Brown's Automotive Services

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Denis Gatotho
4 months ago
I was fooled by the reviews(which are older) and had the worst experience with this "business"!!!My vehicle is a VW 4wd vanagon syncro which are fairly rare and have hard to find parts. It had an issue with a lack of power so i drove it over an hour to browns thinking i'd get it fixed up quickly and on my way. Dropping it off turned into a 6month on going nightmare that i'm still having migranes over. I gave them the benefit of the doubt every step of the way but they still found a way to dissapoint. Here are some of the things i experienced and hope it serves as a warning to you before taking you valuable vehicle to this establishment.- They will leave your vehicle in a dirtier state that how you brought it in- Their communication was horrendous, i had to be the one to call everytime to check on the condition of the vehicle even when i was promised a call back over and over again.- The shop was using a contracted mechanic(freddy) to work on my vehicle. Since he was inconsistant and would not report his work to the service tech (vanessa), i had to be in direct contact with the mechanic over the phone to know what was going on with my van. During this 2month ordeal he was condescending, uncommunicative, rude, and an overall unpleasant individual to correspond with.- They would over promise saying that the van is all finished and i would make an hours drive to the shop and be dissapointed by its performance. This would happened over three times until i was fed up and took my van back after over 2 months in their possession with minimal improvements. When i took possesion back there were wires hanging in the dash and in the engine bay which were previously connected. The idle to the vehicle was also much higher due to the mechanic fiddling with the idle control unit when had nothing to do with the main issue. Later costing me $500 to buy a new one.- On one of my visits i mentioned to them that my gas guage had stopped working since i dropped it off. They then proccedded to gas light me into thinking i brought it in that way. Come to find out later the mechanic had left ground wires disconnected when cleaning them and i had to personally reconnect them in order to get my guage working again.-I finally took my van to a more respectable shop and they had me in and out in under a week with my van running in tip top shape. The issue ended up being a clogged fuel filter :(I later found that one of the parts that i had on the vehicle was missing. The mechanic took it off but never returned it to me. I made browns aware of this and the mechanic confirmed he one for me but after 6months of going and back and forth over text and calling, i still have not recieved my part back nor will they reimburse it.Please beware before bringing your valuable and precious vehicle into the hands of this establishment. I write this review so i can finally be rid of this headache and as the warning i wished i had before taking it here. It should also serve as constructive critism to browns and how they treat their customers. How they respond to this will show their colors.

  jason stubblefield
4 months ago
I ve had my 65 Aircooled Beatle for almost 17 years now. I blew the motor right when I moved to KC. Terrible timing! I found Browns and had them rebuild my 1600 single port. I know it s just a single, but it s the strongest running motor I ve had in it since I ve owned this car. It s 100% an everyday driver. I also pull a camper with it and make frequent trips to the mountains in it. Couldn t be happier. Thanks you guys.

  John Warren
4 months ago
I bought a bus from Danny and Vanessa. They met me on the price and made it very easy to do business. It was a fun experience, and I look forward to doing more business with them. Stop on by and find some treasures!

  DANIELLE BOHON
4 months ago
WARNING You will save money time and yourself a headache just going to a real specialist on the West coast. Their contractors only know what they read on the internet while working on the damn thing guessing half the time, your likely to do better work and know more about your van. Horrific communication, extremely rude, and unprofessional. Left with more problems. Reason the shop looks like a VW graveyard with walking dead employees on god knows what unable to make clean sentences, irequested missing parts many times with no result other than blamed for taking tools, which would be on them if they left in the van, I asked to specify what they are missing, with out answer they disconnected the line. nothing was left or found in the van. I'm still missing my part no issue was fixed and paid to get my van back with more issues and a very unpleasant experience.

  Jody Stull
2 years ago
I am so glad we found Brown's. The whole crew is awesome! They took very special care of our sweet Ruby (1969 VW bug). Very reasonably priced! Loved the place. Ruby will be coming back for another visit when its time for her next checkup!Service: Auto engine tuningService: Auto engine tuning

  Anthony Evangelista
a month ago
Excellent local VW shop highly recommended for all your early Volkswagen repairs and maintenance.

  Mike Martinez
5 years ago
Excellent service on my 78 Super Beetle. Danny and his crew fixed things on my beetle that other mechanics could not. Reasonable price and good communication. He will be the only one to work on my VW in the future.

  EZ H
4 years ago
Vanessa was great, although i did not have a per-purchase evaluation done at browns we had a wonderful vw KG chit chat she and her father were willing to squeeze me in on a Friday( Good Friday) and even store the car for 24 hours. Customer Service!!! and I wasn't even a customer. Thanks EH68Ghia/cali coast

  sdd g acct
a year ago
Do not be misled when you arrive. This is the place for quality and responsive repairs for your Air Cooled VW. When you arrive and Vanessa greets you with a smile. Or when George or anyone else works on your car, know they are going to do their best. Whether you have Water Cooled or Air Cooled, they are going to make it work.If you know what they are doing, then you will know they know what they are doing. Keep in mind three things to get the most from your visit.1. Schedule in advance. They may be booked a month or more depending upon job.2. Describe completely what you need and any issues.3. When they call to talk about your car needs, it is better to see than just talk at times. Go see what is needed. You will be happier.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Bob Cave
4 years ago
I have a 1973 Thing and Danny recently replaced my clutch and tuned it up and did an excellent job. He has worked on my 1972 Bus dropped the engine and replaced real seal no more leaks and most recently my 1966 bus and he and Vanessa found a few things I was unaware of and fixed those. This is a great shop! I have had VW s worked on in Cali, New Mexico, Missouri, and Arizona Danny and Vanessa are by far the most economical, experienced and honest of any shop I have visited. I have referred all my friends to this excellent and personable shop!

  Steve Tubbert
3 years ago
Danny & Vanessa and the whole team at Brown's did an incredible job of getting our family bus back on the road. They've taken care of our VWs for 16+ years and treat these vehicles like their own. Their knowledge and love of these vehicles make it an easy choice to go to Brown's - they're the best!

  Marn J.
4 years ago
i can't say enough good things about this place. Danny Brown and crew, plus his daughter, Vanessa, are the real deal. Not only will they fix your VW, they do it with a thoughtful and professional touch. I have taken my Bug to them for several years and i always know it is in great hands. i appreciate their knowledge, their generosity and reliability. Your VW (or any car for that matter!) is in the best hands at Browns!

  Seeking Eden
4 years ago
To say is got my van fixed there is an understatement. I was having transmission issues in a 1987 Vanagon and they worked with me the best they could to consider timing in my travels and they had the job done the day it was scheduled with a really awesome group of people. They take pride in their work, they love VWs and it holds a special place in my heart to have spent my time with that group in Kansas City. Good food nearby and an overall phenomenal experience. They re fair, and they care about doing the job right. What more can you ask for in a shop!

  Marie Johnson
4 years ago
Danny has fixed our car following a deer incident, 3 times! Looked brand new every time. We were pleased with his work and he finished it in a reasonable amount of time every time. I would recommend him and Vanessa to anyone, they are the best.

  Ian Noah ([NOAH] films)
4 years ago
If you have a VW van and are in the KC area this is the only place I recommend! The people here are very nice and they know what they are doing. Mr Brown is one of the kindest most genuine people I know. He does his work with love and any time I have problems with my 1987 Vanagon I know I can trust them to take care of me without being overly expensive.

  adrienne hankins
4 years ago
Brown's Automotive Services goes above and beyond every time ensuring everyone is taken care of with top-notch service at their shop and even out side of their grounds. I am single mom and they went out of their way to help me when my car battery died and I was in desperate need. They gave me a personal referral and even also offered to come help me when it was below freezing temperatures outside. This place truly cares not only about cars, but people - and making sure everyone is treated with the greatest value and respect they deserve. I will always go tho these guys first because they are honest and will tell you how it is.

  Chris Fein
4 years ago
Browns has always addressed my repair needs in a timely manner at a reasonable cost. Vanessa Danny and the crew are friendly and knowledgeable. In fact if you own an aircooled VW they are in my opinion the only game in town.

  gina bailey
4 years ago
I would highly recommend Brown's if you re looking for a VW mechanic! A co-worker who s been going to him for years recommended him to me when I had decided it was finally time to pursue my dream of owning a vintage VW beetle. Danny & his crew turned the 1973 auto stick Super Beetle I found on craigslist from a not running, water damaged sad beetle into a beautiful, reliable & safe happy beetle & me into an even happier driver/owner. Danny has decades of experience so I felt like my car & I were in the best hands after all you aren t around for that long if you re not a great mechanic & honest business owner! If you re looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, fair priced shop that specializes in VW's there is no place in the Kansas City area better than Brown s they are just simply the best.

  Hattie Williams
4 years ago
If you need work done on your VW, this is where you need to be. I own 3 VW buses and wouldn t trust them with anyone else. I ve had tons of work done at the shop, And the work has always been completed in a timely and professional fashion.I purchased some very particular seats from Danny Brown s that had to be cut out of another vehicle. I was quoted a very fair price. When I returned later that day with money in hand, Vanessa Brown told me that removing the seats didn t take as long as they had anticipated, so she said she only felt right by reducing the price. Nobody does that kind of thing anymore.Her honesty was just her doing what she does best, being fair and honest. That s why they have been in business so long.I noticed a strange review left by a Vanessa Brown that I hope is removed soon by google, as it is obviously an impersonation of one of the owners. That kind of behavior is not only disturbing, but actionable both civilly and criminally. What a shame.Anyhow, back to Danny and Vanessa-they are the real deal and you ll be in great hands. I value my VW buses dearly and cannot day enough about the good work they do.

  Marc Schumer
4 years ago
I ve been taking my buses to Danny, Junior, Vanessa and George since 2006. They are fair and friendly, extremely knowledgeable and able to diagnose and repair most any problem I ve brought to them. They also give back to the VW community by attending and hosting events, and are active on social media. I love this shop!

  David Blasiar
6 years ago
While I was in the Army in Germany we bought a new 1966 bug. We brought it back to the US. Our three sons learned to drive in it. Finally the VW just rusted away. We regretted letting it go to salvage. Many years later our three sons surprised us with a 1963 bug for our 50th wedding anniversary. We engaged Mr. Brown's services to mechanically restore it. We intended to do the interior ourselves but ended up turning interior and body work over to him. He and his staff did a great job. Mr Brown is a skilled mechanic and a patient expert. Over time I consider him to be a good friend to whom I go for maintenance and guidance.

  freddie sachen
a year ago
Last great vw repair shop in kc. I UUSED TO BE THE WATER COOLED GUY BUT, THEY NOW HAVE ADAPTED TO THEM ON THERE OWN.AND DO AGREAT JOB

  Phil Williams
8 years ago
Built a great running 1776 for my 1970 beetle. Great price and friendly service! Dan and Junior take pride in their work and it shows in the quality of my engine! Will not take my air cooled any where else.

  Velo Garage
4 years ago
Browns services our marketing vehicle, a 1969 VW bus. They always make sure it gets well taken care of. They also provide service for our personal 75 Westy. Years and years of air cooled mechanic experience here!

  Patrick Martin
4 years ago
I can t say enough about these folks. They brought my tired old 64 bug back from the dead when honestly, I wasn t even sure if it was possible. It had been sitting in my driveway for many years. All new wiring and a fresh rebuilt motor! This old thing has a long way to go, but I m happy to say I m now able to drive it while I fix the various other issues little by little. Good stuff. Thank you so much!

  Danielle Hunter
2 years ago
The Browns are very knowledgeable people, top recommendation for older VW work in Kansas City! Very helpful, and exceptional customer service!!

  Tammy McNiel
4 years ago
Vanessa is absolutely amazing. I had a wiring problem and nobody could figure it out and they got it figured out and fixed. Saved me a lot of money. I highly recommend this place. I won't go anywhere else now. Thanks so much Vanessa.

  Adam K (squagle)
9 years ago
Brown's Automotive had the parts and expertise to fix the problems with our 67 Bus. Quick, high quality service that didn t cost an arm and leg. He will be our go-to guy for anything we can t figure out ourselves.

  Keno Davidson
9 months ago
Dropped the car off today. Everyone I take to were amazing. Really feeling good about them.

  Ken McFarland
5 years ago
Funky old shop specializes in old V W's and good source of real original parts, service and advice by a crew with over 200 years experience.