Downtown Automotive in
Houston (TX)

My experience with Downtown automotive was great from start to finish! They are truly knowledgeable about everything and keep you in the loop of all the work on your car. Edwin walked me through exactly what my car needed to be fixed & provide me with many options while giving me great advice. I will definitely be back!!

Great car repair company! I found this garage 7 years ago and Mark and his crew are the only ones that I will allow to work on all of our cars. PERIOD!!!

Great auto shop in the Montrose neighborhood! Edwin helped me with my car’s issue quickly and efficiently. So kind and friendly. Would definitely recommend using this shop.

My car would not start and I suspected a battery issue. I took the car into Downtown Automotive. They ran through the checks and determined the battery was indeed the issue. They noticed that my battery was still in warrantee and called the battery manufacturer. In the end, the new battery installed was free. Love their honesty.

Leaving this review 1 year after I had work done on my car. $3300 and 4 days of work. I broke down in houston and was towed here. Seemed really legit. I specifically remember them calling to ask about my spark plugs and saying they would replace them. Found out today from my long time trusted mechanic here in town where I live that the engine hasn't actually been opened since the day my car was sold, and if they did replace the spark plugs they used USED ones and did not to any clean up ir maintenence around them. So who knows what was actually done on my car except the most visible problems. Ive also had to have their repairs repaired - they did such a bad job of fixing my abs system that my mechanic here had to fix their terrible wiring. I need to find my invoice and ill write out everything they claimed they fixed. Do not go here.

Edited to add: do not believe their replies. I saw the sparkplugs. They were clearly over a year old. These people are scammers. Additionally, any "repairs" made should have lasted longer than 1 year. My abs system went out again last week, had to have it fixed. So even if you arent lying (which you obviously are) why would your repairs last only a year with street driving?

Edited to add more: its only been 30,000 miles and Ive been told I need my brakes replaced in 10k miles. So they used poor quality brake pads or used used ones. Once again DO NOT BRING YOUR CAR HERE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE FROM OUT OF TOWN. They will take advantage of you knowing that as long as you get home, you're not going to do anything.

I took my car in to fix a vvt solenoid oil leak, had to take it back within the year since it was leaking again with oil clearly all over the vvt solenoid. They said it wasn't leaking and attributed the oil to an oil spill, so I took it to another shop and they found it right away. Wouldn't recommend this shop

I want to thank you for your guidance and expertise regarding my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado. You let me make a self guided decision regarding possible repairs. I went to your shop because of past experiences from your customers and high ratings.

Excellent and fast service. I previously had my battery replaced by them and it died within the warranty period. They swapped it out free of charge within the hour.

Took my car in to emergency fix my brakes. They claimed to have fixed my cam shaft and vacuum pump, only for it to fail again 900 miles later. Their customer service was abysmal, they refused to stand behind their work, and they went back on their word every time I called for assistance. Don't recommend this shop.

My experience with Downtown Automotive (DA) was disappointing. They held my car for three days, trying to “diagnose” the issue, but I had to initiate calls for updates since they didn’t provide any proactively. Frustrated, I decided to pick up my car on the third day.

Before I left, they tried to sell me a new battery, even though I had received confirmation from AAA that my battery was fine. Initially, AAA towed my car to DA, but I managed to safely drive it to a local automotive shop where they promptly and accurately diagnosed the problem and completed the necessary service within the same day. (It wasn’t the battery, of course.)

I can’t recommend Downtown Automotive enough. They were thorough and so thoughtful. We were in a crunch and they helped us through it with the utmost professionalism. I am so grateful that we were referred to them.

Update April 18 2025. If you read this whole review, you will know that I have been going to Downtown Automotive for 13 years. Pat, my main man there, retired. But I am here to tell you that as of April 18 2025, this is still the best auto mechanic I have ever had, and that's over 35 years of driving now. Edwin continues to be The Man. He always gives a fair appraisal of the situation, he's calm, unflappable, always courteous and completely knowledgable about everything cars.

Edwin performed a last-minute quick-turnaround service for me. He was honest about what he could accomplish in a last-minute request and he completed the work quickly, as promised. Between Edwin and the other people who work here, I guarantee they will figure out your auto maintenance issue. I have had them work on Ford, Mazda, Audi and others. They work on everything from Porsche (quite a few Porsches are always there) to Land Rover to Chevrolet to Ram trucks. They *will* get it done right, for a fair price, and on-time, as promised. Try them. You will not be disappointed! Six stars!
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(Previous review) Hey, these are good guys. They are good on the phone, good in person. They have never been rude to me. When I asked them to check my A/C, one guy told me ( I know a bit about cars) “If you have a doubt use the $19 canisters from Auto Zone. Otherwise it’s $141 plus Freon.” Saved me a bunch. They have done brakes, engine mounts and coolant purge on my Mazda5. Straightforward and honest. Recommended 100%. //////// Hey Y’all. Back here six years later. Pat at Downtown Automotive has retired. But Edwin is manning the desk now, ands he’s solid gold. Had a friend’s car that needed a new battery - I brought the battery, but I didn’t have a ratchet long enough to reach the battery case set deep in the car. Edwin did it, five minutes. I’m just saying, even now that Pat has retired, these are still the good guys! Recommend 100% -February 2025

Honest about diagnosis, friendly, responsive, and good mechanics.

I gave four rather than five stars because part costs. Their part supplier is either REALLY expensive or they're taking a markup on part costs. I was quoted $833 part cost for a BMW OEM water pump + bolts + coolant, which is more than double any price I can find the exact same part kit online...

I recently brought my Jeep to Downtown Automotive for some repairs, and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. The team at Downtown Automotive was fantastic to work with. They kept me informed throughout the entire process, providing regular updates and clear, detailed quotes. It's so refreshing to work with a shop that values communication and transparency. My Jeep is running great, and I highly recommend Downtown Automotive to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy auto repair.

Consistently excellent. They have been the one and only car maintenance shop in my life since I moved to Houston in 2008. I discovered them by accident when I needed an inspection on Halloween and tried them for a routine service conducted by Mercedes-certified mechanics. They did, and still do, everything right - punctual, accurate, reasonably priced, and consistent. The best!

Been using these guys for many years for both my vehicles. Always great customer service, honest mechanical advice and transparent upfront pricing. They excelled again this week, helping get my vehicle towed when my insurance company let me down. Followed by quick diagnostics and repair. They are local to me but if I move from the area I'll still use them. Thanks Mark and team!

Had my car inspected as a walk-in. Was in and out in less than 30 minutes. A customer in waiting says she has had good experiences. I scheduled an appointment for January for a suspension issue.

Great mechanic shop! I recently had an issue pulling off half my bumper due to a car stop snagging it from underneath. They fixed my car for a good price in less than 48 hours! Then shortly thereafter the splash guard under the engine started falling down and they fixed up super quick for free. They do quality work, are very reasonably priced, and very friendly. Highly recommend this place!

I had the top radiator hose blow on me on Gulf Freeway. Tow & Go moved my Jeep to a safe place so AAA tow truck driver (Marcus) could take me and my Jeep to a shop. He was so awesome! He took me to the AAA approved shop - Downtown Automotive. Understanding that I was on my way home to NM in time to make it there to go to work, he jumped on the project. He made 4-5 phone calls to get the part there that day. I called a friend to get a ride back to my son's house. He gave me an estimate up front and called me with an update. When I got there the next morning, it was ready to go. I am now back home safely and so thankful for the excellent service that they provided me. Thanks for great service.

I can’t comment on the physical labor but the customer service is below a 1 star.
I called and explained my concern regarding my vehicle and the fact I’m not a Houston native. I specifically asked the associate if they were full and busy that I’ll pass due to my limited time schedule. He says it’s not a problem. He can’t diagnose my vehicle over the phone but he urged me to come in and he’ll handle it.
Once I arrive a girl approaches me. Tells me they’re short one mechanic and can’t get my vehicle in. I explain to her the same situation. She just gives me a blank stare. Once asked if I can speak with the associate that I talked to prior to my arrival she tells me he isn’t there and the owner comes out. Tells me my vehicle is known to have tons of issues and I need to find a less busy shop.
His delivery and tone was very distasteful. I feel like my business was rejected because I have an American made vehicle. I wasn’t looking for same day service. I was looking for a trustworthy and reliable business.
I’ll never recommend this place.

AutoZone sent us here for a broken battery terminal, 4pm on Friday, as you can imagine, we were not hopeful. Pat received us with a smile, he advised that his mechanics were out on a late lunch but if we could wait, they should be able to take care of it quickly. The owner Mark was also welcoming. The mechanic came in 15 minutes after we got there, worked on our vehicle right away, and was done in 5 minutes. What an amazing experience , thank you!!!

I have visited Downtown Automotive twice now for car trouble and routine maintenance. They are always so helpful, quick, and most importantly, honest. He does a great job at explaining the issue with my car and never tries to sell me anything extra, which I really appreciate! I will always go here for my car needs and I recommend them to anyone!

Pat and Eli were extremely polite and worked on my car FAST! I've never had a mechanic get me in and out that quickly. I needed a new battery for my 2013 Toyota and they took care of me. Good business! I'll definitely be coming back.

Downtown Auto is my go-to auto shop in Houston, and for good reason. They have consistently provided me with excellent service at an affordable rate, and genuinely care about providing the best service possible. They also don't waste any time getting to my car and always finish fixing my car same-day which is honestly amazing given some of the car issues I've had. I always have peace of mind taking my car there because I know they'll take care of me. If you're looking for an auto shop, don't hesitate to come here :)

Will not communicate with you or send an estimate, but will perform repairs on your car WITHOUT authorization and damage your vehicle. Will also reassemble your car with missing bolts and will charge you dealership prices for cheap aftermarket parts.

I hoped to have a good experience given Pat’s charisma and knowledge of autos, however I left with a huge bill full of supplemental diagnostic charges (of which any reputable shop would waive if you have then proceed with repair ((which reminder, I did not authorize nor receive a quote for))) and over $1000 in damages to my vehicle and an incomplete repair.

I hope others can have a good experience, and they learn to add protective seat covers and floor mats, as well as how to reassemble your car without forgetting bolts.

Got my state inspection done here, so fast! Absolutely the friendliest staff here, very knowledgeable and such a joy to chat with and get good information about the car/maintenance.

A car shouldn’t leave a shop in WORSE CONDITION than when you bring it in!

Downtown Automotive on Fairview has had my car for months. No communication with me, I had to repeatedly attempt phone calls to get someone on the phone who could actually get me an answer or update.

And that’s if they even answered the phone.

And if they did answer the phone, their response was usually:

“The mechanic is out to lunch”
Or
“Call us back tomorrow”

Only to call tomorrow and have no one ANSWER THE PHONE.

No response to my emails. Nothing.

I finally just showed up to pay for the “work” done and pick up my car, and this is how they left it.

Yes that is a flat tire.
Yes that is a partially disassembled engine.
Yes those are parts and covers just left in the floor of my passenger seat.

And the battery was dead.

I just bought that battery and replaced it two days before I brought it to them.

They said its because I didn’t tell them I was coming.
ITS A LITTLE DIFFICULT TO DO THAT WHEN YOUR SHOP NEVER RETURNS CALLS/EMAILS OR ANSWERS THE PHONE.

When I came back to collect it at the time they said it would be ready, they were still talking about buying parts for it and doing more work, none of which I consented to.

One of the parts they bought “with their own money!” was a part I had already bought, and had in the car, and told them to install when I dropped the car off months ago!

I’m furious.

I want a refund.

DO NOT bring your car here.