I wish I had a review about how awesome a job they do on fixing cars, but I do have a story about their good nature. I'm having a horrible day. Everyone on the road is in my way and all the lights are taking too long. After delivering my last box of cookies, I locked my keys in my car while it was running. Tears start running. Luckily, D&B was next door to my last delivery. Dennis was a total sweet heart and jimmied the lock. They are allowing to me to pay them in cookies and a big hug. Give these guys your money and they will give you a happy car. read more

Warning! Take your car elsewhere!! My boyfriend and I took our truck here to get the transmission replaced in November. It's been almost half of a year and three bad transmissions before the owner, Dennis, most recently told us he didn't have time to fix it. After we reminded him he had $3,000 of our money and the job was under warranty, he obliged to actually fixing what we originally hired him to do. Four days after we were told our vehicle would be ready, we did not receive a single phone call. When our truck was finally ready it was not even a half an hour later and my boyfriend was again, stuck on the side of the road. Dennis was unapologetic and sent us on our way with no refund. This is our only vehicle and as I write this review, my boyfriend, who has already worked a ten hour day, is outside with a flash light trying to do what he can to get our truck running so it can take us to work in the morning. I'm not upset that we don't have a vehicle. I just don't understand how you can hire someone to do a job and they can act like you are inconveniencing them, take your money, and send you on walking. We will be taking legal action, in addition to vocalizing our experience to our neighbor consumers. Save yourself and a lot of money and go to another mechanic. read more

I was in Austin for a wedding over Memorial Day weekend and my car battery died, caused some serious erosion that made it extremely difficult to replace it on our own. Bolts were snapping off left and right and we had to find someone to fix the car so I could head back to Houston for work the next day. The guys at D & B fixed everything in a timely manner, at a low cost and even did a few extra things without charging me, i.e., they buffed and cleaned my front headlight covers with an acetone solution, which were seriously dried out and damaged. Thanks you so much! read more

Dennis and his crew have worked on all 3 of our cars and not once have we come away feeling slighted in any way. If something doesn't work, they fix and they fix for a fair price. Dennis is really up front about cost so there aren't any nasty surprises which is refreshing for a mechanic! I recommend D&B to all of my buddies who have car repair needs and will continue to do so. The new location on Live Oak opens up Apr. 1st. read more

I haven't been there in a while but Joe is great. I took my old clunker there for a few different things and his prices were always great compared to other places I called. (One was a end rod axle something.) I like that he showed me the parts (while still on the car) so I could see what was wrong. Anyway, I never felt ripped off. I would give them 5 stars if they were open Saturdays or longer hours. I've always had to take time from work to drop off my car. read more

My car died in the middle of the street which was very... uncool on a hot summer day. My family has been taking vehicles to Joe for many years now and I assume the way people look at me when I explain social technology is how I look at him when he explains what is wrong with my car. It's nice to feel I can trust someone's character even if I don't understand what he is saying. Highly recommended! Please tell Joe that I sent you. read more

Thank you so much D&B auto! Y'all did such a fantastic job with my Honda CRV. I towed the car to D&B when it would not drive on Mopac, thinking my car needed a new transmission or clutch. D& B diagnosed the problem immediately and saved me lots of money. Jiffy Lube on S Lamar had failed to properly secure the oil cap and there was no oil for the motor to operate. D&B flushed the filter, re-filled the oil and replaced my faulty brake pads for a very reasonable price. They are as honest and reliable as I've found in Austin or anywhere for that matter. Thank y'all!!!! read more

D&B is the best shop I've dealt with. They've worked on three cars (VW, Volvo, and Toyota) for me and they were fast, honest, courteous, and competitively priced each time. They never try to upsell me on unnecessary maintenance or upgrades. They are patient listeners and ask good questions. If only I'd found out about this place sooner--it would have saved me headaches and dollars. read more

First of all I'm the guy who pretty much does his own auto repairs... not that that's always smart, but that's just me. I hate other people messing with my cars. Also though, most would agree that finding competent and honest mechanics is a very hard thing to do. So my girlfriend took her vehicle in for an AC repair (which she had spent about $700 previously for another shop to NOT fix), and they totally hooked her up. Great job, fast, and very reasonable on the price. Warranty on the work too. I went with her to pick it up and not only was the staff very friendly, informative, and clear on explaining things, I also really liked their organized, clean shop. I'll definitely send them more work in the future. read more

Great service and great people! They will explain to you exactly wants wrong with your vehicle with as much detail as you can stand. They offer very quick service at a reasonable price. I've just moved back to Austin and my office is right down the road from their shop so it was more out of convenience that I started going there. But I'm so glad I did. I normally like to do the work on my truck myself ('06 GMC Sierra Z71) but with my busy schedule, its been tough. Dennis is always very welcoming and his crew doesn't mind me checking out some of the projects they have around the garage while working on my truck. I've had everything from brake service to major rod lifter barrings replaced with no problem. Thanks Guys! read more

Why won't YELP let me leave a zero star review. Worst business I ever dealt with. Took in my '69 C-10 in for a simple charge on new after market AC I had just had (correctly and professionally) installed elsewhere. Chose this place because they had many classic vehicles sitting outside, luring me into a false sense of security... Thought the truck would be in there for an hour or two. After over a week in the shop I get the car back with a bill for hundreds and hundreds of dollars (expected $75-$100). Was so happy to finally get my baby home, so I rushed out of there. It was winter, and I noticed after a few minutes my AC started blowing hot air? Apparently it seemed to be working when I left, because it was still blowing in cold outside winter air on me. Called the manufacturer of the AC. They said upon reviewing my bill and story, that these guys were ripping me off for way too much money and may have damaged the compressor. One major hint is they charged me for flushing the system, a brand new system that didn't need a flush...... Gave me a number for a guy way out in Marble Falls, because that was the only one the manufacturer could guarantee knew what they were doing around Austin for this particular unit. New mechanic confirmed they reinstalled the system incorrectly (and not even level), put in way to much oil for this particular aftermarket system, and had in fact broken my brand new compressor. SO, a thousand dollars later my AC is running cold as ice! D&B has refused to take any responsibility for their actions. Should have filed suit against these clowns, since new mechanic was kind enough to snap pictures of all of D&B's mistakes for me, but decided these guys were not worth my time. It is my opinion after talking to these fellas trying to recoup some of my extensive losses they caused, that they were not trying to rip me off. I believe the root of this problem was simply extreme incompetence, and trying to take on work regarding an aftermarket system they knew nothing about. I would not trust these guys to do an oil change.... read more

Dennis and Crew has to be one of the most honest, helpful and responcible mechanics in Austin, They are helpful and will not scam you. I have taken my cars there since I met him 5 years ago, and when something small needs to get done (like charge a battery or something) he does it gratis.. Be confident in the fact that he is an honest person who will take care fo your car or truck that way it should be read more

These guys are great! Wouldn't trust anyone but Dennis there with my 1966 F-100! They work on just about anything. Even fire trucks!

I can't give 5 stars yet because I have not actually had them do any work. But they deserve a rating and a high score for the following. My brakes have been squeaking, which is usually the indicator letting you know they need to be changed soon. I live real close to them, so I brought my vehicle there just to get an estimate. Instead of just quoting, they put the vehicle on the lift, took off a wheel and inspected the brakes. Told me they had considerable life left and didn't charge me anything. When was the last time a mechanic told you to leave without trying to sell you something. 4 stars for business ethics and I will add the fifth once I actually have something that needs fixing. read more

I"ve had really great experiences here with Joe. He never rips me off or charges me for anything I don't need. In fact, I can take the stuff the dealer says is wrong and he will fix it for half the price and/or not charge me for it if the car doesn't need it. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for an honest mechanic, plus, he gets the work done fast! read more

I really trust D&B. I'm actually in disbelief about some of the bad reviews these guys have. D&B came highly recommended by a coworker years ago, and since then, they've been my only automotive repair shop. My husband and I have taken three different cars to them, and they've done an outstanding job with all of them. The prices are fair, and they always make honest recommendations about work and never do anything without discussing it with you first. I've sent family members and friends to them, and all had good experiences. Several years ago, my husband went to another shop to get a state inspection. His car was rejected for an "exhaust leak" (which we were certain it didn't have). I had my husband take his car to D&B to get it checked out. Later that afternoon, D&B called to say that my husband's car was fine, no exhaust leak. D&B had even taken his car down the street for an inspection. The car passed, and D&B only asked us to reimburse them for the inspection fee. That was definitely going above and beyond. Now, I realize they probably wouldn't have time to do this every day, but it was an awesome favor, and a testament to their excellent service. My only caveat: if you are looking for a zip-in zip-out oil change joint with a fancy lobby and free coffee, D&B isn't that place. They are a real automotive shop -- a small, independently owned shop that is often very busy. They take time and care with their work. So, some days, you will need/want to leave your car. That said, unlike those fancy chain oil change places, D&B isn't focusing on profits, and won't come back recommending $300 worth of work you don't need. D&B will also use any oil, transmission fluid, etc. that you request, without trying to talk you into a better "house brand." I haven't found another shop in Austin that I would trust my car to like D&B. I just picked up my car again today, and the service is as awesome as ever. Thanks, Dennis! read more

My mechanic sent me there for a front end alignment because his shop doesn't have the equipment to do this. Dennis got it completed quickly and for a reasonable fee. I would recommend this shop. read more

To say that my experience with D & B Auto was an absolute nightmare is a gross understatement. This shop is not only dishonest, and incompetent but also negligent. I brought my 05 Subaru Legacy GT to him on 11 January 2012. This car is modified and needed my semi race engine assembled, cylinder heads rebuilt, and all put into my car. I brought him nearly all the parts = too many to list here. Denis quoted me 7 - 10 days to have the engine assembled and put in my ONLY car. I checked his feedback online (all positive) and he also came highly recommended by my roommate. It has been 8 weeks and still he doesn't have my heads back from the machine shop. I have called numerous times trying to find out why they are taking so long. Every time I called I asked to speak to Denis. His answer never changed, "I don't have your heads yet". My reply, "What are they doing with them?" Him, "I don't know." I asked if the original cylinder heads were damaged/destroyed and he without a doubt lied and said "no". I am no machinist but I do know that it takes a maximum turnaround time of 2 weeks for cylinder heads to be rebuilt and assembled especially when all the parts are supplied. I am a full time college student and don't have a lot of money. Denis originally quoted me $600 to rebuild the cylinder heads so I gave him the job and my parts. Two weeks later, he calls and says that the valve seats need to be replaced and that the cylinder head work would now be $1300. I thought that the heads had been finished and already assembled, so I reluctantly said okay. Valve seats are usually not a very expensive job because they are at the surface of the cylinder head and more easily accessed. However, what I thought that he said was valve guides that are an expensive job because they are deeper in the head and have to be pulled out and pushed in under pressure. The extra $700 was most likely to replace the cylinder heads that they destroyed because at 8 weeks later Denis at D & B Auto still does not have them. Denis still refuses to tell me why they are taking so long. To be continued. read more

We called to see if D&B would work on a SAAB with a possible turbo problem and they said sure. The car was towed to D&B on May 17, 2012. On the following day (the 18th) we called at 10:56, 11:11, 3:50, 4:23 checking for an estimate . Told us about a week. The next time (love the fact call logs are easy to get these days) was at 4:45 p.m. when my husband called them on the 23rd. We were surprised they had not been in contact with us but knew the turbo was going to have to be rebuilt. We were told then to call back at 1:00 p.m. the next day and the car should be ready. Oh, in a previous call Stan the office manager had ask for a $500 deposit which we did. We called the morning of the 24th and made another $400 payment as we had been told the car would be ready that afternoon. According to the phone log, my husband called them at 1:15 p.m. expecting the car to be ready. Seems at that time, Dennis told my husband that the car had a problem and they were going to have to expedite the turbo back to whoever rebuilds them as there was some kind of leak. So we were to check back the next morning, the 25th. At 10:32 D&B called us (for the 2nd time since they had the car) and said it was good news that the leak had been fixed and for us to again call them about 1:00 that afternoon as it should be ready. At 1:07 on the 25th, my husband called and was told the car was ready to come get it. My husband told Stan that I had an appointment and it might be Saturday before we could pick the car up and we were told no problem. We did hurry and were able to get the car. My husband went inside to pay and came back out and told me the key should be in the car. Nope. So had to go back in the building and find the key. I was now running late for my appointment, so go it, started the car and the radio blarred on as loud as possible and the auto ac had been totally set to manual and was on full force. I made a left turn out of their parking lot and sat at the red light waiting to turn onto 1st street. I was trying to get the radio and a/c back to normal. Made the turn and looked down and the check engine light was on along with the cruise control. I was late and my husband was behind me so I called him on his cell and ask him to call and let them know I had a check engine light on. About this time, I had to stop and the brakes went straight down to the floor and made a HORRIBLE noise. I told my husband to make sure they knew this also. He called Stan back right away and Stan was very surprised by the check engine light being on and the brake and told us to bring the car back first thing in the morning. They opened at 9 and Craig was there at 9. They said the check engine code was an oxygen detector and to put a different gas in the car and let the "oil burn off". They did reset the light but it came back on right away. My husband drove the car home and told me what was going on. He had planned to spend the entire day waiting on the car which took about 30 minutes. They said they could find nothing wrong with the brakes. When my husband got home, I found the "burn it off" unacceptable and was now curious as to why they would let a car leave the shop with a check engine light on. Called back and talked to Stan who told my husband he could pay $90 and have the oxygen sensor replaces. Craig called back and ask to speak to Dennis who told him that we were in such a hurry to get the car back (and we were as we were using a rental but we wanted the car fIXED) that he did not do his normal 200 mile test drive. If he really wanted to do the test drive, my biggest questions was when Stan was told Saturday would probably better for us to pick the car up, why did he not say that would be great and had the time to "drive to Kyle". We were totally upfront that FRiday pickup would be pushing us. Also, why was the radio even fooled with along with the cruise control and the a/c and I LOVED the greasy hand print left in a few spaces on the leather seats. Dennis did ask to have the car back for a few days to make his test drive but since we did return the car first thing this morning, and my husband had planned to wait for the car all day if needed, why did he not suggest that while we were there, but even the bigger question is why did they not agree eagerly to picking up Saturday morning, instead of saying we were rushing them???? He would have had from 2:00 on Friday to all day on Saturday to do his test drive. So now, it is our fault???? Really???? Talked to SAAB a few minutes ago, and what we learned were these people have no clue about SAABs. Dennis said we did not give them a chance to fix the problem, but hello, they got the car back this morning and still did not. I now have no trust in them at all so why would I go back a THIRD time. Dennis, we gave you a chance at 9:00 this morning to make it right, you chose not to!!! read more

Stay away from these money-grubbing extortionistas. Behold my cautionary (true) tale: At a co-workers advice, I had my broke-down Lexus towed to this garage as a temporary place to store my car while my insurance company evaluated it as a total loss. That said, mechanic/owner Dennis Smith 'lorded' over (prolonged) release of my vehicle to be towed by my insurance co's assigned local auto broker. Although the auto broker un-necessarily called D&B too many times in attempt to collect/tow the Lexus (un-nerving for anyone), D&B decided to 'pop' my insurance co for release of my car at an incredible 650.00!!! For what?! Car storage on their lot?!! Warning: Beware of these guys. If they did it to the insurance co, I can only suspect they would lord over 'posession' of the ordinary client's vehicle until the over-the-top money 'GOUGE' is successfully executed (DUH!!)...Dennis; you've probably heard this many, many times, but OH MAN!...You sir are a genuine asshole. A loser. Shame on you...Advice to the consumer: I was very disappointed with D&B and I can doubly assure you,..So will you if you take your car there. And by all means, I am accepting recommendations for a reputable auto garage to do business with in Austin, TX. I now own a Toyota. read more

Dennis is terrific. I finally found a mechanic I can trust. After having a few bad experiences here in Austin, I finally decided to ask my friends for some recommendations. Two friends that I trust who also know about cars, recommended D & B. The first time I went in there, I was panicked as my CHECK ENGINE light was on and when I googled it, I was under the impression I needed to pull over immediately to prevent any damage. Ha. Yes, I know nothing about cars. So, I pulled into Dennis' shop, told him what was going on and he took a few minutes to check everything out and determined it was just a loose gas cap!!!! Ok. I felt like an idiot, but he could have told me anything..... So, I knew when it was time to do my regularly scheduled maintenance I would go back. Indeed I did. I just am really happy about finding a mechanic I can trust. Thanks Jesse. Thanks Jake. And thank you to Dennis for keeping it real! read more

Overcharged for a fuel pump ($900!!!) Then, after they told me to come pick the vehicle up, it broke down again on the drive home. They said it was the catalytic converters, so I paid again to have them fixed. Didn't put the covers back on right, had to go back and get it fixed. They didn't solve the main issue at all and my vehicle crapped out again shortly thereafter, so I brought it to a different shop (Swann's Garage, who are awesome). They told me there was a leaking and potential fire hazard because not everything was replaced properly when D&B changed my fuel pump. Had some vehicle issues again the other day, and figuring it was the fuel pump brought it back to D&B. They charged me for looking at it and said the new problem would cost $900 to fix. Took it back to Swann's; turns out D&B misdiagnosed the problem completely (the real issue was easy and cheap to fix) AND they didn't put anything back properly, including a spark plug. These guys don't know what they're doing and charge insane amounts of money for bad service. Seriously don't go here. read more