Lighthouse Automotive North in
Manteo (NC)

I took my vehicle to lighthouse automotive six weeks ago. They lied to me over and over again now they’re trying to charge me $1200 for a battery and a key that does not work. I would not bring them any business if I were you and I guarantee that 90% of these reviews are written by the company. This is fraudulent marketing and is illegal I have notified the Better Business Bureau, but they are under investigation already and I’m sure that something is going to be taking place here in the next couple weeks!!!!!! it all could’ve been taken care of if he would’ve just called me two weeks in and told me they couldn’t do it. I would’ve taken my car somewhere else. I had to get my car towed to the Chevy dealership !!!! Lighthouse automotive is by far the worst automotive place on the beach, do not go there!!!!

Prices are RIDICULOUS. Sent our vehicle in for some routine maintenance, wasn't told the price ahead of time but it was routine stuff so I did not think to ask - my mistake. It was explained to me that the labor is what cost the most - I will be going literally anywhere else where the staff is competent enough to keep the labor cost at a reasonable price. Money down the drain.

Lighthouse went out of their way to help us. The transmission went out in our Suburban while on vacation. Everyone was booked for weeks. I know they were too, but Dave said they would look at it the next day. Crystal is amazing letting me know what was happening every step of the way. Thank you guys so much. From the bottom of our hearts we appreciate this business.

Very pleased with the service provided for my car. The staff are professional, and always courteous and helpful. They take the time to answer any questions that I might have. The wait time is very reasonable whenever I choose to relax and wait on site while my car is being serviced.

VERY friendly service and professional atmosphere. They worked to fit me in their schedule the same day a different repair shop was a no show for my appointment. I'm back on the road. Thank you Lighthouse Automotive North!

I was stranded out in the outer banks, North Carolina on vacation 300 miles from home with a car making terrible grinding noises. No one could take my car for over a week, but I needed to be back home well before that. Lighthouse automotive came to my rescue and took my car in for a wheel bearing replacement, and got it done and I had my car back in less than 24 hours. A+ service and response. They even made an adjustment to the plan on the fly and saved me about 20%! I would recommend them to anyone, anytime. Thank you!

Price check before you agree to anything. This shop takes advantage of young mostly college age kids working at the local theater. $155 diag fee on top of $410 for 4 spark plugs. I WOULDN’T recommend this repair facility to my worse enemy. Go anywhere but here!!!!

Have had so many issues with my Lincoln since it hit 130k and Jim specifically has been so knowledgeable and helpful with every single thing. My car is running great now and I just wanted to say thank you to the entire staff for how quickly you helped fix everything (multiple times) and how professional you all are. Highly recommend you all, and to Jim, again, thank you so much for everything!

The Light family runs a top notch, honest business. I wouldn't consider taking my vehicle elsewhere whether it's for a simple oil change or a major repair.

Great people and great service. Helped us out last minute when we had car issues the day before we were heading going back home. Would highly recommend them.

We found an issue on our daughter’s car the day before we were supposed to drive back to Ohio and called around to a few places that said they couldn’t help. We got in touch with Crystal at Lighthouse Automotive North and she was so friendly and told us to bring it right in and they would help. When we arrived Doug quickly took the car back and identified the issue and fixed the car for us. Everyone there was kind and courteous and we were so thankful to them. We would highly recommend Lighthouse Automotive North if you need to take your car for a repair. Thanks Doug and Crystal!

If they are as nice in-person as Crystal is when making an appointment I may just spend the day there! It's so refreshing to start your day with good friendly customer service.

I came here while on vacation because my AC wasn’t working. I asked them to add coolant and planned to take the car to my own mechanic when I got back home. I asked how long it would take; they said 90 minutes tops,and I said I would wait since it wasn’t too long. 90 minutes later, I get back a full report of my car—they checked the whole thing out which I did NOT ask them to do. They also diagnosed the problem (didn’t ask them to do that either) and told me I needed a new valve. They said it would take them another TWO HOURS to do that work, on top of the 90 minutes i’d already waited. I asked them again to just add coolant and they said that would also take two hours. So I don’t know where 90 minutes came from, since they wasted so much of my time doing work I didn’t ask for. I would’ve just dropped the car off if I knew we were looking at a 4 hour repair time. I’d chalk all this up to a misunderstanding if it weren’t for the price they quoted me. They wanted almost $800 to fix the car. I called my own mechanic back home, and they said they could do it for $200. I’m not sure if these people tried to scam me because I’m a woman or because I’m a tourist, but I definitely would not go back. I had to pay them $165 just for the work I didn’t ask for, which is almost as much as my mechanic quoted for the whole job. Felt like highway robbery.

Crystal and naomi create a very welcoming atmosphere along with the large clean waiting room. The technicians behind the scenes know what they are doing! Will definitely be back.

I was on vacation in Outer Banks needed tires, they have great customer service, Naomi order my tires for next day delivery and although they did not have an open appointment they squeezed me into the schedule and had my tires put on and an alignment done by lunchtime! I highly recommend them!!!!

Another great experience with Lighthouse. We will be leaving the area before my car needs to be serviced again and I am already considering making the 90 mile drive for my next oil changed. If you have not tried their services, you should.

Having a state inspection on my vehicle was a painless and professional process. The staff was so personable and the waiting area was large and comfortable.

Very accommodating and helpful. Chased down a phantom electrical problem and got me on the road again. Great service at the front desk from the gal N something and Jim the mechanic was very nice patient and helpful. Thank you!

They saved my vacation and did it quickly!! When my alternator went out, they got me in the same day and it was fixed within hours. So thankful for them!

Do not bring your vehicle here, overpriced, slow to do work, and almost used incorrect parts. I scheduled a routine maintenance transmission fluid drain and fill for my vehicle. I came in on Monday and it took them 1:15 hours to realize they did not have the manufacturer recommended fluid for my dual clutch transmission and almost put in regular fluid even though I specifically mentioned this and asked them to make sure they ordered the right fluid when setting the appointment. They also had my VIN on file as a double check. I came back Friday and it took them 1:45 hours to complete the maintenance. All that needs to be done for this service is crack the top nut on the transmission, drain the fluid out of the bottom hole, wipe debris off the magnetic nut, replace the crush washer, bolt back on nuts and refill to an equal amount of drained fluid – even easier than an oil change. This should take a professional shop no more than 30minutes, I’ve done it in my driveway and it’s taken about me 45 minutes (only reason I didn’t do that is I moved and don’t have the tools now). I was invoiced $292.26 for this service before tax, which is ABSURDLY high. The cost of the fluid is about $75 (in pictures) (they charged me $119.75, high but maybe rushed shipping, whatever) and the total shop labor should cost no more than $75 (generous 45min labor time at a generous labor rate of $100/hr, dealership rates). All in should be about $150, but instead they wanted me to pay $311.99 after taxes after incorrectly ordering my parts and wasting my time and then working inefficiently after the first mistake on their end. Only saving grace was the owner, David, was quick to compromise when I explained I knew how badly they were trying to screw me over and how inconvenient the whole experience had been – we settled up at $200 even – still high, but not unreasonable. I understand businesses need to make money and don’t work at cost, but $292.26 is insane for this job, nearly a 100% markup of a “fair” price. They definitely prey on people who do know how their vehicle works. The front desk lady also had quite the attitude, huffing and puffing, saying “Jesus…” under her breath even though I was calm and straightforward when explaining why I wasn’t willing to pay that number. If you don’t know much about your vehicle, do not take it here, highly likely you are being severely overcharged for services rendered. Will not be doing business here again, not a professional and trustworthy shop.

Took my sons truck here for a fuel filter issue, they said it was the alternator, paid to have that fixed, then called and said it was glow plugs and 2 sensors. Never anything about the fuel pump. We had it towed to another place and found out that the sensors were only unplugged and I have a bad fuel pump. Thanks for not fixing the problem I brought it in for. Edit to add: I did get a follow up call about the issue but already have the vehicle fixed(fuel pump).

This was my first time taking my car to Lighthouse Automotive, what an incredible experience! I had my truck towed there when one of the brake lines rusted out and Naomi over the phone was fantastic with very clear communication and expectations about costs and timeline for the repair. They did the repair in the exact timeline they said they would. Definitely taking my truck back here in the future.

I recently moved back to the Outer Banks to do Real Estate and needed some tires put on my truck. I called the shop in Manteo and they said they could work me in. I left my truck as my wife and I went walking around the beautiful downtown. We came back later and the truck was ready. The people are great and the service was awesome. If you need any mechanical or tires I highly recommend this shop.

Haven't been here for years..I am so glad I came back, as well I will return.. not only did they get me in for my sons late inspection, but they were, great, patient, customer skills with Mrs. Christina was awesome.. the auto tech was fantastic.. I would and will return back for my next car issue, oil change, inspection ect.. I again say " thank you " .. you went above 5 stars to 5×5 stars...price affordable, cate and experience top notch, customer skills above and beyond..give them a chance, you will not regret them. Thank you all, from appointments to car care, it was above and beyond my expectations.

I had a great experience with these folks, from the delightful front office worker who scheduled my appointment and greeted me, to the mechanic who worked on my car, they have integrity. They had to replace all the brake pads, and I was out in 2 hours. They are conveniently located, and open early. I have recommended them to friends, who also continue to use their services. To top it off, the reception area is comfortable and the bathroom is clean...over the years I have used them 10 times, and am finally taking the time to offer a review.

I needed to buy 4 new tires while I was on vacation in Nags Head. I read reviews and decided on this place. I'm so glad I did. World class customer service!!!!! They had my tires done in no time The office.manager was so nice and friendly on the phone and in person. She went above and beyond to help me even will tourist stuff. Very well run business. I would definitely use them again if needed.

We were leaving the OBX when my husband noticed the oil pressure was super low and it was leaking oil. We called a couple of garages and they couldn't see the vehicle for a week. One of them called American Automotive for us and told us that they could see it that day. When we got there, the receptionist was super nice to my husband. The owner, Logan, explained to my husband what some of the issues may be and what to expect if it was some of them. After about 30 mins, they took the van in, raised it up and had 3 people standing underneath it to see what the issue was. Logan came out to see us and explained it was a simple fix and they had the part. After an hour or less, he was done! We were on our way home. They were all super nice and very fast!!! Very honest as well. Would definitely take our vehicles there and we are down there a lot! Highly recommend!!!