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Alternative Auto Care
136 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
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Alternative Auto Care
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Ap
Review №1

I took my Volvo in for a new wheel bearing and to fix a tone ring, also got new breaks. My SUV now runs so smoothly, like butter. Night and day. Amazing work, thanks so much!

TJ
Review №2

Alternative Auto was very good at communicating with me once the issue was figured out with my vehicle. They use an excellent online system that provides pictures and analysis of everything that they find to need maintenance in the short and long term. Overall great experience.

Em
Review №3

Alternative Auto Care has my business for life. Every interaction I’ve had with this wonderful crew has been above and beyond my expectations. It’s clear they love what they do and have the experience and knowledge to do it well.

An
Review №4

If youre looking for a local auto repair shop who is professional, courteous, and knows their stuff look no further. I called and spoke with C and she assisted me with scheduling my appt. I arranged to drop my car off over night and it was safe and sound. They were extremely knowledgeable and timely and most of all did not try to sway me to spend unnecessary money. They even provided me a detailed run down of everything I needed to work on. I will definitely be going to these women again.

Ma
Review №5

They know their stuff. Professional staff and quick turn-around. They listened to my concerns and only did the service that I wanted on a 16 year old SUV.

Sa
Review №6

This place is amazing. Along with being personable, kind, and representing women in the industry, they give comprehensive breakdown, updates, pictures, explanations of what you need now and what can wait. I told them it was okay to leave my car there overnight. I had a death in my family and needed to drive home - I called them two hours before they closed and they rushed my service so I could get home to my family. I’m so thankful for them and I will for sure go back! Thank you!!! 🏳️‍🌈

Ma
Review №7

An honest and fairly priced auto shop. My needed new brakes installed on her car, and were greeted promptly at the time we arrived. And told us the price before they got started and that price didnt change. found something else or the parts price changed before theyd be done changing the price, but not here. We were allowed to wait in the waiting area while they were working on the car, we were offered coffee and they had a TV for us to watch. All the staff was very personable and had some great conversation. The wait time for the vehicle wasnt long at all.

Je
Review №8

Alternative Auto has been very helpful with both of my cars. They do great and thorough diagnostics. Very good customer service and communication. They make sure youre going to leave with a good repair job and stand by it.

Na
Review №9

I had a wonderful experience at Alternative Auto Care! I realized my headlight was out late in the day, and they were able to get me scheduled ASAP the next morning. They communicated with me regularly throughout the day to keep me current on the status of my vehicle. They also did a complimentary inspection and, similarly, communicated the results and recommendations in a professional manner. I LOVE how theyre a female-owned garage, and speaking as a female, I felt heard and valued as a customer. Will definitely be returning!

Ed
Review №10

Look no further. This is the last auto repair service provider you will ever need. The service and quality of their work is excellent. I took my vehicle to get all the drivetrain fluids replaced. Something I have been doing since I was a kid with my grandpa. The work was performed perfectly with authentic parts to the manufacturers specification. At the end they provided me with the report from their full car inspection. It matched all the remaining items on my personal to do list for the vehicle. They’re really paying attention here and watching for you. Don’t waste your time anywhere else. This is the place for you.

Er
Review №11

These ladies are amazing! The quality of the service far exceeds my expectations. Their overall car inspection OMG they sent photos of what they were looking at and noted what was right or wrong with the part. So impressed. They were timely with their repairs, friendly, I can not say enough about their fabulous customer service. I will never go anywhere else and am telling everyone to use them. In all my life this is the best garage I have ever been to and I grew up with a father who collected classic cars and worked on them with him. Thank you ladies for everything!

Ga
Review №12

You pay for the quality of the work that is done. These guys are very professional and consistent. Two qualities I always look for wherever I do business. If you feel that something is wrong with your BMW (weve all been there) then let these guys take a look under the hood.. youll be glad you did.

Rh
Review №13

I feel comfortable going to Alternate Auto. Everyone is very nice and friendly, they explain what I need and why, and I trust that the job will get done correctly.

Am
Review №14

Quality service! The staff is so friendly and kind. When I didn’t know what was wrong with my car they were able to figure it out and gave me an incredible deal and price! They even remind me when I need to come in for my next fix up and remember me by my car. They were able to fix a problem I’ve had on my car for months in a single day. Incredible service and incredible work. You will definitely be satisfied if you take you car in to alternative auto care. I recommend everyone take their car here.

Th
Review №15

They were able to immediately get my vehicle in and perform necessary services after an extensive and cost efficient new car purchase inspection. They even sent a digital report with photos and descriptions for each step of the inspection, finding some items I wouldn’t have found on my own. I’m a satisfied customer!

Al
Review №16

Unfortunately my husband and I did not have a positive experience with Alternative Auto Care from the beginning. We took the car there to get my AC control knob replaced. The day before the appointment they called to reschedule it and said they didnt have the time to work on it until the following week. When I picked up my car after its repair, I was disappointment with the condition they left the car in. Items from my glove compartment were on the floor of the back seat and there were dirt stains on my upholstery. They also did not reinstall our USB cord to the radio properly after they completed the work and my husband had to take the radio out to fix it. On top of that, the cost was $100 more expensive than the quote they had initially gave us. We were hoping the be able to support a local business that was conveniently located for us but at the end of the day it was more money and poorer quality than taking it to the dealership.

Ni
Review №17

This was my first time going to Alternate Auto Care and I had a great experience! The employees are very friendly and they offer good quality service for a fair price. I’ll definitely return if I have any future car troubles!

Ja
Review №18

I’ve been using alternative auto care for the past couple of years and they always give above and beyond service. As someone who doesn’t know anything about cars being able to access the website and see exactly what is going on with every part of my vehicle and all their recommendations has been such a big help. Every time I drop off my car I know that it will be taken care of and if I have any questions or need more information they’re always willing to provide. Truly the best auto shop in Columbus and I’m very grateful for everyone here!

St
Review №19

Such great customer service, provided detailed reports about the inspection, gave recommendations about future services and where to get new tires. I will absolutely be back!!

Ja
Review №20

This place is amazing. Another shop could not diagnose or repair my vehicle. This place got the job done, and done right!Everyone was friendly and kind. Highly recommend!

Ky
Review №21

I took my previous car to Alternative Auto years ago and have been taking my current car to the dealer. Decided to ditch the dealer and was very pleased with my latest experience at Alternative. Very professional and clear in explaining issues, options, and costs. So glad we can support a woman owned business!

Ca
Review №22

Unfortunately, I cant really reccomend using Alternative Auto Care.I decided to go with them, as theyre very near my location; I can drop the car off and walk home, and walk back to pick it up, which is great as it eliminates the hassle of organizing a separate ride to and from the shop. Plus I try whenever I can to support a local business.My first experience was okay - went in for a standard oil change, which was done, although I was surprised by the cost, just under $90 for a standard, which, is definitely more than Ive ever been charged anywhere else. Typically Ive been charged in the $50-60 range for one on the same vehicle.I chalked that up to being a local business that cant compete with larger shops prices, and while I was a bit surprised at the bill, figured it was no big deal, and decided to take it back a few weeks later.My car has a black interior, and a dark paint job, so in the summer the AC goes quick. I called to set up an appointment for (what I assumed would be) a recharge of the AC. When I called, it was almost a 2 week wait, which again, was a bit inconvenient, but I figured better to support local. I also noticed that my key fob was running low on battery - they have a sign in the shop that says theyll replace the batteries, so I figured to have them do that while in there.I drop off the car at 10am, and get a call at 3pm saying the only person who could work on the AC called in sick that day and couldnt take care of it, and that wed have to reschedule. Knowing they were booked out 2 weeks last time, I asked when it would be, and they said that they didnt know, as they werent at the computer, but they could keep it overnight or we could reschedule in the future when I got in.They also said that they bring someone in from another place to work on the AC, which—had I known—i would have just taken it to another shop.They also let me know that it was $45 to replace the battery in the key fob.On the itemized bill, it said $16 for parts, and $20+ for labor, and a few dollars in taxes and fees.Well the part they needed is an Energizer 3 volt cr 2032 lithium battery, which runs under 2 dollars a piece, and changing it takes approximately 90 seconds.When asked about this, they said they had to special order the battery, as it wasnt typical for a key fob. Which - if that was true, why they didnt call me to ask if I wanted to pay $16 for a $2 part, and then $25+ just to change it, I obviously would have said no.I certainly expected an upcharge, but to pay $45 to change a watch battery is absurd to me. Plus, I only asked for it since I knew they could do it, and the car was coming into the shop anyway. But essentially they had my car for 5 hours and charged me $45 to change the battery in the key.So I wouldnt really reccomend using this place, based on my experiences with them. I dont see how you can honestly think that is an at all reasonable charge for the service rendered.

Wi
Review №23

GREAT OPERATION FULL SERVICE . PICKUP AND DELIVERY IS PERFECT. ALWAYS READY TO MAKE SURE THE CUSTOMER IS SATISFIED. THEY HAVE A VERY DETAILED AP ON THE WEB SITE THAT TAKES PICTURES AND DOCUMENTS EVERYTHING. GREAT JOB LADIES, AND THANK YOU.

Ma
Review №24

This was my first time at Alternative Auto and Im a fan! Their inspections were thorough and communication was excellent. Yes, they cost more than my usual go-to places, but I suspect Im paying a true living wage for the employees and for top of the line tech. I appreciated the photos of everything that was wrong (I learned new car parts!) and that it was organized from Needs Future Attention to Needs Immediate Attention. This way I can budget my repairs over the course of the next year.

Mi
Review №25

Jenni and C were beyond helpful! Also, the inspection report explained everything super clearly and the technician finished the work ahead of schedule. Will definitely be back!

Ja
Review №26

Were lucky to have AAC in our neighborhood--amazing experience every time.

Br
Review №27

I LOVE Alternative Auto Care! Its the first place Ive taken my car where I feel welcome to ask questions. I truly leave knowing more about my car and what was wrong, and why & how they fixed it. I regularly recommend the garage and the workshops to my friends. Spectacular customer care & communication. Best repair shop experience Ive ever had, will continue to bring my vehicle here!

An
Review №28

The team at Alternative Auto Care could not have been more helpful. For years I have felt clueless about my vehicle, relying on a sloppy explanation from an individual who more often than not assumed I wouldnt understand what it was he was trying to say. Jenni was constantly communicating with me through their online portal, and the courtesy inspection was the most insight Ive ever had on my car. I guess sometimes it just takes a womans touch. Highly recommend!

Mi
Review №29

Jenny and crew are always responsive, thorough and thoughful. I feel confident my car is in good hands here!

Ma
Review №30

Issue: Catalytic converter was stolenHands down the best experience Ive had with anything related to my car. These ladies are knowledgeable and kept me informed throughout the whole process. Got me in the day I called. I never felt talked down to like I had with other mechanics and dealers and such. Everything was explained clearly without sounding like they were talking to a child, all my questions were answered, and overall just a very friendly laid back vibe which is hard to find in these Covid times. They made a visable effort on my behalf and I truly appreciate their help after the awful week I had.+6th star for the Star Trek pics in their office lol

Sa
Review №31

I LOVED the report emailed to me about what they saw in my car. There were pictures and details that I’ve never seen/gotten from anywhere else. The detail-oriented report and evaluation made me confident I was getting the best service and the things being fixed/replaced really needed it. Thank you !!!

Be
Review №32

So glad this business was recommended to me. Everyone I spoke with was super friendly and professional. After an incredibly thorough and informative inspection they performed what looked to be a pretty complex repair very quickly. They even email you a report with the full diagnostic on your car and a bunch of pictures showing you exactly what’s going on. I’m not a car guy at all, but the way they explained it I felt like I knew exactly what was broken and where, and what needed to get fixed. It’s very cool. I am happy to pay a premium for high quality work, but their rate was super reasonable. Finding the right mechanic can be a nightmare and I fee very lucky to have found Alternative Auto Care. I’ll be returning to them for everything my car needs.

Te
Review №33

They were extremely thorough in explaining the work that needs to be done and why, backing it up with pictures of anything that needed to be replaced.

Au
Review №34

Ive been taking my business to the wonderful team of ladies at Alternative Auto Care for just over two years now. Jenni is definitely one of the most caring, genuine, and people-oriented individuals Ive ever had the experience of doing business with. I cannot give high enough praise for her and the teams customer service. They truly take care of you and treat you like family.If I have any questions or curiosities about the car, Jenni is awesome enough to take the time to easily explain how the different parts work.I’m again very appreciative to have Alternative Auto in the Columbus community. Support local!

Cr
Review №35

This is the friendliest most professional Auto Shop I have ever been to! I had a lot of damage in my engine and they had their towing company pick my car up that day and even though they were busy and said it would probably not be worked on til Thursday they ended up having it ready the next day ( Wed) I swear my car drives better than it did whyI bought it!! I will only bring my car to Alternative Auto Care in the future.

Ma
Review №36

Chris and company have taken good care of my various vehicles over the year. Most recently they helped get my 1967 Volvo running smoothly again. From diagnosing the issues to sourcing hard to find parts and keeping me updated on issues and progress along the way, they are great. Professional and personable service.

Ka
Review №37

They were thorough with everything they did, and explained everything in a way I understood. Extremely nice people! I’ll be back.

Jo
Review №38

Alternative Auto Care did a fantastic job figuring out an electrical issue with my car. They called with updates very timely and were honest in their findings. They also gave me an oil change for much cheaper than other places I have been to. Great service and highly recommended!

Ni
Review №39

Truly OUTSTANDING service! Alternative Auto was so friendly and professional, and they did a very detailed technical analysis of my vehicle. I loved the online report as well, which included tons of detail and photos of my vehicle. I dropped my car off around 10AM and they had it fixed up and in tip-top shape by 5PM that same day. Excellent no-contact drop-off and pick-up service during this pandemic. I cannot recommend this auto shop enough!

Be
Review №40

This wasnt the first time my wife and I have gone to Alternative Auto Care and certainly will not be the last! They are amazing! Brought in my 2015 Kia Soul for A/C issues. They quickly found the issue, informed me what needed to be done and quickly fixed it! That is what I love about this shop! They work quickly and efficiently with no BS!Not to mention their continued support of and being supported by the LGBT community is what made them an even easier choice to go to.

Ma
Review №41

Great customer service in person and via app. All suggested repairs included explaination and images to demonstrate necessity. We will be using them as our trusted auto repair partner in the futire

Rh
Review №42

These ladies are awesome I appreciate all that they have done I recommend them to anybody that need car repairs.

Al
Review №43

Alternative Auto Care was recommended to me by a friend as I was looking for a woman-owned auto shop in the area. Jenni and the rest of the team were incredibly helpful and thorough. So glad theyre here in Columbus!

Ch
Review №44

Been going to this shop for over a year and I highly recommend them to anyone with a car. Great guys...great service...and definitely great prices compared to similar shops.

Ju
Review №45

Wonderful service and took time to explain all details before completing . They even picked up and dropped off my vehicle

Fl
Review №46

Everyone was very helpful & informative. I was very impressed by the honesty when called about the issues with my car. I also love that they email a full report detailing what looks good, what needs work, and what they recommend for the future!

El
Review №47

Had a great experience - would strongly recommend, and will certainly be going back.

Da
Review №48

These wonderful people. So I brought my car in for an electrical diagnostic. They got me in, took the time to properly identify the problem. AND THEN turned around and told me its got a warranty from the manufacturer. Could have told me it would cost me $485 to fix through them but instead made sure I returned and am now bringing new customers because they were honest and truthful. If you need a mechanic that treats you like family. ThisIs. The. One. For. You.

Li
Review №49

Very kind and knowledgeable!

Ju
Review №50

Have known Chris for years & trust her and her technicians.They picked my truck up, took it to the shop to do replace brakes & rotors, and oil change. I really appreciate their pickup service because Im compromised and dont go out unless I absolutely have to.

Ty
Review №51

Ive gone to Alternative Auto Care for a long time, and I still do even after moving out of the neighborhood. Just had some brake work done. Great service, well explained.

Ni
Review №52

I cant even begin to describe what an amazing place there is. As a young woman with very little knowledge about cars, I walked in like a lost baby bunny and immediately was helped. The ladies here are fair, the prices are reasonable, and they go above and beyond to help you. They work with you, and what you can afford at the time, and they go out of their way to answer your questions, explain things in detail, and make you feel like the situation isnt entirely out of your control. Im so happy to have found a place like this in a city I just moved to, and really cannot recommend these ladies enough!

Ri
Review №53

Fast and honest service. They ask before they do more complicated work and explain what needs to be down or in the near future. Fair pricing. They pick up the phone or call back quicker than most auto shops I’ve dealt with. I love their thorough 50 point check with pictures of any issues.

Ad
Review №54

Quality work at an affordable price, definitely coming back if I need any other services done!

Te
Review №55

Astonishing administration at Alternative Auto Care.I have to do upkeep on my vehicle that is the reason I am searching for an auto fix shop had them do it for me. Beneficial thing I discovered Alternative Auto Care.The administration at Alternative Auto Care was incredible. It was best of the class. After the support was done, my vehicle is currently running easily. It was quick however clearly incredible nature of administration. They even gave me tips and advices to keep my vehicle running easily.The shop was even extraordinary. It was pleasant and clean despite the fact that it was an auto fix shop. I was not exhausted when I was there since a portion of the staffs and mechanics are somewhat loquacious. The majority of their staffs were decent and considerate. Great job on that.Will prescribe Alternative Auto Care to my companions. Praise.

Ka
Review №56

I have an old subaru that I just want to keep running for as long as possible and I finally found a place that I can trust to fix it right and not rip me off. So thankful. To add on, I was so thrilled with my first experience that Im having Alternative Auto do my timing belt. Im sure the work will be done accurately and for the price I was quoted. ..a couple months later and I want to report that all was done correctly and my Subaru is running great. These ladies really stick by their work and their word and I am a happy customer.

El
Review №57

Love this place! So glad they caught my brake pads before they were completely gone. I’ll be back!

We
Review №58

I’m very likely going to make Alternative Auto my go-to mechanics after needing an easy fix on my car. Their professionalism and knowledge - as well as personalized care not common in the industry - makes Alternative a dependable resource to include as a go-to contact for all general car issues. As someone who’s always used locally-owned mechanics as low-cost spots to provide cheap jerryrigs when needed, I decided to see how well Alternative would do after I had been quoted with a middle-of-the-road price for my fix. I’m happy with the outcome, and - although it’ll take some getting used to - I am glad I paid more than I would’ve in the hood but less than what I would at a Big Name mechanic, for work that was fairly priced and executed well. I think a lot of negative reviews come from people who are used to dropping their car off at local mechanics to get pieces zip-tied together so their check-engine light turns off, all for less than $100. And for some cars and some fixes, that works, but if you need quality work done for somewhere around market prices, Alternative Auto Care is the place to go.The bottom line: Pass on Alternative Auto if you want the cheapest work done to your car for the cheapest price, but if you‘re looking for regular, friendly, altogether dependable mechanics while living in Columbus that will benefit you and your car in the long run - I highly advise checking these ladies out.

Co
Review №59

I was in desperate need of brakes and rotors as I kept putting off getting them replaced. Alternative Auto Care was able to get me in quickly. They were very thorough in their initial inspection of my car and I appreciated that they brought other issues to my attention that I wasn’t even aware of.But more than that I appreciated their transparency above all else. They were very clear and upfront about what my money was being spent on and why. If you’re in search of a new auto care specialist I cannot recommend Alternative Auto Care enough.

Ma
Review №60

The most thorough and positive experience I’ve ever had with an auto service. Thanks to Jenni and all the folks at Alternative Auto Care— I’ll be bringing my car here for all future service needs!

In
Review №61

Really professional, knowledgeable, and conscientious women. I was impressed with not only their quality of service, but their detailed assessment and communication with me about my truck as well. I really felt I was dealing with skilled and trustworthy mechanics.

El
Review №62

They were fast, detailed and very informative. They emailed me a report with pictures so I could actually see whats going on with my car. Ill definitely be coming back!

Ky
Review №63

After my tail lights stopped working, I took my car here to get it checked out. I quickly realized there was a reason this place has so many positive reviews. They were able to schedule an appointment right away and pin down the complex electrical issue. Jenni kept me up to date during the whole process and made sure to discuss any price changes before they started work. Ill be taking my car here for everything from now on.You know that episode of Seinfeld about how important it is to have a mechanic you can trust? Alternative Auto Care is Putty.

St
Review №64

The best folks. Great work, great communication, tons of detail, they love purple stuff, etc. Highly recommended

Ka
Review №65

Very honest and trustworthy. Would not hesitate to take another vehicle here. Highly recommenced.

Am
Review №66

I was very impressed with how nice everyone was and how quickly they fit me in and got my jeep fixed. I absolutely Loved that they were all WOMEN! 😀🤗 I also loved how they send u updates and pictures of everything they are doing and they will call and tell u what they would like to test or what else needs fixed to repair the problem that u brought the car their for and tell u how much it will cost before they just do it. I definitely will be back! This shop is awesome, I highly recommend it.

Bi
Review №67

Great local auto care shop. Ill be taking my car back for regular maintenance for sure.

Ma
Review №68

This was the best service shop I have ever been to. My alternator went bad and I had it towed to the lot and it was seen the next day and provided options. They even let me know the part was on recall so I didn’t have to fork over $1000. Walking into the shop I was greeted by friendly female faces who I felt comfortable asking questions about my car. I do not have a lot of car knowledge and they made me feel welcome and explained what my car needed. THANK YOU!

Th
Review №69

My daughter is a student at OSU. We live in Dayton. When my daughters car left her motionless at a stop light in Columbus, we had the car towed to Alternative Auto Care. We feared the worst, a lunched transmission, but it turned out that AAC was able to repair the transmission at a cost far less than the cost of replacement. The job was done well, in a reasonable time, and at a reasonable price. What more can you ask of an auto repair shop? Id recommend these ladies to anyone.

be
Review №70

THE. BEST.

Ro
Review №71

I am so glad I found Alternative Auto Care. My daughter goes to school in Columbus, and I live in Cleveland. Chris, Jenni and Alison gave me daily updates by phone and email, and got the job done in a timely and cost-effective fashion. I could not be more impressed. Thank you all so much!

Ge
Review №72

After being talked down to, or barely talked to at all at multiple shops around Columbus, I finally found a place that treats me like a customer! Being a young female college student who has no idea about cars, I am often mistreated. Not here! If you want friendly, welcoming service that is informative too, come here!

Ph
Review №73

Another great experience with the professionals at AAC.Integrity & skills - AAC has it all around. Everyone there is focused on providing the best experience possible. They are all talented, thorough, honest & just great folks all around.

Ma
Review №74

Amazing and detailed job! Great people!!!

Wa
Review №75

I will never go to another auto shop in Columbus. They did an amazing job and were completely fair—no hassle. They also replaced our key fob battery which was amazing because I couldn’t figure out why it stopped working.

Ka
Review №76

The ladies fit me in when I didn’t have an appointment and did a great job! They took great care of my precious vehicle and are taking excellent care of the current one!Once again, the ladies did a great job! I love the 50 point inspection, it helps me to stay on top of what I need to :) thanks, Alternative Auto Care!Again, the ladies got me in tip top shape! I prefer paying the extra money to know I’m helping a local business. Thank you, Alternative Auto Care!!! :)Even though they were backed up because of COVID, my car was still done same day and I was able to pick it up the next day. 100% would recommend! Thanks, ladies!!

Bo
Review №77

Even though I have not driven a car since 2007, Alternative Auto Care is still my favorite car-repair place. The staff is friendly and efficient; the quality of their work is always good.I periodically stop by Alternative Auto Care to visit whenever I am in the area.I remember, when I had been driving a car and periodically would need to bring in my car for service, that Alternative Auto Care had been able to delay an ultimately-very-expensive car repair for several years until that repair had absolutely needed to be done.I strongly recommend Alternative Auto Care for all of your car needs.

Yv
Review №78

Weve been taking our autos to Alternative Auto for a few years. The team is honest and friendly and the prices are reasonable. A couple of times weve gone elsewhere and gotten estimates for necessary work. Both times, we got a second opinion from Alternative Auto and ended up saving a few thousand dollars. Our autos run well and weve saved a lot of money with Alternative Auto. We recommend them without hesitation.

Ka
Review №79

Excellent all around! I found Alternative Auto Care when I moved to the area and have been super impressed with them all around. They have fit me in last minute several times, super professional, explain everything (through phone calls and text and email pictures), priced right, etc. etc. etc. Cant see myself ever going anywhere else!

Em
Review №80

They are so awesome!!! Gave amazing detailed reports on 3 different cars we were considering buying, very fast, very communicative and NOT condescending at all. Basically going to start looking for reasons to go see them, and/or getting into fender benders so that I have an excuse to stop by and talk to heather in the office. Best mechanic experience Ive ever had. hands down.

Ja
Review №81

The wonderful ladies at Alternative Auto Care gave a car a thorough Pre-Purchase Inspection for me, uncovering that a cosmetically-perfect car I was interested had major structural and mechanical issues that would have destroyed my wallet and made my investment a losing bet. I really appreciated their friendliness, candid manner, and extremely thorough inspection. Would take my business their way should I ever need a mechanic in Columbus.

Ga
Review №82

These ladies were great. Did both some minor and major fixes and got us back on the road quicker than I imagined. After putting the car through its paces, its running great. Thank you all so much.

Le
Review №83

My moms been dealing with them for years, and I have chose them also! They are great people who know what theyre doing. Very reasonable. I def recommend

Da
Review №84

The service was fast, friendly and affordable. I am by no means a car guy. The extent of my knowledge is how to drive it, how to put gas in it, and how to change the wipers. So I usually have some anxiety when going into an auto shop. Heather made me feel right at ease, and was informative and honest about every step of the process. I would definitely recommend this shop to anybody who needed auto work done.

Er
Review №85

They do a great job with their free inspection and make you feel like they are really taking care of you. I had questions they answered and worked with me to get the work done I needed. And gave me a free apple. ;)

Br
Review №86

I have a general distrust of mechanics, as Im sure many other people do. In the past Ive had work done at big-name repair shops, but this time I decided to try something local to see if the experience was any better. I could not be happier with the service I received at Alternative Auto Care! I needed repair work on the exhaust system in my car. I scheduled an appointment a week in advance. The work was completed on the same day that I dropped the car off. The costs were very reasonable - in fact, they completed the work for half of what I had budgeted. The staff was very professional and courteous.When all work was completed the staff did a courtesy check on my car. It seems common for a mechanic to call while working on my car and report other problems that need to be repaired. I often feel very pressured to have these repairs completed. Alternative Auto repair completed the courtesy check AFTER my repair work was done. I was given a printout of their diagnosis. I felt NO pressure to have this work done on the spot, let alone by that specific shop.I will be taking my car to Alternative Auto Care for future service needs!

Ra
Review №87

If you want to take your car somewhere you can trust, look no further. They provide you with a thorough emailed inspection (with pictures) on every visit. They also take the time to educate you on what your car really needs--and what can wait. No trickery or BS. Just honest caring people who respect you and your car. They may not be the cheapest, but you wont waste time or money on unwarranted repairs and services.

Mo
Review №88

I always get a very detailed explanation of all issues and resolutions concerning my car. I dont feel talked down to or patronized. I feel respected here.

Gr
Review №89

Its always been a good experience bringing my car in here - for someone who doesnt know much about cars they do a really good job of making the experience way less scary and keeping me well informed. Will keep coming here while I live in this area :)

M
Review №90

Everyone was so friendly and nice! They fit me into their super busy day and even stayed late to get my car fixed and safe to drive again!! I was impressed with their service and pleasantly surprised by cost! I would definitely recommend them😊

We
Review №91

I used to go to the dealership to get my 2006 Ford Focus serviced. When my car need 60000 miles service,I thought maybe I can find a honest garage to lower my bill(my understanding is that dealer will charge more than a regular garage). I found this shop with good reviews. I brought my car in around 10:30AM, got the estimation around $340.00 around 1:00PM, sounds OK. When I went to pick up my car at 3:00PM(I need it to pick up my son), they didnt complete all the services yet, which is understandable. They completed inspections and oil change/tire rotation and asked around $200. all the leftover services they gave me another estimation, again $340.00. So my bill suddenly rose to $540.00. I didnt ask why since Im in a hurry. I checked the bill and found oil change cost me around $50.00 and I immediately realized that their service are overpriced since I could get oil change done in dealership around $30.00. I cancelled my leftover service with this garage and went to the dealership to get them done with the bill $223.00(for example, this garage asked $90.00 for fuel filter change in estimation when the dealer only charged me $45).All in all, the services are overpriced. will not come back.

Al
Review №92

I’ve entrusted my vehicles to Alternative Auto for years and only have enthusiastic praise for this company. From their thorough inspections to their professionalism, these women give me the confidence that my car is in great hands. And with a little one riding in the back, this means the world to me.

Ky
Review №93

I have taken my car/truck to Alternative Auto Care on multiple occasions. I trust my vehicle in their hands!!The staff does a great job keeping you up to date with their progress, and is extremely helpful in their service. They not only answered my questions but also explained the process in a way that I could understand. They also provide a comprehensive inspection and result form showing the problems your vehicle may have.I would recommend their service to anyone who needs honest and reliable work on their vehicle!!

Te
Review №94

I love this place! Everyone is super friendly. I like that I drop it off for an oil change, but get the works. I get detailed info on how the car is running with pictures! The gals are very knowledgeable and do a great job!

An
Review №95

A year or so ago I had a huge issue with my brakes and serpentine belt. They were able to get me squared away and the customer service was great. However, the price was extremely expensive compared to other shops, only to have continued issues. I was stuck and stranded without a car and was quoted over $700 for just the rear two brakes. I was also charged an additional fee for being unable to get the bolts off of my tires. I weigh 115 lbs and I am able to change a spare with a simple rachet set... Wish for better prices and durability

Em
Review №96

Very kind and helpful owners and staff! They helped me with my car issues and even took the time to show me about exactly what was wrong. I will definitely be coming back here for all my car troubles.

Ch
Review №97

Clear communication, timely service, and a positive customer service experience.

Ro
Review №98

This garage touts being women-owned as an advertising tactic to take advantage of people who are more willing to trust women. The price gouging and inflated inspection reports are frankly shameful and predatory.I am writing this review on behalf of my friend, who is too nice to do it herself. She chose this shop because she admirably wanted to support a women-owned business. Three days after dropping the car off, she receives a $200 charge for the inspection, as well as a $1000 quote for new spark plugs, oil change, unnecessary new wiper blades (her existing ones were simply dirty), and maybe one other small, inexpensive item. For reference: spark plugs for her vehicle cost about $10 each. Factor in cost of labor and itll land you significantly under the quoted price, even with the additional services. She decided to say no to the service and took the car to a different mechanic, where it turned out that one of the spark plug caps was simply stuck and needed to be cleaned off. So my friend is out $200 for a bogus inspection. Fortunately she was smart enough to get a second opinion. What does that say about this business? Either the mechanics dont know what the hell theyre doing, or they are intentionally gouging customers. According to the owners responses to other reviews, All work is performed by ASE certified professionals. So whats more likely?Im sure the owner will come back with their copy & pasted reply about the quality of the parts they use or their mechanic credentials. Or maybe theyll attack the validity of this review based on the fact that Im writing it on behalf of my friend. They clearly monitor their reviews very closely.Regardless, keep this in mind before you choose a shop simply based on the gender of its employees.

Do
Review №99

I set up an appointment to have a new car check performed on two vehicles.They were courteous, fast, and efficient and I received a digital copy with all items clearly stated and marked.This business rocks, and I saved a couple of thousand dollars by knowing this information and I will NOT purchase this vehicle. I will be using them again soon for any used vehicle I decide to purchase.

Ca
Review №100

I wouldnt dream of going anywhere else. I trust them completely and never feel like theyre only looking after their own bottom line. I honestly feel like they have my and my cars best interests in mind.

Information
29 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:136 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States
  • Site:http://alternativeautocare.com/
  • Phone:+1 614-294-0580
Categories
  • Auto repair shop
  • Auto electrical service
  • Auto radiator repair service
  • Brake shop
  • Car repair and maintenance
  • Diagnostic center
  • Honda dealer
  • Mechanic
  • Oil change service
  • Toyota dealer
Working hours
  • Monday:9AM–6PM
  • Tuesday:9AM–6PM
  • Wednesday:9AM–6PM
  • Thursday:9AM–6PM
  • Friday:9AM–6PM
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Oil change:Yes
Amenities
  • Mechanic:Yes
Planning
  • Appointments recommended:Yes
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