Their service sucked. The girl in front lied to me. They didn't even look at or fix the things I told her about, the list I left them was completely ignored and they did nothing with the parts I brought them. Had the nerve to want to charge me if I didn't pick up truck same day and left a hose completely not connected to air filter. Would never recommend them especially to someone on a limited income!! If you're single, old, widowed, divorced, do not go to them cause that is who they are going after. read more

The worst mechanic shop ever The over charging repairs not really worth the needing fix they got 7000 from grant money and abuse people whom ask questions and Vatos garage Mr ALEX is insulted me by talk down and swore at me call me names they refused to release my truck and talk to me in Spanish I don't understand if he's saying bad words or names please don't go there my truck has been in the shop for two months Sincerely concern customer read more

My husband changed the oil in our car on his own and accidently pushed the wrong selector on the dash that caused all our lights to turn on on the dash. For whatever reason we were having issues with our transmission slipping which wasn't happening before the oil change. We took our vehicle to Vatos and they pulled up a code through the OB2 sensor and told us we had to replace our whole entire transmission system. We never had any issues before and we were devasted. They literally told us some crazy story saying the CPU in the car causes an electric shortage that messed up the transmission. Does that even make sense? They didnt even recommend another shop to get serviced and didnt even quote us on a new transmission. My husband took it back to the house and added transmission fluid to the reservoir and the car worked fine. We paid $200 for these jokers to drive our car down the road and tell us that are transmission was slipping which we already knew. What a joke. Save your money and your time. Go somewhere reputable and who will actually check out your car instead of scamming you. read more

I used to enjoy coming to this business and used to recommend it highly, but my last few experiences fell short every time; the owner told me one thing, but what work was done was not completed anywhere near the time promised, and the work went beyond what was supposed to have. I was told they would contact me to seek clarification, which they never did. I tried calling multiple times for over three days, and no one could give me a straight answer. On top of this, because they did so much extra work not discussed with me, I got stuck with a large bill, not to mention when I got the vehicle back. The issue was still there, and I had to take it elsewhere again. I would never recommend this place again. read more

I had taken my vehicle in to get a heater worked on. I was charged three hundred to get it fixed. It still didn't work. Took the vehicle back and was treated very rudely. I ended up taking it somewhere else. There i was informed that Vatos did not even work on it. I will never go back and told others to do the same thing. read more

Great reliable work, I know I can count on a fair price, awesome and professional service!!

called them about an issue with my jeep. they said they can fix it. dropped off the jeep and told me all these things needed to be fixed. dropped off the jeep with the ac working. picked it up with it not working and blamed us. took it back so they can fix it same day and got charged for that. first issue never got fixed. $2,000 later. i dont recommend this place at all. Receptionist is rude too. read more

Recently got my tires changed over at Vato's Garage for the winter season and they got it done quick. Reasonably priced compared to other shops or dealers and they took walk-in's. I would highly recommend them for any automotive maintenance needs. read more

Made the mistake of coming here two months for a simple oil change on my GFs car. It's still leaking oil, and now there's something else wrong with the engine. Shuts down out of nowhere. Thankfully me and my buddy and I got working again. The owner is an asshole who, instead of talking, me decided to yell at me, saying, "im wrong about the car, and it wasn't his shops fault." Okay, bud. I get it. You're some ex military dude that thinks he's hot shit still. No man, you're just an overweight, pathetic of a man who treats his customers like garbage or charges outlandish prices for services and parts. How your shop is still around, I have no idea. If you need car repairs, go elsewhere and steer clear of Vatos and its owner. read more

Crooks and thieves. We brought our car to get the heater fixed. Dropped it off 12/18. Was told it would be ready Monday. No contact Monday. No contact Tuesday. Wednesday they call and say it's finished and if we don't get it before the end of that day, they would start charging storage. They also said the cabin air filter needed replaced. The car hasn't been driven 100 miles since that was replaced last. We picked it up, paid $776 for a fixed heater. Drive it home, left it running for an hour, no heat. Drove it around town, no heat. Called 12/28 and told them that we are bringing it back. Today 12/29 they said it will be another $900. So, you "fixed it" gave it back and now to "fix it" you need $900 more dollars. Absolutely not. I Will be calling my bank for the initial charge for a fraud claim and will report this place the Better Business Bureau . read more

I'm writing on behalf of my elderly grandfather. They were vary rude to him and even yelled at him. He is and elder and forgets often. He screamed at my grandfather to quit telling him if he's finished working on it. I told the man at the register that my grandfather is an elder and forgets if he called and that's why he called so often. There was no parking in the front and I pulled up to drop my grandfather off. A slim man came out and yelled at me to park somewhere else while my grandfather was getting out to go inside to do business. Vary unprofessional and aggressive. I would give 0 stars if it was possible read more

They will do just about anything to not go through your warranty company. My fix was clearly covered in the warranty, when I asked them why he said "I don't know the mechanic said it wasn't." Go somewhere else. read more

Cars suck sometimes I took my car to this shop. They told me they couldn't work on it. I picked it up and signed my signature in two places just like i do at the grocery store. The lady behind the counter said "you seem upset". I responded flatly "I am I just spent $100 and you can't work on my car". She snipped back "well you signed this [consent form]" and began tapping her pen on the framed 'we have the right to refuse service to anyone' picture on the wall. I wasn't directly disappointed with the shop but I had just spent $100 here, spent $$ on alternative transport, and my car was still not fixed. She showed no compassion for my situation and immediately went to the defensive. It was a ridiculous and unnecessary reply. I won't go back to that shop again. Mechanics need to understand that people's time and money is valuable. When we don't have our cars it affects our lives. read more

I took my Yukon in in November 2020 to have my transmission replaced, which included a 2 year warranty. Shortly after getting it back, I noticed it was jumping when coming out of park, and when shifting between 1st & 2nd gears. I brought it back in, and was told there was nothing wrong with it. Fast forward until May 2021 when I brought it is for some other work. When picking it up, Alex told me (by his own unsolicited assessment... I did not ask) that he noticed the jumping symptoms, checked my records and noted the warranty, and told me to make an appointment for the warranty repairs. I made the appointment, and brought it back in on June 15. For the next 2.5 months my Yukon sat in their parking lot not being worked on. I checked status weekly and got constant excuses about the 3rd party repair business being under staffed, but was 'assured' they were ordering the needed repair kit, and my work was being prioritized. On August 30, tired of the truck sitting unattended, I brought it home. I've initiated follow-ups with them every couple of weeks still trying to get my warranty work honored, but continue to get continued excuses. The only communication I get with Vato's is because I continue to reach out proactively. Every attempt I've made to contact Alex directly, I'm told he is out of the office but will get back to me. In the 6 + months this has been going on, he's yet to personally return my call or messages. When I asked if he could be texted, I was told he doesn't want to be disturbed when he's away from the shop. My issue has yet to be resolved, and it's clear they don't value a relationship with a customer who has had work done on several occasions. They are happy to take $4,000 for a transmission repair, but not interested in honoring warranty work in any kind of expeditious manner, or communicating with the customer in a professional manner. BTW, a shout out to Cheyenne who is the only person at Vato's who quickly responds to my calls and emails, or shows any compassion for the situation. read more

Just want to let you know, military spouses talk. When you damage someone's car when "fixing" it, that information gets out so quick you don't even have time to blink. Unfortunately, I don't think that person realized that not all garages can be trusted and that you need to check every inch of your car before and after you leave a shop. It may be too late for them, but after seeing the video they showed to all of us which is now circulating all over base, you are going to lose a shit ton of business. Next time, own up to what you do. Assholes. PS. Big O's is a million times better than you all. read more

A hundred stars. I bought a beater with a heater and I needed new brake pads and rotors and Alex gave me a very reasonable quote to have them replaced. When I drove to Anchorage, my ABS light would kick on after 60mph. I told Alex what was going on and also asked if he wouldn't mind prying off my radio because it wasn't working. He showed me that it was disconnected and told me how to fix it myself so I wouldn't have to pay someone, and also showed me one of my tires was smaller than the others, causing ABS to freak out. Another tire had deep cuts on the other side that I hadn't seen. Parts took a long time to get there, but that was O'Reilly's fault and I didn't mind waiting. I'll be coming back for sure if I have any issues. Thank you, Alex!!!!! read more

I wish I could give a zero. Alexander Valdez, you are such an irresponsible business owner. You are selfish and slimy. Our truck was SMASHED in your lot on Feb 12th at 11 pm and you failed, your whole staff failed, to notify us. My boyfriend got a call around 12 on Feb 16th, 4 damn days after our truck was hit, and you STILL failed to say anything. All he was told, "Your truck is ready." Not one word of the damage that happened in your lot. My boyfriend got to go in and find out by surprise that his truck was smashed in. Your staff, once confronted, still failed to apologize or take any accountability. You had the audacity to post the hit and run driver on Facebook, but could not reach out to the owners of the vehicles damaged? BTW, we have proof our truck was not damaged in any way, shape, or form before. Oh and this morning.... Alex, you are not gods gift to the earth, you are no gift at all. Your vehicle was not the only one damaged. read more

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Compared to my experience in a major brand car shop location (which I will not mention), Vato's Garage hooked me up. They took care of my 2010 vehicle with no problem. They were very good at communicating with me the issues and what they needed to do to solve it, and took care of me. From now on, I am only going to Vato's Garage. Thank you for your service. read more

All I need was a tire put back on the metal part so I left it with them for an hour and they called when it was finished. I was told I'd need to pay $15 but they didn't even need to put it back on the rim, they only needed to air it up. They could have charged me $15 but they didn't since it only needed air. They lady I talked to was nice and straight to the point. PLUS when I went in to pick it up there was a cute little guard puppy. read more

Every time Rgr I take my truck there to get something done they are very polite. The staff are very knowledgeable about the things.

Alex and crew have always taken care of my vehicle, as well as my mom and sister's. We've always been very thankful for their transparency and hard work. I've sent many friends to Vato's and all of them have been satisfied with the timeliness, quality, and price. read more

Sharing for a friend. It is one of the worst shops in Anchorage and perhaps Alaska. The owner is a vet but treats other vets like shit. He talks down to women and thinks he's God's gift to this earth. He'll then tell people they need Jesus if they give his shop bad reviews. Perhaps Alex will learn how to fix cars or hire those who can and stop messing up people's vehicles. Maybe then you'll actually be doing something for the community. Instead of just bragging about it to seek validation. He only truly helps those close to him thatd it, so if you're a regular customer, dont expect much, and the place as always seems sketchy. And those close to him i feel sorry for, this man is a sorry excuse. Yells at people simply because he cant fix vehicles. Acts like an asshole to women. Possibly money laundering as well. I wouldnt be surprised. Avoid this shop if you can. There are other local and vet owned businesses are much better than Vatos Garage. Vote with your wallet people. Let Alexander know he can't bully people and scam them anymore. read more

Very pleased with Vato's Garage!! Friendly, very professional front office manager. Work was accurately quoted and completed quickly using quality parts. They were able to squeeze me in twice during an emergency with my car. Highly recommend going to Vato's Garage!! read more

My mother brought her car in for an oil change on 10/26/20. When she came to drop off the car she was told she couldn't wait in the lobby because of Covid. That is fine but she should have been told that when making her appointment. She wasn't. She then walked to library near by also closed so she took an Uber to my house to wait for her car to be done. She was told an hour but when she called she was told 25 more minutes. Again understandable because things happen. After it was clear that there would be a delay someone should have called her and let her know this. At this point as far as the person manning the counter in the lobby knows my mother is still standing outside in the cold. I need to point out that it was both snowing and raining as well as very cold. When my mother was on the phone to see if her car was ready after she got upset about the lack of communication the person on the phone "offered" to put her car back together (with attitude). My mother said okay she would be right there to get her car. when she got back to pick up her vehicle it was not ready. The person at the counter (rude again) said she wasn't going to argue when asked if they were just going to put the same oil back in the car. Remember at this point her car should have been put together because she complained about how long it was taking and that she was not called about a delay and was offered that option which she accepted. So the mechanic is almost done and she decides to pay instead of try and find someone to assist her at your establishment because clearly no one there cared. I doubt the mechanic knew all this was going on or that just makes this service even more horrible. They again make her wait outside in the cold and snow for her vehicle even though the delay is Vato's fault. I have brought two different vehicles here and was not aware that customer service was not a priority for you all any longer. I will make sure to share that information with anyone who cares to listen. Maybe in the future you will treat your patrons better. read more

My husband took his truck in because the 3rd cylinder was misfiring. He tells them that it's the 3rd cylinder. He gets a call rambling about oil changes and a few other things that have nothing to do with the problem. He goes in and talks to the owner and the owner tells him it needs new plugs, an oil change and belt. The plugs are new, the oil was changed last month, the belt is fine and NONE OF THIS has anything to do with the misfire. The owner gets mouthy complaining that my husband won't allow the work, even when the owner can't explain how it would fix anything. Then the owner tells my husband to get out and not come back! Wow, talk about rude and nasty service!!! Don't worry - why would anyone return when you aren't fixing anything but trying to charge for services you don't need? read more

These guys are fast, fair, and friendly. They've fixed my ignition column, struts, and some minor body damage over the past few years, and I've never had any surprise charges or shabby work. On top of all that, they put out a vibe of being a small, happy, motor-oil stained family, complete with a lovely dog (named Halle Berry) that spends her days napping in the front office. They're my first recommendation every time. read more

Waited about 2 months for a gasket change, Just for my check engine light to come up again as soon as I left, took my car to Subaru where they said " they put your blow off value backwards" which leads me to think 1. They suck or 2. They want more "business" I was told I could sue, I really don't care to go through that stress. And for my soldiers, just know they don't care if you're military just like MOST bussnies: this is only a scheme to get a base of young men and women to fall into a stereo typical garage that ultimately over charges you and will try too. They might change your tires in a timely manner read more

So, I bought a PT Cruiser... I know, I messed up. Anyway, we had a bunch of problems in November, and these guys fixed the car up real good, and charged us a very reasonable price. It was very well done, and we were super happy. So, today, we take the wife's purple PT Cruiser out to the PX so I can buy shoes, and her stupid bumper falls off in the parking lot and we run it over, NBD, it happens. But after it happened the right rear wheel locked up. We 3-wheeled it to Vato's and Alex(Vato) told us it was the e-brake frozen over, and that we shouldn't use the e-brake in the winter. I don't remember that from the Army inbrief, so good to know. Anyway, I give him the key, and he pulls it into the garage, and he and his guys pour hot water on the wheel. It unlocks after about 20 minutes, they take it on a test drive and pull it out front. Meanwhile the wife and I were chatting with Vato's wife about Alaska in general, it really made the time fly. So, they give me the key, and I ask, "How much?" And I get, "Oh don't worry about it, just bring it back here the next time you have problems." I can't say enough good things about this place. read more

Honest business. Quick, quality work. Had our brakes done and couldn't be happier with our experience. Highly recommend this business.

Truth in advertising - they refunded my money, but that is not what I was after- unfortunately owner is not a listener. So to keep clear of issues....Don't go here - run forest run. The garage did $600 in unauthorized brake work - front clerk says "sorry sometimes the guys get carried away" and then admitted that staff is paid on commission. (PS - I went in for LOF and they got that wrong). Muffler is C- job - to do it right pipe should be welded not clamped. Then the real trouble begin - three phone calls to get a decision maker to call me back - only to be berated by a bully (xxxx the owner) who's nickname should be "hot-mic" - aka he talks constantly and doesn't listen. He asked me to get documentation so he could fire his mechanic and clerk - even said he would pay the garage for inspecting old brakes. I did it for him because it was the honorable thing to do. Now he says deal is off because I didn't do it the very next day - even when I explained the car was in shop for a couple days and I did not have ability to get 25 miles to town. He has statement from other garage that fronts had 70% useful life yet and backs were 50%. read more

I mentioned to a friend the expensive prices Midas was charging to put new brake pads on my SUV and she mentioned that they really liked Vatos. They went there a few times with an older truck and said the work done was great and the prices way lower than other places they'd had work done in town. They sent another friend there for a couple fixes and he was also happy. They were going to fix both sets of my brake pads but when they started in, they saw the front brakes didn't need changing, so they didn't mess with them other than to clean up the rotors. The price was at least $100 less than Midas would have charged and they fixed my front head light bulb for free! That's some excellent service. I'll definitely be going back. It's a great relief to find a good garage that is also honest about the work that needs done and not ridiculously expensive. read more

Quality people with real knowledge. This is the place you go to when you want to know how it is. These people are honest and upfront and you know they aren't there to take advantage of you. I've always had a great experience here no matter what was happening with my vehicle. read more

I have brought both of my vehicles to this place for years. And my dad would always bring his vehicles here as well. Fair prices and fast service. The staff is great. I haven't had any issues with this place and I've been going back to them for over 10 years. I definitely recommend Vatos! read more

The Staff at Vato's Auto Shop are very rude. Took my vehicle in to get a Radiator Hose fixed. Was charged over two hundred dollars for it. Still had problems. Come to find out. They never changed the hose and I was still charged. Called them up and was treated very rude over the phone. The Better Business Bureau was contacted and they r investigating this situation. I will never take my vehicles there again. They r a bunch of Ripoffs and Liars. Will tell others to do the same. read more

Horrible place took my truck there twice and still didn't get my problem fixed and i payed them to replace my cv axles and they took them off and put the old ones on read more

Recently took vehicle in for repair job was done well however they made the appt. To drop off on a monday then did not touch vehicle for a week and a half. By the time they started the job, My stereo and gear shift knob were stolen. NEVER AGAIN, will I use your shop... read more

I've had alright customer service in the past and have been slightly satisfied with mechanic service. It's my experience that their diagnostic abilities are sometimes lacking. I've had them replace a heater core in the past and when they put everything back in place, forgot to fully bolt down my steering wheel. Few months back had them try to find a solution to a high rev issue I was having. They assured me that the problem would be fixed with a transmission flush. Being satisfied with the work they've done before, I decided to bite the bullet and pay $250 for what Jiffy Lube would've done for $120. When I got the vehicle back I had the exact high rev issues I had left with them. I called back immediately and was told the mechanic that worked on it is at lunch and to try calling back later. I called about 7 more times wanting answers to the problem they told me they could fix. No one returned my phone call nor did I get an answer. Nothing more than backyard mechanics. Took my vehicle to a different mechanic shop they told me what my issues is and fixed it right away and laughed when I told them vatos thought it was a tranny flush. read more

We were heading into Anchorage for the weekend traveling from Fairbanks when our truck started having issues Friday afternoon on the way there. Engine was making a loud noise & struggling to switch gears, no way we were gonna make it back to Fairbanks like that. We were so worried about our truck since it has travelled many miles from California through the AlCan to the interior Alaska and then some. We searched on Yelp and called them Sat morning- they were able to check the car out right away and got it fixed and ready to hit the town. It's been running great and smoothly since! The whole shop was awesome with their work and customer service. These guys were really honest, knowledgeable, professional, and real down to earth. And can't forget to mention their affordable rates. Just overall good guys and great service! Definitely recommend!!! read more

Amateur work and horrible customer service. Bought a brand new set of wheels and tires for my vehicle and had them install them. They used an over-sized impact drill to put my lug nuts on and not only did they scratch and ruin the inside of one of my brand new wheels, but all four. After contacting them, I received a call back from the owner Alex yelling at me for bugging them about fixing me wheels. Not only did they not completely fix the wheels as they still are very noticeably damaged, it took them 5 weeks to finally fix them after numerous phone calls. The whole time I was treated like I was the problem when they were the ones who was at fault. read more

The owner takes the time to explain exactly what work needs done and why. He will not charge you for work you do not explicitly authorize. Vatos' prices are by far the best I've found in town. I highly recommend this shop. read more