Sam's Auto Repair Service
4.5 (283)
1717 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 953-7999
aaa.com
Claimed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Sue V
2 weeks ago
Sam s was referred to me by another shop. From the first phone call, they were professional and accommodating. They scanned my vehicle, made the appropriate repairs, and gave me options to consider for work that may need to be done in the future. The waiting room is clean, and the mechanics are courteous and have been here for a long time. On top of that, they are a AAA awarded shop and honor the membership discount. I am pleased to have found a place that I can trust to work on my vehicle for a reasonable price.
Melissa Ann DeMarco
a month ago
These guys are great! Honest, hard working group of guys. My Mama used to take her car to the place on Main St. But they would not let us wait. This shop has a nice cosey spot to sit. Try them out when you need your next service!
Rob Lee
a month ago
I don't immediately give 5 stars owing simply to my respect for certain proverbs, such as the proof of the pudding is in the tasting, or "time will tell." Sam's may well deserve 5 or 10 stars. The lads there seemed quite decent and forthright and the car is now running well. I respect these guys and if, heavens forbid, new problems arose, it's where I'd go. (Car servicing generally seems awfully expensive to me, but I may be stuck in the 1960s, c'est la vie.) Thanks, Sam's.Here is my second review. February 26. I have edited and added a fifth star. I took my car in today two weeks after the above comments. They checked out a new problem for a reasonable fee. My car is nearly an antique, and, unfortunately, a needed shifter cable is unavailable. They lubed the existing cable and did not consider that a solution. But, as I drove home, the shift actually worked better. So, fingers crossed. Sam's also kindly drove me home and picked me up later in the day to get my car. My impression is that Sam's is all-round reliable. Five stars!
Matt Owen
2 months ago
Some things never change, thankfully.I managed this shop about 10 years or so ago, I have since retired from the automotive business. I just had to express my gratitude & thanks for a job well done once again. Sam, Jerry, Gene, Uziel, & of course James have all worked here since I was there & before.These guys take pride in what they do & only do what's needed however they also tell you what to "keep an eye out for".I can't thank this crew enough for taking such good care of me & my Jeep Wrangler.Keep up the great work guys!!!!
Wendy Griswold
2 months ago
Very impressed with Sam's Auto Repair Service; a well-seasoned, pleasant, professional & helpful staff. They are honest & provide suggestions &/or give FYIs without being pushy & deceitful. Work is done in a timely manner with reasonable cost. I feel very comfortable doing business with them!
Bonnie Feldman
3 months ago
The service people were very honest & helpful with a difficult situation & were able to fit me into their busy schedule without an appt & take care of the work I needed done in a timely manner. They were friendly & the prices were reasonable. They were good at explaining all the necessary details of the situation with my car.
Alyson Noune
3 months ago
The fellas at Sam's have been taking care of me for years, helping to keep my 2 old cars running. They are honest and operate with integrity and kindness! I would highly recommend them to anyone needing vehicle assistance!
Thomas Hogan
3 months ago
Came out from Lowes to discover I had a dead battery in my car. I called AAA and they put me in touch with Sam's Towing Service. I requested a new battery. The technician (Jeremey), arrived in 20 minutes. He was the nicest guy, calm and polite. He answered all my questions, and then proceeded to install the new battery for me. I was so pleased with the prompt service, and with the demeanor and professionalism of Jeremey ... it turned what was a bad experience into a feeling of thankfulness. Thank you AAA, thank you Sam's Towing, and so many thanks to Jeremey.
Redtail
3 weeks ago
Outstanding customer service! Was able to get me in fairly soon, fixed my issue, and then followed up a few weeks later to check on things. Who does that anymore? Highly recommend!!!
Elissa Mirabelli
a month ago
Installed in 15 min. hydraulic thingies for hatch to stay open when I load the Honda CRV hatch. On my other vehicle, Sam's price to complete a steering repair was $400 less than a quote from a local national chain auto repair place. Service at Sam's rarely disappoints.
Stacey Tucker
2 months ago
I took my 2014 pilot in for a ticking noise they told me I need a new engine for 8 grand. I took it to another mechanic and it was the timing belt and some other tuneup oil change for under a grand!! Always get a second opinion. I will never go back plus they charged 170 to lie to me!
mk
3 years ago
Used Sam s before to boost/charge my battery. So it was an easy choice to make to take a friends Jeep in for repair that I was shipping back to Canada. We had a tight timeline so they allowed me to drop off the jeep the day before so they could get a look at it first thing in the am. I received a call from Nick to advise me of what the issue was and the $ cost to repair. They got it done in the time frame they promised and Nick reviewed the complete repair with me when I went to pick it up. They also allowed the jeep to be stored overnight as the transport truck was coming the next day to fetch it. A friendly and knowledgeable operation with great service!
karen bousquet
7 months ago
I called AAA today for a dying battery and the call went out to Sam's Auto Repair. They were amazing. They contacted me immediately to say that they would be servicing my car and then kept me in the loop as to when they would arrive. The technician that arrive was Alex and he was one of the truly nicest people I have ever met in my life. He was friendly, efficient and explained everything from what needed to be done to the billing. While chatting he raved about the company he worked for and talked about his bosses referring to them as "like family". A truly wonderful company with great work ethic and a fabulous employee.Service: Battery
Stacey Stiles
2 months ago
These guys are amazing. My car is a piece of garbage, but I'm stuck with it right now. These guys do everything they can for me to keep it going. Plus, military discounts if ANYONE in your family served.
Agnes Nagy
3 months ago
Alex came out today and replaced my battery, explaining the process and the warranty. he was quick, courteous and professional. Five starts!
Vladislav Levitsky
5 months ago
The diagnostics did not not reveal anything extra on top of what I already knew. There was a disconnect between what the two gentlemen at the front desk said in each others absense in terms of how the diagnostics was done. Still had to pay the fee. Just wasted time and money. The repair estimate had parts overpriced, there is about 35% surcharge on top dealer price, if the parts intended to installed are OEM, which I would not really know. They do not accept customer parts. Does not look like a place for locals, more of like snow birds.
Susan Wilner
8 months ago
We brought our car into Sam's for the first time to get our car battery charged. Nick greeted us and explained it could possibly take at least two hours. We asked if there was a place close by to have lunch which turned out to be about 2 blocks away. He offered to drive us there and was very courteous throughout the whole process. After about an hour Nick called me and said the battery would not hold the charge and therefore, since this was done through AAA and still under warranty, the battery would be replaced with no cost to us other than for the failed battery charge cost. We were extremely pleased by the process and how my wife and I were treated. We would highly recommend them for their honesty and courtesy they extended.Aaron and Susan Wilner
Helen Zubrinsky
a year ago
I had a dead battery, called AAA. Sam s Auto Repair came, checked it out and put in a new battery. Ran test, said I need new alternator. Told me not to drive except to mechanic because dead alternator would damage new battery. Next morning I took car into Sam s and told Nick what happened. He came out immediately to check system. Gave me a detailed explanation and printout of tests he ran and told me my system was working perfectly and I didn t need a new alternator. Saved me approximately $800. I am an 85 yr female and would not have known if Nick wasn t so honest and professional to tell me the truth. This is why I always take my car to Sam s for auto care because I always get honest professional diagnosis and care. Thank you Nick! I am extremely grateful for your kindness and expertise. I ll never go to another mechanic! Period!Services: Auto battery replacement, Auto battery maintenance
minna baker
2 months ago
Sam's is my trusted place to do car repairs. I am pleased to find a completely competent place of business. Well run. I felt at ease knowing that whatever they recommended was necessary. I am a regular customer from now on.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance
Vicki McVey
7 months ago
My car was towed to Sam s while I was on vacation here because my car key was not being detected. Nick told me I didn t need to have AAA send a locksmith out because he had a local one that would come out that day. At 5:30, after hearing no update from Nick I called the shop to get their voicemail saying they were closed. The next morning I called to see what was happening & was told the locksmith never came out & so they still had no idea if the key was the only issue. Nick tried to say he told me it may be the next day until the locksmith could come out but that was a boldface lie. IF he d said that I would have had another locksmith come out as I had to leave the area the next day. Over a day passed w no progress, no communication from them & no concern that I had to leave my hotel in a few hours w no car or place to stay. I had to call out of work, pay for another night at the hotel & called AAA to send a locksmith out. Magically their locksmith showed up right after I spoke w Jerry that morning & he got the key to work but somehow Nick & Jerry didn t know that. How is it possible they didn t know that? In the end I really don t know if there ever was an issue besides the key. They didn t communicate with me, didn t have any consideration that I wasn t local & give me the option to take my car someplace else if they were too busy to give my car any attention. I have never been disregarded & mistreated by a mechanic like this. My issue was minimal, I d hate to think of what this experience would have been like if it were more serious.Service: Electrical
Kristin Kuntz
11 months ago
Brought my car into Sam s after having triple A come out and they were able to fix the issue, charge the battery and change the oil in just a few hours! Gerry was helpful and kind. prices were fair and no surprises! Would definitely recommendService: BatteryService: Battery
Bryan Roberts
a year ago
We have used Sam's twice recently (two different cars) via AAA for battery service. The first visit was with Alex, the second with Austin. Both technicians arrived promptly, were friendly, knowledgeable and professional, and had us up and running in no time. Also, their vehicles were clean and well cared for. All in all, a great experience start to finish and I would not use anyone else at this point. Highly recommended!Service: Battery
Roy Cleeves
a year ago
I called before going to Sam's Auto Repair. I was impressed that they picked up the phone. I needed a bulb for my 2003 Mustang - Canadian Car - as I am snowbirding in Florida. Nick said "Come in around 2:30 today and we will get that done for you". Great - I went at 2:30 and was greeted professionally and looked after with a new bulb in 15 mins!!Nick was very helpful and did the replacement himself right in the parking lot! Thanks so much! I strongly recommend Sam's Auto Repair.Service: Electrical
Alan Ari
5 months ago
Very nice knowledgeable mechanics, First rate operation, I was lucky to find such an organized operation, Bob the service consultant, helped me out and saved the day for me.Thanks again
Bill Sarazen
4 months ago
This shop kept my last car running for 13 years. Now I m trusting their care to my new car.
Rebecca Thayer
a year ago
It's such a relief to find a great, trustworthy auto repair shop. Sam's Auto is the best one out there! Nick was very efficient and courteous. He did a great job and was so helpful, too.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance
Judith Johnson
a year ago
I took my 2012 Nissan Altima to Sam's Auto repair on 17th Street in Lockwood ridge I was not told about the hundred and $185 diagnostic service that I was charged today when I told him that I wasn't able to pay the $2,700 bill at this time. Be wary of Sam's Auto. There are people out there that will do a diagnostic tests and they will tell you how much they charge I wasn't even informed about this charge and I've just had thousands of dollars work done on my two cars my appointment Wednesday guess what I'm canceling it
Steven Pajevic
a year ago
Greatly appreciate and value the team at Sams Auto Repair.They are taking great care of us.They service our vehicles and we look forward to many years doing business together!Would highly recommendServices: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Christopher Stolz
a year ago
Do not ever go to this Service station. They should be investigated for how they conduct business. I brought my car in and stated the symptoms. They said it will cost approximately $500 unless they discover one item is damaged in which it would be an additional $250. After spending $800, the same symptoms occurred 2 days later. I brought it back and said, it s your A/C. It will be an additional $1,300. I asked how can it be when it s the same symptoms as what you supposedly fixed. We thought it was the coolant since that it s what it is most often. So they guess with your money. Save your money, you ve been warned.
Connie Hardesty
2 years ago
Last week I found myself stuck at the post office with a dead battery. I contacted AAA who sent out Alex from Sam's Auto Repair. Initially the wait time AAA gave me was 4 hours!! I sat there for a few minutes wondering what I was going to do and I got a call from Alex stating he would be there in 10 minutes. Whew! I mentioned to Alex my battery light had came on the day before so I was not surprised it was now dead. He stated to me that usually is not the battery but the alternator so he would check both. The alternator tested good and the battery tested at 52%. While doing this Alex found the cables going into the battery were extremely hot, had melted the plastic cover and were beginning to smoke! He told me he could cut the burnt wires and reattach and replace the battery if I wanted him to, although I still had some life in it. I was so happy he could take care of it on the spot so of course I said yes to both, please! Alex was so kind and explained everything and told me to keep an eye on it over the next couple of days, but was sure he solved the issue. I am so grateful and highly recommend Sam's Automotive and Alex!Service: Battery