I hadn't met Richard, but I met Jake. A solid citizen! I told him I heard a couple of sounds when turning the wheel of my '08 Sienna. There were 18 cars ahead of me. But instead of just telling me to come back in a few days or next week as other mechanics in other shops had done, I asked him if he could just test it out and tell me what he thought. He did just that. Told me what he thought it might be. He didn't try to upsell me. We just talked about possible causes. Satisfied I was safe to continue to drive it - I had already driven some 1000 miles, I went on my way, convinced I would come back to this shop for all my automotive repairs, if needed. Great guy! Great, old school, honest business! Highly recommend! read more

Richards fixed my 2017 Ford Raptor that was making an awful rattling sound when no one else wanted to look at it and told me I would be better off trading it. They did an awesome job and saved me thousands! They are refreshingly honest, thorough, and cost friendly. Highly recommend!!! read more

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Richard and Jake are the two that I have dealt with, they are honest and very helpful. You might have to wait to get in there for them to have time to work on your vehicle, but I'll tell you what you're gonna get an honest price and an honest job. Richard was VERY good to my mother inlaw Gerry. read more

I'm shocked and disgusted as I write this review. Feel like throwing up. I just left this place. I knew Richard back in his drinking days many years ago. I have great memories of him. But II took my car there a couple weeks ago not knowing it was my old neighbor/drinking buddy Richard I knew from like 18 years ago. He said he'd help me out since I really needed my car for personal reasons. Today I took it there and neither him nor his manager wanted anything to do with the car. They diagnosed it and told me I'd pay full price for everything, like $850. Richard yelled at me for bringing the car in on a Friday, but of course I couldn't control the fact that the car broke down on a Thursday night. Just like my first visit there Richard used very vulgar, crude language towards me and told me he didn't do mobile work unless there was sex involved. My old friend is completely unrecognizable physically after the stroke he had, and evidently his personality is now horrendous/ hostile. I have never had someone be as mean to me for no reason as Richard just was to me. I said one thing to him in response to him yelling at me and he immediately said he'd call the cops if I didn't leave, meanwhile that was the first he'd mentioned leaving. He completely disrespected and degraded me even while knowing I'm living in my car right now during a very tough time. He knows I just survived a kidnapping from 2022 that I'm permanently injured from. Well, what can I say? Richard certainly lives up to his name he is a real ...rhymes with SLICK. I hope he goes out of business one day for his treatment of women. He is a horrible, horrible man. Also? Fun Fact....his manager Jake casually mentioned to me he wants to leave his wife when their child turns 18. Avoid this place at all costs it's XXXXXxxxxxXtremeley TRASHY read more

Absolutely amazing auto service and people! I was traveling from out of town and thought I had a serious car issue. I was scheduled to drive a long distance the next day. Even though they were booked for days, they were able to squeeze me. They quickly checked it and assured me it was just a prior service mistake of not resetting something. I was able to enjoy the rest of my stay and return home with peace of mind. So blessed to have found them. read more

Amazing, incredibly fast and professional service. 10/10 experience, they fit me in to get my door handle replaced when they were booked up by a whole week! Got the work done in less than 15 minutes and I didn't even have to leave and come back for the car, will certainly be coming back here! Love you guys!!! read more

Seriously the best auto service that I have ever received. I called on a Tuesday morning at 9:30am asking about getting something fixed on my car and they squeezed me in within the hour and were able to repair my car and get me back to work before 10:30am! The entire staff was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about my specific car model and didn't even charge me for the service because it was "an easy fix". Blown away by the customer service and professionalism of Richard's and 10/10 recommend to anyone that lives in the greater Charleston area! read more

Quick, affordable, honest! Won't try to sell you services you don't need! Suggest observations, but not pushy!

First off, I'm not one to typically post reviews. The service I received from Richards today compelled me to. If you want to take your vehicle to a place that treats you as family, this is it. Richard went above and beyond to take care of a major issue with my truck. Richard and his team took care of me quickly and without question saved me money over taking it to the local "stealership". If you want old fashioned good service with a smile, don't hesitate to bring your vehicle here. Two thumbs up guys and thank you! read more

We took our car there for the first time, honest and very knowledgeable mechanics. They went above and beyond what I've usually experienced. Thank you! read more

If you ever have the misfortune of breaking down, you better hope you are bear Richards automotive service in Charleston South Carolina. Our car was overheating and appeared to be in need of work on the radiator. It was the Fourth of July, so we parked the vehicle and left a message for Richards in the hope that somebody would call us back the following business day. Jake could not have been more kind and helpful. The temperature and humidity was well over 93° early in the morning and he even offered me a lift to the shopping center so I would not have to call a cab or walk. They kept their promise to provide me with a quick turnaround in pricing. What was totally unexpected was that once we had the estimate and I gave the thumbs-up, they turned around the entire radiator and thermostat replacement and just a few hours. RICHARDS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE got the vehicle safely back on the road before the next business day set in. No hidden fees, accurate estimate on parts and labor. And very friendly people. Thank you Richards! read more

Richards Automotive - Richards Automotive Service- accurate estimate and fast turnaround. Recommend! - Auto Repair Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Came in looking to get a good amount of service work done, Richard came off as cool and informative but quickly pivoted into a more demeaning position. I asked if they would report to Carfax, since I care strongly about the value of my vehicle, and the question was completely dodged. I thought that was a little odd and it also discouraged me from moving forward. I was going in expecting great customer service and left feeling like I was a very small person. I can't tell anyone to avoid this place but just to go in knowing that things can turn into a terrible scenario fairly quickly. To say the least, I'm glad I did not do business with them. They have great reviews which is good for them, but sadly I did not have a great experience. Hopefully there can be some changes done here. read more

Richard saved me over $1400! I went to him for a second opinion on a oil leak and he gave me all the information I needed. He fit me in for an oil change and tire rotation and got me done way sooner than forecasted. They also topped off fluids and fixed a cross threaded bolt. Very happy with service and will be back! read more

Up until last year, I was the owner of a 2001 Honda Accord Coupe, which I always took to Richard's Automotive for servicing. I found Richard's from Yelp and from other local recommendations. The prices were always fair, and the quality of the work was just as good as a dealership. The last time I took my Honda Accord in, the transmission was shot. The mechanics and Richard himself looked at it and told me that my best option- with what the car was worth and the work needed- would be to invest in a new-to-me car. Richard could have tried to talk me into replacing the transmission and made a sale out of doing that work for me, basically putting a band aid on my car to keep it on the road another year or two. A lot of mechanics may have words like "honest" or "trust" in the name, but Richard showed it that day. I ended up replacing my car with a 2013 Mazda. It hasn't needed any work yet, but when it does, I will definitely take it to Richard's. read more

This place is fantastic! Everyone at the shop is super nice and very knowledgeable about all types of vehicles. My boyfriend and I had the unfortunate experience of having to take both of our vehicles to a mechanic within 5 days of each other and Richards fixed us up quick and for what I believe to be a fair price! Not something you really want to ever spend money on, but I trust Richards and know my Jeep is in good hands when it's there. I won't ever hesitate to recommend this place for quality car service! It's our go to in the Charleston area! read more

Richard and his technicians are some of the Best!! My son lives in Charleston and I am in Conway, SC. I've been in the auto service industry myself for over 40 years, so I'm knowledgeable and selective on workmanship. His car needed service and I went online for reviews. I called several shops and determined Richards was the place to go. Richard found out it was a bad alternator, gave me a quote, and in a few hours called and said the car was ready!! Not only amazing service, but Richard gave my son his cell number, but also said we are here whenever you need us!! All parents know how important it is to make sure your children are in good hands!! Thank you Richard for all you did for us, Tim read more

Our son is a student at CofC and had car trouble, which is always challenging but especially when trying to help him long distance. We spoke to Richard before he took the Jeep in and he was so accommodating and took great care of him on a Friday afternoon. Many thanks! read more

Got my Jeep in early.... Fixed it ahead of schedule...and at a great price....these guys are awesome!!

My car's cooling fan motor had blown, my car was overheating, and the dealership had quoted me a crazy higher price. I was unable to drive the car, had to get to work every day and was very anxious- but not anxious enough to pay some ridiculously outrageous price. I found Richard's Automotive online and thought the reviews much be too good to be true. I called early in the morning and despite the hour, they were immediately friendly and helpful. After such a great initial impression, I decided to give them a try and moved my car there from the dealership. I was nervous that this would open a whole host of new issues, but they confirmed the issue with their own diagnosis, gave me a *much* more reasonable price, and had my car back to me with a new part the next day. The process was quick and painless for me *and* my bank account. The car had no issues after their repair. I was thrilled with their friendly quick service and reasonable price. I'll definitely be heading back here the next time I need any work done!!! read more

The first time I came here was to see how much they would charge me to get my AC fixed had multiple parts not working. One company wanted to charge me $3000. My dads mechanic back home would charge me $250, but wasn't going to make that trip in the summer. They ended up charging me $300. The second time I came here my car's lever had broken so I couldn't open my hood. My cars low coolant light was on, which I thought the sensor was malfunctioning because it had just been filled not too long ago. Brought it in they fixed my lever and checked to see if my car was leaking anywhere which it wasn't so instead they put a new cap on the coolant to see if that helped the sensor problem which it did. They ended up not charging me for the service. They have been nothing, but generous and hard workers to make sure the job is done right. I appreciate their business. I have been nothing, but satisfied and trust them whole heartedly. Thank you for your great service! read more

Got my car in, diagnosed, and fixed in about 2 days. Will definitely return for work in the future.

Richards is the only auto shop my family and friends use, always great service, work is completedahead of schedule with a very fair price. You are always treated like family read more

I called and was told to drop my car off. Specifically told them I would leave it w keys and at no time was I told they had two mechanics off for the week. At no time did the man say he would not get to my car this week. I rented a car for three days. I rearranged my schedule to accommodate what I was told. Arrived this morning to a sign stating we can't get your car this week. Two dudes just sitting there and only one actually working. Bad attitude and they just did not care. read more

It seems rare to find a repair shop that genuinely puts effort into customer service. Most just seem to care only about getting the car in and out as quickly as possible but don't care too much about your experience. Richards is pleasantly different. Their garage is always full and now I know why. After a recent bought of car trouble and an unpleasant experience with a car dealership, (outlined in another review of mine) I found Richard's via Yelp. I gave the shop a call and within 5 minutes I was already impressed. I was able to explain the problems I was facing and the mechanic I spoke to listened and gave me a few possible scenarios about what the issue might be. I'm no mechanic but I do love cars and jump at the chance to learn more about them so I asked how these issues affect the performance of the car and the mechanic was very thorough in his explanations. I left my car with them and the next day I received a call updating me. I was told that they ordered a part but the earliest it would arrive was the next day. The mechanic had been on the phone all day trying to find the same part closer to Charleston but had no luck. I was very appreciative of the effort and was perfectly fine with the wait. When the part arrived it sadly did not fix the issue and I was told that I'd have to head back to the dealership because they have the specialized equipment that was needed. Richard's ran a diagnostic on the car and had spent some time working with the issue so I was perfectly fine with paying for their services. When I asked what I owed they told me that I didn't owe anything because they weren't able to help me. They genuinely care about you and the well being of your car. read more

Best shop in Charleston! Really wonderful staff and quick turnaround. Would come here for any car issues in the future!

A piece of my car came loose and the staff at Richard's squeezed me in on short notice and was able to fix it quickly. They were honest and professional and I couldn't recommend them enough. read more

My car got flooded out so I took it here. After weeks, they notified me that it's unfixable and offered me $150 for the parts on the car. The tires alone are worth more than that. And $1,500 to replace an ac condenser? You guys are some jackasses. read more

Richards was fantastic. After another auto shop told us we needed a 700 repair, Richards got our truck running with a simple sensor for 70 in about an hour. Just fantastic! read more

I had an issue with my Acura MDX driver's side window which I had other folks look at and couldn't resolve. I replaced the motor but still no luck. Jake at Richard's found a broken wire in the harness. I also had a cracked day running/fog light so I had purchased replacement ones so they be the same. After purchasing, I realized that I'd have to take the front bumper off to install...that's out of my skill zone. Jake installed them for me. They Also changed my oil. The price all of this was done floored me...it was half of what I expected!! They did all this work in less than a day. For tires, I go to Gerald's because I trust them. Now I have new place I trust...Richard's. Super friendly, really quick, and a great experience! I highly recommend these guys! read more

Went to richards because my car wouldn't start, they had my car for two weeks and told me that it was a problem with the computer and I needed to take it to the dealership. I took my car to a different auto shop and they found the issue was the starter and replaced it in just two days. Plus the customer service is not good. Don't know if it's because I'm young or because I'm a woman but the man was very demeaning and rude read more

This is my reply I left about Richards Automotive on 12/23/19 to which he replied on 12/26. Take it for what it is worth as I would like to have the opportunity to retort. " This customer did not drop the vehicle for routine maintenance...it was dropped off for a "low idle" issue upon which the customer SUGGESTED was an alternator problem. Customer was advised that it probably was not the case but something more simple. When the customer left the office he was seen grabbing an alternator out of the vehicle & walking away clearly showing he had tried to diagnosis the problem himself." This part is true, I replaced my battery a few months prior and it didn't start so I bought an alternator rightfully thinking this was the problem. Common cause but the morning I dropped it off it started back up so I dismissed that being the issue. They cleaned out the air intake with a $10 or $15 bottle of spray and charged me $110...given the diagnostic charge I get it. "When my Technician went to pull the vehicle into the shop, we noticed that it was hard to get into gear and with the clutch FULLY depressed the vehicle was moving forward." This is where we differ, the clutch was perfectly fine when I dropped it off hand on Holy Bible and may I suffer the consequences if I am not 100% truthful here. "We called the customer AT THAT POINT to be told that there was no issue but he would call HIS WIFE to come see how it felt." The caps insinuates that my wife, and likely women in general, didn't know anything about the car. Classy. I was out of town on work which I explained clearly and I would be back in town a couple days later and she would be picking the car up. " The customer was called the next day with a quote for the clutch by my service writer where he proceeded to say"IN A NICE WAY"{ that it was our fault that the clutch went out and wanted to NEGOTIATE the price.I personally called the customer the next morning and tried to work something out. YES,he was offered the option to buy his own parts(as he had purchased his own alternator)which we would not warranty because we didn't furnish them and I offered to take the labor from $770.00 to $650.00 all to his denial.SO,the customer picked up the vehicle after hours and ended paying MORE than MY original ESTIMATE." It is my belief that it was their fault the clutch was trashed. The mechanic that fixed said the clutch was in great shape other than the fact it was cracked, something he had never seen before. Richard did offer to knock off some labor but there was no way I was going to pay someone to fix something which is my belief was on them. I paid more to someone I had more trust in at that moment in time. "We appreciate ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS and strive for customer satisfaction. Some just can't be satisfied." Best of luck with that..this is your warning. read more

Considering I moved to Charleston around three weeks ago, the last thing I needed was car troubles. Sure enough my car started rumbling strangely and the check engine light came on. Finding a mechanic in a new place is so stressful, but after reading good reviews and hearing good things from someone who take their cars to Richard's, I decided this would be the place I'll take it to. I had called the day before to see if it would be possible to have my car repaired while I was at work. Richard told me they were a little backed up from the weekend, but they could definitely take a look at it and let me know what was wrong with it. As it turns out they were able to look at it and replace the part all in one day. My car was ready before I even left work. Now this is just an extra bit of kindness, but when I had arrived to pick up my car it was pouring like crazy. They offered to pull my car into the garage so I wouldn't have to go out into the rain. Seeing as I was in a raincoat and heading home anyways, I said it was fine. Richard insisted that he walk me to my car (which was maybe 20 steps away) under the big golf umbrella. A simple, but incredibly kind gesture. All of the guys at Richard's were very nice. The man who serviced my car (Jake, I believe) even gave me some can cozies that have the Richard's info on them. They fixed what I brought the car in for, there was nothing additional, and the fix was affordable. I would definitely bring my car back, and absolutely recommend. read more

I found Richard's about a year ago and have been very happy with their service and the prices. From oil changes to big car repairs, they do it all. They are first come, first serve and they are closed on weekends so keep that in mind. At first I was hesitant about their hours, but I have found that neither are a big deal because I can drop off and pick up usually the same day as they have fast turn around. They are honest and trustworthy. Make sure you use Richard's! read more

Hands down, the best service, most fair priced, professional, quality automotive repair establishment in the Charleston area. I'd never go anywhere else. read more

If I could give 10 stars, I would do it! I found Richard's in order to get a second opinion on my 12 year old car that I love. Richard's saved me almost $2500. I initially took my car to the dealership because it ran an invalid key code. AAA came out and opened it up, but then my car thought it was being stolen and wouldn't drive. I figured the dealership was my best bet. I also had experienced the car running hot maybe 3x while idling at a stoplight, so I advised them of same. Car ran fine otherwise. Dealership couldn't finish my car the first day, so they kept it overnight to put it under pressure. The next day, I recieved a phone call that my head gasket was blown and that it was necessary to replace. I was also told that it "may" have to go to a machinist which would tack on an additional $700 to bring my total to $3,069. I was also told that my water pump was cracked which caused the overheating in the first place. Obviously, that was a huge punch to the gut and wallet, and so I immediately started worrying and looking into buying another car. Thankfully, I came to my senses and got it off the lot. I found Richard's by word of mouth (lots of mouths, btw, and shout out to Amy Lauren and Marisa). I called him up and he told me that if it's a blown head gasket, that he would probably recommend ditching the car. Off the bat, he gave me real advice to the detriment of his cash flow. He told me to bring it in, and he would double check the problem. The guys were able to check my car out in half a day and found out what the true problem was. Yes, the dealership was right that it was losing pressure, but they did not move the alternator and the automatic steering out of the way to find the actual problem. NOT A BLOWN HEAD GASKET; it was a cracked timing cover instead. Further, the water pump wasn't even cracked. Richard's total was $640. He also told me that if my head gasket ended up blowing, he would apply my previous total to repairing the gasket. However, he also told me if it were him and that scenario ends up happening, he'd probably ditch the car. Another random point, is Richards told me that the hood of my car was for a V6 when I drive a V8. Wouldn't you know that I went to the same dealership to fix my car when a deer hit me. Obviously they pulled it from a junkyard. I'm totally disgusted with them and will be writing a review once I speak to the manager. Moral of the story = go to Richard's. Go get second and third opinions. I always knew dealerships were overpriced, but I didn't think they were that shady. read more

We are from out of town and were trying to leave early in the morning to get out ahead of tropical storm Hermine... But of course we have car trouble. The splash guard under the car had been hit by something and was not dragging the ground! Sounded awful and it's pretty dangerous. So we called Richards and they said to come over ASAP because they wanted to get us in before the storm hit really badly. My husband drove the car over and they fixed it right up... FOR FREE!!! It was so kind and they were quick and very helpful! We absolutely recommend them to anyone, especially if you don't have a trusted mechanic! We all know it's hard to find someone honest, but these guys are the real deal. read more

These are the nicest guys in town. I was visiting from out of town and was worried about a rattling noise before having to drive 3 hours back. I called several automotive repair shops in the area and they all refused to help. These guys told me to bring in my vehicle, took a look at it and fixed it within minutes - and were so kind. Please do yourself a favour and take your vehicle to be serviced here. read more

Excellent service! If you are looking for a good, honest, straight forward mechanic- look no further

I just called to inquire about service and the person who answered the telephone was not friendly. Yikes, get a more friendly person to answer your telephones. I have decided to look for another auto mechanic. read more

First time I've needed auto repair since moving to Charleston and luckily was referred to Richards as I needed my niece's air conditioning fixed for her to take a long drive back home from her Charleston vacation. Richard pondered options including those that would have been $0 revenue for him. He took his time and found the issue, fixed it, straight forward on price and I now have a mechanic for life. Thanks Richard! read more