After a few not-so-great experiences with a chain shop, 1st Rate Auto was recommended to me by a friend. I took my car in for an oil change and a suspected exhaust leak, as well as a question about a potential transmission issue. Ronnie, the gentleman at the front, talked through my points of concern, and his conservative recommendations helped me feel confident that the shop wouldn't be trying to upsell unnecessary work. After dropping the car off mid-afternoon, Ronnie called early the next morning to discuss their findings and even sent pictures of the problem areas, which I really appreciated. Less than 24 hours after drop-off my car was repaired and ready for pickup, and their prices were very reasonable. My 15 year old car is now running great, and I'll be back to 1st Rate Auto for any other maintenance. Can't recommend them enough!
Ronnie, Joe and their Team are class acts and do excellent work! They will do right by you and keep you coming back as regular, if not potentially lifelong customers like yours truly. Refreshing beacons of honesty and class in a rough industry :)
I go to these guys every year for my inspection. The most honest and helpful guys you'll ever find running a mechanic shop - a rare breed. If you're wondering where to go, pick them, you won't be sorry!
Can’t recommend more! They walk you through what you need without ever trying to tell you to do *extras*. If I ever left the city I would still drive back to take my car here
I moved out of the South Philly area 3 years ago, but I still make the drive to get my inspection done by these guys. They're fast, realistic and kind. All 3 traits I look for in an auto shop. I recommended my brother to them and now he recommends them to everyone else!
I stopped in as a walk-in for an inspection and had an awesome experience. Everyone was super friendly, professional, and really knew what they were doing. The shop is spotless, and the whole process was quick — I was in and out in about 45 minutes. You can tell they take pride in their work and actually care about their customers. Highly recommend!
Amazing experience! The mechanics here are super friendly and truly care about their customers. The service was quick, affordable, and done perfectly. Definitely the best place in South Philly!
Got my annual PA auto inspection done here—really smooth experience. The service was professional, and the whole process took about an hour while I waited. They also offer the option to leave and give you a call when it’s ready, which is super convenient
Walked in for inspection of two cars. They were quick and efficient and went out of their way to accommodate us since we were waiting with our two daughters. Will be coming back for service and any other non-warranty needs.
I’ve been getting my inspection done here since 2022 and it’s always been an easy, fast, and great experience. Ron is the best, and very personable and honest. As a young woman, I never feel like I’m being ripped off or pushed for extra costs like I’ve experienced at other mechanic shops.
Three years in a row going for a car inspection and I have no complaints. No need for an appointment. A friendly guy at the front desk will greet you. I just get there, drop off my car, hand the keys and leave. They text me to let me know when my car is ready. Which don’t really take long. Easy peasy. Fair price, good service.
I’m new to the Philadelphia area, and finding a good trustworthy mechanic is always a stressful experience. I am so glad I brought my car here! This is the first shop I’ve ever gone to where I came in thinking I needed a bunch of repairs and they actually told me I didn’t! (after getting my inspection done somewhere else, they said I needed repairs.). I’m very grateful to have found a mechanic shop that I feel like I can trust and seems honest.
literally the best auto shop ever... they are extremely honest and don't push you to do anything you don't need to. I have literally saved thousands of dollars by taking my car here! and the front desk guy rocks ??
This is my third year getting my car inspected from here and the efficiency and service are what keeps me coming back. No need to make an appointment, they take walk-ins and the wait is never too long. I didn’t know how to reset my tire pressure light and the guy (I’m sorry I didn’t catch his name) took the time to teach me how to reset it myself. He also told me that my windshield wipers were the wrong size and offered to replace them. They are very personable. I highly recommend this place!
Went on the website and was able to schedule a car inspection through text which was super convenient. Plenty of parking when I got there. Dropped my car off. Service was affordable and done within a couple hours. Both gentlemen that helped me were so kind. They even switched my license plate when the old one's screws were way rusted and I couldn't get it off. Glad to find this gem in our neighborhood. Will def be back!
Ron gave me details of every repair option before we started, did the repair quickly and at the quoted price, and had it finished the day before Thanksgiving. When I went in to pick up my car, he gave me a detailed explanation of the repair with visuals and told me what to look out for next time. Easily the best experience I've ever had with a car issue. I'd recommend these folks to anyone.
Update: These guys continue to be super cool to work with! Couldn't recommend them any higher.
I had to get a 100,000 mile service, oil change, and coolant flush for my 4Runner before a long holiday road trip. I've been anxious about finding a new mechanic since I moved to the city because I had a few auto shops back home try to pull a fast one on me.
The guys at 1st Rate got me in last minute and finished everything same day within a few hours. The prices are fair according to all the mechanic pricing guides online and they didn't attempt to upsell any BS. The service was unbelievably friendly and helpful — they even filled the air on my spare tire!
Very happy with my experience.
This place is absolutely fantastic. I called ahead for a walk-in inspection, and I drove there right after the call. The front desk checked me in and started the inspection immediately. I was out the door in just 25 minutes. They gave me some great pointers about state policies and insurance and were super friendly and helpful overall. I would highly recommend this place to everyone.
Honest and dependable. Any time I have an issue I I can count on them to clearly and fairly explain my options. Reasonable and fair pricing. The only solution for all my car maintenance needs for as long as I am on Philadelphia. These guys are great.
I’ve been taking my car here for over a year and it is always a wonderful experience. As a woman I am constantly worried that a car place would over charge me and fix things that didn’t need fixing. This place is very open about what needs fixed and when. They never over charge me and are very clear about what needs to be done. I drive an older car and they will tell me what needs replaced and when. They always walk me through everything they did. Would absolutely recommend, they are so great!!!! Honestly could not recommend this place enough!!!!
First Rate services my car and three children’s vehicles. We trust them and their team of mechanics, literally with our lives. We wouldn’t ever go anywhere else. Ron and Joe are fair and honest. Years ago, I took my car elsewhere for inspection because it
was over-due and there was a station down the block which made it convenient. I was told by the owner of the station that I needed rotors for $1200.00 and he could not pass my vehicle. I called my children, and they told me to call First Rate before doing anything. I brought my car to them only to be told I did not need rotors and they were fine. Integrity and honesty equals respect for their customers. They are the best!!!!
Update: 5+ years later and still my mechanic! Ron and his team are just the absolute best and in the years since I started using Ron and the 1st Rate Auto team as my mechanic I have recommended them to countless people who all had great experiences. Just cannot say enough nice things about these guys!
My original review: I was in the market for a great mechanic and I found one at 1st Rate Auto and Truck Repair! I was blown away on my first visit to 1st Rate by the way Ron and all the guys in the shop put people before profit. They explained exactly what they were doing to the car and why it needed to be fixed. They were in contact with me each step of the way and it really made me feel like I could trust the team at 1st Rate Auto and Truck repair. I am a customer for life and will be recommending them to everyone!
I’m pretty loyal to another local mechanic but they were booked, and I was in a pickle this week and came here on a friends recommendation! While they weren’t able to do the repairs on my Volvo (parts), they were honest, quick, and super helpful in diagnosing the issue. Great communication and will definitely be back!
1st Rate Auto has been my mechanic shop for more than 25 years. I have been through 5 vehicles with these guys and could not be in better hands. These guys are the most honest and professional that I have ever come across which is why I have been with them for this long. Joe (the owner) is a Master Mechanic and prides himself on knowledge, quality and excellence from both himself and his employees as he is not part of a franchise like most shops. Their work is always guaranteed!!! Many times, they will even squeeze you in at the last minute for minor things like inspections or flat tires. They not only fix your vehicle, but they educate you as well. They don’t just quote you a price…they explain why and give you the option of holding off where you can (for budget purposes) and let you know when not to cut corners (for safety purposes). Ronnie is the first face you see when you enter the establishment and the first voice when you call…he is always helpful…one of the most pleasant and friendly businessmen I know to date. I could go on and on about these guys. I have many family members and friends that also go to 1st Rate Auto, including my husband and son and no one is ever disappointed. I come from the PA Suburbs to get my car serviced by these guys and as a woman, I FULLY trust 1st Rate and highly recommend anyone that is looking for a good, honest, quality mechanic shop to give them a try…you will not regret it.
Every aspect of this service was tops. I called in the morning & a friendly guy answered. I needed an inspection. He let me know I could show up anytime that day. Arrived around 1, which coincided with the mechanics’ lunch break. The guy at the counter asked if I could return in a little while and he’d save my spot. I ran a quick errand and when I returned to the shop, he told me my timing was perfect.
I’d barely been waiting when they came back (maybe 20 minutes?) to let me know my car was all done. I couldn’t believe how efficient they were.
And the price was great. I’m so happy to have found a new mechanic. I felt very comfortable and cared for. Real nice guys.
The location is pretty interesting under the train tracks. A corner of Philly I don’t often see.
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