When we first moved to Central Florida in early summer 2023, this shop was fantastic. It came highly recommended by the previous owner of our home here, a long-time resident of 28 years, and we had consistently positive experiences for quite some time. Unfortunately, things have taken a significant turn for the worse over the past few months. Our Chevrolet Cruze was towed to A1 due to a damaged engine that required replacement. That work was completed, and we were initially very relieved. Shortly after, however, the car began intermittently failing to shift into reverse. We brought it back, and after nearly two weeks, we were told it was fixed--but the issue remained. We returned the vehicle again, this time also requesting repair of the emergency brake, which was no longer functioning. Despite multiple assurances from the front desk that the car would be ready, several promised completion dates passed with no resolution. When we finally picked up the vehicle, we discovered the shifter had been damaged during the repair and replaced with an incorrect 5-speed component, even though the car is a 6-speed manual. At that point, I chose to purchase the correct part myself rather than go through another extended delay. In the meantime, the reverse issue persisted. Around this time, we also received a speeding ticket from a school zone in Eustis--on a day the shop had possession of our car. While we initially chose not to reach out to the shop/owner about this, that changed when, while merging onto the turnpike, the 5 speed shifter knob that was still in place (the 6 speed replacement had not yet arrived in the mail) came off in my husband's hand. We returned to the shop and brought everything to the owner's attention, including the ticket, the damaged shifter housing (which we had already noticed after the prior repair), and a loose coolant reservoir with broken clips. At that point, we were still hoping these were isolated issues. The car remained at the shop for another two weeks, again exceeding the promised completion timeline. The repairs were done free of charge, with the exception of the reservoir. When we picked the car up, we were told the coolant reservoir damage could be due to normal wear and tear, which is reasonable given the car is a 2013. The 6 speed shifter I had purchased & dropped off at A1 for them to replace was now installed, but concerns remained: the emergency brake is now excessively tight (the lever hardly able to be lifted an inch), the car still intermittently will not shift into reverse, and the shifter housing is secured with a zip tie. Eight days later - today, the shifter detached again--coming completely off in my husband's hand while in traffic. When we called to discuss this, the owner was unavailable, and we were told by the lady answering the phone, "I don't know what else we can do." At this point, we are taking the vehicle to another local shop closer to our home that had previously been recommended to us. We will be providing them with the list of repairs that were reportedly completed and will update this review based on their findings. It is disappointing to write this, as we had genuinely trusted and recommended this shop to others. However, after multiple unresolved issues, extended delays, & same or new problems introduced during repairs, we can no longer recommend their services. I feel it is important to share our experience so others can make informed decisions about where to spend their hard-earned money in an economy such as our current one. There is a point at which repeated issues outweigh the benefit of the doubt. (Regarding the speeding ticket, the City of Eustis ultimately dismissed it and we did not have to pay the $100 fine.) read more

I took my Mercedes in because I was getting an alert that my auxiliary battery was malfunctioning. When I called later I was told my oil change was done, which I had not asked for! I had just had an oil change 4 months earlier, and the car doesn't require an oil change that soon on Mobile One synthetic oil, and low miles. They charged $129 for an oil change I did not request, plus put in STP synthetic. Mercedes states to use Mobile One synthetic, so they took out the better oil I had just recently had changed. They didn't charge me for the diagnostic on the car, but that would've only been $51 an hour instead $129 for the unnecessary oil change. They found nothing wrong with the battery, and for now the alert is not coming on. Not sure why, since they couldn't explain that and said everything was fine. if it returns,I will take it somewhere else from now on. read more

A1 was awesome in taking our vehicle into their shop when another local shop failed us miserably! They understood the problem and began right away completing the service requested. They were very professional and reasonably priced. The job was completed right when they told us it would be and it was done right! I highly recommend this business for your auto needs! read more

As anyone can see it is still one star. Again you replied 9-10 months later with an even bigger tale. Again I stand by my review and would never recommend your business. You quoted me only a Jasper transmission but only offered a used one at the same price. My words weren't "hold off" but I did tell you I was not having a "used" transmission installed, a transmission you said couldn't be warrantied because it was used. You never reached out, I had to come by and see what was taking so long. I didn't and haven't forgotten any thing. When I returned I wanted you to take a quick look at my truck because I knew it was probably something simple and as it turns out it was. Another shop did that diagnostic and repair in less than 30 minutes. For the service I did receive from you I do believe I was overcharged. I have read other replies to your bad reviews and it seems as truth and honesty eludes you. I have also had time to talk to many ex-customers that do not trust your business since you took ownership, all locals. I will continue to state my side of as long as you want to keep attacking me in your replies and all it is ever going to get you is a refreshed ONE star. read more

They charge you for things that you didn't agree too. Then they will lie and say you did agree to those charges and approve them for you.

Only place I take my car to. They are commonly busy so it can take a little while, well worth it though for someone you can trust

This place was amazing!! I will only take my cars here to be worked on. The prices are affordable and the work superior. They are friendly and the work is done fast. read more

We have taken my sons truck here twice for service on 2 different issues and they have done a awesome job. They are very thorough in finding the problem you tell them about and getting it fixed in a timely manner. read more

I had a Tune up done. Afterwards it wouldn't start, a few wires were not even popped on tight to the distributor. I made sure that it was a full tune up, because they wanted $480! Online that includes fuel filter, and complete tune up. NOTHING like that was done. Plus less than 100 miles, my service light came back on, due to a dirty part. When my car was done, the owner said that he had Covid-19 and I eaither had to pick up my car, immediately or wait till Monday. This was on Wednesday. While trying to get my car, he said I picked Monday which was not true! He informed me that he RECORDS all phone calls. Which is illegal, and was not true. I was without a car and then crying by the way he talked to me. It was unprofessional and I would never recommend them to anyone! read more

We all want a repair shop you can trust. Trust to do the work correctly at a fair price and then back up the work they did. A-1 is by far the best repair shop I have ever worked with. The owners know what they are doing. I have multiple cars and there isn't an issue that they have not been able to fix. Give them a try. You won't regret it! read more

Super honest and transparent when it came to fixing my truck. Discussed in detail how his pricing worked before he even assessed my vehicle. Super happy with my experience here. Saved me a ton compared to the dealership. I highly recommend them. read more

These guys are the BEST!! I've been here 3 or 4 times now. Today my Check Engine light was the issue. They called me back and said that there really wasn't an issue at all. They ran a bunch of test and checked some message boards. The issue causing my Check Engine light to come on, is also affecting lots of other vehicles of the same age, make and model. They told me I could replace the part for just over $300 but they advised me I really didn't need to. There was no charge! I am a customer for life. Thank you A1 Automotive Center. I heard about this place from a friend who lives around 25 miles away from them. He won't use anyone else! read more

This place doesn't even deserve one star. My wife had a coupon for electronic's which was for free diagnostic. There was a problem with the car and we had it repaired. When it came time to pay the bill the owner refused the free diagnostic coupon because he said it was too involved. His wife agreed with us but he didn't care. I put down cash for the repair and said I was not going to pay for the diagnostic because of the coupon. He became crazy mad, cursing and screaming at us. Followed us into the parking lot said he was going to assault me. Me being a large man told him to try me, he went back inside. This guy is out of hand! read more

I took my Rav4 in and A1 did an excellent job as usual. I take all my cars here now. My car runs great and I can't thank EVERYONE there enough. Usually, a shop calls with bad news....they try to upsell you, lie to you and tell you something that it isn't. Well, these people are HONEST and do great work....AND THEY ARE FAST. I also took my Navigator in because it was making a strange sound. I wanted it fixed so I could give it to my daughter to drive and wanted it running perfectly. I get a call from Beau and he explains to me what's wrong. He said it is a simple fix. Then I asked what the charge was and he says, "$35". I was shocked. NO SHOP ANYWHERE TELLS THE TRUTH LIKE THEM. They even do follow up calls to make sure everything is fine a day or two later. These people are class acts. I asked for a picture and here it is....I am forever grateful for meeting these people. I tell you this, I won't go anywhere else now. No way......Thanks, Beau and Michelle.....I appreciate all of you there also. Blessings to you all. read more

A1 Automotive Center - Beau and Michelle - Auto Repair Near Me - Eustis, Florida

Having read the owners review, I'll also update what actually happened. Yes I parked in the wrong spot because that's the spot they'd had me park before in order to put air in the tire. Air in the tire. I spoke to an employee, who told me I had to move the car. I told him I'd called and said, "should I check inside"? He nodded yes. I went inside to identify myself as I had called just a few minutes previously. There is no one there except me and the owners wife. The owner came flying in yelling "couldn't I read!" and that I'd ignored his employee. I never raised my voice but said I had called because the car had a tire pressure warning. He continued yelling insultingly and said I'd ignored his employee as he walked back to the garage. His wife was obviously embarrassed. I'm guessing people there are fearful of this mans' temper. It was something to behold. Moral of the story? No matter what, you better park in the right place. PS My car dealer was very happy to put air in my tire. A longer drive perhaps but a more pleasant experience. read more

Basically, I have all of the same concerns that YOU probably have when selecting a mechanic - who can you trust, and who is going to rip you off? Generally, I'm reluctant to give 5 stars to a business, because I can usually find some fault somewhere, but A-1 really deserves high praise. I was new to the area about two and half years ago, and had what I thought was a major problem with my truck A/C. Based on an ad on a restaurant menu that stood out, I took it to A-1. The owner, Beau, found the problem was a 53 cent part that was malfunctioning, and sent me on my way (very surprised, and happy). There was probably no better way to come to understand that this was a man, and business, built on integrity and honesty. For me, that would be more than enough to earn my repeat business, but over the past two years, Beau and the team at A-1 has also proven to be more than capable at diagnosing and repairing every issue I've had. He has ASE certification, and knows his stuff. His prices are more than fair, as well. This is as good as it gets, folks. I'm sorry to be leaving the area, because I truly trust this business, and it's owner. Do yourself a giant favor and give your business to this guy. Curtis read more

Worst service and professionalism I have ever encountered in not only automotive repair but any business! Owner totally unprofessional and rude, threatening, and much more. Threaten bodily harm to me, a senior citizen and busies person in Lake County for 43 years. I recommend everyone stay away from this business. I also must say he must pay those other people who have given him a good review. read more

I've been here twice and leaving there with a smile on my face. I've been to too many mechanic shops and most of them aren't as good as this place. Beau, the owner the mechanic there is very nice and has great communications. I've taken my car there and he was very nice and patience enough to explained the problems with my car both times and save me time and money. He really knows his stuff and I trust his mechanic expertise! Beau, his mechanics and his secretary are very friendly and nice. I would recommend bring your vehicle here for any repair issues you have and at very fair and reasonable price. This is a very handicapped friendly place, I'm hearing impaired, mind you. And the communication is great and patiencely works with you. They've got my business always! I would be going back! Thanks Beau and his team! read more

Our engine was vibrating very badly at stop lights and it only got worst if we had the A/C on. We went to one place and were told that the compressor was going bad. We decided to put it off until it failed completely. I found A-1 in the phone book and we went there. Not only was it not the A/C, but it were the motor mounts that we thought we had replaced 2 years ago at another place. They even showed us the one mount that was replaced and one of the factory ones that was not. They said it would take 2 hours to replace the three bad mounts but got it done in less than an hour. Honesty and workmanship are most important and you will find both at A-1. read more

I have never been so disrespected by the owner of a company. I took my car here because it was having problems starting and they called me saying it was a simple fix and that it was just the terminal. The lady I spoke to said it was good to go. My grandma went to pick it up for me and when her husband gets in it to go, it doesn't start. So he goes and tells them. They get it to start and leave, and my grandma calls me saying they said I needed a new battery. I was genuinely confused because the woman I spoke to on the phone said it was a just a terminal piece and never said anything about a battery. So I called up there and the man that owns it answered and I told him what I was told about the battery and that I was just calling to confirm and his exact response was, "so what would you like me to tell you?" Confused, I said "I was just wondering why I wasn't told anything about the battery this morning when I was told My car was ready to go. He goes "probably because she's not god (the woman I spoke too) but I'll make sure to light her on fire for you". So not only did I pay 72$ to pick up my car that still didn't start, I was also very disrespected by a grown man simply for asking a question about my car. I have every right to call asking when I was told something completely different. I will never recommend this place and I will make sure everyone knows how they treated me. read more

Please never trust this owner. When I lived in Eustis he was great, or at least I thought he was great. 2 years ago, I was conned into purchasing an more expensive alternator. I was told life time warranty. So, Saturday night in Franklin, TN.my car breaks down. I have it towed to Firestone Automotive. I have two kids and an elderly grandmother with me and it's 9:30pm. I leave the car and have Uber take us to the hotel. The next morning I call Firestone, and they tell me the alternator has gone. I tell them about this awesome lifetime warranty. They also said a-1 automotive is great to work with and there will no issue on the warranty. They were wrong. I just called and spoke to the owner who told me because I didn't call him he won't cover it. I also didn't pick the alternator up and carry it with me so they won't cover it. Even if I did, pick up the alternator, I would have to drive the alternator Eustis, FL with the car that broke down so they could ensure I wasn't lying. I told him I knew A-1 auto was closed on Sundays, and he assured me he checks his messages every 2 hours. Also, if I had called he would have had an alternator sent right to Firestone within 10 minutes of him calling. When I explained, how was I to know that, he told me that everyone in the US knows that. I explained I was in Franklin without a car and on my way to Memphis. I didn't know that I had to call him first, and that I didn't think anyone knew that. What I knew is I had to get on the road. I know this business claims to be a Christian organization, but this is what turns folks away. He did hang up on me. Please don't be conned. read more

I had a scary sounding rattle happening on the undercarriage of my vehicle. I thought it was my brakes as it sounded like grinding as well, so I decided I needed someone to see it. I've never gone to a mechanic in the area, so was nervous about selecting one. I made sure to do research prior to contact and could not ignore the high praise this shop received. I took my car in and while it took the whole day to diagnose (they were very busy which is a great sign!) the mechanic was very honest in telling me that it was good news! My heat guard was loose and rattling against the exhaust and he fixed it without charge! He even informed me that my brakes have plenty of life left. I'll be sure to return to him when it's time to replace them. He was even nice enough to wait an hour after close so I could get a ride to come pick my car up. I would definitely recommend. They seem sincere and are not out looking to make a buck just for the sake of it. read more

I am terribly dissatisfied with my dealings with A1 automotive. A few months ago my car died and the towing company brought the car to A1. We were told the problem was the alternator. We had to wait a few days for the alternator to be replaced and the cost was average to high but the car was already towed there so we proceeded. As we drove out of the shop the car was making a loud terrible sound. We returned to the shop and the owner, Beau, said that the car was making that noise when it arrived to them. When I said that it wasn't, I was told it was and that it was the struts making the noise. Beau then said that struts can be damaged upon towing but hopefully it will correct itself in a month or so and that the car was perfectly safe to drive. I had the owner drive in the car with me to confirm his diagnosis. I then went to another repair shop to get a second opinion and pricing and was immediately told it was not the struts. The noise turned out to be a loose bolt holding the sub-frame on and if it was to fallen off it could have been very dangerous. I was informed that this bolt should never be able to be removed by hand but it was so loose the mechanic was able to do so . A few weeks later the car wouldn't start and it turned out that the battery connections were poorly replaced during the alternator repair. I would never go to this automotive shop again. read more

I recently moved and was looking for a new mechanic to take care of my cars. After trying a couple other places, my third time was a charm with A-1 Automotive. They do good work (I've had no issues with any repairs/maintenance), take the time to explain your repairs and maintenance without being insulting (rare in mechanics) and thoroughly look over your vehicle to spot any problems that you may not notice (they found a defective valve gasket while replacing spark plugs), all at an affordable price. I'm almost hesitant to write a review because I don't want others to know of what quality A-1 Automotive. read more

I stopped here about a year ago... I asked for a written estimate. The guy said: "Well, apparently you don't trust me." Frankly, I didn't so I left. I didn't think that a request for a written estimate was out of the ordinary. Strange people. read more