Zapata Auto Repair

L

★★★★★

a year ago

If you are a woman looking for a reliable shop that's safe and honest, you've found it. Not to mention, incredibly affordable. They didn't push any unnecessary services or do any "surprise" add ons. I was treated with genuine respect and understanding. For all of my people with anxiety surrounding auto shops, go here. Bonus- very cute shop cat.

Karuna Bhat

★★★★★

a year ago

Came here to get axle seals replaced on my truck. Hiram is the most honest mechanic I’ve met and was able to get this job done with a very quick turnaround. Rates are also very reasonable.

Lauren Kepes

★★★★★

a year ago

I brought my car in for an alternator issue, and they went above and beyond to make sure the issue was addressed properly. I was made to feel like a priority, the service was incredibly friendly and fast, and the problem explained to me fully. I was saved from wasting my time and money when they identified the problem for far less than every other auto shop quoted me for. I’m recommending this place to everyone I know!

Daniel Yela

★★★★★

a year ago

I’ve been living in Madison for the past three years, and only now have I been able to find a great mechanic. Hiram knows his business, is transparent about what your car needs, and works quickly. I can’t think of a better way to recommend this shop.

Valerie Lope

★★★★★

2 years ago

My favorite Auto Shop The owner is a great person who has always been nice and polite to everyone he comes into contact with. Service is always great and my cars are in great condition because of him. I’m not going to anyone else while I’m in Madison. This is the only guy I will see (after trial and error with other places) and I recommend him to everyone. If you’re lucky enough to get in, it’s amazing service but because of that, he’s pretty booked out. This guy knows his stuff

Steven Lamb

★★★★★

a year ago

I brought my car in for a blower motor and CV joint / bearing issue. The problem was diagnosed in the morning, and fixed by the afternoon. It turned out to be 2 simple fixes instead of replacing the parts. Zapata was honest & extremely reasonable. I couldn't have even had this diagnosed at another shop for what he charged me! He has a lifelong customer.

Ashley Berghoff

★★★★★

2 years ago

Absolutely incredible! Had great communication and was able to get me in quickly when he heard I needed to travel. Was thorough and found that my brake pads needed to be replaced and charged a fair price. When I picked up my car he showed me the brake pads and they were getting dangerously low! He made me feel very safe as a young woman and I will be sure to go back!

Luke GO

★★★★★

a year ago

First off, I will say that Zapata Auto saved me $9,000 and I couldn't be happier to recommend them. My car was sitting at Don Miller Subaru for 3 weeks, diagnosed with needing a full transmission replacement. Since they would only use a new transmission it would've costed $10k. After losing the battle with Subaru of America to extend my warranty, I turned to Zapata Auto for help. After looking at my car for only two hours he diagnosed it as a broken shifter cable. Here I am 2 weeks after and my car is running perfectly well. Not only did he save me a ton of money, he was very pleasant to work with and I got my car back within a week. Would give 100 stars if Google would let me!

Lulu Wiley

★★★★★

2 years ago

Would recommend. Got my breaks fixed/ and a hub, belt replaced, blower motor replaced, AC up and working, tune up, oil chang and car computer secured safely (it was a mess) all done promptly and for under 1400. Would recommend. He's also so friendly and respectful of young women. I know it's hard to feel comfortable sometimes when you're a lady under 30 but he's very respectful and cool. Thanks again!

Rachel

★★★★★

2 years ago

He got me in the day of my call after I spent about an hour calling literally everywhere. He was friendly, fast, knowledgeable, and the price was great. I'm definitely going to take my car back. Only trouble was the shop is a little hard to find. Look for the red and black sign right before the fish place, visible from traveling east on Stewart rd.

Ray James

★★★★★

Edited 7 years ago

I found zapata through a recommendation. I don't think I could find a friendlier or more fair auto repair shop. I would recommend to my mother. - 2015 I hadn't been to Zapata since 2015. Hiram blew my mind again by taking the time to rule out every possible issue with my car, called me twice to let me know what was going on and how long he thought it might be, and then I got the bill. A transmission problem and a battery problem fixed for about $250? Two of the local transmission repair favorites told me over the phone that I need a new transmission. Neither had seen my car, only listened to a two sentence description and came to that conclusion. It was fast. It was more than fairly priced. He talked me through everything he found, not just listing things off, rather, in a way I would understand. Back in 2015 I said I would recommend it to my mother. Nothing has changed since then.

Pete

★★★★★

a year ago

My car had significant transmission issues and was quoted $10,000 to replace it at a different shop. Went here for a second opinion and within a week my car was operable again at a fraction of the cost.

Luminaria Stormreaver

★★★★★

9 years ago

Hiram and Kelly offer outstanding service and quality with a cheerful attitude. The value of the services provided is high while their prices are extremely reasonable. I recommend Zapata Auto to all of my friends and family members. No one has been disappointed. I just had to take my car in recently. One belt had fallen off while I was driving on the highway and 3 other belts needed replacing. Total cost to me was a little less than $153 for the 4 belts and the labor. I highly recommend them.

Jenna Kroeger

★★★★★

3 years ago

transparent people. clear explanations. fair pricing. quick service. knowledgeable about their craft. kind. to expand, i had an acceleration issue on my vehicle and i called zapata and when i brought my car in they verified the issue and were sure it was an rpm matter, after a greater look after i dropped my car off that was confirmed and i was made aware of the details of the problem as well as the fees i would accrue in addition to when the job would be completed. all went well and very efficiently. highly recommend this establishment and these people:)!!!!!!!!

Valerie Lope (V.A.L.)

★★★★★

3 years ago

Yea I'm recommending this place to everyone - coworkers, friends, family, whomever will listen because these guys are fast, friendly, and just exactly what I was looking for. I used to take my car to the car place that closed down off of State St. and needed a new mechanic. I tried a few places in Fitchburg that friends recommended but they were way too expensive. These guys did a fantastic job and were exactly what I've been looking for. Not taking my car anywhere else as long as I live in Madison

Tim Vermeulen

★★★★★

7 years ago

Hiram, Koua, and the rest of the crew at Zapata were fantastic. They quoted me a very reasonable price to have my alternator replaced. What's more, I arrived a little after 3PM, two hours before close, and Hiram and co. had me out the garage door within an hour. It is clear to me from the many online reviews and my own positive experience that these guys manage their shop right, with the customer coming first. They've got my future business for sure. Plus, Porfirio!

Angie Kaszubowski

★★★★★

11 years ago

The owner, Hiram, is super friendly and honest. He was able to find some used parts for me (a coil for my engine) and charged me 1/2 of what a dealership would charge for a ball bearing that badly needed to be replaced. I drove away amazed about how nice my car is!! I have a scion xb with 210,000 miles on it and I trust that Hiram will get me to 300,000 or more. Great mechanic - I would definitely recommend this shop for both quality of work an customer service.