Lawson Tire & Automotive

This is one of those rare businesses that makes you wish it was possible to write a 6-​star review. I had a feeling these guys were awesome when I called in to make an appointment, as when I was on the phone with them I overheard someone telling another customer that they would probably get a better deal on the tires they needed at one of the chain tire stores.
Much of what I want to say has already been said, but here it goes…
I think most importantly what you look for in a mechanic is honesty and these guys truly impressed in that category — I took my SUV in for two reasons, 1. because it was making a loud noise when accelerating, which thanks to my amateur mechanic research and knowledge I was pretty sure would require replacement of the timing belt and pulleys (easily a $ 1500+ job) and 2. because I was convinced brake pads needed to be replaced (as the car is 5+ years old and still running on the factory pad). They could have easily told me my suspicions were correct and done over 2K of unnecessary work on my car, but instead they took some time to diagnose the issue/​inspect the brake pads and advised me that, 1. the loud noise was due to very low oil level, and was resolved by adding a couple of quarts, and 2. the brake pads still had over 50% life left.
I think it is also very important for mechanics to take their time to explain issues to you, in a way that you can understand, which my issues weren’t very complicated to explain, but Scott made sure I was clear on his findings/​recommendations and gave me a good amount of detail.
Lastly, I think it’s awesome when mechanics give you tips to keep your car running smoothly in a way that they’re not trying to upsell you on anything. For example, Scott didn’t just say something like «you should use synthetic oil, because it’s better» — he clearly explained why it was better for the particular engine type in my car.
Needless to say, my car’s been running very smoothly since I picked it up from Lawson, and I will definitely be going back there for all my automotive needs!

Scott was great. Went in for a transmission thing and had planned on doing a change/​flush until he let me know it likely wouldn’t help my issue and could actually hurt it.
So, appreciate the honesty for sure. That’s all anybody wants ultimately.
Engine oil change was quick and reasonable at $ 40.

I wanted to update this because knowing what i know now, that wasn’t a fair review. These are great, hardworking people who deserve your business.

I received (and observed) attentive customer service while in their waiting room. They did a great job with an alignment on my old car.

Me: So where’s the sticker?
Lawson Automotive manager, Scott: You don’t get a sticker.
Me: Why not? I need a sticker.
Scott: No, you don’t get one anymore.
Me: But I came here to get my sticker, Scott. Are you punishing me? This seems unfair.
Scott: No, no, Texas doesn’t use stickers any more. They just put a notice in your file that you’ve paid. It’s been very confusing to everyone.
Me: How about if I pay extra. Can I get a sticker then? Like a Premium Sticker?
Scott: No. there are no more stickers. The stickers are gone. Just a memory.
Me: Can you put the old sticker back on? I feel naked driving around without a sticker.
Scott: Seriously Mike, you don’t need the sticker. The police aren’t even looking for the sticker. I don’t have any stickers any more. I’ve made the notation in your file and sent it to the State. You’re fine. You can drive the car legally just like it is.
Me: I’m not trying to say I drive around naked or anything. I’ve never done that. At least, I’ve never done it as an adult. I did it once when I was a teenager, but let’s face it we all do crazy stuff when we’re teenagers. And I was trying to impress a girl. It didn’t work, but her friend was kind of impressed so we dated a few times.
Scott: Wow, look at all the customers in the office! I should go.
Me: Actually, I did drive around naked once as an adult. But I was was on private property so I don’t think… Scott? Wait up!
Scott: Um, sorry, gotta run. Your keys are in the car. You’re good to go buddy! I have a ton of stuff to do! Remember, Texas doesn’t use stickers anymore so drive safe!
They do great automotive work, charge reasonable prices, have a cool dog that hangs out in the office and likes to be petted, And if you need to hang out while they work on your car, there’s an ‘antiques’ store at the corner and Gordo’s tacos and brisket truck is a minute away on foot! Win/​Win!

I’ve been to a lot of other places trying to deal with service for a Volkswagen I had. Awful experiences most places. I now have an American car but based on experiences with customer service and auto service all over Austin, I can say that Lawson is tops. Scott always takes time to explain things to me as often as I need and the work is always really good. This means I don’t have to go back to get it redone all the time like at some other shops I’ve dealt with. When there is work that needs to be done the shop explains it in order of priority. I’ve double checked some estimates elsewhere and find that Lawson is always very honest and reasonable. It’s easy to make an appointment to get my car seen and the shop is flexible on them. I make an effort to come here anytime my car needs anything done now. Recommended.

I’ve been a customer for about 5 years. Scott always answers the phone, is personable and friendly, and takes time to really explain things to me. The price is always fair, they NEVER try to talk me into doing unnecessary repairs, and the turn-​around is very quick. I’m grateful for a place I feel I can trust.

I was referred to Lawson 4 years ago and have never looked elsewhere. They are fast, friendly and fair. Doing business with them reminds me of the old-​school repair shops I grew up seeing as a kid in the 70’s and 80’s. They «get it» when it come to service and satisfaction. I have had numerous repairs done over the years and I have been very pleased. You will not regret giving these guys a call for your next automotive repair.

Follow-​up on my visit to Lawson last week. Once again, these guys were great. I was hearing a weird noise upon braking on a Saturday. Gave Lawson a call to ask for a recommendation as to what was going on — I had no idea. The man answering the phone was extremely knowledgable, offered quite a bit of information and scheduled for me to bring in my car 1^st thing Monday morning.
I arrived Monday morning and they immediately got my car in and found the problem. They took the time to explain the problem to me, breaking everything down in layman’s terms, without sounding condescending. In fact, he told me he thought my car might still be under warranty and to check before having them fix it. He could have easily withheld this info.
I’ve been to Lawson’s twice and in the past two weeks and have really appreciated the genuine nature and quality service. I’ll def. be back & recommend to anyone needing a mechanic.

I’ve gotten two Groupons with these guys (used one – still have another. It’s a REALLY amazing deal) and will continue to get my car serviced here even after the Groupons are gone. The service really can’t be beat. These guys are on top of it – friendly, fast, and efficient. I’ve never had any issues using the Groupons – you do have to call ahead and make an appointment and it usually does have to fall during 8 – 5 hours, but I work around it since the deal is so exceptional. They are also a bit out of the way, but I don’t mind making an effort to give my business to those that deserve it. Lawson Time & Automotive is the best place in town.

The best automotive place in town. Very honest and do great work. Very good at communicating and prioritizing work. They don’t try to up sell or get you to do more work than is necessary. I have been going here for a couple yrs and have always been pleased. I won’t take my cars anywhere else

If you’re going to buy a Groupon, read the fine print and make an appointment. I bought a Groupon and did just that. When I called, Scott answered the phone and was super friendly and accommodating. I let them before I scheduled my appointment, that I purchased a Groupon. My appointment was made for a time that best suited me and my schedule. I arrived for my appointment and it was preformed efficiently with no up sell. As I was leaving, Scott gave me some up keep advice for my car and gave the facts on what they found. I was very happy with my experience and would go again, with or without a Groupon.

Best Automotive place. Ever.
I made an appointment to get my oil changed with a Groupon that I found for $ 16 which included the 5 qt oil change, a new standard filter and 22-​point inspection. I didn’t really have any expectations — just to get my oil changed and be on my merry way.
I made an appointment earlier in the week on Friday. I pulled up to a rather large parking lot which, oddly enough, was appealing to me. I walked in and Scott happily greeted me. I gave him my groupon number and he took my keys. I then proceeded to wait in the lobby.
The lobby is clean with a green couch and tons of magazines. The owner, I believe his name is Steve, was in the office as well. There were several people that came in and out of the place while I waited. I overheard Scott on the phone with several folks trying to get them parts and all for fair prices. Scott has been at Lawson’s for 4 years and really knows his stuff.
The other staff here are pretty great too! They do a phenomenal job. After I was ready to checkout, so-​to-​speak, Scott said his guys took a look at my engine and noticed a few things to be aware of. I appreciated the feedback and said I’d be hoping to sell my car soon. He said he knew of a lady that was looking to buy! So needless to say, I might be getting a new car sooner than I had hoped!
Overall, this place is fantastic. Who can say they know an «HONEST» mechanic /​auto place? I certainly can! I will be recommending anyone I know to take their vehicles here. It is the only place I will go and the only place I trust.
Thanks to Lawson’s for being awesome and shout out to Scott!

It doesn’t get any better than Lawson’s! Highlights:
HONEST (important when it comes to a mechanic!)
They take the time to FULLY explain everything.
I have NEVER been upsold.
HELPFUL-​picked me up off the side of the road!
QUALITY: I’ve never had anything fritz out on me or break after they’ve worked on it!
And, a BONUS: offers Groupons from time to time!
Lawson’s is simply the best auto place ever =D

Always pleased with Lawson. They are fair, honest, and well just a solid mechanic’s shop. I also referred a friend that had his engine light on, and it wouldn’t pass inspection, so they told him about this cool program where the state can help fund the fix and they are not even an authorized shop for that program… so for them to be willing to turn business away just to help someone out is pretty much unheard of. They could of easily given him the quote (which was 300 dollars cheaper than the other guy) and fixed it and taken his money, but they went above and beyond and helped him get signed up for the program that the state would help pay for the repair at authorized shop! They are nice and very fair, can’t ask for much else in a repair shop. I won’t go anywhere else. I take all my cars, even my company vehicles to Lawsons.

I took my Honda Civic into Lawson, because I was tired of getting the run-​around from another mechanic in town. He’d fix it and then I’d have to be back in a few months.
Scott McHone is the manager and he did an excellent job of educating me on what was really going on with the vehicle. In this economy, we’re all sensitive to price, he was very honest about his costs and gave me two options to fix my car – one was for the short term (which cost less), the other for the long term (which cost more).
I went with the long-​term option because I did not want to have to keep fussing with the car.
Well…I noticed that once my car was repaired it started to make another noise, so I called Scott and he had me take the car back in and apologized for the inconvenience and made it right – without charging me extra (and he gave me a coupon for a free oil change for my trouble)!
These guys are the real deal. I live in NE Austin and they’re located in SW Austin and I don’t mind the 30 min drive to take care of my car, because I know they’re going to stand by their work and give me a fair price.
If you want FAIR. FRIENDLY and RELIABLE car service, this is the place to go to!

Excellent customer service and work done at a fair price. All of our questions were answered quickly and to our satisfaction. We have found our family automotive shop and will continue to bring our vehicles to Lawson’s!

In short, take your car here. You won’t be disappointed.
I sent my wife to Lawson Automotive for an inspection and oil change after a recommendation from a friend and she came back saying it was the best experience she’d had at an automobile repair shop. Scott was patient and helpful, even to the extent of providing other places to get an estimate to repair an issue they discovered during the inspection.
I have also had the opportunity to meet the owner (Steve) on several occasions and have always been impressed with his candor, professionalism and polite manner.

I am very pleased to see that the guy that made me leave this repair shop has been replaced by a much much nicer guy who is managing the front desk who gave me a call regarding my previous bad experiences I reported on Unilocal.He understood my concerns and said that the things I complained about would not ever happen again. He was so very nice, that my husband brought his car in today for an oil change and an estimate on a tune-​up.
I was very pleased that when I asked questions about the preposed tune-​up, he talked to me like a human being, explained how he came to the estimate and was just generally very attentive to my concerns. I like cars a lot and I like to ask questions and I appreciate it when folks at mechanic’s shops discuss my cars with me.
I am cautiously optimistic that this place is on the upswing once again. Plugs were replaced, but was surprised that the engine light was not reset. They thought it was the gas cap, so I just went and bought my own. Why wouldn’t they reset the code? Car seems to run fine, though.

It’s great to have a relationship with a local garage that you can trust. Not only is Jeff, Lawson’s Manager, willing to come out and take a quick look at something small and fix it on the spot, but my car is always fixed according to the timetable I am given. Estimates are up front and honest and there is an honest assessment of what needs to be done and what might need to be done down the road as my car ages.
I couldn’t be more pleased!