Groovy Automotive

Super honest company! They took the time to completely explain what was going on with my car – they even had the lead mechanic come out and show me what was going on so I fully understood the ins-​and-​outs. They’re also the best priced in town. I completely trust these guys and will take my car back for any repairs.

This place rocks! Every time I go in, they are friendly, pleasant and polite. They are quick, reliable and very reasonable on the prices. Thanks for always helping me out Groovy Lube!!!

This automotive service was excellent customer service was excellent. I will recommend this company to anyone that I know that need any kind of brake job or an alignment or any other type service I’m very pleased

Friendly staff, very helpful. I needed to have my serpentine belt changed (bought my own and it was harder to get to than I realized). They had no problem changing it for me. They just charged me labor. Only thing I was a little unsure about was how much they charged me. Quoted me $ 80 over the phone (three other places quoted me around $ 100). Their rates for labor are 30min — $ 52, 1hr — $ 104. It only took them about 35 minutes to change it out, but I ended up paying $ 90. So I’m not sure how that works. That is my only complaint, but they did a great job and were fast.
Next morning my car wouldn’t start so I called the guys to ask if anything could have come unhooked during the change out. They said if I jumped it and got it to them they would have a look at it for no charge. Turned out my cable on my battery was a bit loose, enough to not get my car going. They charged my battery back up for me and I was on my way.
Great customer service. NIce guys! Seems to have the best prices around town that I could find.

These guys are AHHHHHMAZING! As a single female, it’s often difficult to find car technicians that won’t try to rob you blind, milk the hourly labor charge, or punk out on their previous work. The guys at Groovy are the exception to this rule by FAR! They had done some work on my JEEP a little over a year ago and I had some issues with a part being faulty (nothing they did)…their service was super quick, friendly, and honest. As a girl who grew up in a garage with her dad and uncles doing all of her repairs, I’m happy to say that I’ve officially found my local «car family»! Thank you Aaron, Steve, and company for taking such great care of me and my car needs!

I am about to go on a long trip and wanted to get my 2001 GMC Sonoma looked at to make sure it was ready for a few thousand miles to be put on it. Went in to this Groovy Auto (the same one I’ve used for all three of my cars since moving to Austin) to get a Pre Trip inspection and have some codes run. Turns out I have a lot more to do than expected, but it’s better to know than be stuck somewhere in South Dakota on the side of the road. They explained the issues and gave me a prioritized list of what needs doing. Thanks, ya’ll!

These guys are really awesome! I had my car «fixed» by a mobile mechanic who actually ended up breaking a part in my vehicle. I brought my car to Groovy Automotive last week after seeing a lot of really good reviews on here and I was definitely not disappointed.
They did an awesome job with my vehicle and they were happy to explain exactly what the problem was. When they found out was wrong with my car they tried the cheaper solution first to save me some money and when we had to end up actually buying a new part and putting it in they gave me a great discount. By far the best mechanic experience I have had in Austin.
They have shuttles that take you home while they work on your car and bring you back when your car is ready. They are also pet friendly so you can bring your inside pet with you. They are open on Saturdays which is fantastic when you work Monday thru Friday during business hours. They thoroughly explain your vehicle issues to you and let you know what they are going to do before they charge you. They were actually about to close when I figured out I need to replace the part. I called Aaron and they fit me in even though they probably wouldn’t have been able to do it until after they closed. I really appreciate Aaron and Forsey for being so nice and helping me fix my baby!!!

Manager Steve Smith is extremely helpful and does not try to sell repairs just to make money. Took my old Camry since A/​C working okay but not blowing cold air. Steve said it would have to be converted to the new type of a/​c system, but he didn’t think it was worth it since the car is a 1992. Groovy doesn’t do the hard-​sell on repairs and I feel like I can trust their advice.
On previous visits, Steve has always been helpful and has stayed past closing time to answer my questions. Groovy has saved me money when other shops have tried to scare me into getting repairs. (Firestone told me once that «Your front tire is going to come off, the car will flip, and you might die. REALLY??? Do you have to scare your customers into paying for more repairs?) I will always go back to Groovy.

Took my car to Brake Check on Lamar first to have my brakes looked at, and after the initial consultation the cost of the service was not going to work in my budget. I took my car over to Groovy, shared the information with them and initially was quoted a higher price than Brake Check. They worked with me after checking the vehicle again and realized that Brake Check was trying to nickel and dime me with extra services that weren’t needed. The guys at Groovy were extremely helpful, genuine and overall pretty cool. They told me what I needed, quoted me a fair price and I gave them the ok to continue service. Honestly, they were a few dollars more than Brake Check for the same services, but admitted to me that I did not need the extra services that Brake Check had previously told me. About a month later, my brakes have had no issues. The only thing they did not offer was a warranty. This could deter some people, but I’d rather spend my money at a local establishment with real people than a blood sucking corporation that trains their technicians to sell instead of fix. Cheaper than a dealership for sure, but most importantly — great customer service. The manager was very helpful and they offer discounts for musicians!

Very friendly and helpful staff. Their waiting room also has AC & Wi-​Fi, so I was able to keep working and in the air — definitely a plus!

Yesterday I was delivering stupid groceries at a stupid mansion. I backed out of the stupid driveway in a hurry, hit a stupid wall, bashed up my stupid bumper, bent my stupid rim, and blew my stupid tire. It was my fault. It was dumb.
Smash cut to me jumping on my tire iron trying to loosen a lug nut. A man with a kind face stopped and asked if I needed help. I almost waved him off — I can change a tire! — but I thought it’d be nice to have company.
It turns out he WAS great company — terrifically kind and friendly. He and I tag teamed the flat while I joked about all the repairs I was going to learn to do after I got my next paycheck. Turns out he was the owner of Groovy Automotive & Lube. He handed me his card and offered to help me take care of my ride.
I’m sitting in their lobby right now. The team fixed my rim and replaced my tire and brake pads on the house. I paid for a couple of other small repairs and their prices were totally reasonable and the service was fast and friendly. I have no idea how I got so lucky, but I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you so much to Bobby D, Steve, and the team of ridiculously attractive, fun mechanics who took care of my Honda. You guys are amazing and you’ve earned my business for life.

Best ever. Great prices. Great environment. Great staff. It’s my one stop for all 4 of my vehicles.

Car problems are never fun, but Groovy has kept them bearable. It is very obvious that they value customer service and quality.
The first time I was in they fixed what I came in for but took not of my banged up wheel. They didn’t pressure me to get a new one but searched websites to find me a reasonably priced one when I was ready.
The next time, I came in describing my issue with my minimal car knowledge («I hear a whooshing when I take my foot of the gas pedal and the brakes are hard to push sometimes.») They diagnosed the problem quickly, gave me time to think about the cost, and when I was hesitant to pay, another staff member searched another website for the part I needed (still certified) and took the total cost from $ 680 to $ 500. They drove me home in their personal car and had it ready in 2.5 hours. My car feels like new and I will NEVER go anywhere else.

I came in with a free oil change card today. Typically if you’re offered something free a company will slack on the job IMO. These guys were great and even upgraded me to full synthetic (which is what I always use). Free or not, I’ll be back. No lines but all bays full. Speedy, friendly, and a nice seating area outside. Taking both of my cars here and telling everyone! Thanks guys!
Bryan

I came into Groovy for a second opinion after my dealership (Austin Subaru) gave me a $ 2400+ estimate for an urgent repair that would take 4 days. I told Groovy what I told the dealership — I’d noticed some leaking under my car for a couple of weeks now. They looked and looked and couldn’t find the problem the dealership had described, but then one of the techs came out and asked when my last oil change had been. About 3 or 4 weeks, I told him. He went to check something and came back out a few minutes later with the news that my «emergency» was nothing more than an oil cap that hadn’t been replaced properly after my oil change (thanks, Firestone). In total I was there a while because of the wild goose chase, but at $ 113 instead of $ 2400 I consider it time well spent.
But that’s not what took my rating from 4 stars to 5. Here’s what did it: While I was waiting, a fellow came in and asked for a motorcycle inspection. The guy at the counter told him that they couldn’t do it there, but he’d find someone who did (evidently it’s a pretty specialized service). He then very patiently googled and called a dozen or so shops until he found a place the customer could take his bike. That kind of personal service took some time and generated no income, so it really impressed me as an example of going the extra mile.

Terry is the guy in the photo next to that little old school Datsun/​Toyota pick-​up. Let me tell ya about Terry: I called before I drove over, needing a head lamp replaced. I told him straight up that I’d rather buy the bulb at Auto Riley or wherever, and he told me the retail was about twice what he’d do the whole job for — even being honest about the upcharge for the bulb at his end. I’m a business man, I get it, no problem. I come in, a cool dude named John replaces the bulb, I go home. A few hours later I get in my car to go to work. and the head light is still not working.
A little perturbed, I call Terry. I tell him I work super late (restaurant manager), and that I drive home across Parmer Ln right by the cop shop. Getting pulled over at 3 a.m. would be highly inconvenient.
Terry shows up about 15 minutes after I arrive at work, takes my car back to the shop and returns a couple hours later personally guaranteeing me that I’m good to go. And I am.
I’ve been groovy on Groovy for about 2 years now. A natural cynic, I’m always ready for people in this business especially to try to scam you. Never so at Groovy. Exceedingly honest, exceedingly cool Austin dudes. And an effing unbelievable attitude when delivering service. Terry made me feel like a bud in a tight spot that he was all to willing to help out. That’s old Austin, and you ain’t finding anywhere else, not these days. I’d pay $ 60 for an oil change just to hang out there. (Not really, but you get my drift.)

I found myself in a predicament… having driven over a concrete parking barrier. I was stuck in a parking lot just down the street from Groovy Automotive’s N. Lamar location. Unsure of what to do, I walked into Groovy Automotive, described my situation, and asked if they had any suggestions. They graciously, and very willingly, sent an employee down to take a look at my car. He assessed the situation and went back to the shop to grab tools and equipment before returning, rolling up his sleeves, and successfully removing my vehicle from the parking divider. Within minutes, I was on my way… with a hand shake and a smile. What a life saver!!! I cannot thank these guys enough. So glad to have them in out community.

Appreciate the honesty and good work these guys do, and they even drove me home so I wouldnt have to get a taxi or whatever. Will return if need be!
This location was able to work on my leaking coolant prob, store on Guadalupe wasnt, although they were real nice and sent me up here. Good to be back up and running.

Went to Groovy to get my serpentine & accessory belt replaced. They were cracked & needed to be replaced, but no other issues. Manager in the office was polite but did take a few minutes acknowledging me even though I was the only one in the office. I received a slight student discount, so I was happy about that. Dropped it off, took a few hours to get done, everything seemed fine when I left.
Jump to two days later when my belts are screeching every time I accelerate & chirping incredibly loudly when I turn on my car. A friend told me the belt just needed to be tightened & it was like a manual tension-​er in my car. I called up Groovy to see when I could come by to have it checked out, went by that afternoon, was given some story about how they might need to bring in parts and that he’d «listen to it» for free.
Did I mention they told me to come in the next morning? I went by a little late in the afternoon, but there was plenty of time to adjust the belt as I doubt that takes an entire afternoon.
So, I had another mechanic look at it. He helped on the spot. I believe the belt is still flapping, but that might have more to do with Groovy using the wrong-​sized belt than not tightening it.
Either way, will not be going back.

This place is the best! I’ve taken my car to Groovy Auto numerous times in the few years I’ve lived here for various repairs, and this past year the staff has been incredibly friendly and helpful. My car is pushing 16 years old, and the manager and mechanics are very transparent about the multiple issues I need to be watching in my car.
I’d been having issues with my coolant fluid leaking from my car, and had brought it to Groovy three times to fix the issue. The first repair replaced the thermostat housing in addition to my front brakes, and the second the sensor on the reserve tank, without fixing the issue. On the third [over Christmas], the mechanics isolated the problem [warped rubber seals on a coolant housing], and completed the repair for me. Merry Christmas to me!
I would recommend this shop to anyone looking for an honest and friendly auto shop.