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Hi, I'm Tomas Dalin owner of Ben White Automotive Service Centers. I have been repairing cars since 1978, moved to Austin in 1985 and went to work at Sunbeck Automotive on south Congress. Sunbeck's was one of Austin's oldest and most reputable shops, it was at that time that I became a Master Technician. In 1993 I opened Ben White Automotive on Ben White Blvd. With the increase in complexity of fuel injection and computer controlled emissions I quickly certified as an L-1 Advanced Level Technician. After several years of building a great customer base in south Austin I decided in 2001 to open a second location in north Austin. In January of 2002 Ben White Automotive North opened its doors. All of the employees of Ben White Automotive are friendly, highly experienced professionals who can properly repair and service your car, no gimmicks, no run-around, I guarantee it.
Life has been odd lately, to say the least. But I for one, am getting my sanity back. I am 100% sure along with Gary at Ben White, it was the teneau cover, holding back the wind, and my engine from running properly; that 3 Chevy Dealerships over 1 year, 8 visits, couldn't diagnose, why I was losing power randomly. I have gotten lawyer to help resolve the problem. Now, because Gary Anders from Ben White diagnosed and recommended I have been driving Without the cover, My Chevy Colorado 06 truck is running at optimum performance, almost like a V-8, which is why I bought it. Anyway, I just cannot conceive this has happend to me, I never changed my story, to all 3 dealerships, for over a year, and this June took to an indep. BEN WHITE auto shop, they diagnose the problem within 45 minutes. I have my sanity and safety back, but this is really ridiculous.My biggest problem was the way I was treated, like a girl who did not know her own truck; the things that were said to me, the humiliation, and doubt and everyone in the world driving my truck and treating me like I was crazy. It was extremely dangerous on 360 on the looping overpasses, I could barely get over 60, and was putting my life in my hands many times. The more wind, the tougher it was to drive.Gary and Mike in my book are saints, and treated me with such old fashioned respect and really listened to me! I will go to back to them anytime I have a problem. He listened to me, he believed me, and he thought it was a simple fix, and luckily he experienced the drag during heavy winds, and just shook his head when I told him what i have been thru, having everything in the world tested on my truck and given back to me, unfixable, can't duplicate the problem.This truck was under warranty, and guess the material cover started stretching, letting wind in over time and I hope this never happen to others, and is prob. happening to someone that has this type of cover. I was so close to turning it in, and decided one last shot at an independent, non dealership, and did my homework who was good in this town.These guys are the best, courteous and old Texas gentlemen!I think this could be a case for the books, although it is an accessory, it is a Chevrolet accessory, put on my Chevrolet when purchased with a bumper to bumper warranty, but they do not know their own product. It's like not knowing why your computer is not working, and find out the plug is not in. One year later, and still alive, no one will believe this story,Thanks BEN WHITE AND GARY AND MIKE for being behind me, that is what this is all about,now the lawyer can push forward with this GM case and I finally have validation.Very Sincerely,Jean
Posted 07/09/09 | Report Abuse
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These guys fixed my blinker switch. They were fast, reasonably priced and were very friendly.
Pros: great service, fast and effiecent, friendly, good location
Posted 11/08/09
Invoice 7554 on 9/15/2009. Went in with the mysterious noise from the rear of truck. They researched the issue, and found a GMC technical bulletin. Rather than starting by replacing parts, BWA-North obtained the correct lubricant. While they were working it, I have them replace two universal joints.
Customer service was very good, pricing reasonable, and we will be back for other auto work.
Pros: Well researched, proper solution
Cons: None
Posted 11/06/09
I have to strongly disagree about Ben White Automotive. I have my car towed to the north location because my car had been parked in my garage for a while and recently didn't switch gear. They said my transmission has to be re-built/replace and the battery was dead. Since they can't do re-build, they told me they have to order it from some auto-recycler, and when they receive it, they will install it, which total will be around $2000+ (depending on the used transmission I choose). To persuade me to do so, they said my car was in good condition, and replacing the transmission would give the car another years of driving. They even said going to a transmission shop is not a good idea because they generally only rebuild the transmission which often carry just 12 months warranty. And they said those shops will give me the same conclusion after they diagnosis my car, which they imply there will be fee for diagnosis normally. Basically, the "impression" they gave me is, replaced the transmission with us, it will give you peace of mind for another years of driving, and don't even try to go to transmission shop, they are not honest and will charge you more for something you can fix more economically with us.
I don't quite believe in what they said. Over the next few weeks, I did my own study on the transmission shops and called several times to many transmission shops. Most of them offer free diagnosis. I decided to toll my car again to Other Transmission shop (not named here), which actually didn't give me quote of transmission rebuild, and insist they have to test the car before giving me quote. (Note: there are many other quote me cheaper for rebuilding transmission) They first fully-charged my battery, and had done several test drives and didn't find a thing (and didn't charge me a penny). They told me that if the battery is dead, the transmission system will enter some kind of auto-safe mode such that it won't switch gear. They recommend me to go to any battery store and have the battery replaced, and it should fix all the problem. I went to some battery shops on South Lamar (which provide free installation), and even the guy in the store know this basic concept.
So my conclusion is, either the technicians in Ben White is under-qualified, or they just want to make money out of me. I don't think I will go to this store again, especially the north store.
Pros: fast service
Cons: not honest, or maybe not qualified to fix my problem
Posted 10/13/09
I went in for squeaking brakes and they checked it out and told me I didn't need new brake pads yet, but would credit what I spent to have it checked out when I did need them.
Pros: friendly
Posted 10/06/09
My car failed inspection, something to do with the gas tank or something. Obviously I'm not car-saavy. I was really scared to bring my car to a mechanic because as the stereotype goes, mechanics just want money and are not to be trusted. Well, Ben White Automotive broke that stereotype!
I read the other reviews and they are all true. The people are so nice, and they are totally honest. Apparently everything was fine with my car, and turns out the inspection was performed wrong. They didn't even charge me for the diagnostic test, just for the inspection that I needed anyway (so I killed two birds with one stone, which was great!). They explained everything in terms I could understand. They are very genuine, honest, good people. I will definitely keep going there for any car needs!!!
Pros: honest, friendly, fast, reliable
Posted 10/01/09
I recently brought my car for some unexpected work. I followed the reviews from CitySearch and they were right on... Diagnosed, communicated and fixed. Back running again!
- rtee
Pros: Honest, No Hassles, Timely
Cons: None
Posted 09/12/09
I have received reliable service from Ben White and I will continue to use them as my auto service provider.
Pros: Best advice and pricing for repairs
Cons: I have experienced any issues with their service
Posted 08/31/09
Replace clutch master cylinder Invoice 6933
Pros: Got the work done at a great price
Posted 07/24/09
Very knowledgeable car service up in North Austin. What impressed me most was that they are willing to explain what's going on and will give you the real options. For someone only somewhat "handy" mechanically like myself, for instance, they recommended I fix my simple door lock problem rather than pay them their hourly rate to do it. I respect that and know I can trust them to take care of the things I can't handle.
Pros: These guys know what they're doing and are happy to explain
Cons: none so far
Posted 07/22/09
These guys were exceptionally professional and had my car fixed up as quick as I could have hoped. I'll definitely be back.
Posted 07/11/09
After doing a great job on the work mentioned above, I brought my 1998 Explored back to their shop because there was a loud squeaking in the rear of the car. The sound was especially loud when I drove over speed bumps and other rough places in the road. Gary discovered that the frame that held the spare was loose and was causing the noise. They also discovered that my jack handle, needed to tighten the frame, was missing. They sent me to Ford dealership to replace the jack handles. I plan to use them to keep me running from now on.
Posted 07/03/09
I was quoted a fair price; the work was completed on time. The only shop I trust with my pony. Gary is very knowledgeable in all things mustang.
Pros: Service you can trust.
Cons: None on my visit.
Posted 06/29/09
They were able to diagnose the problems with my car and get it fixed in the same day. No problems since.
Posted 06/25/09
Everyone there from the service advisor to the tech that worked on my 97 Acura were very prompt and friendly. After picking up my car from the shop I noticed that I had picked up a screw somewhere in my tire. The mechanic that fixed my cv joint, threw my car on the lift and plugged my tire for free. I will be going back when I need future assistance!
Pros: Friendly, personable. Didn't feel taken advantage of!
Cons: none
Posted 05/11/09
I've taken my truck in three times now; I've found Ben White to be prompt and straightforward in their assessments and repairs. They came in under their initial estimate on a major repair I had in January. All in all I find them both friendly and trustworthy.
Pros: Trustworthy
Posted 04/27/09
Took Tahoe in for a radiator leak. They were able to diagnose and fix the problem at what I found to be a reasonable price. Have had no problems since.
Pros: Good price, great service
Cons: No cons experienced on my visit
Posted 03/30/09
I took my truck for front end brakes; the service was first rate, fast and very reasonably priced. I highly recommend them.
Pros: Example: best croissants in town
Cons: What are the drawbacks?
Posted 03/30/09
i went in to get a starter replaced and couldnt afford the original price quote i got but when i got there they had found me a better deal.....cheaper priced starter and reduced labor fees. That was nice. the only thing is they should get some kind of bell that will ring in the shop when people come to the office. I waited a while to be helped, overall i liked the service i got.
Pros: easy to get an afforable price
Cons: What are the drawbacks?
Posted 03/21/09
We took my wife's car to the location on Ben White and were given excellent, clear and accurate advice and some alternatives to match our cash flow situation.
I used to take care of my own cars back in the days when spark plugs, distributors and the like were accessible, so I appreciate a mechanic who doesn't try to baffle me with psuedo tech and exploit my natural fear of damaging a vehicle. If you explain your situation they will try to help you achieve a compromise between cost and repair.
We are taking the car back to have the rear brakes done now and I'm certain they'll do as good a job as they did on the front brakes.
Pros: Customer service is excellent.
Posted 02/11/09
Everyone there is very helpful and explains the process from start to finish and the possibilites available about the repair. I know that if they say it needs to be done, than it does, unlike others shops who will tell you anything to get your money. I have been going there for a few years now and won't go anywhere else. This is a shop that a Woman, like myself, can go into and know she's getting the truth, and not being taken advantage of. I tell everyone I know to go to Ben White.
Pros: fast, reliable, honest to females, good process, answers all questions
Cons: don't have any
Posted 01/27/09
I had some major work done (over $2000) at the North Location of Ben White Automotive. The guys behind the counter were straight-forward and customer service oriented. The work I had done was completed in a timely manner and with top-notch quality. I will definitely go back for future repairs.
Posted 01/06/09
Very fair and good service. Doesn't rip you off ,but provides a good service with a fair price. They have even not charged me for some minor things.
Posted 12/20/08
The people at Ben White Automotive North are very friendly and helpful! I have an older car, so I've had to visit the repair shop more than once in the last few months, but each problem has been fixed completely and quickly.
Posted 12/15/08
I had an issue with my car and didn't know who to call. A friend recommended Ben White Automotive because they are ASE certified. When I called, the man who answered not only helped me get my car to a drivable point so I wouldn?t have to get it towed, he also stayed on the phone with me until I got to the location. They got my car fixed while I sat in the lobby, and I was out of there in about an hour. It was such a better experience than I had expected. On top of that, it cost me a fraction of what I thought it would cost. Everyone was friendly and helpful, which is hard to find as a woman walking into an automotive shop with no idea what is wrong. I highly recommend Ben White Automotive.
Pros: friendly and helpful
Posted 12/08/08
With the wonderful service I received from Andy, I felt like I had a friend in the car repair business. He took the extra time to search for aftermarket parts to help reduce the repair bill. Everything's running great.
Posted 10/03/08
After taking my car to 2 other mechanics and the dealership, I was impressed by Mike's work. He was able to find what was making a loud sound when I drove (the other mechanics didn't). Work was done well and quickly and I was pleased with the service I received. Also, I felt the cost was reasonable. I will definitely go back when I need to and I'd highly recommend them!
Posted 10/01/08
Got sound advice on how to repair my auto for brake noise. A different shop had not been able to recommend anything.
Posted 09/19/08
i brought my 99 beetle in for a tune up. the price they quoted at first seemed a little high (around $600), but the service was great. they also alerted me to other problems with my vehicle. i was able to pick up my car the same day.
Posted 09/15/08
I would definitely recommend Ben White Automotive-North location. They gave me a ride to work while they fixed my car. I was able to get my car fixed in 1.5 hours, and on a Friday afternoon! The service was fast and Mike was very helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks Ben White Automotive!
Posted 09/10/08
Been a couple times, they did a good job both times. It's not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. And I always think it's better to pay more for something done right than pay less and risk a crappy job or something else getting broken.
Posted 08/25/08
I was in and out in no time at all. The folks there were all friendly and curtious. I would go back for all my automotive needs.
Pros: good service
Cons: none
Posted 08/19/08
3 months after my A/C was repaired, I had a problem again. There was a warranty and it worked perfectly, both on Part and Labor. I had absolutely nothing to pay not even the time spent to see what the problem was.
Thank you Ben White automotive North!
Pros: Quality of Service, Effectiveness of the warranty on repairs
Cons: time needed to get the parts
Posted 08/13/08
I was treated very courteous when I arrived.I was given an accurate quote, and explained very well what I needed. they gave me a very good warranty, and best of all the AC is working great.
Pros: courteous and prompt
Cons: closed weekends
Posted 07/27/08
The management was courteous and professional. Gave me a reasonable estimate on a reasonable list of recommended repairs. No high pressure sales tactics. The repairs effectively corrected the problems.
Pros: no surprises
Cons: time to complete work slightly longer than expected
Posted 07/02/08
Did a very good job on the brakes of this van. Mechanics are very detail oriented and are concerned for customer safety. Will be going back to this shop.
Posted 07/02/08
Excellent service, good price and close to my job! This was my first time to use Ben White Automotive and I am pleased with their work and their professionalism.
Posted 06/04/08
The people I worked with their were very easy to talk too. I did not feel pressured to have anything done I did not want to. Also, I felt like they were very knowledgeable and told me what truly needed to be done to keep my car running smoothly.
Posted 06/03/08
I called the south location and the guy that answered was horribly rude, he seemed like he was reluctant to hear me describe my problem. Didn't get his name or i would include for the owner, I called the north location and spoke the the mgr. (mike) and he was very polite and helpful. I just wanted to get his opinion and hear wut he thot the problem might be. He was able to to tell me what the problem most likley was and gave me an estimate. He was very helpful and I will probably be going to the NORTH location to get my vehicle serviced. Stay away from the south one.
Posted 06/03/08
We had our 03 Montero Sport in for a timing belt replacement. The work was done well and on-time but after driving it around for a day the oil pressure light came on. We pulled over and checked the dip stick - almost no oil was left. I wasn't very happy at that point but Mike immediately arranged for a tow back to the shop and a rental car. It turned out a seal they had used was defective. They corrected the problem very quickly and at no cost to us. Mike communicated well through the whole, difficult process. The vehicle has run well for about five months since the work was complete. I'll definintely go back.
Posted 05/20/08
I don't know many other mechanics around here, but BenWhite Auto is definitely a relible one. they'll fix your car good.
Posted 05/09/08
Great service, just what my car needed, would recommend to anyone, plan on going back in the future!
Posted 05/06/08
They were very friendly, honest people, and had great prices!!! i would recomend their service to anyone!!
Pros: great service, easy to find
Cons: not a lot of parking
Posted 04/22/08
I was very pleased with the service and honesty from the folks at Ben White. Oscar was very helpful in detailing what was wrong with my vehicle and what it would cost me. The guys are very professonal and really know thier stuff. I had my A/C fixed there with no problems and with a great warranty of service. They totally garauntee thier work!
Pros: Excellent and timely service
Posted 03/14/08
Very good service, helpful and got the repairs done in satisfactory amount of time. Would recommend to friends and family.
Pros: good service
Cons: none
Posted 03/13/08
Very friendly on phone and in person. My pickup was fixed in a couple of hours and the price I was quoted was exact! I will be giving them my business again.
Posted 03/13/08
Ben White Automotive was helpful and courteous. I felt they were honest and worked with me, especially because my repairs would be costly. They helped figure out the problems with my car and I appreciated the personal customer service both when I called and went into the shop. I really have no idea how to compare the price to other auto repair shops as I have not had to have many done, however, I appreciated the detailed quote and summary of the work required. If I were more proficient about the cost, I would've given them a five!
Posted 02/26/08
The one complaint I have it the amount of time it kept taking these guys to get back to me. They never called when they said they would and didn't have it fixed the day they said it would be fixed (nor did they call to let me know they would be taking longer than expected). After a while I began to wonder if my car had been kidnapped. When I got it back, though, everything was fixed as promised. They did a great job and charged a reasonable price for all the repairs they did - so I'll be a repeat customer.
Pros: good price, fixed all problems
Cons: didn't call when promised
Posted 02/12/08
This is my first time at Ben White Automotive and it was a very good one. I got into a little 'fender bender' and needed a headlight. No problem. I asked if they might be able to correct the bumper and that was no problem. They did a great job and for a good price too. I won't hesitate to go there in the future. Thanks.
Posted 01/28/08
This is my first visit to Ben White Automotive. After looking online I feel I made a good choice. I appreciate their manner at the front desk. I felt they were truly interested in finding the solution to my trucks problem. When I took my truck to investigate a noise, they were waiting to test drive it as I drove up. I feel they are good at getting to the small details, which can potentially save you money. I had been using another garage which left many details undone or substandard and was a waste of money. I feel confident that I have brought my truck to the right place to finally get it fixed to my satisfaction.
Posted 01/09/08
