Pete's Garage
4.7 (102)
1909 Lamar St, Durham, NC 27705
(919) 286-9109
petesgaragedurham.com
Claimed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Emily Spencer
5 days ago
Hands down the best auto garage in the Durham area. These guys are friendly, trustworthy, attentive, pay attention to detail and actually LISTEN to their customers. I am always greeted by name with a smile which makes having to drop my car off for usually expensive repairs easier. They even pay for uber rides to and from the shop! The detailed reports they send are something I've never experienced at an auto garage! They are spot on! As a woman, I must say that I have never trusted any mechanic more than the ones here! I'd give them 10 stars if I could! Highly recommend and they get the job done (usually same day) with QUALITY! Thanks Pete's Garage :)
Mike
2 weeks ago
A reliable little mechanic shop that has been a trustworthy go to for all my cars.When it comes to identifying odd mechanical issues or routine maintenance, I have trusted the folks at this place for a while now. They have been straight to the point, upfront on pricing and always on time.Recommended and trusted with my cars.
Emily Plummer
2 weeks ago
I've been taking my vehicles to the Kerwin brothers at Pete's for years. There's no one else I would trust to give me an honest, fair assessment. They stand by their work. Stand up business. Highly recommend
Scott Lee
2 weeks ago
Be wary of businesses like Pete's that force you into a $175 "assessment fee." If a customer comes to your shop and wants a specific job done and needs a quote for sourcing a specific part or hours required for a specific job, and the company refuses to give any estimates before you pay a fee, it is usually because they want to "find" things you don't need done to charge you more. This is a predatory business practice. Do not fall for this. Plenty of great shops in the area that will be upfront with their costs and estimated labor requirements.My experience with this shop: I was met with rude behavior because I asked specific questions and didn't want to have an "assessment" done on my vehicle. I'm an automotive mechanical engineer and have been building/fixing cars my whole life. I wanted a simple quote and was met with hostility because that's "not how they do business." These guys are looking for suckers.
Elizabeth Epperson
a month ago
I brought my car because it was overheating. They charged me 1300 dollars dis not fix the problem and obviously scraped the side of it against something and said nothing about it. A year and many gallons of water later I sold it to my ex as is. He knows absolutely nothing about fixing cars but managed to f8nd the problem and fix it himself. It was a six dollar part.
Megan
6 months ago
Owner is very unpleasant and rude10/9/23 Edit:Bryan, I truly appreciate your response and respect you immensely for it. Kindness goes a long way in my book and because of that I feel the need to change my rating. Everyone has their bad days and I now believe my experience was nothing more than that. Thank you again for taking the time to reach out. I will no longer hesitate to bring my own vehicle to this location and will recommend others do the same. Have a good day!
Thomas Quinn
6 months ago
Bryan at Pete's garage is a real gentleman. I brought him a vehicle that had been in the family and I knew needed a lot of work. Bryan gave me an honest assessment of the vehicle and recommended not investing anymore in the vehicle and suggested I cut my losses and sell it. While it was tough news to hear I appreciated his honesty. He very easily could have seen the opportunity to cash in and encourage me to fix it completely rather than to suggest I do otherwise. It is for that reason that I will bring my vehicles to him going forward. He chose to pass on the quick money and now he will have a customer for life.
Eric Fish
10 months ago
Been going to Pete's for a few years now for both my family's cars, and I continue to go there even though I moved a ways away because I know I can trust them. Have always had a great, expedient experience. Bryan is always super responsive and helpful and everything I've had done has been very reasonably priced.
Blair Pollock
9 months ago
Looking at all the other reviews I didn t feel it NECESSARY to add my 2c BUT Bryan (and his staff) were so efficient, polite, honest and reasonably priced I can t stay silent; I have to rave about what a great shop this is. The owner is my neighbor & drove my car to & from the shop for the repairs they d previously diagnosed. When I had a further followup question about if the idle was up too high Bryan offered to make a house call so I could avoid another shop trip - I was going to that area anyway so I took it in - but I MEAN! - who does that! So despite all that had to be done to keep this car roadworthy, he said ��keep your 2001 Corolla and you may now get another 100,000 out of it.�� Thing runs like a top! I could not be more pleased. Thank you Bryan & staff.
Cindy Catalano
4 months ago
Excellent service, reasonably priced, and they also provide Uber. A real top shelf business, very professional!!!
kingofda playazball
9 months ago
EXTREMELY shoddy work. Technicians are all stoned out of their mind. Located directly behind a Methadone clinic so there are tons of unsavory people loitering about and asking you for money or cigarettes. Owner/manager is unpleasant to put it lightly and will attempt to have your car towed if you park on the dirt road, even if you re outside of the legal bounds of their business. Much better places in Durham, I d recommend Blue s Automotive and/or Keke Tire.
Keith
2 years ago
Was referred to Pete's by a friend after a different (very large) business failed to properly tighten suspension components on my truck...twice!Bryan fit me in promptly and sorted my alignment issue out. My truck drives better than it ever has. Very professional and genuine guys.Do yourself and your town a favor and keep business to your local small shops. You'll be taken care of much more personally.Service: Wheel alignment
Claudia Torres
5 years ago
This is my first review, positive or negative, I ve ever felt the need to write.My car is almost 10 years old, has 100,000 miles, and had been neglected by me since it s previous state inspection, 12 months prior.My car was due for inspection, was making a rattling sound, AC no longer functioning, check engine light was on, alignment was noticeably off, tires visibly worn...needless to say I knew my car was in need of A LOT of work.I searched around for auto shops, big and small, in the Durham area to establish trusted and continued care.Pete s garage was absolutely amazing! After a few hours with my car, I was given a list of noted problems in general vs problems needed fixed to pass inspection vs issues that could be skipped for a couple months but still recommended. Other shops found the same problems, but Brian explained things to me in layman s terms so I could understand what my car needed and why. They were very thorough. Prices were very fair.They were apologetic about giving me so much bad news....but it was knowingly 100% my fault for neglecting my car for so long!My car was taken care of and dropped off to me at my work since I couldn t leave work.My car has not run this smooth in so long!I will not be taking my car anywhere else.
Zollie Yavarow
3 years ago
I have been coming here for my car repairs and maintenance for three years since I moved to Durham. They are incredible and continuously go above and beyond to help me. When I leave my car at the shop for the day, they drive me to work and pick me up to get the car later. Recently my AC broke and they spent three days troubleshooting it, but ultimately sent me to the Honda dealer because they weren't 100% sure (although their best guess was correct). Pete's didn't charge me anything and made sure I got to the right place, even if it wasn't them. Brian is always pleasant and easy to communicate with over the phone. They are honest and prices are fair. I have zero complaints and highly recommend them!
Mary Reid Atkinson
4 years ago
I have taken a couple of my cars to Pete's over the years. They are very nice, honest, and provide great service. Always take the time to explain the problem and suggest the most important fixes vs. what maybe can wait until next time. They complete service in a timely manner and it hasn't ever taken more than a day or two to fit me into the schedule. I highly recommend. I will continue to take my vehicles to them whenever I have a problem.
Mia Baxley
a year ago
I got suddenly stranded on Monday and needed a tow to the nearest shop, so I picked this one. They were completely transparent with me through the whole process and walked me through other general maintenance issues that probably saved me a lot more money (and fewer headaches) in the future. My 14-year-old Honda Civic runs almost totally brand-new now. (Oh, and they changed the clock on my dashboard, which is always a plus because I never remember how to do that .)Service: Auto maintenance
Stig Thigpen
3 years ago
These guys stay busy, and even so they do good work at a good price, and they do it very quickly. I took my car to them to have the regulator replaced in one of the doors for the window. They had my car back to me later the same day, the price was good, and the window works better than before it messed up.
Autumn Kelly
7 years ago
Absolutely the most honest and trustworthy people I have ever experienced while getting my car fixed. If you are looking for a garage that will treat you like a human being, explain issues patiently and not overcharge you for service, take your car to these guys. I cannot rave enough about the exemplary service they provide, and I feel so relieved to have people I can trust to take my car to.
Adrienne Shook
4 years ago
The guys at Pete's garage are fantastic. I am brand new to the area and needed a trustworthy mechanic. I am so glad I chose to take my car to them. They are honest, reliable, and understanding. I highly recommend them to anyone.
Nautical Man
4 years ago
I've lived in Durham for 30+ years, and this is the best car shop I've ever been to. They will be 100% honest with you, even if it costs them in earnings to do so. They also in a way saved my life today, by notifying me in no uncertain terms of a fatal flaw in my car which made it unsafe to drive. Every other car repair shop I had taken it to either evaded the question or told me the car was fine. I was later able to corroborate their warning with a friend who was a veteran mechanic. Having a well-functioning automobile is more than just a luxury. It carries with it a tremendous responsibility, and Pete's Garage approaches that responsibility with the seriousness it deserves. If you're reading these reviews, then you're already taking the most important step towards ensuring your safety behind the wheel, and to your conscientious decision I can only add this humble assurance: that highly acclaimed businesses such as Pete's Garage will not let you down.
Brandi Brady
3 years ago
The guys at Pete s garage are great. They serviced my car multiple times and were always honest and friendly. Only shop I took my car to for over 2 years while living in the Durham area. They are the best!
Kevin Williams
4 years ago
Chuck is a straight shooter when it comes to auto repair. He and Rick always do a great job on my vehicles. They will do their best to save you money where they can, but are always up front and honest about cost. I really like having a good idea on cost and alternatives.
Gail Markland
3 years ago
Brian and Patrick have taken car if my car for 7+ years. I trust them because they have shown great integrity over the years, and have worked with me regarding transition to and from the garage. These guys care about their customers, not just their vehicles
Lauren McGowan
5 years ago
Bryan and his team are absolutely fantastic! It has been very difficult to find a car repair shop I can trust not to rip me off, charge me for things that didn t need fixing, or my personal favorite: when you drive away and the next day your car is making a terrible sound.Bryan and his team found a ball joint problem that has been making my car vibrate uncontrollably when I hit over 55mph. This problem has been going on for years and these guys were the first to figure out the issue with no prompting whatsoever! I had taken it in several times to other shops for this specific problem but no one ever wanted to take the time to figure it out. After getting my car back from Pete s Garage, it now feels smoother and safer than ever before. So thankful for these guys and the true, trustworthy garage they are.
Ane Victoria
4 years ago
Awesome customer service! I didn�t need to make an appointment but I called first and told them what was my problem (it helps them if they are backed up that day). They were very nice and changed my cabin air filter really fast, even showed it to me and gave me advice. Great price.
Anthony Pirrocco
4 years ago
Amazing and quality work! Go see these boys for your auto repair needs! Trusted service that you only get from a family owned business. Mr. Pete Gaydou (original owner) is proud of the continuation of great customer service from Patrick and Bryan!
Kyle James
a year ago
It can be hard to find fair, reliable, and most importantly... talented mechanics. I'm glad I won't have to search for one again as Pete's Garage has my business for life.
R Myers Johns
4 years ago
Chuck, Nick, then along came Rick and company, always took care of my well used cars for many years, until I moved. I trusted them completely. Dropoff after work or before work, with Chuck transport to home or work with a smile, nary a complaint. From clutch master to thermostat, timing belt to radiator flush, these guys will diagnose and repair honestly, quickly, and with a quiet smile as we come in or check out. They understood clinical rotation of night shifts, and worked with my schedule to resolve problems. Some were quick and a slight fee, their loyalty reciprocated when a leaking plug just needed replacing or battery terminals cleaned. Loved surprising them with donuts or bbq from local businesses to thank them for their service.
Kelly McBroom
2 years ago
I have known Chuck Ellis all my life and would trust him with my life! If you want to take your car to a honest repair shop go see Chuck and Rick! I would give them a rating of 99.5%
Abigail Weagraff
8 years ago
I took my Ford Focus in for an evaporator replacement and was pleased with the service and communication while they worked on my car. The repair took a bit longer than anticipated, but the owner updated me with progress throughout and was kind enough to bring my car to me at work. Thanks guys!