I brought my vehicle to Brown's Automotive for an AC diagnostic and was quoted $559 for the diagnostic, freon recharge, and service. Later, they called to say both AC lines were leaking and sent a new estimate for $1,996. In this updated estimate, they claimed I had approved the diagnostic for $101, removed the freon recharge from the original quote, and bundled it into the service section along with hose replacement--without clearly explaining the changes. After doing my own research, I found that even the dealership only charges around $780 for the same repair, plus $350 for the recharge. I also spoke with another mechanic in town who informed me that my vehicle had an extended warranty on the AC compressor, and advised me to go to the dealership instead. When I told Brown's Automotive this, they responded with, "Well, how am I supposed to know about a warranty?" It would be helpful if staff at car repair shops were more informed about manufacturer warranties. Instead of automatically charging customers, they could guide them toward services that might be covered--saving time and money and building trust. They refused to remove the diagnostic charge, even though the issue wasn't just the cost--it was the lack of transparency, poor customer service, high cost and the way they misled me throughout the process. I'm shocked by the positive reviews and would never recommend this shop. Please do yourself a favor and go somewhere else where honesty and customer care are a priority. read more

Brown's Automotive has been my go-to for getting my cars inspected and serviced. They do great work and charge reasonable prices. Highly recommend them. read more

Unfortunately, need to lower the rating.... :( I still stand behind my initial rating of 5 stars back in 2020yr because I'm sure the high quality of mechanic service is still good, but the front desk service is not the same as it was in 2020yr, hence the lower rating. Over the past 6 months I've brought my vehicle in twice; both times the ladies at the desk were very snarky and smirky, and did not have the courtesies and kindness they used to (the owner and receptionist included). The first time, I chalked it up to maybe they were having a bad day or maybe they had to deal with an unpleasant customer before me. So I just ignored it and left my vehicle with them for service. Also, both times, I had scheduled a week in advance. However, in both those instances they were unable to work on the vehicle after half a day had passed by. In addition, rather than apologizing, they implied it was my fault - which is really disappointing attitude to have to deal with when I really just want the vehicle issues repaired without all the drama. Please bring back small town kindness you used to exhibit...... :( :( :( Honestly, I might try one more time unless Sanders Automotive, nearby, wins me over on the next visit in January. So far Sanders has been very pleasant to deal with when it came to a state inspection that Browns Auto made me wait over half day without ever completing on top of being snarky/smirky (and its Christmas...come on have some Holiday spirit!) read more

I had to go in with no appointment due to a nail in my tire and Tonnika was able to take me same day even with a fully booked day. Although the repair was not able to be done, Tonnika was very kind and up front about their reasoning. I definitely will return. Thank you Browns! read more

Brown's provides great customer service! I have taken my vehicles there 3 times now for service. Work was done on time and done right at a fair price! The staff is friendly and courteous! read more

If I could give Brown's the 10+ stars I would!! Tonnika was amazing and willing to work with me regarding the repairs for my car. They are willing to take the extra time to explain everything throughout the process. I couldn't be more happy with their customer service and making me feel like a friend versus just a customer bringing their car in for service! I highly recommend them over any other automotive place! I will not be taking my car anywhere else!! Thank you Tonnika, Bill, and the whole team at Brown's Auto!! read more

I have been going to Brown's for several years now and for as long as I live in this area I will be loyal to their business. I initially went for a yearly state inspection and the service was so pleasant, professional and quick that I brought my car to them thereafter for anything I needed, and they have not once disappointed. The owner Tonnika is always a pleasure to work with, and her co-workers make you feel equally as welcomed and supported. I am not one to trust auto shops of any kind and Browns honestly has my full trust, which I'm grateful for in this day and age: people you can trust who you know have integrity, are great at what they do, and care about the quality of the services they provide. Lifelong customer! read more

Hi - just wanted to clarify that I did not bring my car here. I only called to ask about a service. It's very possible that they do provide awesome, prompt service, but just know that if you call and don't know a lot about cars, the person on the phone may make you feel like an idiot. When I called, I explained that I was trying to save money because I was the victim of a hit and run collision (was side swiped by someone driving in the middle of the road) and I don't have comprehensive insurance. My question was, if I could bring my own car door, how much would it be to have them help me replace it? I don't know anything about cars or the car repair industry, so I didn't know that this is an unusual request. Instead of letting me know that this isn't something normally done in body shops, the lady on the phone said, "That would be like bringing ground meat to a restaurant and asking them to make you a hamburger." Wow! I thought this was kind of a rude reply. She is implying with her response that this would be a disgusting act and anyone with common sense should know better. I feel like she could have said it much nicer - I was being perfectly polite before and after she said that. (Sidenote: this is not a very good analogy in my opinion. At a restaurant, they buy their own meat because not all meat is the same and in addition, they can get discounts for buying it in bulk. At an auto shop, they would have to individually order each part anyway and there are not different types of doors available for my car. Also, each restaurant prepares the meat differently to make their own unique hamburgers whereas every single body shop goes through the same exact process to replace a car door. I know this is a very in depth analysis, but I really like analogies and I thought she could have at least had a better one.) Anyway, I felt pretty offended by the whole exchange and now I'm scared to ask other places. Maybe I should try to replace my car door myself. read more

Three days before Christmas, the starter failed on my 2004 Pontiac Vibe, leaving me stranded in Pittsboro. A very kind stranger took time off his lunch break to work some magic and get the car started. He advised me to drive it to Browns Auto and not turn it off until I got there. Despite a very busy and full schedule of repairs, Owner Tonnika Haynes personally diagnosed the problem, gave me a great estimate for parts and labor and then exceeded all my expectations by promising to have the car back to me within 24 hours. Two hours later, the car was fixed!! Wow! Five stars for service, professionalism and exceeding expectations during the very busy holiday time!! read more

Recently purchased a 2004 Buick Lasabre Custom that the A/C didn't work. Had it diagnosed here, and had it repaired. Tonnika went to work on the pricing and the parts and had great success! Probably works better now than when it was new. She went out of her way to accommodate me by providing Uber to get me home, so I could go on with my day. Then they called when it was ready and provided pick-up. This place is Great and I enjoy dealing with their Professional Team! read more

Brown's Automotive - Tropical Fish Tank and Waiting Area - Auto Repair Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Poor customer service. I went to get my tires balanced and rotated and after being there for 40 mins, and after I paid they told me there is a nail in my tire. Why tell me when I'm already paid? I would have liked to fix the problem there but they didn't seem to care, I left. Would not recommend for this reason. read more

There are loads of places in the world to get your oil changed. I chose Brown's out of wanting to build some sense of loyalty with a local business. They are open until 6:00 on weekdays, which I appreciated, because I get out of work at 5:30.I was at Brown's by 5:40 and very excited to check "Get oil changed" off my list. I walked in, feeling very friendly, because my job is customer service, so I know how important it is to be a good customer. I asked the man at the desk, "I'd like to get my oil changed." He smiled. "You can't." I said, "Aren't you open until 6?" He smiled again. "Yeah. Everyone's busy." "Oh." I left. It's not that it was busy. I would have happily come back the following day. But it was just a short and rude conversation, and I felt like the man treated me as though I should have known. Something like condescension. There are loads of places to get your oil changed. Loads of local places. There's just no reason for me to come back here, so I cannot comment on their service but as a business, you should know that you're front person is the gatekeeper, and you just lost $50 of business from a willing, wanting customer. Was really bummed by this. read more

After losing my parking permit between the windshield and dash. They retrieved the parking permit and would not take any payment. I will be back for oil changes and repairs. read more

This was my first time using Brown's Automotive but I was in the area and it was very convenient. Heather was even so kind to drive me where I needed to be for my appointment while they worked on my car. Not enough good things to say about Brown's Automotive. If you're anywhere in the Smithfield Virginia vicinity you need to come work with good honest people like them. read more

I have gone to Brown's Automotive for a few years now, mostly routine maintenance items. I am very pleased with their service and really enjoy dealing with Tonnika, the owner. Their prices are fair, they don't recommend unneeded services, and they try hard to schedule your job as soon as possible and get you out quickly. Give them a try, they deserve a shot at your business! read more

If you ever have service or auto body work needs, I would highly recommend Brown's auto and collision center. We've used them several times and have been pleased with the quality of their work. They are very reliable, courteous, trustworthy and easy to deal with. Whenever I've used them my car has been ready to pick up on time. And my car looks and drives exactly as it did when I drove it off the dealer's lot. Overall, I would say our experience with Brown's has been exceptional. Ed Block Chapel Hill read more

Got my state inspection here. Made an appointment and was out within 20 minutes. Wasn't crowded on a tuesday afternoon, hassle free. friendly employees. read more

Brown's deserves five stars across the board on Yelp. As much as Yelp claims it's purely customer driven, it's clear to me that there are packages for businesses to buy to boost their reviews. On the Demand Force feedback system, Brown's has nearly five stars, and their work and service definitely proves that they are worthy of that. Tonnika is a wonderful person and a pleasure to deal with. She made all the work I need to refurbish my car very clear to me. I was able to speak with the tech at length personally which made me feel very confident, and I never felt pressured to have work done that I really didn't need. The estimates were just that, not overblown and listed the minimum of parts that Tonnika discussed with me prior to confirming it. This is the first shop in the Durham/Chapel Hill area that has actually communicated with me after I named the problems I KNEW I was having. Honestly? It's because a woman who knows her stuff is in charge of customer service. Having worked at a shop before myself, I know this makes a huge difference in the level of care and customer service. read more

I am always so pleased with my experiences with Brown's. In fact I moved away from their area 2 years ago and I drive the 250 miles each way whenever I need work done on my car. They are honest, friendly, efficient, reasonably priced, and their work is of the highest quality. Mr Brown and Tonnika, his office manager, always go several steps above and beyond to make sure that I am not just satisfied, but delighted. I will continue to go to Mr Brown's company, even though it means a 4- hour drive to get there! read more

I went to Brown's a few months ago for a sunroof replacement. The dealer wanted a lot more money for labor and I wasn't all that happy with them already so I took my car to Brown's. Tonika was great, keeping me informed with parts delays, etc. The work was done when promised and the new sunroof works great. Other than having clean up some errant glue(?) I have no complaints and would take my car back there with no hesitation. read more