Georgetown & Round Rock Auto Repair

Our 1999 van needed the starter replaced and we took it to John Long's because that was where AAA recommended. They replaced the starter and I have no complaints about that service. However, while the van was in the shop, they called me telling me that there was a rather large pool of fluid under the van and that was the power steering and would cost $500.00 to repair. We declined because we basically keep this car as an extra and we didn't want to put any more money into it. We figured we'd just keep an eye on it and fill the power steering fluid as needed...It's been 6 months since we were there. We have not had a drop of any kind of fluid under the car in that six month period. I've checked the levels under the hood and they remain full. Clearly, this was a $500.00 repair was was not needed. I don't think I'll go back to this mechanic because I no longer trust their recommendations.

I'm trying to not let my nearly $500 bill of car repairs bias my review, although its difficult. The staff did a good job explaining what happened with my vehicle and breaking down the costs. They personally went out of their way to ensure they kept my bill as low as possible and kept the costs to a minimum. They called me to let me know what was happening with the car and prepared me for the good news and the bad news. Next time, give me the bad news first as it was quite a downer (the last time they called telling me it was $140 so far, then called again to drop a bomb on me that it was $450 so far). Ouch! Or give the customer the option, what do you want to hear first, the good news or the bad news? Just a tip. But, overall I still gave them 5-stars because I felt satisfied with their service and know they did a good job on my car.

These guys shoot you straight, have competitive pricing and do quality work. You never feel like you are being sold additional services. I take both our cars here for everything with the exception of oil changes at times just because of some great deals at other places with good management and time. Also, it's worth noting that they are closed on Saturday and Sunday. I think that speaks volumes about the management to value the time and lives of their employees. It's evident their employees like working there (which I can say about no other auto repair shop).

6 years ago, I got a quote from the VW Dealer in town on what a brake job would cost on my Jetta. And it was outrageous. I talked to the engineers I work with, and given that I don't own a garage/wasn't able to turn the wrench myself, the consensus was I should head to JC Automotive. and I have been coming back ever since. Customer Service is what they are about - this place will explain what you are having done to your car, what is broken, with quotes attached that break out part costs vs. labor. If excellent customer service, transparency in repairs, answering your questions, and advising you on how to approach complex repairs sounds good to you, well you just found your next shop. They councilled me through the purchase of my next car, a used Inifiniti. I go here for all my oil changes and general maintence as well. What more could you ask for, from a fantastic independant shop? Coffee, wifi, etc, while you wait. Worth every penny!!!

It's hard to believe I haven't written a review for this place yet. Three generations of my family use JC Auto Spec; they are the most honest auto shop we've found. Even when just a word or two of caution or worry might make us think about replacing parts or getting work done, the folks here don't bother with trying to leave doubt in our minds about when we need or don't need work done or parts replaced. Not only are they honest, their pricing is fair and very transparent. They always tell us - in detail - what was done to our vehicles, how long it took and what the possible ramifications and consequences of that work is. They don't do any work without checking with us to make sure we're okay with it. Their customer service is fantastic; theey offer free wi-fi while you wait, online tracking of service records, email coupons, AAA discount, shuttle service and staff who are willing to take the time to sit down and explain things step-by-step until you understand what they need to do to get you driving again. That level of honesty, fair pricing and great customer service add up to the one auto shop we trust to take care of our cars. I also feel it's necessary to add that no one is perfect and mistakes happen: it's how a business handles mistakes that's important. The very few times there have been any kind of problem with a vehicle we've left with JC, they have fixed the mistake and taken care of the the extra work without charging us anything. You can't beat this shop.

I love Automotive Specialist in Round Rock. A few times I have even taken my car in, they've looked at it, and it was such a small issue, they fixed it for free. Told me to come back when I had a 'real problem'. Now that is service. And when my A/C went out, they discussed 3 various cost options for me, and even talked to me about the value of just selling my car and buying a new one. Helped make recommendations on low cost, high value new cars as well since my car had 150K miles. What place turns down a repair to recommend to their customer they buy a new car, knowing they will lose business since I will have a new car? Jonathan there is AWESOME. I now will do all of my automotive needs, oil changes, etc. there. HIGHLY recommend them.

Really, when it comes down to it, I feel confident bringing my car to JC. I've had a '96 Accord for almost 8 years, so I've seen my fair share of auto shops. I also am a younger woman and used to get SO nervous to take my car in. I felt like a bullseye was painted on my credit card! Everyone that works at JC is very knowledgeable and not above answering ALL of my questions. If I ask why the labor is a certain charge, they will literally explain what had to be taken off and why. The service is very transparent, and that is key! Recently, I had a coupon for an oil change at another shop down the road, and they told me I needed to have the timing belt replaced. They gave me a quote that almost made me cry! I went down the road to JC and their quote was $600 less and they actually were replacing more for me. They also have an easy shuttle service that has never failed me, and a 12 month/12k warranty on all work. The ONE AND ONLY problem I have with them is that this shop is busy. My car is usually there for over 24 hrs. However, this isn't even enough to touch the 5 stars & their popularity is only an indicator of how many people trust them!

Extremely friendly. Extremely helpful. Extremely understanding. I had an old car that died, and even though I decided against getting it repaired, JC's went the extra mile to help me out of a tight spot and into a new vehicle. Would absolutely use them again.

Worth every penny. I've had four different cars serviced here, each for various issues, and the quality of service consistently exceeds my expectations. My latest visit involved a faulty alternator on my '02 Jetta. I talked to Ray on the phone and he gave me a reasonable estimate, based on my description of the symptoms. After I dropped it off, I was contacted a few hours later and given a more accurate diagnosis and estimate. I OK'd the work and a few hours later it was done. The customer service and communication is excellent. The mechanics know their stuff. They will install parts you bought elsewhere without grumbling. They have a great guarantee and they are FAST!

Okay, so I have been going here for over a year and at first they really blew me away! They were honest about all repairs, took the time to explain things in detail, and had a great attitude while doing it all. Well the last 3 visits were horrible, they are still honest, but that's about it. I went in because my car was acting up the first time, and nobody was even at the front desk. When someone did appear, he seemed as if I was bothering him because they were so busy. Being busy is great, but how about a being nice to the people your turning away?! It was at this time that I overheard the other employee talking about another customer and saying " yea, whatever....I don't wanna even take in this car, just say we're too busy " Wow, made me wonder if that's what just happened to me. So my Husband and I went elsewhere. No worries. The next time I went in for brakes, it felt as if they rushed through the explanation of what I needed, and options available to me. I asked a few questions, about the brands and warranty....and this seem to irritate guy at the front desk. I went ahead and got them anyway. Needed em. While there, there where 2 employees laughing it up, and joking around...I asked myself " can that joy be spread around to the customers??? Guess not. Because the last time was just like the first 2. Didn't explain a thing. Also, I don't like how the mechanics came in, whisper something, and then the guy's abandon ship and go to the back. Feels like your being left out of the discussion ABOUT YOUR CAR! How about showing me, the person who owns the car whats going on? Or saying here is the problem, let me now call and see what it costs. Simple, upfront, and keeps the customer in the loop, Hope changes are being done, or I will be looking for another mechanic shop...ASAP! Side note, also sent a family member there after bragging about these guys, and they too where let down.