Thunderbird Automotive Specialists

3502 W Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053, USA

Address:	3502 W Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053, USA
Phone:	+1 602-938-3631
Site:	tbirdauto.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 89

Reviews 19

Matt Schaefer

I have real mixed emotions about this shop. Four years ago, I bought a house around the corner from this place and begun going here for the occasional oil change and such. I had always been happy with the service received and thought the staff where friendly and fair. Then, last year I took my F-150 in for an oil change and they told me my truck needed a full break job with some new rotors. I was quoted approximately $780 for the work. I declined and a month later had the full break job done at Brake Masters for $240. Fast forward to now, I bought two used cars and took them in to the shop for inspections, paying $61 each. The first vehical they inspected I felt like they gave me a full report and John, the owners son gave me a nice written estimate for the work which was very helpful. The second vehical I felt I was given a vague overview of the cars condition and two issues I already knew the car had where not even identified by the shop. Add to that the tech declined to give me a written estimate. When I said that John had given me one, he went out and brought John in and John explained that they dont provide written estimates and that the other day was just a one time deal to help me out. ... Anyways, a few days later I experienced an issue with the car and took it in to ask them to look at it. John took the keys and I left. The next day he called and told me that the tranny needed a complete rebuild that would cost $3,500. Then he told me that the current bill for the diagnosis was $131.00! I was in sticker shock over the diagnosis cost, especially considering I paid for a full inspection just a few days prior. The next day I picked up the car and paid my surprise bill. When I asked Burt for an explanation of why the bill was $131.00 he was not able to give me a reason or explanation, and when I asked him for clarification on the cars diagnosis he seemed confused and told me the a/c compressor was also going out, which was news to me and did not sound right...the next day I took the car to AAMCO for a second opinion. AAMCO did a multi point inspection and diagnosis free of charge, and quoted me $2,500 for the tranny rebuild, $1,000 less than Thunderbird Automotive. Back to the first new vehicle I brought in for a paid inspection. I had been told it needed some work that was outlined for me by Thunderbird Auto at a cost of $1,350. After the experience I had with the second vehicle I decided to take this one to AAMCO as well for a new inspection and estimate of work. They quoted me $580 for apples to apples work. Thats $770 less! AAMCO also found another issue that Thunderbird had missed as well, and there inspection was free! After all this, I took the written estimate from AAMCO to MIDAS and got pricing that came out to be only $27 more than AAMCOs written estimate. ... At this point I returned to AAMCO to schedual the work. So, in summry of these experiences... I want to support my local neighborhood business. I feel the ownership and staff are personable, and intend to be honest and straight forward, however, despite their claims and some other reviews, their pricing never seems to be on point compared to other local alternative shops pricing and sometimes the the explanation of services and how they arrive at pricing can be ambiguous. Without written estimates I dont know how you would keep track of what your paying for and if its a good price. I doubt I will ever be returning to this shop. I want to, I just know it does not make logical sense to do so given the proven inflated pricing. Their pricing may be within the national averages, but its very high for the Phoenix/Glendale market right now. Its really disappointing.

Anonymous User

A place I would send my mom? Yes, and I could feel good about it too. They do good work and trustworthy.(Thats all I ask for) Ladies, you will love them. I have been there 5 times and I trust them more than the dealer I bought the car from. In the lobby they have letters from people that felt so good afterwards that they took the time to send them a note to thank them.

Angriest Hobbit

Now with my second repair, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM TO EVERYONE!!!!! They are SUPER FAST and highly efficient. They are totally reasonable on their prices and their products and services come with good warranties. They are very friendly and PROFESSIONAL. I will be taking ALL my vehicles to them as long as I live in Phoenix until they give me a reason not to.

busa drue

I do a vast majority of my own work. T bird automotive is the ONLY place I take my car for the items I cant do. I also instructed my daughter that they were the only place she was allowed to take her car. The price quoted is truly the best price youll pay. A VERY professional and courteous staff with top notch work.

Edward Baker

Ive been bring my cars to T Bird auto for about 12 years now. I wouldnt go anywhere else. The cost is reasonable, compared to Dealerships, and the work is done very professional. Tom and his staff are very nice. Ive referred some of my friends and they thanked me for sending them there.

Randy Millsaps

I have an 87 Ford I wanted to restore in memory of my youngest daughter. I had taken it to two other shops that had been highly recommended. They could not get it to pass emissions but this shop did! I think their name says it all, they are truly Automotive Specialists! Thanks so much!

Jessica Santos

My husband took our 2003 ford explorer here because it was running kind of rough in neutral and sputtering in reverse. They took care of us by cutting their diagnosis fee in half and our truck is running beautiful now!

Flor Leyva

They dont help you at all!!!! We had a flat tire right across from them and they instead told us that they couldnt help us but of course they wanted us to buy them a tire. Never coming here for anything ever again!!!!

Gregory Phibbs

I have been having my vehicles serviced here for at least 8 years. John and his dad have always been knowledgeable, friendly and extremely fair. They even helped my wife after closing time.

Joshua Fredrick

This Place is Top Notch. Always willing to answer your questions and I never feel like Im being oversold. I have both of my cars serviced here and I send everyone I know!

Spring M

Happy I gave them a shot, because I am a lifetime customer now. They always go the extra mile. Honest and easy to work with. The work is always done quickly.

Brian Dezarn

Great customer service! Went in for an oil change and they took care of me for a reasonable price. Will definitely be returning!

Melissa Clatone

Fast, friendly, reliable and fairly inexpensive service! This is my new go to place for my Auto Service!

laura gail

I will faithfully support this local family business any day, for as long as I own a vehicle.

Pakelekia Boston

Always good. Professionals. Can fix anything. Best automotive in Surprise AZ

Jesse Perez

500 dollars to change a 50 dollar radiator. No thanks.

Ashley Sumner

Honest fair did a great job on my blazer thanks guys