During a recent business trip to Lake Placid, we ran into some unexpected transmission issues. After asking around, Hoffman's came highly recommended by several locals--enough that we stopped counting. Apparently, they operate almost entirely via text, which seems to be a post-COVID communication adaptation. I explained the situation via text with "Taylor"--though to this day, I'm still not sure if Taylor is a real person or just the automotive equivalent of Siri. I let him know we were only in town for a short time and asked if they could get us in ASAP. The response was quick and honest: "We don't do ASAP." Fair enough. That said, they did manage to get the vehicle in within 24 hours, which all things considered, was pretty ASAP. Unfortunately, the part we needed wasn't available through their usual sources. Fortunately, we sourced it ourselves through our dealer and had it overnighted. When it comes to car repairs, the old saying goes: You can have it good, cheap, or fast--pick two. Somehow, Taylor and the Hoffman's team managed to deliver all three. They got us in as fast as realistically possible, the work was solid (as evidenced by the fact that I'm typing this 1,000 miles later, well on our way back to Reno, NV), and the final bill came in nearly 15% under the original quote. That's a rare trifecta. Dealing with Hoffman's does come with a few quirks, but in the end, they're a small price to pay for honest, competent work--especially when you're far from home and just trying to get back on the road. read more

Don't double up your jobs. They were supposed to tow my car. They took another call after already putting my car on the truck My car didn't make it to the garage until it was too late in the day on a Friday to be serviced. And this was after I had already tipped the guy. Not like there are a lot of options when you call AAA. Just beware. read more

I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Hoffman Towing. After totaling my car thanks to a deer, I was in search of a tow truck company that was willing to go about 280 miles. Not only did Hoffman towing have trucks available for the endeavor, they also gave me an accurate estimate before I okayed it, and the rate was actually reasonable considering the distance. The driver arrived on time, and was very polite. The 4.5 hour journey felt more like 2 hours thanks to our witty conversation, and also thanks to the driver's abilities behind the wheel. I never felt unsafe during the ride. I wish I could remember his name, but I'm sure he represents the standard that Hoffman towing set. I would highly recommend them if you're ever in need of a tow read more

First thing I did when I bought a car was take it here. They were very fast at diagnosing any problems and ordering the parts. A honest and loyal garage that cares! Friendly and Fast!! Always recommend read more

This guys are great! They just changed my winter tires for summer My car is equipped with camera Very professional test drive!! Thank you read more

I walked in at 3:20 on a Thursday and was told i could not get my tire patched because they closed in 30 minutes.

Stopped by to get a tire repaired before heading home to PA. Was told they were too busy unless I could leave the car all day - not possible. Asked if there was another place who could do the job. Their answer - "I guess so." I asked if they could recommend someplace. Their answer - "no". Least friendly and helpful place I've encountered in a long, long time. read more

We had a flat tire on our way up to our lake placid vacation. Hoffmans ordered our run flat tires but when the tires arrived the next day they told us they couldn't mount them for another.week. when I asked the service man if he knew of a local garage that could perhaps help us he Was completely unhelpful and unsympathetic. I wondered aloud how we would get back to Philly and he just shrugged. Wow read more

Hoffman Auto is the absolute best. I have been a customer for a couple of years and always feel like they take great care of my car and me. One day before a long trip my brake light came on and I thought something was wrong with my emergency brake. I contacted Taylor, he had me come to the shop even though it was after hours and they were closed so he could check it out and make sure my car was good to go and I would be able to get to my destination safely. You can't ask for better service than that. Every time I'm there they take the time to thoroughly explain what they are doing and why (and don't get mad when I ask a million questions), and if they have additional recommendations are always very clear on why they are recommending it. Just all around great guys. I don't live in Lake Placid any more, but go back frequently. If I do need maintenance on my vehicle, I always try to wait if I can so Hoffman can do it. read more

Outstanding service with a smile. Had a flat tire issue while visiting Lake Placid (front tires probably should have been replaced months ago). AAA response by Hoffman Auto was very quick. Turned out my spare was not accessible. Undercarriage hoist had not been lowered in over ten years. Tow driver did everything possible to no avail. Was able to inflate the flat so that I could drive to their shop. Staff arranged to pick up two new tires for me in Plattsburgh which were installed the following morning - and priced very reasonably. Also arranged transportation for myself and family back to our hotel. Incredible - I feel like they treated me as if I had been a lifelong customer. Nice people are still out there. Thanks guys read more

This is not a complaint about AAA, but it IS a complaint about one of AAA's member garages, Hoffman Auto (http://www.hoffmanautolp.com) of Lake Placid, New York. My wife and I were on a motorcycle trip (9/28/18-9/30/18) when our motorcycle broke down in Lake Placid. We had Hoffman Auto take a look at the bike since they were AAA members and only a few miles away. I mentioned multiple times that the issue may be a dead battery or loose battery cable. They looked at the bike and assured me it was something with the electrical system (a solenoid or relay issue), and that the battery wasn't the issue. This sounded plausible because we trusted them to know what they were doing. Turns out our trust was misplaced. They told me I'd have to take it to another garage, so they towed it to Preferred Powersports in Brewerton, NY (https://www.preferredpowersports.com). The Brewerton garage tested the battery, found it to be dead, replaced it, and the bike is working again. This mistake, or incompetence, on the part of Hoffman Auto cost us $375.84 because they couldn't tell the battery was dead. This is a very basic item for a mechanic to be able to check and get correct regardless of vehicle type (2014 Triumph Trophy SE). I'm very unhappy with Hoffman Auto and informed AAA of this. The AAA representative was great about following up. I provided him with bill receipts from both garages - Hoffman Auto and Preferred Powersports. The AAA representative spoke with Hoffman Auto multiple times but they were unapologetic and provided no reimbursement for their mistake. In summary, my wife and I certainly feel like Hoffman Auto took us for a ride because we were stranded motorists. Being able to correctly diagnose a dead battery seems like something any garage or mechanic should be able to do. read more

What you can expect from the store when outside temp dropped below 25, covered with snow everywhere and your car starts malfunctioning in a small village like Lake Placid? You dont expect a five star service, with free wifi, coffee, waiting room, tv channels and then big estimate process? Rather warm welcome, quick checking and diagnostics and providing the resolution, personally care each of the customers? I am very much satisfied with them. read more

I have now had my grandkids lock keys in two separate vehicles at our campsite in the middle of nowhere! I am a Navy Veteran that uses USAA towing service. Hoffman is the best service I have experienced in over 40 years with ISAA. Their service time in both cases was under 20 mins. Their equipment is first rate as are their people. Thanks for GREAT/AWESOME Service!!!! read more

I work in Lake Placid for the Summer. The rear brakes on my 2013 jeep started grinding and I knew they needed replacing. I usually work on my own cars, but being out of town I decided to let someone else do it. I took my jeep to Hoffman's based on the positive Yelp reviews. Aftermarket platinum ceramic brakes and rotors cost $120 around here, so I figured that plus an hour of labor wouldn't sting too bad. Hoffman's is very thorough, about figuring out ways to separate you from your money. I got a call a couple hours after dropping off my car. They had a laundry list of things they inspected and wanted to fix for me. I explained I only wanted the rear brakes fixed. I took me awhile to convince them of that. They insisted on reading through the list and trying to convince me to fix these other minor repairs. After that conversation, they said they would need to call me back with a price. When they called back they said it would be nearly $ 600 to replace rear brakes and rotors. I asked how that could be when the parts were less than $120. They explained that they only use OEM parts and that's the price, and they don't use aftermarket. I said no thanks and decided to pick up my jeep and do it myself. They charged me $60 for their "inspection and estimate" that I never asked for. I don't doubt that these guys do good work but be prepared to pay through the nose for it. If you are able to do any self diagnosis, try and get an estimate in advance so you can avoid these costly inspections. Also, know they will find many other things wrong with your car that may or may not need to repaired immediately. If you bring your car here, get ready for a sales pitch and bring your checkbook. read more

Scheduled an appointment for an inspection as mine was expiring soon. They booked it, I dropped my car off in the morning, they said inspections usually take about an hour or so and that they'd call when it was complete. I came back 3 hours later to check on it...my car hadn't moved and they said they'd get to it in the afternoon, and would call when it was complete. I left, and by 4:30 they still hadn't called (they close at 5pm). I got a ride and showed up at 4:45, they had my car in the back and I asked if it was done..they told me that their inspector never came in today but that they looked over it themselves and said I'd need a new taillight. (I do have a crack in the taillight, but have passed inspection before with this) They told me they were "pretty sure the inspector would need me to replace this. It would cost $300 and we can order the part now, and rebook you for an inspection next week" - I said, no thanks, knowing that I've passed my inspection with this damage before, and didn't think taillights cost that much? I was annoyed that they even scheduled my inspection if their inspector wasn't going to be in that day. And if he never showed up, then they should have at least called me and told me that! I wasted a whole day of having my car in the shop. I went to a different mechanic later in the week, they did my inspection in an hour and it cost $21. They mentioned that I should look into replacing my taillight at some point, but they replaced the bulb and gave me taillight tape for the time being. Definitely never going back to Hoffmans! read more

I wish I could give this less then 1 star. I emailed about getting my car in for an inspection and to potentially fix my back passenger window, as it was not staying up anymore. They got me in the next day, Great! However, only a few hours after having my car in their shop they called with a list of reasons why my car couldn't pass inspection. Some of these reasons were: A faulty license plate bulb, which they wanted $50 bucks to change, they claimed my tires needed an alignment, said my control arm bushings were bad, and the window (which I knew was in need of fixing). They also tried telling me I needed an oil change 1500 miles before I was supposed to, and claimed I had an oil leak. Finally, shocks and struts were also supposedly in need of repair. Total for all these fixes, over $3,000! I decided to take my vehicle to another mechanic, and wouldn't ya know, my vehicle did not need an alignment, oil change or the control arm bushings. My boyfriend also took 5 minutes and changed my license plate bulb. Hoffman's was just looking for ways to scam someone for more money, almost $2700(The window repair cost I knew was needed) dollars to be exact. The 2nd mechanic I went to didn't charge me a dime to look over my car. Hoffman's charged me over $100. I recommend NOT going to Hoffman's, unless you want to be ripped off. Basically, go anywhere but there. Their employee who rang me out for looking over my car, and taking apart my door for 20 minutes was rude and not very friendly. Will not ever be going back to Hoffman's. read more

Amazing group of people who work here. Doing some seriously clean/good work on cars for a good price. I drive 3.5 hours to have them tune my car- I wouldn't trust anyone else with it at this point. Keep up the great work, guys! read more

Such a great group of individuals. The gentlemen at Hoffman Auto were very easy to communicate with and knowledgeable. As an out of towner, I scheduled my car for an inspection and LOF change. Not only did they perform the requested services but went above and beyond. They took the time to fully inspect the car and provide me a detailed report of items that needed to be addressed. Jonathan even took the time to talk about the issues and explain them as well as help identify how items should be prioritized. Given my time crunch as an out of towner, they were also extremely helpful in expediting work. If you're looking for a team to work on your car, and treat it as there own. As well as make sure you are safe like a family member, this is the place for you. read more

I recently used Hoffman Auto for my Carco Insurance inspections. They fit me in with little notice and go me in and out quick. I would recommend them to others. read more

Got stuck in a ditch. Hoffman Auto came in record time and got us out in just a few minutes - Patrick a real pro and would 100% recommend Hoffman to anyone in the area! Saved our day out on the mountain and even got the winch done in 5F weather ! read more

I've had a lot of car work done by Hoffman Auto over the years. It's always done properly and reliably. I live in Albany, NY and drive the 130+ miles to bring my car there. If I thought I could find the same quality of work else where I'd go else where, but I can't. Taylor and crew are excellent mechanics and not only understand how to fix any car they have that unique analytical insight to see the total picture of a repair. I don't trust very many people or businesses but I DO TRUST Hoffman Auto with my car. If you want quality work go there. read more

This past Saturday, at 3:45am, my vehicle broke down on Rt. 73 just after leaving Exit 30 for I-87... Somehow I had clear cell reception and was able to make a phone call to AAA for a tow truck. By 4:10am, I received a confirmation phone call from Taylor of Hoffman Auto. Politely, he confirmed my location, contact info, and needs. The tow truck was on-site by 5:20am (considering two guys, woke up from the comfort of their own homes, got ready, drove to the garage, warmed up the truck, and traveled 35 min's (or more!)) I was happy with the response time. When they arrived Taylor was sure to make me feel like I was taken care of and comfortable. Without any promises, the vehicle was checked out first thing, the next business day. Thank you, staff of Hoffman Auto, for a job well done read more

Avoid this place at all costs. Crooks! They are on the list of insurance companies for roadside assistance and use that privilege to reel in customers and perform a "bait and switch". They provided me an estimate upfront and then far exceeded it - and when questioned they start to parse their words and indicate that the estimate was for only a portion of the job. Go anywhere but here!!!! read more

I cannot say enough great things about these guys! I was visiting Lake Placid for a weekend getaway with a group of friends when we noticed my car was acting funny on our way down Whiteface. We were SO lucky to find an auto repair shop 1.) before we broke down in the middle of nowhere and 2.) that was open on a Saturday afternoon! I rolled up to the shop and someone came out to help us immediately. We popped the hood and showed him the problem right then and there, and he told us we were lucky to have made it... any farther and we probably would have broken down and needed a tow. The service was speedy and the mechanics were very understanding, which was awesome considering we didn't have much time in Lake Placid and had plans to do a hike that afternoon! I also sincerely appreciated that these guys took the time to explain absolutely everything to me. I think women are often kind of dismissed and/or taken advantage of at auto repair shops, but these guys were so kind to explain every mechanical detail and every part of my bill in a way that made sense. They were very friendly, attentive, and respectful! They also noticed my inspection was just 4 days away from expiring, so they took care of the inspection since they'd already checked out the whole car for problems anyway. Not to mention, they also gave us some fantastic dinner and sightseeing recommendations! All around great service. My friend and I agree that we're actually GLAD the car broke down because it was such a pleasant and informative experience. Thank you! read more

Hoffman Auto is outstanding, and I only wish I lived closer to bring all of my vehicle service issues to them. I needed a NYS safety inspection completed on my new car. Not only was I calling last-minute, but I really needed the inspection taken care of during the few days I was in the area. They took exceptional care of me, and I very much appreciated the thorough job they did on the inspection. Based on their work, it was discovered that there were some issues I needed to tend to back home with my car through the dealership. Thankfully I had the heads up, and not only that, but Jonathan T. at Hoffman took it a step further and emailed me specific photos taken from underneath my car - detailing the issues at hand. I am very thankful to have found this place, and would strongly recommend them to anyone in the Lake Placid area. Thank you! read more

I had my car towed in on the last day of my trip because it would not start. They checked it out very quickly and determined it was probably an exhaust blockage cause by an animal that had come dislodged when it was towed. They were honest, reasonable, pleasant and quick. I couldn't ask for more. I highly recommend them. read more

Hoffman Auto was awesome. I called to make an appointment for an oil change. They told me on Friday they couldn't fit me until Monday or Tuesday. I hung up disappointed because I am from Chicago and didn't dawn on me that I couldn't get in for an oil change same day. However Hoffman called me back about 2 hours later (using caller ID and remembered my name) and told me they were ahead of schedule and they could fit me in. Awesome customer service!!!! read more

Took my 2001 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe with 3400 miles on it and nearly mint condition to Hoffmans garage as a relative is our neighbor. I had barely any brakes and the fluid just flowed out and getting there was darn scary!! They did not seem that interested and did that "Well, IF the calipers are shot we would have to replace them at $150 a piece"...... (sneaky) and it may take days as they are so busy, yet everyone was sitting by the front window and doing nothing and it was NOT break time!....They guessed at 800 to 1000 dollars possibly and I told my husband to take it off their property as I know my neighbors knew our health situation and that we are drowning in medical bills since 5 major surgeries last year alone! This was not the 5 stars that those that had oil changes and inspections and towings done....this was serious stuff with no brakes in the mountains!!!!!!!... I had hoped they would be kinder and more understanding that not everyone in Lake Placid is rich and full of money!....They could not seemed to have cared less and I will NEVER go there again for anything!!!.......don't like bait and switch and well we might have to do this and do that stuff........very slick.....never again! read more

My boyfriend and I drove hours to go hiking on a Saturday. As soon as we arrived our car was giving us problems and had to get it checked out. The staff here were extremely friendly and willing to help us out right away. They even stayed late past their normal business hours to fix our car. We had a great experience and highly recommend. read more

Coming up from Brooklyn for a long weekend on the slopes I started hearing an awful squealing sound from my driveshaft. Driving a 96' Tacoma with 247,000 miles on it, strange sounds aren't that uncommon. I found these guys from their reviews but still pretty much expected to get ripped off being an out of towner at a small town shop. Not only did every single one of these guys make me feel welcome, but they let me keep my luggage at the shop while I salvaged a day of skiing as they worked on my truck. The replacement for my rear universal joint ended up costing me 200 dollars less than what I was initially quoted for, and they gave me a list of recommended repairs. And I got to watch Taylor go off the 120 meter ski jump. If you're in the area and you have car or truck trouble, go here. And if you don't have any trouble, stop in for a good cup of coffee and a laugh. I wish there were more mechanics like these guys. Thanks Hoffman's. You guys saved my weekend. read more