Toy Auto Masters

My father was an auto mechanic for 45 years, a great resource to have in the family given how hard it is to find someone you can trust with your car. I can honestly tell you with Dave and his team, it is like having a father taking care of your car!

Don’t go, your car will sit there for weeks, you will pay a fortune for a cheap part/​repair. Plus, your car will have more problems after you get it back. I had my car to a trusted mechanic before this place and it did not have the problems it does now. I will be repairing my own vehicle from now on. I really do not understand how this place has any 5 star reviews. If you take your car in, don’t expect anyone to call you when the work is finished. Don’t expect your your car back without your effort to the point of exhaustion, calling them every 3 days. Still the car has not been repaired. A couple of weeks go by and still the car is not repaired. I was worried that I was going to be forced to pay for lot rent. Or, maybe this was a joke, maybe I was being «Punked» or something. However, with a straight face after weeks of having my car, and feeling like I was becoming a stalker, the guy finally had it repaired. Did he call to let me know? No. It was just that I happened to call after doing everything possible to get the car fixed, short of putting the part on myself. It would have been faster, and my car would not be leaking crap now. Which, it was not leaking before I took it in. I had my other mechanic take care of the car before taking it to this shop, he’s just further away. I can’t wait to see what he says because he saw it only 900 miles ago, which is now months later thanks to this useless people. Just do not go, you will be over charged, your car will come back in worse condition. Bad, bad, bad. Fix the car yourself, it’s getting warm outside, almost summer!

I just moved to Denver at the end of 2015 and I was incredibly lucky to locate this auto repair shop recently (Feb 2016). When I took my 2002 Corolla to the Groove Toyota dealership in Englewood they found a dead battery, leaky valve cover gasket, leaky rack-​and-​pinion and timing chain tensioner o-​ring. They told me that they would be happy to change out the battery for $ 150 + labor! Of course, I declined because I knew that I could replace the battery myself for a lot less, which I did. Anyways, I decided to not even ask how much the other two jobs would be, as I assume they would have wanted $ 400 – 600 for changing out the gasket and o-​ring (Quite a bit of labor to change these parts, but the parts are cheap).
Next, based on google reviews of Toyota specialty shops I gave auto masters a call. Phil answered the phone and gave me a quote of $ 200. He was friendly, knowledgeable and patient with all my questions regarding the service and leaky rack-​and-​pinion.
When I arrived for service, Phil was quick to check me in and answer some additional questions that I had about my vehicle. Their waiting room is nice for a small business and was stocked with a complementary Keurig and bottled water (awesome!). By all means, don’t expect a waiting room that you would encounter at a luxury car dealership, but it was very nice for a small specialty shop.
I used their shuttle service and in the process, I met Dave Watson, who is the owner of the business. I really enjoyed speaking with this gentleman, mainly about his business model and company history. Dave really knows Toyotas and I doubt many Toyota dealerships have the technical and experienced based expertise of the staff at Toy-​Auto masters. The only issue I had with the shuttle service was completely my fault, as when he returned to pick me up I had a mobile phone reception issue and he had to wait 40 minutes for me! Anyways, he was very patient with me and picked me up after waiting for nearly 40 minutes. I felt terrible about it, but Dave brushed it off and reassured me that it was of no concern. So, this was a case-​in-​point example to me of how they are willing to go the extra mile for their customers.
When I returned to the Toy-​Auto Masters service center, Phil explained the work that had been done and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the final price was cheaper that what I was originally quoted over the phone! (Fantastic!) Phil also told me that the rack-​and-​pinion steering had a tiny leak that did not warrant repair (Relief given that it would have been a $ 850 repair job, probably $ 2k at the dealership), but they will monitor the status of the leak at each subsequent service. I also checked the quality of the work performed and everything had been cleaned of oil and all bolts/​cables were properly secured. Considering that I paid less than half of what I would have paid at a dealership, the quality of service, convenient shuttle service, honest and knowledgeable staff I plan to return for all of my service needs. I honestly cannot complain about anything with regard to my experience with Toy-​Auto, as this was the best service experience that I have ever had; accordingly, I highly recommend Toy-​Auto Masters!
Thanks Toy-​Auto Masters! A+!

These guys are great. Incredibly helpful, sincere and honest. I highly recommend them to other Toyota owners.

My dad has been taking our family cars here for 15+ years. Naturally, when I got my own Toyota, I started taking it here as well. For 10 years I have always been very happy with the work they’ve done on my vehicle and the customer service I have received. I have recommended them to many people. I even followed them when they changed locations. I don’t know a lot about cars, but I always appreciated that they didn’t talk down to me and I didn’t feel taken advantage of. Because of the loyalty I’ve had, I was extremely disappointed with a recent experience I had.
Last week, I brought my car in when a bunch of warning lights came on and it started behaving weirdly. In addition to some regular maintenance, I was told that I needed a new wheel bearing and possibly a wheel hub. Upon further inspection, it turned out I only needed a new wheel bearing. Four days later my car was ready to be picked up. I asked for a price total over the phone and was told $ 768.79. I got to the shop and noticed that the invoice listed the cost for the wheel hub that I was told I didn’t need. I pointed it out and Dave immediately adjusted the invoice saying «that will save you about 100 bucks.» I paid $ 654.06 and left.
Within minutes of leaving the shop, the same warning lights came back on. The car was making a horrible noise and seemed worse than before I had dropped it off. It seemed weird that they wouldn’t notice this during a post-​service test drive. I went back to the shop and one of the techs took my car out for a drive. I was told that the new wheel bearing was defective and they would put in a new one under warranty. Unfortunately, it was Friday which meant I would be without my car for the weekend. I was irritated that this wasn’t noticed prior to me picking it up, but I tried to be understanding.
Monday rolls around. It was 1230pm, and I still hadn’t received an update on my car. I called the shop about the status and found out that my car was fixed and ready to be picked up. I show up at the shop and am told that my total is $ 214.23. I was obviously surprised since I had already paid once before AND no one had called to inform me of any additional work that needed to be done. I was told that I did, in fact, end up needing a new hub. I was frustrated because I had previously been told the hub was not damaged. However, more upsetting to me was that removing the hub from my invoice just days before saved me $ 114.73, yet now the price for the hub was $ 214.23. I asked about the difference in prices (at the time I didn’t have my notes to see exactly what the numbers were) and my concerns were shrugged off. No effort was made to try to explain the difference or what was going on. I was told that they were «not trying to pull the wool over my eyes», but that’s exactly what it felt like they were doing.
I am so disappointed in both the service to my vehicle as well as the customer service I received. Even more disappointing is that now I have to try to find a new mechanic that I can trust.

Took my car there a few months ago and finally getting around to writing a review. I first took my car to Firestone on Holly and County line. I had a break job done. I also asked them to check the clutch as it was shuttering. They did the break job and didn’t know what was causing the shutter. They also said my shocks and struts were leaking and they need to be replace. Also said the belt needed replacing and the tires were shot. I knew about the tires but I really doubted the shocks were leaking as they said the same thing about my wife’s car. I took the car to Toy Auto Masters. They properly diagnosed the repair to the clutch and told me that the shocks and struts were completely dry. There quote on the clutch job was high but I appreciated all other aspects of their service.

WHOA. This place seemed to be quite expensive, but they did the work they said they would. I paid just under $ 800 for both differentials to be flushed and ceramic brake job with new rotors. Nice enough guys, but I think I’ll look around more before I go back. I just have that feeling like I was had.
Work took over seven hours to complete nothing complicated. Dropped my car off @ 7:30 and picked it up @ 2:30, kinda out of line when I had and appointment and they knew what I was coming in for…

The price for repair is sometimes higher depending on what you have done, but the advice and knowledge this establishment has is unsurpassed. Phil is knowledgeable, honest, upfront; everything you want in a mechanic. I don’t recommend oil changes here as it’s cheaper to have it done at Brakes Plus or Jiffy Lube, for example. However, for a tune-​up, minor or major repair. Don’t even look anywhere else if you drive a Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura. My friend from Castle Rock comes here as well.

Brought in my wife’s Sienna with over 100k miles on it, had major work done. Have been very pleased with the results. Had a lot done, spent a lot of money, very happy with the result.
Dealing with Phil and Dave was a good experience for us and have found our spot to bring our cars.

I returned to Toy Auto Masters because my Lexus had A/​C problems and I was due for new brakes and an oil change. I brought my car in on a Thursday. I was expecting to be carless for the weekend which was fine since I work from home. I got a call from Phil in the afternoon apologizing for not having the car done (same day!). The techs were backed up. I told him it was fine and I was appreciative of the update. I was impressed they were expecting to get the car done by the end of day. Perhaps its just my previous experiences with other places. Anyway another great service from these folks.

Very happy with the prompt and above and beyond customer service. I was able to get my car in the same day, and was picked up by the owner when I didn’t have a ride to pick up my car. I love my Accord with 222k miles, and they (without asking) gave me an overview of potential problems. Fortunately after the new starter my car is going to make it a few more miles! :-)

I have been taking my family’s cars to this shop for several years. We heard about them from another family member who had a great experience there. I must say that I have been very satisfied with all the work that they have done. The work that I had them do was not just simple oil changes. Many of the jobs were complex, like major front end work. I trust them for that. They get it right, and treat you right.
Update October 2012:
Everything previously stated is true. However, recently, I was disappointed with faulty repairs. The last time I took a car there, one simple repair turned into another problem, taking the car back fixed the problem and created another problem. This is a bad sign.
To make it worse, the phone guy told me several outright lies. I know that he is chatty and efficient, but he ruined my confidence in the business.
Some of the things he said were debatable. Others were proven to be complete BS. So in all fairness, I would no longer recommend this shop.

Differently worth 5 stars.
I used to take my Tacoma there. Always got good advice, work was done quickly and professionally. I never felt pressured to make insignificant repairs. When my truck was on its last legs, they advised me to sell it rather than attempt to repair. My girlfriend felt comfortable there and felt they were not talking down to her, or trying to take advantage of her.

My check engine light came on and Dave got me in right away. Unfortunately, the prognosis was NOT good. Due to another business’s neglect and incompetence, I have severe issues with my car. But Phil and Dave sat me down and explained everything, apologizing repeatedly for being the bearers of bad news. They were very sweet and understanding, and their mechanic spent hours determining what the problem was, with minimal charge. They gave me a ride home and are currently helping me work through the issue with the business at fault. I LOVE this place!

Why 5 stars, here’s why:
1. Dave and all his crew are very nice and friendy, and that is important when you grumpy that your car has a problem (not that I knew I had a problem after getting a «25point» inspection at the dealer).
2. Shuttle Service — always nice, especially at an independent shop.
3. The mechanic came out when I picked up so I could ask him any questions. I love it when I can talk to the mechanic at pick-​up time.
4. Honesty and Intregrity! Yes, exactly. (see below)
5. It seems they don’t want to take your money unless you need to spend it. Wow, what a concept!
I took my Toyota Sienna to the dealer and had it aligned, oil changed, and an inspection (we’re getting ready to drive over the Rockies and back and I told them to please inspect thoroughly). The dealer returned it with no problems reported. The dealer also mentioned I was due for a 30k service but I’d have to make another appointment for that (seriously?).
So, I took it to Toy-​Auto Masters to get the power-​steering, transmission, brakes and coolant flushed for safe measure (what was left on the 30k mtc over what I already did) — the car is 4 years old now. Dave told me he’d inspect them all and flush unless it looked excellent. The expected bill was about $ 430.
Toy-​Auto Masters called me back a little later. They would do the brakes ($ 120), but didn’t want to do the others because the coolant is life-​time, shouldn’t need flushing and looked great, plus I had a leak from the Transmission Pan Gasket that they said the dealer should repair under warranty. Also it had a leak from the Power Steering Rack. They suggested I take it back and push for a «good will» repair on the steering rack. They were honest enough to tell me what the dealer didn’t (I’m guessing the dealer would have waited til spring when my powertrain warranty expired), and to send me back to the dealer with details on what was wrong.
So, in the end, Toy Auto Masters gave up $ 300 (or a couple thousand if they just said they’d repair it) and the Dealer is doing the repairs, plus Toyota is covering the power steering rack parts ($ 600) and I only pay for the labor ($ 330). All in all, I’m paying what I expected to pay but I’ll have two issues corrected too.
That is why I am giving them 5 stars. While I still have a warranty on the power-​train until next March, I’m taking my van to Toy Auto Masters from here on out.
2010÷12÷17 update: A couple months after this visit we got the engine warning light and some other signals. Toy Auto Masters again pointed us back to the dealer to have our Catalytic Converter replaced. This would have been a very expensive repair, but they told us about the 8yr/​80k warranty on emissions equipment. We also had them replace our broken right side mirror, a quick and great job. 5 stars again!
2011÷03÷23 update: Yep, same thing, great service. Was thinking of doing some work on my car, but after looking at it decided I didn’t have time to try it. I took it to Toy Auto Masters and they did the work using my parts and then even better, the bill turned out about 20% less than the estimate. Honesty and Integrity. Oh, and my car is running really well now.

I would highly recommend this place. I took my Toyota truck to Groove after the clutch started giving me problems. Groove wanted $ 850 to replace the clutch pedal bracket. Toy Auto repaired it for less than $ 300. Toy Auto has also replaced my air conditioning compressor for $ 500 less than the dealer quoted. I have not had a single problem with anything Toy Auto has repaired. They are at least 25−50% cheaper than a dealer, and their work is excellent.

Dave did a great job on my car. He also was very kind and his prices were lower than other auto shops. His shop doesn’t cheat you out of your money.

These guys did a great job repairing the air conditioning on my old Lexus, and provided an 18 month warranty on the work as well. All for much less cost then the Lexus dealers were estimating. Don’t expect a Lexus dealership’s waiting room, but the quality of service is as good or better.