Great mechanic and top-notch service. Highly recommended for everything from oil changes to major repairs. Your car or truck will be in good hands. I'm very grateful to have had them work on my car since we moved here.
I had my car towed here from another shop on 11/5/2025 with a prior diagnosis suggesting a transmission-related issue. The previous shop does not work on transmissions, only engine and inspection work.
I chose KS Automotive because they advertised free diagnostics, had positive reviews, and were listed as an AAA-certified repair facility. I later learned many of the positive reviews were for a previous owner. The business was sold to the current owner, Jimmy, about two years ago.
My transmission diagnostic appointment was scheduled for 11/8. I received no communication that day. On 11/10, I was told that no noise could be heard and that the shop had “no idea what could be wrong.” An oil change was suggested but never performed. No written findings, estimates, or diagnostics were provided. I followed up again the next day and confirmed the transmission had still not been evaluated.
Over the next 20 days, no written diagnosis or physical documentation was ever produced to show that an issue of any kind had been identified. Diagnostics were repeatedly delayed until a specific technician (Kyle, who only works limited Saturdays) was available. Phone communication was inconsistent. I was left without my vehicle, without answers, and without updates for most of this time.
My vehicle remained at the shop for 24 days with no written estimate, no written diagnosis, and no repair authorization provided at any point. All communication was verbal and typically only when I initiated contact. My request for transmission diagnostics has still not been answered verbally or in writing to this day.
On 12/2, when I arranged for an AAA tow, the shop refused to release my vehicle unless I paid for “two of the three hours” of diagnostic time—despite never providing an invoice, itemized labor, or any written documentation to justify those hours. The tow truck driver ultimately left while the owner continued arguing with me over the phone during several calls. I requested an itemized invoice and stated I was willing to pay it at least twice during one of the calls. I was never given a number. AAA escalated the situation to a supervisor, who also could not obtain an invoice. I have since filed a complaint with the Attorney General.
On 12/3, my family retrieved the vehicle in person. Only then did the shop produce two written estimates for the first time. Both documents showed a “creation date” of 11/10/25, but were printed on 12/03/25—after the vehicle had already been released. These estimates were never emailed, texted, or presented to me at any point during the 24 days the vehicle was in their possession. The documents listed only one hour of diagnostic time, and the fee was waived. The vehicle was released with no outstanding balance owed or paid.
I am sharing this to warn others to carefully review the shop’s current communication and documentation practices before choosing them for diagnostics or repairs. My experience did not reflect what was advertised or expected, and I strongly encourage others to consider alternative options. The shop was not what it once may have been.
I love giving KS Automotive in Kennett Square my business. They are a no-nonsense, low pressure, competitive, quality business. I will always bring my cars to KS! Thank you, Jimmy!
KS has the best mechanics, it is my go to place. Honest, skilled and follow through on time. My family take our 4 cars there for all of our servicing needs. Highly recommended
This week had both our cars interiors detailed at KS Automotive. We were delighted with the results and the price was very fair. They are very nice people, and communicated well through the process. Highly recommend!
Just completed a brake job and a replacement generator, both completed timely and professionally. The staff appears to be extremely knowledgeable and profession. Anticipating a big electronic job and will be happy to post additional comments as appropriate. Excellent team to work with in resolving issues current or potential situations.
Went here for a second opinion diagnosis and the shop was able to quickly confirm the issue and recommend a fix. The team was very professional explaining what happened. The work was done efficiently and completed on time. They provided pictures of the identified issues and were able to answer all my questions.
After my mechanic sold their business, I was looking for a new quality place to do my inspection and maintenance on my car. I chose KS Automotive because of their location but also because they are family owned small business.
This was 100% the right call. They are fantastic. Explaining everything that was wrong with my car in detail so that it could pass inspection and giving me clear payment options if I couldn't pay for all of it up front.
Their system to approve work items on your vehicle seeing clear pricing for the jobs, booking online, and even picking me up at my house and dropping me off while my car was being worked on are just some of the many ways KS Automotive goes beyond for their customers.
Their techs are certified and they do great work, my car feels fantastic to drive again.
Had to find a closer mechanic and chose KS automative as they were the closest to me, but I am definitely glad I did! I was able to book online and text with the mechanics which has made things super easy. And when my 1 year old car battery was dead - even though I didn’t get it from them - they went out of their way to get a new one on warranty and came to my house to replace it, so all I had to pay for was a very reasonable charge for labor. I would and will absolutely recommend them to anyone and am glad I chose them!
January 12,2025
DO NOT TAKE YOUR luxury car/SUV here. Total rip off. They had my car for for 5 days in January and still couldn't fix the coolant leak. I had oil leak and coolant leak. Oil leak was "fixed" but coolant leak was not fixed. I paid $2000. Texted the owner and his wife with pictures of coolant leak multiple times to reimburse but no avail. They are so irresponsible with zero courtesy that they never bothered to reply to my last few text messages. In the beginning the owner's wife texted that she will review and get back to me, but she never did. I ended up paying another $800 more to fix the leak.This is NOT previous owner Nick's shop anymore! Buyer beware!
Recently moved to Kennett, so I needed a new shop when my engine light came on. They got me in basically right after I called, were so nice, helpful and friendly, fixed the problem and did a follow up a few days later to make sure it was all good. Def will be back!
This place came highly recommended. I went for a deep clean of our SUV. I got it back looking as if it were brand new!! The service from beginning to end was off-the-chart first rate: the price was reasonable, and everyone there gets the highest mark in “customer orientation”. When done, the owner took quite a bit of time and effort to explain a function of the SUV (oil maintenance) that wasn’t even part of the service I went there for. I’ll pass along the high recommendations without hesitation!
Update:
Lexi reached out to us and made this situation right. Thank you, Lexi.
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Ugh, it pains me to leave a negative review for KS. I was a loyal customer for 10 years and am deciding to move on due to new ownership.
If you look back at reviews from 6+ months ago, just know they were for a different owner. Any that have been responded to recently are for the new owner. Unfortunately, this place just isn’t the same.
Customer care is disorganized unless the female co-owner is behind the desk. My experience with her was fine. No issues and she was very friendly with me.
My issues began when I dropped my husband’s car off and Jimmy didn’t even say hello to me, just said “was beginning to think you weren’t going to show up”. This was said in front of another customer. I have been dropping our cars off at 9:30 AM for years. I own a business in Kennett and walk to work when one of our cars is in the shop, so I don’t drop off at opening unless asked to. We weren’t asked to drop off at opening, otherwise I would have. Dropping off at 9:30 wasn’t an issue when I spoke to Jimmy’s wife a few weeks before for my own car. I stepped back when the first greeting I got that day was disgruntled but I apologized profusely for the misunderstanding and moved on, explaining that this is how we’ve always done it and I didn’t mean to cause any inconvenience. Jimmy still seemed annoyed and frankly at this point I was annoyed back.
These customer service issues continued as we were misquoted by $300 with no other reason than “the guy at the shop told me the wrong price”. Nic always took responsibility for these things and went above and beyond to stick to his word. Jimmy didn’t provide a receipt for the part for transparency, so the excuse of him being misquoted feels icky.
We did appreciate Jimmy working on our car past closing time (something we did not ask for or expect), but taking about 60 cents off our bill as a “courtesy” for misquoting us was insulting.
If you had a long-standing relationship with this business before, expect all of that to be out the window along with any important notes about your vehicles. The car we just had in there was rebuilt by and purchased from KS when Nic owned the business, but nothing was left behind or transferred to the new system.
Overall, it feels like disorganization is the theme for the new era of KS. Hopefully the new owners figure it out soon.
Very friendly folks. They do great work. The rates are fair and they go above and beyond to make sure your vehicle is safe and you know what's going on with it. Even when you just came in for an oil change. I highly recommend them.
Nic may no longer be there but it's the same friendly, informative service as always! I met the new owners, Jimmy and his wife. They seem like great, knowledgeable people who I feel safe and confident leaving my car in their hands, thanks for a great experience! See you in a few months for the work we talked about!
Met the owner and my experience was absolutely fantastic. Put my car up on the lift and fixed my splash guard for free, and also helped me out with some of the title troubles I had been experiencing. Jimmy (owner) took my title docs to a local Tag Place, and fixed the situation for me, and again FREE OF CHARGE. Cannot recommend this shop enough, auto service and great customer service! Ask for Jimmy, he is absolutely great!!
I have been experiencing an issue with a "check engine light" for my emissions, which comes on and off. I finally decided to take it in to have the codes read, and lo and behold, I need a new sensor. I was satisfied with the quick diagnostic and will be returning to have the work completed, in addition to my inspection and transmission service which is due. The new owners are fabulous, and I love being able to connect with women owned businesses (co-owned) and having someone who can explain what's wrong in layman's terms is wonderful. I highly recommend KS Automotive.
As an older female it was so refreshing to work with the co-owner Lexi. She explained my inspection in detail and was clearly very knowledgeable. She was accommodating with the appointment time and provided
shuttle service if I needed a ride back to my home . As a new resident in the area I felt my car needs were taken care of without ever having that feeling I was being taken advantage of. I am definitely a new customer and I highly recommend KS Automotive!
Under new ownership and management. I knew right away when I received an informative text about the condition of my car after 5:00 p.m. never would have got that before. No offense to Nick. I love his service too. But it seems like the same great work for a reasonable price.
Nick was very patient and helpful. His upbeat demeanor and mechanical accumen made the repair of my, out of the ordinary car, a very good experience. He instilled a level of expertise and trustworthiness that was greatly appreciated! I will be returning to KS Automotive whenever my car repairs are needed.
I’ve used KS Automotive for years, I trust my C5 Corvette to them for engine work and a clutch replacement. I also rent from their in shop Hertz location on a monthly basis. They are also specialized in engine repair for performance cars. I can highly recommend them for auto
My original mechanic couldn't figure out what was wrong and how to fix my car. He then referred me to KS Auto. Nick was very polite, flexible and efficient. He was able to fix the issue and now I feel relieved. Very happy customer! When your mechanic refers you to another mechanic that should speak volumes.
Always a great experience at KS Automotive. I was in for an inspection and oil change at a mid afternoon appointment. I know how busy they get but I was having problems with my heater which had been fixed by Nissan just a few weeks prior. Nick's crew took the time out of their busy day to assess what the problem might be and they were right.
I’ve been coming here for well over 10 years. Very trustworthy and customer service is fantastic!!
I was looking for a new garage walkable to my house and thought I would give them a try. I needed an inspection and new tires. Not knowing anything about what tires to get, they gave some recommendations and prices- I asked him to pick whatever he thought was best (sorry I forget the guy’s name who answered the phone! He is super nice though) I have to say whatever he picked turned out to be the best tires! I love them and I can actually tell a huge difference in my car’s performance- my ride is WAY smoother and much more “grippy”. Overall extremely friendly, fast, honest workers I will definitely be going here again and recommend them to anyone looking for a great local shop.
KS Automotive performed an inspection for my car today. Made an appointment a few days ago and received a friendly reminder of the appointment a day before the service. Service was done quickly and received a text message when they were done. Nick and his crew did a great job and highly recommend them. Great service at a reasonable price.
Will definitely come back again for any of my car repair/inspection needs.
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