Honest-1 Auto Care

1565 Hamline Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108, USA

Address:	1565 Hamline Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
Phone:	+1 651-645-5434
Site:	honest1hamlinehoyt.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 8AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 6

Reviews 6

Annie and Jesse Maloney

I have been going to H/H for 20 years and have appreciated the no frills, honest service. H/H was truly a gem in the auto repair arena. I brought my car there a couple of days ago and asked for a diagnostic since there was some misfire. Post diagnostic, a man I didnt recognize told me to get a gasket replaced around the pistons. He then said that I needed to get the spark plugs, wires, distributor all replaced too for a price of over $500 (parts plus 2.5 hours labor). I was a bit taken back since my car is a 96 and is barely worth $500. I asked if I could just get the bare necessities (gasket) replaced so I wouldnt have to fork out so much. They said I could only do all of it at once ( Ive never had that type of response from Steve or Kevin. They will always tell me the one thing that will get me another year of running without any upsale). I figured Ive always trusted H/H to be honest so I went with it against my better judgement. I left a note in the drop box with my key asking them to check on a squeaky belt along with the repairs. I went to pick my car up the next day and they said it wasnt ready because they were busy that day. He said they were just about to start on my car and they would have it done in 1 hour to 1 hour 15 min. I said, "oh, I thought it would be 2.5 hours labor." He stuttered for a moment and said, "Oh, that means labor plus the time to go get the parts". I went and waited at a relatives house who lives in the neighborhood. She said, "Did you know that Hamline Hoyt was sold to new owners?" Bells went off in my head. I went back to get my car. I was charged more than the original quoted price for less labor. When I asked about the belt, he said he replaced it but forgot to bill me, then he said he didnt replace it but would replace it if I brought it in the next day. I told him I didnt want it replaced, I just wanted it tightened (this is a basic tune up that takes 5 min or less). I left $600 poorer with an uneasy feeling in my gut. Trying to leave an objective review, I wont slander the new mgt and say that I was mistreated but I will say that I felt that the new mgt did not have my best interests in mind like Steve and Kevin did. I feel that they did the work they said they would but I also feel that I was up-sold and that they are quick to take the more expensive route without much diagnostic. I dont think they are dishonest. In fact, I think that their work is fast and reliable. I just dont think it is a cut above the rest like it used to be. I will be going to Best Auto on Maryland from now on. Im sorry its an end of an era for me. I looked at the old plaque on the wall that reads, "Hands for work, Heart for God". Man, I will miss seeing that plaque with Steves warm welcome.

Annika Williamson

I was primarily working with Jeff. I called in to have an inspection on a new vehicle I was planning on purchasing. He gave me a little information over the phone before I even stepped into their shop. I was a little apprehensive at first, all of my previous auto experiences have not been great. These guys at Honest 1 auto are amazing! Jeff talked to me like I was a human being and told me what was wrong with the car and explained everything in detail. He even drew me a little picture of how my engine works in my car. If you want a true and sincere auto experience without an auto mechanic to try and boost his sales. I highly recommend that you take your vehicle or any future vehicles to them. Since I was planning on purchasing a car, he even looked up the car fax information. I had that already, but he didnt know. He did that from the good will of his heart. You will receive great customer service and gain knowledge of how to maintain your vehicle. I am a satisfied customer. I will not be going else where to get my car serviced. Way to go guys!

Jessica Lambert

I love Honest-1! As a woman, they are respectful and courteous - and never charge ridiculous rates or condescend. As an owner of a series of sh*tty used cars prior to the one I have now, Im pretty familiar with terrible and rude mechanics and standard labor charges and part costs vs. getting ripped off. I came in because my car was rattling, and they discovered a detached clamp around my exhaust pipe that had no real structural importance. They immediately consulted me, removed it in about five minutes, and sent me on my way, free of charge! I had an 11 am appointment and I was out of there, sans rattling, and home by 11:20. Ive done repairs here before and they have always been fast, reliable, and affordable. I will never go to another mechanic! (Plus, being right next to a cafe is a great way to spend the time, even though their waiting room has a full cappuccino and coffee bar set up and TV). Thanks to Dennis and co!

Nina RR

Bait and Switch I brought my car in to have the air conditioner serviced. I get a call a few hours later that my water pump needs to be replaced, once I agree to that and they complete replacing my water pump they call me back and tell me they cannot service my air conditioner. Certainly not honest or up front. *Update* When I consulted with a sales associate about what actually happened to my car during service, they confirmed that this shop is absolutely unable to service the air conditioning on a hybrid car at this location (Yet, they still took the appointment). Also, as I was leaving a technician told me that after working on my car and turning it on he could smell burning wires but was not sure where it was coming from. The sales associate I worked with neglected to mention anything about this new burning smell coming from my car. The sales associate, John Jelle, was very patronizing and unhelpful.

Matthew Steffes

Bryan and the crew at Honest-1 are incredible. My fiancee and I bring both of our vehicles in for all of the repairs and scheduled maintenance and they are always friendly and ready to help. Between our two cars we have had multiple oil changes and tire rotations done, as well as brake, suspension and engine work done and have always been happy with both their service and price. I dont worry about being over billed or sold things I dont need when I go in as they are straight shooters who I feel genuinely care about their customers. I really cannot say enough good things about the Hamline-Hoyt Honest-1 shop.

Brienne B

I called to see if they could replace my window at 9:55am. The man on the phone answered immediately, was very helpful and knowledgeable. He gave me an estimate for labor, we chatted for a minute about the issue and he said to bring it over. He said hopefully they would have time for it before they closed at 4pm. I got there at 10:15am, was immediately checked in. They had my window replaced by 11:30, gave me a call and told me the price (exactly what they estimated). I was thrilled. It was cheaper than other estimates I had been given and the service was excellent. Would definitely recommend!