This review is based off their communication. They have a number on their website that says you can text them, so that's what I did asking about availability to when I could be seen. I got one response back telling me they could probably see me the following day. Ok. I texted a little later that night with an update about what the issue was with my car (I wasn't sure at first, but then got it diagnosed later that evening). I didn't expect them to respond that night bc they were closed but I figured they'd see the message the following day. I had asked them for a quote and if they had the part I needed in stock. No response the following day. Texted again asking if they had gotten my previous message. No response. Gave up and went elsewhere. read more

Work is always done correctly and to a high standard with quality parts. I'm always treated honestly and with integrity. I have two older cars (both well over 100k mileage) - Paul and his team keep them both running great. read more

Took our car to Rational to get second opinion about a bent axel per Lamb's auto on far west approx 1200.00 repair. Paul at Rational said our car is front wheel drive and doesn't have that. found that it just needed new brake rotors. Big savings and HONESTY. Also took my Silverado there to get the front rattle / vibration checked. Another shop said it needed new front ball joints and it would be better/cheaper to just install new upper/lower control arms. 1800.00 Paul took it out and drove it and said it did not need ball joints or control arm. Thank you for your honesty and HUGE savings of 1710.00 I will be back and refer others. This is the place to go if you want an HONEST person telling you what is wrong with your vehicle. read more

A while back I took my truck in because my power steering pump was making noises I thought it shouldn't be. I got a really good impression then, and have been taking my truck to Rational when it needs work since. Recently, I needed my truck's radiator replaced, brought it in to the shop, and that has only confirmed my initial impression. I think Paul is a good, honest mechanic and if any vehicle I own needs work, and I can get it in to Rational, that's where it's going. read more

I think they did a decent job with my breaks, but definitely overcharged me. Won't be coming here again at this price. They also have a 10% coupon on their page that has been expired for two years. What's the point of having it up then?? The guy here responded to me and I didn't like the response. Especially since my car is in the shop again for related issues. Its a old car so I'm moving on. Still wouldn't recommend this place. Especially after the response read more

Wow, great service! They are nice to talk to, prompt on service and notifying you that a part will be late or what is going on. The prices *awesome* When all you hear is stories about women getting ripped off at auto repair places, it is nice to see a wonderful local business keeping the honest mechanic alive. I will only go here for my repairs from now on! read more

Competent mechanic, but high prices, inflexible and he has NO social skills. I stopped going to him when he insisted on charging me for a part even though I had a free warrantee replacement because he wouldn't make money on it. He also is a sole practitioner, so he gets backed up; probably his lack of social skills prevents him from hiring anyone. Keep looking... read more

I found this automotive shop through yelp in June of 2010 because I had several things I needed done on my 05 Honda. I read the reviews in hopes of finding an honest mechanic since I don't know much about cars. The yelp reviews are right on! The Rational Automotive team was amazingly nice on the phone and in person. They got me in right away and explained to me exactly what was happening with my car in depth. It took them no time to fix it. I called around before committing to use them to see how much $ I was looking at having to spend. The chain stores for brake repair charged double what Rational Automotive ended up charging me. I have zero complaints and I am tickled pink that as a woman, I now have a trustworthy, reliable place to take my car for repairs. I highly recommend them, especially for us women who have the tendency to get ripped off. read more

Used them on few occasions and all was well until they fixed my AC. After they fixed it, they put the serpentine belt back on incorrectly which caused an oil leak and shredded the belt. Not good. I had to rent a vehicle to get around for two days and they would not reimburse me for the rental. read more

I use Paul for all of my automotive repairs. With three aging vehicles in our household, we frequently need work done, and I can't be thankful enough to have such an honest, knowledgeable and professional mechanic such as Paul in my neighborhood. Thanks to Paul and his team for all the years of reliable service. read more

I haven't used them as much lately only because they don't service Audi. However, i used Paul for many years and had excellent service. Paul is a great guy and very honest. He doesn't try to sell you anything. He will tell you what you need to fix and what you can wait on and the price is very good. I highly recommend Rational. j read more

This is an exemplary auto repair establishment. Short story: I'd had my Subaru Impreza Air Conditioner completely overhauled one year prior. The previous shop had gone out of business so Rational did it again for a more reasonable amount. Then a few months later it failed again. They fixed it all under warranty with 0 cost to me and said they wouldn't be using that brand part again. They were honest and efficient. read more

Won't be going back! Took vehicle in for an estimate and quote was way too expensive. Paid $81 for the estimate and when I didn't have the repairs done they removed the information. Thought I paid for an estimate! Do not recommend going here. read more

Paul always does high quality work promptly, and at a fair price.

For weeks, I have been looking for an independent mechanic to fix the brakes on my f-150. While looking for another auto shop, I stumbled upon this establishment after I rented a car from enterprise. Since I use a VW mechanic in the area, I was happy to find an another independent mechanic for my truck. While driving around looking for the other auto shop, I saw the name of the shop, entered their webpage and gave them a call. Paul answered the phone and was very pleasant and informative. I was happy with the answers and opted to have my truck serviced there. Then, Paul called me with an estimate the next morning, I agreed with the price and the work and was notified early afternoon when the job was complete. Finally, I appreciate being worked in on short notice, and I also appreciated Paul's professionalism which will make me return for some more service. They do great repair work, and I am extremely satisfied. Please give them a try! read more

I am so glad for Paul Sims and his team. I started taking my car to Rational because Honda gave me an estimate that was questionable and I wanted a second opinion. Paul saved me $700 of over charges for stuff I didn't need from Honda. And the same with this time - I thought maybe my transmission went out and I was tempted to go to Honda however it was only that I let my oil get too low so a simple oil change was all that was needed. I am grateful for Paul's friendliness and honesty! They will always get my business. read more

My family has been going to Rational Automotive for over 25 years, and will only take our vehicles here. Paul (owner) is great! He is honest and knowledgeable, and truly cares about his customers. We highly recommend this service establishment. 5++ Stars! read more

Paul, This is the wife here. I believe my husband's comment was referring to what we paid in total, not for the power steering and coolant alone. I am so disappointed and disheartened by what I learned Tuesday afternoon. I first chose to do business with you based on the reviews and like the positive reviews, felt glad to have found what I thought to be a good businessman. I was with my husband when we brought in the van and heard him share with you all the troubles we had been experiencing with the van. He did mention the thermostat in our very first conversation. We mentioned we wanted the coolant system addressed and an inspection, along with the power steering. The total we paid was close enough to $2,000 dollars and nowhere in my husband's review did he state it was over $2,000. The symbol ~ means around not more. I do not wish to go back and forth with you but feel as a customer that chose you because of the reviews, our experience would be helpful to someone else. Anyone may choose to call DPS and inquire what the law states to validate what was written.I would suggest they do if they run into an incident like we did.No one was trying to bypass laws. My husband was hoping to wrap up a business transaction and hoped you would see it that way. Many customers can understand having to wait for a part to come in. We wait all the time for the mechanic and understand parts may take a little while to get in, even with their business-to-business connections. In our case, the van was only driven in daylight and while the headlight lens was cracked, the light was fully functional. Another mechanic may have seen it as more cosmetic since both lights worked well. We chose you though and trusted you and your recommendations. My husband was not asking for you to work for free but to please consider 15 days as business days since you are not open on weekends. What I find the most disappointing is how you responded to my husband in such an unprofessional manner. I was completely taken off guard and couldn't believe it. Reading your response though clarifies things for me. I notice you did not take the opportunity to apologize for the dropped call or the name calling but went on to infer that my husband is being dishonest. I took the time to read other reviews and noticed you have never responded with a `thank you` to the customers who took the time to write something positive, but are quick to respond to negative reviews. In your responses to negative reviews, you choose to call the customers dishonest. I believe all future potential customers should take your responses in consideration. As a former customer I can say we have had both positive and negative experiences with you. I sincerely hope you have more positive interactions in the future and no other customers have reason to be dissatisfied. read more

What a great place!! I took my Honda to get the brakes fixed, they got it done quick and their price was very reasonable. The car was ready when they said it would be and everyone was so nice and friendly. I recommended them to my friend who was having brake trouble on her Expedition. She dropped off the car and after they checked it out they called her to tell her that her brakes were fine and didn't need any work. Who ever heard of a car repair place turning down money? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! This is the place to go! They are nice, quick, & HONEST. It doesn't get any better than that. My friend and I have both sent others to them too and everyone else has had wonderful experiences also. read more

This is the BEST place in Austin for automotive repair! Paul is honest and fair, and he has been the most helpful person in my entire history of owning cars, and I have been around for some time. I highly recommend Rational Auto Repair for anything from oil changes, to diagnostics, to new tires, to major servicing like tune-ups, and really everything they do. Of all of the places I have gone when I lived in Houston, and also in Austin before discovering Rational, this is the ONLY place that I have no worry that someone has a sales pitch waiting and someone is trying to take advantage of me to make more money. Thank you, Paul and Rational. You guys are exceptional! read more

I'm so glad to see another review of Rational. My husband turned me on to this place when I was due for my 50,000 mile tune-up. I called Paul and told him the make and model of my car, and he told me I didn't need to come in until 75,000 miles. Um, WHAT???? An HONEST MECHANIC?!?? Dude could have brought me in there and charged me a hundred bucks and I would never have known the difference. Since then I've brought my car in for a slippy transmission (which he doesn't fix, by the way, but he will refer you to Longhorn Transmission, review coming soon) and a brake job. We refer everyone we know to him, and they always have good experiences. If you've read my other reviews you know I also have an honest general contractor, so basically I'm the luckiest person in the world. Thanks, Paul, for being a good guy and a great mechanic. read more

I take my car here because it's close to work but I consider it a great find. The timing belt on my 15 year old CR-V snapped last week on the way to work. Luckily, I kept Rational's business in my wallet. Paul called up a tow truck and got everything fixed in a few days... it's not a small job. It wasn't cheap but I didn't expect it to be. The most important part about my experiences with Rational Automotive is that I trust them to not do anything I don't need. read more

I don't know what everybody talk about for "great price" in this place. Just check this one out, they charge labor rate at $98/hour. I send my car there because of all the good reviews in here. "Great price..etc". If I had known the rate , I'll think twice before I go there, and now I'll just have to keep my finger crossed and hope the fix they put in is actually mitigate the issue. read more

I would not use this repair service. My "check engine" light went on and the computer review said it was the 02 sensor. I brought the car to Rational for repair. Even though I told him it was the 02 sensor, he said that he would charge a $98 diagnostic fee before he could tell me what the repair would cost. You guessed it, he called me and said the both 02 sensors needed replacement. They were replaced for $555 paid on 11/6/2019. Less than a week later, the "check engine" light was on again. I brought it back to him for repair. More than a week later, he said that something else was wrong that he repaired. The new bill (in addition to what I paid already) was $474 paid on 11/21/2019. You guessed it, the "check engine" light is back on. I am terrified to bring it back again, as it will receive "low priority" and who knows what I will be charged. What would you do? read more

Paul and his team are simply wonderful! Repairs are done quickly and correctly every time. What I love most is that I can enter his shop and tell him what is going on and he will estimate the cost of repair, get approval for the fix, and then take care of the issue WITHOUT coming up with extra things that need fixing (a rare occurrence for a woman in the automotive repair world). Honestly, I don't trust our vehicles to anyone else and refer his service to everyone I know. read more

It's a huge relief to take your car in and feel like you can trust the person working on it to be honest and straight forward. I was given an assessment of the things that needed to be worked on and the time frame that they needed to be done within (not a huge list of emergency repairs that had to be done right away). For someone living on a budget it was a nice change from previous experiences at other shops! Thanks for your honesty and work ethic! read more

One of the most honest mechanics I've found. Fast as well. He gets cars done quickly and they're always done when they say they will be. On the few occasions I've had to take my car back for a second look - Paul has always been fair and doesn't try to charge for things that may have been missed. He stands behind his work. Good exeperience, honest mechanic, fair prices, fast service. read more

TL DR: No mention of checking the issue I brought it in for. Feel ripped off. Went in to discuss car having a hard time starting after sitting for over a day. Talked about the possibility of maybe the fuel pump having a bad gasket. Left the car overnight so that it could be assessed in the morning after which I received a call telling me that I should have my battery terminals and battery replaced. Did not tell me if they checked the fuel pump at all. Charged me almost 300$ for battery terminals and a battery and an "electronic assessment", after which they never called me to tell me my car was ready so it ended up staying over the weekend. Went to get my car and I was told that the car was still having issues starting (albeit a bit better) and I should have my starter replaced. Bad starter does not explain why the car is just fine after initial start. Still no mention of checking my fuel pump. Took my car and went home. read more

Paul put in the transmission in the Dodge Caravan at 83000 miles. It came with a lifetime warrantee. Thank God. At 113000 miles it failed accelerating onto 183... Paul had a tow truck to assist in 70 minutes at 4 in the afternoon. Everything he promises, every time he estimated completion of repairs, and professional work will have me coming back. read more

Paul really is as good as it gets. Honest, reasonable, knowledgeable and friendly. I have taken all of my trucks to him since 2000 and would still, if I had not moved too far away (halfway across Texas!) If Paul says that something needs to be fixed or some service done, you can trust him completely. read more

You know....on second thought. The experience was awesome and fair priced. Im no expert on assessing the time needed. My estimate was based on a youtube viewing done by an expert who made it look easy! Thanks for the honest and excellent work! read more

AAA recommended a few mechanics to me when my timing belt broke on my Camry. I came to Yelp to read reviews on all of them, then called to get quotes. Paul's quote was very fair & the work was done right. He also did a couple of extra steps, found an oil pump leak, fixed it along with fixed a very leaky transmission by doing something very simple. So far, a few weeks have gone by and no leaks. My car is running great with my new timing belt and my gas mileage has improved greatly (which isn't bad for a car with 245k miles). If you want a guy that seemed trustworthy, fair priced & a good mechanic, call Paul. I'm happy I did. read more

What an awesome place! I think I finally found a repair shop I will continue to use! I took my car here because my brakes were squeaking and I was concerned they would need something additional replaced besides the pads. He called me an hour later saying they don't need anything and that they probably just had dust in them causing the squeaking and that when he took them apart to check them it got rid of the dust. He told me I have about 6 more months on my pads. I am so amazed how honest he was with me. I will definately be back in 6 months when I actually need a break job. read more

Rational Auto Repair has provided honest, efficient service to us consistently. Last week, when my car was making noises, I took it to them, and they did what they always do - checked it out, let us know quickly what they found, listened to our concerns, drove it to make sure they understood my complaint, and fixed it at a reasonable price. They are the only place we go to now for auto repairs! read more

Paul is honest and quick with his repairs. I never feel cheated or misled and their customer service is fantastic. He's replaced a fuel pump for me and a radiator as of today. Highly recommended versus some larger chain with less knowledgeable people. read more

Second time here. Fair prices. No surprises. Same day repairs. Great work. Highly recommend Rational Auto Repair.

We have been bringing our cars to Paul since 1990. No, we are not related to him;-) We continue to bring our cars to him because of our trust in him- a trust that has not been broken, or even been given cause to be questioned, in all that time. We have had minor and major repairs done by Paul, some very cheap, some very expensive, and some unexpectedly- he has been the same, consistant, honest mechanic each and every time. Our daughter now brings her first car to him as well- that is how much we trust him. A good, honest mechanic is hard to find- i am glad this is one less worry for our family, and I hope yours if you are reading this. I am sure there are cheaper mechanics out there- but sometimes you get what you pay for- and none are more fair or honest than Paul. I highly recommend this as a place to do business with, and not just for a one-time repair, but as a place you can count on over the years. Lastly- to the person's comments below, about responding 'only' to negative comments. The vast majority of businesses do not respond to positive comments (mostly), if only out of decorum and at least a facade of modesty. Paul, on the other hand, is one of the most modest individuals I have had the pleasure to meet in my life. And I like it when busnesses DO respond to negative comments- it shows they are not afraid of airing any problems, and are willing to defend their reputation- it's the ones that don't respond to problems/negative comments that should make you beware. read more

Paul and his employees do prompt and good work. I highly recommend him. He has been my mechanic for several years and he has been honest with me unlike many other repair, dealers and oil change places. read more

I have been taking my autos to Rational Automotive for about 14 years. Paul is honest; he does not create unnecessary repairs. That is worth plenty right there not only financially but also for peace of mind. He gives you an explanation of any work needed beforehand with an accurate estimate of cost and time. He is reliable to do repairs correctly and quickly. On top of that he is less expensive than elsewhere. The last time I saw him was for brake work. I had been taking my car to the dealership for maintenance because their oil change was less expensive than at Rational. When the dealership said I needed brake work they estimated for over $700 I took it to Paul. He did the work for about $130. The dealership wanted over $100 just for diagnostic tests for an electrical problem. Paul charged $49.00. I think people who say he is expensive are simply ignorant of what they would have been charged elsewhere. read more

Great job both times I went, quick turnaround, accurate pricing/quotes, friendly and effective / professional service