Friendly Car Care

Wow, absolutely the best auto service I have ever received. For many years we have only visited BMW of Austin as we have two BMWs for all of our service needs. Recently, our 2008 750 iL with 60,000 miles was experiencing an intermittent issue shifting from 1^st to 2^nd gear… a «clunk» or «thump» would occur and no other audible or issue, not even a check engine light.
BMW stated that the car needed a new transmission at $ 12,000. The extended warranty company stated that they needed proof it was the transmission, but BMW could not provide proof. (This was referred to as a «tear down» of the transmission and BMW does not open the transmission.) I called Gregg and explained the dilemma I was in and he could not have been nicer, more professional or more reassuring. He said that he had had several instances where BMW stated that it was the transmission, but that the issue lay elsewhere. He said that he had experience with this sort of thing and that if it was indeed the transmission he thought that he could provide the warranty company with sufficient proof so that they would cover the replacement. It turned out that it had nothing at all to do with the transmission (was actually a bad «drive shaft flex joint») which is apparently a common failure point. $ 543.45 later including extensive time diagnosing the issue and our car is like new.
Additionally, we took our BMW X5 diesel in for service. It needed special exhaust fluid which is sold in 2.5 gallon jugs, but only needed 4 gallons. They asked what I would like to be done with the excess. Wow, real honesty. Beth, Gregg and the rest of the team are fantastic in my book and I won’t be going back to BMW.

I brought my car for a change oil. First, I had a coupon but it did not work because my car used synthetic oil. The next day, I checked again the oil level and it was almost 8 mm up to the max on the stick and the Engine Splash Shield missed! I also noticed that the dashboard was not reset. So, I called the repair shop to bring my car back to the repair shop. They told that the oil level was normal.!! I asked them why Splash Shield missed and I had to ask 4 times to remove the excess oil because that it went to kill my engine seals !! After insisting, they removed the excess oil. For sure, I will never return there after a bad work and after paying $ 92 for a very expensive change oil and the dasboard was never reset !!

Michael and the professional staff at Friendlys is not only friendly but provided expedient and honest quote on my vehicle with very little notice. Although they could not duplicate the problem I was having at that time they did give me some ideas and options that will come in handy. I highly recommend this service to anyone who is looking for honesty and accuracy in automotive diagnostics.

I dropped my car off at 8am on a Friday to get a quote on a number of things. They said they would let me know pricing by the afternoon. I called near the end of the day and was told they didn’t get to it yet and would call me Saturday afternoon. Saturday came and went with no call. I called them on Monday morning and was told they would have a summary for me in the afternoon. They finally did.
The quotes seemed pretty high so I came in to pick up my car right before close and paid $ 100 for their «diagnoses» and to have them tell me what I already knew my car needed. All was fine until I actually went in my car. Not only was there stuff from my glove compartment and side door compartments on the floor and seats of my car (not that way when I dropped it off), but the seat belt covers for my back seats were broken, a portion of my car’s leather cushioning in the back was hanging off the side, my airbag sign on one of my doors was glued back on with a very visible glue (and it fell off a few days later), and the airbag light on my dash was on (not that way when I dropped it off).
I pointed out only the seat belt cover, the cushion and airbag light, not the rest of the mess. No apology was given, in fact and they said the plastic covers, like my car were old, and that’s why they broke. They were not worn or brittle at all. The only way they could have broken was if whoever was handling them did so aggressively and without care. They said they would replace the covers and they put the cushion back. They said I would need to come back in another day for an hour so they can check the airbag light and they would call me when they get the seat belt covers came in (it’s been nearly two weeks and still no call on the covers). Mistakes happen, but to return my car to me in worse condition than I dropped it off in is a huge turn off as was their lackadaisical reaction to that fact. I was raised with the importance of respecting others’ things and if you borrow something, you return it exactly as you received it. Due to their carelessness with my car I will not bring it back to get any service done. How could I feel confident with them going anywhere near my car if they were this careless just in the quoting phase?
I called my old mechanic from out of state who I completely trust and went over what I was quoted. He said the prices were very high. Sure enough I called some other shops here in town and was quoted significantly lower for the same work. Just two of the 5 issues I was quoted for here I was quoted $ 600 less elsewhere. Even crazier, I had another inspection done with a different mechanic and where Friendly said I needed to get something fixed on both sides, I saw with my own eyes how only one side needed fixing as the other side was fine. Friendly quoted me $ 900 for both sides, and the other shop only $ 150 for the one side that actually needed fixing.
The condition my car was returned in and the fact that their carelessness will cost me more money now to get it back to the condition it was in before I left it with them leaves me with a really bad taste in my mouth and is very poor business on their part. I’m scratching my head over there being so many high reviews for this place. My experience with them was anything but 5 stars.

These folks are terrific. Their estimates have been correct to the dollar, the work gets done quickly, and they never try to «upsell» me on stuff I don’t need. As a person who is very far from being a car expert, it means a lot to have a shop I can go to where I honestly don’t worry about getting ripped off. Beth and Greg are happy to explain everything without making me feel like a dolt. The customer area is pristine and pleasant and that says a lot about how the business is run, I think. I’ve been in for three issues of various sizes and complication in the last year and have been perfectly satisfied each time. They’ve made me a customer for life.

So I’ll start this by saying the past 48+ hours have been quite the headache. I use my car all day for work so when it’s out of commission, the business suffers. And when work starts piling up, I stress the hell out because my schedule is very specific & clients are counting on me to be there when I’m supposed to be there. So when my car suddenly wouldn’t start two days ago, it was the end of my world basically.
I’ll back this up a bit further to when this same thing happened to me before summer started. I woke up to go to work, started the car, and nothing. After getting to towed to Friendly, they informed me the fuel pump was busted. Major bummer, cost ~$ 500 or something but they fixed it very quickly and I had my car a day later. Fast forward to two days ago.
I’m out working and all of a sudden engine doesn’t turn over; car won’t start. So I call Friendly and they give me the number to a tower they recommend and I leave my car to be picked up as I Über my way back to my shop to figure out wtf to do. I get a call from Gregg saying it was the fuel pump again and that everything was going to be taken care of as it was all under warranty *wipes sweat from brow* He assured me it’d be ready by the end of the next day. So I call around 2:00pm the next day and they’re working on it, it’s gonna be another hour or so. They call back around 3:15 and tell me it won’t be ready, they need to get an o-​ring from the dealership that’ll come in tomorrow. Boy, I was not happy, and they could tell over the phone. I’m now two days behind on my already insanely busy week.
Forward once more to today. I rent a truck from U-​Haul so I can tear ass around town and get my work done. It’s not exactly cheap. I hear nothing until I call again at 2:00pm to get some piece of mind that I will have my vehicle back at some point that day. I think they can tell I’m pretty stressed about this whole situation. Beth assures me I’ll have my car by the end of the day as they are assured the o-​ring will finally be there. I eventually get the call I’ve been waiting for around 4:00pm saying my car could be picked up around 5. I walked to a place on the way there to have a stress-​washing beer.
As I pick up my car I ask Beth what had gone wrong with the initial fuel pump replacement. She didn’t bullshit or make up some on the spot story. She told me they had only replaced a part of the assembly, but this time the whole thing got swapped out. I really appreciated that. I also paid nothing. Nothing for the new assembly, nothing for the labor, nothing for the tow, as it was all under warranty. I’ll add that this is the 2^nd time I’ve been here where I’ve paid nothing, as they also had fixed a botched oil changed from Jiffy Lube that left my car leaking oil.
To wrap this whole experience up, I am never going to think twice about where to bring my car. These people are honest which is huge to me when dealing with this sort of stuff. And while shit happens, they also do quality work. But when I say honest, I mean in the name as well. I was up these people’s asses when I didn’t have my car for two days. Not once did I get a hint of anyone being put out by my frantic stressing over the phone (sorry, guys/​gals). I will bring my car here every 3 months for a new fuel pump assembly for forever. Thanks yall!
TL;DR These people are quality mechanics that are honest and indeed friendly. Even if you are constantly up their asses.

I’ll agree that the staff, including Beth, is very friendly. But for me, this is where the positive experience ends. I took my vehicle in for an oil change, an alignment, and to have my slightly leaking sun roof checked out prior to a road trip I was taking that weekend. I was later told on the phone by Beth that I would actually need new shocks for the car and that they would run about $ 1000. I agreed to that and picked up the car the next day.
Two days later I head out for my road trip and about three hours in, I decide to use the wipers to clean the windshield. But unfortunately, the fluids were completely drained. I’ve had hundreds of oil changes over the years and have always had the wiper fluids checked and refilled during the process. A little annoying considering I specifically told Beth that I was going on a road trip and wanted to make sure everything was good on the car (not to mention I just dropped $ 1,500 at their shop) but overall, not a huge deal. Then about another hour into the trip the lights on top of my car come flying off, causing damage to another vehicle!
I find it very unusual that I have never had any problems like this with my car and literally two days after I get my car from Friendly this happens. On top of that, my sunroof continued to leak water into the interior of the car and has now caused some water damage to the floorboards and carpeting.
I spoke with Beth upon my return about all of the issues I was having since the repairs took place, and after a few days «of investigating» was told that they had done absolutely nothing wrong and would not be willing to help resolve the issue. She explained to me that the technician noticed that a plastic piece on the lighting system was loose so he added a few screws. I’m completely confused as to why this wasn’t relayed to me so that I could make an actual repair before the trip. In the end it would have only led to a bigger invoice for them.
I manage an enormous apartment property within blocks of the shop and will be informing all of my clients to steer clear of «Friendly» and risk taking their cars somewhere else. I definitely suggest to anyone reading this to do the same.

⁶⁄₁₅ Another great experience with Friendly! At this point my car won’t go anywhere else and anyone who needs car work gets a strong suggestion from me to check them out.

Best shop in Austin! They explain everything clearly, don’t try to gouge you and stand behind their work. Even though I have to drive a bit, I won’t take my truck anywhere else.

Fast friendly and great service. The front office staff where very knowledgable and not pushy. They really know cars and provide a fair and trustworthy service. I would definitely recommend them.

These guys really know cars! More importantly, they truly are friendly. I have been there for various service on our household vehicles. A few times, my concerns were checked and to my surprise simple resolutions not requiring any service from the shop.
Another shop could have easily taken me for hundreds. I have also witnessed an unsolicited act of kindness from the owner.
One thing that stands out to me about Friendly Car Care is the knowledge I walk away with when I do have my vehicles serviced. So often you are left at the mercy of the mechanic and having to blindly trust their diagnostics. Here, I’m able to walk away satisfied and a bit wiser.

I have always had a good experience here. For a while I was just bringing my car in for oil changes. And then when my car needed more, I came back. I honestly feel like I can trust them. I think he’s the manager, Gregg, is great. Overall, a very positive experience here

Great local business! Gregg explains every detail of the repair (s) needed. I have been taking my vehicles there for a number of years & will not take them anywhere else. In other words my cars may change but I will not change mechanics! They are great for routine visits all the way to major repairs!

Great service, and nice people, but I was disappointed in the inspection I received. My car had two recalls (which I was not aware of) when I took it in to be inspected for an issue related to the throttle. I ended up paying to have them inspect my vehicle, and they fixed a small filter and then turned it back over to me.
A month later, the issue with the throttle returned. I brought it back and asked them to check the codes. When doing so, the problem read as related to a different issue than the previous one I had brought it in for, and therefore they wanted me to pay to have it inspected again. I asked to do a little research before we dove back into a full inspection, and upon doing so they realized there were two recalls that needed to be addressed.
While I shoulder some responsibility for staying abreast on recalls for my car, they should have checked before making me pay for a full inspection, fixing an unrelated issue, and then sending me back out on the road with a still-​malfunctioning vehicle.

They live up to their name!
They worked on my GMC SUV quickly and even explained to me what was wrong with it. They offered me a ride home but I sat in the lobby which was surprisingly comfortable and got some work done. After the diagnostic test they told me a time the repairs would be completed. I took them up on their offer of a ride home. Repairs were done in the time quoted and the price ended up actually being LESS than what we had discussed. Overall this was an amazing experience– I went into it dreading the headache and came out with a happy truck and confident in a repair shop that I trust. Many thanks to the staff :)

I don’t see how it could be better. Greeted by the owner, offered coffee/​tea/​water in a comfortable setting that was clean (lay off on the pine sol ?!). They were fast and I didn’t spend a fortune. It was just an oil change but that should be easy right? And it was!
Bonus, they rotate tires with an oil change. I’ll be back!

This is a great local facility. I have been bringing my truck here for 8 years now and the service has been outstanding, affordable, and professional. I have been working on cars myself for years and can say you can trust these guys to get the job done right. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. the garage is clean, uses the newest technology and easy to get a appointment.
I highly recommend this garage for basic to advanced service

I’ve been here a couple times in the past year or so to have my car looked at for various «weird» sounds and whatnot and they have always been SO friendly (it’s not just their name!) and helpful. They beat my quoted estimate if another place by almost $ 200 in one instance.
Everyone is nice and you can tell they actually try to take care of you. I have recommended them to everyone I know. Really, give them a shot!

I went to FCC this morning for an oil change. They promised to be done in an hour or so, and I sat down in the waiting area and had a very good cup of coffee. It took, alas, almost two hours. When I went to check out, they comped me the entire cost of the oil change (and tire rotation). I tried to pay for supplies at least and they politely refused. Fantastic service!
FCC changed owners about 18 months ago, and I was afraid that the quality of the service would suffer. I must say that from my perspective, it has gotten only better.
By the way, FCC will happily let you bring in your own oil, if you can get a better deal on Mobil 1 at Wally-​World, for instance.

–3 stars because when they had assessed what was wrong with our car, they had told us the repair might require one of two fixes. They had said it could be completed in one day if we bring it in in the morning. They attempted to repair it using the first approach. This didn’t work. They called and told us to do the second approach they would have to order a part and it would take an additional 3 days and that at this point that would be our only option since they cannot put the car back together without the part. Well. we only own 1 car. They should have been up front and let us know that the repair would take 1 – 3 days since they knew they didn’t have the part. So we were stuck.
+1 star because they have an excellent break room. It’s clean, complimentary bottled water, free wifi, cable tv. The situation was more sticky since this was our only car. I ended up renting a car to get us through the workday. Friendly was willing to pick me up from the Avis down the street.