with new, replaceable u-joints. AAMCO could find no problem with the transmission. I talked with Jonathon at JC auto, and he could not give me a reason other then the mechanic took it for a test drive, and thought if felt like the transmisson was bad. I was really disappointed in this, I took it to them from S. Austin after reading the great reviews. Use at your own risk, it seems their mechanics are trying for more repairs for higher commision. read more

It's hard to believe I haven't written a review for this place yet. Three generations of my family use JC Auto Spec; they are the most honest auto shop we've found. Even when just a word or two of caution or worry might make us think about replacing parts or getting work done, the folks here don't bother with trying to leave doubt in our minds about when we need or don't need work done or parts replaced. Not only are they honest, their pricing is fair and very transparent. They always tell us - in detail - what was done to our vehicles, how long it took and what the possible ramifications and consequences of that work is. They don't do any work without checking with us to make sure we're okay with it. Their customer service is fantastic; theey offer free wi-fi while you wait, online tracking of service records, email coupons, AAA discount, shuttle service and staff who are willing to take the time to sit down and explain things step-by-step until you understand what they need to do to get you driving again. That level of honesty, fair pricing and great customer service add up to the one auto shop we trust to take care of our cars. I also feel it's necessary to add that no one is perfect and mistakes happen: it's how a business handles mistakes that's important. The very few times there have been any kind of problem with a vehicle we've left with JC, they have fixed the mistake and taken care of the the extra work without charging us anything. You can't beat this shop. read more

My check engine light was on and my car was running rough. I went to a chain parts store to get the code read, and after replacing several parts and not fixing the problem, I got tired of repeatedly buying parts. These guys found the problem while doing a $65 diagnosis, and the fix was simple enough that they didn't charge me anything more. I'd recommend them. The only thing stopping a perfect score was that I didn't get a call when my car was ready - I had to call them. But to be fair, it may have just been finished and maybe I beat them to the phone. read more

Auto repair shops are always some of the worst places anybody wants to have to go to: they always seem to have a reputation of milking you for every penny you have although it would seem to me that these types of places need to be as honest as possible to stay in business as long as possible. I was referred to JC Automotive from a friend who has reviewed them on here before so when it finally came time to get my "Service Engine Soon" light check out, I knew that this was the only place I wanted to go to. They have a first-come, first served way of doing things so there's no appointments. They open at 7:30 every morning though (and according to Facebook will no longer be open on Saturdays) so you can drop your car off in the morning and use their "shuttle" service to take you to work. I ended up not taking my vehicle in until noon, and the work that needed to be done required that my vehicle be left over night. I wasn't too happy about that, but it was my fault for going so late in the day in the first place. They offer a $48 diagnostic which I think is pretty much cheaper than anybody else. Dan Pedroza was the "service writer" I worked with, and he explained all the work that needed to be done in detail. I didn't really need all that much explanation since I had already done some troubleshooting on my own, had ruled out 2-3 causes for the Service Engine Soon light to be on and knew that the only cause left would be complicated and costly. However, Dan's explanation of the problem was very helpful. My vehicle was ready the next day, and I was on my way. So far, so good, and I can already tell that the car is running much better than it has in a long time! read more

They repaired a transmission fluid leak for $49.00. Another auto repair shop in Round Rock had quoted me $425.00 to do the repair. The difference was Automotive Specialist had the knowledge, and integrity to not immediately go to (and perform) the very expensive repair procedure, but instead they investigated can the leak be repaired by cleaning up the previously leaked fluid and then tightening the low pressure hose clamp. Their repair did stop the leak, and enabled me to pass the state safety inspection. The other repair facility just automatically said we'll do the repair and quoted me the standard book cost of $425.00 to remove and replace the high pressure power steering hose. I'm glad I got a second opinion from Automotive Specialist. In addition to being glad I also saved $376.00. Also Automotive Specialists was prompt and very pleasant to deal with. read more

I brought my car here to get some simple battery connections replaced. Apparently they were corroded and that is what had me walking to work one morning. Upon calling a tow truck... the guy who was nice enough to ck the wires first... diagnosed the problem and said they was no need to pay him since he didnt actually tow anything. nice to know there are still honest people around. That being said I found this place with reviews on Yelp. My bf and i dropped my car off and the next day my car was ready to go. The amount I was quoted is what I paid and they thew in my employer's discount without me having to ask for it (which I didnt even know I got) Nice... Also my bf mentioned that they were going to go over several things that needed to be addressed (in the future of course). Luckily, none of that took place. You hate when anyone tries to include things that arent necessary but again I dont mind you telling me what could potentially be done sometime in the future. Again my car is no spring chicken but its a Toyota and they last forever...or at least as close to forever as the car world will allow. read more

I've been coming to these guys since 2006 for all of my car needs. Everything from oil changes and standard maintenance, to that time after a state inspection at another place, where I was told I had a "broken axle". In my defense,JC did not offer state inspections at the time. I did not have a broken axle. JC and crew showed me what I had broken and explained that had I paid to get a new one, the actual broken part would still be broken. This shop is honest. That's a huge part of their reputation. I have sent my friends here who have gone on to recommend the shop to their friends. read more

These guys are my go to guys for all my vehicles and my daughter's. As a clergymen it is good to meet good people who are people of character and integrity. You can't go wrong with Ray,Mike and Auto Spec. You want be disappointed with their work!!! read more

I've taken my mazda 3 and civic here for several years for all things auto from oil changes to major repairs. Honest and reliable service every time. I've also used their shuttle service many times - extremely helpful when you need a lift to work. Also very helpful is their available online tracking of all your service records. Tip: AAA discount read more

I've only come here for an oil change and tire rotation, so my review isn't as thorough as those with bigger car problems, but I loved it. I didn't mind the 50 minute wait, I was prepared from reading the other reviews here and brought a book along. Anyhow, everything went fine, they didn't try to sell me any extra stuff and the $15 off coupon for checking in via the Yelp Mobile app really helped. I'll be sure to come back here next time I get my oil changed. read more

I took my car here for my brakes they starting grinding a few weeks later then I took it back to have the rest check the brakes they said one of the roaders are bad do they replaced that and now still grinding Aldo my traction light keeps coming on they didn't fix the problem just got the lights to come off on the dash one day later the light s are back on car still slips when it's raining ... they said my rac was bad then another said it wasn't this place is a joke and I will be taking my car somewhere else read more

I've been using these guys for years, and let me tell you, they are HONEST! I always used to try not to come across as clueless when dealing with mechanics, because I was afraid of mechanics who would take advantage of me if they realized that I wouldn't know the difference. I'm sure it happened over the years, but I keep going back here because they're just dead honest, and it doesn't hurt that they're nice. Also, if they're not comfortable doing a repair themselves, because of something unique or bizarre, they'll tell you; which has only happened once in 5 years. They always give me all the information to make an informed decision, and are patient enough to explain things repeatedly until I'm comfortable with my understanding of something. These folks are THE BEST! read more

I have been taking both my cars to Automotive Specialists since I returned to the Austin area. I have found them to be prompt, courteous and trustworthy. The work they have done on both my Miata and my Subaru has always been of the highest quality. I started going to Automotive Specialists since they were recommended by local Miata owners, but they work on any car with the same level of dedication to quality work. The most recent work was a new clutch and new top for my Miata, and I couldn't be happier with the results. read more

I actually found a mechnaic I like! Came in for tires installed, radio issue, and annual inspection. They fixed everything for a really low price (about $75). I also got a great deal on tires from tirerack.com. And even though the guys were really busy they were nice about my adding on the annual inspection while I was there. read more

I had some belts that were starting to squeal on a 2001 Toyota Camry. It turns out it was also time for a timing belt/water pump/seals and gaskets. It was time, so I had them do it all and they had it all done in one day for a reasonable price. So far so good. I have been supporting 4 used vehicles for a couple of years now and I have tried several auto shops. Automotive Specialist is the best shop I have found in Round Rock. read more