Privitt Auto Service Center

Great reliable service! I've been going to Doug for repairs for years and completely trust him. He kept my old car going for longer than expected and helped me prioritize repairs when it was starting to fall apart. He also told me to start looking for a new car when it was time, rather than pouring more money into repairs.

My family has taken their cars to Privitt's for years. At one point I had an old car that they could have made plenty of money each month because it needed so many things, but they told me I was better off looking for a new car with less problems. Now with any of our cars, I also know they will tell me what is wrong, what is immediate and what can wait and give me the decision to do the work I can pay for at that time. Honest people. Honest prices.

Choosing a mechanic that is trustworthy can be extremely difficult because it's so easy for them to take advantage of the average person. The skills and knowledge required to work on a car are so advanced that it's become commonplace for mechanics to charge extra for unnecessary repairs and most people have no idea. Privitt's is without a doubt the exception to the rule. They will always be upfront and honest with you about everything related to your car. They will always diagnose the source of the problem, not just try to fix the symptoms. They will always give you their honest opinion about which repairs are necessary, which can be postponed, and which are completely unnecessary. They have always taken the time to make sure that I fully understand everything that is going on with my car, whether it's something as simple as explaining the different lights on the dashboard to the complex inner workings of my car. Originally owned by Don Privitt, it is now co-owned by his son Doug Privitt and Chuck Boots. No matter how big or small your repair is, you will always talk to one of the owners. As long as I live in Columbia I will always use Privitt Auto.

Small shop in a bigger city. Im from a very small town and wasnt looking for a big dealership or garage to do my repairs. The owner was very nice and helpful in explaining the issues and price it would cost to fix it. Prices were really reasonable for the large repairs I needed done and they didn't try to sell me a bunch of services I didnt need. Any time Ive dropped my car off in the morning, it was ready by the early afternoon unless it was a part not being in stock issue (not much they can do about that ). Would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for some straight forward, small shop auto care!

I can do most work myself, so I only take my car here when it’s too difficult or I can’t figure out what needs to be fixed. I like Privitt’s because whatever the deal is they only try to sell you what you really need, the main guy loves talking about fixing cars, knows his stuff, and doesn’t even mind doing just the diagnosis if you want to do the actual work. I’ve repaired everything from removing the tranny and replacing the clutch to brake work or changing out a timing chain, but some things take specialized tools and sometimes I get stumped. The other day I had a shimmy in the front left wheel, but couldn’t find anything lose at all. Thinking I either needed a wheel balance, or maybe just missed something. I took it to Custom Complete on Worley for a balance. They balanced my tires, said no alignment was needed and found no other problems with the suspension. They charged me $40. Took it out and the car still had a big shimmy in the front suspension. Totally stumped, I jacked it up again, but found nothing. Started researching some exotic options, since it’s a high mileage care. Still no answer. Finally, I took it to Privitt.

After giving it a good look over, he said “lets go back to the basics” so he rechecked the balance and it turned out the balance had been done wrong and that was all it needed. At that point they could have charged me for replacing the rear motor mount (ouch) control arms, anything. Detailed suspension check plus wheel balance. $60. Well worth it to me for the expertise and the free advice he gave me on other items.

I noticed in Mr. Rosario in another review was complaining about paying more than $1000, for a serpentine belt, tensioner replacement and radiator on his Montero. I know the tensioner/belt thing is a frustrating, expensive unexpected repair, but I paid $734 at Machens Toyota for just the tensioner and belt, when I wanted them to diagnose the charging circuit. That belt drives a lot of things. (I still had to fix the alternator brushes myself) Adding on an aftermarket radiator for the Montero will add well over $200 … and then there’s the labor. If you don’t work on cars you might worry they would put in a used radiator, as Mr Rosario did. Used radiators don’t work very well though when it comes to radiator repair, and you would see it. So, even though it may sound high, given the work involved, $1000 sounds like a good deal to me.

When I need expertise or can’t do the work, I take it to Privitt’s. I can get an above average level of expertise at a reasonable price without being charged for a lot of support staff and brand new buildings in the cost. Better yet they will still drop me off and pick me up like the more expensive shops. And, as others have said, I don’t have to second guess them, because I know they are honest. In this case that meant a lot.

Privitts was recommended to me by a friend.

Initially, I took my older vehicles to them for service. Always upfront & honest with finding problem & repairing at very reasonable price.

I now take my wife’s newer vehicle to Privitts rather than the dealership, as I know I can trust Privitts to properly service and take care of any vehicle.

They were GREAT!!! Fixed my car in a timely manner and let me bring the parts in. I saved a little money which I appreciated.

Honest folks who really know their stuff. Doug is a great mechanic and makes everyone comfortable with his service and integrity.

Great service from Doug and his staff at reasonable prices. I have been a customer of theirs for over 30 years. Highly recommended.

Love these mechanics to fix our vehicles. Never feel like we are being taken advantage of.

Great honest shop. Trust what they say, they don't lie like some shops.

Always getting the work done at a fair price and timely fashion. Thanks Doug!

Great service owner Doug very knowledgeable and friendly.

Honest mechanics who get the job done.

Great service
Solid value

Very onset .highly recommended.

Fast friendly service

Great service.