Google Reviews
Joey Singleton
★★★★★
a month ago
Finding a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and fairly priced mechanic can honestly feel harder than finding the problem with your car in the first place. Anyone who has owned a vehicle long enough knows the stress of wondering whether you’re getting honest advice, quality workmanship, or just another expensive guess. That’s why when you finally come across someone who truly operates with integrity and skill, it deserves to be recognized. If you’re in the Columbia area, I cannot recommend Shane Melbourne and Engine Menders enough. Located right off Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, this is the kind of shop people hope to find but rarely do. Shane and his team bring something to the table that you just can’t fake, real experience, strong technical knowledge, and a genuine commitment to doing right by their customers. They take the time to properly diagnose issues instead of throwing parts at a problem, they explain repairs in a way that actually makes sense, and most importantly, they treat customers with honesty and respect. That level of transparency is rare in any industry, especially automotive repair. It’s clear they take pride in their craft. Whether it’s routine maintenance or more complex mechanical work, they approach every job with professionalism and attention to detail. You never feel rushed, pressured, or taken advantage of, just confident that your vehicle is in capable hands. Good businesses survive. Great businesses earn loyalty and word-of-mouth because they truly care about the people they serve. Shane and Engine Menders fall into that second category. If you’re looking for a mechanic you can trust long-term, this is absolutely a shop worth supporting. When businesses operate with integrity and skill like this, they deserve recognition from their community. If you need automotive work done, give them a call or stop by, you’ll likely walk away with not just a repaired vehicle, but a mechanic you can rely on for years to come.
Chris Payne
★★★★★
2 months ago
I’ve been bringing my cars and trucks here for the last 5 years. Shane and his team do an outstanding job with the utmost professionalism. Customer service, expertise, and reasonable pricing. This place has the ultimate family feel to it. I don’t trust anyone else more than Shane and his crew!
Holden Matt
★★★★★
3 months ago
I’m lazy about leaving reviews, but I can’t say enough good things about this place. I had to have my truck towed there feeling pretty certain a lifter had collapsed. I was expecting a $6-8k estimate, and was super relieved a couple of hours later when Shane called saying a couple of plug wires had come loose and it was an easy inexpensive fix. They’re very patient, informative, and most importantly, HONEST. I live an hour away in Sumter, but will be making the trip to them any time I need a mechanic in the future. I’m grateful I broke down near their shop and happened to find them.
Shivani Patel
★★★★★
5 months ago
I don’t think you can find a more genuine and honest car repair shop. After being given the run around from Caliber Collision for almost a year. Shane and his team gave my SUV one look over and suggested I call a consultant in Charlotte. Due to faulty work, the consultant helped me take this back to Caliber to remedy. In the meantime, Shane kept my SUV for about 2 weeks and never once asked for storage fees or payment for his time and expertise. He pointed out major safety issues with the repairs from Caliber and I am beyond grateful for this. I would have likely never gotten resolution for the repair (that was so badly done) had I not gotten in touch with the guys at Engine Menders. I am grateful and now know who to call if I ever need car repairs. Thanks guys!!
Rob Banks
★★★★★
2 years ago
There prices are fair and just they painted my truck they were only place in columbia to match my same color . I call several company they could not match the paint. Also 3 months later put a new radiator and a new resvior also they fix extra stuff on my truck free of charge.
Meredith Scott
★★★★★
8 months ago
Engine Menders fixed my engine in less than a week. The dealership first diagnosed my vehicle and took well over a week. I was fed up, beyond frustrated, and simply pissed with Jim Hudson GMC and their unprofessionalism. Shane communicated in a timely manner and confirmed every step along my process of repairs. I highly recommend their services.
Peter Steyne
★★★★★
5 months ago
These guys really take care of their customers. From realistic quotes and recommendations to clear communication, I'd highly recommend them to anyone that needs work done to their vehicles.
ParentalUnit727
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
If I could I would give no stars, none-the-less, when I picked up my vehicle one of the things the owner asked was that I wouldn't leave a bad review, well after years of waiting and now years of even more work and repairs, I can no longer keep my mouth shut. Lets begin at the beginning, years ago I had asked this shop owner if he could install an engine for me, I was told 'sure shouldn't be a problem, will just take a few months as they are backed up'. So I tried to schedule a time when they would have less work, maybe an 'appointment' to get the truck worked on, they agreed to a time (month) to drop it off and so I did (with the re-manufactured engine) they acknowledged receipt of both and I was told they would begin work soon. I would periodically check on it month after month for about 4-6 months, then after questioning why it is taking so long, I was told some story about losing employees, techs, whatever they were and they were still working on it. After about a YEAR I started to worry if they even had my truck, my engine, my aftermarket carburetor, my old engine, any of it, due to the fact that ENGINE MENDER NEVER CALLED ME TO UPDATE ME, NOT ONCE. After 2 years I decided to contact a lawyer, upon Engine Mender receiving a notice of complaint and possible court appearance, I finally received a call back and update on my vehicle. Magically they were, all of a sudden, working on my truck (only after threat of legal action). They 'promised to repair' my truck as they had originally agreed (big mistake on my part) and they did 'fix' my truck. It ran, lets say that, not well. Needless to say, they should have just told me they couldn't do the work, that they knew nothing about carburetors (one of the stories I was told was that they were waiting on some 'carburetor guy' to come, yet they magically had my truck back together within 2 weeks of receiving the grievance and notice of legal action, again I should have just had my truck returned in the state they had it as I am positive they lost original parts and bolts.) After my truck sitting at their shop for 2+ years I finally received it in 'running' condition (I took it there so that I didn't have to do the work that I could have done myself, I lost money, parts, time, some sanity, I should have sued and wonder if I still can) and drove away happy as a lark to be done with that shop and its owner. If you didn't know what you were doing with a carburetor engine, you should have just said so instead of practically stealing my money, and who knows maybe my parts as well. I'm sure the owner will respond to this review and I can't wait to see what story (LIE) you tell in rebuttal, but after noticing you missed many many many vacuum lines and the fact that even today I'm still repairing the truck myself I don't care what you have to say, you are a sorry shop owner, should be shut down and sued. I wish I never came across your shop and that it never existed so that I nor anyone else (because there are more) would have to had to go through any of the headache you cause. My truck sat in your lot in the same spot, yet you, yes you owner, personally told me that it was being worked on. I strongly STRONGLY urge anyone to STAY AWAY from this CROOKED shop, they lie, they lie, they lie, so much that it even affects the owners personal life (but I'll let you research that). Again WARING WARNING STAY AWAY.
Judson Castle
★★★★★
a year ago
I’m not from the Columbia and had car problems. I received multiple referrals to Engine Menders and I now understand why. Ken & the staff are friendly, professional, good people and go the extra mile. Im lucky they were here for me. I strongly recommend working with them. You won’t regret it.
Lindsay Whitlock
★★★★★
a year ago
Highly recommend Engine Menders! This place was recommended to me by a friend after I first took my vehicle to the Dealership where I was very disappointed in the outcome with the service that was performed. I can not say enough positive things about Engine Menders. There were several employees whom I spoke with and they were all very knowledgeable about my vehicle and the specifics on what the issues were with it and how to best fix it. They even mentioned how the Dealership was careless on putting my car back together as there were several parts loose!!! I will only be taking my vehicle to Engine Menders from now on! If you are in need of knowledgeable, experienced and fast staff/mechanics/service on your vehicle, do yourself a favor and call them to see if they can do the work!
LaToya McDonald
★★★★★
2 years ago
I love the care and consideration at this auto shop. It is extremely challenging to find quality mechanics who aren't trying to scheme or get rich off of you. The prices are reasonable and they are very pleasant to work with. I came to them after another mechanic basically tried to break my bank account on top of my suspicion of my suspicion that my previous mechanic made my car worse. I always pay top notch for my car even if it's my last dime since I travel a lot on my own. While I am still recovering from my last mechanic, I think I've finally found a safe space to get my car taken care of with quality service and excellent customer service!
John Reed
★★★★★
a year ago
These guys saved our vacation! My family was visiting from NY (1,800 miles round trip) and ran into concerning car issues shortly after we arrived to our destination of Columbia, SC. I found Engine Menders online and called to set up a diagnosis. Despite being short-staffed that day, they got me in within an hour. They took the time to talk me through all the details of the issue, the risks of driving the car as-is, the cost of doing the repair work in SC vs. NY, the likelihood of the car making it back to NY, etc. They patiently helped me weigh my options, and provided a ton of reassurance. Ultimately, they helped me decide I could drive back home with car as-is, informing me about other problems to watch for along the way, and that we should take breaks every 90 minutes or so. I asked what the diagnostics fee would be, and Shane (owner) simply sent me on my way with a handshake, free-of-charge. He and the mechanic who also helped advise us of our options, showed us true compassion. And best of all of course, we indeed made it home safely. Can't thank them or recommend them enough.
Brian Godfrey
★★★★★
a month ago
SHANE and his crew are always willing to bend over backwards for their customers at a great price.
Brian Wiroll
★★★★★
2 years ago
After I noticed the damage to my vehicle after hitting the deer, I couldn’t have picked a better shop to handle the job. The customer service was phenomenal with communication during the whole process with the bumper being on back order for several months. Once the bumper arrived they made sure my car was in perfect shape upon picking the vehicle, and dealing with the insurance to make sure it was operating just as good if not better than it was when it arrived.
Cheri Nordstrom
★★★★★
a year ago
I want to thank the experts at Engine Menders for the excellent repairs that was recently completed on my Toyota RAV-4 driver’s seat. The manual handle to raise and lower the seat was broken as well as the handle to move the seat forward and backwards. The work was done faster than the dealership and at a fraction of the cost! Thank you Engine Menders for a job well done!
Michael Stephen
★★★★★
Edited 2 years ago
The experts at Engine Menders repaired both of my cars at a fraction of the cost that the dealership would have charged me. The work was perfect and completely done on time as it was estimated to take. Shane's employees are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Engine Menders is now my repair shop for all my car needs!
Jennifer Berryman
★★★★★
a year ago
Needed an install on side runners for my Wrangler. they set up an appointment for the next day and had it ready within a short time. They did a great job and I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs some work on their vehicles! Very helpful and professional!
Taylor Shaw
★★★★★
6 months ago
Awesome guys they got my truck done in a solid 2 hours in the same day, great people love to bring my truck here again.
Harley Temlin
★★★★★
7 years ago
I'm new to Columbia so I was nervous about finding a new mechanic when I wrecked my truck. I was very lucky to find engine Menders, not only did they do a great job rebuilding my truck the owner was very friendly and easy to deal with.
Joey Gregory
★★★★★
4 years ago
I have been bringing all of my vehicles here for the last decade. From oil changes, to brakes, motor mounts, body repair, transmission service, you name it... Shane and his crew have always been intentional about, and really good at, understanding my concerns as well as diagnosing and explaining anything and everything that I have ever thrown at them. Never attempting to sell me a service or part that I don't need, and always using the best quality parts that were necessary for my vehicles at very reasonable prices, labor included. Honesty and loyalty that you likely won't find anywhere else. Except for rare instances of convenience only, I will always bring my vehicles to Engine Menders.
