I love Gene Johnson's. Through all of the traumatic used vehicle purchases that I have made, all of the transmissions that I have burned out, all of the oil changes, all of my delusional phantom hearing of noises that turned out to be nothing, they have been there. Bubba and Tom talked me through what was wrong (or not wrong) and what needed to be fixed. They never give a lady the run around. I also really like that they open up so early. And they don't mind my obsessive compulsive calling towards the end of the day. Great place and friendly people. read more

Tommy and Bubba, the guys who run this place, are the most personable and honest mechanics I've ever met. I first started going to Gene Johnson's over 10 years ago with my Toyota Supra (damn, I miss that car). I'd been referred by AAA, who said Gene Johnson's was the only repair place in town recommended for Japanese cars. My rear brakes had locked up and I had to have my car towed to the garage. Since the car wouldn't move at all, I thought the problem must be pretty serious. I was only 18 at the time and didn't know anything about cars yet -- they could have told me it was anything and charged me whatever they wanted. Instead, they replaced a broken screw and charged me 67 cents for parts and ten bucks for labor. I haven't been to another mechanic since. Now if only they worked on motorcycles. read more

I was about to pick up my car at ME Gene Johnson's garage and I did a search for the phone nbr and came up with YELP and thought I should give them a 5 star review. It's sad I did not find these guys sooner even though I live just down the road from them and pass by them all the time. Someone recommended them so we started going as the other garage we went to was way South. I can say without hesitation these guys are probably the most honest business people I have ever dealt with - and when you are talking about auto mechanics that says a lot. I have been scammed by many many garages and it has taken me years to figure out that you almost never should trust an auto mechanic. From Just Brakes, to Jiffy Lube, To Groovy Lube, and various other auto shops, they always seem to find something wrong that you don't really think is a problem or try and tell you you need to flush your fluids out or whatever - straight scams. I have a special review for Just Brakes on Airport coming soon. Anyways, I will stick to the positives about ME Gene Johnson - they have always been completely honest with us and only fixed what needed to be fixed. And if nothing needed to be fixed, they told us that. They've fixed things for us from flat tires, brakes, a cracked radiator and now we just go there for an oil change as I really don't feel I can trust any quick-lube places (especially after an incident with JIffy Lube where they got me to go for the 'engine cleanout' which I found out later was basically them putting a $3 bottle of gas cleaner in my tank. They left the bottle sticking out of my gas tank and lost my gas tank cap!) In summary, I bet you can't find more honest auto mechanics in town. I also have had no problems with things they fixed not being fixed. I'm not even concerned with that because they are so honest if something did go wrong, I know I could take it back and they would make it right. Top notch - 10 stars! read more

Ok. I genuinely believe that there guys are trying to really help me out. But, I might just be a sucker. I took it in because my front wheels were making a funny noise and I could tell there was some wobble going on. Well, it was the wheel bearings, wouldn't ya know... $758ish later, I was driving on wobble-free wheels. Unfortunately, that SAME day, my car over heated. Funny, ain't it? Called a friend who rebuilt his Subaru Outback, and we looked at the whole radiator area that we could see. "Looks like you need to flush the radiator and then keep it filled. You don't have a leak, but there could be one internally in your engine." Lovely. Well, that didn't work, as it overheated again the day I had to go to Houston for a catering gig. And then? "Well, it's the radiator!" they say. "$500 and we'll get it to you today!" And they did. w00t. Or whatever. Yeah, it's good that they did it, but my hackles rise when my car has another (completely unrelated) problem with another system the day I get it out of a mechanic. Then? Two weeks (not even that) later, it overheats AGAIN!! I give it to them once, and they can't make it overheat. They give it back, I drive it, and it overheats! Not even stressful driving!! I take it back. This is really pissing me off. Finally, the answer is (and I'm paraphrasing here): We don't really know what it is. There's some problem with the pressure. It looks internal, but we can't do that. So, here's a number of someone else who can take your engine apart and charge you another shitload of money. Now, these guys are very nice. They always give me a ride when I need it. I really could be cursed. I realize this. But I can't help feeling like I'm getting taken. So, giving the benefit of the doubt, I'm lowering their rating to 3 stars. Maybe 2.5, but as mechanics go I can't say I've experienced better. They all seem out to get me at one point or another. read more

Tiny bit of back-story first. I've lived in DC and NYC, so it wasn't until I was 30 that I learned to drive (badly). And my car is still a mystery to me, albeit one I'm trying to solve. These guys make it less scary. I've had three car-related meltdowns of various degrees and they have always been fast, professional and non-judgmental. I mean, I look like a dumb girl, you could easily lie to me and price gouge me but so far as I'm aware they haven't. All the stereotypes of mechanics taking advantage of you don't seem to apply. Plus, my car still works and by all logic it probably shouldn't. Highly, highly recommended. read more

If you're taking your car for service anywhere else in Austin, you're making a mistake. Tom and Bubba are just for starters. They're friendly, knowledgeable, honest and fair. But the rest of their staff are just as good. I've had quite a bit of work done over the past year, and just recently I had an experience that has completely solidified my respect for these guys. I took my '03 Nissan Murano in because it was stalling on me. The check engine light had not come on, so it made it difficult to diagnose. I wound up having to take it back for a third time (light finally came on) and these guys got it fixed and made up for the difficulty in getting it right. I don't know any other place in this town that would have done what these guys did. They've got my business for life. read more

These guys were great! I've been searching for a good local mechanic for a while, the dealership is just too expensive. The alternator on my 2002 VW Jetta died so I brought it in to verify and get it checked out. They were very friendly when I came in and very patient as I explained what was wrong. I left my car with them at about 3:30 yesterday afternoon. By 8:00 this morning they called me with an diagnosis and an estimate. I told them to go ahead and they had the car fixed and the oil changed by 11:00 this morning. It was more expensive than I wanted but that is more due to the cost of the part for my car than anything else. Overall I am very glad to have found a good local mechanic in town that I can trust. I'll be back next time I need anything. read more

These guys have been taking care of my Fire Engine Red '66 Impala Super Sport convertible for so long that if it is ever missing, I will check to see if it just wandered over to ME Gene Johnson by itself. They keep the old boy running like a top and without picking my pocket. But it is the SERVICE which is the killer. Big Red was having some some electrical problems. I had converted it years ago to an electronic ignition system and a much smaller starter. Started like a top for years and years with no problems. Then there I am at the Kolache Factory on Lamar near 35th St and Big Red goes on strike. The ME Gene Machine COMES TO THE DAMN KOLACHE FACTORY, diagnoses the problem (old age --- hell the car is 45 years old --- for an electrical part) on the spot, goes and gets the part and replaces it in the parking lot. Tells me --- we'll settle up with you later. Now, that, Pilgrim, is S E R V I C E! Service, legendary service, unsurpassed service. You wonder why Big Red loves those guys? Service! read more

Well, since getting a new car a couple years ago, I haven't been to Gene's as often. But I think my old cars probably could have put somebody's kid through college. ;) Tommy and Bubba are great guys. They were always fair and honest. Sometimes, being a woman, I wonder if mechanics are taking advantage. But I never felt that way about these guys. They are often very busy, but the wait is usually reasonable. They were always good about calling me with their diagnosis in a timely manner. I can recommend this garage without reservation. read more

Took my Scion here - Is this place real?? Are you a female and have you ever been with your husband talking to a car mechanic, or plumber or someone, and the guy (usually a guy) is ONLY making eye contact with him and not with you? I hate when that happens. I mean, I may not understand what all you are saying but I haven't left the room and that means you have to include me in the conversation. We did not experience that at Gene's. Additionally, when I went in alone to pick my car up, they even showed me the part and explained to me what the problem was! I can sleep better at night knowing w ehave a reliable mechanic. read more

I took my car in to fix a basic part for my car because the check engine light was on, which I already purchased and did a diagnostic on. They told me they installed it about 2 hours later only for the light to come back on two days later. After another diagnostic told me the same problem was occurring they offered for me to do a diagnostic with them for $120. Save your money and take your business elsewhere!!! read more

ME Gene Johnson did a great job of fixing my car and making the experience easy and hassle free. I recommend them for anyone needing to get their car repaired. My car, a mid 90s domestic, had a coolant leak. I was not sure where the problem was, but figured it was probably the radiator. I did my research on Yelp and was impressed with the online reviews. The garage and the team there did not disappoint me. I called ahead the day before to verify that they could handle my problem. They made it clear that the would need to look around to confirm the source of the problem, but that they handled my car's make and model as well as the problem I had. I didn't need to make an appointment; I was told I could drop it off whenever. They offered me a ride to campus or the anywhere in the central Austin area. I didn't take them up on it because my wife picked my up, but it was still nice. I dropped off the car the next day. The drop off was easy. It took about 5 minutes despite there being a couple of people ahead of me dropping off cars. Then I went to work. Robert called me back in 2-3 hours to give me the details on their repairs and the costs. The costs were in line with the estimates that they had given me before and what my research on radiator replacements told me the repair would cost. Then he called my back in another 2-3 hours to let me know it was fixed and to pick it up. I spent about 5 minutes picking itg up and was out of there. Fast, easy, predictable. I have a new go-to car repair place in Austin. I recommend them to anyone needing to get their card fixed up. read more

I've been in and out of ME Gene's for the last 15 years. Repairs; pointers; guidance; old-school, small town small talk. Whether it was repair, routine maintenance, advice, or inspection for any of my autos in that time--72 VW Bug, 95 Ford Mustang, 79 Chevy Camaro, 95 Chevy Z-71, 2000 Corolla or 2006 Mazda 3--I've always trusted what has become a unique relationship. It's one of the only places I can still roll through to get my tires aired and fluids double checked before a road trip; and the only place I know of that still offers Full Serve Fueling and a genuine respect for the elderly. I admit that I got a little nervous when the color of the sign outside changed a few years back... and I was pleased to be put at ease, seeing the only thing that changed was the color of the sign. read more

Although I've had some great experiences here years ago when I was new to Austin and going to college, this review is written on behalf of my husband per his request. Kevin and I were driving back home from the Habitat for Humanity Restore when we realized his car wasn't driving quite right. After pulling over and inspecting the tires we found the shiny top of a huge bold sticking out of the passenger tire. Goodyear at Hancock center was the closest place to go for tire repair, but they denied the fix, saying the puncture was too far this way or that. I've been in this situation before and I personally think it was near the end of the day and not worth their time. Annoying. However an attendant did suggest we go somewhere that was "mom and pop". I remembered Gene Johnson from yesteryear, and send hubby along to get the tire fixed up stat. The staff was as busy as heck, but that didn't keep them from being extremely friendly and efficient. There was no question as to whether or not the fix could be made. He has declared this place his new "go to", and that's no small dealio when it comes to a stubborn man who can barely branch out once in a while to try new things. We highly recommend it! read more

Best shop in town. Tommy and Bubba are fair and friendly, and as has been mentioned, very honest and affordable. I trust them, and you can absolutely have the conversation with them that goes, "What is the bare minimum I can do to keep the car running until I can afford to do what the car needs?". Genuine. Utterly genuine mechanics. I love them. read more

Only used them so far for oil change + several inspections. Seems like a solid place.

It was a day when the guy with long hair wasn't so cool, the country folk (Tom) weren't so friendly, and the mechanic (Ray) who was trying to convince me I really didn't want him putting a tire my truck was doing a fairly good job. The next place I called they didn't mind if I watched them change a tire (I asked.) It was my new-to-me truck, probably the nicest truck I'll ever have, and I didn't want any mistakes. When management categorically denies that this type of thing happens then this is the type of review that results. Some time ago I brought my car in for a state inspection and the tech removed and wadded up my registration sticker. The guy changing my tire yesterday (Ray) gripped my alloy wheel in the tire machine on the inside rather than the outside. So yeah, I'd like to watch them change a tire. Got a problem with that? In my experience most of the techs I have met here are very good though. Management: be a little more curious. I am not like your other customers, and I know mistakes do happen. This place gets a lot of traffic. My advice is go someplace where they aren't trying to handle too much. They're just too busy moving money into account #1. Dan did do a good job (and I thanked him); I think he could lighten up. read more

I have been here maybe three times in 17 years - I don't remember the result of the first time, but in the last year, I've been there twice. Both times have been disappointments. About 9 months ago I brought my car in, and they told me my transmission was going. I took the car to my mechanic at home my family has seen for 30 years - and he said everything was fine. So far, so good (knock on wood). Today I pulled in to the full service area - because I just don't like putting air in my tires (I know it's terribly girly, but I'm never dressed appropriately, and I heard a story about a guy getting decapitated once, so I just don't like to do it). I waited for about five minutes and nobody ever came to help me. I know people say great things about them - and they have always been nice to me - but I just can't support them anymore. read more

Okay, so this review is more about the honesty of this place than work they did, but hear me out. I took my van in, I was hearing clunking noises coming from the rear, especially over bumps. I googled it, of course, and concluded it might be the sway bars, or some other part of the suspension. I told the guy as much when I dropped it off. I was bracing myself for what might by a VERY expensive repair. I got a call that afternoon, dreading the news, and they had checked everything, and figured out that the only thing wrong was that THE SPARE TIRE WAS LOOSE. They tightened it up, and only charged me for 30 minutes labor. The thing is, they *could've* said "oh yeah you were right, you need new sway bars" and would've paid it without a second thought. But they are HONEST. And they earned a customer for life. read more

I was in Austin for a girlfriends getaway weekend. And I had some problems with my car, so we took it to Gene's. I honestly dont know anything about my car except how to drive it and where to fill it with gas. :( Its always difficult taking anything in for a repair when you are ignorant on the subject. And, apologetically, I am. If it happened at home, my husband would have handled it. So..... I was told by this station what was wrong with it and the cost. I was going to pay it and then a husband of one of my friends suggested I try another place to get another quote, so I did. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!!!! for taking advantage of my lack of car knowledge like that. The difference in cost was over twice the amount!!!! YOU TRIED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE!!! WARNING: Unless you are car savvy, beware of this station read more

Took my car in for an extensive oil leak. They were friendly. They dropped me off at home and called me with a quote....$300. No call back after 5 hours. I call them. We fixed the oil leak but you need something else...400 extra dollars...okay...fix it. No call back and it 5pm...I call them...oh we will get to that tomorrow as the part just arrived. Okay. Call them next day around 11am- your car is ready. I go up, pay almost $800. in cash and get the paper that says what else needs attention and gasket cover to FIX THE OIL LEAK is on there at about $400 more dollars. Apparently, they fixed SOME of the oil leak from some PVC plug or something BUT not the MAIN LEAK!!! My car is STILL smoking every day and leaking 2 quarts of oil every 30 days and I am $800 short. I REALLY WANTED TO LOVE THEM BUT..... Now I have to find ANOTHER new auto shop close to the house. read more

Everyone in here was helpful! We were having a hard time getting our car looked at in a pinch and we were quick in, quick out and everyone was so kind. They looked my car up and down to make sure it was safe to drive from Austin to California and I got an oil change and it was the best price I've ever paid! They made me feel safe and taken care of and if I was staying in the area it would be the only place I take my car! Thanks guys! read more

Bubba and Tom are the car dudes! This is the place to go to get almost anything done to your car. I like them so much that I used them when my new car was still under warranty. I knew I would end up saving money in the end. If you are leaving your car and need a ride, Reverend will give you a ride and wonderful conversation. House will make sure your tires have just the right amount of air and fill your tank if you are not in the mood to pump gas. . You can get your oil changed and fluids checked right next door. read more

Service station is definitely the right name for this place. It's a trip back in time for sure. Gas pumps in the front and a full garage. I also noticed how friendly and accommodating they were to every customer. But my review is based on my experience getting a vehicle inspected. This is harder than it seems at times. Many places that have inspections don't always have an inspector available. Not Gene Johnson's. I drove in a little after 4 this afternoon and asked about an inspection. I was told they could do an inspection right then. In under fifteen minutes, they had inspected my car, didn't try to sell me anything else, and even swapped out registration stickers for me as well. I definitely will be keeping these people in mind for my next repair work. read more

Fast, friendly service. Needed to get an oil change and my car inspected before New Years (wanted to get my stickers up to date). Came in and they were under staffed and told me it would be a few hours. Went for a walk down the road to New Bohemia and when I came back to put stuff in my car, the guy said it was ready. Only took about an hour. When the oil change was finished, I went next door and had the car inspected, which took about 10 minutes. Would recommend this place next time you need to have your car serviced. They also gave me a free calendar, which sure was nice of them. read more

I recently took our vehicle to ME Gene Johnson's for fear that if I waited any longer for a mechanic visit, we would have to convert our car into one similar to the Flintstones. I asked them to prepare a quote for me before they moved forward on the repairs. They not only agreed to do so but they also dropped me off at work so I wouldn't have to take the bus or hitchhike! The quote came back at almost the exact amount we expected it to; however, they didn't try to upsell anything at all. They were completely honest with what I should have repaired now and what could wait. A quote for the replacement of one vehicle part was $186 less than the dealership. A quote for another part was about $30 more. I think this mechanic is fair and the service is excellent. They all have a great sense of humor. The place gets four stars instead of five for not being open on the weekend. This makes life as a 9-5er a bit challenging. read more

The reviews for this garage were so spectacular, I just HAD to bring my car here. All I needed was an oil change and an inspection. I called ten minutes before I showed up to find out if there was a line and what the wait would be. The guy on the phone said no wait and no more than 30 minutes. When I showed up the lot was pretty packed, and the guy behind the counter said about an hour. The work ended up taking about two hours. At least I could watch a movie in I heart Video next door. Pretty standard mechanic timing. I couldn't help feeling left out. Where was my five-star experience? Did I have to tip to get a happy ending? read more

ME Gene Johnson Garage - Auto Repair Near Me - Austin, Texas

Another fine trip to ME Gene Garage. My '99 Subaru was leaking oil so I dropped her by one evening. By 10am the next morning I received a call with a run-down of the issues. Nothing unexpected. To repair the leaks they were going to have to pull the timing belt cover and suggested that it would save about $100 to replace the timing belt now rather than later if I would like- I appreciate this info. There was no pressure, just good information that allowed me to make an educated decision. I opted not to since the belt didn't need replacing for another 30k and I hope to replace the car before then. The car was ready that afternoon and is running leak free. This is my 4th experience with these guys and I am still happy. They may not be the cheapest, but they do good work and follow through with their commitments. read more

I needed a new car battery and an oil change. I went to the Wal-Mart on I-35 in North Austin, they had a four hour wait and were quite rude. After seeing good reviews on Yelp I called ME Gene Johnson to see if they could see my car right away, and they said yes. I pulled up and the employees came right to me, telling me where I could park my car. After telling the office what I needed, they didn't try to sell me anything else (shocking, as I was a young woman there by myself!). In about an hour an a half they had a battery for my Jetta delivered and installed and my oil was changed. I think it ran me about $160, which I thought was very reasonable. This place really seemed like an old-fashioned garage that isn't out to rip you off. The only downside to this place is that the there really is no waiting area. There is a wooden bench in the office and plastic chairs outside. Luckily it was nice weather so I didn't mind sitting outside, but if I was going here in the summer, I'd have someone come pick me up. read more

These guys are great. Highly recommend. Fast, reasonable and reliable. My daughter lives in Austin and drives a Jeep Cherokee. They take great care of her and all I do is sit back in Dallas and give them my credit card number when its ready! read more

I'd always heard great things about this shop. My last experience was a few years ago. Took my 1975 van in for starter issues, they replaced the flywheel. Van still had hard starts and was now leaking transmission fluid. Took the van back and they farted around with it, said they tightened it up and that if I had other problems to take to a transmission shop. Went home and took a look at what they had done and found the fly wheel cover was missing. They seem to do OK with routine jobs, don't take anything that requires an actual mechanic, like an older car or truck. read more

The guys here are on point and honest. They finished the work promptly and done right the first time,

I just got my inspection done here and it was a grand experience! I was in and out in less than 40 minutes (their quoted time). Everyone was super nice and none of them looked like ex-cons who were working as part of their parole. I'm not saying that that happens but I've been to some shady places where I feel the need to keep an eye on my car the entire time. And I have a Hyundai! But, yes, go here to get your inspection, oil changed and what not. I know I'll be coming back when the miles on my car are double the number for my next oil change cause that's how I do. read more

Took our older car in for an oil change and they BROKE the shifter then tried to say it was a faulty part. Mmhmm, we should have known better than bring it to them, many years ago they quoted us at 3 times what BEN WHITE AUTOMOTIVE charged for a basic job. Caveat emptor read more

Honest and affordable. Two words usually not attached to mechanics. I have a 1997 Honda Accord that I bring to these fellas for pretty much everything: they've replaced bad cv boots, put in a new motor on a power window, repaired a flat tire, done inspections, changed oil...each time the work was top-notch and timely. On more than one occasion they saved parts to show me the problem. They'll often offer to give you a ride home or to work while your servicing is being done. Can't recommend them enough. read more

There are not enough stars available to rate how GREAT these folks are! I don't like car payments, so I won't buy another vehicle until my current one dies completely. With Gene's, I may not have to buy another vehicle for the rest of my life! I started going to them on recommendation from co-workers. 15 years later, I have not been to another mechanic unless it was something they could not fix e.g. transmission---then, I went to a place they recommended. Absolutely trustworthy, reasonably priced, fast service, nice people. I have also sent many friends to them and then got to hear those friends rave about them too. Tommy, Bubba, and the rest---we love you! read more

Phenomenal customer service!!! Stopped by for an inspection and was taken care of and back on the road in less than 15 minutes. Definitely started off my busy day on a great note!! read more

Good service with friendly staff. I went in to get my vehicle inspection and got it done alright. Only thing that bugged me was they charged $5 to change out my tail light so that I could pass my inspection. I even provided them with the bulb. If I could get paid $5 for the simple task of opening my trunk, unscrewing and old light bulb and then screwing in a light bulb that someone already gave me, then boy am I in the wrong business. read more

I came across this spot from yelp and their high ratings and they sure do deserve it! I went in to get my car inspected (which was conveniently located 5 mins away from the registration office) and they quickly greeted me and took my info down and said it would be out quickly. Even though the place looks like a man's man type of auto body shop, I was pleasantly surprised to see a stack of WOMEN's MAGAZINES!! :) As I was done flipping through one mag, one of the techs called out my name and said it was done! Total time: 15 mins!!! WOW!!! You should have seen how busy this place was and they were still managing to inspect my car and have me on my way in no time! I will definitely come here more often for other car needs! read more

This should be everyone's go to oil change place. Gave them a try when my last Jiffy Lube oil change topped $60. Been a fan of Jiffy Lube for years, but the prices keep going up while the folks who work there were sure the increases weren't landing in their pocket. So, an oil change for $34 takes me back a few years. I get a sticker. A quality oil. And am in an out quickly--- and faster than Jiffy Lube. This is oil change happiness. read more