Central Florida Auto Repair

Dan Asmus

★★★★★

6 years ago

Just what we are all looking for in an independent auto shop: polite and responsive communication, straightforward quote, and the ability to get your vehicle in and get it fixed in a reasonable amount of time. My alternator went out recently, and we all know what it’s like when our primary vehicle goes down. I called Central Florida Auto Repair, and Brian was able to get me a quote, get me scheduled, and get my truck fixed quickly at a very reasonable cost. What more can you ask? I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience with Central Florida Auto Repair. Keep up the good work guys!

Chaddy A

★★★★★

8 years ago

The BEST family owned business in Central Florida, period! I first heard about Central Florida Auto Repair from my neighbour (who also happens to be a mechanic) when I needed a major problem fixed. I figured, "hey, if a mechanic trusts their work, I might as well go for it". Two years later, my friends and family now turn to this company for any car issues as well. I highly recommend! Everyone that works here is amazing! The knowledge and passion they have for cars makes me suspect that they invented them (and possibly the wheel) but humbly decline to admit so. Rest assured, they will fix the problem and if not, give you proper and honest guidance on the next steps on how to address the situation. The prices are also very fair as initially when I receive a quote, I run a program that measures and compares the price of the work for most mechanic shops across all of North America and it is always spot on! The prices are fair! Overall, I'm blown away by Central Florida Auto Repair. If I live long enough, I'm looking forward to the 100 year anniversary! Thank you all for taking care of me, my friends, and family, and keeping us safe on the road!

lee baker

★★★★★

a year ago

Dealer told me I needed brake pads on front of Nissan frontier, (you are down to 3mm). Called made appointment to replace pads. Was there only 15 minutes, they came in and stated "you have more than 1/2 pad left-probably 25k miles b/4 needing replacement! WOW was only charged for labor to r/r wheels, they could have put new pads on and I wouldn't have known any better. what a fair & honest place Will return & pass along ifo to all my friends! Lee - Mt Dora.

G W

★★★★★

2 years ago

All I can say is.... OUTSTANDING customer service, honesty, and integrity. I'm a mechanically inclined individual who has done my fair share of automotive repairs myself over the years. As such i'm fairly savvy about being able to identify a problem before heading to a mechanic. Recently, our Jeep JK developed an annoying ticking sound that is well known amongst Jeep owners with this type of engine (lifters & Rocker Arms going bad). Having a pretty good idea of what the problem was I started calling around to different shops. Almost every one of them wanted to me to bring the vehicle by before they'd even discuss the issue. Even when I told them I knew what the problem was, and asked for a quote they all did the same tap-dance we consumers are subjected to on a daily basis. Then, thankfully, a work colleague of my wife told us about his mechanic, and owner of Central Florida Auto Repair, and I gave them a call. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. Finally, I found that honest, down to earth, old school, high integrity shop owner that you swear only lives in old movies or your dreams. I'm not kidding folks. It's not normal for me to gush about mechanics but I am beyond happy and impressed by this establishment, the owner (Frank), and his son. When I called he was pleasant, patient, and actually very happy to listen and help. I told him the issue and he immediately said he was very familiar with these jeep issues and had, just recently, fixed the same problem on another Jeep. He then, without hesitation, told me what the job cost for the other customer and said I could bring it by any time. I drove right over and they had a very complicated job done in just over a day at exactly the price they quoted. Then there was a very nice bonus... I asked about a Military discount and while I won't disclose what that took off the bill I will say that it was significant. After business was concluded we had a very nice 20 minute chat on his history in the business. Frank's owned this shop for over 30 years (you don't stay in business that long if you rip off your customers) and started his own shop after becoming disgusted with how the industry (dealers, corporations) actively work to rip their customers off. Seriously, if you are looking for an honest, high integrity, down to earth mechanic with a serious amount of experience this is the place for you. I'm glad I found this business, so will you.

LoveNicoleMarie

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

Like a few others mentioned, I’m always apprehensive in regards to car repairs. Unfortunately I have had businesses in the past that provide a laundry list of items that needed “repair” in order to raise the cost. After reading reviews I decided to give this one a shot. On the way there my Ford Fusion broke down and I called in, they provided me a number for Bartlett Towing who came out in 30 mins and allowed me to bill the shop so I could get it there and worry about payment after the repair. They did a thorough diagnostic and provided me a list of prioritized items based on what actually needed to be done to get back on the road safely and things that may need attention at a later time. On top of that they had VERY reasonable pricing. There is a reason that their reviews are so good - I highly recommend! Thank you again so much!

Bruce .C

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

I have known Frank and his son for many years. They have been excellent at helping through some sophisticated classic car since 2004. It's incredible how fair , honest and trustworthy they are! You may see me on the street in front of their biz flipping signs about them!!

NBAA Nomad

★★★★★

3 years ago

Finding a car mechanic is as important to me as finding a good doctor. I cannot brag about Central Florida Auto Repair enough. We have used them for years and they have never let us down. The owner and son, Frank and Brian, are trustworthy, the prices are fair, and I highly recommend them. I would give them 10 stars if I could!

Laura Harding

★★★★★

2 years ago

I just found this repair shop and am so very glad I did! Frank and his son Brian are the real deal folks! It's been quite a while since I've felt so comfortable and had such peace of mind with finding an honest and trustworthy mechanic, but here they are and have been for many years. Wish I had found them sooner. I took my Nissan Rogue to them after feeling ripped off by another place. They and their team took the time to really research and figure out an intermittent problem my vehicle was having. They solved the mystery (Master Cylinder) and did the repair!! I am now a loyal customer for life. Thank you guys!

Janet Mednick

★★★★★

10 months ago

I've been taking my car here at this father son auto repair service for years. They've always done a great job with everything and I trust them completely. They are super nice honest people and you'll be glad you walked in the door!

Billy Bartley

★★★★★

7 months ago

Having used CFAR for many years during my time in the area, I can confidently say that Frank and Brian always went the extra mile to make sure I was completely satisfied as a customer. I had an F150 that had transmission shift problems from day one when purchased. Shifted hard and clunked really badly. When the tranny finally failed, I took it to CFAR and they said the hard shift was due to the clutches being gapped too wide. (at the factory) They repaired it, and there was never another problem for another 100,000 miles, when I finally sold it. You don't stay in this business this long and maintain great reviews if you do bad business! I now live in Alabama and only wish I could find a shop as honest, reliable, and knowledgeable as CFAR!

William Wallace

★★★★★

a year ago

Frank and Brian are fantastic owners and their mechanics are top notch! They provide competitive costs and stand by their work! I have never had a shop stand by the warranty they offer. I had to have my AC replaced in my car. 6 months later the part stopped working once again making my AC non operable. When I brought the car back, Brian and Frank brought up the warranty and that the repair would be covered by that guarantee! They’ve been in business since 1991 and had been a staple in the community ever since. For General, preventive or mechanical needs I would recommend them 10 fold.

A Reese

★☆☆☆☆

11 months ago

I brought my 4Runner to them for a diagnostic check. Check engine light on. Gas mileage went down considerably. Vehicle is running an island hard. My OBD reader at home told me I needed to replace my O2 sensors. However, it's not always the case. So I thought I would bring my car to a trusted mechanic just to confirm. I told them up front all I wanted was a diagnostic. He didn't seem to like that. But said no problem. Told me a day that I could drop off my car. Dropped it off first thing. They had the car all day. I called them at the end of the day and they said they weren't able to get to it that I can pick it up make another appointment in a week or two. So I did. Drop the car off. They had it all day. Call him the end of day and they tell me there's nothing wrong with it everything is running within spec. Meanwhile my gas mileage has gone down four miles per gallon in the car is running rough and a charged me $125 for a diagnostic. I decided to purchase the O2 sensors then I heard about another mechanic right across the street that was very good and trustworthy. SHEELER AUTO REPAIR. I brought my vehicle to them couple weeks later. They had it diagnosed within 45 minutes. And as I suspected it was only the O2 sensors and he said it was clear that they were faulty. Only charged me 1 hour labor and even installed the O2 sensors that I purchased on my own.They weren't even going to charge me for the diagnostic if I hadn't had my car repaired there. I don't know if that's their normal but that's what they did for me that day. That's why I went ahead and had him change the sensors for the 1 hour labor. They did it in 45 minutes.

Michelle Kalkan

★★★★★

2 years ago

Because I don’t know a lot about auto repairs, I am always a bit apprehensive about taking my car to a mechanic. However, Central Florida Auto Repair completely changed my mind on that!! Every step along the way, I was kept in the loop with all the information. Now it has been a few different times that I have returned & it is continually great service. I even bring my daughter’s car there now. Thank you so so much for your honesty, integrity & transparency.

Dan A.

★★★★★

7 months ago

Let me start by saying, the reason I came to Central Florida Auto (Apopka) was because my trusted auto mechanic (dear friend) of 25 years recommended Frank (Father) & Brian (Son) as “Straight Shooters” before he passed away recently. I have had my wife’s car and my own serviced and repaired at “Central Fl. Auto” ever since our first visit. Five Stars are not enough ! They’re men of faith and have wisdom in their field. Recently, I went there for a noise coming from the front and they were able to evaluate and replace a broken axle within a day. Parts and labor were very reasonable. I had a list of approx 5 items that needed to be addressed and all were handled professionally. Thank you Frank & Brian !!! God bless you and your business. I plan to continue going to them for many years ahead.

Hunter O

★★★★★

2 months ago

This auto repair shop is a god send! I’m a young woman with a BMW and previously when I’ve taken my car into other shops, they’ve come back with a laundry list of unnecessary repairs and I’d never left a repair shop without spending an exorbitant amount of money until I went to Central Florida Auto Repair. Brian and his team are a breath of fresh air, they’ve helped me twice now in emergency situations where my car wasn’t starting and they have been completely honest and transparent about what needed to be done, how long it would take, and the cost. I can’t recommend this shop enough or pay them high enough praises and I plan on getting all my future repairs done here. Thank you Brian!!!

Rich Sant

★☆☆☆☆

5 months ago

I took my car to this shop based on a recommendation, and Brian always attended to me. At first, everything seemed fine—they did a check and I asked them not to do anything until I was called for approval. Brian kindly told me the water pump needed to be replaced and a turbo hose was leaking oil. I approved, thinking the problem would be fixed. A week passed and they didn’t call, so my husband went to check. Brian said everything was fixed, and my husband paid around $700 for parts, labor, taxes, and fees. At first, I was happy, but as soon as we drove out of the shop, the car started smoking. I contacted Brian, and my husband checked: the car was still leaking oil. The water pump was fixed and working, but the turbo line was still leaking. They said they would recheck it. Weeks went by, and they kept saying the car was fine and not leaking, even though it clearly was. Each time we returned, they checked again but nothing changed. Eventually, Brian said the leak was now coming from the turbo and quoted $1,500 for parts and labor. I was frustrated because the car had been in their shop for nearly a month. From the beginning, they did not diagnose properly and charged me for a repair that never actually fixed the leak. The only thing that was properly fixed was the water pump. The car remained parked outside during all visits, and the oil was never properly cleaned or replaced. I am not writing this to complain but to warn others: be very careful who you trust with your car. After paying a significant amount, my car was returned to me still damaged, leaking oil, and smoking. Brian and Central Florida Auto Repair were dishonest, did not call to update me, and left me without a usable car. I wish them well, but I hope others do better research and make safer choices. You trust people with your car, and you should not be lied to or overcharged. I don't recommend this business!

D N

★★★★★

2 months ago

I scheduled a pre‑purchase inspection with Central Florida Auto Repair. I was extremely impressed with the level of honesty, detail, and pride they put into their work. They walked me through every finding with clarity and professionalism. Their transparency gave me a clear understanding of the vehicle’s true condition and helped me make an informed decision before moving forward. What stood out most was how much they genuinely care about protecting the customer. There was no pressure, no upselling — just straightforward, knowledgeable guidance from people who take real pride in what they do. If you’re considering a used car in the area, I highly recommend getting your PPI done here. Their honesty and thoroughness are exactly what you want when making a major purchase decision.