Automotive Techniques was our go to service provider for our European vehicles for a number of years. Dave was our primary, and only contact, and he certainly ran the shop and specifically the front office. Results were typically very good. For myself, I recommended Automotive Techniques several times. After not requiring their services for a few years, I returned last year with my son's car. To my surprise, Dave was not there. In fact, no one was at the front desk. I had to find someone in the back room where 2-3 folks were watching TV. I asked, "Is Dave here?". The response was, "Dave is gone" (with a chuckle). Turns out, the gentlemen who provided an update was the owner - someone I had not met for the 15 years. "Finding" someone in the shop became the standard, as no one sat at the front desk. Moreover, it later seemed there were limited customers coming in. Which, I later did not find surprising at all. This was start of an amazingly frustrating experience which was supposed to start with a simple diagnosis of a power failure problem. Front desk was piled with paper and in disarray. Looking back to the rear office - same. Before Dave left, they switched to a new system to run the shop service operations. Because the previous customer data was not moved to the new system, there were 2 systems to look up past service for history and a new system for new service. It was clear the owner did not really know how to operate either system. He could not answer any of my questions and got frustrated quickly, waving off any inquiries. He told me to "come back" the following week to book an appointment because the entire shop was leaving for a conference. (And it was clear he did not have a handle on how to book appointments). A bad decision on my part, I did come back hoping the service would still be positive despite initial impression. Got the appointment while the owner tried to fumble through past maintenance records to determine anything else needed or problem history. After 2 days, they could not diagnose the problem I brought the vehicle in for. To me, there were not trying at all. They found another problem that they choose to focus on because it was obvious and easily fixable. The springs. I actually had to offer to drive the vehicle to try and replicate the problem because they gave up. I authorized the springs. Took 2 days to receive them for some reason. Car has now been in the shop 4 days - nothing done. Then, they could not find the wheel lock in the afternoon (they never bothered to look in advance or ask for it). I tell them it is in 1 or 2 places. They cannot find it. I come to the shop. I find it almost immediately. In the glove box like I told them. Because of the delays trying to find the wheel lock, they cannot complete the work until next day. In the end, I made probably 4 trips to the shop. Spent all kinds of time supporting the efforts on my time. They did not address the primary problem. Vehicle was in the shop for 5 days plus a weekend. Received the full bill of course for the springs and attempting to diagnose the power failure at $175/hour, no discount for all the troubles. Not even an apology or acknowledgement. Certainly an apathetic attitude throughout. Might be a technical genius when it come to fixing car, but certainly could use some assistance in running a service operations and being attentive to customer service. Needless to say, found another provider and very (very) happy with them. read more

I called and scheduled an appointment a couple of weeks ago and just dropped off my vehicle for the repair. I called the front desk when they opened after dropping the vehicle off and was informed that they "were not going to be able to get to the repair for a couple of weeks". I spoke with the owner and he told me that they had some issues last week and that they neglected to call me and notify me that I was not going to be able to get the repair done. Moral of the story: I spent time and money to drop off the vehicle, paid for an Uber to get home, was told that they cant help me and that they knew they couldnt last week, now I have to pay for an Uber to pick the vehicle up. Tell your friends and family to stay away!!!!! read more

My clutch was frozen one morning. I called my dealer (local well-known network), who told me they couldn't even look at the vehicle for 13 days! I called AT, and was told they would try to start working on the car in the next 1-2 days. It was admittedly slow progress, but the transmission also needed to be removed, which was more than anticipated. The cost was comparable to what I would have expected from my dealer, and the staff were much more responsive and courteous. When they returned my vehicle, I noticed they also re-aligned my lower front bumper area, for no charge. My repair was complete 4 days before the dealer would have even started! I will avoid using the dealer for any more services. Thank you, Dave and crew! read more

I thought I had already hit post review, but I just found it in my drafts. Beware if you take your car here! We had an appointment to bring our BMW here. Our BMW needed to have the fuel pump replaced. We had arrangements to use another car as the repair was going to take a couple days. Drop off of the car was smooth. A couple days later my husband called to check on the status of the car and they had not even started the repair! So, what was the point of having an appointment for a repair to only have it sitting in their lot!? After the weekend they began working on the car and after having the car for 7 days the repair was finally done. That is when the trouble started with the BMW. Super long story short, I can not recommend this place. My husband had a huge issue that started once he pulled out of Automotive Technique. My husband did talk to Automotive Technique about the issue, but in the end we went to the another service shop who fixed everything correctly. I can not recommend this place. I don't like leaving 1 star reviews, but I have to in this situation. Edited on 2-13: after getting a message from Jeff J on 2-12 regarding more info I sent him the invoice and mentioned it was not a fuel pump repair but oil filter housing. Jeff's response was, "ok, I am fully aware of this one. This is one of 9 comebacks and one of 2 comebacks that was a big repair. Thanks for the input. ". The reason for my review is that our BMW's engine went into Automotive Techniques with no problems other than the minor leak of the oil filter housing. Immediately after the service, the engine made a noticeable ticking sound that was later diagnosed as spun rod bearings. The reader can decide for themselves. read more

Update to 10/18/20 review. Bit long ago to recall all the sordid details. Didn't see the response until today. Bottom line was the Crank Position Sensor was bad. News flash for Automotive Techniques, it DOESN'T throw a code. . Old fashioned expertise is required to diagnosis. Swapping out parts per thrown code would have done nothing but drained my wallet and not fixed the problem, which was random stalling. It was fixed by a competent shop an acquaintance referred me to. Incidentally, they had tried and quit Automotive Techniques as well. read more

These guys make me actually LOOK FORWARD to getting work done on my car, no joke. They are extremely likable, which is weird in a mechanic, right? Of course, they have all the other chops, too. Here's the skinny: -EXTREMELY knowledgable on foreign collectibles AND everyday drivers. -Can do everything the BMW dealer can, at a fraction of the price per hour -Real human beings to interact with regarding scheduling, pricing, and service. They love cars and they love making owners happy. No fancy shmancy cappuccino / bagel station to recover costs on. (ahem, BMW DEALERS) -They work on an assortment of collectible "weekend" cars so there's always some eye candy to check out while you wait. -Pricing can't be beat -Extremely honest. They always show you exactly what needed to be done, and are good at coaching you through any decisions needed. -They will work to get you in and out at a time convenient for you. Despite being 30 miles away from us, these guys have been the exclusive shop for our '96 Volkswagen Cabrio and our '04 BMW X3 since we moved to Michigan. In fact, I don't think I would still own a BMW if I didn't have these guys to work on it. :) read more

Took my car for an alignment. Handed them a spec that called for raising the ride height in the rear. They raised the entire car (apparently they cannot read English). Jeff did the work but was "not available" to talk about it (like as if your surgeon was too busy to tell you how your surgery went). I asked for the alignment readout several times and never received it. This shop used to be better than this. I don't know what's happened there but I would no longer recommend them. read more

I have been taking my cars here for years. The specialize in Porsche but they have they can work on anything foreign. Amazing guys and amazing technicians. They have built cars for me and diagnosed some of the hardest issues as well. Jeff the owner is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and treats people fairly. Dave the service writer and all the mechanics are always helpful and easy to do deal with. I can't say enough nice things about them. Highly recommendable! read more

Great service at fair price: Got the hint from a neighbor. Had my Porsche scheduled for an oil change after winter. It did not start that morning and they even helped with jumpstarting at my home. Seem to be very knowledgeable around esp. European brands. Will recommend them to my friends and colleagues. read more

Hey ladies! Ever needed to take your car to a shop but hesitated because of fear of being "ripped off" or "talked into" getting unnecessary work done? Well, my guys over at Automotive Techniques have always been completely honest and sincere about telling me exactly what my car needs. These guys know their stuff! And best of all, they know how to explain it to me who knows nothing about cars!! It takes a lot of training to be so good at what they do but it takes awesome people, with great personalities and professionalism to really stand out. These guys definitely shine above the rest. My 2005 VW Jetta will forever be well-taken care of. Unbeatable prices, wonderful customer experience, what more could you ask for? The best thing about owning a Foreign/European Car (aside from it's incomparable performance) is having it maintained by these awesome people! read more

I sympathise with the other reviewers that this is a great shop. However, it is a small shop with a lot of demand on their services. I have had work done here before and it is very high quality. They are a bit disorganized as far as scheduling goes. If they have a service opening - fine. If they do not - expect yo be put off indefinitely. read more

Automotive Techniques is a great car repair shop! The staff is very knowledgeable and professional. For example, David took the time to thoroughly answer all of my questions regarding my car. I highly recommend Automotive Techniques as the staff provides excellent customer service and performs high quality work at a fair price. read more

Jeff helped prepare my 1989 944 Turbo for the track quite a few years ago. I moved away from the area and have not found anyone nearly as knowledgable and skilled since. Consider yourself privileged to get your car cared for by Jeff. read more

Great company! They really know what they are but! The employees are amazing. I've never been in a place that will cater to your needs like these guys. There was another female customer while I was here and she inspired me to share my experience. She has been coming here for years and puts her car and wallet in their hands. Most shops I would be afraid to go into or tell my husband to go instead so I wouldn't get ripped off. You won't have to worry about it with this place! read more

Very professional, very knowledgeable, and very flexible - if you have a European car that needs repair, these are *the* guys to go to. Highly recommend this place to everyone I know. read more

Definitely a great place if you need a service or repair. I got my VW 40k mile service done here and it cost less than the dealership. They did a good job and were very friendly and helpful. As a woman, I don't have to worry about them talking me into some extra service for more money. I highly recommend them!! read more