This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Chariot Auto Repair in Jersey City, NJ shows sharply split reviews—about 66/100. Many highlight fast same-day fixes, fair pricing (even lower-than-estimate bills), and helpful, friendly techs (Ricky/Marvin). Common complaints: misdiagnosis, poor workmanship (belts, oil leaks, broken parts), surprise price hikes/upselling, steep rates, weak communication, long waits, and fees despite no fix. Service feels either caring or dismissive. Reviews don’t clarify inventory variety, yard organization, or how easy parts are to find.
What clients say about Chariot Auto Repair in Jersey City (NJ)
This place was an awful experience. I went in because my muffler came off during the snowstorm. Without properly inspecting it, the mechanic tried to pressure me into replacing the entire muffler just by looking at it. I told him I didn’t need a replacement, and he then said he could simply reinstall it for $125. When I came back to pick up my car, the price suddenly became $150. I clearly remember being quoted $125, but he insisted he had said $150. I didn’t want to argue, so I agreed. Then, without discussing it with me beforehand, he claimed another part needed to be replaced, bringing my total to $200—just to reinstall the muffler. On top of that, I was made to wait outside in the freezing cold with my three-year-old daughter. I was told to come back in 30 minutes, waited over an hour to avoid standing outside, and was still made to wait. When I tried to pay, he first carried on a phone conversation and then started chatting with a colleague while I stood there waiting. The entire experience felt unprofessional, disrespectful, and dishonest. I felt scammed and taken advantage of.
Only giving this one star just so I can write this. This is the worst business. Took my Audi here due to a serpentine belt issue because I had no choice since I was close by. He did repairs and it cost me 500. Not even a month passes by until my car is overheating and turns out they never fixed the issue they claimed they did. They actually cost me more damage :) I ended up paying an extra $2300 to get the stuff fixed. Don’t bother going here u less you’re looking for more issues.
used to take my car all the time there with mixed reviews but this last time was it! will never even drive by there again no mas...took it there for brakes and power steering they broke my window then took 10 days to get replacement window and they also changed my tires without asking me, never fixed the power steering and now the tires can't even keep pressure because of how bad they installed them and the replacement window is tinted instead of clear so now i have to either tint my windows or change what they... did ready to go to a lawyer.
On November 17, I visited this shop for an oil change. The service seemed fine at the time, though I was charged $60 despite bringing my own oil.
Today, while driving on the highway, the oil and transmission warning lights came on. To be safe, I stopped at a nearby repair shop, where I was told there was significant oil leakage caused by an improperly installed (over-tightened) part.
The issue has since been fixed, and I was able to drive home safely. Given the circumstances, I am requesting a refund of the $60 service charge.
We have used them twice and are so happy. Both times, they fixed our situation with the cheapest, easiest, fastest, and most honest option. It's not even a question to me to go elsewhere. If you are on the fence, stop researching garages and just go here.
Excellent customer service and friendly family business. Check engine light came on and they were able to assess the issue and provide the necessary parts with a very timely turn around time. Was in my car later that afternoon, couldn’t recommend or speak highly enough.
They might be good a few years ago but this year they consistently messed up and we had to come back every few weeks to fix the remaining problems. I don't think I will come back even though it's so conveniently located for us.
My coworker went to this place to fix a flat tire because she's a female and doesn't know about cars they took advantage of her and charged her $75 to patch a tire when she could have just got a used tire for $50 unbelievable
We brought our car in for routine maintenance and were given an estimate. When we picked up the car, we were told that some fixes were not needed at all, and the bill was HALF the estimate. We will be back next year.
Ricky and the guys at Chariot are fantastic! They helped with a quick tire repair with no appointment, and had me in and out in less than 30 mins!! Appreciate it guys!
WARNING: Extremely bad business! My car’s alternator broke down near the shop so I took it here thinking it was close and handy. They broke the wire to the AC while fixing the alternator, Caused an extra $300+ of problem for me to fix. Unbelievably bad business and very unprofessional. I left this review so you don’t have to step on this land mine like I did. YOU HAVE MY WARNING! DON’T TRUST THEM, THEY CAN’T FIX CARS!
I went to these guys for an alternator replacement on my Dodge Caravan. The total cost was $740, including $450 for the alternator itself. Later I found out that it was a rebuilt unit from Mexico, not a brand-new part as I expected.
They also installed the belt incorrectly. I noticed a strange noise when I picked up the car, but I had a long trip ahead and couldn’t stay to check it. Just two hours into the drive, the belt snapped, leaving me stranded in a very bad situation on the road.
I strongly do not recommend this shop. If you’re okay with being overcharged, misled, and receiving poor-quality work, then go ahead. Otherwise, stay away.
Listen, I'm not one to leave bad reviews but after spending nearly $1000 after 3 visits to get my checked engine light fix and STILL not have the problem resolved, then I need to say something. The vibe here is "I don't really care about your car. Just pay the invoice and leave. Do a better job at properly explaining the work that was done, and the issue you tried to resolve because I left more confused than when I got there. I'm highly disappointed. My check engine light is still on for the initial issue I took there in the first place, but now I will NOT be coming back here. Best to take your business elsewhere.
I brought my car in because it was making a noise whenever I turned the steering wheel on the highway. They said they’d take a look, and I was told there would be no charge if no issues were found—just a $25 per day holding fee. I picked up the car a day after receiving a call saying nothing was wrong, so I expected to pay around $25. Instead, I was charged $100 for “service time,” even though they still claimed they couldn’t find anything wrong.
Now I have to take my car to another mechanic and waste more time because they failed to identify the issue and still charged me. Completely unacceptable.
I’m from Wisconsin and made a quick road trip with my family to visit friends in New Jersey. My car decided to spring a leak from the transmission while we were there. I called Chariot at 2pm on a Saturday hoping for a miracle since we were supposed to start heading back home that day. They said to come up and they’d look at it (sorry to those I jumped in front of) but weren’t promising anything. They threw it up on the lift and told me to take the family up the street to get some food and they would get back to me. While eating I get a text, one I wasn’t hopeful to receive that said the magic words “your car is ready”. Thank you thank you thank you Chariot auto repair! You not only restored my car to working order you restored my faith in humanity.
Worst mechanic experience. Misdiagnosed the problem with my BMW, ended up being an extremely expensive repair, so much so that I had to end up selling the car. They charged over 600 dollars and didn’t fix the main problem. Didn’t tighten a part correctly and it ended up falling off. If you have a mildly tricky problem do not take your car here.
We came from out of state and were worried about a check engine light that came on in the middle of our drive. We called ahead of time and said they would take us after being turned away from multiple other shops. A man named Marvin helped us out, and amazing service is an understatement! He took our car as soon as we arrived, called me multiple times with updates and quotes. AND fixed my problem before the end of business day; within like 3-4 hours! WHEN YOU GO ASK FOR MARVIN
Ricky and his crew will do everything possible to troubleshoot and fix anything. My car is unique and over 30 years old. Whenever I have an issue, Ricky takes a look, hops on the phone, and finds a fix. I'm going with three stars instead of five because you need to reach out about timing and pricing proactively. The shop gets so busy that they typically fix your issue without reaching out, and their rate is steep ($80+, depending on what it is).
Absolutely phenomenal place to get your vehicle fixed. I live in Pennsylvania and my vehicle broke down and I called Ricky and he and his team got me in asap to work on my vehicle and got me back on the road within a few hours. Absolute phenomenal work in such a short amount of time and at a reasonable price as well. Chariot Auto Repair is definitely the place to go when your car needs work.
Ricky and his team are exactly what you want from a local family run shop. As a 10yr JC resident who is suspicious of backroom shops in Jersey I have been going to him for all my cars. He's always fair, straight forward, accessible and honest. He generous with his time and advice and he's has even refused to charge for little things when he really should. Definitely the place to go to for car work.
I stopped in Chariot Auto Repair early this morning because I had a flat tire. They took the time to review my tire check for any other openings and found that my tire was punctured. They were able to plug it and I was on my way in no time. Great staff taking the time to develop new employees, I love this place!
Got a used car prepurchase inspection done here twice. Bit expensive, but worth it. They spent 30-40 minutes on both my cars and gave me very concrete advice. They were very welcoming with follow up questions up until my car was purchased. I was clueless and nervous and their advice made things simpler and easier. They told me each time what a good price for the car was, and I followed their advice and got a great deal. They were very open about if a car was a bad deal, would simply say no, and even stepped in to help me negotiate a little once.
They were very helpful. I asked for a jumper service. They came in 10 mins and helped me out. It didn't work at first. They went back and forth until they solved it. Then it turned out that my alternator was not functioning. They changed in place with a reasonable price. They were very kind and helpful. Strongly recommend..
Amazing service from Marvin and his team. Road trip from Virginia, car started making a weird noise coming across the bridge, found this to be the closest mechanic, before going in the tunnel, pulled up at 5:45pm on a Friday afternoon, they pulled my truck right into the bay and found the problem. Needs wheel bearings. They kept it overnight, and was ready to go by 11am Saturday! Amazing! 2014 Land Rover LR4. Thank you team!
I had a serpentine belt brake on my Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax Diesel pick up for the second time in less than 4 months. I found Chariot on google, and they were really close by my girlfriends apartment. They had great reviews, so I called Chariot and he said he was super busy. I told him I was in a bit of a predicament and he understood and told me he would squeeze me in. Very professional showed me how the previous mechanic screwed up by not torquing down a bolt on the Old tensioner which caused premature failure. They were Very reasonable in cost, personable, and do quality work. 10/10 will use them again, and you should to if you want quality work at an affordable rate !! - Joe Black Silverado Duramax
AMAZING service, helped to fix my flat tires efficiently and quickly. Great people, loved the service. Would highly recommend to anyone who needs car repairs, these people will do the job just right. Thank you guys again, 10/10 service .
This small establishment is really good .. Ricky goes out of his way and does complimentary service too. Went here for an oil change and it was done the same day
430 Communipaw Ave B3A3, Jersey City, NJMotorcycle parts store
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