This auto mechanic is no frills and the most honest one you'll find in Austin. I've been taking my cars to David for the past 10yrs. I had no idea he has so few Yelp reviews, but they're not hurting for business because I believe it's based on word of mouth. I work in an office with 100 people, and at least half of us use them. Trust me when I say he refuses to rip you off. You can get a quote for a repair from any other mechanic, and I guarantee you David will quote you much less without even showing him your first quote. Keep in mind if you bring your vehicle here, you'll need to ignore the non-franchise appearance because you'd wonder how they'd find a tool if they lost it. They know where everything is even when it comes to showing you every bad part removed from your car. David actually takes time to find the best and lowest cost replacement part even if it's from Amazon. This place is one of those hidden gems that you pray doesn't make it so big that the service declines. I recommend Universal Motors especially for any vehicle 3yrs or older. Keep up the great work, David! read more

Coordinated towing my car, buying tire, and installing the repaired tire. First class service, very responsive, and excellent value. High recommendation for David at Universal Motors! read more

Universal Motors - Auto Repair Near Me - Austin, Texas

Yes, believe it, another awesome 5 star experience with Universal Motors. I know it sounds quirky - - I mean, how can anyone consistently exceed customer expectations every single time? Universal can, let me show you. Aside from "Katrina" (my '01 Silver Bullet) I also own an '88 Toyota Supra Turbo named "Black Beauty". I bought her used in '99 from my BFF after college graduation and moved her down to the TX heat from MI. If Paris Hilton ever had the privilege to ride in Black Beauty she'd definitely say "That's Hot". Fast forward a few years, I started having engine problems - when I used the A/C the engine would overheat w/in 20 min, that's not good because now you're talking about something serious. I eventually got used to driving w/ the windows open and no A/C (yes, sweating like a pig). None of my friends wanted to ride w/ me in Black Beauty, we soon became loners, and we both took it personally. Like Paris says: "That's Hot". I did a lot of online research to diagnose the issue. Years ago before I discovered Universal Motors I took her to another local shop who directed me to take the expensive route: replace a bunch of parts and see what happens. So I paid them to overhaul my A/C, install new radiator, hoses, and thermometer. The result: no change, the engine still overheats with the A/C on. So after spending $2,500+ I got really upset at them and ranted: "WTF is wrong w/ my car?!?!". Their response: "I don't know". My response: "You suck!!". Paris would say: "That's Not Hot". I eventually upgraded and bought "Katrina", then let Black Beauty sit idle for a very long time, not sure what I would ever do with her. I thought about selling her, but the engine issue is a risk to any new owner, and I wouldn't get that much for her. Not to mention, we are also emotionally attached. Yeah Paris, we're hot. Fast Forward 4 years, enter Universal Motors. After several consistently great experiences w/ David Chong for my Lexus I finally dropped BB off and told him my sappy story. He spent 5 min looking over the engine and tinkering w/ it and immediately finds the root cause: "you have a bad clutch fan, that's about $85". What?!?! Are you sure?!? "Yes, I'm very sure, but let me do a more thorough check just to be safe. David did an extensive engine diagnosis and it turns out he was dead on - a new clutch fan fixed my engine overheating problem. I was shocked at how quickly Mr. Chong was able to correctly and accurately diagnose the problem, and all I could think about was how I wished I had found him sooner, but then again it's better late than never. He took good care of Black Beauty, spent a lot of time on her, and also repaired a few other minor issues. Now she runs like a young black thoroughbred like she used to, beatin' the hell outta Mustang Cobras and any Rice Burner who crosses our path. Our next project: a new coat of paint. Forget Paris Hilton, Black Beauty hearts Universal Motors. read more

Dave is a relief to find. He is an honest and knowledgeable mechanic who has done a lot of work on different parts of my older Nissan, at a fraction of the price quoted by other mechanics. Universal Motors is a small shop run by him, alone, with no frills nor fancy "customer service advocates." The result is that he doesn't need to pad his prices or his estimates in order to afford to pay for those frills. I am "thrifty" and have fairly high standards in what I expect from service businesses; I am not easy to please, and I do not abide poor customer service or mechanics who take advantage of customers. It is such a relief to work with him that I often voluntarily pay him more than he charges me because he is honest and decent, and the car always runs better after he works on it. read more

David is a great and honest mechanic. I highly recommend getting your vehicle serviced here.

David is the only mechanic I will take my cars to. He is trustworthy and actually shows you what is broken instead of giving lip service. He is the most honest mechanic I have ever met! If it isn't broken he won't fix it! Great service and it shows that he genuinely loves his work! read more

After getting a ridiculously high quote from another mechanic to replace a rear catalytic converter on our vehicle, I decided more quotes were in order. After searching on yelp, I found several places with with great reviews, but Universal Motors won my wallet's heart with not only their quote but their desire to help my save even more money by directing me to websites where I could order the part from. Who doesn't like to save money when it comes to vehicle repairs? As for their mechanic skills? Top-notch, everything works just as it should. read more

My girl is an 11 year old RX300 Lexus and was in desperate need of her 90,000 mile service check up. Every morning, she whined when I started her and the "check engine" light had been on for about 10,000 miles. She had lost her get up and go. After calling the dealer and getting a $1700 estimate, I tried several other places who told me "at least" $1000. Enter Chris M. who has written three reviews on David Chong, owner of Universal Motors. Yay for yelp friends! His reviews were very detailed and organized and at one point, he contacted Mr. Chong for me. So I decided to call Mr. Chong myself for a final quote. Around $579 plus tax without changing out the spark plugs. Yep. More than 60% less than the dealer. Plus Mr. Chong uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) parts. I think the 90,000 mile point was like menopause for her. She was leaking oil in one area, needed new belts (probably in a larger size since menopause can cause weight gain), and had other issues as well. Did you really expect me to use car repair terms? If you want those, read Chris M.'s reviews. When we returned to pick her up, David showed us photos of her unusual leakage. Poor girl. She was naked and stripped down. (I hope these don't end up on the internet.) Her little engine was completely flushed, cleaned and fluids were replaced. It took one day for the work to be done. Now my "Snow White" (we all name our cars, right?) is a very happy girl and has a "Prince Charming" for life in David Chong . read more

Another five star review for Universal Motors. Next time the dealer gives you a list for repair check with David Chong. You may not need the work and you will save money on the needed repairs. David only makes needed repairs. His pricing is great. The quality of the work is excellent. Customer service this good is rare. Austin is very lucky to have David Chong and Universal Motors. read more

I was referred to Universal Motors by several co-workers. After going to a big name repair shop and receiving a $900+ estimate for some brake work, I decided to try this repair shop. I had not told the owner that I'd already received an estimate. He looked at my vehicle, told me what was needed and gave me the estimate. The estimate was just over $300. I picked up the car at the promised pick up time and he went over in detail all the work that had been done. He only repaired what needed repairing and didn't add on unnecessary parts and labor. He and his staff did an excellent job. The brakes work great and it feels like I have a new car. I would definitely refer this shop to my friends. read more

This place is awesome. I got my keys stuck in the ignition of the car and was super stressed out about it. I called them (on a Saturday) and asked if they would have time to fix it today and they said they did. When I got there, the owner personally did the work for me (it was not easy, he's a professional and it took him at least 10 min), but he got the key out. It was all bent, and he straightened it back out for me and explained to me that the key was made of low quality metal, and I should only use the Toyota made key for now, and get a new key made, out of harder metal. I was SO grateful to him. Moreover, he didn't charge me anything. You really can't get better customer service that that. To summarize: -open Saturday -awesome customer service -gave really helpful advice on how to avoid same problem again read more

I brought my truck in today to have the A/C checked and I was so pleased with the work!! It took a lot less time than I expected, cost less than he quoted me over the phone, and he's just such a nice guy!! Two thumbs up. Definitely sending my family there the next time we have car trouble. read more

Good, honest mechanic shop. Took my minivan in for a persistent vibration problem. They checked it out throughly and confirmed that there wasn't anything wrong mechanically. Also helped troubleshoot what could be going on. Very nice and reasonably priced. Would use Universal Motors again. read more

Universal Motors - Outfront - Auto Repair Near Me - Austin, Texas

David knows best. He has been my only mechanic for several years now. His professionalism and knowledge about all cars foreign and domestic are of the highest degree. I needed to add my experience recently. I brought my classic car in as it started overheating just a bit more than normal. I knew my heater core has had a very slight leak and it will be expensive to replace around $2k. I was concerned that I would have to go that route since I typically just keep all the oil, anti-freeze, power steering, brake, etc topped off each week. However, David felt just changing the thermostat would resolve all of the overheating, no need to worry about the heater core .. yet. Yes, I did not think it was that simple, my mind was stuck on heater core as this car is unique. I got my car back that same day and was amazed to see he was right. He not only fixes the issue but has your best interest in mind as well. This is an outstanding business to get your car fixed correctly and at a very fair price, this ended up costing just $200.00. Also had the A/C checked and it was a can low, now it's ice cold and ready for the Summer. I would recommend if you need any work done near Austin, to at least let them check FIRST. Hats off and salute to David, Jose, and Universal Motors! read more

No frills, great results. I received a quote from a different shop that was so high I assumed I would just be better off purchasing a new vehicle rather than processing the repairs. I did some searching online to find an alternate quote and was lucky enough to stumble upon David at Universal. David was very responsive and attentive reviewing the estimate I received and letting me know what he could do. I was a bit skeptical based on the appearance of the shop (again no frills), but the service and results were excellent. The repairs were completed at a much more reasonable price, and my car has been running great with no issues. It's nice to have a mechanic like David, who clearly knows his stuff, provides honest answers, and fair pricing. read more

Very honest owner! Stayed late to fix my brake problem when I was turned down by a "brake specialist shop" I recommend him to my family always! He took time out to explain my invoice so that I don't feel like he was charging me for work I didn't need. Thank you! read more

We had the transmission fail on our service van and selected Universal based on their Yelp reviews. Their shop is unassuming but their service is excellent. David reviewed the vehicle quickly and priced out replacement options. When the job began he noted a problem with the freeze plug under the bell housing, accumulated gunk in the radiator and suggested we replace the rear main seal on the crankshaft while the engine was out. If these had been skipped we would have been broken down by the side of the road within a few months. David was more concerned with our vehicle being fixed completely and was clearly uncomfortable with any costs above their estimate. These additional tasks I feel he performed for the cost of parts and represented real value added. We have been driving the vehicle now for two weeks with no problems. It's never run better. I strongly recommend using Universal Motors. read more

Took my Honda Civic in to Universal Motors to get the clutch master cylinder replaced. ~4,000 miles later (about 11 months later), the clutch master cylinder failed again. Took it back to David and he diagnosed that air was in the line. He was going to charge me $60 to bleed the air out of the line, but I felt that it should have been covered under the warranty since I only drove the car ~4,000 miles. I discussed the charge with him and he got angry at me for requesting that it be covered under warranty. An hour later after discussing it with him, I ended up paying $50. 2 months later (~300 miles later), the clutch master cylinder failed again. I bought a new clutch master cylinder at Autozone for $25 with lifetime warranty (David at Universal Motors charged me $130 for the part he installed) and replaced it myself. I bleed all the air out of the line, which only took me 10 minutes. David charged me $50 for a 10 minute job. So far, it's been 4 months and 2,000 miles later, the clutch feels great. Better than after David replaced it. Long story short, David at Universal Motors over charged me for the part ($130 vs $25 from Autozone), over charged me for the labor ($50-$60 for a 10 minute job), didn't fix my clutch master cylinder and he didn't honor his warranty. This is the last time I will take my car(s) to David at Universal Motors. I would not recommend Universal Motors to any of my family and/or friends. read more

Best mechanic work - period. When my 2004 Exterra rolled over the 100K mark, I took it by there for a tune-up. When I picked it up, Mr. Chong went over the work that was done and brought to my attention additional work that I would need. He informed me of things that needed priority and things that I could get by putting off for a while. He gave me an estimate of the top priorities. I checked out the quote with some mechanic friends and they all said that it was a fair price. I took my X back to Mr. Chong. It is my only transportation for a family of 4. His assistant, David (pronounced Dah-veed) was able to replace all the belts, water pump, radiator, AND a new transmission gasket and fluids in 8 hours. I dropped it off on the way to work and picked it up after 5. Stellar service. The vehicle runs perfectly and there's no anxiety that the timing belt could leave me stranded on the upper deck of I35 or the radiator (which had a leak) can't withstand the triple digit heat this summer is dishing out! I fully expect to put on another 100K on this vehicle. As far as I am concerned, David and David at Universal Motors are the only ones who I ever want under the hood of my X or any other vehicle I'll have in the future. read more

David Chong is the man!! I won't take my car anywhere else.....I just noticed he fixed my license plate without charging (or even telling me about it.) It had been smashed after a girlfriend of mine tried to play bumper cars with my truck after a tubing trip. Give his place a shot. read more

This man knows what he's doing! The owner is the guy who does the work on your car and he is just an honest and good guy. He fixed up my sister's Toyota 4 runner and it is like new! The car was in bad shape. .. needed oxygen sensors, tune up, and all sorts of stuff changed up with the engine and he fixed it all up and charged way less than a dealership would have. Will definitely take all our cars there from now on. It is nice to have a mechanic who really knows what he is doing and doesn't charge an arm and a leg for their labor. Definitely recommend! read more

I know, it seems unbelieveable to see a 5 star for an auto shop. Let me clarify. With auto shops, my standards are different. Honesty, integrity, price and dependability are the criteria. I don't need or expect fresh baked bread and marble floors...just tell me truthfully whats going on with the car, make honest recommendations about what NEEDS to be fixed, suggest repairs I need to be preparing for, and give me an accurate estimate that ends up close to or more than the final bill. Above all else, fix the car correctly the first time and on time. I've have 2 opportunities to see how good David is. On my BMW, a estimated $1500 repair for a malfunctioning airbag sensor turned out to be a $150 electrical short (I'd have never known the difference if he'd told me he had to replace the sensor). On my son's Sonata, $1000 in estimated 60K mile service from Hyundai evidenced by a glazed serpentine belt and check engine light turned out to be $300 with him. He told me the belt was not, in fact, glazed but could be replaced and i wouldn't need to think about it for another 5 years. He also said we could wait probably 2 years on the transmission flush since the fluid "didn't smell burnt" Oh yeah, brought the car in on a Friday afternoon and picked it up on Saturday morning. The engine compartment was cleaner than when I brought it in and the car's interior was freshly vacuumed on top of it all. This is what a mechanic should strive to be. read more

David has been my mechanic for several years now. His work is the best I have seen anywhere, I have taken several of my cars in the past for minor repairs and even major head gasket replacements,and each time, the issue is completely resolved (within the age of the car considering) and I can't see any evidence of work was even done, except for the replaced part, etc. I have been appreciative of how my cars have lasted, remained, and will continue to trust and support his company. His prices and rates are about same as everyone else, but he adds a bit more care to the work performed. Universal Motors is a rare gem in Austin, and I hope their success continues and multiplies. read more

Took my 2005 BMW X5 in for brake pads (both axles). David gave me a quote and stuck to it, no hassle. BMW quoted me $1300, David did them for $400. He bested Firestone, Goodyear, and Brake Check for over $100. He had it ready just after lunchtime. I will return for service, great place, David was a pleasure to work with! read more

As shady as this place may look i wouldn't take my car anywhere else. The first time I came here to get my timing belt chained they were the only place to tell me I don't actually have a timing belt but a timing chain and it doesn't need to get fixed. So he didn't scam me and then proceeded to tell me my battery was on the verge of death and changed it in less than half a day. He was extremely honest and efficient. The 2nd time I came here to get the wiring on my headlight looked at he did the diagnostic test and fixing for half the price of other competitors. This place is seriously the bomb. They aren't here to take your money or fool you. I'm not going anywhere else from now! read more

This man will remove parts from his junk yard mechanic shop and put used parts on your car. He was asked to do a job my replacing my fuel pump in my car. That cost me 511.00. That was in August of this year. Just today I spent 1359.29 Having the same problem redone along with my carbon cannon needing to be replaced. He doesn't wanna give me my money back so I will be taking him court. Stay away from this place.He is a 500.0 man. nothing is under 500 that he charges. He's rude, he walks away when your speaking. I went and confronted him today and said I would call the police, he starts shutting the shop down.Then hops in his truck and drives away. I have the place that fixed my car correctly write a report along with the findings of mistakes this david chung guy made. I gave him the option to just pay me what i paid him along with my new shop fees and he declined. Court it is folks, and thats lunch. Please stay away. He is the biggest liar on earth. read more

He did an excellent job and had my car ready the same day. The price appeared to be reasonable to replace a thermostat in a BMW Z4. I am already referring people that I know to him. read more

Very professional and honest. Reasonable repair price. In addition Mr. Jung is very warm-hearted and pleasant man. Our conversation was super enjoyable. I strongly recommend this car repair service. read more

This is my first yelp review, and I'm doing it because I am THAT impressed with Mr. Chong. I took my 2005 Honda Civic in Saturday morning at around 9 a.m. for a timing belt replacement and an oil change. I had shopped around over the phone and gotten several bids before selecting Universal Motors. His quote was literally half as much as the second lowest bidder, and he charged me exactly the quoted amount. He answered the phone promptly every time I called, and was supremely courteous. He had initially told me that I would likely need to pick it up Monday, but after discussing schedules I found that this might be difficult for me. So he prioritized my vehicle, and I picked up my car that evening at 6 p.m. Fortunately, my car very rarely has issues (knock on wood), but if/when it does, I will definitely take it back to Mr. Chong. read more

STAY AWAY! This establishment is filled with crooks and they are completely unprofessional, I would give zero stars if I could. So lets begin, my Honda broke down and my mechanic said I needed a new engine so I brought it to Universal Motors, because my mechanic does not do full engines. First my friend and I parked in the car lot because we did not know we had to park on the street. As I approached the door the receptionist walked up, she did not ask me she yelled at me, "Why are you parking there." There were no signs even if I did not have the common sense to park on the street, I am a customer just treat me as such. So after I apologized and had my friend move as the receptionist continued to harass me and asking why I parked there. Having never been there before or never actually seeing the people because I had towed it there, I was a little taken aback by the first impression, but I just wanted my car. Well while I am explaining that I am a customer, you have my car, I want to pay for it and drive away. This receptionist response was well "you should have said that." Hello why else would I be there, the place was filled with old cars and parts everywhere and is in the middle of nowhere. So then I ask her for the mechanic and if I could see the new engine, I think it is fair to ask about your car when your about to give someone 2000 for a new engine, especially when it would not start before. Her response, " I am not the mechanic just pay and leave." I then tell her she is being unprofessional and that i'm sorry for parking in the wrong place and if it offended you. The only mechanic there does not speak English so I can not ask him about the car. I give her 865.00 on my visa(thank god it was not cash). As I am counting my cash to pay the reaming balance I see the mechanic put an old beat up looking battery IN my car and even after that it still didn't turn on when they told me 3 days ago the car was ready for pick up. I tell her I am not paying for the car if it is still in the same condition. I am very composed wearing sweatpants and a TANK TOP, while she continues to harass me and started calling me crazy and saying that I cut my wrist. I am in shock all this happening and tell her im not leaving I just gave you over 800 dollars. She then curses at me, and says she is calling OBAMA on me, not the cops (hmm, I wonder why). As I am trying to comprehend what is going on and why this Chinese woman is acting this way and thinking there might just be a language barrier I drop the receipt she just gave me for the 865.00, she then lunged at it trying to snatch it back. When I put my foot down on the receipt to stop her from taking my receipt back she pushes me hard trying to move me off the receipt. So I call the police at this point, I am currently pressing charges and disputing the financial charge. Since I was not hurt they could not arrest her. She told the police that she feels threatened for her life and that I have slit wrist( but like I said I am wearing a tank top and have No wounds or cuts anywhere). The cops resolve it by talking to us separately. The police can tell she is loony because she is yelling at them as well. I end up leaving without my car and money, its all in the courts hand now. They are crooks, she wanted to call OBAMA, because she did not want the police there, she took over 800 from me and they did not fix the car or give the car back. So be careful if you decide to bring your vehicle here because these people apparently have Obama's personal number and wont hesitate to call the president on you at the drop of a hat at any point things don't go the way they want haha, Good luck. read more