As a young woman, car troubles can be intimidating. Bao is genuinely the best mechanic in the area. He does great and honest work. He is completely transparent with his pricing which is always the best offer. I highly recommend Bao to any and everyone !! read more

Visiting from out of town and knocked my rear bumper off and dislodged muffler bracket. They were quick, friendly and very economical during a crisis. I highly recommend BAO's Autp Repair! read more

You will never find a better and more honest auto repair shop bar none! I live in Nashville and broke down in Knoxville and this owner of this shop stopped everything that they were doing just to help me and knowing because of where I live that I could not be a steady customer. read more

Amazing amazing amazing they are the best around period. Service is great they do great work on my edge they get me in right away

Amazing place. The owner is so kind and honest. Fixed our car quickly and even brought us fans for the kids and dogs in the car. We were stranded on family vacation and they jumped quickly into action and had us back on the road in less than an hour. read more

Bao Auto Repair - Fanning us - Auto Repair Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I've been going to Bao for years. I, unfortunately, had to buy a 2012 Kia Soul that definitely has needed some work. Ive been having the same problem for months driving this car. The first time I took it to him he said it was the catalytic converter and "hollowed" it. The second time he said it was the spark plugs which I did on my own bc he didn't have time. The 3rd time it was the ignition coils which he did, not cheaply. Just went again 2 days ago for the same problem. He said I bought cheap ignition coils and it was my fault. I told him I had done the spark plugs and he did the igniton coils at which time he argued with me and kept telling me it was my fault. He wouldn't even look at it again. So I went and paid $200 for nice ignition coils per his advice...guess what? That wasn't the problem. Went somewhere else and they diagnosed it as the timing belt and catalytic converter. Come to find out the cat hadn't been hollowed or bypassed at all. So what exactly did he do? He told me multiple times my car isn't worth fixing bc Kias are garbage. Well that would be fine if it wasn't my only car. He wouldn't even look it over to see what was truly wrong with it. So I've been putting all this money into this car bc I thought Bao was honest but I guess not. I will NEVER go back. Be warned...he hates old cars and won't work on them if he feels it's "not worth it." read more

Go here. Hands down go here. The owner is so nice and transparent. Our car broke down on vacation and he dropped everything and took care of us personally. He ordered the part needed and the store gave us a part that was scratched and clearly used. Most probably would have installed it without letting the customer know. Instead the owner showed me the part and why he said he wouldn't install it and then proceeded to call all the shops in the area looking for a quality part. He was so transparent in the cost and everything. Such a fantastic experience and could not recommend him more. Local is better and this guy goes above and beyond what any chain shop would do. He is fantastic and has three of the cutest dogs to keep you company while you wait! read more

He is amazing! Repaired my car on the spot. I didn't have to wait very long at all. His prices are very reasonable

They are fast, cheap, and reliable. Plain and simple the best mechanic around. Bao will you have you in and out fast, located behind fuel stop. read more

Serviced front and rear brakes for $180. Great price. Fast service. Bring cash if you don't want a surcharge for cards. Big, but nice dogs.

I trust Bao and his family 100%. Good honest people and honest prices. I would tell my children and grandchildren to go here. That to me says everything read more

I was in a bind. I am a pet transporter. I had a customers dogs with me and I travel with my own pup. My air conditioner went out the day before and it was hot and muggy. I still have a lot of miles to cover, and I knew this was a bad situation. I looked up automotive air conditioning repairs near me and Bao came up. He had good reviews so I thought I would give them a shot. I told him what the situation was, and he said bring it in! I was on a time schedule, and he accommodated me and repaired the air conditioner in my vehicle in an hour! I couldn't believe it! His price was more than fair. In fact, a great price. I got back on the road relieved and thankful that BAO was there for me and my dogs. read more

When my motor died in my car I was told to go to Bao. Man was that the best decision I ever made. We were very happy with how he was able to work with us and fix it for as cheap as he could! It worked out so great! read more

Highly recommend Bao to anyone needing their car fixed! Not only are they really nice, but they are reasonably priced and they don't try to gouge you like other mechanics do. Bao is an honest mechanic and I have even referred people to him and they are equally satisfied! They get me in and out whenever I do have to get things fixed which I appreciate as well. read more

I called to see if I could get my brakes done at 1130 am , I was told yes, as long as I can be there by 130 pm, I drove there and they checked them first and I was right, my pads were very thin. I could tell they were bad because I was feeling vibration braking and my stopping power was reduced of stopping power. They estimated it at 180 before tax for front and back brakes, I agreed. It wasn't 45 minutes and it was ready already, it was 203 out the door with using a cc. I drove away and it handled just like it did when I bought it new. Thank you Bao and your team for making me feel safe driving and at a reasonable price with fast service! read more

Mr. Bao and his family are always kind, prompt, and honest about the service I need for my vehicle. Mr. Bao's humor always makes my day. And the sweet dogs that hang around the business bring my blood pressure down when I'm stressing about car issues! I don't go anywhere else for my car repairs if I can help it. read more

I called several days in advance to make an appointment. I was told that I didn't need one but to drive by that day. I drove my car to the shop and bao was able to quote me and start work on my vehicle. I was quoted 175 for a full tune up with spark plugs and an oil change,and 120 for a new battery. I was told it would be all done today and they would even run and grab the battery for me because they buy it wholesale from autozone. I was told it wouldn't take long at all. More than an hour and that I could come back later to pick it up. I had to stay there with the car. Bao and one other young man worked on my car for about an hour. I was asked to go ahead and pay a hundred dollars because, "my car was ready to take home." I was very confused why the price had dropped so much. I asked what all work had been completed on my car. Bao told me that he changed a spark plug and the core. It cost $111. I asked about everything else with the tune up. And he said he didn't work on anything extra. I asked if he even did my oil change. And he said no. I asked him to ATLEAST do my oil change before I left and he said they were to busy for me. ( even though I called several days in advance and upon arrival was told what work would be completed that day. Before I left, he told me that he charged my battery up for me. I didn't even have my battery changed like I was told. My battery was bad and the car had to be jumped off. He apologized for the inconvenience and lied and said he wasn't aware that I needed the work done, even through everything was made clear, (even on their written paperwork that I hand wrote for them.) I was very clear to 3 different people before they even started the work on my car. I was upset and he convinced me to bring my car back 3 days later on my next day off. As I left the parking lot, I noticed my car wasn't changing out of first gear. When I turned my car back around and asked him to fix it. He told me no, that he was busy, and asked if I could have someone pick me up. At this point I was furious... i was met with more deception and no solutions. I ended up having my car towed to M and W repair in oak ridge. They quoted my car, spent delicate time and work on it, checked on me regularly, and took care of the mistakes Bao made. My car runs brand new now. It's a 06 Chrysler 300 with 170 ish thousand miles on it. Bao Locked my car in limp mode and blamed it on my transmission. I would give him a complete 0 if I could. I'm letting everyone know how terrible this shop and customer service is. Please avoid them, if they don't know the answer, the blame it on other stuff and don't even try to help you. BEWARE, their Prices seem great, but their work ethic was terrible. If you have work done there, stand with them and make sure it's completed. read more

Bao Auto Repair - My car awaiting a towe truck because it was not drivable after I left baos. - Auto Repair Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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I was recommended Bao years ago, and when anything has gone wrong with my vehicles they are my first choice. Why? Bao is a genius. His ability to diagnose an issue is second to none. When other places tell you that you will need an expensive repair that may sideline your vehicle for days or longer and cost thousands, Bao is honest. Situation this time was a broken motor mount bolt. I was told by others that I needed a transmission rebuild and that was going to cost a couple of thousand he recognized the motor mount as the issue. Advised me to get the motor mount. When he got it on the lift it was just the bolt. I was able to return the part and he got it fixed quickly. I can appreciate the fair pricing, speedy service and just flat out honesty. If you don't choose Bao for your repairs then you may be in for a lot more than the actual problem. read more

We cannot thank Bao enough for the work he did for us last week. My family was an hour into a 9-hour road trip back to Chicago after a week in the Great Smokey Mountains. Our 2007 Honda Odyssey has taken us all over the country and we've never had any issues. As we were approaching Knoxville (about an hour into our drive) I saw the battery warning light come on. We identified Bao via his decent reviews and called. He told us to come right in and immediately assessed the problem: a failed alternator. I couldn't believe how accommodating he was, getting our van in and out of his garage in less than a couple of hours. Price was very reasonable and we even took him up on his lunch recommendation across the street. Honestly, what could have been a huge headache ended up being a minor inconvenience thanks to Bao. We highly recommend! read more

Bao Auto Repair - The lot where we picked up our vehicle. - Auto Repair Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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On our way home from Gatlinburg and the start of a 10 hour trip home our engine light went on. We went to an auto zone to get the engine code, and we were told we should definitely have this checked out before we head home as it was a problem with the transmission. There were no shops open in Gatlinburg so we drove to Knoxville and Boa checked over the car, test drove it and made some minor repair/adjustments and sent us on our way! He felt confident we would be ok to get home and do full repairs then. Super friendly, knowledgeable and honest! If you can get your car there, no need to check any other reviews! This is your place!! read more

Outstanding. Probably the best Auto Mechanic I've had in 32 years of driving. I needed the Spark Plugs replaced, and one of the Ignition coils as well as the boots for all the plugs in a six cylinder. I got a quote from another Mechanic for $485.00 for everything. I took it to Bao? $260.00 out the door. He's always been able to do it for cheaper. But I like the level of service, and trying to find the RIGHT way to do it. For instance, on an older car of ours, it was having some brake trouble. Instead of going right after the ABS, he thought it might NOT be the $1,200.00 ABS module, but a simple $35.00 brake line, and wanted to try that first. Which is exactly what the problem was. Bao looks for the FAST, cheaper and RIGHT way to fix the car. They've earned my business, for sure and for certain .. read more

Bao is probably most honest and high quality mechanic in Knoxville. He runs his business in very family style. I have used him many times and his costs beat others by a mile. I have never had any issues with work he has done. I have seen him fix minor issues for folks who show up for no cost. Recently my Transmission Axle gasket had a leak. A brand named Auto repair shop quoted $900. I called Bao & he said $150. We got there and once work was done he charged me $120 since the work was minor than expected. I see some comments about his english or customer service but thats not accurate representation of his service. He runs his shop family style not corporate type. So yeah there may be a little wait or small things like that but his cost beats anyone else in town and she does his quality of work. read more

Bao is the utter best in Knoxville, and we are lucky to have him. I have never had a mechanic this honest! His work is top notch and cheap! It was so unexpected to find this at ANY shop, I'm still shocked. He has pulled used parts to save me money when I needed it, good used parts that have lasted! Under charged on labor everytime, and done quick checks for free when I've been worried about something making a noise or an odd quirk. His new parts are a bargain, because he doesn't charge extra on top of the cost of the part and he will not upsell or do repairs you don't need! Also will let you know when to bring it back, and what to look for when a part will definitely need to be swapped, so you can afford it in the future. My 1997 F150 thanks this wonderful shop for keeping her in tip top shape despite her age, and I hope this fantastic service continues, and the other shops in the area take notice! This update on my last review is here because I love to give this shop 5 stars, and highly recommend him to all of my friends, family, and any yelpers, whenever they need a mechanic! read more

My check engine light came on and it turned out that I needed all new spark plugs. I drove it directly to Bao and he had it done within an hour, and for an extremely reasonable price considering I drive a Subaru. Will definitely be going back if I have any other issues! read more

Bao's Auto Repair does excellent work at really good rates. My son and I have use Bao's on several of our vehicles, and have always been happy with their service. I have my Caddy in now, and he has already fixed a fuel line. I highly recommend Bao's Auto Repair, especially if you are retired, like me. Or anyone working that needs your car fixed quickly, without costing you a fortune. read more

Bao is hilarious but you've got to be able to take a joke. Service is quick and ridiculously cheap. I've taken my 2009 Avalon in for several issues and the repairs worked great and were very affordable. The one issue I've had that he's attempted to fix during 2 other service issues is the brakes feel squishy like there's air in the brake lines, you have to floor the brakes to gradually come to a stop. I've had the master cylinder replaced and he bled the brake lines twice supposedly and it's still the same. It may need a pressurized vacuum flush to get some trapped air out higher up in the brake lines, and I don't know if he has the equipment to do it or not. He didn't charge me for flushing the brake lines either time though. I'll have to go somewhere else I guess for this one issue as he says "it works fine" but it definitely does not work fine, it's terrifying to drive in this state. In the three times I've gone to Bao, I've spent less than $1,000 total for things other shops would have charged for just 1 of the services done. I'll keep coming here for years, just disappointed with this one issue this one car is having. My friends and family have also used them for minor and major repairs and have had nothing but excellent service for pennies on the dollar, with his signature dry humor. I think the last thing he told me was to stop watching so many YouTube car videos and go back to mowing the lawn or something else I can be good at and leave car repairs to him, lol. read more

My sons car, a 2010 Dodge Avenger was overheating so I called Bao and asked them if they had time to look at it. They said to come on in anytime and they would look at it and tell me what the problem was. (I had already taken the thermostat out and checked it to make sure that wasn't the problem.) I had my son take the car down there, and as soon as he got there, Bao looked at the car and said that it was a blown head gasket and that if would be over $3,000 to fix it, so it wasn't worth his time doing it, because in his opinion the car wasn't worth it, and he also told my son that he knew that he couldn't afford to pay for it if he did fix it. Luckily for him I taught my kids how to act otherwise things might have gone badly. Who talks to customers this way? I made the mistake of listening to all the good reviews online, and hopefully this review will save someone else from going there and being disrespected and treated like dirt like my son was. You have been warned. Just one more thing, I took the car down to Autoxtend, and within minutes they said that it wasn't a blown head gasket, it was the water pump. So there's that too. Save your dignity, and your money, and go somewhere that actually knows how to treat people and fix your car problems so you don't needlessly spend money for incorrect diagnoses. read more

Called for an estimate. The person answering the phone hardly knew English and she had an attitude. I don't need to hire someone that treats me badly even before I hire them. If I want to be ignored, I can go to Walmart. Don't know anything about the competency of the mechanic nor do I want to after trying to secure an estimate. I was taught in college that the believability and professionalism of your company starts with whoever answers your phone. I'll pass...so should you. read more

I've been going here for a while and Bao has worked on my Honda Element multiple times. He's very honest, which is hard to find! His wife is friendly and accommodating. He's always busy and for a good reason. Very reliable and quick! Highly recommended! read more

this place is AMAZING. I just moved to knoxville about 2 months ago and have been having car problems. I had a 'go to' auto mechanic that I could trust where I am from but was at a loss here. I decided to take it to the dealer and see what they had to say. I was told by a dealer that Right and Left Front Hubs needed to be replaced and that it was going to be $1100 dollars to replace them ($352 for each hub and $396 for labor).... I wanted a second opinion and so decided to check Bao out. turns out only one hub was bad and he was only going to charge $140 for the part and $60 for the labor. Bao will now be my go to place, and it should be yours too! read more

Yelp has been great for helping me find delicious food but it is also now responsible for saving me a lot of money. I bookmarked BAO after reading amazing reviews on Yelp and of course my car died shortly afterwards. I got it towed and received pretty great service at BAO. They were kind and figured out what was wrong relatively quickly. Better still, they saved me money. My alternator was out and I was surprised at how relatively inexpensive it was to replace it. I called another car place for an estimate cause I was curious and it would have cost me twice as much. Inhabitants of Knoxville, this is where you need to take your broken down vehicles. They do a good job and don't try to gouge you while they are at it. I am a fan! read more

I had gone to several Advance Auto Part stores, and I knew that all I needed was to have my alternator replace. The first place I went to quoted me over $300, $120 labor and $160 for the part. Advance had told me $85 for the part. So I asked the first service station if I could just buy my own part and then have them fix it. They said sure. When I got back in the car from buying the part, I consulted Yelp to find a closer mechanic and compare prices. Bao said they would do it for $50. I showed up 10 minutes later and in another 20 minutes I was on my way! They actually only charged me $40, because he said it was easier to do than he had expected. And he topped of my brake fluid as well. Great service, great rates, and the honesty and helpfulness was refreshing! read more

Can I give Bao 6 stars? 90 min into a 2500 mile road trip my wife's car started shaking. I called ahead and asked if she could stop in. At 6 o'clock on a SATURDAY. They said absolutely. In less than 45 minutes, and for $65, she had a new spark plug and cable and a smooth car. Road trip continues! read more

Got my whip to this man hoping for the best and thankfully he was able to fix my radiator hoses at an affordable price! He squeezed me into his schedule because it was an emergency I'm 6 hours away from home and his guys are the only ones that could get the job done in town because of the 4th of July weekend. Good genuine hard working group they have here def recommend! read more

Bao does great, quality work for an unbeatable price. Once I found him a few years ago, I've never had a need to go elsewhere. He is honest about what you need, don't need, or might need soon, and he has even helped me out with a minor issue for no charge. Whether you're on a budget or not, I highly recommend Bao. read more

My car broke down the other day and I got on yelp to look at reviews of repair shops. Bao was the highest rated and now I know why. He doesn't charge to tell you whats wrong and they charge by the job and not the hour, so you won't run into a situation like at some places where they say it took 4 hours to put on a new water pump or something like that and also he didn't charge a premium on the parts (although it was rounded). In my case the belt tensioner was bad and I also needed a new belt. He charged for the labor on the tensioner but didn't add any labor for putting the new belt on since, as he said, he had to take the old belt off anyway to replace the tensioner. I really appreciated that since I know some places try to squeeze every cent possible for anything they can claim took extra time.. Also, if your car is broke down like mine was, ask what towing company they recommend. I forget the name, but you get a discount if you are getting towed to Bao's. All in all, it was ready in less than 24 hrs. I will be going back for any of my repair needs. Plus he has a nice black lab named Rocky. read more

I just HAVE to write this review. Never have I experienced such great service from an auto repair shop. Mr Bao was honest, caring and extremely reasonably price. He was able to diagnose the issue and repair it in less than half a day. This was crucial because my wife was in Knoxville and we live in VA. I spoke to Mr Bao over the phone while my wife was there waiting. Where other mechanics would have probably taken advantage of the desperate situation we were in, Mr Bao was more interested in getting her on the road and safely home. I highly recommend Bao Auto Repair. read more

Everyone was very pleasant and their prices are much more reasonable than other repair shops. I got a window regulator fixed on my car and Bao, himself, quoted me less than half of the quote I got from another repair shop. Their prices plus their willingness to help has gained them a guaranteed customer. Also, don't let the outside fool you. When I first drove up, I was skeptical because there were cars everywhere and nowhere to park. I'm glad this didn't off put me enough to try somewhere else. read more

Was on the way to Nashville for a road trip and stopped in Knoxville, but when we opened up the trunk, the latch would not work and wouldn't allow us to close up the trunk again (turns out the latch got bent somehow). Bao was the only place open so we called them up and got a very helpful response. We stopped in, they figured out and fixed the issue within a few minutes, and then didn't even charge us for it. Overall outstanding service and saved us from a bind on a road trip! I highly recommend going here if you need auto repair service. read more

My husband and I are on a cross-country drive from the DC area to SoCal when the alternator gave out (trouble starting, brake+battery light on). We happened to call Bao Auto and they were willing to use an alternator we bought from AutoZone as the replacement and charge only for labor, which the price quoted on the phone was very reasonable. We arrived at 430pm after a 6 hour drive and they took us in immediately. They started work while we were able to go get a bite to eat. They called us in about an hour and a half to let us know the alternator had been replaced. They also spotted a loose cable on the battery, so they cleaned off the connections. They also checked the fluids, and made sure everything was safe for the rest of the trip. They did not charge extra over the quoted price and stayed later than closing time. We are so grateful for the help and probably would have been stranded somewhere had we not stopped here. Would recommend as they are honest and extremely helpful!!! read more