A RIP-OFF! Even if my car breaks down on Burnet Rd in front of Arbor Auto Works, I will drag it somewhere else. I will pay to have it towed. I will NEVER use this company again. I dropped my car off for a loud idle and broken fan two weeks ago. I missed a day of work while they worked on it, since they do not provide loaners and I could not find a ride. Paid $400 to have it fixed, and picked it up a day later. Less than 24 hours later the car broke down again! The exact same problem!!! I took it back, waited another day (lost a day of work again) and had to pay even more cash to get it fixed again. The mechanic swore up and down that it was "another" problem that they had overlooked the first time. I was not impressed, seeing that I wasted two days of work because the problem was not fixed right the first time, but then it got worse. I have never, in all my years of auto repair, been required to pay an $80 diagnostic fee - usually, companies only charge you a fee if they look at the car, and then you take it away without them fixing it. At Arbor Auto Works, you pay $80 for them to identify the problem, then labor and materials to fix it. Most companies waive the diagnostic fee if you have the work done on site. Well, I told the mechanic that I was not going to pay the diagnostic fee twice. In my mind, they failed to accurately diagnose the problem the first time around, which I had already paid them $80 to do. The mechanic agreed, took the car in for the second check, and then called with my second quote. The second quote included repairing things that weren't broken! Only one item on the car was actually broken, and they wanted to fix three. When I asked why, I was told, "Because if we don't, it might break, you'll come back in here complaining again." He justified it by arguing, "Well, I'm really cutting you a deal here because I should have charged you the diagnostic fee again, but I didn't." First of all, I was offended that the mechanic thought I was complaining. Less than 24 hours after they "fixed" my car, it broke down for the exact same reason - taking it back and asking them to fix it correctly is not complaining. Second, I beg to differ that not charging me the diagnostic fee twice was "a deal" when it was their fault the car was misdiagnosed, and it's not a common practice to charge $80 just to look at the car in the first place! I found it fishy that the mechanic would ask me to pre-empt any future breakdowns by replacing the two extra parts, so I called other auto shops and explained what was going on. One shop, who could not take my car because they were full of customers, were nice enough to address my situation over the phone. When I described the parts AAW wanted me to replace, the phone mechanic told me that there was no valid reason to replace all three - they just happened to all come in one box, and replacing all three would be a legitimate reason to charge me for an entire open box. Also, AAW charged me double for one of the parts they replaced in my car. When they gave me the materials quote over the phone, I asked if they knew that the exact same part was available at Auto Zone for literally 50% of the price they quoted. It wasn't even on sale; the part is just significantly cheaper everywhere but here. The mechanic said, "Yes, I am aware of the price of the part, but the price I gave you is the price you have to pay as a customer at our shop." The whole place is a complete rip-off: a 50% markup on retail is ridiculous. 15-20% is ok, but 50%? The clincher? Two days of work lost and $500 later, the car still isn't fixed. I have to take it somewhere else to get the exact same problem "repaired" again. read more

Would be nice if someone came out to talk to me but I guess they're too busy. Maybe this is the kind of establishment where you have to go inside to get a state inspection, that would be a first for me... the woman even saw me sitting in the car waiting and she turned right around and waltzed in. I guess I wasn't worth their time. read more

after the multiple visits I decided to try fixing the AC myself, it needed the correct cap on one of the valves (like a air valve for a tire) the one on there didn't fit! I added a can of AC Pro and it has been working for 6 months now without refilling. read more

No. Just no. Took my car here when something snapped in the engine, my AC started pumping out hot air, and that little dial that monitors how hot your engine is jumped into the red. I had to pull over on the side of the road to prevent epic failure of my entire car, and then took it to Arbor Auto Works at the recommendation of a friend. They charged me an arm and a leg, and then it happened again three days later. The EXACT same thing. When I took it back in, they charged me another $90 diagnostic fee since "we fixed the problem; this must be something else." Almost 2K later, I ended up having to take it to a different shop, because I was pouring money into Auto Arbor Works only to have the same thing break whenever I drove off. I found the manager to be rude and aggressive. I will never, ever go back. read more

So far, I've only taken my car here for routine oil changes, but it is a VERY friendly place. Prices seem reasonable, and the location is great. read more

Great work, but overpriced. The Good: I know that their work is good. It is done in a timely manner. I trust them and don't think they are cheating me. The Bad: Their prices seem high. Even if they aren't out to get me, i still think their prices are high. Quality work is the expectation, not the exception. My car didn't give me the luxury of shopping around last time i was here. I got it fixed quickly which was appreciated, but after a little research, i ended up paying a bit too much. When i picked up my car, it smelled like a smoker had left their dirty laundry in the back seat. It went away after about three days, but it was pretty bad. I used to get my oil changed here, but after going twice and them being closed during posted business hours i quit and started doing it myself. That was a couple of years ago, so i don't know if it is any reflection of what is done today. read more

Despite the low number of stars, I kinda like these guys because they're friendly and knowledgeable to a point. Inspections were quick and reasonably priced. But regular auto repairs are expensive ($500 for a $350 power steering pump replacement, for example) and another electrical problem took all summer to fix after multiple parts and multiple tows. To be fair, I took it to another shop that couldn't fix it either, and they DID replace the continually failing new parts for no charge. But the final repair -- replacing the distributor with a rebuilt one -- was probably not necessary: A private mechanic later told me that there was a condenser that needed to be replaced along with the coil, which was the original problem. So, make of this what you will. For now I'm using a backyard mechanic and doing my own work. read more

Got my state inspection here. Really nice, friendly service. And pretty quick too.

I had brought my vehicle in for an estimate to repair its air-conditioning system... the estimate was around $700... was charged about $30 for this estimate.... I took it to another mechanic that I trusted and had it fixed for less than $200. read more

My oil change location now....knowledgeable staff and good prices. Keep up the good work.

I heard about Arbor Auto Works through a friend after I had explained to her how awful Firestone tried to screw me over during the summer (went in for state inspection). I came in to Arbor Auto Works on Monday around 8:30 in the morning and my car was in and out in no more than 30 minutes. I do not remember the name of the lady at the counter, but she was very friendly and the whole experience made my day. If I have any problems with my car in the future, I will be going to Arbor Auto Works. Thanks for such nice, honest, and timely service! read more

Went in for inspection. I was informed durning inspection that I had a bulb out. I asked him how much it was to replace, he said not much, less than 20.00. I said OK, because I did not want to come back. I looked at my bill and was charged 27.76 !!! I have some other things I would like to get done, but I do not like being told one amount, and charged another :o(. Does not seem right.......... read more

These folks deserve no less than 5-stars. I called at 5:15 on a weekday, knowing that they close at 6:00pm, and asked if they could squeeze me in for an oil change. I don't have time during the week, typically, and I had a short work day and was hoping they could help me out. They didn't hesitate when I explained my situation and how busy I am (like I'm sooo important...). Then it got complicated because I drive a rare vehicle and they took the time to order the oil filter knowing it would take even more time. When I arrived, the owner did the work himself as his employees headed home for the evening. Who does that anymore? I've been a customer for a while and always had good service, but this was above and beyond, which is why I'm here (on yelp). I'm a lifer now. Thanks, Arbor Auto Works. read more

8am Oil Change: Quick, Fast, Done. Super friendly staff. Will definitely be my new go to place for anything auto related.

Came in on Monday took them the entire day to get my vehicle back to me. I was charged over $500 to have my brakes bled. I called around town to find out just how long a job such as bleeding the brakes would be priced. AutoZone told me 30 minutes of labor for experts and an hour and a half for beginners. I waited patiently at the thunder cloud subs located right across the street from the auto shop. I rated the auto shop with one star and here's why... There was only one person in the garage who I assumed would be the mechanic but after about 20 minutes, that guy left the garage and walked across the street into "little woodrows" he had a negative attitude from the start of it all. But I noticed that he didn't came back for another hour. I sat for another 30 min before I saw him hop into his truck and leave. I thought he was going to gather the parts needed for the truck but I really think he was trying to by himself some time to full around and charge me a ridiculous amount of money for a simple brake job. Not cool at all, first and last time I go to these guys. read more

I would not recommend Arbor Auto Works. I brought my Volkswagen Jetta in with an oil leak. After paying $200+ more than I was initially quoted, the oil leak continued. I brought it back to the shop, and they claimed that after reinspecting it, they couldn't identify any additional leaks. A couple weeks later, the starter in my car went out. I took it to a different shop and they immediately identified the secondary oil leak as being caused by the vacuum pump (which I had both suggested to Arbor Auto Works as a possible source of the leak, and is very common in Volkswagens). The oversaturation from the oil leak had caused the starter to go out. Due to the inability of Arbor Auto Works to accurately pinpoint the source of the additional leak, my starter went out, I had to get my vehicle towed, and am now incurring the costs of these additional repairs. I'd highly suggest taking your car elsewhere. read more

Went there for a state inspection. They were SUPER friendly, accommodating, affordable and fast. The waiting area wasn't fancy, but still comfortable. What more can you ask for? I had such a great experience I plan to go back there again for an oil change and tire rotation. read more

They've fixed me up with 2 state inspections and a minor repair. Their service has been good and reliable. They charged less than half what the dealer wanted to charge and fixed it right. I will return. read more

All you can really ask from a mechanic, is to not get ripped off. Cars break. It costs money to repair them. Both my girlfriend and I have taken our cars there for the last year or so and always feel we got a knowledgable diagnosis and a fair price. This has been backed up by various websites that calculate what x repair should cost. It's a professional, no pressure atmosphere. read more

I was driving from Dallas to Austin to visit my daughter and I got the dreaded "Service Engine Soon" light as I came into town. The next morning I called a few garages but Arbor Auto Works was the first garage that told me that they could look at my car that day. When I arrived the owner was friendly and offered to have his son drive me back to my daughter's house which was very helpful indeed. I was able to pick my car up the next after some cracked gaskets were replaced and I was on my way back home. It has been 2 months now with no engine related problems so I strongly recommend this garage. read more

I went in for my routine oil change and also for a maintenance check. I left it there over lunch and my car was ready when I returned. He said my car is generally due for a tire rotation at the mileage I had logged, but it appeared they may have already been rotated and were good as-is, so I only needed an oil change. The owner, Winn Kasper, is an awesome, stand-up guy and Robert, at the front desk was exceptionally friendly and helpful! I will definitely return for additional car maintenance! read more

Extremely unethical owner AND shoddy service. When my daughter picked up her car for a tail light housing replacement (that we had figured out was way overpriced in the first place) and inspection, she payed the bill and left. Too bad the repair person didn't have sense to put the bulbs back in the housings. So now my daughter was driving a car with NO tail lights that had passed Arbor's safety inspection. She almost got rear-ended multiple times when a good samaritan pulled up and told her she had NO tail lights. She returned the next morning, had Arbor replace/put back the old housings this time WITH the bulbs (!) and got a refund CHECK, even though she had paid by credit card. Unfortunately the check was lost as she was moving that week. THE OWNER OF ARBOR AUTO refused to issue a new check even though we waited MONTHS and the check never cleared the owner's bank. I disputed with my credit card company, and Arbor let the 45 days it had to respond lapse (because, of course, the owner knew he didn't have a case; we got NO service for our $$), and that is how this was finally resolved. I RECOMMEND YOU NEVER DO BUSINESS HERE. If I could give ZERO stars, I would. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. I have been a regular customer for a few years. Once when I was in for an oil change ahead of a long trip, Winn noticed the state of my tires. There were holes in 3 of the 4. I had them replaced immediately. If Winn had not noticed this, I could have been hurt very badly. The service is excellent, the prices reasonable and it's a local business. Check them out, you won't regret it! read more

A while back, I took a car here because the radiator fluid was nasty. They did the job with a price and timeline that was not impressive. Shortly afterwards, I noticed the radiator fluid was back to goop. I realized later that the head gasket was blown. A good mechanic would have noticed that the radiator fluid had transmission fluid in it, indicating a more serious problem. A good mechanic also would have noticed that the oil was mixed with radiator fluid, another obvious sign of a blown head gasket. I was dissappointed to have paid all that money for nothing. read more

I walked in and walked out within 15 minutes, I don't think it gets much quicker than that for an oil change. And it was close to closing time. No fuss and very nice with a fair price. I think I'll be back next time. read more

As a single woman and completely ignorant of car stuff, I have to rely on the good will of any car repair place to treat me honestly and do what they say. I work around the corner from Arbor so it is very convenient for me to drop my car off for oil changes. So when I needed a higher level of repairs done, I went to Arbor. I found the work to be exactly what they promised, on time, with no surprises. When I compared prices with other people who had the same work done, the prices were the same. What more can anyone want. Our expectations for customer service are generally so low because we are usually treated like (*****) everywhere. Not so at Arbor. I guess you cannot please everyone but I think they really try. read more

This place has an incredibly "Austin" business flavor. The owner is super generous, helpful and all about building relationships and repeat customers. I went in for an inspection sticker and Winn went out of his way to help me fix another problem with the bumper and didn't even charge me for it. It's really important to trust your mechanic to do complete work and to not get ripped off. I trust Winn to do the right thing and I highly recommend him for his integrity and kindness. On the downside, his front desk guy could use an attitude adjustment. He was rude and seemed bothered by having to serve me. I watched him do the same to another woman, and then treat a male customer with respect and friendliness. Chauvinist or just grumpy., either way, it's not a good face for the company. read more

Our family lives in Rosedale, and my wife and I have been using Arbor Auto Works for years -- for several generations of vehicles. Their prices are fair, and their service is impeccable. In several situations, Arbor even sent us away with no charge, because they couldn't find anything wrong. Nothing but good things to say! I imagine we'll be using them for years to come! read more

The overall experience was disappointing. With the exception of Sam the staff was unfriendly and unhelpful. I went in about my AC not cooling. They conducted a test and told me the compressor was fine but I needed to recharge the system. I agreed and they uphold me on some fluids they said were necessary. It cost $695.00. That evening the AC was still not cool so I returned the next day (less than 24 hours later). I waited around for 3 or 4 hours while they did more tests and then said the compressor was shot and I needed about $1600 in new repairs to replace the compressor. After complaining that their diagnosis was dead wrong they refunded $75. Even that was a pain in that the guy there said he could not handle a refund so I had to return the next day to get it. The dealer puts the cost of replacing the compressor at $1200 so they are out of line with even that. I would never get near these guys again for any reason. I plan to check to see if they even recharged the AC when I get the work done next week (somewhere else). They should have refunded the entire amount I was ripped off for so all I would lose is the time I wasted going there. AVOID AT ALL COST! read more

the team effort at arbor is fantastic. we have been bringing in our older cars for the usual maintenance and have found that they happen to do the job in a timely and affordable way. we are pleased and highly recommend this repair shop for you car needs since they have been keeping me and my fleet running in at full speed. thank you guys for always taking the time to do the right job affordable. atjj read more

I've gone to Arbor over the past ten years, and have always been treated exceptionally well. My car (with over 125,000 miles) runs well and I trust they'll help me maintain it until it's no longer a good use of their time and my money. I trust they will be fair and honest when we cross that line too. They are not expensive and very comprehensive - everything from a simple oil change or inspection to check engine lights and fuel system workings like throttles and catalytic converters and undercarriage stuff like shocks. I admit that things that were almost free ten years ago, take-a-look-here and clean-this-too while chatting with the owner (who is devastatingly cute!) during an oil change took a hard stop against the new service writer. The prices are still fair, but spending extra time and effort cleaning my battery terminal during an already-cheaper-than-Jiffy Lube oil change? Is No Longer Free. Not free for them, and so that saving can't be passed along to us. I'm here to report the owner, the new service writer, and all the techs have been upfront and honest with me about how much that "Oh, and while it's up there, could you look at ..." would cost me. I still get good help scheduling out which repairs are critical. They take the time to discuss whether to use new-used-refurbished parts with me when we do the initial estimate. The estimates for major repairs have been spot-on, estimate was about 5 dollars over actual on two major system fixes. I'm still a fan, even while recognizing that times have changed for all of us and businesses mature. I'm still welcomed with a smile, get fair and honest pricing, and fixed-right-first-time service from experienced people who know how to keep cars running. read more

I am glad to have an opportunity to write a review for Arbor Auto Works. I used to do business with Winn Kasper at Arbor on a regular basis some 15 years ago when we lived in Austin. This past Friday night I drove to Lake Travis from Houston to visit friends for the weekend in my recently purchased used Mercedes E350. When I arrived I found my front driver side brake pad was grinding on the rotor and I never had any warning from a dash light or sensor noise prior to hearing the significant grinding. I was at a loss Saturday morning because the Mercedes service dept was not open. Fortunately, I thought to call Arbor and Winn answered the phone. He told me to bring it in and they would help me. They had to stay late to finish, but they had me fixed with all new pads, rotors, and sensors by 2pm and I ended up having a great time at the lake for the rest of the weekend. More great news, I just called Mercedes in Houston and found out it would have cost me at least $500 more for them to do the same repair here. Winn, thanks for the great job and thanks for getting me in at the last minute Saturday morning so I could have my car to drive for the weekend. It has always been a pleasure doing business with you! And, your new shop is great...wish you were here in Houston! All the best, Gary Smith. read more

I went in for the first time this July and I did make an appointment. They were polite, straightforward, reasonably priced, and quick! What more could I ask for? Would definitely recommend the place and I plan to return. read more

My mother went to get in an inspection for my car today, and they saw the windshield blades and 2 rear license plate bulbs needed to be changed. They tried contacting me, because that is the # my mom left with them, but I was unavailable, so they just did the work to pass the vehicle. Very annoying! I wouldn't say they charged a ridiculous amount, but I could have gone to an autozone and completed the work myself for half the price and then came back and got it passed! You have 15 days to go back and get a re-test for free! It's not okay to do the work to my car and charge me without asking first. For blades & 2 bulbs, I was charged around $49. read more

I live in Rosedale, so I prefer to stay local when it comes to the different services offered in our area. I have been using Arbor Auto Works for over three years, and I have never been disappointed. In fact, I often recommend these guys to anyone who is looking for a mechanic. Robert, the head mechanic, was so easy to work with and always made me feel like part of the team over there. Unfortunately, he doesn't work there any more but his replacement is just as helpful and attentive. They have a good thing going over there -- reasonably priced, honest, and quick with their services! You won't be disappointed! read more

I have been taking my car here for state inspections and oil changes for years and have received good service. Recently I asked them to check out my brakes. They said that my rear brakes were shot and my front brakes were at about 80%. They gave me a $240 estimate to fix/replace my rear brakes. I had to get a repair at the dealership and asked them to check out the brakes. The dealership said that there was absolutely nothing wrong with them! I do not recommend Arbor Auto Works on Burnet!!! read more

WORTH THE READ!!! My girlfriends jeep recently had its first experience with death wobble. With me being out of town for work, I recommended she take it here. i'm pretty mechanically inclined so I knew it had to be one or a handful of small issues with the front end. My girlfriend called me sobbing saying that they told her that she had hit something so hard with the rear differential that it knocked the whole back axle out of adjustment, essentially ruining the entire rear end. A $5000 fix is what they quoted her. I was furious. I immediately called them and played dumb for a bit. he attempted to sell me the same line of BS that he tried to sell her, until I started describing in detail exactly what the problem could be. from ball joints, to steering stabilizer issues, down to something as simple as a new adjustable track bar. I can almost still hear the moment he realized he was caught. he started to backpedal and ultimately got frustrated enough that he recommended I just take it somewhere else. $500 later with the new steering stabilizer and heavy duty steering upgrade kit. her jeep was fixed. there's no way this play should be in business. read more

Sadly, I must give Arbor a poor rating based on my final experience there. I started taking our Sienna there for repairs after a friend had recommended them. Winn and Matthew are very nice to deal with but they completely blew a diagnosis on my engine blowing blue smoke. They tried to sell me a $700 tune-up and spark-plug change. Questioning this, I called our old shop, Bearden, a Toyota&Lexus specialist up north and asked their opinion. Jeff Bearden said it sounded like our engine was gone and a tune-up and spark plugs wouldn't do a thing to fix the problem. Furthermore, they knew that certain Toyota engines had a defect of "engine gunk build-up" and ours was probably one of them. On his recommendation, we took it straight to Champion Toyota where they replaced the engine at no cost to us. When I called Arbor to see if they would consider crediting back the $150 they charged for a faulty diagnosis, Winn refused. Not a good move. read more

Had arbor auto works do a buyers check for me on a used car. The person who did the check never even called me, instead someone else in the shop called me and read me off some notes the inspector had jotted down. I asked that the inspector give me a call when available and was given some lip service and then never got my call. What is the point of ordering a car inspection if you cannot talk to the inspector or ask questions about the car? I paid you guys $55 to get told that the tires were a little bald and that car needed an alignment(things I knew well before hand), all by a guy who never looked at the car himself. What a rip off! read more

The guy working on my car was apparently too busy throwing a fit about someone coming in during their last our to pay attention to what oil he was putting in. Seriously, I witnessed a full on work tantrum that day. Based on further diagnosis since then, he may not have replaced a cap or filter quite right too. All they did was an oil change, but I had to go back for another one at Jiffy Lube maybe 2 months later. They looked up the right oil and it was neither the one they used, nor the one they told me to use. And my car hasn't been smoking me out with burning oil fumes when I sit in traffic since letting them re-do the work I'd just had done at Arbor Auto. I guess it's a good thing that the guy behind the counter never got back to me about planning a real repair I'd been considering making through them. Who knows what I would have gotten back then. read more