Came in with problems with what I believed to be a TCM issue, they ran all of the tests and managed to find that it was just a circuit issue (which saved me 300+). Overall great service, just wish they didn't have to keep it overnight, but beggars can't be choosers in the city (everywhere else was booked out for a few days minimum). Also the guy at the front desk was really helpful whenever I had a question read more

THIS PLACE SHOULD BE CALLED CLOWNTIME AUTOMOTIVE! I got my inspection done here last week and they told me my Subaru needed new control arms. I questioned if it really did, but told them to swap them along with 3 windshield wipers and some lights. I pick it up at the end of the day on a Friday. I drive it to get a pizza and home for two miles. I get home and notice the windshield wiper has not been replaced and is still the old worn-out one. I call in to ask why they didn't change the wiper and nobody answered. The next day on Saturday I have a job in Ohio I do occasionally on weekends that I had to leave first thing in the morning for. On the way there my car is loud, making noises, and 5 diagnostic lights came on. I was in a pickle trying to get to work while my car is acting all funny. I called Clowntime Automotive 3 times and they never returned my calls. I finally get it home and take it to another Mechanic Monday. They said whoever changed the control arms didn't put the axle nuts on properly causing my axle to tear into the wheel bearing causing over 1K in damage. They also broke two sensors and stretched wires to the control arms. They also said I was lucky to make it back as my wheel could have fallen off on the highway. I tried to call Clowntime and they won't return my calls. They caused major damage to my car after they were to inspect it to make it safe for PA roads. I will have to fight these clowns in court now for the damages to my car as well as a 20-dollar windshield wiper they charged me for and never gave me if they don't offer me a refund for their work. This place is SHADY AND CLOWNY. Why is this mechanic allowed to inspect cars if they make them more dangerous? I am also contacting the PA AG, and the State Safety Inspection Program is also hearing. I already googled them to see how to submit a complaint. This Clown should not be inspecting cars that put people's lives in jeopardy. read more

Needed to get my rear break pads changed, came in with my own brake pads from AutoZone. Job took 2 hours to do and cost my $180 dollars. Craziest upcharge I've ever expirienced, especially considering the fact that I brought the parts in myself. read more

I've been here once a year, for three years, for a state inspection sticker. My car never has a clean bill of health, there's always something additional I need to pay for to pass inspection. I like to come here because it's the closest place I can walk to from home. This time, I showed up at 9:40 am, dropped off my car. Desk clerk was very nice. Said they'd call me when it's done. I asked how long and they said it would take a few hours-- I figured that was the case. They called me at 3pm and told me that I needed some bulbs, some blades in order to pass inspection. They recommended I get my front pads and rotors. I didn't feel pressured by any of it. After he said this to me, he said he would call me back to let me know when my car was ready. Obviously it meant I wouldn't get it in the same day, which I had anticipated. Around 9:50am the next day, he called to say my car was ready to pick up. I walked down and did so. My total did come out to be $555 after my discount. Mentioning my AAA membership got me 10% off labor. Overall, polite, non pressuring service. Reasonably priced. Only go here if you're able to wait a day or two for your car to be done. read more

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damaged the vehicle, jerk at the front desk, long wait, no communication, bad attitudes

Trustworthy and helpful. Hard to find a "car guy" you can trust and feel like you are not getting ripped off and I can feel that with these guys. I have not had bad service. The only thing is having to drop off your car and wait time. read more

I was recommended to go to this Lifetime Automotive Center by AAA and I'm very happy they did! My car needed to be towed in and get the ignition switch replaced. These guys were quick and very helpful! Really nice and willing to help. 10/10 would recommend! read more

I was in a jam when my Toyota Sienna started blinking warning signs saying that I had to stop the car immediately because of "low oil pressure." Lifetime Automotive Center was nearby so I brought my van in there. They went above and beyond, even helping me call a Toyota dealer so I could get my Sienna fixed there because the part that was damaged was still under warranty. Other mechanics may have just fixed it and charged me for it, but they were willing to help me save some $$ and I appreciated that they looked at my car quickly on short notice. Kyle was especially helpful in answering my questions in person and on the phone. Before this, I had there a few times for oil changes and other things for my van and my husband's car. They are fast, reliable and trustworthy. read more

I have plenty to say about my recent experiences at Lifetime Auto. My family member recommended this place after always having wonderful experiences with Mark. I see that Ben S. said that he left and I didn't realize he must have been the gem of this place. I went anyways back in October because my car wasn't driving well and just sounded "off." They ended up doing a ton of work on my Mazda. They said they fixed my front and rear break roaders, front rear break pads, a tire, oil change, and a four wheel alignment. The total was $900 and since I hadn't had much difficulty with my car in the past, I went ahead and paid them to fix everything. After they "fixed" everything, I felt like my car was off again. Something wasn't quite right. I don't drive my car everyday (I walk to work) so it didn't bother me much. Looking back, I should have brought the car back immediately but instead I kept driving it. In December, I was having trouble with one of my tires so I took it to a Firestone Tire place near DC (I was traveling). It turns out that Lifetime Auto put on the WRONG tire which was making my car feel weird. I called them, and thankfully they were pretty easy going (the one positive in this review). They ended up offering me a free tire or credit at their store. Fine... people make mistakes, right? Then, early in February, I realized my car felt "off" again. I brought it to Lifetime Auto where they recommended I change the Serpentine belt and get new front left wheel bearings and hub. I They quoted me about $650 for the wheel bearings and hub alone. The Serpentine belt was $185 (and I used some of my tire credit). I got a new Serpentine belt (because I thought it was important). I just kept getting a weird feeling about them so I talked to some other family members who recommended Ed's Auto in Wilkinsburg, PA. They kept saying how honest he was. I went to Ed and he diagnosed my car troubles as the front RIGHT wheel bearing. Here's all that he did on my car: Front right wheel bearing A new tire Some light bulbs that needed to be replaced PA State inspection Guess how much I paid? $350 Guess how much the right wheel bearing was (from the dealer?): $65. I suspect that Lifetime Auto would have made me pay $700-$800 and I'm kicking myself for giving them the business back in October. Do not go to Lifetime Auto... they are thieves. Go to Ed's Auto in Wilkinsburg 705 South Trenton Avenue Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 read more

I took my car there a few years ago for the anual safety inspection. The owner said I needed new front brakes. Since he was running a $100/wheel special, I authorized the repair. When I came to pick up the car, I was presented with a bill for almost $600. The owner said that the calipers needed replacement as well. I wasn't told this up front nor did he call to advise of this added cost. I did pay the bill but it left me with a bad feeling of being taken. I will never give this shop my business again. read more

New to PA. They asked me to come on a certain Friday at 9 am for doing state vehicle inspection . They said to give 2 3 hours and they would call .Went on that day morning and left the car. Didn't get follow up call . When I called at 230 pm, they said they're running late and they would call me before 5. Never got a call, so I went to collect just after 5. Found out the shop had closed at 5 and I was left without car for the weekend. Luckily I had second set of keys but had to walk long home back again to get it and walk back. Anyway very irresponsible act from them. Fee was overpriced compared to other shops too as I found later. Not going there again neither recommending them to anyone. read more

Worst service ever Wanted them to change my tires and do a PA inspection. They came back to me with a serious of bogus repairs that "need" to be done all adding up to $1850. One of them was a required wiper change - but I know the wipers were good because I changed them a month ago. Furthermore they cracked my windshield and didn't take responsibility. Worst garage ever read more

They are completely incompetent. I took my car there for inspection and to fix the air conditioning. When they finished the car a week later, the air conditioning still didn't work because they forgot to "charge it" (even though the receipt said that they checked it.) I noticed immediately and took it back, and they fixed it. When I got home the engine light and AT lights came on. It took another week and I had to bring it in THREE MORE times until they fixed their mistakes. They were at least "nice" enough not to charge me to fix their mistakes. They finally managed to get the lights to stay off, but it still drives funny. A week later the air conditioning didn't work (they weren't sure that they truly fixed the AC initially) and I took it back. They didnt even look at it until the 3rd day it was there, and then they actually LOST MY CAR KEYS. They offered to replace them, but its still a tremendous inconvenience. I am never going there again. read more

We dropped our truck off at 9 am for a simple tire repair. At 3 pm they hadn't looked at it. 6 hours for a simple tire repair? NEVER using this facility again. What a joke. read more

I had stopped to get a bulb replaced on my brake light. They replaced the bulb right away and didn't even charge for it! A+ customer service. I will use them for any auto needs in the future. read more

After many, many years Mark has finally left Lifetime Auto and now has his own place on Beechwood Blvd. Go there and don't go to Lifetime - especially if you plan to ask for Mark! Review to come soon! read more

This place is such a ripoff took my car in because engine lights was on he quoted me $7000 dollars to have all work done. Told him that I didn't have that kinda of money so instead he charged me $200 dollars for checking diagnostics!!! Took it to another mechanic and I was quoted same job $4000-5000 dollars and he didn't charge to take a look at my car. Run away from this place. read more

They're always very nice to me. I brought in my car because it had an issue, and they looked into it and didn't even charge me. They just fixed the minor thing without any kind of charge, which was very kind. read more

Just a follow up review for my previous negative review (the one I left on July 22.2015) It is again the time for inspection and this time I took my car to another place for inspection. One of the breaks is now completely broken and I had to replace it. Last year I did a break repair/exchange+a "forced inspection" at Lifetime Automotive center. Apparently they were either too pissed/bored to tell me that the other break is at the limit of broken completely. I drive around 2000 miles per year so it is impossible that they didnt find anything when they did the inspection. I do not expect a free "WARNING" from this location. But I think it is important to have a trustworthy car repair/inspection location for your own safety. Again, dont come to this place. read more

Where do I start? Lifetime automotive (the one on Forward Avenue) is a total RIPOFF! Stay away unless you want to get overcharged and still have to fix it somewhere else. I took my car to have it fixed. They gave me a "full" estimate which I paid in full. After I picked up the car I noticed that they still didn't fix it as they promised that they would. After I discovered their screw up, they demanded more money to fix what was already part of the estimate. They will give out your personal information to other people that simply walk into the store to ask for it. Imagine a total stranger is given your receipt with your payment information, for no legal or investigative reason. Not only do they do shoddy overcharged repairs, they engage in borderline illegal, if not completely illegal activity. Their customer service is non-existent, more like crude barbarian service. Very rude and unprofessional, I wonder how they remain in business. Yes, I stand by every claim in my post. You can take it up with me in court if you disagree. This business deserves 5 negative stars. read more

Do not go here. Place is a bunch of hacks. I had to have my car towed here because the distributor failed and I did not have time to fix it myself. When I got my car back, I see that the air cleaner is cracked and vacuum lines broken. Who knows what else they broke, this is what I found from a quick visual inspection without removing any parts. Apparently the hack mechanic was too lazy to remove the hose clamps and simply ripped off the hose by breaking the connections. They also told me the oil was dirty and needed to be changed. Flat out lie. I change my own oil and just changed it the week before. Checked the oil when I got my car back and it was still a golden brown color. The power door locks also did not work when I get my car back. I discover it's because they ripped out the wiring to the alarm. Ok, I get it, it is annoying trying to work on a car with the alarm blaring. But there is an easier way to turn off the alarm without ripping out the wiring: DISCONNECT THE FREAKING BATTERY. I've already spent at least $1000 and countless hours chasing down replacement parts to fix all the things these hacks broke on my car and my car is still throwing codes. Before the car was brought in it had no fault codes stored in the computer and when I got it back it was showing 4 separate codes. read more

We were customers until late last year. We've been going there for oil change periodically, until mid-2012. Last summer, for the first time, we had taken a car for an inspection. It ended with a repair that was almost $600, for back breaks/roters. They told us the front is worn, but okay. However the back had to be replaced to pass. It seemed a little high, but not too outrageous, so we agreed. The next car for an inspection costed us about another $600 (tires for Honda Accord). We had it done as they wouldn't let it pass inspection without it. But we began to do research for other auto repair shops. Then in December, a family member took their car to Lifetime for an inspection. This time they asked for $1400!!! We told them we're taking the car back without the repairs. When we got there, our car was not ready. They wanted to show us the repairs - something they had done with the first car inspection/repair to convince us into replacing roters. Despite being completely dismayed, we calmly told them that we're not interested in looking. Fortunately, we found Walter's (Baum) to replace front breaks/roters of the first car (more than $200 less than what I paid for the rear breaks at Lifetime.) So we took this to an auto repair shop that was about 15 minutes farther and had the repair for about half the cost!! We kept returning Lifetime because it's very close and they seems friendly. We will definitely not return, and want to caution anyone considering. They were right about our cars needing those repairs, but their estimates are just unreasonable. If your car's new or in great condition, it's probably okay. If you think your car might need repairs, I strongly caution against taking it there. Especially for an inspection, as that's how they get you, especially if you waited until last minute for inspections, and need your car inspection immediately. read more

A lot of these reviews about Lifetime on here seem like advertisements for other repair shops by disgruntled employees and their friends. I have been taking my car to Lifetime for over two years. They have always been great on the their repairs and they have some of the best maintenance deals in town, oil changes, inspections etc. My only problem with Lifetime is they don't let you schedule appointments. Other than that I will continue to take my car there to get excellent work at a fair price. read more

I've come to this service for several years and thought it was good service. I live nearby and needed reliability, but this year came to a rude awakening. I took my car for state inspection an it passed without a hitch. The same day i needed to drive up to Ross park for shopping and my car started to make noise an shaking worse and worse while I was on I79n.I slowed down and even pulled over but could not see any thing to my understanding from the outside. Finely driving 20 mph i made it to Pep Boys on McKnight where mechanic took wheel cover and saw that all of my lug nuts were loose. I had almost lost a wheel.! My wheel an rotor were damaged an Pepboys put on spare. I notified Lifetime and they said they will make it right. They did fix the wheel an put new rotor on. Three days later my battery died. I figured every one makes mistakes, give them another chance. Another week later my power steering started to act up. Fluid was leaking. So I took it back once more. I got a call from them telling me that my power steering pump an rack both are leaking an best price they can give me is ~$1300. I said a need to make few calls. Another garage offered the same work for $800 +130 towing so I called back Lifetime so they were willing to drop it down to $$800 with aftermarket parts... I decided need a second opinion and went with Kevin Hunter Auto. What a great decision... turns out all I needed was to replace a leaky line cost of $129.95 +$130 towing ... I cant believe Lifetime after causing all the trouble with not tightening lug nuts on my car were going to rip me off for extra $1000.... never going there again read more

Don't go to there. I took my car to them for inspection. When I gave my keys to them the glove box was locked. When I got my car back the glove box handle was broken. When I told them about the handle they said they dont mess up with people's glove boxes and they didn't touch it. They asked $300 to fix the handle that they broke. They accused me lying about it. It is the glovebox for my case but it can be something much more expensive for you. read more

I used to live in squirrel hill and this place was within walking distance from home so i gave it a try when I needed an inspection. They did the work so quickly and did not charge me an arm and a leg. I like that they're regular people working there and only charge what they have to-- they don't try to rip you off like other places do. Even to me, a younger female who "probably" knows nothing about cars they are even fair to. Something I have not found at other small mechanics. Lifetime charged me HALF the amount to replace my headlight than Exxon on Greensburg pike did. Now that I no longer live in squirrel hill, I will still be traveling out there to get my little odds and ends fixed bc they are the best with pricing and customer service. read more

Lifetime Automotive Center (Squirrel Hill Location) provides outstanding service. I have had three different vehicles serviced there, and had them perform inspections, oil changes, tire replacements, brake replacements, and battery replacements. They always charge me a fair price (usually much less than the competition) and perform the work in a timely manner. The manager (Brad) is especially courteous, professional, and easy to deal with. I consider myself a lifetime customer of Lifetime Automotive. read more

I have been taking my cars here for 15 years and I have always gotten outstanding service at a fair price. They are extremely honest as well. My 10 year old Mazda is running like a dream, and they are the only people who have worked on it. I have lived in 5 different states and owned many cars, and these folks are by far the best I have ever seen! read more

These guys tried to charge me $400 to fix (replace a "stuck valve" in) my air conditioning, which later turned out only to need refrigerant added (a $100 job). They charged $65 just to diagnose the problem (which they did incorrectly). I will never go back. I had a much better experience at Day Subaru, West Liberty. read more

My car was making a strange noise so I took it here on a Saturday hoping to get a diagnosis by the end of the day. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a significant problem, since I had a business trip the next day. They gave me a call in the early afternoon to tell me it was fine and that they tried to apply some penetrant to the area causing the problem. CHARGED ME NOTHING, even though I told them I understood they would probably charge me just for looking at it. They seem pretty cognizant of people getting their money's worth. read more

I am a backyard mechanic but only fix my own cars. I have to say in auto repairs it's difficult to satisfy every customer, and people naturally are more likely to make their voices when they are not satified than satisfied. I went there because of state inspection. The mechanical problems they pointed out were true, and they were OK when I told them I would repair by myself over the phone. Since I was pretty busy it took me four weeks before I revisited them for a second inspection. They said they might want to charge another time because it had been one month, but actually they did it free for me. So that's my experience, nothing particular to move my heart, but they showed their honesty and courtesy. So I'd like to give four stars. read more

Lifetime Automotive had my car for 3 months they never got it running properly and told me I owed $1,500 I told them I put parts on there that I did not need then I was told I could pay $1,250 I went up there numerous times to find out my car still wasn't running right and the price kept dropping they told me I could have my car for $887.57 but the car was still doing the same thing as when I took it up there I would have paid them the money if it was running properly I asked them if I could take the car for a test drive they told me unfortunately I could not until they had their payment I ended up getting up there after they closed I decided to take my car for a test run my full tank of gas was run out of my car I barely made it to a gas station the car was running worse than it ever has I decided to take the car home not knowing if it could even make it they ended up calling the police I have COPD and my air conditioning worked when I took the car there it doesn't anymore let alone I may end up in jail because they want their money for a car that is unsafe and keep stalling every 5 minutes I intended to have the car towed back after Memorial Day holiday and tell them they can keep the car until they fixed it right I would not recommend this place to anybody read more