On 7-31-25 I paid Skips Automotive to do a full diagnostic inspection on my new to me Dodge. At that time it had approx 11,500 miles driven. This resulted in Rob Wong advising the car needs new front brake pads and rotors. I was charged a job deposit of $1220.00 for front brakes pads and rotors and waited to be told the parts were in. I haven't worked in the automotive industry so I view myself as a lay person. In my opinion, brakes are either good or not good. A few days later I called Rob stating that there was no squeaking, pulling of the steering wheel or pulsing coming from the front and asked his opinion on whether it was safe to continue driving. He stated "it should be safe to drive." The next few days I went to 3 other service shops for brake inspection. Most folks wouldnt have the time, money or fortitude to do this. At 11,544 miles Firestone found 6-7 mm left on the pads and rotors which were said to be 60% of life left. At 11,624 Tires Plus inspected the brakes. Again 6mm of pad remaining. They determined that service wasnt needed. The 3rd, Dodge of Sarasota, inspected the brakes at 12,721 and found 60% life left of both pads and rotors and stated "no brake work is needed." Needless to say my brakes aren't an issue. 3 shops wanted my money but didn't take it because there was no reason. I told Rob I wasn't doing a brake replacement. Facts are I can wait another 11,000 miles at this rate of wear. Rob Wong emailed Sept 31, 25, saying "I am going to charge you a restocking fee, and you will be responsible for return shipping on the cancellation. Return shipping was 141.41, my restocking fee is 10%(so $122), the manufacturer has a $120 restocking fee. So, the initial cost was $1220-122-120-141.41= $836.59 you will be receiving." I went to court today. The Wongs wrote a check for $1385. Why more than the $1220 deposit? Apparently they agreed that me having to file a claim and have summons served cost me money. They (Shaila not Rob) willingly paid half court costs, apologized and paid me in full $1220 plus $165. He ate the restock, return shipping etc to the tune of $261.41. And paid me $165 more than he took from me. The lesson is this. I have a special car......Dodge Hellcat Redeye. At first I considered myself fortunate to find Skips Automotive. To see an AES certified mechanic shop treat its customers this way burns me and is the reason for the review but has cost them more than this unfortunate review. Had Rob been upfront about the acutal condition of the brakes and not sold them as a performance upgrade thinking I was going to the track and actually had a discussion instead of choosing to do business this way Id have gone back again and again and again. The other thing is when a shop cant pony up the minor $'s for parts and needs a deposit, RUN. Ask to see the pads/rotors. Educate yourself and have them SHOW you why the service is necessary. I wonder what he would have done differently had he to do it again. He lost a total of $426.41, a morning away from work, PLUS me as a return customer. His wife graciously apologized for her husband who refused let his ego get out of the way of recognizing the proper way to treat a customer. Too late. In regard to everything I was generous and more than fair. It cost me $237 not including gas, meter time, and angst more than I was reimbursed. Is the sting on Skips Automotive/Raw Racing going to last? Buyer beware! read more

This guy is a crook. Ihe had my car for on and off 18 months kept it did no work sat in the parking lot for eight months, took me in three Sarasota County deputies to get my car removed from his premises. then he made up some bogus bill that I owed him just remember the state of Florida it is a felony to put parts on a vehicle without the owners permission Florida statute 860.15 stay clear of this guy of course he might be in jail by now . read more

Been Taking My Girlfriends Car to the DEALERSHIP and got tired of it so I took here to Skips for 3 years and Rob has kept the same vehicle in prime shape for us. read more

Been Taking My Girlfriends Car to the DEALERSHIP and got tired of it so I took here to Skips and JESSE was the best help! Taking every car I have here read more

If you want an auto mechanic you can trust, it's Skips. They do a great job and won't do a nickles more worth of work than you need. I take my Volvo there all the time and always leave feeling good about the experience. read more

This place is miraculous. So unlike so many auto repair shops, not only did they NOT try to sell me any repairs I did not need, but they actually "under-promised and over-delivered" on the interventions I did need and request - even providing two additional fixes and another evaluation I'd mentioned completely for free. They were obviously busy, but still had me in and then out, fully repaired, within just a few hours, including having to order a couple of parts, and all for a very fair and surprisingly low price. All three of the guys I interacted with - mostly Rob, who was phenomenally responsive to phone calls and questions, and also Wayne and Jesse, also cool - could not have been more professional *or* kind. They even offered a ride home when I dropped off the car. Finally, not that this probably matters, but I think it speaks to the high quality of their work: Skip's is also the cleanest and most nicely-maintained garage I've ever visited. I'm really grateful for their help and I can't recommend the place highly enough. read more

Have had my car serviced here twice, and both times were great experiences. Great service and very fare prices. I really feel like I am not being ripped off. read more