Carters Transmission & Air Conditioning Repair

I have taken all my cars here when needed for the last 10 years. They are always honest with me, and WONT start working on it until they have explained all my options, prices etc.
I have been to both locations, but I am closer to the North Store so I am more familiar with that.
Great service, convenient, and NOT expensive at all. another major plus in this economy!!!

Pros: they are honest

Cons: none, well coffee would be nice! :)

Posted 11/10/09

I have had the hardest time finding an honest mechanic in this town! The last time I took my car for an oil change at an area car dealership, they came back and told me I needed $1750 worth of work done. I took my car in to Carter's on a friend's recommendation, and turned out that half of it was bogus. I got out under $900 (and that included them changing my timing belt!).
My husband and I own an older Accord and a newer CR-V, and they have successfully changed timing belt, engine mounts, brake pads, and engine air filters. Every time the car's been ready by the next day. All around great job!

Pros: Honest, Fast, Competent

Posted 04/04/09

One day my car wouldn't start and I'm a DIYer when it comes to simple auto repairs, because in the past I've found that many mechanics cause more problems than they fix. So I went to Autozone with my battery, cables, and starter. I had them bench test all of these components to make sure everything was working properly. The first Autozone said everything tested good, but suggested I replace my negative battery cable as there was a section with extensive corrosion. So I did and went home put everything back together and the engine still wouldn't turn over. I took the same stuff to a different Autozone and they told me the same thing, everything is working fine. I told them that the first one told me that and asked them to test it again. With the same results, I finally got frustrated enough to just give up and let a mechanic work on it. After shopping around I found Carter's had the most positive reviews and they also offer free towing w/ work costing over $300.

So I had the car towed to Carter's and within an hour they found the problem. The starter wouldn't turn! It would pop out then go right back in w/out ever engaging the flywheel. They told me my flywheel had some worn teeth but nothing that needed to be replaced immediately. These guys are very honest and upfront and work fast. They had my car in and out in the same day and for a reasonable price. The real test will be to see if the valve cover gaskets that I'm having them do will be done right. As Honda's are notorious for being a pain in the butt to get the seals around the spark plugs to stay put and not leak.

Pros: Honest, fast, reasonable prices

Cons: none

Posted 09/11/08

The service at Carters was great. Found the problem and fixed it right away. I was not nickled and dimed to death. They were very reasonable. I would highly recommend them to anyone. They have my business....

Pros: Fast Service

Posted 08/05/08

We've being using Carter's for 7-8 years. They did all the work on our '97 Villager, our '97 Chevy truck and now maintenance on our '06 Toyota. The Villager and the '97 Chevy are still in use thanks to the upkeep by Carter's over the years. Whenever we take a vehicle in they let us know what the problem is in a timely manner along with an estimate of the cost. They let us know what work is necessary now and what can wait. It's nice to have a mechanic you can trust.

Posted 08/01/08

This is my first time to write a review but if their is one thing I get panicky about its finding a mechanic. These guys were no fuss and no hustle. I can't tell you how many times I have felt like mechanics were trying to side step and up-sell me into oblivion. I only needed one repair, and that is what I got. I will return for anything else I need and tell people I know. By the way I was also comforted by the fact that it didn't have that creepy corporate big toothed grin kind of attempt at honest, no pony show just a fair shake.

---Also thanks to those of you who wrote reviews. I don't usually feel like the internet can supply me with trust worthy information but I found myself reading the comments and feeling like I was headed there off a friends word. I did notice another local mechanic who had something like 200 reviews (which confused me) but then read on to see that they were basically paying customers to write them... i didn't like that. Anyway thanks again...

Pros: old school. honest.

Posted 04/04/08

Just wanted to let everyone know that if you are looking for a good mechanic with honesty and integrity, look no further. They only fixed what needed to be fixed and did not try to stick it to me. Just good ol fashion honest service. They are giving the industry back a good name. Check em' out!!!

Pros: honest, dependable service

Cons: none

Posted 03/27/08

I am a single female with no mechanical knowledge at all. But I must say that I will forever take my vehicle to Carter's after being treated like a real human and not another easy target.. When my car started overheating, I was scared to take it anywhere knowing that I would be taken advantage of. Turns out the guys at Carter's found a leak in one of my hoses and had me up and running in no time and very reasonably priced. Nice to know that there are stll honest people in the world. Thanks Carter's. I will let everyone I know of your honesty and integrity. Customer for life!!!

Pros: Honest, Fair, Service

Cons: None

Posted 03/16/08

I was having an issue with the transmission in my car and took it to the dealership and they could't find the problem, but still charged me over $50 for looking at it. I took it to Carters Transmission and not only did they find the problem (which was a loose motor mount bolt), they fixed it and didn't charge me for it. I would highly recommend them if you are needing transmission service. They also took the time and showed me on my car where the problem was and also explained it so I could understand it.

Posted 11/08/07

DO NOT GO SEE the North Lamar location of Carters. Things started when the South Austin location was called to inquire about a car that wouldnt start. They referred to the North Lamar location, and said that towing (local) would be free and $45.00 if it was out of the local area. That was acceptable, so the car was towed there. The North Lamar Location called and said that they would need to replace the battery, and that they would need the new battery on the car to test the charging system to see if that was the problem.
They installed a $90.00 'warehouse brand' battery on the car. (was told they did not know who the actual manufacturer was by Oscar the guy that was in charge there) The cost of the battery was never mentioned to us. They also tried to charge a $65.00 towing fee, claiming that they had a different policy on tow pricing than the South Austin location. Oscar used the analogy that if you went to gas stations they charged different prices for gas at different stations. I am not sure how that relates but ok. Oscar, also told us that the Alternator was OVERCHARGING at 14.0 volts and that it should be replaced to the cost of 350.00.

First of all.. the alternator's acceptable charge range is 13.5-15.0volts. over 15.0 volts and you have an over charging alternator. I had them put the battery back on the car, and picked up a $59.99 Duralast with a longer and better warranty. The North Lamar location wanted to charge us an additional $25.00 in labor to put the old battery back on. Oscar claimed he told us that he was going to charge that on the phone. And no he had only said we would have to pay the labor he already incurred putting the new one on and testing the system.

He removed the double charge on labor and knocked the tow fee to $50.00.
We the battery in 5 minutes in their parking lot. Then took the car to AutoZone and
they said the Alternator WAS WORKING PERFECTLY.

DO NOT TRUST THE N. LAMAR CARTER's SHADY!!!

Posted 11/06/07

I have just recently moved to town and was looking for a trustworthy mechanic to take my vehicle to, luckily I found Carters. They took the time to explain the problem to me in simple terms and fixed it
in a timely manner.

Posted 08/29/07

Given the fact that I used to be a mechanic, I can appreciate the attention to detail Carter's took with my truck. I used to be able to work on my own vehicles, but now Carter's has my business.

Posted 08/29/07

My daughter attends school at UT and I live in Houston. When her vehicle broke down I had no clue who to take it to. The only thing I could do was to look online. Carter's towed the vehicle for free, gave me a complete estimate free of charge, and fixed the vehicle at a fair price (I talked to my local
mechanic). Thanks!

Posted 08/29/07