About Business
Clar's Elmwood Automotive is a leading Car Repair specialist serving the Rochester, NY, Rochester area. They provide a wide variety of solutions, including Auto repair shop, Auto air conditioning service, Auto machine shop, and other Car Repair tasks. Boasting a solid 4.2/5 rating from 76 verified reviews, their reputation precedes them. As a locally-owned business in Rochester, NY, they are deeply committed to providing honest and reliable Car Repair support to their neighbors. If you are in need of Car Repair assistance, we invite you to reach out to them today or visit their location in Rochester, NY.
Google Reviews
Ron Bergeron
★
☆☆☆☆
3 years ago
My first and ONLY experience with Clar’s Elmwood Automotive was the worst that I have ever had with an auto mechanic. I brought my 2015 Ford Mustang in to Clar’s Automotive, as a referral from Carmax, to fix my driver-side door that lost it’s electrical functionality. After 3 weeks in the shop of continually telling me they couldn’t get the proper wiring harness, Wade suggested that they could cut the harness they did have to make it fix the window, mirror and door locks issues. I told them not to and that if they couldn’t get the proper part I would take it somewhere else. Miraculously, the very next day they told me that the work was completed and I could pick up the finished car. When I picked up the car, the electronics in the driver-side door was working, BUT there were dozens of electronic faults throughout the entire car. I brought this to Wade’s attention and he told me that he had fixed the original problem and that he wasn’t going to address any of the other electrical problems. The very next day I took my car to Henderson Ford in Webster and they found out that Wade had used a non-compliant wiring harness and cut and spliced different wires that caused the multiple electronic faults. It cost me over $4000 to fix his original screw-up. I sent a demand for compensation letter that he refused to accept. I had to take him to small claims court and won a judgment against him and after a year of ignoring subpoena’s for payment I ended up submitting a complaint through the State Department of Motor Vehicle. After the DMV threatened to revoke his operating license did he decide to pay what was owed to me. If this is the type of shady ethics and mechanical work you want in your auto mechanic, you may want to take your business elsewhere. THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU CONSIDER DOING ANY BUSINESS WITH CLAR’S ELMWOOD AUTOMOTIVE!!!
Eileen Redmond
★★★★★
a year ago
Been taking my car to Clar's for several years now. Have had big and small jobs done. They are knowledgeable, honest and good value. I highly recommend them.
Lakeshia
★★★★★
6 years ago
Today I had a wonderful experience with Clar's Elmwood Automotive!! From the moment I walked up to the doorway and saw a beautiful Woman on the fore front I was immediately comfortable and the greeting that I recieved as I approached Jess was equally welcoming. Even Rob who worked on my car was a very cool experience he was very relatable another great form of customer service!! I have been thoroughly impressed with the service and the turn around to complete the task at hand along with a very affordable price!! I think I've finally found a great automotive shop for my car's future care who aren't afraid to get in there and get the job done!!😍😍
Lisa Rizzo
★★★
☆☆
2 years ago
They are VERY short staffed!!! They take on too many jobs, so when they promise your car to be ready, they are unable to deliver on that. I have dropped my car three times and within a week and each time it's a problem or an excuse as to why it can't be done. Parts that usually are delivered in a.m. now delivered later, missing parts from the order, won't have enough time to complete the job so it goes into the next day. Very Frustrating!!
T S
★★★★★
7 years ago
By far the best automotive experience I've ever encountered. Forthright in their technical knowledge. Speaking to the receptionist and owner was a pleasure. Truly what a family run business is, honest. Hired them to inspect a vehicle most in this area would not even touch due to its age and complexity. The owner personally offered his years of experience to inspect to his immensely high standards. His report was immensely elaborate, his discernible eye caught many important intricacies. I am lucky to of found such a kind and straightforward professional business. Thank you.
Winston Okereke
★★★★★
11 years ago
I am from NYC and I came up to Rochester for my sister's graduation. Upon preparing to leave the next day, my left drivers side tire blew out on me. I couldn't find any shop that was open late on a Friday night but just when I was about to give up, I decided to stop by Clar's automotive (even though they were closed). I explained to the owner my situation how I needed to head back to NYC at 4am and he did not hesitate one bit to help. He gave me the best service and was so gracious even with the cost of the repair. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a great service at a decent price.
Evon Jones
★★★★★
7 years ago
We were on our way to Jersey at around 4:30 and hit a pothole. We needed two tires mounted and balanced on our German car. Called around to about 15 places and no one could get us in because it was memorial day weekend and they were too busy or about to close. We called Clar's and they said they would get us in even though it was 30 minutes before closing. They stayed an extra hour to make sure we were good to get back on the road. Not only that, they held the bent rims for me so we could hit the road. Best customer service, highly recommended!
Seung Kim
★★★★★
8 years ago
I recently got a ticket for having a busted headlight and had to get it fixed within 24 hours to avoid a fine. The first mechanic I went to had no idea how to fix it so I called ahead to make sure that it was possible to get it fixed. The person who picked up was professional and told me to come in. When I came in, I explained the situation and the worker was very kind and courteous. I dropped off my car because I had somewhere to be and when I returned to pick up my car, the worker gave me an envelope with a stamp so I could mail in the ticket. All in all, it was amazing service and everyone there went out of their way to help me.
Jason S
★★★★★
3 years ago
Wade and his crew treat me with respect and make me feel like a valued customer every time I step foot in the door. My reason for being there could be as simple as a oil change, or complex like a motor job. Regardless, they always keep me informed on the status of my vehicle and answers any questions I may have. I recommend this shop and their services to all my friends and family and encourage you to do the same. It’s an easy 5/5 Stars for me.
Владислава Попова
★★★★★
5 months ago
Fast and high-quality work, excellent service — I’ll definitely come back again!
Eddie Kain
★★★★★
2 years ago
Noah was beyond helpful !!! Always kept me posted, involved, and most importantly comfortable. I took in a 2011 Chevy Malibu that was not able to change gears. He said it was a transmission which Is costly but the reassurance he assured was breath taking. The fact he received a transmission that was defective, called told me about it outside of just putting it In was a breath of fresh air knowing he actual took care of his customers and I’m not just another job. Rare in 2023-2024. I would highly recommend and we are definitely locked in if any issues in the future for any vehicle !!!
Cindy Thompson
★★★★★
10 months ago
Noah helped me immensely when my car overheated during the Lilac Festival traffic!!! I appreciate the kindness Noah showed me during a very stressful situation. I have so much gratitude. He helped me get back home safe and sound, without my car overheating again. Clar's you have a great employee!!! Thank you so much Noah!!! I appreciate you!!!
Joseph Kammers
★★★★★
3 months ago
Honest, nice people and timely work. Recommend. Wade and Colleagues are solid people and utmost professionals.
Юрий Попов
★★★★★
5 months ago
I am very satisfied with the service, the quality and speed of the work done, as well as the team of professionals who performed a set of works on my car and the car of my wife and daughter.
Abhi
★
☆☆☆☆
7 months ago
My car had a leakage under the steering wheel. After leaving the car with them, they claimed they fixed it. Within less than a week, the leakage occured again. This time, because of my schedule, my wife dropped it with them and asked them to fix what they missed earlier. Not only did they not find the problem, they refused to refund the money that they charged for "fixing" something that was not the problem as well as the owner yelled at my wife. Terrible customer service. They did not take accountability for their inability to fix the problem and were rude and disrespectful. Never going there again.
Lesha Tisdale
★★★★★
a month ago
I want to give a 5-Star award to my guys at Clars Automotive Wade and Noah always take great care of my Mercedes Benz. Thanks from Keith Kendrick
Emily Rooker
★★★★★
11 months ago
I cannot speak highly enough about Clar's Elmwood Automotive. My first experience with them, I had gotten a flat tire from hitting one of the numerpus potholes in this freaking city. I'd happened to pull over right near their shop, so I walked in to see if they'd be able to help. They went above and beyond. Not only did they get me a new tire, they bent the rim back as much as they could. I was out and on my way pretty quickly, and I found them to be very kind and helpful. So naturally, when my transmission went about a week later, I brought it in to them. They fixed her up and she's been driving great since. They're a small shop, you'll need to be patient if they have a few cars ahead of yours, but if you want good, honest work, definitely give them a shot.
Kathleen Gallagher
★★★★★
3 months ago
CHRISTMAS EVE 12/24/25 10:30amYesterday my 2020 Chevy Equinox oil pressure notice came on the screen “OIL PRESSURE LOW NEED CHANGE” well it was at 4% OUCH!!!! I live in the neighborhood around Strong/UofR & while walking my dog down S.Ave I stopped into Clar’s to see if I could get the car in over the weekend for said oil change Well Noah was at the desk was so accommodating & professional He said to bring it in now & we will fix it up 4 you Mind you it’s Christmas Eve🎅🎄 Well it’s noon & I am home with my auto all fixed up Great neighbors Great service Highly recommend this service center
Lynn Jackson
★
☆☆☆☆
7 months ago
My husband brought my car in to have the rear tail lights replaced. They scraped my expired inspection sticker off then refused to inspect my vehicle unless I paid them to remove the tint at $30 a piece per each window. I refused because $60 is crazy excessive for just removing tint when all it requires is a razor blade. So they returned my vehicle to my husband but NEVER EVEN MENTIONED TO HIM THAT THEY REMOVED THE INSPECTION STICKER. So when I got out of work I drove the vehicle. I got half way home before I realized I was driving around with NO inspection sticker At All in my window and now I have no way to work on Monday morning. I tried calling to speak with anyone but they're closed on Saturdays and of course their mailbox is full. This is so unfortunate because until this incident I really liked them and their work and thought that they really cared for their customers. It's hard to find good, honest, fairly priced mechanics. They all seem to want to take advantage of you especially if you're a woman.They need to work on their communication skills because removing something that is REQUIRED to drive and not even so much as Telling your customer you removed it is a Red Flag.
Grace D
★★★★★
3 weeks ago
Clars is Amazing! Shout out to Noah for taking on my hot mess of a car and transforming it into a reliable safe, and for relieving such stress and headaches. When I picked up my car it drove off smoother than it drove off the lot when I bought it. I got screwed by the dealership and Clars has restored my faith in good mechanics. Also I literally drive 40 minutes to get service by them. They’re THAT good! 12/10 highly recommend! Their communication is on point, their rates are awesome, and their work speaks for itself! Thank you guys for being awesome! You got a lifelong customer out of me!
