Steve's Automotive

Alex Calbreath

★☆☆☆☆

5 months ago

I was a regular customer of Steve's until late last year. Just before Christmas, I took my car in for an issue with the heater. Steve's told me the radiator needed replacing, which cost over $1,000 with some other minor repairs included. I asked them to proceed with the radiator replacement to address the heating issue at hand. Less than a week after radiator replacement, I was back in the shop due to the same exact heating issue, plus my car overheated on the way to the shop. After more diagnosis, I was told that, actually, the coolant and heater issue was from a fatal flaw in the engine block which was functionally irreparable (more than the car is worth). I was out $1,000 already for a new radiator, and now being told the issue I came to them for cannot be fixed and my car is, for all intents and purposes, toast. Despite this, I decided I wouldn't dispute the matter, giving Steve's considerable benefit of the doubt in their explanation for why they did not find the issue in the first go-round of diagnostics. When I went to pick up my car, Steve's told me that they were charging me an additional $90 for the second diagnostic which led them to conclude the $1,000 radiator was not the issue. Like I said, I had not disputed the radiator matter, chalking it up to a loss; losses happen. But I did think that the least Steve's could do was waive or share in this relatively small additional fee, as a courtesy, and because the issue I originally came to them for was not fully diagnosed, let alone repaired. I was very surprised this wasn't proactively offered, under the circumstances, and I politely asked Bob (the owner, I believe) to help me out on the matter. This request was met with immediate and outsized hostility. Bob took a highly aggressive stance, squaring up physically, and telling me repeatedly that he didn't like what I was insinuating. I felt purposely intimidated and threatened by Bob's posture and tone from the get-go. After trying to explain my reasoning, I realized Bob's temper was only escalating and I relented and said I would simply pay the $90. This inexplicably seemed to make Bob more angry and he initially refused to take my payment. After some additional fuming, Bob abruptly told me he would charge me $50, and that we were "done", meaning I was banned for life from the shop. I paid his $50, took my car, and exited the shop being carefully watched as if I were going to damage his shop on the way out or something. I am small of stature and meek in attitude, and I could not for the life of me understand what provoked this aggressive treatment. I was subjected to open hostility, humiliated, and made to feel like a criminal because I asked for a minor concession under extraordinary circumstances. None of this behavior was typical of my experiences at Steve's to this point, and I was shocked and extremely disheartened. This all happened a couple of weeks before Christmas, of all times, and I could scarcely believe this was the same shop I had been taking my car to for so long. Steve's was great for me until something went wrong, and then I could not possibly have had a worse or more inexplicable experience. I was dramatically banned for life (?!) over asking for a $90 concession, but that's no loss: I would never have brought my car back to this shop after this experience, for my own safety in addition to everything else, and I recommend you look elsewhere too.

Emily Bolls

★★★★★

7 months ago

When I first moved to Portland in 2003, an old-school taxi driver mentioned to me that he'd never take a car anywhere other than Steve's Automotive - the best and most trustworthy mechanics in town. More than 20 years and more than a few family cars later, I still wouldn't go anywhere else. We've taken an old and a new Subaru, a Honda, an old Volvo, new Audis, an old pickup truck, a minivan. Kind, honest and professional service every time.

Wes Mahan

★★★★★

10 months ago

I've taken at least two family cars to Steve's, more than once, because these vehicles are 30 yrs old, and 24 yrs old, respectively, and their repairs have always been done quickly, and for a reasonable cost. The latest was yesterday, when my starter motor gave out. Steve's took the car in to their shop without a prior appointment, and it was fixed within 24 hrs. Friendly, professional, and honest repair business. I'll always use Steve's if I can, even though I live in another part of town now!

Ian Propst-Campbell

★★★★★

a year ago

I have had multiple, very positive experiences at Steve's Automotive over the past several months. They have done my front and rear differentials, changed my spark plugs, put back an incorrectly installed anti rattle clamp, and fixed an issue with water coming into my front passenger side floor. Great, efficient service and such a better value then going to my dealership. Wish I had started coming here sooner.

Summer

★★★★★

8 months ago

I found out about Steve's Automotive by word of mouth from the place I bought my tires at. I had work done here on my 2007 Beetle earlier this month. They replaced the break booster, communicated the repair plan and 2 business days later I was able to pick up my car, and this came right after the 4th of July holiday closures. The cost was a bit out of my price range but it is my understanding that this type of repair with the parts needed is costly. I did some research but ultimately I'm in no way knowledgeable about cars whatsoever so this took a bit of trust and a little leap of faith, even with the word of mouth referral. The owners wife helped me right on day one meeting my tow truck driver and I and even offering to stay a bit past close of business if needed to make sure my vehicle made it into the shop. She has amazing customer service that felt extremely genuine. I knew I was in good hands from there. Fast forward to today, I've had a few issues since the repair was completed and I was offered to bring it in tomorrow for them to investigate the problem. It's unknown at this point if it's in anyway related to the repair work or something completely unrelated for example, one of the issues now is with my air-conditioning system and another is likely break pad related. When I called to inform them of these issues, they offered full support in helping me figure out the issues with a new diagnosis. I did see someone reviewed with a very costly diagnostic. On day one I was informed the diagnosis can range in price depending on the issues itself and the depth of investigating needed. My diagnostic report was much closer to the lower end of the price range given and I was actually shocked that it wasn't closer to the higher end. The inside of this place is clean and well kept. I encountered 3 staff members here and every single one were professional and polite. It's a smaller building than I was thinking it would be and the way they parked other customers cars in here is honestly impressive! Lol there were a lot! I want to close this review by saying I do not personally know anyone who works here and I do not work here. I was not asked to leave a review and I don't usually review places unless I'm absolutely blown away or trying to offer feedback due to other reviews that seem unfair or inaccurate. I will circle back with an updated review once my 2nd diagnostics is completed, hopefully tomorrow. I will also update my review once any additional repairs if needed are completed. If you're looking for an up to date reassurance on choosing these guys, I currently would send my friends and family here without question. You're in good hands.

Kevin Gillespie

★☆☆☆☆

7 years ago

I took my 2001 Chevy Corvette to them to have a common problem with that car addressed. The problem causes the car to die at traffic lights and intersections, a serious safety problem. I had already done some research and found out the problem was likely electrical in nature, causing the car to spit out codes suggesting I replace the column lock. I shared all of this information with them... They said that I was wrong; their mechanic was sure it's the column lock. They insisted replacing it should fix my problem, and fix all of the codes I was getting. I reluctantly agreed despite everything I read online to the contrary. The repair required purchasing a new lock and having a locksmith key it. Hundreds of dollars later, nothing has been fixed. The middle-aged mechanic even yelled at me, several times. I guess it was my fault that he didn't fix my car. How could he expect me to be happy with no result? After being berated, talked-down to, and scolded by the mechanic, the very nice office manager gave a small break on labor. Still, I cannot recommend anyone take a car with a safety or electrical issue here. Her suggestion, after I paid for unnecessary work, was "Maybe take it to a Chevy dealer. They have specialized equipment we don't have. They can see stuff we can't." It would have been nice to know that a few hundred dollars earlier.

Star Wars Fan

★★★★★

4 years ago

My Honda pilot blew a power steering line and this shop got me in next day and out within hours. Ed was incredibly kind, courteous and helpful in assisting me. Not only was the service friendly and helpful, but the prices were highly competitive. Most other shops wouldn't bother giving me an estimate to know what to expect, but that wasn't the case here. I really appreciated that as times are tough, and knowing a ball park is super helpful. The shop was super clean, and I mean immaculate compared to others around town, which was super nice. Overall I was highly impressed and am satisfied with the service done to my Pilot. If you have any issues, take your vehicle here and Ed will take excellent care of you. Steve's Auto has won over my business for all of my future automotive needs!

James Marslender

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

Had them install a wiring harness for my trailer lights. They did not do it correctly. Found that there was no power to my plug at the trailer hitch. I ask them to check it and fix it but after 4 attempts to get the rework done I gave up. They kept blowing me off telling me they were to busey to fix what they didn't do right the first time.. they had time to take my money and didn't do the job right.

Madi Wiegel

★★★★★

4 months ago

Fantastic service, great people. No one else I’d trust my car with.

Makda

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

Stay away from this place - they are scammers. I don’t trust any of the good reviews here - I had a horrible experience at this shop. My fiancé brought my Nissan here. My dad is mechanic so I knew exactly what was wrong with my car. I told them exactly what needed to be done. After dropping off my car, they call me to confirming what I already told them and that the charge is $260 just for that diagnosis. I was shocked, they charged me $260 to confirm an issue I already explained to them about. I went to pick up my car right away where I’m told it would cost an additional $400 to get the o rings replaced around compressor. I called another mechanic to make sure I wasn’t getting ripped off, he asked them to explain the cost and he was shocked. So I took my car and my business to another mechanic where they got it fixed for $140. My car is working smoothly and I’m happy that I found another mechanic. These people are unprofessional and extremely dishonest - they will try to rip you off. Also, they don’t know how to take responsibility for their actions - they will call reviews fake to preserve their ego. Shame!

Rachael Gossett

★★★★★

6 months ago

Great service! Very kind and easy to work with. They helped me out right away.

Vee Kaye

★★★★★

Edited 6 years ago

I knew I needed new brakes and Steve's Automotive is very close to where I work. I saw all the great reviews and just went for it. I should say that I've had a number of questionable experiences with garages in the past that I only really caught because I'm reasonably experienced driving mostly old cars. They did recommend some work that I already suspected might be necessary and I'm happy they confirmed that. Even so, they were far from pushy about it Everything I experienced at Steve's was completely above board and I'm so grateful they are nearby to help my 6 year old Mazda ease into it's old age. I recommend them wholeheartedly to everyone.

Matt Post

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

I was talking with our daughter yesterday and she reminded me and was so grateful for suggesting we take her car for a third opinion which we received from Steve’s. Two dealers agreed on a very expensive new transmission . I thought I’d update my review as it’s been over six months and our daughter has taken multiple trips now between her new life after college as a teacher in Southerland 3 1/2 hours away and our house in Tigard. Best $285 I’ve spent ever!!! Over six months and still running great. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You!!!! My wife and I own a small business with 3 vehicles and have five kids in various used vehicles. There’s always a vehicle with something wrong. This trip our daughter was told by the dealership that her 3 year old car needed a $5200 transmission. We went to Steve’s and literally $285.00 and that included two light bulbs and everything’s been great. Honesty, integrity and friendly service!! Thank you

Alejandro Diehl

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

Came into here two weeks ago. The AC stopped blowing cold air in the middle of a heat wave and coming from out of state. Brought it to Ed where we were charged over $100 to inspect and totaled over $260 to also recharge it. He also offered to look deeper and apply another fix that would have totaled everything to over $600. We were told that there was still an issue and the fix won't last long because he couldn't confirm where the issue exactly was but had an idea. He did promise that it would last for a short time and allow us to get to our next destination. We decided just to recharge because of how ridiculously expensive it already was. The next day the AC already started blowing hot air. We went back to have him actually fix it just to be told it's going to be over $300 with no guarantee it'll be fixed and costs could go up. They essentially told us they didn't care and to kick rocks. Despite how desperate we needed it fixed, we couldn't take how they were extremely rude they were to us and overpriced their services were. We dealt with the drive in the heat wave and took it out of state (to a more expensive area than Portland). Was able to get it inspected and fixed for about the price of what it cost him to inspect it. Do yourself a favor and go anywhere else.

Dylan Jensen

★★★★☆

4 months ago

Took my nissian to get work done and thay did a good job .only thing thay could work on is communication but no biggie

Kathryn Pollock

★★★★★

3 years ago

Staff was very friendly when my car got vandalized and I needed to bring it in. My insurance was a bit difficult but they talked to them directly and sorted things out and made my life so much easier. Stephanie was incredibly helpful and made a not-so-fun experience (getting my car broken into) a laughable journey. Will be coming back to them in the future!

Cristina Coppinger

★★★★★

a year ago

Received a referral for Steve’s and have been satisfied with the quality of service I have been receiving for my older vehicle. They are always transparent with pricing, and have exemplary communication.