This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Based on recent reviews, East Side Body Shop, Inc. in Belle Plaine, IA scores 82/100: many customers praise fast roadside help, skilled collision repairs, showroom-clean returns, and friendly, honest staff. Pricing is often fair—sometimes even under quote—but a few report big overages, weak communication, and long waits for updates. Turnaround ranges from same-day to delays. Customer service spans welcoming to rude/no‑answer in isolated cases. Mechanical results are mostly good yet mixed, with one alleging improper exhaust work. Little info on inventory/yard organization or part-finding. Overall: strong body work, uneven experience.
What clients say about East Side Body Shop, Inc. in Belle Plaine (IA)
This place is rude and allows customers to have stuff stolen fromthere cars. People broke in to my car and stole a whole audio system and all of the tools we had in there... When we informed them of the possibility so they could check (rumors were going around about people bragging they did it) they cussed me out told me that no one had touched my car and everything was still there then hung up on me.. When the car was picked up the entire system was gone and all tools cleaned out... The trunk lock was damaged so the key don't work to open it and there is not a trunk release button inside the car (from the factory). They didn't so much as offer an apology or replace the stolen items. They also took the interstate battery out of my car and replaced it with a junk marine battery. There was damage to the outside car as well that we inquired about and was told that the missing parts were there when they were not... And my gas tank was full when they picked up the car and empty when we picked it up.. they are crooks. Idk if they stole/sold they stuff out of the car and that's why they were so nasty when questioned about it or what but I definitely would use a lot of caution if u have to take a car there make sure you take ALL valubles out or u may never see them again... Unfortunate for the people there cause that's who does the towing I bet they have a bunch of victims of theft after they got towed... Sad this is what small town has for businesses!!! They charged 150.00 to drive my car 1.5 blocks that's crazy... But they did work with us on payments.... Unfortunately it won't replace my dead fiances system tho...
John and team saved me! Blown tire on the side of Hwy 30, they came to me, got a new tire and back on the road in less than two hours. Super hospitable while I was in the shop as well as very reasonable rates.
THIS PLACE!!! is awesome. With over 50 years in business they have professional here. Honest owners, and they will tell you the truth. My wife and I love how focused they are and fast. They handle insurance, warranties, and everything on between. If you are a young person scared to be taken advantage of or like my wife... accustomed to being lied to by shops. Visit these folks here. I'd send my whole family here if I could. As a multi vehicle owner, been taking care of cars for 40+ years, and a Pastor, I fully recommend this shop.
I'll tell the world about you guys! I told you this car is special to me because it was my late father's. I said i just wanted it to look the same as before the deer hit me. You did an amazing job for even less then you quoted me. Thank you so so much!
Auto Body repair shoppers BEWARE!!! Took my vehicle to get a quote, which was very reasonable, and was told that dollar amount wouldn't be a problem. Scheduled it and told them there were more scratches that needed attention. Was told that there wouldn't be a problem getting those too, so I asked how much of a difference in price it would be. Was told "oh well, we'll work out a deal". Of course being told that, I said okay. Work was finished and suddenly the final cost was more than twice the quote. How that was a "deal" is beyond me. There should have been a call to me stating that it was going to be more than twice the price, but that didn't happen. Shoppers BEWARE, this is not good business!!!
Another issue that was identified was that when I dropped it off, I took a picture of the mileage and not only did it increase 119 miles but there was also a 1/2 tank of gas used. Why in the heck would they need to drive it that much????
I'm not happy to review this way, but as I mentioned, the customer needs to be advised when it comes to final cost and that much of an increase!
I will always recommend east side to anyone who needs a mechanic. They've done amazing work on my car over the years and I don't trust my car in anyone else's hands besides John and Deb
I broke down on highway 30 going east I called and they came and got me tow the car in come to find out the mechanic was off that day well the lady gave him a call he came in and in 2 hours had the car up and going excellent place to get your car serviced or if anything's wrong with it everyone there was exceptional I highly recommend.
We took our vehicle to have body damage repaired, we are extremely satisfied. Communication was awsome and the repair looks amazing. Highly recommend East Side.
My fiancé and I are living in Iowa for work right now. I had gotten in a car crash and my insurance company, StateFarm offered a list of body shops that were partnered with them. East Side Body Shop was 1 of the 2 that was in a 30 min. drive from where I live. I decided to choose this shop based on its reviews.
I called 10 mins after they opened the next day, John, the owner, picked up immediately and I explained my situation. He told me he had gotten power back last night (this was after the land hurricane in Iowa) and if I could give him an hour or so. That was fine. When I got there, there was one couple John was working with and 2 other customers after me. While John wasn’t able to get to me yet, Lisa was great with helping me by answering all my questions, taking pictures of the damages to my car, and making sure that John knew I was next (other customers not waiting their turn), which was sweet.
John talked me through the process of what his shop can do fix my damages. He answered my questions about my car & insurance process and I also learned neat facts about him and his family business.
When I finally got to pick up my car, I remember saying “ that doesn’t even look like my car” and “dang she’s so pretty!” I wouldn’t have even known that there was any damage at all. The whole two doors replaced, frame wasn’t dented, and even tinting that matched my other side!
I was so pleased with eveything. The checking process was super easy (StateFarm made it easy too). John, Lisa, & Deb we’re so nice to me and made me feel welcomed. Which is great since I’m from Florida and don’t know many people here. This was the first insurance claim I had to do by myself and I’m glad I had a body shop to go to that didn’t take advantage of me.
Cons: I do have two things I can note that some people may find as a negative. Personally, it didn’t bother me. - Wait time for John to see my car was about 40 mins. However, this WAS after a huge storm, so, many people had damaged cars. I was able to use this time to make phone calls and clean my car. - Not many phone calls for “updates”. Most of the time, I had to call to ask. But like I said, they’re busy. Usually I wouldn’t really care how long it took, but I am moving to another state in a week.
I was in a pinch when a family member acidentally put gas in my diesel. East Side Body Shop was able to get my car flushed clean and drivable during a busy schedule.
They are great people. John I just can't thank you enough. You fixed my truck and I'm loving it. Next time I know where to go but I'm hoping that won't be any time soon lol.
I have bought 3 rebuilt vehicles from John and each one has exceeded our expectations. Our current two vehicles have 140,000 and 100,000 miles on them and nothing has gone wrong with them. We are in the process of looking for a new vehicle to have John rebuild.
Worst possible service you can imagine. The guy, John is so rude and crude I will not return and advise anyone who looks for reviews to search elsewhere in a heartbeat. 0 stars!!!
I don't Know how they are as a body shop but as for mechanic I would not take another vehicle there to have worked on. took a jeep there to have it worked on and they replace some parts and did not fix it. They also cut off the exhaust before the catalytic convertor and replaced it with a glass pack. Last time i knew this was illegal to drive i car without the cat or for a shop to leave a car without one after the 70's. Ended up putting a lot more money into it to get it fixed right. Like I said they might be good as a body shop but that about it.
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