I thought of giving 1 star but thought maybe business is poor due to COVID and this is the reason for the over charge. Emmanuel over charged my niece and nephew to install a starter and the price of the starter plus included a diagnostic fee of $50. He also charged them $60 to put on a 5 inch hose. Top concern is that he tried to convince them they were happy because it was fixed regardless of the charge. I intervened informing them I felt they were over charged. He attempted to make my niece husband feel inferior by saying that I was running things and not him as the man! At this time I would not recommend his shop perhaps he is survival mode or he saw an opportunity to take advantage. I'm not sure but I hope it is not the latter. read more

Downtown Radiator Shop - Shop on Fairview - Auto Repair Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

My truck was broken down with a badly cracked radiator and home was 250mi North. I called every Chevy dealer, auto part store, salvage yard, even got the wrong radiator from NAPA (don't know how). But these guys took my radiator to attempt a repair and called me the next day saying they actually found a brand new radiator! The price was spot on too! They could have got me for double considering my situation but they were good people and kept it honest, did me a real solid! I can't thank you guys enough! Highly recommend this business! -Semper Fi read more

I was pleasantly surprised at the level of quality of the service I got here, and they ended charging me less than I was quoted. Downtown radiator will be my go to place for anything automotive from now on. read more

Severely neglected senior dog on their premise that they have mistreated, left under, and living in his own feces and urine. It is clear to me ethics, humanity, and honesty are not common place here. No doubt it can be seen through the "work" done here. read more

When strolling through the neighborhood I spotted a dog in the yard attached to this business. A closer look revealed that the dog had been severely neglected and underfed. All of its ribs were showing and it is living outside in filth. No telling how long it had been since he had been given any kind of attention. I firmly believe that the way people take care of animals reveals much about their character and is indicative of how they handle other affairs. If this is how they treat an animal that will love them unconditionally, how do you think they treat their customers? read more

My first time coming here and I was a bit hesitant. Being a single woman and going to a mechanic, we have to be careful so we dont get taken advantage of. With that being said, I found this gem due to the great online reviews it had. Located in the Montrose neighborhood, it is an easy find. I came here because I thought my radiator was giving me problems. The gentlemen here looked over and found it wasn't my radiator, thank God, but my thermostat that needed replacement. The cost was very reasonable and I didn't feel that I was being upcharged for the service. Manuel also gave me some advice about other car repairs I need too. In the end, my car is fixed and my pocketbook is happy. I will be returning and recommending my friends here too. Bianca read more

"Good people build good bridges." I don't know where I've heard this line, but when you get good service and product like I get from these guys, it makes me think so. I came in for my second oil change at this place. Although, it does take at least an hour, the shops next door, and a nice park down the street helps for the time. I usually catch some lunch next door, at Boheme. I come to Downtown Radiator for assurance. I know when I pull my car up to Mr. Garcia's garage; my vehicle is going to get the attention and care it deserves. Once again, I leave satisfied with my visit here. I've recommended a handful of people already, and will continue to. read more

Got some work down at Downtown Radiator before which was satisfactory for the price. So, when I got into a wreck, I had them do the body work. Manuel buys used parts so it was a lucky break that they could secure another door from a junk yard. The insurance company sent them the check for the work. After they put the car door on, he started to delay completion of the job (can't find a welder, doesn't have the paint needed, doesn't have time) or when dropping my car off, Manuel would keep the car for 4 hours and do 45 minutes' worth of work on it. Though, each time I would bring it in, he would ask for administrative services (I was an administrative assistant) from me as a favor (helping with a permit with another one of their buildings, helping him with a Zoom call with his parole officer). The last time I brought my car to him, he, again, kept the car for 4.5 hours and upon picking it up, saw that nothing was done to it except some primer was applied. He had also asked for some research to be done with a personal project. At that point, I felt uncomfortable bringing it to him again and asked for the remainder of the money so I could take it to a shop I felt would complete the job. He refused and said that he saved my car from getting totaled. As if that was a good reason to delay completion. My car has about $1000 worth of work to be done yet and Manuel has kept the money. So, in order to get any resolution, I'd have to sue them. I would not take your car here, since they lack integrity and honesty. read more

Honest. Trustworthy. Hard working. These guys are the exception to the rule in the car repair business. They look out for YOUR best interests. I have brought my car in there five times and three of those times they advised me against expensive repairs that other shops had recommended. The guys have no problem sending away a potential customer if they feel the work is unnecessary. They will also gladly work with you to find the most cost effective way to keep you on the road, even if that means cutting a few costly corners. They will lean over the hood with you and explain what's going on in plain English (or Spanish) and lay out what they think is best for the health of your vehicle. When they do repair your car, it's done right and it's done quick. They'll schedule a time that works for you and understand it's a pain in the ass to be without a car, so they stick to having it ready when they say it's going to be ready. My repairs were done ahead of schedule both times. The only reason I hesitated to post a review is that I selfishly want this operation to be my little secret. But they deserve the business. Don't let the mess in there detract you. Mechanic shops are supposed to be dirty. These guys know what they're doing. read more

Brought my car here after AutoZone recommended them. VERY up front and honest, sticks by the price and time he quotes you. never left unhappy, my wallet has however haha, but thats how it goes sometimes. knows cars inside and out, we bring our car here for all major/minor repairs read more

Noticed some steam coming from the front of the car while crawling in traffic on I-10 one morning. It's a 26 mile commute to downtown. Looked up radiator repairs and immediately noticed the high marks this shop had. Drove by on a Tuesday evening before they closed. A gentleman came out to meet me, took a moment to evaluate the problem, gave me a fair estimate and told me the car would be ready the following afternoon. Next day, car was delivered on time and the bill came in few cents under the quote. I've driven the car for a month now and even took it out of town, no problems whatsoever. I'm very pleased with the quality of the work that was performed by Mr. Garcia and the folks at his shop. It was worth the drive in from the West side. Highly recommend them. read more

I found a pinhole leak in my water pump. AZ wanted $60 and two days for a new one. Down the street a guy at Downtown Radiator brazed it closed for $10 in ten minutes. Old School ! read more

This little shop is around the corner from my job, talk to Manuel he will get you in and out! Great prices!

Got my windshield replaced next door at Atlas and thought I may as well get my break pads replaced when I saw Downtown Radiator. Service was quick and affordable and Manuel was forthright. One of his hands let me watch how to remove and replace break pads too so that I could eventually do it myself. Highly recommended. read more

Best auto shop in town. Manuel will get your car up and running in no time. Their pricing is great, there is no b.s., and you will end up with a happy car and a happy wallet. It's not fancy, but I'd trade free coffee and a tv for a working vehicle and honest service any day. I highly recommend them. They'll work with you on a lot of things, and overall, they're amazing. I have an old Jeep and have been to many dealerships and auto places----NONE compare to them. I highly recommend them read more

Just had a fast and affordable experience with Downtown Radiator Shop today. My air conditioning went out. I dropped it off and got a call within 3 hours that they tested a part they had in stock and it worked. $120 out the door and I have AC! read more

Don't be fooled by the seeming lack of organization when you walk in the shop....they are experts at radiator repair, and Manuel is not trying to run a surgical suite. He does great work (he's done the radiators on 4 or 5 of my vintage cars over the years) and he's very fairly priced. I wouldn't even consider going somewhere else. steve meltzer read more

The timing belt in my Galant snapped as I passed this shop. They took my car in and gave me a reasonable quote. The following afternoon I picked up my car and the bill has 20% LESS than the quote! When I ask why, Manuel just said my car was easy to work on. Needless to say I have told my friends and at least one of them has used this shop twice. I ended up there again this morning with a destroyed control arm. Drove my car home this evening. Good Work, Good Shop. read more

Manual is a great and honest mechanic. Drove down to Houston and had an issue with my radiator on the way. He checked it out, and offered a cheaper option before doing a more expensive alternative, which ended up working out. I will be going back in the future if I have any more problems. read more

I originally brought my radiator to be worked on. I mentioned a problem with my maxima. After the radiator was fixed I brought the car in and they were able to diagnose and fix the problem for much less than Nissan dealership. It's nice to find a shop that does great work, close to the office, and makes sure all is right. I definitely will bring my cars here and have passed along the info to others. read more

Excellent service and very helpful. I will definitely be going back. Manuel took great care of me. I did not feel like I was getting screwed as I am sure I would have had I gone elsewhere. Thank you again!!! read more

I went to Downtown Radiator Shop for a second opinion after getting a surprising estimate for some repairs. The owner took a look and told me the power steering fluid was low. He told me to go to AutoZone to buy the fluid and an additive and that he would pour them in for me. The noise immediately went away. He didn't charge me anything for his time. I will definitely take my car back if/when I have any issues in the future. Very helpful and saved me from spending a lot of money that day! : ) read more

I'm not big on writing reviews, but I know how tough it is finding a good automotive shop. That's why I'm going out of my way to note that Downtown Radiator will leave you very pleased. The service here was fantastic. I had my brake pads replaced, my car inspected, and oil changed all in one trip. I brought my car in just before closing and the work was finished the next afternoon. The quality of work they did was great and they did it at a very reasonable price. I have had some negative experiences in the past with other shops, but I will definitely be returning to Downtown Radiator. I have already begun recommending it to my friends. read more