The Auto Depot

I have bought 2 used Mercedes from Jim, and he's become my source for cars!

It took him a little while to find my current car and get it ready for me, and I've been more than pleased with the results.

I have an appointment this week to preview another Mercedes that Jim recently acquired. Where else could you find someone who knows what you like and keeps an eye out for it?

Thanks, Jim, and keep up the good work!

Keep up the good work, Jim!

I sold a car to Auto Depot. The transaction was simple and easy and I was paid immediately. Thanks Jim!

I just bought a 95 Honda Civic from Auto depot after much searching.The car looks and drives like it is brand new,and I am very happy with it.The man who sold it to me was named Jim and gave us a good deal on a great little car.All the staff was cool in a relaxed atmosphere.I would totally reccomend this place if you are looking for a used car.

Pros: Everything Great

Cons: None

I am very pleased with the body repair work done on my 1997 Toyota Camry. I gave Jim a check and things happened... and I couldn't get back to the Auto Depot till nearly 8 months! But Jim never gave me a problem or hassle. He remembered and didn't try to give me any "line or try to "take" me about taking so long.
When I finally brought my car in for repair, it was done in three days and I had a beautiful car again!
The mechanics did a look over and I soon took my car back for all the necessary recommended timing belt and all that Toyota guidelined.

Pros: Nice People

Cons: tight parking

Are you shopping for a quality used car at a fair price? My wife and I purchased a 2000 Toyota Solara at The Auto Depot for roughly $3000 under the Blue Book price. Jim, the owner, was very up front about the rebuilt front end on the vehicle. Exceptionally clean inside and out and mechanically sound (we had the vehicle checked out thoroughly off site), we decided to take our chances and have never looked back. Jim buys and resells cars on a regular basis...and in our case...he threw in a 90-day warranty to seal the deal. That said, be prepared for a eclectic mix of autos when you visit the location. Many are parked out front in various stages of repair or disrepair.

I love my new lil Lexus! Thank you guys for helping me and putting up with all of my craziness in buying this car! I am so happy that you worked with me and got me into such a great new (used) car. You guys (ALL) went above & beyond and I am very thankful - Cliff, Mike, Barbara & yes, you too JIM...all my best and all my thanks!! It's kind of a "crazy" place (in a good) way & yes, it's definatly keeping Austin wierd (in a good way) - so THANKS AGAIN!!

I bought a 1986 Honda Prelude from Jim Earnst in 1996 and was so pleased with the deal and service after the sale that I have since purchased two more cars. Jim has been honest and out front before and after the sale each time (even when it cost him money!) I guess that's why he has more business every time I go by. I was a professional mechanic for ten years so I know when I'm being "led down the primrose path" and I can tell you I felt comfortable enough with Jim Earnst to buy my daughter's first car from him. I'm reasonably sure that car would still be in the family if it hadn't been totalled. Even then it protected my daughter and her passenger very well. The bottom line is this. A car is a risky purchase -new or used- and a warranty is only as good as the person who backs it. Jim has never failed to honor his warranty and that is why I will be taking my Camry (bought from Auto Depot in 2004) in for a repair that is to tough for me to handle, and I am confident it will be done correctly.

If you check their website you will read about their price guarantee. If you check the stipulations, this shop does not qualify for it's own requirements!

Pros: cheap

Cons: safety

used car dealer you've ever met. He really does "work with the customer". His prices are fair and customer service is great! He really does want you to drive away satisfied and happy. He did, for me, every thing he said he would do.

I bought my little 1991 Mazda Protege from here about a year ago, and was struck then by how friendly, open, and honest everybody was. The owner (Jim), especially, is as genuine a person as I have ever met.

Let me put it this way: there was a sign in the office that said, "Will work for dignity." I thought it described this place and all of the mechanics that I met well.

I was desperately in need of a dependable, family-friendly vehicle for very little money (was still in college). I think that Jim took the losing end of the deal, by really fixing up the car and making sure it was running perfectly on the inside, while at the same time not charging me as much as most other mechanics would. He gave me a great car at a more than fair price, was honest and upfront in all of our dealings.

Now a year later, my 17 year old car is still plugging away, with minimal cost and maintenance to me. Then, suddenly, my ignition locks and my key won't come out, even though it can still drive.

I called Jim for advice and he immediately told me to come in so he could look at it. When I got there all of the men were ready and willing to help me. They walked me through the process of procuring the part I needed at the safest place and best price. Then they even installed it at a bargain cost, in minimal time.

I think that most places would have charged me for an expensive dealer part and then taken a couple of days and many hours of labor to do what The Auto Depot did for me. They never cease to impress me with their ethics and quality! I rave about them every chance I get.

Pros: Service, Cost, Quality, Honesty

Cons: Parking

I bought a low mileage '86 Toyota Camry from these folks last September. I was very pleased when I took it to a different mechanic about a thousand miles later for a check-over; he told me that all of the hoses, belts, and other rubber bits were new, and that generally the car was in great shape. I've been happy with it since, and when a selt belt part broke recently (as 22-year-old plastic things do), the owner helped me hunt for the part and gave me a break on the cost of installing it. I especially appreciate that they are responsive to e-mails as well as phone calls!

I chose this place based on its multiple "Best of Austin" awards, and it was definitely the right choice. It's an old-style shop nowhere near my house, but they're very busy, and there's a reason.

We love our car - we've taken that thing from CA to Key West to NJ, and in 7 yrs, it's never needed any major work until now. I'm on guard around car places, because I know zero about motors and have to take the shop at their word. Imagine my shock when the owner picked up the phone and called the dealership right in front of me, so that I could hear the parts supplier stating the costs. He said he didn't want me to let them fix my car unless I was sure they'd be fair and upfront with me. On top of it, they said if I found a cheaper quote within a month, they'd refund the difference and then some. I literally looked around to be sure I was really at a repair shop.

Later they called to ask if it'd been in an accident - it was, years ago. How could they tell? There was a chunk missing from the part they were fixing. Why that didn't come up at the dealership that repaired it after that accident, I can't begin to guess. They replaced the broken parts, and said there was a lot of goo built up in the engine. It was surprising, as I thought I'd been diligent about upkeep - oil changes every few mos., what I thought was about every 3K miles. So after I left, I looked at the odometer, did some math and realized that with as much as I drive - a LOT - it was more like every 3 frillion miles. I made an appt for goo removal, again, wondering why no one had brought the issue to my attention in the past, leaving me to blithely scoot around with a false sense of security, until my motor falls off on 1-35 or something explodes. Point being, they don't just look at what's going on right now; they look at what could cause problems - and cost a lot - later.

I would recommend Auto Depot to anyone.

Pros: Honesty, customer service,

Cons: Far from my house, but worth the trip.

I've never posted before on this site but these guys are worth doing a review. My friend Frank had some bodywork done by Auto Depot on his truck several years ago and raved about the great value & friendly service. The bodywork was very well done so I decided to give them a try when we needed some reconditioning on our 02 Honda Odyssey's body prior to selling it. Note: just remember to call first if you are getting a bodywork estimate to make sure Jim is there. In short - a GREAT experience!! Great value, funny & friendly customer service, and even driven by the Jokester all the way home after dropping the van off. They even detailed our engine as a nice surprise! We'll definitely be back.

Bought two used cars and received the best customer service. Jim and his staff make every effort to go that extra mile to make sure that you are satified with your car purchase. Best of all, they will service the car too. I highly recommend visiting them when you are looking for a new used car. On the other hand ,it doesn't hurt to go there and see what they have for sale and find your dream car which is what happended to me.

It's always a good idea to check with the better business bur. before spending cash on repairs or a used car. It's easy for unscrupulous shops to post fake positive reviews for themselves. And NEVER buy a car with a salvage title- many dealers will not honor warranties or many recalls on such a vehicle. Chassis damage can be be dangerous. Had a terrible experience here- don't get me going. They are wonderful and friendly, until they have your money.

Pros: cheap work

Cons: cheap quality

Jim found a great 91 honda civic and we were immediately sold on it. He inspected it thoroughly and made sure everything was in working order before we picked it up. Very good attention to detail and we would buy another vehicle from the AutoDepot.
Gemma and Karl

I took my '96 Honda Civic in for an overheating problem, expecting to leave it for at least a day and spend $300 or more. They had it fixed for me in 30 minutes, and I spent half of what I expected to! Jim, thanks for a wonderful welcome to Austin -- you've got my business forever!

If you I've gotten a repair estimate that made you think, "wow, I can't beieve how much this is going to cost me" or I need a releable car I can afford and count on, give Jim at The Auto Depot a call.

When you go there you will be greeted by a friendly staff who appreciates your business, definitely people people.

I purchased a used Honda from Auto Depot over a year ago and have been very happy with it, I put on a lot of miles on it and have not been disapointed.

As far as repairs are concerned, I have saved hundreds of dollars maintaining my vehicles. Quotes on repairs are always competitive and often signiciantly lower than other shops. I saved serveral hundred dollars on one repair alone on my wife"s mazda 6.

To sum it all up. Check out Auto Depot, even if you are across town, you will be glad you did.

Highly reccomended!!

I came in with my grandma to just look at some cars. When we arrived i had already spotted something that i liked. Jim the owner showed me the car and told me all about the car and what he still needed to work on. He cut us a very good deal and i was very satisfied about the car. I came back a few weeks later to get somethings checked on the car. Even though it wasnt in the warrenty he fixed free of charge. Id reccomend them to anyone. they had fast service very friendly and made me free wanted. The best place to take your car or buy a car from any day of the week.

The Auto Depot gave me a great deal on my '00 Civic. It was clean and all repairs had been done to it. Jim was very nice and want to help us find a car. I would recomend The Auto Depot to anyone who is looking for a car.

Pros: friendly staff

Cons: parking

I've done business with Jim and the Auto Depot on several occasions for major auto repair
following a couple of nasty wrecks. In both instances I received exceptional service at a price
no one else could touch, and the quality of the work was excellent. These guys have also
done an excellent job of maintaining my Honda Civic since I've owned it. I wouldn't even
consider taking my vehicle anywhere else for service or major repairs. I give these guys
my highest recommendation....After doing business with these guys, I can see why the
Austin Chronicle has rated them so highly...

This is a very unique spot. Parking is tough, but once you're in, the atmosphere is relaxed and easy-going. 'Joker' over-sees the front office, and has one funny story after another. Jim Ernst is the manager and always seems like he wants to help you. Getting your car fixed is like going to the dentist: no one wants to have to, but keeping your car in tune is a necesity. They do a great job, and last month when I needed a car for my 16 year old, we bought a 93 Civic that checked out amazingly well. It has a full warranty, and we had 30 days to drive it to see if we liked it. The Auto Depot has won all sorts of awards from The Chronicle, and if you go there, you will understand why. Five stars please. Jay Douglas, Round Rock.

Pros: Parking tight

Cons: Wish they had a Round Rock location!

I feel very lucky to have run across Jim's (the owner of Auto Depot) craigslist add for a Honda Insight. Jim and his very friendly staff worked with me to make sure that i was comfortable with the deal for the car. Better yet, they went through a list of items with me that needed to be done and we decided what to do for each, and then negotiated a fair price. Jim was very patient and made sure that all the needed work got done and that the car was completely road worthy. And when the going got tough, and there was unanticipated work that had to be done, Jim included that in the price - keeping me informed all along the way. If you googled auto depot you might already know that they have a great reputation in Austin. These are good folks with their hearts in the right place. It sure is cool to have someone you can trust in the used car business.

Pros: honest, communicative, knowledgeable

Cons: no donuts in the waiting room ;)

Jim Ernst takes pride in the quality of work at the Auto Depot. He and his crew have been servicing my cars for 4 or 5 years and always do a careful, thorough job. It is a small place; they seem to know all their customers by name and feel a personal responsibility to serve them well. I bought my '98 Honda Civic there and would recommend the Auto Depot to anyone needing a good used car and/or regular service.

Linda Day

Pros: friendly, reliable service

Jim Ernst gave me a great deal on a used Honda Civic and I couldn't be happier!!! There is nothing more stressful than having to buy a vehicle (new or used). I really felt at ease with Jim and I truly believe he enjoys helping people get the best possible deal. I walked away from the Auto Depot without the feeling of being ripped off!!! How often does that happen when buying a vehicle!?!?!? I have already told many of my friends and co-workers about the Auto Depot and I know that if any of them go there they will be treated fairly and given a great deal.
I plan on having the vehicle I bought at the Auto Depot for a long time but when it comes time for another one......I'm going back to the Auto Depot!!!
- Jeb Kaffaga

Pros: Great costomer service!!!

Cons: None!!!

I recenty moved to the area and started having car problems - what a nightmare! I didn't know where to go & didn't want to take it to the dealer (too expensive). Jim was very helpful and saved me a lot of money then if I'd gone elsewhere. EVERYONE in the shop was helpful. It's difficult being a woman and trying to know if what's being told to you is "truthful" and necessary & car repair adds up SOOO fast. I felt that they explained what I needed & they were concerned about spending my money unnecessarily. I can tell you I'M HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THE AUTO DEPOT! THANKS Jim, Barbara, Joker & all....

Pros: HONEST and helpful!

Cons: none

I bought a used car from Auto Depot. The car is in great condition and they gave me a good price plus a nice warranty. It was simple and easy. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Pros: Service, used cars, prices

i needed a car for my highschool daughter and the guys and Auto Depot found me a beauty. for a first car it was way more than the was expecting but still in my price range.

after that i started to use AD for repairs on my 99 truck and found that they beat the price any any other shop.

the guys are are extremely friendly and always give me a ride back to work when i have to leave my vehicle.

Jim Ernst and his crew of earnest car mechanics operate a full service repair and body shop. But in addition to fine service and decent prices, they move cars, specializing in reselling used Hondas and Toyotas. So if your beater has beat it, call the nice guys at the Depot.

-The Shopping Critics

A few years ago, Jim Ernst and crew took home a Critics Pick for Best Place to Pick Up a Used Honda or Toyota. They earned that distinction for expertly specializing in - and offering great deals on - cars from the small-import genre. First and foremost, however, the Auto Depot is an excellent repair shop. Estimates are straightforward. If something is off or the unanticipated happens, communication lines are open, and options are discussed before unexpected charges present unwelcome surprises. Through the years, Jim and his hard-working staff have built up a fine reputation for taking care of their customers. We're very happy that those customers decided to share the news!

-Readers Services