Went to have solenoid valve replaced for transmission system, based on warning lights and dealer diagnosis. Jim Taylor said no need for new valve based on their diagnosis. They said I needed oxygen sensor replaced based on their diagnosis. - I paid for new sensor. - Less than 2 weeks later and limited driving, the warning lights on dashboard came back on. I took car back to Jim Taylor. They did quick check and said no problem, no active code for solenoid problem. - I asked if they had taken the car for a drive to warm engine, accelerate and decelerate. They had not. - I asked them to take the car for a spin. - They agreed. They called me back and said the warning light came on and their latest diagnosis showed the car needed a new solenoid! Adding insult to injury, while my car was there the first time, they asked if I wanted the radiator flushed and refilled with antifreeze. - I said ok. - They informed me late Friday afternoon that my radiator was leaking and needed replacement. - I said I'd call on Monday. I wanted to see leak. I had never had any problem with radiator. - On Monday, when I when to see leak, they had already replaced the radiator! Miscommunication. But I had a new radiator. - Did the old radiator leak? Yes, I checked at home, a minor split at base. But what caused it? I'd never overhearing or loss of fluid or mention of any issue at Subaru during any maintenance checkups. $2,500 later - my 2018 Outback is sitting in my yard, waiting for a new solenoid valve. Jim Taylor offered to discount $150 off the $1,600 they want to charge me for a new valve for a grand total of $3,950 plus my time back and forth for their poor service. Ironically, I went to them because the dealer had initially wanted a lot - $2,500 - to replace a small solenoid valve. I've learned a lesson. Better to pay outrageous costs than to get totally ripped. read more

I have been going to Jim Taylor automotive for about 10 years. The service, the honesty, the fair prices, keep me returning again and again. For me, a good mechanic is worth his weight in gold; I respect a good mechanic as much as I respect a good medical doctor. As an added bonus, Else, Chris Downie's wife is his Office Manager. She, too, is knowledgeable, friendly, and very efficient. As Owner./Manager, Chris is a warm, caring mechanic who makes each person feel very special. He has taken excellent care of three cars for me in the 10 years.....this last, a 1995 Toyota was sadly neglected by the previous owner. Chris put the car into humming condition for a fraction of what it would have cost me to buy it outright (it was a gift to me). I unreservedly recommend Jim Taylor Automotive. read more

I have been taking my various cars to Chris of Jim Taylor Automotive for nigh on 12 years. I have been extremely satisfied with all aspects of this business. I NEVER feel cheated or having had advantage taken of me. On a few occasions, Chis even has had one of his workers come to where I was stuck in town with one of my "problems"........I am old and useless with cars. I have always felt secure, respected, valued as a customer. Every time I take a trip, Chris and/or his employees in the shop go over my car and I can always, always, always feel secure that I will be given an honest evaluation. The prices are fair always. And additional marvel is Else in the office. So knowledgeable and always charming and affable. I heartily endorse Jim Taylor Automotive. I have never been disappointed. read more

Jim Taylor Automotive was amazing to work with, especially Jesse! I was searching for a good first vehicle for my daughter. Her birthday was June 5 and I wanted to surprise her. I I'm so glad I took the vehicle to Jim Taylor automotive for an inspection because I would have bought a lemon. Jesse was such a pleasure to work with. We laughed about how many things were wrong with the car, she was flexible about timing because the owner showed up late to show the car....so many things that could have made the experience absolutely miserable turned into a fun memory because of her. I will definitely take our cars there in the future for any repairs! read more

Jim Taylor Automotive was superb! I had a warning on the dashboard of my car that had to do with the ABS system, and the recommendation by Mercedes was not to drive the car until it was repaired. They took me in on the spur of the moment, and regularly kept me informed of the status of the repairs. They provided complementary service to and from my residence while the car was in their shop being repaired. Everyone I dealt with was extremely professional, and I recommend them without hesitation. read more

I have been using Jim Taylor Automotive for quite a while. Chris is the best. If he tells you you need something done other than what you are there for it is not a scam. Chris is honest and dependable, I wont go any where else. Chris Loves high performance autos and has no problem taking a minute out of his busy day to talk about them. Elsa is always willing to help any way she can whether to stay late so you can pick up your car, or a ride home. These two are a great team glad I found them. read more

The team at Jim Taylor automotive provided outstanding service from start to finish. They went above and beyond by tracking down a missing drain plug for my vehicle--and they didn't even charge me for it. It's rare to find a shop that genuinely looks out for its customers instead of just trying to sell services. Honest, knowledgeable, and professional. They're truly stand-up people, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality automotive repair. Thanks again, Kayla! read more

I had a great experience with Jim Taylor Automotive last week. I called because I needed to have my car towed to a shop. I read a few good reviews so I thought I'd give them a try. I was very pleased with the great service I received. It was a family like atmosphere and Chris and all of the employees made me feel like I could trust them. The price was much cheaper than what I pay at the dealership and the service was great. I will definitely go back. read more

Needed a new auxiliary battery for my Jeep which had to be ordered, they wanted to make sure it was the same type and quality. The battery came in on the same day and was installed on the same day at a very reasonable price. Jim Taylor automotive has excellent customer service and they truly care about their customers. Once again I can say that I have found an automotive shop that I can trust for all of the repairs needed for my vehicle. read more

New owners Chris Downie and wife Elsa are "good people" plain and simple. I've been a customer for approximately 8 years. I depend on my vehicle for business purposes and depend on them to keep my business "running smoothly". They've even offered me transport during the times my truck had to be left unexpectedly overnight. Good, trustworthy people and great service. Plain and simple. --Kevin Brownlee / Handymansarasota.com read more

We have been a customer of Jim Taylors Automotive for the about 20 years now with all the cars and vans we had and now have, and we are very satisfied with the Service and the treatment from the company. Chris is a first class mechanic, the work is done as promised and the price is always fair. We would highly recommend Chris as a master mechanic and a honest business man. We are happy to know such a trustworthy car service. read more

Everyone I work with takes their cars to Jim Taylor Automotive. They are an advertising team that expects the best ... and no matter what the car, VW, Nissan, BMW, Honda or Ford (or its age), JT always delivers. My mom, who lives an hour away, now schedules her regular maintenance check-ups so that they coincide with her visits to Sarasota. Thank you Elsa and Chris for your friendly smiles and service! read more

Great experience with Jim Taylor Automotive, Very honest and caring team. They were able to get me in with my car problem immediately and had me out and on my way in less than two hours. Their professionalism and concern that I was driving a safe vehicle was forefront and I truly appreciated that. Jim Taylor Automotive is where I'll be going from now on for all my auto needs. read more

Requested installation of a third party battery. They willingly did as I requested in about 2 hours as we waited on a Saturday morning (for under $60). A complete free inspection was included with pictures. No pressure and informative. A great find in Sarasota as we were traveling from out of town. Very satisfied with the service and their straightforward honest approach. read more

For more than 8 years, and three vehicles, I have found Chris to be very patient in communication and thorough as a disgnostician. His prices are moderate. I have had a variety of auto problems; some I noticed, others he discovered. He successfully addressed ALL of them. I have suggested his work to at least 4 other households. Each has been very satisfied. Thank you read more

I was visiting from Michigan when my car started acting up. I went to the parts store, no help. Passing Jim Taylor's Automotive I pulled in thinking last hope. These guys know their cars! Respectable the moment i stepped in. I didnt have a check engine warning, they found the problem. Fixed it and was very reasonable in the price. Highly recommend. read more

I had my 03 GM Truck worked on at another shop because my A/C was not working properly they made me replace the condenser and some other parts and after still had the same problem, I took it to Chris and he solved my problem right away. I now take him all of my vehicles and have recommended my family as well. Great honest shop Love them. read more

Exceptional service in resolving a very complex automotive wiring issue that other mechanics could not resolve. They were responsive to all questions and issues and did not end their work until every issue was resolved. Cost was less than dealer and their support was without peer. I highly recommend them. read more

I have very good experience with Jim Taylor Automotive. I am customer since I moved to Sarasota 1.5 years ago. I had schedule maintenance, few oil changes, and water pump replacement. Everybody I met was pleasant and very profesional. I would recommend Jim Taylor to my friends. read more