Budget Brake & Muffler Auto Centres – Vancouver

Brought my car in to get my spark plugs done. They mentioned there was an oil leak so replaced a gasket. Car ran better but with a weird engine shudder that wasn’t there when I gave it to them. Gave it right back, had them look at it. A few hours later I get a call saying my engine is dead. I fire the car up and suddenly my engine sounds like a child banging pots together.
Had my regular mechanic look at the car and he’s convinced that they fired my engine up with no oil in it. They deny this but have yet to give me any story that makes sense. Since I’d payed for the first repairs, I’d gave them $ 1,500 to ruin my car.
Go anywhere else. Literally anywhere. If these guys screw up, they will not own up to it.

If you want honesty, don’t go here. I went to this location because of its relatively decent reviews, but quite frankly, I had two terrible experiences here. If you’re a woman, prepare to be «taken for a ride» and I don’t mean that in a good way.
Here are the facts: I was charged more than $ 500 to fix my engine issues, and drove away with exactly the same problems as before. Here’s the real reason you should never go here: When I went back to get it fixed (the same problem that I had already paid 500 to NOT get fixed), I was advised on what needed to be done (they had the nerve to charge $ 100 a second time for a diagnostic engine scan that certainly didn’t work the first time if they fixed the wrong things), and the NEW estimate was almost $ 900 (on top of the 500 I’d already paid).
I contacted a couple of other shops and was quoted close to HALF THE PRICE ELSEWHERE. The VW Dealership (known for its expensive prices) quoted me $ 490 for the EXACT SAME work. I took my car to Clarkdale VW dealership, and not only did they FIX my problem for 400 dollars less than Budget, but they also washed and vacuumed my car, AND drove me where I needed to go with their shuttle service. I’ll say that Clarence and the mechanics were approachable and seemed like nice enough guys. But at the end of the day the numbers and poor service speak for themselves.

Great service. Took my car in last minute. Needed some serious work done and they were up front and honest with cost before starting. Also provided a courtesy loan car! You must go here!

Took my car in for an oil change — wanted just a basic one but they insisted their total check up package was cheaper at $ 35 bucks. sure enough, within half an hour got a phone call saying my front brakes were ‘totally gone’ and the rotors couldnt even be machined, meaning i needed new rotors too — total cost to replace them — around 450, plus labour. problem is, I just bought this car 6 months ago from a the dealership. went to a mechanic friend for a second opinion, measured the brakes and were told they were fine. called the dealership, and was told that places like budget, kaltire, mr lube etc get you in the door with a cheap oil change but ALWAYS find something that needs replacing.
On top of this, I stupidly gave them my address — literally 2 days later, the junk mail started filling my mailbox.
Go to a local independent mechanic like Kon automotive or Auto unique instead!

I’ve had several inexpensive cars over the past 6 years, all needing repairs at some point and I’ve always been impressed with Budget.
They show me what’s wrong with the car, explain the choices then give me a quote. I’ve never been charged more than the quote or had work done without my permission and the service has been friendly.
Six months ago I made the mistake of taking my car to Midas for a simple oil change because it was close to where I lived. During their ‘inspection’ they damaged my exhaust pipe and told me I needed new brakes. I didn’t believe them so took it to Budget who confirmed the damage to my exhaust then showed me that there was nothing wrong with my brakes! — this was done free of charge and I had no further work done!
I highly recommend these guys for ALL of your repair needs — they do great work!

Granted, my car is an older beater, but the service was lackluster and lazy. I wouldn’t go back.

*3.5 stars*
As a girl, not knowing much about cars, I always have a sense of panic when I have to go to the shop. Am I going to be able to understand what they are talking about? Am I going to get ripped off? It’s like being a tourist in a foreign country.
They get the job done. After a ‘free’ inspection, they showed me what was wrong on my car before fixing it. And knowing I was on a budget (pun intended) told me the «FIX THIS ASAP» things as well as the «you should really fix this in the next few months» things.
Unfortunately, the «free» inspection wasn’t so free after taking into account all the parts and labour… and with my car sitting in a carriage without any wheels 10 feet in the air, I didn’t have time to think about shopping around. But at the end of the day, who am I to complain? They were friendly and helpful, and got the job done. Thanks, Budget!

super friendly owner that won’t rip you off!
I’ve had nothing but good experience with these guys and I recommend them to everyone I know, and everyone I’ve sent their way has had the same experience.
these guys know what they’re doing and are honest. yay!