I want to thank the staff at Columbia Auto Repair for doing such a great job of determining the…read moreproblem with my sons truck and so quickly repairing it. He said it was a good expirence dealing with them, so pleasant and helpful.

From the owner: Premier Powerstroke Diesel and Ford Product Specialty shop Ford Certified Diesel Technician. From…read moreengine performance to repair and diagnostics. We specialize in preventative maintenance and repairs for all Ford products. We also perform all vehicle maintenance and repairs. From tires brake jobs and batteries to full in depth diagnostics. 30 years of experience in heavy duty and automotive radiator service gives us the expert knowledge and experience to service any and all of your radiator and gas tank needs.

Price was fair for the work and the job never exceeded the quote, very accommodating…read more The kind of service every shop should provide Phil is upfront and honest with any concerns and asks before fixing what is not already part of the job quoted 10/10 service would definitely go back for anything I can't handle myself

Si je pouvais mettre "0" étoiles je le ferais, je pourrais faire un film avec ce qu'il s'est passé…read moreà ce garage. Aucun professionnalisme, n'est pas coopératif, se crois au dessus de ses affaires et en plus il est vulgaire avec ses clients. De plus il m'a menacé me charger son temps pour lui parler au téléphone bref pire expérience de ma vie. GARAGE À ÉVITÉ À TOUT PRIX.

I'm so grateful for these guys! They saved me from a bill that was 5 times as much at Nelson…read moreChrysler. Tom & Bill are delightful, affordable, fast & the courtesy car was the cherry on top! I'll definitely be back.

Made an appointment over a month in advance. These guys didnt fix my car, charged me a thousand…read moredollars, and then when I try to bring it back they tell me it's a 3 week wait. These people just cost me thousands of dollars as I'm now 900 km from home and cant find anyone to look at the car. Stay away from these guys, customer service clearly isnt part of their business model.

Took our Yukon for a winter service, oil change, winter tires on rims and "MULTI POINT INSPECTION"…read moreon November 3 2023, "MULTI POINT INSPECTION" did not turn up anything. Cost me $125.15. I made an appointment to get my emergency brake repaired and the park assist repaired. A couple weeks later the brakes started making noise, Kalawasky had just done their "MULTI POINT INSPECTION" so I thought can't be that bad, but I called in to say the brakes were making noise, could they look at it on December 15 2023, service thanked me for the heads up and I did not think much of it. Took it in on December 15 dropped it off to get repaired. Came back a couple of hours later they had only done a diagnostic. Also the brakes were metal on metal! I asked how could this happen when I had it in last month, they'd done a "MULTI POINT INSPECTION" and nothing was noted. The Service Advisor said he would look into it. Later he told me, "It was missed." Since it was not safe to drive, called my wife to pick me up, an hour drive for her one way. I called December 20 to find out the status, was told I would have it before Christmas. December 22 Kalawaski called around 3:45, said nothing was done and it would be ready December 27 and offered a loaner car, I didn't need a loaner and I would have to drive for an hour to get it, so I didn't take it. Got it back December 27 2023 the new brakes and rotors cost us $2980.21 and the diagnostic cost us $124.00 even though they had it in their shop in November.

We had to get some work done on our truck. In the end it took 2 weeks and the work was $400 more…read morethan they said it would be 2 days before they did the work. The same job for the same problem at another mechanic in town took 3 days and $450 less. Would NOT recommend.

Thank you to the guys at Kal Tire today! You guys were awesome! We had a flat tire and they said…read morethey could fix it for us in the hour. They also took our spare off and put on our fixed tire. If you are in the Castlegar area, this is the place to stop! Thank you again for your speedy professional service! Much appreciated!

Do you want it done cheap, or do you want it done right?…read more As a fleet manager with over 20 years in the automotive industry, I've seen how most shops operate. Too often it's the cheapest parts, every bolt rattled with an impact gun, and training thrown out the window in the name of tighter profit margins. It's frustrating, and sadly, it's become the norm in many repair facilities. Downtown Auto is the outlier. They pride themselves on quality, and it shows -- from their thorough inspections and clear reporting to the way they approach diagnostics. They don't just throw parts at a problem. Every issue is addressed with a methodical, traceable diagnostic process. When repairs are needed, procedures and specifications are followed to the book. Nothing is overlooked. What also stands out is their commitment to training. In the Kootenays, we don't have the luxury of a large, seasoned trades culture. At Downtown Auto, they take the time to mentor new technicians, ensuring their work meets high standards. That investment pays off for customers like me. As a fleet manager, this has been a game-changer. While other shops end up fixing the same problems repeatedly, Downtown Auto fixes it once -- and fixes it right. It makes my job easier knowing the vehicles I send to them come back reliable and road-ready. So sure, you can save a little by going somewhere else for cheaper parts and speed-driven repairs -- and end up with a work order that's as hard to understand as your teenager's text messages. Or, you can go to Downtown Auto and know it's done right the first time.

They did terrible sub-par auto work. Upsold me on things my car didn't need, then they didn't…read moretighten the cap on my radiator and caused a major over heating which basically cooked and ruined the car. I can understand mistakes but then they just topped up my rad fluid and charged me for the fluid and gave me the worst attitude and tried to say I should be checking all the caps and work after they do it??? like why did I pay you? Strongly suggest staying away from this shop. They do poor work and are shady and not the type of people you want to deal with. I have 4 other friends with really negative experiences here. I'm hoping they go out of business and get run out of town.

Dealership cancelled my purchased "lifetime oil change"......I am not sure whether the lifetime…read moreoil change was on my vehicle or my life.....either way I still have the same vehicle and am still alive last time I checked. I love my Honda but will avoid the Castlegar dealership......when looking to purchase I will be going elsewhere and now maintenance is being done with Babe's Automotive and Midtown Motors.........

I went in to have a wheel bearing fixed. Well they took the wheel apart put it back together…read morecharged me the labor but didn't fix it. Showed me an estimate of what it would cost. Yep they want to charge me 2 more hours labor to fix it. I really feel I was taken advantage of. I will not be going back there again.