About Business
Residents of Johnson City, TN, Johnson City have long trusted Ponder Auto Repair for their expert Car Repair needs. Whether you need assistance with Auto repair shop, Air conditioning repair service, Auto electrical service or general Car Repair support, they are well-equipped to help. They are well-regarded for their quality of work, maintaining a 4.1/5 rating with 282 reviews. Throughout Johnson City, and particularly in Johnson City, TN, Ponder Auto Repair is recognized for upholding the highest standards of the Car Repair industry. Don't hesitate to contact Ponder Auto Repair for any Car Repair inquiries or to schedule a visit to their Johnson City, TN facility.
Google Reviews
La La
★★★★★
Edited a year ago
Mr. Ponder is a wonder with his sons by his side. A family you can trust.
Angie Cody
★★★★★
4 years ago
I feel lucky to have found an honest and good mechanic. I had my car serviced, they were accommodating to my needs and prompt. Very reasonable prices. My car was ready before expected. Thank you for the fantastic service. I will highly recommend these businesses to my friends and family.
Jason Smith
★
☆☆☆☆
2 years ago
This is a true and honest story. And seems to be a common act that they perform according to other reviews. I have a 2008 sport trac that has been taken care of. I found that the head gasket was leaking. How did I know? I saw it leaking. That was the only way that I knew the truck had an issue. It gave no signs in the performance. I called my mechanic and he recommended Ponder auto repair. I called and told them what was going on and immediately the secretary dude says well it doesn’t sound like a gasket but we will check it out. He priced the head gasket repair. A whopping $2300 but I wanted it done right. I dropped the truck off at night and filled out the form . Clearly stated that the head gasket is leaking. A few days went by and the secretary dude called and said the head was good and that the radiator was ruptured. Well that was a lie. I said it is leaking check it again. Two hours later called back and said head gasket checked good. At that moment I should’ve got my truck but I trusted them and paid $1200 for them to change the radiator out. Yea stupid again. Picked the truck up and on day 2 the heat didn’t get hot and it was missing as well as the thermostat jumping around. I called and told them what it was doing. As I already knew that it was the head leak. Once again the secretary dude answered and says oh it probably has another leak on the radiator. How this place stays in business with the lack of knowledge is a mystery. I called and asked to speak to who runs the place. Brian Ponder calls me back and say’s bring it in and I will check it out myself for free. Ummm well that’s so sweet. So I filled out the form the same again and a day or so later a dude calls and says I have one or two cracked heads and they recommend replacing the motor. The quoted replacement with a used motor for $4700. I called Brian ponder again and told him that if the head gasket had been fixed in the beginning then the heads would not be damaged due to it had never overheated until they touched it. He says I will make it right and offers to the labor from the radiator job off the motor price. Wow Brian u really made it right. They screwed me over from the secretary to the owner. Now I have taken it elsewhere and immediately was told when pulling the engine apart that the head gasket was bad. It would have been great if Ponder auto would have listened to the customer. I mean I obviously have more knowledge than that bunch.The heads were sent to the machine shop. I expected to have an issue due to driving 45 min to take to mechanics and the ponder drives. And no the heads were not cracked but they were warped from overheating after Ponder repair. So now I’m out the radiator repair and now add a set of heads when this could have been over and done if they would’ve actually knew what was going on. So now I have spoke to a lawyer and I do have a case and we will get paid back plus damages. And the better business bureau will get to hear the story. Thanks again Brian Ponder for taking food from my family without a flinch
Don Bailey
★★★★★
a year ago
OMG these guys are awesome. Worked me in in short order and bailed me out of a self imposed problem. They’ve earned my business. Don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to this business. There’s a reason they have good reviews and I just experienced it. Thanks Ponder Auto!
Stephen Brittin
★★★★★
6 years ago
There are three things I notice right away about my experience with Ponder. First the two guys I speak to when I walk in or who answer the phone are personable and a pleasure to deal with. Second, the work is done right and done quickly which is the most important reason for selecting an auto service. Finally, I’m quoted up front pricing, the final bill doesn’t contain surprises, and the prices quoted are very reasonable. Hard to ask for more than these three qualities in any well run service company.
Will G
★★★★★
a year ago
Went to a handful of places before finally taking my Kia to Ponder -- they got me in quickly and offered me multiple options in how to solve the issue I was having. Staff were kind, efficient, and I'll definitely be taking my vehicle back here again in the future
Brian Pipkin
★★★★★
2 years ago
I had always heard good thinks about Ponder and decided to give them a try because they were close to my house. Shortly after I got my vehicle back the problem I brought it in for repeated itself. It was a Friday afternoon and I called and asked if I could drop it back off knowing they couldn’t possibly get to it again before Monday. They called me back Monday and advised the aftermarket part they put in had not worked correctly so they replaced it with a more expensive OEM part. I asked what I owed for the more expensive part and was told nothing and they apologized once again for the issue. Every company has something like this happen from time to time, The integrity is in how they handle it. I could not be any happier.
Sue Lockett
★★★★★
9 months ago
Brian Ponder can work on our Mercedes and fix anything that comes up quickly and at a good v price. thank you Ponders Auto
Hannah Thompson
★★★★★
11 years ago
My experience with Ponder Auto Repair was wonderful! We broke down 7 hours from home, and were referred here by a friend of a friend. We had to leave the car and travel back home, while they replaced the timing belt and all of the valves. They gave quick and honest estimates. Their was an additional problem they encountered and worked with us on cost, since the job we were having done was extensive! Their prices were beyond reasonable! When we were ready to drive back out to get the car, they were even willing to come in on a Saturday so that we could pick it up! They went above and beyond what i would expect a shop to do. The car ran better than it ever has on our trip home, and that was a 7 hour test drive! Once home i realized that they even fully reattached the front fender of our car, which had been partially detached since we have owned it! They really did go the extra mile. I certainly hope we don't break down again, but if we do I hope it's in towing distance of Ponder Auto Repair!
Jacob Lay
★★★★★
11 months ago
I was in town with work and had an electrical issue. They helped me fast and treated me great! We shook hands and I was on my way. If you are in the area definitely go see them!
Wes Marshall
★★★★★
a year ago
Ponder always comes through whether it’s in a pinch or scheduled service. Diagnosed correctly and work performed perfectly. As a customer from 1980’s nothing has changed. Give these guys a chance and you won’t need to go anywhere else!
Cessy
★★★★★
3 years ago
As it always happens, you need a good mechanic. I was recommended to a reputable garage, but I was told they could not repair as it would be time consuming to repair. Step in Ponder Auto Repair....Bob asked me all the questions about my auto and to describe the problem or the symptoms of my sick truck. Not once did I hear, we can't fix. He explained what they needed to do in order to find and make sure what the problem was. As all things these days, he explained they were short handed, but that they would get to it as soon as possible. They gave me a time, and an estimate for best case, worst case. A few days went by,and since I left my vehicle with them I was patient. Bob called me sooner than expected and gave me the best case scenario after testing. I was so happy to hear the news, as I knew it could possibly be worse. Long story short, Ponders was very professional,and proficient. I highly recommend! I am so happy to have found them. I have older vehicles and I know that our relationship as a client and customer for service will be a relief, that they will take great care and pride in what they do.
Colleen Sicca
★★★★
☆
Edited 2 years ago
We just recently took both of our cars to Ponder. One for brake repair the other an oil change. The level of customer service is high and appreciated. The estimated price was spot on. Didn’t come back with a list of other repairs and that’s a first. All employees are friendly and patient. Our neighbor recommended this place and I’ll definitely recommend this place for services.
Chris Cantrell
★★★★★
a year ago
I need to sell a vehicle, but there was a slight leak of fluid under the transmission. Brian Ponder came by my house to see if it was ok to drive it to his shop, and it was. When I asked if I could thank him for driving to my house by paying for his lunch, he said no and that he just enjoys helping people out with their cars. Really nice, standup guy!
S Lilly
★★★★★
a year ago
Have taken several different cars to Ponders for repairs over the years. They are honest and are ASE certified. They are very respectful of women and don't talk down to them while explaining repairs. I don't have a single bad thing to say about them!
Briana Pritchard
★
☆☆☆☆
8 months ago
I have used ponder auto for over a year now for issues with my vehicle. At least 5 different times I’ve had it in their shop. The last time I had an alternator replaced but when I got it back my key fobs weren’t working they convinced me it was nothing they did and was an issue that ford would have to fix. I spent money trying to get the keys reprogrammed elsewhere. Yesterday the check charging system light came back on and when the battery was tested it showed it wasn’t charging, we assumed something happened to the alternator. I called ponder auto and explained what happened ans they assured me it was under warranty so parts and labor are covered, wonderful because I didn’t have the money this go around to fix the car. I get a call later that the car is ready and the total is 592. Not five dollars but FIVE HUNDRED AND NINTY TWO. When I asked why they said the alternator was fine but the belt was shredded so they got a new assembly and put it on. No one called and asked me about that, I never approved it and made it clear I didn’t have the money when I called. They did drop it down to almost 400 300 of which is labor alone. I could have had my friend put that part on but instead I was blindsided and forced to pay for something I never agreed to. Be careful working with them.
Racheal Mckinney
★★★★★
3 years ago
I wish I could rate this place higher than 5 stars. I’ve been to multiple mechanics in three different states and they couldn’t fix my ac. I didn’t have high hopes based on past experiences but they actually fixed it! I didn’t have a leak or low Freon, the clutch that switches my ac on was broken and none of the other places found it. Great front desk service as well, I’m always nervous to go to a mechanic because I’m afraid they will take advantage of my lack of knowledge but I appreciated how they explained to me what the issue was and actually fixed it. They also told me if my ac messed up within the couple of weeks they worked on it, they would check on it for free. I’m definitely coming back here for future auto repairs!
Brent Pope
★★★★★
a year ago
As a small business owner myself, I appreciate it when a company goes the extra mile. Truth be told, Ponder couldn't provide the particular service I needed for my son's car. But Jake said he would check with the owner to see if he might recommend someone to do it. He promised to call back and, true to his word, within 10 minutes I received a call from Jake. In my opinion, a company that will do this when you're NOT a customer is going to treat you right when you ARE a customer.
David Barrow
★★★★★
a month ago
I've always appreciated there knowledge, quality and honesty in making any repairs my vehicles have needed.
Amy Forson
★★★★★
2 years ago
Driving my '99 CR-V to Knoxville when the dreaded 'Check Engine' light came on in JC far from home, Google pointed me to another garage, but I spied Ponder's OTW and pulled in there SO GLAD I DID! Gentleman pinpointed the issue, took care of it in five minutes and didn't charge me a cent for the fix! Writing this review from Knoxville, but I'd drive to Johnson City for service from these amazing professionals that's how friendly and professional they are. They certainly made my day amazing!
