About Business
Desert Star Auto/European Auto Repair is a leading Car Repair specialist serving the Surprise, AZ, Surprise area. They provide a wide variety of solutions, including Auto repair shop, and other Car Repair tasks. Boasting a solid 4.9/5 rating from 33 verified reviews, their reputation precedes them. As a locally-owned business in Surprise, AZ, 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 Surprise, AZ.
Google Reviews
Kay Nies
★★★★★
a month ago
Joe is the BEST! I feel so Lucky to have his honesty & knowledge of my Mercedes. You won’t regret taking your vehicle to have him work on it!!!!
Dan Aguilar
★★★★★
a month ago
Brought my car in for a leaking radiator and had a great experience with Joe. He was upfront, honest, and didn’t try to upsell or scare me into extra work. Trustworthy, fair, and solid work. I’ll definitely be back.
Edward Tannheimer
★★★★★
7 months ago
I brought my 2020 BMW 440I hard top convertible to desert star auto today (8/4/25) for its 20,000 mile checkup. The BMW app notified me that should do so. I bought this car 8 months ago and have no record of previous maintenance. Therefore, when I had replaced the original battery, I also had an oil change. When I brought the car into Desert Star Auto today, I explained all this to Joe. I asked him to do what was ever necessary for the 20,000 mile maintenance checkup. He totally went over my car and even gave it a test drive, checked the filters, etc., and told me my car was in perfect shape and did not charge me anything. He reset all codes, checked out everything on the car including the filters, telling me that they were in great shape and didn't need to be replaced at this time. And I repeat, he didn't charge me anything! I will not have my car repaired anywhere else. Plus he's the nicest friendliest guy you could ever meet.. Ed Tannheimer
LP
★★
☆☆☆
Edited a year ago
Joe is a nice guy but I didn't get to far with him for a diagnosis and repair of a control arm bushing on my Audi Q5 ( the bushing was leaking fluid). During our initial conversation Joe said he was 2-3 weeks out for an appointment and I said that's fine I'm in no rush. I asked if I could purchase the part and have him replace it but he said he doesn't do that. Ok..no problem. Next day Joe called me and said that the control arm bushing does not have fluid in it but he would do some more research and get back to me. ??? He was wrong about that. He also suggested I bring in the car for a $160 oil change so he could diagnose it properly while on the lift. I told him that I get oil changes for less at the dealership and my local independent German garage. He then directed me to another garage that might allow me to bring in my own part for replacement. I never heard from Joe again. Luckily I continued looking and found Hollow Mechanic Services ( on Yelp ) and they allowed me to purchase my parts ahead of time, changed my oil for $45 and replaced the whole control arm for a great price. If you are looking to save money and time I would look elsewhere. My reply to Joe's response. I never got upset with anyone at Desert Star. ???? The price for an oil change ( $160 ) at your shop is more expensive than all of the other shops I've been to, including the dealership. Joe told me that he would call the other shop and get back to me. I never heard from Joe again. The analogy of bringing a steak to a restaurant is faulty. There are many mechanics and garages that allow you to buy your own parts and have them installed. I read reviews to help me make better informed decisions as to what products and services I might want to spend my money on. I write honest reviews to help others do the same. The truth is that my experience with Joe at Desert Star was disappointing especially after reading the positive reviews here on Google. Nobody is perfect.
Jackson Pauly
★★★★★
a year ago
My check engine light came on in my Maserati and the code reader at AutoZone said my O2 sensor was bad. Not many places have the capability to work on high end cars but someone recommended I tried this place before going to the dealer so I took it here to see if they could fix it. The owner (Joe) said he has a comprehensive computer diagnostic tool that most shops don't have so I felt comfortable knowing he could properly troubleshoot and fix it. He called me a few hours after I dropped it off and said my O2 sensor was good but the connection was loose causing the code. He said, it didn't need to be replace because he secured the connector and my car was ready to be picked up. I was pretty relieved to find out it was something so simple and even happier the he saved me a couple hundred dollars from not having to buy a new part.
Steve Fortosis
★★★★★
2 years ago
I take my 1983 Mercedes 300D to European Starr and am pleased with the service. I'm on a fixed income so prices may seem a bit on the expensive side. However you won't regret taking your European auto there. I recently needed a new starter, new trans hoses, thorough valve clearance, a full tune up with top-rated oil treatment, and almost total stoppage of engine leakage (which is a huge problem with these older Benz). I didn't have the full fee for all the work so they took their time doing everything and Joe always answered my many questions and explained why certain things were necessary. This is definitely an automotive shop I would recommend.
Tiffany Martinez
★★★★★
5 years ago
Joe is so fast and so honest. We took our bmw to the dealership and they did not inform us of the spark plugs and coils needing replaced they only tried to sell us expensive services that were not needed. We called Joe and he took a look and repaired it in one day. The light is off and the car is running so smoothly. Joe really knows his stuff. We also took my moms car to get repaired here its such a great shop. Fast and fair prices.
Mark Bergh
★★★★★
4 years ago
Desert Star Auto was a Gem of a find for service on my BMW X5. Continual slow coolant leak diagnosed by 'others' as major and requiring a transmission removal to correct. Joe had it diagnosed and repaired easily as an on-top of the engine access and a common repair for this model. I am very impressed with his competence, honesty and professional courtesy. Highly recommend this shop for ANY automotive repairs, foreign or domestic!
Tom
★★★★★
3 years ago
Just had my ignition repaired in my 05 Chrysler Crossfire at Desert Star. The Crossfire was built in Germany with mostly "Benz" parts and technology. That's what brought me to Desert Star Auto. From the moment I met Joe I knew I was at the right place. He went out of his way to to accommodate me and my Crossfire. I suggest anybody with a Chrysler Crossfire or any European vehicle looking for a great and honest mechanic, give Joe a call. I'd give him 10 stars if I could!
Thomas !
★★★★★
10 years ago
The team at Desert Star Auto replaced the entire clutch assembly in our 2001 Audi in November 2015. These guys, (Joe and Ted) were very professional, courteous and knowledgeable from the initial phone call and through completion. They quickly provided a competitive estimate and completed the repairs in a timely manner. Joe was extremely thorough when explaining the quote, and he even put the car on a lift to physically show us the problem areas. We really appreciated their proactive approach and their proposal to replace other broken and worn components which were accessible during the clutch repair. This saved us a significant amount of labor cost. We've made Desert Star our "auto repair shop of choice", and we only regret we didn't know about them before this repair! Thank you Joe & Ted, C. Webb & M. Thomas
Gayle B
★★★★★
4 years ago
Joe does a great job. He won't tell you that items need replaced if they don't. His prices are very good. I would trust him with any of my vehicles. Friendly, knowledgeable and provides excellent service.
Brian Magee
★★★★★
a year ago
I had an issue with my vehicle that ended up being minor. Joe was great. He could have made it a much bigger and expensive issue, but he was honest and great to deal with.
Psalm 91
★★★★★
a year ago
If you are looking for an honest and knowledgeable mechanic, look no more. Joe did an diagnostic on my bmw 7 serious and saved me over two thousand.
T F
★★★★★
5 years ago
Joe and Ted are exellent people first of all. And so there is always honesty, friendliness, loyalty. Add to all of that competence, professionalism and readiness to stand by their work and word. You then have got to come back as they will be there for you always. They have been there for each of our cars for for many years and we have never been disappointed
P A
★★★★★
2 years ago
Took our mini Cooper in because of a warning light. Even though they are backed up 2 weeks, when we explained it is our tow vehicle and we are leaving in 2 days, they took the time to run a diagnostic on it for us. Come to find out it was a simple fix.
Unknown
★★★★★
11 years ago
Ted and Joe are second to none. Their customer service and fast repair of my 2000 BMW 323i was awsome and their prices were unbelievable. I will not take any of my vehicles to anyone else period.
Steven Toupin
★★★★★
10 years ago
Desert Star replaced the intake manifold on my Mercedes R 350. They were very professional and performed the repairs in minimal time and for at least half of what the dealership would have charged me. I highly recommend them to anyone that in need of repairs.
Jesus Guerrero
★★★★★
8 years ago
Friendly. Very honest. Always quick with their service. I recommend them over anyone. I trust them when I have issues with my car. Thanks Joe and Ted for the amazing job you have done ! - Jesus
Kal Salem
★★★★★
12 years ago
The most honest, well-run car shop I have ever been to. They picked up my car from me and called me each step of the way. They called me about the problem and didn't try to get me to buy more. Then they scheduled a time and brought back my car for no additional charge. Excellent service!
Andrea Wooten
★★★★★
12 years ago
Truly satisfied and will use them as my only mechanic! As a women they made me feel completely comfortable and was truthful with the work needed on my car. Thank you Desert Star Auto for giving more life into my car!!
