Paul's Automotive

I am approximately 3 years late writing this review. But i took a mental trip down memory lane and got to thinking about that time in December of 2020 when my two friends and I (20,21 and 21) were making a trip from Columbus to Tampa and I ran over a dead deer west of ideal. I chugged my 2007 Hyundai Elantra 5 speed all the way to Paul’s automotive stuck in first gear. When we pulled up I was so worried as a young(ish) woman that I would be taken advantage of and the exact opposite happened. When they brought my car into the garage, stopping what they were already working on, cleaned off the under carriage of my car and replaced a few parts for me completely free. I think (I know) I cried a lot that day. But leaving Paul’s it was nothing but happy tears and thanks to the wonderful guys. I am forever grateful to you guys as I know that’s not a super fun day and it made the whole trip possible after what I thought would’ve for sure ended it. I thank you guys. 3 years late. But I hope all the good things (not deer guts) keep coming your way for helping out little, dumb me.

Nice people, quick service and very knowledgeable about the issues.

Very honest n trust worthy. Does and terrific job

Nice fellers and do great work

They are great

Quality service

Fair and honest good service

Local repair shop

My bus was in his shop for about three months. During that time I was patient. He just kept putting it off. Although he had diagnostic tools, he got it wrong and spent a lot of time, and charged me for it, going in the wrong direction. Then he supposedly put in the correct part. However, some things didn't work right after he was supposedly done, such as the fan blower for the AC and heater. The heater doesn't heat at all now, but I can't be certain he messed it up until I have another mechanic look into it. The AC and fan worked when I took it in. I know that for a fact because previously I had just paid another mechanic a lot to fix that. Also, now the engine runs very rough when it's cold, better when it warms up. Paul knew that when he put me back on the road - he told me specifically it runs rough when cold, and said that's usual/common with the 7.3L diesel. I had no idea at the time just how rough since Paul made sure it was already warmed up when I came to pick it up. Now I know and it's not okay. He pointed out a sensor that is broken. He said I could fix that myself, which I did yesterday. That sensor is not the problem with the rough running. It wasn't broken when I took the bus in. Why didn't he just fix it?

The latest bill was $1270.90. An additional bill was $1080.93, but some of the initial work seems satisfactory, so far. Total sum $2,351.83.

And he has a bad attitude. Why wouldn't he propose making it right instead of making excuses, or worse - blaming me? Plus, he's a poor communicator - lots of room for misunderstandings not only with me but within his own shop and employees. His employee "fixed" my AC, when that wasn't why I brought it in. I already paid a lot of money to another mechanic for AC repair, a month and a half prior. And, if the fan blower wasn't working, then surely his mechanic/employee who worked on the AC would have noticed when testing, purging and refilling the AC system. That's a pretty good clue that the fan stopped working somewhere along the time while it was in his shop. It could also mean they didn't work on the AC system after all, but charged me for it.

I'm in my 70s and have lots of experience with mechanics over the years. Paul's Automotive was one of the worst, if not the worse in both the process and the results, and the cost. The problems with the engine are not fixed, and I'm sure some of the problems were created by him. What's yet to be discovered is worrisome. I'll have to take it to another mechanic to finish the job.

Anyway, I recommend avoiding this mechanic. He's a headache.

I am disappointed, partially because the prior reviews indicated nothing to worry about.

Nobody answered the phone. Maybe they're really busy.