Idiosyncrasy describes Buddy's Auto, and I mean that in the most special way and description. He fixes what he preaches: quality work done right at a great price. Their prices are low compared to local shop rates, and accurate for fixing your car the first time. I find the owner's attitude refreshingly honest and forthright. He is a rare individual, a master craftsman and mechanic, and friend. read more

Buddy's Auto Diagnostic and Air Conditioning Service - Romeo's Grand Sport - Auto Repair Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

These guys did great work at a great price on super short notice when i had some overheating issues while traveling cross country. 10/10 experience and very thankful to the guys read more

Buddy's Auto Diagnostic and Air Conditioning Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Worst experience with an independent auto repair shop. If you want to be quoted one price, and then receive an inflated bill after the work is done (without a verbal or written authorization), then be forewarned. The owner John does not honor his quotes, has a foul mouth, and he will threaten to undo work that has been completed if you are not happy with his bill. Your vehicle will be taken hostage and I believe he is disturbed enough to follow up on his threats even if they harm him as well. It took a month and a half to complete the work and in all that time, he didn't have the professional skill or good business sense to tell me he had to adjust the original estimate. He was "too busy" to speak with his customer. Details if you are willing to read more: I read the Google reviews and this appeared to be a reputable shop for A/C service. I am now suspect of all their positive reviews. I initially received what I believed to be a reasonable quote and authorized them to do the work. I had to wait to return with the car because they had to source two small bolts. It was extremely difficult to receive any information from them and it was weeks before they scheduled to have the work done. I was finally told to drop my car off on a subsequent Monday and received no news for several days as I tried to determine when the work would be completed. Oddly, they do not work on Thursdays. Moreover, they pretty much work when they feel like it and never in the mornings. The shop usually starts their days sometime around noon. I was contacted on that Friday and told my car was ready, approximately six weeks after I first had my AC checked and diagnosed. It was only then that I was advised my bill was $300 over the original estimate. I addressed the discrepancy over the phone with John who told me they don't have time to call when they run into a problem and just proceed with unauthorized work saying all his customers are "happy to pay". Doubtful. And just to be clear, that is illegal according to Arizona law. He then proceeded to childishly tell me he would undo the work and return my car to the way I brought it in and I could go somewhere else to get my car fixed if I wasn't happy with the bill. He used some colorful language, F this and F that which clearly demonstrated his mental acuity and that I would have to pay up under duress. He called me back a second time that same evening to tell me his mechanics feelings were hurt, seriously, and that he didn't think he could control AJ from undoing the repairs and that I was an unappreciative client (because I expected a revised quote before the work was done). I'm uncertain if John has control over his employees which seems strange to me. In the end, I had no recourse than to pay whatever he wanted to charge to get my car back. My car was being held hostage for payment and subject to damage if I didn't pay for the unauthorized work. I would not be surprised if they damaged something on my vehicle that I couldn't detect until it was too late. He insisted I sign his new inflated quote, which I did under duress, after he said to AJ, "I don't' trust this F**king guy." He knew already he was in the wrong and was taking steps to cover his tracks. It doesn't work that way, we have rights. It's not legal under Arizona law to hold a client's car hostage. John doesn't take responsibility for himself or his employees. If he responds to this posting he will have a tantrum blaming me for his failure to not only follow the law but to practice basic rules of courtesy and business law. My only mistake was choosing this shop over other's who very likely know how to follow simple rules which protect them as well as their clients. For those of you who don't know, The Arizona Attorney's General Office accepts this type of complaint and will open an investigation. Exercise your rights, I will. read more

Knowledgeable, fast, and explained everything as the repairs were being done on my Subaru AC. Very fair price for the parts and labor also. Would highly recommend! read more

You know you've found a good shop when they're busy! Really good communication on what the issue was with my a/c. Repaired quickly, even with their workload. Highly recommend Buddy's read more

The air conditioning in my 2005 Honda Element had been blowing cold on and off, unrelated to any factor I could discern. A certified Honda place could find nothing wrong. Found Buddy's online with good reviews, called, and they said they would look at it as soon as I wanted to stop in. Did so that day. AJ and John spent a good half hour checking it out with their diagnostic equipment. Took the refrigerant out and found there were 2 ounces too many in the place where it goes. They found no other issue. Turns out that too much can be as bad as too little. They thought that would fix the problem. One month later and and after long drives on two hot days from Tucson to Payson and back, it is clear they were right and it is working great. . They didn't even charge me. These guys know what they are doing and could not be more fair and honest. I am going to trust them with my future auto mechanic business. What a great experience with a business. Thank you. Remember to ask to meet Buddy when you go! read more

John was friendly and professional, providing competent air conditioning repair on my 2008 BMW 128i that got me back on the road with blasting cold air conditioning within 30 minutes at a reasonable price. Thanks, John! read more

Buddy's Auto Diagnostic and Air Conditioning Service - BMW A/C repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Honest efficient and knowledgeable. John has a very wide range of A/C experience and always perseveres until problem solved

You all need to experience what I experience. If you are tired of brand-named companies ripping you off wanting to make a commission off of you because let's face it, EVERY single one of those establishments are like that. You need to put your cars life in John and Adulfo's hands! The best experience I've ever had with mechanics and they saved me well over a thousand that Firestone was pushing on me with no evidence to back up their claims of the service I needed in their "professional" opinions. Buddy's shop is impressive, their service beyond great, and they work countless hours beyond their closure to ensure they get the job done! I'm in shock with how great of an experience that was and my AC is running better than it was when I first bought the vehicle! Firestone wanted to charge me $2500, I got my AC repaired at Buddys for $1200.... No second-hand off brand Chinese knock off type of parts, real deal parts, and warranties on their labor and parts!!! You can't beat that seriously!!! That's my shop from now on!! read more

Don't be fooled by negative reviewers with a limited understanding of repairing vehicles. John has worked on my vehicles and was fair and honest about the vehicles condition what it needed and how it would likely bankrupt me in the near future. I appreciate the honesty, it takes guts to tell it like it is in our snow flake infested culture. Look fixing cars is a dirty business in that those that can't do it themselves think they know more that the guy they ask to fix it. Some times it is just not worth dealing with junk. John repaired our POS Subaru's AC and wheel bearings and this thing turned into a hot mess as the undercarriage was very rusty from time spent in the midwest. John honestly went out of his way in all aspects as the bearing job kicked his butt it was so rusty. Rather than charge us a crap ton more for the added labor he stuck to the quote. upon pick up he showed me the issues he conquered and advised me to dump the car as soon as financially possible. Now i could have been offended but I was not, he was right. I know he was right because I've been around professionals and I respect what they tell me. (Now I have a new ride that John will see soon for some minor work) So if you are getting a car looked at because you can't do it yourself be polite ask questions and handle the good and bad like an adult, lets face it sometimes we buy garbage like I did and had to face facts. John is just my kind of guy, a no BS straight shooter read more

Had my ford fusion energi 2014 ac fixed, no other shops wanted to touch it since it was a hybrid. But here they diagnosed it for free where other places charge you 150$/ hr they work on it. And gave me a fair price to have my ac fixed at 441$. At ford dealership they wanted 2,500$. Worth bring in the car here to get it fixed, especially transparente pricing! read more

I was in Tucson for a few days for Thanksgiving, out from San Diego. My 2013 Mercedes ML-350 needed new brakes, rotors, etc and the quotes I got in Cali for astronomical...$1,400+ and I won't even mention the dealership quotes. So I took a gamble and requested quotes from several mechanics in Tucson. Buddy's (though I think the owner's name is John) was the first to reply. He gave me a quote that was a fraction of those from Cali. I took him up on the offer and pulled in my car a couple of days later once I got into town. He upgraded the brake pads to ceramic, and although the job took most of the day and doubled the original quote (since now we needed both axles done), I still paid half of the Cali quotes and the car drives like a dream. Thanks a bunch and in the future I'll keep this in mind when I need other repairs ;-) read more

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I called this business, and he said, "I have no idea," when I asked him how much it would cost to run a diagnostics check on my car.

Came to Buddy's to figure out why my AC wasn't blowing cold air. He immediately stopped what he was doing to help me. He was quick, efficient and very transparent about the process. I appreciated that he talked me through the diagnostic tests he was running, and avoided any mechanic jargon I wouldn't understand. $106 later I walked out with cold AC! read more

I went to Buddy's 2 days ago when I noticed my A/C was not as cold as usual. My A/C system was checked and showed it was low on refrigerant and everything else seemed ok. I had the system re-charged, paid $120 and the whole in to out took a little over an hour. It was informative, efficient and productive service! All the reviews seem spot on. I can add my recommendation to the chorus of praise for Buddy's Auto Diagnostic and A/C. Thanks for the good work. read more

John took care of us, worked through our issues and got us fixed up properly. Very professional great personality and a wonderful man cave of a shop. Highly recommended read more

I brought my car here because it kept shaking! they had my car fixed with thin a few hours!! very nice and helpful staff!!

Open very limited hours so I had to leave a fully detailed voice message, the next day I received a text instead of a call in response to my voice message, so I again explained my vehicle year, make , model, mileage and description of the vehicles issue. The next day I received another text saying "I'll get back to you". Never heard back. It's been 3 weeks ! Don't bother despite all of the 5 star ratings. read more

Realise I forgot to share my first visit experience. I had multiple error codes on my 5 series, went to one of the shops downtown & was quoted about $2k worth of repairs. Went online and search and found buddy's auto. Explained to John what happened, popped the hood and he noticed the fan has to be replaced right away. Changed out the fan and got back my car a few days later for just a few hundred bucks Today I dropped by to look for John again, this time round I had some problems with my mazda. The night before I dropped by Autozone and young guy helped to check my batteries and etc, told me that I have a bad alternator and he suggest to replace it asap. I was confused and I thought if I'm having a bad alternator, I would have noticed some symptoms at least. Kid was telling me I could get the alternator from them and get it to some local shops to install it, telling me all kinds of scenarios that can happen if I do not get it fixed as soon as possible. Still I stand firm and told him I'll be back, + John came across my mind. Went down today, and he checked that my battery & alternator are fine. Did not even show any signs of unhappiness even though I got him to check these for me. He could have told me my alternator was screwed too but he didnt, obviously I wouldnt be able to tell as my knowledge about cars are bad, he could have just told me the same thing the kid @ Autozone told me but he didnt. What I mean is c'mon, those who gave him 1 star google reviews, please understand he is a one man show shop and response is not always instant, the main thing is he is honest, knowledgable and reliable. Thanks John. I'll be dropping by someday soon again. read more

Great communication, very responsive and honest. Fixed my AC quickly and reasonably priced. Was quoted by BrakeMax that I needed entire unit replaced for $1500- Buddy's didn't try to rip me off like they did. This guy is A+ read more

I was told by a different mechanic that I would have to do some major repairs for my AC to operate correctly. The quote was crazy expensive. John hooked up his state of the art equipment, and serviced the system. It corrected the issue and the cost was 4% of the quote I had received. I'm so happy with the results and his knowledge on how to solve the issue. Thank you! read more

Great service! I was traveling through Tucson when my AC went out and I was able to call and he was kind enough to make room for my car to check it out! It needed a part, and he ordered it and installed it himself ( not an easy task). Had me back on the road in 2.5 hours!! Price was more than fair. If you have any car issues, you need to go to this shop!! I heard he would like to retire in the next couple of years so do not put off what you think is impossible or pricey or complicated - this shop is worth it!! read more

Went to Buddy's to get air conditioning fixed in my 2006 vehicle. Everyone else told me it would cost at least $2000 .. replace everything. Buddy's managed to rebuild parts get me out of there for less than half. Best service ever. read more

I must write this review because the owner is a SUPER nice person and also SUPER professional!!!! I tried to get my battery change at his store and he tested twice to make sure my battery is still in really good condition! He is really patient and helpful!!! read more

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SAY WHAT!!! Wow. Found John who could actually fix a car correctly. I drove from Las Vegas to Tucson to get my ride fixed ---RIGHT!!! Brakes, Plugs and that dreaded timing Belt that, if it breaks, will leave you stranded for the Buzzards in the desert. Could it be done in Las Vegas by JiffyLube. No way if your Jose. So if you need a car fixed right see John or his compadre Buddy and they will get you fixed up correctly. Oh, and he filled up the AC as it was half full, or half empty, depending on your outlook!! Five stars for sure. Maybe even six if it was available. Freddy from Vegas read more

I made an appointment explaining what was wrong with my car. John gave me a day to bring it in. Dropped it shortly after 9am- shop was not open yet, no one around- payed $25 for an Uber home. Then received a message that John didn't want to work on my car, lied to me and said it had left an "oil slick" in his driveway and I needed to pick it up right away. Another $25 in Uber fees and he didn't bother to look at it or apologize. I took my car in because it was leaking transmission fluid as stated when I made the appointment. Stick a tub under it and figure out where the drip is coming from Mr. Mechanic. I thought I was taking it to a mechanic who knew how to fix cars not waste potential customer's time and money. This "shop" will be avoided. Morning after this happens I get an unpleasant email from owner operator mechanic John stating that he's unhappy with my review and threatens to post the photos I took of my car when it was dropped (post 9am when anyone would imagine a shop would be open or attended to- hence why I had no choice but to use the drop box) and original message stating that my car was dumping Transmission fluid not Oil as Mr Mechanic can't seem to tell the difference. He was clearly informed upfront that the car is leaking fluid and that's why I'm bringing it in. HE STILL TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN. He then chose to be offensive, cost me approximately $350 in Uber fees and work lost and today decide to threaten me because he expected a 5 star review for this treatment. Here's what John thinks the Exxon Valdez oil spill was akin to....which in and of itself is a highly offensive statement given the magnitude of that ecological disaster and loss of life. A mechanic who not only won't accept responsibility for their actions, but turns aggressive when angered is not one you want working on your vehicle. read more

Buddy's Auto Diagnostic and Air Conditioning Service - "Exxon Valdez type oil slick"- according to the proprietor of Buddy's. In actuality about 3 tablespoons of transmission fluid. - Auto Repair Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

John certainly doesn't need another 5 star review, but he helped us out in jam, so here goes. People do need to understand that fixing an AC unit can take time, like several days and a number of return visits until the mechanic determines what the problem is. It's basically a process of elimination and simply takes time to go through each stage of the problem. Driving in to Tucson from LA after the pandemic and boom AC breaks in Yuma. UGH!!!!! So we brought it in on a Monday morning, he ran through the first diagnostics, put fluid in and changed the compressor, nice and cold, yay! A few days later, broken again. We knew that could happen, so we brought it back. He changed the relay and that worked for about 10 minutes and died again. Turns out we needed a $50 part that he couldn't get in Tucson, so we had to contact the Honda dealer ourselves and overnight the part to the dealership, plus pick it up and bring it to him - great no problem. John had not actually put this part in this particular model of car before, but he did it without issue and there was no way I was let some other mechanic do it at that point. Amazingly, that worked like a charm and John seemed just as excited and happy as we were! Our drive back to LA (5 days late) was nice and cold and still working perfect to this day. I had seen online people complaining that it would cost $1500 to $3000 just to fix the AC in that model car. Yikes! In the end we paid about $1000, which really seems like a bargain to basically have a brand new air conditioner. I'm sure if it had broke in LA we would have paid much more. Thanks again, John! read more

Awesome. Needed emergency AC work done and Buddy worked me right in. My air conditioning is actually too damn cold now!

multiple attempts to make a service reservation, email, voicemail, website, text messaging. no response until late evening. basically the text message said come in, no reservations required. so I check the hours on the website, which said they open at 9:00 am. text and said I'd be in Monday, early. I get to the shop and they're closed. not open until 11:00,or so.. tired of dealing with companies too lazy to keep their website up to date. Would have been basic customer service to let me know, after I told them I'm coming in on a specific date, what their hours were. I drove 10 miles to get to this place. waste of time. too many other shops out there eager for business. go somewhere else! read more

Out the door only spent 1/4 of what I spent previous year at a different shop on my ac and got me in same day!

Excellent experience. I went in for a second opinion after being told that I needed a compressor and drier for my A/C system. It turns out that my compressor was fine, I was just low on freon. I was in and out quick, and while I could have spent $2400 on a repair that was unnecessary, I was given a thoughtful check and was out on my way with a basic recharge. I may not know all the details of what was checked, but I could tell I was dealing with an honest small business who had my best interests in mind. Well worth it fir him, I will be back with more work if necessary. I was very impressed! read more

Came in to verify a code from engine light. He quickly ran his whole computer check and gave us a very thorough and knowledgeable answer. He knows his stuff. read more

This is the second time I've used Buddy since moving to Tucson. He helped me with what I thought was a bad fuel pump and ended up being a high pressure hose. He was able to get me in last minute, let me leave my car there while I had to leave town for work, and met me after hours so I could get it back when I returned! He's very professional, kind, and 100% knows what he's doing. Not the type of mechanic that's going to be sketchy or try and get more money out of you. I would 100% recommend! He also washed all the steering fluid off my engine that sprayed everywhere! read more

Got everything done quickly. Showed me what was wrong and how he was going to fix it. Very honest and fun to chat with. Will definitely go back next time I have a car issue. read more

I cannot say enough how impressed I was with John's wisdom and thoroughness as it applies to the A/C repair and replacement on my Chevrolet Silverado truck. Stand-up guy with very reasonable prices. And that is with a certified auto mechanic. read more

Took my 2001 cheve impala in to buddy's and he provided excellent service. He diagnosed the issue and had it fixed in a timely fashion. His prices were very reasonable, he didn't overcharge me and was honest about what needed to be done. He is officially my new go to mechanic. As a single mom it is hard to find honest mechanics so his honesty, integrity and attention to detail is greatly appreciated. read more

John helped me yesterday with my 2002 Mercedes 240. I brought it in with it leaking coolant. He looked at it and in 5 minutes had a quote and said he'd order the hose and to come back at 4pm. His quote was cheap. I brought it back and he was able to install the new hose quickly and correctly. He talked to me a lot. He is very personable, honest, and a good guy. He won a new customer for good. I won't ever take my car anywhere else. Thank you John! read more

Being a young woman going to mechanics can be intimidating sometimes when you don't know alot about cars but, I have went to Buddy's for a while now from battery issues, to replacing my headlights and replacing my starter. It can be annoying sometimes getting something replaced and it still not working correctly. However through it all, Buddy figured out what was contributing to my starter issue in my car and has been extremely honest and very knowledgeable throughout the entire time. I truly appreciate his service! If you're looking for a trustworthy mechanic in Tucson, go check him out!!! read more

I was a little unsure of this place since both reviews were very new, but my son's air conditioner died, and I'm only here for a few days getting him settled for school this year, so the repair needed to happen fast. John responded right away to my call, was able to get us in the same day, and had a diagnosis and written quote very quickly. Prices seemed very reasonable to me. Dropped the car off at 1:00pm, and was able to pick it up the next morning. Needed a new compressor, but the car is 21 years old, so not too surprising. Working great now! Very clean shop. Hopefully I won't need service anytime soon, but I'll definitely be back if I do. read more

As always John is the best! He made time to fix my sons car. He's the most knowledgeable mechanic I've ever met and the most honest. If you don't mind waiting, he's worth it. read more