I've used Hobson's for years to service my cars but noticed declining service quality and rising prices since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite that I decided to take my 2009 Toyota Matrix for an oil change, tire rotation, and AC recharge. I agreed to an AC diagnostic fee of $139.95, with no issues found, and an AC recharge fee of $145.00. Three days later I took the car for a ride to check the AC function. After an hour, the AC started blowing warm air again. On top of that, a hubcap fell off because the person who did the tire rotation did not reinstall them properly. I took the car back to Hobson's to find out what was wrong since he had just diagnosed the Air Conditioner during my first visit. Mr. Hobson said the AC compressor was faulty and needed replacement. I'm not sure why the diagnostics did not find this issue, but I had him replace it. After the compressor was replaced I left the facility only to find the horn was not working so I immediately returned to Hobson's to get that fixed. This raised major concerns about workmanship. Finally, a short week later, the vehicle overheated on a dangerously busy bridge due to a failed compressor pulley and broken fan belt. When this happened, I did not have the car towed back to Hobson's for him to fix it due to a lack of trust and the poor workmanship Mr. Hobson and his staff performed during two prior visits. I decided to take the car to a different mechanic who was highly recommended. This mechanic found the issue with the new compressor was due to two bolts on the compressor head coming loose and wedging into the fan belt pulley causing the pulley to stop turning and belt breakage, which lead to overheating and coil pack damage. This was because Hobson's replaced my compressor with a cheap Chinese part for which he charged $720.00. Similar compressors are available for under $175.00 on Amazon: AC Compressor Fit for Corolla 2009-2010 1.8L L4, Matrix 2009-2010, Matrix 2012-2012, xD 2008-2014, A/C Air Conditioning Compressors with Clutch Replace for 8831002370, 8831002450. A conversation with Mr. Hobson after the incident ended without compromise or a refund offer, as Mr. Hobson insisted that I should have given him a third chance to fix the AC correctly. More importantly, he ignored the poor service I received despite the pledge in his ad to, "only do necessary work, we never overcharge, and we guarantee the job will be done right." I did take the defective part back to Hobson's hoping Mr. Hobson would refund me the money I paid for the part. He did not. What he did was get me a new compressor that is now my responsibility to sell somewhere to try and recoup part of my loss. If it were me, I would have refunded the client the cost of the bad part, in my case, $720.00. You can use Hobson's for your car repairs if you choose. Please understand the service has gone downhill and the prices are going up. In addition, Mr. Hobson does not honor his pledge to guarantee the job will be done right. read more

Hobson's Auto Repair - Hobson's Local Ad with His Pledge - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Seminole, Florida

A local family business. I've had an oil change and my air conditioning repaired. The prices were competitive and the work was great.

Had to have my truck towed which is a 2005 Ford Ranger on May 16. They checked it and it was the battery. They had it ready to go and pick up before they close. So I have my truck for the weekend , which I needed to use to go to work at 4 o'clock in the morning. Monday morning at 4:15 on my way to work it died again. Tow truck driver came and got it. Hobson's ,Got it in right away. It was the alternator once it got hot It quit working. Was replaced and done by 1 o'clock. Everyone in there has wonderful Customer Service and care about their customers. read more

It's a nice feeling to know you have an honest, competent, and reliable, auto mechanic nearby. For months, my truck had an ongoing problem in which one belt would make noise and squeal like an banshee upon startup. Previously, I had taken my truck to two other, supposedly highly recommended auto repair places. After a $100+ "repair" at each, my belt started making the same noise just a few days later! A total waste of money for both visits... Hobson's FINALLY fixed my noisy truck belt, so I can start it up in the early AM without pissing off my neighbors. So while two mechanics failed... HOBSON'S is the CHAMP! read more

Yes this place is the BEST ! They actually listened to our needs and gave us an HONEST repair. I would tell anyone to use them for a HONEST and fair price repair. read more

I had critters that moved into my car eat some wires had engine, ABsS and brake lites on put in gear was buckled bad towed there fixed in a day read more

I could not recommend this place more. Steph and her team worked quick to get my car back up to speed. Everyone was so sweet and they explained everything to me perfectly. Truly made me feel like family!! I will absolutely be choosing them for my next repair read more

The whole office has a family feel. It's not easy finding someone you can trust to work on your vehicle and not hustle you. These guys go above and beyond and I'm loyal to the core. I drive from Clearwater to Seminole for anything I need done. Can't recommend enough. read more

Thank you for such great service! After dropping off my car, I received a text with very detailed assessment of the problems with my car (pictures included). They then spoke with me on the phone about what absolutely needed done, which things could be put off, and whether things were even worth fixing. I really appreciate how honest they were with their assessment and they never pressured me to pay for something I wasn't comfortable with. Even when things were over my budget, they were kind and nonjudgemental. I would highly recommend them for any car issues. read more

Came in for wheel alignment. I was late for my early morning appointment time and so thankful they kindly they squeezed me in their schedule. I was prepared for a long wait but my car was taken in and I was done in no time. Courteous staff. Highly recommend. read more

As always they provided great quality and professional auto repair service. Have used their services since they opened and highly recommend them for all your auto repair needs! read more

Wonderful and hard working staff. Very trustworthy and reliable. Definitely the best auto shop around.

Second time using Hobson's. I usually do most of my own work, but after a squirrel wrecked some wires under the hood I knew I needed a professional repair. I'm not about to try to re-pin a 15 year old plastic connector. They got me in early and out around lunch. Very thorough inspection and high quality repair, at a very reasonable cost. No overselling, and no condescending attitude (like at a certain transmission shop). The staff are always super friendly. They listen, they explain, and they answer your questions very clearly. Super happy to have such a reputable, trustworthy shop just a half mile from my home. No more feeding the squirrels! read more

I take my older car here for periodic inspections as I prefer to drive or take the train long distances rather than flying. They are thorough, quick, and incredibly polite and professional. If I have to have an ICE car I'll take it to these guys every time. read more

They answer the phone! That's a star by itself, but they follow it up with an appointment for you to then have great auto work done! Great experience. read more

Just had my truck serviced and love the job Hobson's complete staff did a great job at a great price.I will only go to Hobson's for I trust no one else.Thank you read more

Went here to have my Jeep serviced multiple times. They are always busy and getting people in and out as fast a possible. I have always had pleasent experiences with the son (lead mechanic) and daughter (office manager) however my interactions with the Father (owner) have been horrible. I brought my Jeep in to have Halo LEDs headlights installed. They installed them incorrectly and handed the keys back to me saying "think we did it right. But if they don't work right, bring it back." Of course they didn't work right. The high beams didn't work at all. When I opened the box of lights, they never used the new connectors- they just plugged the new headlights into the old connectors. I brought it back and insisted they install the lights with the new connectors (which requires a little more work to splice wires, etc.). They did it correctly and the headlights worked. Brought the Jeep in the have an upstream O2 sensor replaced. Replaced it. A week later the check engine light comes on again. I couldn't bring my Jeep in as I was getting ready to leave for military training for awhile. I get back from training, have the engine light read at an automotive store and it's another O2 sensor. Being that the shop didn't fix the problem, I had it checked out somewhere else. Find out the O2 sensor plug was not secured into the port, had multiple kinks in the wiring (which effects the efficiency) which led multiple wires of the connector to melt due to them sitting next to the manifold. I had the Jeep fixed at the other mechanic. Called and explained the situation to the son, Chris. He handed me off to the Dad (Jim, I think). He was SO rude. He didn't let me explain anything, reprimanded me for bringing it to another mechanic and told me he doesn't pay other people to do his work. If he would have done the work accurately then I wouldn't have had the second problem. He kept interrupting me and told me I should've brought the vehicle in sooner. When I explained I was away for the military, he said "that's not my problem. I'm not debating you on this." And hung up on me. Completely unprofessional, vulgar, and rude. Just remember, my Service allows you to berate your customers like that, so you're welcome. Lastly, I'll eat the $200- after all your taxes pay my salary read more

Worked on my car rt away Honest Fair price always I will go back again if I need repair Cause can be trusted read more

Completely happy with this service shop. My last shop up and closed. So happy we called and scheduled appointment. They are friendly, and thorough. We didn't feel rushed. Fair price. Very knowledgeable. Took time to explain things and come up with a plan on what to do. No quick decision making, oh well it's this or that. NO, they took time to figure out why this or that was acting up. Thank You, we'll be bringing our vehicles back to you. read more

Highly recommend Hobson's if you are looking for an honest and fair mechanic. I took my Jeep up after getting the run around from another area shop. Hobson's did exactly what I was hoping for. The quote was significantly lower then the previous shop as well! Stephanie was very knowledgeable and communicated greatly on what was going on. I'm very glad I found this shop and will be returning for all of my vehicles needs. Thanks Hobson's! read more

Everyone I talked to and worked with was extremely kind and concerned about my safety and car maintenance. Great pricing, and great communication. Only place I will take my car now read more

We have been bringing our vehicles Mr. Hobson's shop for a few years now - after using Upsell kingdom for our maintenance needs. We could not be more pleased that we gave Hobson's a go. They are great and more importantly, they are honest. No upsells or unnecessary work recommend here, thank you. Moreover, Mr. Hobson and his daughter Stephanie and staff are very friendly and attentive and engaging. The people, as well as the work, are quality. We highly recommend Hobsons for your vehicle care needs, repairs and services. We give them Five Stars. read more

Assisted me in a cadillac fault error. Honest people will try to save ya money unlike most places

One big problem, I'm stuck with a $500 deductible on my insurance to repair $3400. damage to my vehicle which was sideswiped while in your possession and on your lot for a brake job. Also, I'll be without my vehicle for 2 weeks for repairs. I paid $900 for front brakes and my vehicle was damaged on Hobson's property while in your possession. Shouldn't you or your insurance company reimburse my loss? When you called to tell me my vehicle had been damaged, how badly you felt about the damage and to contact my insurance you said they could "battle it out" with your insurance. However, you then told my insurance you weren't responsible and were uncooperative; not what you represented to me at all, what changed? read more

I have now used this shop twice and they were very honest and reasonable. To me, honesty is the most important, the quality of service is second, and finally, price. They have definitely won my business and I will be going back the next time I need service. read more

I've been coming to Hobson Auto solely for 6 years since moving to Florida in August of 2016. I loved this garage, everything about it and everything it stood for, an honest family owned business with integrity and its roots in the Christian community. I brought my car in April of this year for a routine oil change and minor maintenance and I have spent the next 7 straight months, some months multiple times, in this garage, for what I'm still not even sure, my car actually runs like a champ. I've spent the duration of these months working and speaking exclusively with a young gentleman named Jason. Very long story short and approximately $1,800 later with no resolve to what should be minor routine maintenance I email Mr. Jim Hobson explaining that at this juncture I feel like I've been marked by his techs as an easy rip off target because I keep getting work they suggest done but nothing seems to be fixed to any certainty. I'm assured they will get to the bottom it and I again return with my car, I'm asked if I can let it stay overnight for a cold start in the morning and I oblige. The following day I receive a voicemail and a Hobson's Courtesy Vehicle Inspection via text from Jason with an estimate of nearly $2000 in repairs, none of which even addressed the issue I had brought the car back in there for to begin with which was the high pitch screeching that continued coming from under the hood. Instead, among multiple issues that one would think could not possibly have been overlooked by this garage for the 7 straight months my car has been in there, Jason stated I need a new starter/starter kit and asked if the car was hesitating when I started it? No, it hasn't. I even had audio recordings from that very week of me starting the car morning, noon, and night with no hesitation for the him to hear the screeching coming from under the hood. Guess who's car hesitate when starting now, that's when it bothers to start at all. Disappointed is an understatement. read more

Hobson's is a great place to get your vehicle taken care of. They give your vehicle a free checkup and take pictures of issues you may have. They will let you know if there is something to keep an eye on and will not prematurely cause you to get a service that is not necessary. Recently, I rolled my automatic window down and it did not roll back up. The next day (a Friday) at 8 am I called to see if I could drop it off to have them look at it and of course they were slammed with big jobs that day. They said bring it by and we will try to look at in between jobs. We live in FL and with the summer rain storms, you can't have your window not able to work. In less than an hour, they had called with the issue and already found a location they could purchase it from. They waited for me to see if my warranty would cover it. Of course it didn't and the part was an expensive piece (not their fault) but the labor was reasonable and they got it done for me that day. Next day, torrential downpours and first hurricane on her way. I'm glad there is an auto repair place like Hobsons to take care of all my vehicles. :) 5 stars well deserved! read more

Best repair shop around! Wouldn't take my vehicle anywhere else. Honest and reliable.

We were in Florida on vacation when we had a strange wheel noise coming from our front passenger side tire. We had our transmission overhauled just the week before in Ohio and was worried that it was another big problem. Took it to Hobson's and Chris got the car right in to take a look at it. They found that it was a bolt that was loose (probably from the transmission job in Ohio) and tightened up for us. They also found an air conditioning line loose and put back in place. Then they checked all the tires to make sure the other bolts were tight. We were in and out in 15 minutes and they didn't charge us a thing. I think it's hard to find such honesty and integrity in a auto repair shop. If I lived in the area, this is the only place I would take my cars. Can't give them enough stars! read more

Since I haven't lived in the area long, I wasn't sure where to take my car to get looked when it was squealing. They were up front with me the whole time they had my car - what the issue was, how they were going to fix it and what the cost was. Nothing done without my consent! My car has been running perfectly since! I didn't feel over charged or pressured into anything! I will definitely come back for all car needs! read more

Service is amazing here! Everyone is so nice! They are upfront and honest! They work with you and want the best for their customers.

Hobson's has been taking care of my family's cars for years. They are so trustworthy and affordable!

I came to Hobson's for front and rear brake service. I dropped my car off the night before and the parts were ordered and installed in one day. I picked it up that afternoon. My brakes feel great! Tires Plus wanted to charge me $210 more for the exact same service. I would definitely come back to Hobson's for any future service. read more

My AC/Heat wasn't working. It blew air but not hot or cold. Jim Hobson's Auto repair was suggested to me by a coworker. So glad I went. He diagnosed the issue & the problem was fixed for a great price, I'm surprised they didn't charge me more- no kidding! The service and people there are very welcoming. They won't add on or try to sell you any extras, just the facts. It's so nice to have found a dependable auto repair shop (especially being a gal). I'll be coming back for my brakes/rotors & suggesting them to friends and family for sure. You will feel good about spending your money here. read more

I am very impressed and satisfied with Hobson's repairing my Highlander, Toyota dealer will never ever see me there again.

I highly recommend Hobson's. The owner and everyone who works there are very courteous and exceptionally honest. I was referred to Hobson's by a friend who told me about the integrity with which the business is run and she was 100% correct. Although the shop is located only about 4 miles from my home, if I ever moved to, say, Tampa, I would still take my car to Hobson's. No exaggeration. read more

Another one of those crazy businesses where they tell you what they are going to do and then they do it. A new concept perhaps? Maybe, but I like it. No delays, excuses, up charges....in fact they discovered that I did not need an extended welding process and it cost less. Nice people as well. What more can anyone ask for? read more

We had an emissions issue with our car that several area mechanics had replaced parts for but had never permanently fixed. Hobson's was able to isolate and fix this issue. I would not use ANY other mechanic in the Clearwater area except for Hobson's. read more

This place is sent from heaven! For months I have been searching for a good mechanic and I have finally found one after being ripped off hundreds and hundreds of dollars. The last shop I went to would overcharge me without fixing the issue! These place is honest and quick ! I would recommend this place to any family and friend! read more

Great company to deal with, fast and efficient. Jim keeps his eye on everything and makes sure things are done right. I will be back when I need more work done on my cars. read more