Groovy Automotive

4011 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751, USA

Address:	4011 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751, USA
Phone:	+1 512-450-0951
Site:	groovyautomotive.com
Rating:	3
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Joseph Hunt

They messed up and refuse to admit it. Im never going back there, and you shouldnt either. I went in for a brake job because my front brakes were squeaking every now and then (not much at all). They eventually quoted me more that $700, saying that the rear brake parts were very worn out, so I told them Id do it myself. I paid $53 for a brake inspection. On the receipt is a note saying that the rear brakes are missing parts and its unsafe to drive. As soon as I drive out of the lot, the rear driver side is making a grinding noise that wasnt there before. I take it home and take it apart. No parts are missing except for a bit of the brake shoe thats broken off. Whats really wrong is that the brake shoe is bent out of shape and was pushing against the front of the brake drum. I bring it back and ask for my $53 back. They tell me that they put that note on my receipt because a pin was missing, and when they took off the drum everything fell apart. Well OF COURSE! They pulled on it so hard without first adjusting the brakes shoes in that they (1) broke a piece off of the brake shoe, (2) broke a weld and bent the brake shoe out of shape, and (3) probably sent that pin flying across their garage! They act like that note absolves them from any screw up. In fact they replaced the pin that they probably lost, so there were no missing parts when I got it back, and the real problem that I should have been told about was never mentioned in person or in writing. To top all that off, they tried to charge me an extra $500 for them to fix the problem that they created by not doing the job properly and adjusting the brakes before taking off the drum.

Anonymous User

@Tom D.: Im more inclined to believe positive reviews that lack details are bogus and are written by people connected to Groovy. This negative review (and my poorly composed one below) are definitely real. Bottom line for me: Groovy Automotive tried to rip me off *and* made me pay $40 for the pleasure (even though I was already buying an oil change, they charged me to look at the car). The local Mazda dealership (Beasley), however, did right by me and my vehicle. The rattle in the front of my car was due to worn stabilizer links--a $17 part. It was pulling a bit to the right? A simple tire rotation fixed that. Whereas the be-dreadlocked, hipster mechanic at Groovy Automotive (on 41st and Red River) gave me an estimate of $1000 and wanted to replace huge chunks of metal. ...And here, I was so afraid of being ripped off by the Big Bad Car Dealer. ...My theory is that Groovy Automotive and other local chains like it, are successful purely because their shops are situated in high-dollar, high-traffic neighborhoods, and *not* because they are good mechanics or honest businessmen. In conclusions: AVOID GROOVY MECHANIC. Instead, find yourself a smaller, out-of-the way shop that employs a mechanic that you the customer feels comfortable forming a personal relationship with. And then do so. They deserve your money far more than the predatory folks at places like Groovy. (And if you happen to have a late-model Mazda, for heavens sake, take it to Beasley. Their labor is only $15 an hour more than Groovy or pretty much any general garage)

Whitney Ovalle

This place rocked my socks off! I had a Groupon for an oil change (since it is the automotive center and not the lube center, youll need to make an appointment) and was extremely pleased with the service....for several reasons... 1. I asked if they could replace the windshield wiper and they said sure. When my car was ready they handed me my service papers and sent me on my way. On the ride home I realized I never paid for the windshield wiper, went back to pay for it, they said to not worry about :) 2. I had 2 oil leaks and was low on brake fluid. They topped off my brake fluid and informed me of the possible cause ----> the thinner the brake pad, the more brake fluid it requires--- and even drew out a small picture as an example. They also provided estimates for the 2 oil leaks if I wanted to fix them in the future. The guy even recommended fixing the cheapest one first bc he said it was more important. So, I feel as if that means they arent scamming you out of money. 3. I had a headlight out and I didnt even realize until later that night, when my friend pointed it out, it was MAGICALLY working. I dont know if they replaced a bulb or circuits?? I dont know, but they did something bc it worked after the oil change. 4. A somewhat stupid point, but there was a bee swarming around me in the waiting area and the guy came around and killed it. CUSTOMER SERVICE to the maxxx. Too long to read? Simple review: the place did a great job, they were extremely helpful, and provided top notch customer service. Would highly recommend :)

David Torres

i went into groovy lube for an inspection for a used car i had recently bought...i had previously checked the car that everything was working and wudnt have any trouble passing inspection...but during the inspection they said it failed because my 3rd brake light was out, and that new texas law require it work to pass, i was surprised but thot maybe it did need to be replaced..they qouted me 175.00 for the light..but i decided to look for a better deal elsewhere...i went straight home to tell my wife,but she says to check again..AND THE LIGHT WORKED!! I went rt back to the shop, explained that i was just there and that my light does work and need to be reinspected...the guy that inspected my car was in the office at the time and gave me the most aggressive stare and tone" when i checked those light they didnt work!!"...a manager stepped out with me and saw the lights did work...after a new person reinspected my car and passed it,i went into the office to get my keys and paperwork...i expected an apology or at least an "im glad we got that straightened out for u" ...not even a thank u..the guy behind the counter just nodded in the direction of my keys...petiful. i work in the area and will let everyone now how things are run there..

Jayme Zigler

They act like your friend and assure you they are a low cost option. I just wanted new brake pads (went in and told them I specifically only wanted pads) and they quoted me at $750. I tried to go back that evening and get my car back but the manager on the phone told me they took my tires off and didnt put them back on before they closed up shop. So I had to wait the next day. They waited until I was about to come into the shop to call me and say I owed them $60 in diagnostics even though I had already told them the service and only wanted an estimate. i was NOT told of any fee at all. The manager at the counter told me that he "knows his employees" and basically insinuated I was lying. Do not go here, shady and untrustworthy. Im out $60 and literally all they did was set my car up on a stand overnight to air without wheels. Dont even bother trying to voice your concerns to the manager, he will talk over you and cut you off the moment you say something that upsets him. Hes also under the impression his store has nothing below a 5 star review, so cheers, man, I hope youre reading this.