This is not the place to pull into if you are a woman, and having an emergency five hours from home in January. Not hospitable at all. I understand being backed up with appointments until February, but even a recommendation on what other options might be available in Helena would be helpful.
Eric has saved me twice now from having to trek all the way back to Billings to have work done on my Volvo at the dealership where I bought it. He might not work on this model of car frequently, but he absolutely goes the extra mile to figure out the issue. Here's the level of commitment Eric has in finding a solution to putting a simple block heater on my Volvo XC70: manufacturer won't provide written installation instructions (proprietary information) on how to install block heater. No instructional videos on YouTube or Google, no Volvo dealership will provide direction (again proprietary information)... so Eric contacts the maker in Sweden, gets the block heater instructions-in SWEDISH! So he then has to get a translation app to convert the instructions to English. OMG, this guy went above and beyond to get a really expensive block heater installed in my car. I am so grateful for this man. And... AND he honored the original estimate price he told me instead of adding hundreds of dollars for the extra time he spent getting proper directions on the install. I will take every car and truck I own to Eric at Independence Auto!!
Honest and straightforward mechanic. Very communicative and goes through everything with you. Call ahead as he is in high demand, for good reason. Thanks again!
I've had Eric do work on our Hondas for at least 10 years. In August, '23, I thought I might have a potential problem with the TPMS system and wheels. In under 4 minutes, he stopped working on a job, came over to me, described the system, explained what & why I didn't & wouldn't have a problem, summarized the federal requirements that unintentionally led to my concern, and didn't charge me a dime. (Even his little dog that greets customers is nice!) Efficient, clear, direct, honest, knowledgeable, he doesn't waste anyone's time and won't do work not needed.
Best mechanic in town. Eric keeps his shop so clean I'm embarrassed to take a dirty vehicle to him! Won't "create" work. Does what is needed. Worth every penny.
It is GREAT to find a mechanic!! A mechanic that means what he says and does what he means. Eric the owner is a straight shooter. I am very picky about my rigg. I learned from my dad, if you take care of your vehicle, it will take care of you. Thank you, Eric.
Eric is great! Extremely knowledgeable, competent, detailed and professional. Does things right the first time. Reasonable hourly rate and accurate quotes. If I can’t or don’t have time to do a repair or service myself, I won’t be going anywhere else.
Wish Independence Automotive was in New Jersey! We were out on a trip in Montana when our check engine light came on near Helena. Found Eric at Independence Automotive, was so quick in taking care of our van issue, attentive, professional, and top quality service. Thank you so much. We know where to go if we are back in Helena!
Cannot speak highly enough of Eric. Me and the girlfriend were on a cross country trip with our sprinter van when we started experiencing a very sudden sputter and air leakage coming from under the hood related to the turbo. I thought our trip was ruined and was getting ready to book a hotel in Helena for the rest of the week. Within two hours Eric had us back up and running, and I come to find he's highly trained with sprinter vans, and even studied in Germany for some time. His shop is immaculate and pricing was very reasonable. Truly a professional, and I cannot thank him enough for saving our trip.
Eric is, without a doubt, one of the best mechanics if not the best mechanic Helena has to offer. Well worth the wait. Honest and quality work with very competitive pricing. Very trustworthy as well! Definitely my first stop for all my vehicles no matter the service, big or small.
I watched Eric help a young couple to get back on the road to home. He went out of his way and beyond to do it.
If I'm in need of a mechanic, I will call Eric!
Eric is the best! Works on our whole families cars and we drive from Bozeman!! Hard to find this level of honesty and excellence in the automotive world. Especially for those of us who don't know anything about cars!
Eric is the master automotive and performance mechanical engineer with all known vehicles. Always perceptive with data and engine management systems as with changing all the fluids in my 2001 LS. A great asset to the Helena community and friend. He also enjoys Pizza Hut thin crust full meat pizzas. Thanks Eric
Eric has repaired several vehicles for me and my family. If I ever have a question about the mechanics, he's happy to help with advice. Eric always follows up to make sure any issues are resolved. I trust that the work is going to be done right, that he will make everything right if it isn't and that he'll take care of me to the finish. I just cannot say enough good about the service Eric provides!
I took my Honda Civic to Eric after 3 failed attempts at Helena Honda to fix my AC. Eric checked all their work for me and found the problem within the day. He then put my car back together and let me drive it while the new compressor came in. After I dropped it back off he had it completed within 2 days and even took out a rock that was stuck by my breaks and rotors for free. On my way to Wisconsin( I go to school their) I noticed o couldn't changed the fan to the floor or window. I called him and he paid for the simple error at a Honda dealership in Wisconsin. He called me after to check and make sure everything was fine. I cannot say enough good things about this guy and his shop.
Eric is reliable, honest, very reasonably priced and does great work. I have had mixed results with a variety of mechanics over the course 20 years in Helena. He is the one I call first.
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