Art's Automotive Service

"So this is yet another update on 9/25/2023. After many months of trying to get my son's car fixed, we are finally over the hump. We were put on hold so many times from auto repair/dealer due to a shortage of technicians. We finally found out what the problem was. I am updating this because I am going to take Art's to court to get my money back. They completely misdiagnosed this car. I sort of knew that, but needed to get my ducks and paperwork in a row. That's all I' m going to say for now. Nothing they said and charged us for was even the problem. So, I will be filing in small claims court soon! Visit at your own risk!! If I could give zero stars, I would. They should actually let you do negative stars!!! August 2023. I was just reading about recent, another, not so pleasant, review on Yelp about the repair shop. It was so bad, that Art actually ended up refunding the customer's money. We, we didn't do the same for us. My spouse and I just finished talking about how they screwed us our to +800. We drove away from the shop and the car only worked fine for a few weeks. Now, we are still trying to come up with more money to fix the exact problem we took it to Art's for. When we spoke to him on the phone afterwards, the only thing he wanted us to do was take the review down. Didn't give two cents about the problem not being fixed. Just beware. Maybe they were a good mechanic shop for years, but right now, I would give them ZERO stars, if the system would let me. There is no way you should pay almost 1K to fix and car and two months later, it starts doing the exact same thing. Shame on Art for now trying to trying to right a wrong. That shows a lot about a person's character. June 2023 We took our son’s 2013 Ford Focus in to ARTS Automotive in April 2023 because it was loosing power and driving rough. They diagnosed it and gave us an estimate of $834 to fix the problem. They did stated that at some point, it may need a catalytic converter, but not at that time. We ok the fix. Took approximately three days to do the repairs. Picked the car up and it drove good. Problem fixed, drove good for a whole month. Yes, I said one month. After a month, the exact same thing started to happen. We called ARTS and was told to bring the car back. The looked at it again and guess what???? They said now you need to pay another $1600 because it was the catalytic converter. Wait, what???? We just paid you $834 and now you’re saying it an additional $1600 on top of that. So, what did we pay you $834 for? Not to put a band aid over it. They should have told us that the $834 was only going to be a temporary fix, because we would have said no way. Why would anyone in their right minds pay over $800 for something to last for one month. I was not happy, rightfully so. I feel ripped off by ARTS who had to have know the car was going to break down within a short period of time. So now the car is sitting in our yard, un-drivable, until we can come up with another $1600 to have it repaired (by another repair shop of course). After reading one of the reviews below, I relooked at our invoice. And guess what, we also have $26 charge for coolant. Now what the heck does adding coolant have to do with the repair we got done. That adds credence to the fact that this is an untrustworthy place. They may be nice, but nice people also take advantage when money is involved. To wrap this up, I say go there at your OWN Risk and this review is just the beginning of us trying to get our money back. ********This is edited on 6/20/2023 based on the response from Art's below to reach out to them. Well, we did and it did no good. Was told that that response did not come them. When we called, he acted as if he had no idea why we were calling and said those responses are put on by a 3rd party who monitors their reviews. That was a waste!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"This place and people were lovely to work with! They worked me in super last minute even when I gave them a crazy schedule of mine to work with. They had me in and out within an hour and were polite and friendly to me while I was there. Their lounge is super comfy and the place is very clean. They also filled up my tires with air without me asking which I almost cried about because it is one of my least favorite and for some reason, anxiety provoking, tasks. Thank you guys for everything and I will certainly be recommending to my friends and family."

"I had a check engine light on and two mechanic told me that they don’t know what’s wrong. Then I brought it to Art and they were able to fix it with in a day. Great service and on time repair."

"I drive 120 miles round trip to go to Art's. Their integrity is second to none! They are the best in Va. Was there just last week. Unique. We need more Americans like these folks!"

"I forgot to get my car inspected on time. I arrived at Art's at 8:20 a.m. and left by 9:30 a.m. The staff is friendly, polite, and explained everything they did clearly. The bill was reasonable as well. We have been using them on the recommendation of our son since we moved to Richmond two years ago and will continue to do so. I highly recommend them."