Badlands Automotive in
Wall (SD)

Was on I90 my service light went on. Mechanic came out immediately did diagnostic test cleared code. He was knowledgeable and friendly.

We drove over an hour out of our way to bring our car to Badlands Automotive, and it was a complete waste of time. When we arrived, the owner never even stepped outside to look at our vehicle. Instead, he just rambled on and on about unrelated car topics and gave us explanations that didn’t make any sense. At one point, he claimed our issue was simply because we had four people in the car… seriously? He even said cars aren’t meant to drive, which is ridiculous. The information he gave us was not only irrelevant but also completely contradictory to our situation. After driving so far, it was disappointing and frustrating that he wouldn’t even take a single step to actually check our car. I would not recommend this place to anyone, ever.

Had Subaru issues and the shop was very helpful to us. Friendly and straightforward. Would recommend for travelers if you are unfortunate enough to need one.

Definitely recommend! We'd been on the road for about 6 weeks and heard the rear brakes start to hit metal on metal over the weekend. Called Monday morning, he had the parts in stock and I dropped it off at 9am. Went to Wall Drug for about an hour and he had it fixed up at a good price by 1030! Greatly appreciate the timely service sir!

Jerry's an outstanding old-school mechanic; the type that is seldom seen these days. Alternator died while on a cross-country trip, and I was able to limp to his shop. Jerry was able to source a replacement, had it delivered to his shop by early afternoon, and had me back on the road before close of business. His prices are extremely reasonable, the quality of his work was outstanding (no missing retainers, and everything put back perfectly), and he's a great conversationalist if you're a car guy. Jerry has my highest recommendation!

Prioritizes travelers over local business. Honest and accommodating if you have deadlines. Honest if he can't accommodate within your deadline. Great communication and informative. Patient if you don't understand.

I called the owner asking for a socket and he had the part. He told me he closes at 5:30 PM and that he will hold the item for me. We drove 45 minutes to get the socket and got there a little before they closed at 5:30 PM which he stated and it shows online as well. When we got there he wouldn’t answer the phone. The doors were locked and he was closed. There was a lady outside that told us he had went to a wedding and that she was told he would be there until 5:30 PM as well. I called him today to let him know how unprofessional he was and that he wasted our time and money driving there. His response was there not much I can do about it now and I expressed that there was something I can do about it. Do better!

Jerry is outstanding!! We are in our 70’s and had trouble with our trailer. He was ready and willing to help. He ordered the part and installed it for us. He also gave us some great advice on our trailer. Jerry has a great work ethic at a reasonable price!!! I wish he lived closer to our home so we could use him all the time!! He also has two amazing granddaughters. He is proud of them and I am sure they are proud of him. If you are in Wall, SD and need help contact Badlands Automotive!

Great service with Jerry! He really went above and beyond to get me back on the road. Fair & honest pricing from the start. He even stayed late to finish my van so I wouldn't have to spend another night in Wall. (Had a starter go out on a Friday morning while heading to Wyoming. Badlands Automotive was the only mechanic within 30 miles. Got towed to Wall for the weekend. Part arrived on Monday and was able to take off by 7PM that night - would recommend paying for a tow to Rapid City without question if you're stuck for more than a day though, 4 days in Wall is a little much lol!) For being the only man working that day, he really put in the time and effort for me in addition to the friendly conversation.Thanks Jerry!

Like everyone else that's left a review - I can't say enough good about Badlands Automotive. On a road trip from upstate NY, and our wheel bearing starts making noise about Chicago. Was hoping to make it to our destination in Idaho before replacing it, but it was getting way too loud and scary. Dropped the family off at Wall Drug and called up Bandlands at 3:30. They had the part, and had us on the road by 5pm. Another Bandland Automotive miracle! And honestly, he charges way under "book" for labor. Good, honest man.

I was here in 2017 when the trailer carrying my ATV broke down…. It was labor day weekend. Come Tuesday the owner was able to get me in and out shortly after lunch, so I can continue my journey. He was busy, but still got me in and the trailer fixed up. It’s been 7 years, and I still remember his kindness, and the price was very fair. Which brings me to good character of the man. Think about it, its Wall city, lots of traffic going through here, he has a mechanics shop set up here… its prime set up to take advantage of people, BUT HE does NOT, he has a moral compass. Look at all the reviews that say the same thing over and over, that they are treated with respect, and the price is fait. This man is a beacon in the dark in today’s world.

Jerry was amazing and an answer to our prayers. We needed some lug studs for our trailer and he came through. Badlands automotive is amazing!!! Highly recommend, they go above and beyond. Cannot express our gratitude for Jerry and him helping us get back on the road. Thanks so much Jerry, you truly are an Angel 😇.

Jerry is a Saint. My car broke down driving threw South Dakota to Oregon. I was afraid I would be stranded for days. But he already had the part I needed and got me back on the road the same day before dark and the price was supper fair. Jerry, I owe you a huge thank you. God bless and I hope everything is well for you.

When are driving cross country and you have problems with your car near the Badlands....He is the man to see. It is the only repair shop in Wall, SD. It is a small operation, but not on helping motorists. I am grateful for his opinion, consideration and wisdom! I am sorry I did not catch his name ...probably Jerry due to the other great reviews😉 Thank you for giving me some peace of mind!!

This guy is GREAT. Diagnosed our issue immediately, had the parts in stock. Only charged a small amount and got us back on the road in no time. Wish I had a mechanic as good closer to home. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. We are very grateful.

The alternator in our Chrysler 200 died and we were stuck in Wall on the first day of our vacation. Badlands Auto made us a priority, fixed our car and saved our vacation. Good service and good price. Thank you Sir.

Last summer the subframe on our Escape broke while traveling home from Colorado. Jerry met us at 8:00 on a Saturday morning and spent many hours helping us find a solution to our problem. He called several dealers and even tried to find us a ride to the nearest dealer in Rapid City. In the end he helped us find a vehicle to travel the 500 miles home. He went above and beyond to help us. We greatly appreciate his kindness!

I was driving a Dodge Pickup that is our fuel truck and we were helping the Badlands National Park gather the buffalo. The morning I got ready to leave to head back to Utah the heater would not work. It was kind of chilly so I went by Badlands Automotive to see if they could check it out. The very nice man there knew exactly what to do to get the fan working again and he wouldn't even take any payment. I didn't get his name but I really appreciated getting the heater fixed. If you ever need automotive service when in Wall this is the place to go. The locals there are lucky to have them.

The driveshaft on my truck snapped while on the Badland NP loop road and Wall, SD was the closed town so that's where I got towed. I went to Badlands Automotive in the morning and spoke to Gerry and he was able to source a used (but an after-market, upgraded driveshaft) from Rapid City and he was able to get it delivered and fitted to my truck by 3PM. In addition, he just leant me an impact driver so that I could try and get my driveshaft off so I could drive it over in 4WD so I didn't need to get towed from the campsite I was in. He didn't even know my name at that point and he just handed me a $400 impact driver. Finally, he is the nicest mechanic I think I've ever used - we had a good 20 min chat when I went to pick up my truck about this and that. Breaking down a very very long way from home is scary and Gerry (Jerry ??) was a beacon of light who made it all better. Cannot recommend him enough.

My Subaru broke down in the evening about 10miles west of Wall traveling home to the twin cities. I had my car towed to this mechanic because it was the closest one. He was able to look at it first thing the next morning. He replaced my alternator for a very affordable price and we were on the road again by noon. This is probably the most honest, kind and speedy mechanic I’ve ever had. I wish I could always take my car to Badlands Automotive. I don’t normally write reviews, but felt the need to tell others that if you happen to be traveling by and have your car towed to this location, you are in good hands.

A year or two ago, I was on the interstate on my way to Arkansas when the water pump went out in my truck. I lost power steering, brakes, and was overheating. I limped the truck into town probably a little after 4pm. The guy was extremely friendly and stayed very late to get me back on the road. I just knew it was going to be crazy expensive, but he actually charged a VERY fair price. I would definitely suggest using Badlands Automotive.

I came here because my car had broken down on highway during road trip all the way from Michigan. My car totally did not move so I had no idea what to do. He did fix the issue properly and it was so quick. He opened even in July 4th weekend. It was amazing job!

I had a vehicle issue on the highway and was able to limp to Badlands Automotive. I was 1,500 miles from home and I was very appreciative that he was able to direct me to a reputable wrecker service to get my vehicle in for warranty work at the nearest Chevrolet dealer. You could tell from every customer who came in the store that his automotive experience and insight is highly regarded and that he is highly respected.

Excellent service. Needed a replacement wheel bearing and Gerry was able to fix it and get me back on the road. Never discussed the price and in the end it was fair. Highly recommend!

Excellent experience! My family was traveling through the area and our RV started having troubles. It would have been very easy for a mechanic to inflate the prices since we didn’t have any options. Instead, Jerry took his time to explain the situation, provide us fair pricing, and offer advice on how to avoid troubles going forward. He was straightforward and friendly, and I wish there were more mechanics like him in the world!

I was on a trip from Iowa to Colorado and decided to go through South Dakota to see the Badlands and my fuel pump decided to go out just as I arrived at the Badlands. Jerry was very helpful! He was not able to get the truck done same day so he went the extra mile and found me a car to rent from a Ford Dealer in the nearby town of Phillip and even got me a ride there with his parts delivery driver! He did not take advantage of my situation and got me back on the road in 24 hours! I can't say enough good about Jerry! I highly reccommend and only wish I could give more that 5 stars! You are in good hands with this shop!

Highly recommended! Jerry treated us well and did not take advantage of our vulnerability while broken down far from home. While other auto shops were already closed for the day, he had my obscure part in stock, and stayed after hours for no additional fee to get us back on the road to continue our vacation. He's a hard core car racer and super competent mechanic. I enjoyed the conversation with him following the repair and would recommend him to anyone in need. You are in good hands with Badlands Automotive.