On my way to Carolina shores from New York,we broke down in Raleigh. Four speed VW van on a Thursday evening. I thought I burned up the clutch and began calling transmission shops in the area. Not one would look at the car due to various reasons but the most common was they had no one experienced in this type of van. By recommendation from a local VW dealer, found Lonnie. Called him and he correctly diagnosed the problem over the phone. What a find! Lonnie got right on the job and ended up doing additional work on the car as requested by me. These people know VW"s inside and out. Mine is a 1992 with very hard to find parts, Lonnie and his crew did a fabulous job. I am so pleased with their professionalism, attention to detail, courteous approach and the quality of the work that I would even consider driving down from NY to have him service all of my cars. Lonnie, I can not thank you, Jackson and the rest of your crew for making this adventure tolerable and saving my family's vacation. Thank you again! Bob DeThomasis read more

I went in for an oil change and ended up needing a lot of additional work. They were very thorough and detailed in letting me know what repairs were necessary. I felt like prices and options were fair and services were professional. read more

UPDATE: Lonnie's took a look at the car again, and even drove with me to help identify the sound. They meticulously went through different components of the front suspension to try to determine what the issue was. It ended up being a stripped bolt on the front left sway bar link that attached to the subframe. I am impressed with their attention to detail on this, and I appreciate that they really wanted to get it resolved. They also didn't charge me for any of the work, which included a brake flush to fix the brake issue I noticed after the first repair. I highly recommend them, and I think it says a lot about a business when they own a mistake and fix it. Thanks guys! read more

Had my daughter take her RAV4 in for a service and troubleshooting. Great service, delivered on time, and trustworthy.

Our brakes seemed a bit "grabby" coming through the WV mountains post thanksgiving return. I called Lonnie's automotive and they were super busy but we dropped off at opening and the repair (4 new pads and rotors) was done by 3 pm. Communication via txt was prompt with a phone call follow up when I didn't respond. Great customer service too! read more

Lonnie's squeezed me into their schedule and gave me an accurate diagnosis for my Volkswagen Passat. They were prompt to communicate with me and completed the repair within the promised time-frame. The staff are professional, knowledgeable, honest and very respectful. At pick up, they explained the work they performed and answered all my questions - even though it was past their closing time. The shop's pricing is very fair and their invoice clearly outlines the work performed and the repair costs. They also have a 90 day/4000mile warranty - whichever occurs first. They have earned my business going forward. If there were more stars to give, this shop is deserving of every single one! read more

Brian at Lonnie's has taken care of our two older GLKs. Honesty and Work ethics are beyond reproach!!! And priced very fairly. Service with a positive attitude! thank you Brian ;) read more

Lonnies was recommended by my Nextdoor ap. They did not disappoint! Bryan worked hard to diagnose the problem and make changes if needed. He did not give up! Joey was a true southern gentleman and I' ll definitely be back!!!! read more

I have used their services for years. They know what they are doing, work at a good pace, and ask a reasonable price for their work. The perfect trifecta. I recently had to work with another mechanic and it showed me how spoiled for service and basic quality that Lonnie's has made me. read more

I took my car here after it broke down, and they were the only place to correctly diagnose the problem after going to two other garages. Although I opted not to have them repair my car, they allowed me to store my car there overnight and then helped me load the car onto my trailer to take it away. They didn't charge me anything for any of this and were so helpful. Since then, my friend has taken their car there for tire balancing and oil change and also had a good experience! read more

After experiencing the official VW dealership and service department in Durham I knew I needed to find another place for work on my Volkswagen Jetta while I was in school here. Somehow I made it to Lonnie's and they have done nothing but excellent work. Oil change and other costs are reasonable, they are knowledgeable, they're friendly, and quick. Can't ask for much more. read more

Lonnie's was recommended to me by my BMW mechanic, who told me "Lonnie's is the place for VW's". I took my wife's car over, and Lonnie's staff diagnosed the problem, completed the repair, and had the car back to me in a day. Communication was prompt and professional, even when it turned out the one day it was going to snow was the day the car was ready. The price for my repair was very reasonable, and I felt at ease with the staff and customer service crew. A big plus for us was the ability to pick up the car after 5PM, and we had the option to go in at 7.30 am, had we needed it. I will recommend Lonnie's to anyone who needs their service, especially if you've got a VW. read more

I had some major work do on my 1994 ford ranger. I have been well please with work that has been done by Lonnie's Auto. Joel J. read more

Yesterday both of my headlights went out, and when the two new bulbs still didn't work, I was afraid it was an electrical issue. I commute to Durham from a ways away for school and work, and it's usually after dark by the time I head home. I called Lonnie's this morning and despite their busy schedule, they had me swing by to at least see if they could figure out the cause. I got a call less than 2 hours later saying they figured it out and charged me a FRACTION of what I was expecting to pay! Everyone I interacted with was friendly and genuine. I'll definitely recommend Lonnie's to friends near and far for any auto servicing needs! Thank y'all so much. Glad to be able to drive home safely tonight! read more

Great auto center with knowledgeable and friendly staff. I have gone here for oil changes as well as a number of other engine work and have been very satisfied with the service I have received. They are very fast with ordering parts and getting your car back to you quickly. They also cut students a deal of about 10% off which is always appreciated. Highly recommend this place! read more

Two recent repairs gone bad were enough to chase me off. Spent over $2,300 and then had to spend $1,000 at another shop to fix it right. When I approached the service writer about a refund, he wouldn't budge because I was going to get the re-work done elsewhere. read more

I have been taking my cars to Lonnie for over 35 years. He has always done an excellent job and he stands by his work and his prices are always fair. He has moved to several different locations and we have always followed him. I can't think of ever using another mechanic. A nicer guy you will never meet. read more

I've been a Lonnie's fan since 1996 when he worked at the Amoco station on Guess Road. He is an honest, dependable human as well as an excellent mechanic. I suppose no-one is ever perfect, but my experiences with Lonnie's Automotive have been. He works on all the cars for everyone in my family and none of us will ever go to anyone else. You can trust Lonnie to make it right. read more

We bought a used(2004) VW Jetta about 4 years ago and began taking it to Lonnie's as they specialize in foreign cars. I have been okay w/the services they have provided for us but not so much on the long run (AC replace which IS still cold! Coolant leak which still leaks, outside water leak which is still leaking...). These foreign repairs don't come cheap, by any means, and Lonnie's is no different. I am writing this review in direct response to the outside water leak that we are experiencing. I knew (as they did) that our sunroof motor was shot but, that's always the first thing they check when water is getting into the car. No problem, I was prepared for that. After checking that, they called and said that had 'fixed the problem' and it was some cable filter housing below the wiper motor. It cost me @ $675 and I said, 'no problem, thanks.' The problem is, it's not fixed. I called them about it and was told to bring the car by the shop. Guy from front comes out and looks under hood and basically tells me, "sorry, I don't know what to tell you." I've taken my car there religiously and spent a lot of money in this shop and, I guess, I just expected a more of a 'stand behind your work' attitude from these guys. Not one-starring them by any means, but I would tell you to pay attention when you go to them for maintenance. read more

I was briefly in town on a visit and the car had developed an annoying ac drain backup onto the passenger side floor. They were very busy but managed to spare me a few minutes and fixed the problem. Spared us some wet feet on a muggy day. read more

wow..what a group of total professionals...I had a braking issue. Jason ,Brian and Ken were unbelievable . they had me back three times { the second two at totally no charge I might add ] until they had the 1997 suburban roadworthy .. their concern was in totally getting it right. I cannot say more about a group that is fairly priced and completely interested in customer satisfaction . read more

Disclaimer: This is my second post on a different topic we just learned about. We have replaced a headlight now twice. Once from Lonnies, second time from Passport Motor in Chapel Hill. We were told by Lonnies the whole front end had to come off to replace a headlight to the tune of over $200. We just picked up the VW bracing for a heavy bill from Passport based on our prior experience. Cost- $22 for the cost of the part. The guy did not even charge for the 5 min he said it took to replace the bulb. read more

HIGHLY recommend. The Honda dealership let me down and left me hopeless. A friend recommended Lonnie's Garage. They took the time to evaluate and explain things to me, then gave me a FABULOUS price and moved ahead quickly on ordering parts and repairing. I could not be more grateful to these HEROS at the shop. read more

I have a 92 VW Cabriolet, that I brought down from NY 3 years ago. I had trouble finding a shop that would continue the work on it, until I was referred to Lonnies by a VW dealership. My brakes had gotten really bad over the course of two weeks, and I brought in my car and they were able to fix everything while staying in my budget. I ended up paying $100 less then I was expecting to, and they had it fixed a few hours later! The guys at the shop were very nice and really worked with me. I plan on going back for all my future work. It's a great shop, with great mechanics and very fair prices! read more

I have never had a bad experience at Lonnie's! I am very hesitant to trust car mechanics, and I have felt very comfortable. They have helped me last minute figure out small repairs! Great and reliable service, also very timely! read more

I first learned about Lonnie more than 20 years ago when I went hunting for a VW mechanic. People in the VW Club as well as almost everyone I asked in Triangle directed me to Lonnie. Their advice has proven to be superb. He is, first and foremost, an honest decent person, who happens to be a superb mechanic -- definitely for VWs, but also, I have learned first hand, for BMWs (old and newish), Fords, Hondas, and Dodges, just to mention the brands our family has owned. The shop's work is excellent, the prices more than fair, and the treatment of customers a dream. read more

We always drive used cars, so we expect to have some car repairs. Getting reliable cars and having an honest mechanic with good prices make the used car strategy work. Lonnie's was referred to me as the "only honest mechanic in town," and I've certainly found that to be true. Many of my coworkers who live in Raleigh, drive their cars to Durham (also where they work) for repairs at Lonnie's. My only wish is that the business would expand. read more

1984 VW Vanagon GL Been taking vehicle there since 2009. Always been extremely satisfied with quality of repairs. Had head work done on the motor, cv joints,brakes worked on, fuel guage and temp guage not working properly, had idle issues and didn't want to stay running, and just recently transmission rebuilt. Labor cost are very reasonable and also the price of parts. Used to do some of the work myself but Lonnie does it now. They are always busy, very courteous and very customer oriented. They are very good with communications, keeping me informed because sometimes parts have to be ordered and can't be there the same day. It's because of everything they do and the way they do it that keeps me a repeat customer! read more

I've been using Lonnie for over 25 years. Since before he was Lonnie's. I would not take my vintage VWs anywhere else.

The business is very good, but Mr. Lonnie himself is excellent. After using a couple of different air-cooled VW mechanics circumstance (I lived right around the corner) led me to take my 71 Karmann Ghia to Lonnie's for a carb adjustment. He immediately came out and did the job on the spot at no charge. A couple of weeks later the carb was out of whack again and Mr. Lonnie adjusted it a second time at no charge. After my third third trip with no charge he suggested that I might want to replace the new carb with the old one after a rebuild. Again he didn't charge me and when I insisted he chuckled and said, "How can I charge you for a 5 min job?" This after I had already paid $100 at two other places for the same job before I took it to Lonnie's the first time. I decided to leave it with him and per his suggestion get the old carb rebuilt. A week later and at literally half the price quoted at two other places my Karmann Ghia was running great and still is. He even went so far as to offer me suggestions on the best rebuilt stock parts (distriburor) to use if I wanted my Ghia to run as well as possible. I am a customer for life and just referred a friend who got a quote for a repair that was about 30% less than what she got at a different mechanic. read more