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German Automotive Services
2123 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
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German Automotive Services
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Br
Review №1

I went to meet the owner, he was great to speak to and was very professional. My oil change went off smoothly but they forgot to replace the door lock. No big deal. Second appointment went off a little different. I showed up at 8:30 am and asked if they could give me a ride 5 blocks away, under a mile. The young mechanics said they were not available and I said ok. Driving the way I always drive my sport car the tires spun a little on the topcoat gravel. 3 minutes later while sitting in my driveway I get a call from the secretary asking if there was a problem and I immediately said no there was not and I was waiting for my ride before I came back. She then goes on to tell me that the boys were upset and they thought I was mad at them and to take my business elsewhere. Wow! I waited for the owner to give me a call, no calls for 24hrs. I wonder how many times they have lost business over the feeling of the 20 somethings working for them. This event, only happened because they were worried about their feelings rather than what actually happened. No big deal there are plenty of BMW mechanics in the area. I feel sorry for the owner.In response to your reply. I had no idea there was a problem because I told you there was No Problem when you called. Your kids are too worried about their “feelings “ when I had no issue and had no idea what transpired. I am glad your woke little girls are not working on my vehicle.

Mi
Review №2

German Auto Service fixed my BMW X3 for a fraction of what the dealership would charge. Great folks, Josef, Lois and the techs are top notch. I wouldnt take my temperamental German vehicle anywhere else. No nonsense, fair priced and honest service.

Ri
Review №3

Simply the best in town. Reliable, honest and they communicate succinctly. They get the job done the right way. Best automotive repair shop in Sarasota County hands down!

Ud
Review №4

Services were performed as scheduled and the opportunity to talk directly to the owner and the technician is most valuable. Josef provided a complete repair estimate and Jared took the extra time to thoroughly review the service report and details in the pictures from the multi point inspection. Highly recommended!

Ri
Review №5

Jared is the best mechanic in Sarasota county. If you want your Mercedes Benz, Volvo, BMW or any car really fixed right by an honest person who knows automotive mechanics inside out backwards, forwards and sideways all day every day, heres where to go. Best place in Sarasota for auto repair by miles!

St
Review №6

Have a 2003 BMW 745LI had vehicle towed in, Josef kept me informed on the process and located parts for the vehicle. . It took a little over a week for parts and repairs but in the end my car ran great. No complaints great job to you and your staff.

de
Review №7

Great job. Trustworthy auto repair!

St
Review №8

As usual German Auto did a good job on replacing engine mounts on my 1994 e36. Good service fair pricing.

Co
Review №9

I’ve been coming to this place for years. They’re the only mechanic shop that you can trust as much as the dealership (if not more).

Bo
Review №10

I found GAS while looking for an alternative to BMW dealerships. BMW wanted over $2K to replace my entire convertible top because some plastic clips had broken. GAS was able to fabricate alternatives and I was on my way for a few hours of labor costs. Owner is well versed in mechanical and electrical issues. I was especially impressed in how he explained mechanical concerns by digital pictures of the issues displayed on a monitor where customers could observe the problem without listening to a lot of words that would normally not mean much without visually understanding the problems.

De
Review №11

Very professional. Excellent service honest and reliable. Very reputable. Fair price.

Kr
Review №12

We wouldnt take our old Benz anywhere else.

ji
Review №13

Very friendly, informative individuals who do not try to upsell you. Already recommended them to 2 other BMW owners - Thanks for great service. Great communications and pricing was good as usual. Ill be back.

Ga
Review №14

I brought my sons car in to have it inspected and accepted a couple of proposals that would have resulted in a couple thousand dollars worth of work. It took weeks to get the service done and eventually an excuse was given that they could get parts. I took the car to another local mechanic and they immediately started addressing the list of things I wanted done and came up with solutions to service challenges. The day I was scheduled to pick up my car, they failed to leave the key where they said it would be, making my 1 1/2 drive a waste of time. My opinion is you only get attention and proper service if you have a later model car. The car I was trying to have work done on is a 1988 Porsche. I tried very hard to communicate by phone and email with the shop, and the day and it became apparent that they really didnt anything, though my bill was never late or unpaid, and the car battery was dead when I went to start it. Ironically they charged me for a new battery on the invoice I had just paid.I was debating between 1 and 2 stars.

Ma
Review №15

Amazing service and super nice guys! Definitely recommend to any German car owners.

Va
Review №16

I have taken my car to this garage previously had some issues, but they took care of them and did a great job with my car. Yesterday morning I had a scheduled appointment for an oil change and to replace my shocks at 8:30AM. I was called at noon to come in for my car, I arrived to find out the only thing that had been done was a simple oil change. They had a long list of repairs that needed to be made, some rather simple things such as the air filter needing changed which is usually part of an oil change. The shocks that they agreed needed changed where not done!? I did not receive a single price on any of these things. I called to get this info as it was the end of the day. They would not answer, I finally called from a different number and low and behold someone answered the phone. ( I believe they where trying to avoid me). When I did get someone on the phone she informed me she was a new employee and couldnt help, she was waiting for Joe the owner to get her the information. I still have not heard back from anyone, it is now a day and a half later. When I called today no answer yet again (ghosting me much). So I had to actually go to the shop, at which time I was informed because I left a bad review they would no longer service my car. I hadnt actually left a bad review until now. Do yourself and your car a favor, drive on by!!!

Ul
Review №17

Absolutely professional, they know their stuff.By Franz B.Very skilled and professional. I will always go to them for service.Vehicle:Volkswagen Passat

Ra
Review №18

Good job Guys

Ce
Review №19

In 42 years of car ownership this is the best repair shop I’ve ever encountered. And it takes a lot to impress me. Josef has a vast knowledge, takes time to explain the problem and their labor rates and parts costs are very fair. The shop is very well maintained and organized. They are my go to shop for my Mercedes. If you have a German car, don’t hesitate to bring it to German Automotive Services for service or repair. You will receive courteous and professional service.

da
Review №20

The absolute BEST! I wouldn’t service my Audi, BMW or Porsche anywhere else. They are efficient, trustworthy, timely and considerate! Most importantly, they are Honest and you can always trust their work.

sh
Review №21

I was referred to Josef after a friend and co worker found how how much I paid for repairs on my Mercedes Benz at the dealership. I went to Josef and never looked back. I got the best service there ever. They are more than service people, they treat you like family. Ive only met Josef and Jared but not the other son. Im sure hes as capable as his brother and dad. Great guys and even greater service!

Ne
Review №22

Below 0 would be a better rating. Brought my VW into this shop for service. The vehicle was not running properly. After, over a $1,000 in repairs, they said it was ready. When I went to pick it up I discovered it was running worse than when I brought it in. What were they trying to pull saying it was ready? When I asked the shop owner, why he was misrepresenting the true running condition of the car, he back tracked and said they could not get it running right because the car did not have a radio. Long story short....I bought a radio, delivered it to the shop. Never heard another word from them. NEXT THING I KNOW, THEY HAD MY CAR TOWED AWAY!! NO NOTICE WHAT SO EVER!! WHAT A JERK MOVE...FOR THEIR LOUSY WORK!!

Wa
Review №23

Ive been taking my cars here since I moved to Sarasota a few years ago. I was afraid that I wouldnt find a mechanic as good as the one back home. I heard about these guys and couldnt be more pleased. They are honest, reliable and competitively priced. Heck, more than once my bill for repairs was less than the estimate. What the heck?! 😊And if theres a glitch (which is rare) they explain the situation. No BS or lame excuses.Bottom line? Even if you dont own a German car (which I dont: I own a Volvo and Nissan) this is old school honest auto repair. Check em out. You wont be disappointed.

je
Review №24

Josef and his staff are in my opinion the most professional, courteous and knowledgeable folks that you will meet.

El
Review №25

They have my complete assurance of excellent quality repair. My recent repair was done in an excellent manner. Will always return with repair/maintenance needs.El

Al
Review №26

My Q5 Audi loves the service and the quality of care that it receives. I personally like the ability to understand what service is necessary and the fair price is always a welcome. They may be small but dont let that fool you. Give them a try and Im sure you will agree.

je
Review №27

Family owned and operated. Multi generations working there. Great people. Honest and fair rates. They always do it right the first time! Highly recommend these guys. Simple garage set up. I have taken in Volkswagen, Land Rover and Dodge in and they handle it all. Thanks Joseph

Sa
Review №28

After doing business with these guys before I was confident that I could take my car back to them. The car was there for ever as I told them that I wasnt driving it and that I didnt need it back immediately. I had to call them eventually to find out when they would start working on the car. After replacing the fuel pump they advised me that the car was ready. The next day I get an email saying, oops, now its sprung a radiator leak. I told them I could not afford more repairs and that I was picking up the car. On my way home the car smelled like gasoline inside. The picture in this review was taken by the driver behind me. Actually its a video. I called the shop, sent them the video and they apologized for the issue and sent a tow truck to come get the car right away. After a few days I asked for an update. They claimed that there was nothing wrong with the car that they could find and that now I would have to pay for the tow truck and the tank of gas they filled up the car with to test what appear to be a fuel leak. Also that I needed to get the car quickly as they would start charging me $25.00 a day for every day the car was sitting at the shop while we disputed the issue. Does that picture look like there was nothing wrong with the car to you? Does your car smell like gas and pour a suspicious liquid from its rear bumper area on a hot sunny day? Does your radiator leak look like that? I think something was loose from the fuel pump repair and they didnt want own up to it. They knew I was trying to sell the car and would not be getting my business anymore on this particular vehicle. How can a car leak like that and you not find anything wrong? Shame on you, my life could have been on the line here.

Ch
Review №29

The most honest automotive services I met in years. Moving from the Tris-state area I have dealt with my share of bad services. Jared and his brother are the most honest, reasonable and not to forget certified “BMW” services out here. You want great service and prices - then bring your vehicle here!

ch
Review №30

Very honest and helpful, both service and techs. Prices are extremely fair.

Da
Review №31

This place provides quality service at a fair price. Not fancy, but they get the job done and at a fraction of the cost. It might take a minute to find it. You will be glad you came to German Automotive to get an estimate for your service. Beats the dealer and other area service for value.

vi
Review №32

Josef and his son Jared are both highly trained and skilled mechanics who are easy to talk to and do a fabulous job. We have just added a 6th car to our family and they keep all of them serviced and maintained. I found them through a friend who referred them to me over 2 years ago and I could not be happier. Their integrity, fair pricing and their skilled and intelligent workmanship has made us loyal customers.

No
Review №33

I’ve been using German Auto Services for about five years. They service our Mercedes and even our mustang! Josef and his team are true professionals.

me
Review №34

Absolute hackers. They seem really nice, but they are incompetent and unprofessional.

Jo
Review №35

Excellent staff excellent service great prices!

Jo
Review №36

Excellent service. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and mechanics. I have recommended already to friends and will do business there again myself.

Bz
Review №37

Excellent service. Very honest owner. Would highly recommend this business to anyone and everyone. Finally found an excellent mechanic. Very trust worthy.

Ke
Review №38

I was so impressed with this repair shop that I can strongly recommend it! I was told I had a problem with my Mercedes and needed a replacement part. I researched the avg cost, then went to German Auto repair to do price comparison. German auto’s bid was right in line with the avg cost of repair google provided which saved me over $900 !!! Yes, I am a woman

Er
Review №39

First Class shop...extremely honest. I have used 3 other independent shops in town for my Porsche Cayenne and always felt like I was being over charged. These guys make me feel like I am being fairly treated and have patiently put up with me even though I am one of those know it alls. Highly recommended!

Ed
Review №40

Josef and crew have a small shop where they do incredible work at extremely reasonable prices. Josef goes out of his way to get you the best prices on parts and is very fair with his labor costs. We trust them with our 330Ci and our GTI and have never been more pleased. Only thing to keep in mind is that they are a small shop and Josef is sometimes slow to get back to you, but only because his shop is so busy. If you have a German made vehicle give them a try!

Fo
Review №41

Top shop !! Honest, fair, reasonable and fast service for BMW and Benz vehicles..easiest recommendation ever !!

Da
Review №42

Outstanding customer service

La
Review №43

Excellent, prompt service by experienced and well-trained professionals. My BMW was certainly in good hands, and the cost was very reasonable. Most impressed.

Ma
Review №44

I would rate this shop at ZERO stars! My 2008 VW Passat had a small oil leak which I needed repaired. After dropping the car off, I got a call the next day stating the repair would be $740 and would take a day to do it. Well I got my car back SEVEN DAYS LATER, and it was still leaking oil. When I returned to the shop. I had to continually call for updates on the car and was told on more than one occasion that we are a very busy shop and dont have time to call customersThe absolute best part of the story is that I received a call yesterday from the receptionist stating Joseph the owner wont allow you to be a customer anymore unless you take down the bad review you posted AS IF I WOULD LET THESE JOKERS WORK ON MY VEHICLE AGAIN!!!!! I have not taken down the review and have posted TRUTHFUL unflattering reviews on 2 other sites.Do your self a favor and go to another garage. Fore warned is fair warned!

An
Review №45

Nothing but good things about this place. I took my Mini Cooper into a few places before I brought it to German auto services, and the few places before hand didn’t know what was wrong and hit me for parts I didn’t need. Very friendly and professional, they found the problem in less than 30 minutes.

Na
Review №46

The best and honest service you can expect from Josef and his team. My car won’t start st the gas station, I called Josef, he trouble shoot the problem over the phone for me.

Ma
Review №47

Best in town, Honest, efficient, very nice people that do very good work. Go there one time and you would not go anywhere else after.

Ja
Review №48

Excellent service at a very reasonable price. Everything was fully explained and my Mercedes CLK convertible is now in great shape to enjoy the nice weather.

Ma
Review №49

Perfect job!Fast and excellent service.

Ma
Review №50

Everyone on staff is knowledgeable, professional, and kind. I would highly recommend to my friends and family.

Wa
Review №51

They have taken my Mercedes GL Bluetech for service, (oil change, oil filter change, Diesel Emissions, Cabin air filter and the fuel filter)next day after that service the car smell horribly diesel and there was leak under the car.i went to their shop twice and they kept telling me that this was not related to the service they have done.and refused to help and now i have to take the car to a reliable shop or may be to the Dealer shop to fix their MESS.i took the car to the dealer shop to diagnose the car and they stated that during the fuel filter clamp replacement, they used wrong size of hose clamp and they also broke the air filter hosing TURBO manifold which will cost me at least $1000 to be fixed.i have pictures and both receipts from them and from the dealer.Bad service and bad customer service

Ke
Review №52

Very knowledgeable and thorough. Definitely masters of their craft...

Ma
Review №53

My experience with German Automotive Services was wonderful. My check engine light came on, and my VW Jetta was running kind of funny. I got referred to them by a friend and I was lucky enough to get in and drop it off that evening! I had work the next day so they were flexible and worked with my schedule. Very kind and reasonable, Id recommend them to anyone with a European made car!

Ki
Review №54

Where do I begin besides Im glad our 2000 Nissan-Altima GXE is finalized and fixed up for now. I had a few issues fixed, we got the engine mount done first then the back breaks done through German Automotive Services. I just wish I took our car to German Automotive Services first for the front breaks to be done. I dont think it would have cost so much money to do the front breaks through German Automotive Services than through some place like Tire Kingdom. German Automotive Services is at least honest and telling you the truth than some place just wanting money or even more money from you as I heard to go to German Automotive Services for at least an honest quote through my husband and a few other acquaintances I know rather than through some place that just wants the money for the job to be done.

St
Review №55

Im 72 years old and have owned several VWs, BMWs, Porsches and MBs. I currently own 3 MBs and a Porsche. I say this to qualify me as someone with 50+ years of dealings with German automobile service providers, both dealerships and independents, in many cities and states. I rate German Automotive Services in Sarasota as the best in regards to quality and timeliness of service and price. Besides theyre nice guys.

Sh
Review №56

Recommend taking German made cars here. Josef is not cheap. Definitely not that guy but service and dependability are where hes at. You get what you pay for.

Ko
Review №57

Excellence service, personal attention. Josef and staff, they are very friendly and quick, explains fully and clearly, helps to understand problem and prices are good.

Er
Review №58

Josef was very honest and kind. Offered to have me wait in their lobby while wheel swap was being done and offered me water, magazines and even the Wi-Fi password. Definitely the best shop Ive too here in all of Florida.

Te
Review №59

I have been using German Automotive Services for over 12 years now and would not consider taking my car anywhere else. Josef and his sons Jared and Ahren operate the most honest and trustworthy mechanic shop I have ever done business with. On my most recent visit to get my X3 serviced Ahren diagnosed a timing chain factory defect issue and Jared called to advise me that the dealer should fix it for free under a specific extended warranty. Jared even gave me a copy of the service bulletin and with that in hand I went directly to the dealership. They agreed to do the work for free - I was floored - no hassles no run around (kudos to them too). Had Ahren not spotted the trouble with the timing chain (made a specific noise that I never would have picked up on) I would have driven the car until the chain failed and destroyed my engine. These guys have great technical expertise and you can believe what they tell you - hard to beat that!!!

Ja
Review №60

Very professional and thorough. Excellent service and price.

Ja
Review №61

DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR HERE. We had a terrible experience.. Our vehicle has not been the same since. BEWARE!!

se
Review №62

Had a bad experience with this establishment about 3 weeks ago Saturday. I had one of their technicians (Tyler) do some side work at the shop for me. He changed flex joint and center bearing for my ladies 325xi. I paid him $200 for his labor. Upon reinstalling the drive shaft he reversed the center bearings position and did not line up the driveshaft correctly causing severe issues of clunking and rattling under car.(Please note that the second shop that resolved my issue gave me this info as I am no mechanic) I returned the car to shop that following Monday to German Auto and informed them as to what had transpired asked manager Jeff to see what Tyler did wrong and diagnose the solution for me so I can get car driving the way it was when I brought to him. He apologized to me and said he wanted to make it right no matter what. They had the car over night and did a full diagnosis (according to Jeff) and determined that my 2 rear axles needed to be replaced at a cost of more that $600. I went to speak with him the next morning and found out they wanted to charge me a $45 diagnosis fee also??? I paid it and said they just compounded the issue instead of resolving it. I was disappointed with their response and inaction. I then took the car for a second opinion (as I didnt trust their Diagnosis) Only to find out that Tyler had installed the center bearing the incorrectly and thus my issues with driveability. $220 later I was back to normally and driving without issue. I called and spoke to Josef he was upset at the entire issue offered to refund my $45 for their Misdiagnosis and said that he would not allow his techs to do side work on his premises anymore. Strangely enough he didnt even question the Misdiagnosis issue since I had the second shop test my rear axles to see if they were on the way out and needed replacing and they told me NOTHING was wrong with either of them!!! When I went to pick up my $45 Josef did not even come and speak to me. Jeff handled the transaction and wished me well. I cannot in good conscience give these guys any sort of positive rating. Please note I have documentation to prove all of the above. I gave them ample time to resolve this situation amicably. Good luck and be careful, good and honest shops are hard to find and you get what you pay for. Sean Z.

ke
Review №63

Great guys..family owned & operated & rea$onable too!

Ja
Review №64

Good guys, great mechanics.

Je
Review №65

Excellent service, really good pricing. Very trustworthy!!

Ja
Review №66

Great guys. Certified, honest, and fair.

Ma
Review №67

Honest people

Information
100 Photos
67 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:2123 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
  • Site:http://germanautomotiveservices.com/
  • Phone:+1 941-405-9396
Categories
  • Auto repair shop
Working hours
  • Monday:8AM–5:30PM
  • Tuesday:8AM–5:30PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–5:30PM
  • Thursday:8AM–5:30PM
  • Friday:8AM–5:30PM
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Oil change:Yes
Amenities
  • Mechanic:Yes
Planning
  • Appointments recommended:Yes
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