Independent Automotive Inc

Reviews

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

  Halee Young
2 weeks ago
I recently had my car serviced at Independent Automotive, and I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of their work! From start to finish, the experience was top-notch. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure that my car was repaired to the highest standard. Not only did they fix the issue promptly, but they also provided excellent customer service throughout the process, keeping me informed every step of the way. I highly recommend Independent Automotive to anyone in need of reliable and professional auto repairs. They have definitely earned my trust, and I will be returning for any future automotive needs. Keep up the fantastic work!

  Jonathan Castaneda
a week ago
All I can say, is this Independent Automotive is a first rate operation. I was in Reno for a family trip and 30 minutes into ny drive home, I got a check engine light. I turned back, checked back into my hotel and thankfully found these folks. They went above and beyond to get me back on the road quickly. I definitely recommend trusting these folks with your car.

  Tony Grigg
4 days ago
I want to say a huge thank you to the owner and staff at Independent Automotive!About a month ago I was traveling through Sparks on my way to Utah about 8 hrs away for an appt, and had an automotive mechanical issue.None of the the other shops I spoke with could help on short notice except for Independent.The owner told me he had a similar instance once and would do everything they could to get me back on the road as soon as possible even though they were booked solid.4 hours later my vehicle was repaired and I was on my way. I want to sincerely thank everyone at Independent for their help! The owner could have charged me a premium price for the short notice work, but the price was far less than I expected, and I was treated more than fair and honestly.I would highly recommend these guys for you automotive needs.

  Anthony Palmer
3 weeks ago
The best place in sparks for honest and reliable automotive service. I Had a leaking oil change from the Jiffy hacks. Need reliable service for my work truck they delivered. Wait til you meet SLIMER!!! Great local that people that actually care and can perform.

  Darrell Reese
4 weeks ago
I have been a customer for almost three decades. The mechanics at Independent Automotive have always correctly diagnosed my vehicle issues the first time. Kudos to Ken, Jessie, Tim and their mechanics for running a top notch auto repair shop.

  Kyle R
a year ago
Brought my car in for power steering issues. I worked with Tim and he was phenomenal! Passionate, knowledgeable and friendly, everyone there was super nice and welcoming. 10/10 will be bringing my Subaru back to them for everything!!Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenanceServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenance

  Chris
3 weeks ago
Lovely folks, great service, fair pricing. Your first stop for any Subaru mechanical needs.

  Michelle Abell
4 years ago
These guys are great! I've been bringing my vehicles for service and repairs for about 30 years. They are always up front about costs and try to save you money when they can with different options for your vehicle repairs. Ken the owner, and all of his guys are always friendly and nice. If your looking for an honest/ no BS mechanic this is the place you've been looking for! They recently put a new motor in my old truck and I couldn't be happier!

  Jeffrey Purtee
8 months ago
Showed up with my hurting Subaru Outback before they even opened for the day. However, they were already in the office and saw me right away anyway. Even though they were super busy, they still got my car fixed and back to me that afternoon.I'm a two-Subaru family and take both my cars here for all service. Suggest you consider doing the same.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Kristina Deming
a year ago
I am very pleased with the service provided here. This is my second time going, and both times were a pleasure. It was not the cheapest service in town, but they were honest and worth every penny! I brought it here in the summer or 2022 with a mechanical issue. I also brought up things I was told were needing to be done by a previous mechanic. That could have been an easy sale for them. Instead of taking the sale, they said they saw nothing wrong with the needed services! I was then provided a prioritized list of things needing to do down the road. Again, I brought it in and it was a pleasure. They prioritize what can wait and what needs done right now. It s great to find an honest business!Services: Electrical, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Brian Sundeen
4 weeks ago
Don t trust anyone else to take my vehicles to. They are awesome.

  P 99
11 months ago
These dudes could have took me for the ride of all rides, but were incredibly honest about the condition of my vehicle. Bad cat, bad cvt, bad turbo. 15k worth of repairs clearly stated to me with an honest assessment of sell/trade/repair. I proceeded with a trade in at the stealership and came out on top. If you own a Subaru pushing 100k, you owe it to yourself to service here and get an honest mechanic's opinion.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Justin Kuykendall
a year ago
Independent Automotive is by far the best place to get work done on your car in Reno. This is even more true if you have a Subaru since they're total experts on them. Additionally, they have a reliable pipeline to source parts to get your car fixed quicker than any other place. I've taken my 05' Outback 3.0R to them for the past 5 years or so to have work done. It's an oddball car model, but that has never stopped them from fixing it to perfection. Whether it was a drivetrain u-joint or transmission work- they've returned my car as if it was brand new. Not only is their work excellent, but so is their customer service. I tip my hat to Tim who handled my most recent transmission sensor issue better than I could have ever imagined. These guys aren't out for a quick buck nor are they in the business of trying to get you to come back. Their objective is to give you back a car that runs great and hopefully doesn't have to return. I also want to shoutout the guys that do the inspections- they truly find the root cause of problems and even discover issues you wouldn't have known about until it was too late. I know this because I ignored a recommendation in the beginning thinking they were just trying to squeeze more out. Boy was I wrong when that issue showed itself down the line. If you need car work done, take it to them and listen to what they suggest- they aren't BS'ing you. They do excellent honest work and don't charge you an arm and a leg like their competitors- ESPECIALLY the dealership. Thank you for the great years of keeping my Subie in top shape, and if I find myself back in Reno, I know where I'm taking my car.Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Transmission repair

  Are Jay
a year ago
This is the best most honest shop in town! I take all my vehicles here and have them service everything. They take such good care of my vehicles and even did a complete warranty on a service done over a year ago.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change

  Paul Smith
3 years ago
Very ThoroughI really appreciate their honesty and thoroughness. I had taken my vehicle there as a referral. The problem turned out not to be a problem. However, they did discover an issue with my rebuilt engine of less than 30 days and said I should return the vehicle to the shop that did the rebuild. I felt betrayed by the re-builder and choose to have them further investigate the issue. After doing so they showed me the evidence which confirmed that I had made the right choice. The repair was completed quickly and its been about a year and I have had no problems sense. They have won my confidence and thus my business.Service: Engine repair

  Paul Verburg
2 years ago
We have been bringing our Subaru to Independent Automotive for several years now based on a recommendation made by a friend of ours. While finding a good mechanic is a bit nerve-wracking we have not been disappointed. They have always done quality work and are upfront when it comes to things that need to be done vs. things that can wait. They often give several options (bundle repairs vs. spread it out) so you can make a decision based on urgency of repairs and amount of money you're willing to spend at any time. They are also very good at letting you know if unexpected issues come up rather than being confronted with an unexpectedly high bill when you pick up the car. Overall, we are very happy to be able to support a local business that is trustworthy and provides quality service.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Rob Ingalls
2 years ago
Won't ever take my Subaru somewhere else if I can help it. They are always honest, do the work that needs to be done properly. High quality parts and service. Ive been coming here since 2006 and reccomend it to anyone with a Subaru looking for service. Les is an amazing mechanic and they've always done right by me and my car.

  Peter Stitt
a year ago
We were on a road trip & passing through Reno & our Subaru overheated... these guys were AWESOME! Tim & Les and crew kept us informed throughout the process!!! Looked @ the car close to closing time!!! We felt like family!! THANK YOU

  JIM SKAGGS
5 years ago
Trustworthy.Not a word that gets thrown around all that often nowadays. Especially in the automotive service/repair industry.A buddy of mine highly recommended Jessy with Independent over casual conversation about reputable shops in general. Why the heck not, I gave them a call.Upon answering, I was greeted with the Company name, the name of the employee and asking how I was doing. Simple, right? Seems to be the exception to the rule anymore.Appointment day arrived. The entire (what I am guessing to be) front of the house staff was extremely courteous and attentive. My vehicle was ready an hour or so ahead of schedule, and WELL under what I had come to expect to pay for a diesel oil change in this area.One week later, I took my wife's vehicle in for an oil change and tire rotation. AGAIN, ahead of schedule and under what I anticipated.My vehicles will never again see the inside of another service center in the Reno/Sparks area!

  duchess delerium
3 years ago
I was recommended this place by a few die-hard Subaru friends for an inspection on an Outback I m going to sell and left feeling very well-informed. They told me they wear their masks anytime they re in the vehicle and one of the owners took the time to personally chat with me about the results.Friendly and straightforward.Thanks guys.

  Zach Reinitz
2 years ago
one of the few honest shops left in Reno . I always feel good leaving my vehicle with independent. and even better when I pick it up. They are proficient and dont jerk you around. fast service and pricing is as it should be -.

  Karisa Bellows
3 years ago
Independent Automotive has been servicing my 2011 subaru for 7 years now and they always give you the communication and service of a small family owned business. Ken, Jesse and Less are professional and knowledgeable. On the rare occasion that additional repair was necessary they stand by their work and take care of you. They are the best! I recommend them to subaru owners and non subaru owners.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, A/C installation & repair

  Juan Guzman
2 years ago
I have gone to these guys a few times over the past 3 to 4 years for a Jeep, not even a Subaru. They do great and honest work and that's why I keep going back. I definitely recommend them.

  d fenimore
4 years ago
We've been taking both our Subarus to them for years now, referred by a friend who moved to the Bay Area and kept bringing his back to Reno for service until he found someone trustworthy down there. Fred and Ken are dedicated to keeping your old Subaru running as long as possible, into the 250,000-mile range and beyond if you want. They are honest, skilled, friendly, busy and, as a previous reviewer remarked, do not sell you stuff you don't need. UPDATE -- Six years later, Fred's retired, and Jesse and Les are in the office with Ken, and I'm still their loyal customer. They haven't steered me wrong yet (pun intended).

  Tom Bentley
4 years ago
AvoidHad my wife's car towed in for a broken shift cable. Took awhile to get the part so car was in shop a week or so, which was expected. Finally got the call that it was fixed and ready to go, but they checked the car a it has a few issues. 1. Broken chrome piece...? 2. Battery needed to be charged and isn't holding a charge well. OK, the battery was maybe 5 years old but was reliable all winter and the car was only driven 2 times weekly - maybe. No problem I had them replace with a new one. Not sure what the chrome piece was they mentioned and when I picked the car up I totally forgot about it until I was home.Should of brought my glasses when I picked it up and looked at the bill. Not a surprise except the $150 charge for regular battery I thought was a little steep, but no problem....yet. After I got home and looked at the bill they also added a $60 charge for charging the old battery????? Wow, now I really am wondering if they left a door open or lights on and drained it. You buy a battery and they still charge for checking the old one!? The chrome piece was still attached to the hood but the grommets on one side were broken. This is a piece of chrome on the very front edge of hood. Now I know that the hood is difficult to close and requires slamming. I have been the only one to open and close the hood as I do the oil changes and check fluids. Called them up within hours of picking up the car and the first thing out of his mouth....."If my guys broke it they would have told me!".....yeah right!!!!! Now he did offer to look at it and fix it......but at this point I do not trust this place! So difficult to find a good repair business that values customers over a few dollars!

  Scott Hutcherson
8 years ago
We've had all of our vehicles repaired at Independent and they have always been fair with their charges. The work has always been done well, even when some of the repairs presented them with diagnostic challenges. Everyone I have dealt with there has been knowledgeable, friendly, and very easy to talk to. I've never felt pressured into any course of action, but have been able to discuss repair options and make an informed decision.I highly recommend Independent Automotive.

  Roger Koch
6 years ago
Had my first experience with this shop two days ago. Found them to be refreshingly honest and knowledgeable. Didn't try to up sell me on things I didn't need. Completed my car on time when promised with no B.S.. If you are looking for an alternative to LITHIA SUBARU OF RENO, this is the place. And although they specialize in Subaru's, they work on all makes and models. I will be taking all our vehicles there from now on. Thanks Tim for the great service!!!!

  Alison Thomas
4 years ago
These guys are THE BEST! I am so glad that they not only do great work, but they do it with honesty & integrity. I am a single mother who was beyond stressed by potential costly car issues, but rather than try and upsell me on expensive fixes, they got my car in good working order for a fraction of what I was expecting. They are good guys and they do good work.

  Debi Wood
6 years ago
I just spoke with Jesse regarding a Subaru SVX that my son purchased. The previous owner had the car serviced and maintained at Independent Automotive. Jesse gave us the entire maintenance history. Independent Automotive was highly recommended by the couple who sold my son the car. I was very impressed by the courteous way we were treated over the phone. I will definitely be bringing my cars to Independent Automotive for any service I may need.

  Jesse Spooner
a year ago
They were very nice and kept me to update on when my car was ready. They are reasonably priced too :) I definitely will be going there again!Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection, Auto emissions testing, Oil changeServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection, Auto emissions testing, Oil change