I came to get headlights changed on my Buick Encore and Edwin was Amazing, Very kind and helpful. The staff was very friendly and professional. I recommend Downtown Automotive to Everyone that needs care for their vehicle in Houston, Tx read more

I highly recommend Downtown Automotive. We were on our way to the cruise port. Our car wouldn't start and had to towed to there. They diagnosed the problem and were able to fix it in record time. They took care of us and made sure that we were able to make it to our destination. I highly recommend them! Thank you again Downtown Automative!!! read more

Downtown Automotive - When your car has to be towed, the stress can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we got lucky and found some awesome mechanics! - Auto Repair Near Me - Houston, Texas

I have been using the services of Downtown Automotive for about 10 years. I highly recommend Downtown Automotive. When Pat was there, he was my main contact for my Audi Avant A4 wagon and my Mazda Mazda5 micro van. He was always prompt, courteous, frank in his assessment and honest. He retired. But I find Edwin shows the same qualities now. Edwin tells you what the problem is in a way you understand; he does not push products, just a fix; he is calm and courteous; and he knows what he is talking about. Edwin and the shop have serviced a Jeep Cherokee and a Dodge Ram 1500 ProMaster van for me. As you can see from my cars, they work on a range of brands. They have always done excellent work, on time and as promised. Try them. You will not be disappointed. read more

Went here due to battery problems with my car. They were able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and at a fair price. They told me what else needed fixing, but didn't pressure me to fix it right away as other places often do. The mechanic was nice and able to explain what was wrong in a way that I could comprehend. I will come back here. Thank you Downtown Automotive! read more

Beware this is a long one. I've been in Houston for work and my car was finally shipped to me the third week of November. Everything was going well until my car was unable to start. I found my spare key and my car started but not before the check engine light came on. I took it to Jiffy lube for a diagnostic where they said it could be several things but most likely the "computer" of my car. The mechanic said they couldn't fix that issue there and directed me to downtown automotive to get my car checked out. I brought my car in and let them know what was going on and what jiffy lube said. It was early afternoon and I was told to come back in the morning so that my car could be the first thing checked out. I dropped my car off and didn't hear anything for the rest of the day. I was then called the next day and was told it could be two things and they would fix the smallest problem first and hope it would fix the issue. I came to get my car the next day and it still wouldn't start so i had to leave it. My car was in the shop for about three days with no updates, nothing. I called for the next several days with still "we are working on it." After about six days of no updates I called and was finally able to speak to Mark who I expressed my frustration of no updates and being without a vehicle and not having a potential date to pick up my car. He explained they had finally found the issue and what would be needed to fix my car. I was out of the country when my car was finally fixed and coming back into town the 24th. Mark was gracious enough to come in on the 24th so I could finally get my car. It's been driving great. The only reason I'm not giving five stars was for the lack of communication at the beginning of this ordeal. read more

I called to get a couple of quotes on three things, and the person who answered (sounded like a kid) had a terrible attitude. He hung up on me the first time, so I called back let him know I think we were disconnected. However it was clear he hung up, and I asked if he was okay because his customer service skills were lacking. He still didn't address his attitude. I will not be taking my car there and do not recommend this place. If that's the level of care they provide from the start, I don't trust them with my vehicle. read more

This place was recommended to me and I will return again! The staff were polite and professional. Knowledgeable and gave money saving options. Thanks for your good service! read more

This place is fantastic. They're always super nice & upfront about what's wrong with my vehicle & my options for fixing it. I'm unlucky and have had multiple odd issues wrong with my vehicles and they've always taken me on short notice & gotten my vehicle back to me quickly. Wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Was recommended this shop by several friends who also live in the Montrose area and have been a few times since to fix various problems with our cars (some small and some big). We have been very pleased with the work, turnaround and pricing of everything! read more

Had the gas tank replaced by Downtown Automotive and was a 5 star performance on their part. On time delivery, price, friendly. Service was professional, quick and reasonably priced. I would absolutely recommend them and will keep them in mind for future car repairs/services needed. read more

UNTRUSTWORTHY MECHANIC. I had my vehicle towed to Downtown Automotive after my car died. I called and informed the mechanic that the lights on the dashboard indicated it was due to a failed alternator, but that the battery may need to be replaced as well. I asked that they examine and test both the alternator and the battery, to which they agreed. They informed me it was just a dead battery, replaced it, and told me my car was good to go. The day after I drove my car home it died AGAIN within only 5 minutes of driving. I suspect the alternator was faulty and that they didn't actually test it like I asked and paid them to do. This could have caused a major accident. I recommend that you do not come here and instead find a reputable, honest mechanic who will correctly diagnosis your cars problem. read more

Stay away from this shop!! I took my vehicle in over a year ago to have my car fixed for a check engine light. I paid for the service and within a year my check engine was back on for the same issue. I took it back since parts and labor were still covered under warranty. They again attempted to fix the problem but again the same issue. Now I can't get them to take my car and fix the problem. It's one excuse after another. Please be aware of this business. They will take your money then do a half ass job. I would leave Zero stars if I could. read more

:Customer service and attention to detail :Fast service. : clean facility. read more

I would give these guys five stars - save for one big issue - security 2012 Chevy Express 1500 1/2 ton work van. My issues (oil leak, rack & pinion leak) were first diagnosed by a tire and brake place, but I didn't feel confident they had the expertise in this type repairs. I've become disenamored with my mechanic of 30 years, so asked neighbors for recs, and landed at Downtown Nice that it's a short walk from my home Pat Moran is the perfect front-end guy He's a real people person and seems to know auto issues inside and out so he can talk to you intelligently about what's needed for your vehicle. He kept me advised of needed repairs, time required, etc. I called a week or two prior and also stopped in the week prior to discuss what the other shop said I needed. After talking to Pat I felt pretty confident that Downtown had experience with my issues and could do the repairs. So I made an appt. Pat made sure that I could get my van in on the next Monday even though they had lots of other people needing work done That was appreciated. It was also nice that I got to meet the owner a couple times. I also like the on-line maintenance record service, CarFax, which they signed me up for free. That's way more sophisticated than any other mechanic shop I've dealt with in the past. I was unable to sign myself up for it, but two weeks later I got an email and all I had to do was click, and I was on it. Looking forward to using it in the future. Also have never had a repair shop ask for feedback / review, like these guys did. Again, a higher degree of professionalism and technology from this place My repair visit happened to coincide with the Jan 2024 freeze and, unfortunately, that meant some mechanics were not able to get to work - which is understandable. Also my van needed some unforeseen treatments, plus they said the mechanic wanted to test it out the next day to be sure it was OK - all of which I appreciate and all of which Pat relayed to me. I definitely want the vehicle safe and not leaking before it comes home. There also was a delay in getting the alignment done, which was explained to me The downside of all this is that it took four days and I lost a whole week of work, plus had to reschedule jobs, which is a hassle for clients and bad PR for me. But all of that is pretty much understandable, considering the weather - and Houston's reaction to it Two weeks later the leaks appear to be gone, steering is fine and all appears to be working well. I hope that Downtown Automotive will be my car repair home in the future I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet and thank the mechanic who worked on my van HOWEVER, one thing, and it's a HUGE thing with me - I am very very EXTREMELY (screaming and jumping up and down here!!) unhappy that my vehicle was left unlocked When I left it with Pat on Monday, one of the first, and also last, things I emphasized, was that it WAS TO BE KEPT LOCKED at ALL TIMES (unless inside the shop, of course). He told me about the security cameras (cameras may record thieves, or talk to them, but they don't stop thieves), a fenced parking lot for overnight (which I did not see and don't believe they have one), and assured me that the employees would lock it when they got out of it. Yet when I went to pick it up, BOTH doors were UNLOCKED "We just parked it there mere minutes ago" is not good enough What if I had not arrived for 30 more minutes? And I have no confidence that the vehicle was locked during the three nights it sat on their (unfenced) lot. Look - it boggles my mind that repair shops and mechanics a,) don't respect the client's request to secure the vehicle And b,) that they don't grasp that, next to my home, that's the most expensive possession I own c,) It's a work truck Everything I need to earn a living is in the back of that van d,) This is central / downtown Houston We hear all the time about catalytic converters stolen, windows smashed, tires and wheels stolen, vehicles hot-wired and stolen ... This is NOT a safe area And to leave a vehicle unlocked just makes it all the more easy for the thieves When all it takes to help prevent this is for the mechanic or tech to JUST PUSH DOWN ONE FRIGGIN' BUTTON!! Sorry for the rant - but it's a BIG DEAL to me And so EASY for them to just LOCK IT OK a second thing, I realize that the guys needed to find the tire lug nut key But please understand that we drivers consider our vehicles our personal space and opening the door to find everything in the cab rifled through was upsetting In addition - again security - the black sheets I keep over things were removed leaving a storage box and $180 worth of work materials, plus personal belongings, in clear sight I assume it was left on the (unfenced) lot overnight like this A phone call to me before they started digging would have prevented this Also I'm missing a red lap towel - but perhaps the guy thought it was one of their red shop towels read more

Never again. My car didnt make it home from this place. I called many times to be told someone would call me back. No one ever called. Avoid this place read more

Incompetent dishonest and rude. They did hundreds of dollars of work that didn't fix the problem I brought it in for, then charged me again the second time to actually fix it. It's like they didn't even check to see if they fixed the problem, they just decided that my car needed all of these unrelated things. If they had even started the car for a second they would have seen that the problem was obviously not fixed. So the racket they have going on there is to misdiagnose your car, charge you for that, then they can just charge you again when you come back to actually get them to do the work they should have done the first time. As other reviewers have said the owner Mark is very rude, pretty much straight up mean. He will try to intimidate you and bully you if you're not happy with the work or question the price. If they don't fix your car right you're S.O.L. If they mess up, they won't make any effort to make it right. I guess they don't realize that anyone can tell the truth about them in reviews. Don't go here. Just look at the owner's reply to the negative reviews down below. He bad mouths the customers who are unhappy with the work, no apologies, no accountability. Don't go here if you want to be treated with respect. Mark is probably the meanest unhappiest person I've ever come across professionally. I'm honestly a little concerned about retaliation for this review, but I feel like I need to warn people about this place. read more

I had grown to trust their work over the past couple years but they are not trustworthy anymore. The other reviews are right and Downtown Auto has gone downhill. Had a cooling issue they fixed for $500+ a couple months ago after my car overheated. I asked them to please investigate the root cause and fix it which they said they did. A little more than a month later my car overheated again and left me on the freeway at rush hour a day before I had to leave for a major business trip. They had not fixed the cooling system issue and it was another $600 to fix what they said was an unrelated cooling issue. When I picked up my car it had chili dog remains, smelled moist, and the leather on the driver door was completely detached. A day later another engine service light came on so I had to bring it back in. It was 8am, their supposed opening time, and only one person was there. Myself and another customer were stuck waiting for someone else to show up so the punctual person could drop us off. I was late to work that day as a result and they supposedly found nothing from the engine service message. When I later brought in the car so they could address the leather they had messed up, I brought up that the engine service message was still coming up. Gilbert claimed it was some sort of glitch that just happens sometimes when its hot or its just being weird. Then when he was supposedly trying to fix the leather his technician had messed up (after apologizing for the chili dog remains which was the least he could do), he had my car for 3 days while I was on another business trip. In three days, all he had for me was a story about how the two glues he tried didnt work and a solution could be for me to buy half a door panel that costs $160. Though Gilbert offered to cover the labor for the mistake of ruining the leather on my driver side, it was incredibly obvious at this point that Downtown Automotive was no longer trustworthy. I regret not getting a second opinion before entrusting them with my vehicle then ending up stranded on the freeway and with another engine service light after spending $1100. Always get a second opinion. Downtown Automotive can no longer be trusted. read more

I am $2000 down, for lots of work I'm not sure was even done, and the new battery they put in my vehicle is an old rusted OPS that I'm sure they pulled out of someone else's car! When I called the manufacturer of the battery they had no record of selling the battery to the auto shop.... I DON'T recommend coming here. I now goto Firestone on Kirby. Reliable, affordable, and Ske the girl at the front desk is GREAT! Customer service is best in the business. No pressure, all the facts, understandable explanations. read more

Now I'm normally not one to write any reviews but I feel like this one is necessary. My car would not start yesterday, and I was stuck at the Autozone 3 blocks away (I stopped there for them to do a diagnostic test to tell me it was my starter). I called to see if Downtown Automotive could help me since 1)I didn't have any way of getting my car there 2) I'm going to be honest, I'm not one to know anything about cars AT ALL. Mark answered the phone and told me that they can bring my car to the shop and not take a look at it. They also had Gilbert take me to work. They've kept me inform throughout the whole day on updates. Turned out it was my radiator and they were able to fix it for a very reasonable price. My experience overall was great! These guys truly care! I've taken my car to a mechanic before and they told me that my car is done for (I have a 2007 Toyota Camry) and felt as though I was getting scammed. At Downtown Automotive, that is definitely not the case! Best part of all they have a cute little "mascot" named Markie, he's an adorable Yorkie! Thanks guys for making a girl who doesn't have a clue about cars feel not so stressed about this situation and I defiantly will be coming back again!! read more

Downtown Automotive - Markie, their cute little "mascot!" - Auto Repair Near Me - Houston, Texas

I have not had a good experience with this place; this morning was the icing on the cake. I had my headlight replaced by them Oct 2022, and a month later the headlight is out again. This morning I told Pat that it was 3 months later, but I remembered when I went back to check on the problem, he turned me away bc they were not in business that day because they were frying turkeys outside for the upcoming holiday. I was told to come back that Tuesday bc Mondays are usually busy. I told Pat that I travel for work and I would try to get back to him on Tuesday but could someone please take a look at my light, he said no. I went back there a couple of weeks later PAT told me "Oh we're jam-packed and busy until the new year" and couldn't get me in. This morning I went there not looking for anything to be warranted but just to get my light fixed bc I need an inspection, he proceeds with well you know this isn't under warranty bc these bulbs are too expensive. Pat, I didn't ask about the warranty I want the work that these men are providing to be quality, not me paying $350+ for a damn bulb and a month later it goes out then telling me it may be due to water, completely BS I've had my car since 2015 and all the rain I have been through its never caused a problem. I still proceeded to have them check out my light, it wasn't until there was this black woman came into the shop that Pat was immediately frightened and I don't know why, mind you I'm black as well. He proceeds to tell the man in the office "Did you see that"? the man in the office says yes, and the woman comes up and signs her paper with no confrontation or anything, he's even super friendly like "How are ya today", she responding appropriately and she takes her receipt, and leaves. Pat then goes back to the office and tells the man "Oh boy that scared me"!! what were afraid of Pat? I really want to know! After that, I told him please I'll take my car somewhere else and maybe I'll get a warranty, but it wasn't about that it was about you being too scared to service black people and a woman in particular. I get so upset when I Listen to the recording and I'll post it here if I can. Downtown Automotive is racist and doesn't provide quality work, if I did a job for someone and a month later they came back with the same problem I would fix it free of charge period. I am not going to pay you a second time for shitty work. ZERO STARS read more

I really want to say something positive about this place because it's a neighborhood spot, but I can't. They detailed my car with nail polish, they put on "new" brakes that squeaked from day one, they use non- manufacturer parts. Aka cheap parts, that they can charge more for. DO NOT GO HERE!!! There's plenty of good auto shops in an around montrose, this is not one. As a disclaimer, we have an audi, but they don't know how to service any type of German car. Go to a German car specialist. read more

Had an issue with my 2013 Toyota Corolla starting up, but the battery, alternator, and and start up was fine. I took it to downtown automotive and they said they'd help me out! They did and I believe it was a reasonable price. A few of their reviews are not good, but my experience was 5 star worthy. They took me in quickly and even educated me on the problem my car had. Would for sure recommend! Thanks. read more

I highly recommend Downtown Automotive. I was having issues with my A.C. The manager at the express service station I regularly go to gave me the recommendation. I have a 2006 Ford Focus, so aside from the A.C. there was a lot of rattling and vibration I needed checked out. I left it with the guys at Downtown Automotive on a Tuesday morning and everything was done by Thursday morning. Pat, who is a Service Advisor, was a pleasure to work with. He was friendly, upfront and very communicative. He called me with regular updates and estimates. I knew the AC was going to be a big expense. The side and rear motor mounts had to be replaced as well. I feel the price for the amount of repairs needed was very reasonable. Now my old car is arctic cold and runs like new! I am very happy with the service I received and will definitely bring my car back next time it needs repairs. read more

Pat was so friendly and most importantly they fixed my problem. They are honest and I will most definitely be a repeat customer! Thanks! read more

I brought my car in to have a headlight replaced yesterday. They were so kind and even offered me a ride to work to save on an Uber. Service was professional, quick and reasonably priced. I would absolutely recommend them and will keep them in mind for future car repairs/services needed. read more

My first experience with this shop was a simple job, and I was very satisfied. My most recent experience was awful. Almost 2 years ago I took in my 2001 Audi TT because I had a problem with the battery draining. Mark was confident he could fix it, we agreed on a reasonable price, and he said he would call in a day or two. When it wasn't fixed in a month, I finally decided to buy a new car. At that point, I talked to Mark and agreed that he could work on it when he had the time. Judging by the huge number of cars parked all around his shop, I think he has made this deal with a lot of people. I don't really blame him for keeping the car so long, because I could have picked it up any time. When I did go to pick it up at a time we had agreed on, it was still parked behind other cars, and he said he would air up the tires, charge the battery, and drive it to my house while I was at work. Instead, he towed it to my house, the front tire was ruined, the battery was sitting in the passenger seat, and the spare tire was gone. The wheel trim that covers the lug nuts was inside the car, and spare tire compartment in the trunk was open, and tools scattered about, so I know they took the spare tire out. I called and talked to Gilbert who said they don't know anything about the spare, and Mark has not called me back after I left two messages. I met with my lawyer, who suggested I try to resolve things through the Better Business Bureau before considering legal action, but it appears they are not members of the Better Business Bureau. read more

Waited twenty minutes to get helped and no one came. Not a single place to park your car for them to even service had to park down the street behind some abandoned car that was broken into and left to suffer in the burning sun. If you have a major job maybe this is the place to go. For simple fixes and quick service, take your car somewhere else. It's two stars because it's not like I actually got service that was miserable ,I just never got any service period. read more

Downtown Automotive helped me out so much with my car repairs! They were very courteous and professional and 100% very happy with their service. Special thanks to Pat for saving my car and giving me a great deal! read more

I recently had some seriously unfortunate car woes that would involve a very expensive repair. Without going into too much detail, it's the type of repair that makes most people decide to purchase a new vehicle. I had just paid off my car last year and had planned on not having car payments for a couple more years so I brought it in to Mark for an estimate. He had been my mechanic for about a year at the time, due to a recommendation from a friend with the same make and model car as mine. I knew the cost of the repair would be high, but I still had some serious sticker shock when Mark gave me the final estimate at the end of the day. Mark has a reputation for being fair and honest (the main selling points when my friend recommended him to me) but I told him I'd have to go around and get estimates elsewhere. "No problem, I do understand" he said as he handed me his diagnostic printout just in case I wanted to share that with other mechanics as I shopped around. I ended up getting quotes from shops all over the greater Houston area and even as far as Baytown and found them all to be the same price but mostly higher than what Mark at Downtown Auto quoted me. So of course I went back to Downtown Auto and had them do the repair. They ended up doing it in fewer days than I was told and Mark extended the warranty on the work by 6 more months. And if that doesn't sell you on it, just know you can always expect a cute little brown Yorkie to greet you at the service desk when you come in. read more

I've been going to Downtown Automotive for several years now. From basic oil changes, to yearly inspections and even the rare body repair, this place provides excellent work in a timely manner and amazing customer service. Mark and Gilberto run a tight ship! The relationships they have with parts vendors and rental companies is also beneficial to the clients getting back on the road sooner than later. Looking forward to continuing to use Downtown Automotive and referring friends and family to them! read more

I needed a new radiator fan and went here. A radiator fan at Walmart cost $70. They charged me $200 for the fan $237 for labor $7 for supplies. All in all it was $464.89. Now when I called them and asked if I could pick up my car on Sunday they started laughing at me super loud and rudely over the phone. They wouldn't let me finish my sentence and were very rude. I went to go pickup my car and found it on the side of the Freaking road! They don't even store your car overnight! They find a random street and dump it on the side! My car could have easily been broken into! Whatever you do don't use this place! They scam you horribly and don't care about you or your car and leave your car at risk! Please be careful! Update: I got home and my engine was smoking! I popped the hood and took a look and there was absolutely 0 coolant in it which is how I brought it in! read more

The fuse blew out where I charge my phone inside my car and I came by after work. Gilbert was very friendly, fast and helped me out in under 15 mins! Def recommend their service here! read more

My break light replacement was handled quickly and efficiency. In addition, they found another light that I wasn't aware of and replaced it too. read more

Angels from Heaven! These guys are a godsend! I went to one place yesterday that quoted me $1200 and I'd have to leave my car for days! Took into these guys, they fixed in less than an hour for like 100 bucks! Honest, quick, kind people! read more

Love these guys. My poor malibu's breaks just completely went out on me, and I took it to Downtown Auto terrified. Every step of the way they were a pleasure to deal with - no BS, everything outlined, reasonable and accurate estimate. They called when they said they would call, and things were ready when they said they were ready. EVEN when they were super slammed. A day after I picked it up I got a call following up, saying they might have overlooked some service I asked for and wanted to make sure I was taken care of. they seem to have as much passion for customers as they do for cars! I'd recommend them to anybody in a heartbeat. read more

Just moved to Texas, and needed a place to have my cars inspected to get Texas plates! Everyone was really helpful over the phone and while I waited to get 2 cars inspected! I definitely recommend this place! read more

The ambiance feels small town with the genuine southern hospitality even though it's splat dab in the middle of Houston. I was greeted at my car and escorted to the office. Came in for an oil change and it was done in a jiffy! The people there are very sweet, personable and genuine. They don't try to nickel and dime you. They just get the job done. Couldn't ask for a better place! read more

These guys have worked on both my Lexus and my wife's VW. Everything from oil changes to door locks, and a PITA air conditioning problem that the dealer wanted several grand to do and they beat the price. They give you choices and are very good at keeping to time estimates. Been a customer for almost 3 years now, zero complaints. read more

These guys are GREAT! I have gotten excellent service on everything from brakes to new calipers to strut transmission. read more

Downtown Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Houston, Texas

My Brake calipers were busted and I needed a Brake Job badly. Mark, took my car in on a day where he was totally full of orders and my service itself was no short order. The technician George Vara worked on my car and when I got it back it felt like it was legit purring. These guys are humble and convey the best option before going through the work. The same job that would've cost me $900 at brand place was done in literally half the price. Before going I had looked at the youtube videos and so when I went to the place and they showed me what was wrong I could tell they were not stretching anything. They did as I asked, gave me suggestions for what was to come next and you can bet I'll be going there for the next job, oil changes and anything else related to internal works of a car. P.S. They even fixed something which was bugging me for the longest time, without me even asking for it (so you know they take care of their customers. I saw people come in and have the most smoothest experience while I was waiting. Thanks guys. read more