Carters Air Conditioning & Automotive Services

I usually take my BMW to the dealer in town because I have had bad experiences elsewhere with my repairs. After finding out that the BMW dealer is no more trustworthy than anywhere else, and in most cases actually worse, I looked online and was lucky enough to find an honest mechanic QUALIFIED to work on my car. The vehicle would intermittently stall in the morning -- probably three times a week -- and it was just becoming an undependable vehicle and a great annoyance. Carters was able to pinpoint the problem in the matter of a half hour and got me back on the road the next day for much less than the dealer charged. They proved the value of a knowledgable mechanic in the first experience, definitely worth a try. more

I took my Volkswagen to Carters on Monday after having taken it to two ""VW specialists"" already that couldn't find the problem. The Jetta had a strange noise coming from under the hood and didnt have the same acceleration that it usually had. I was told that it may take a few hours to find but if I could leave it they would call me with the diagnosis that afternoon. Within an hour and a half they had found the problem; it was a vacuum leak and were able to fix it within the day and only cost $165. Its hard to find a mechanic to work on European cars - believe me - I've tried. I am happy I found Carters and will continue to use them in the future. more

I took my Volkswagen to Carters on Monday after having taken it to two "VW specialists" already that couldn't find the problem. The Jetta had a strange noise coming from under the hood and didnt have the same acceleration that it usually had. I was told that it may take a few hours to find but if I could leave it they would call me with the diagnosis that afternoon. Within an hour and a half they had found the problem; it was a vacuum leak and were able to fix it within the day and only cost $165. Its hard to find a mechanic to work on European cars - believe me - I've tried. I am happy I found Carters and will continue to use them in the future. more

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. more

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!!! more

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Carters, Thank you so much! I came down here (to Austin) and didn't know any mechanics, but I'm so glad I found a place that is honest and trustworthy. Even when I had to bring it back, you were determined to find the problem and help me choose the best (affordable) option to fix it. more

Been using these guys for about three years now. Couldnt be happier with them. Always fair and quick. The manager, Doug, is a good guy and will treat you right. I have had them fix everything from electrical problems to my transmission and radiator, and they have always done a good job. I highly recommend them. Pros: Everything more

Been using these guys for about three years now. Couldnt be happier with them. Always fair and quick. The manager, Doug, is a good guy and will treat you right. I have had them fix everything from electrical problems to my transmission and radiator, and they have always done a good job. I highly recommend them. Pros: Everything more

I took my 2003 Explorer in for a brake estimate to one of the chain repair shops offering a $100 brake service and as always, they recommended repairs that totalled $540. Carters offered a free brake inspection and was able to fit me into the schedule within an hour. They took the time to explain the problem and show it to me. The vehicle didnt even need half of the brake parts recommended by the first repair shop! They did front and rear brakes for half the cost and it is working great! I am happy I found my new repair facility! Pros: Staff was very professional and helpful Cons: Wish I would have found them sooner more

I took my 2003 Explorer in for a brake estimate to one of the chain repair shops offering a $100 brake service and as always, they recommended repairs that totalled $540. Carters offered a free brake inspection and was able to fit me into the schedule within an hour. They took the time to explain the problem and show it to me. The vehicle didnt even need half of the brake parts recommended by the first repair shop! They did front and rear brakes for half the cost and it is working great! I am happy I found my new repair facility! Pros: Staff was very professional and helpful Cons: Wish I would have found them sooner more

Thank you so much for your honest, dependable work. Transmission is working great now! I will definitely come back with any other problems I have with my car. more

Being a women, I appreciate a mechanic who will take the time to explain the problem my car is having. Thank you for your professionalism, honesty, and the quickness in which you were able to get me back on the road! more

I wanted to thank you for your honesty and professionalism. I could have gone elsewhere and been charged much more. I know where I am taking my business. more

Thank you so much for your honest, dependable work. Transmission is working great now! I will definitely come back with any other problems I have with my car. more

I wanted to thank you for your honesty and professionalism. I could have gone elsewhere and been charged much more. I know where I am taking my business. more

Being a women, I appreciate a mechanic who will take the time to explain the problem my car is having. Thank you for your professionalism, honesty, and the quickness in which you were able to get me back on the road! more