Auto Repair ShopBrake ShopOil Change Service StationTransmission Shop
John Clay Automotive provides complete brake services, oil changes, wheel alignments, air conditioning services, and exhaust services to the Nicholasville and Lexington, KY areas.
Many customers praised the friendly and professional staff, highlighting their willingness to make things right and provide timely service.
Honesty and Trustworthiness
Numerous reviews emphasized the honesty of John Clay Automotive, with customers appreciating transparent pricing and the absence of unnecessary upselling.
Quality of Work
While many customers reported satisfaction with the repairs and maintenance, some expressed concerns about the thoroughness of work done, particularly regarding follow-up issues.
Timeliness
Several reviews noted delays in service, with some customers experiencing longer wait times than expected for repairs and maintenance.
Value for Money
Customers generally found the pricing to be fair and reasonable, with many expressing satisfaction with the value received for the services provided.
MB
Maris Bounds
Dec 5, 2025
5.0
EDIT: After posting my review, John Clay reached out to me personally to discuss the additional repairs I had done to my car after the repairs his garage had done. He apologized for my need to go to another mechanic and offered to pay for those additional repair costs. I came in today for that repayment and John Clay came to talk with me personally to apologize again and made everything right.
I commend his professionalism and his willingness to make things right. I definitely recommend (and my mom, who lives locally, very well might change her mechanic to Kohn Clay as well).
I came to John Clay Automotive over Thanksgiving break while visiting my family (I am currently going to school out of state). My engine light had come on during my drive up to Kentucky and the issue was there were holes in my coolant system and the liquid was pouring all over my car. I needed to get new hoses and a completely new system, in general, to fix the issue. They also needed to clean the space to make sure no damage was done. I spent a little over 1k, which I felt was fair for the amount of work they had to do.
However, when I returned to school, I had no heat and my engine light briefly came on again. I went to a local mechanic and the issue was the new hose John Clay Automotive put into my car was not properly secured and the liquid was, once more, spilling everywhere. I had to spend another $200+ to have everything flushed out and cleaned again to fix the simple issue of the new hose not being properly secured/installed by John Clay Automotive.
I understand it was the holiday season, however, I made the people I was speaking to at John Clay aware that I would be traveling for 10 hours and I was given a car that had not been given proper attention.
I should have been wary when I retrieved my car from John Clay and they had not noticed my tail and break lights were out. I gave the excuse that the issues they were dealing with were at the front of the car and that is where their focus was. However, with the issue of the hose, I wonder if the person/people working on my car just didn’t go over my car thoroughly enough.
This was not my usual mechanic, as they were closed during the break, but I will not be coming to John Clay Automotive again.
KF
Kaylee Fitzgerald
Dec 4, 2025
5.0
I am a returning customer to John Clay Automotive, and have no intentions of ever seeking out another mechanic. The staff here are always very friendly, knowledgeable, and fair in all aspects. Both times my vehicle has needed serviced, the work has always been completed in a timely manner. I have no complaints, only praises of my experiences at John Clay Automotive!
TJ
Tina J
Sep 23, 2025
5.0
Hands down the best place to take your vehicle! John and his team has worked on a couple of different vehicles I've owned and my son’s vehicle as well and we wouldn’t take our vehicles anywhere else to have work done. They are very honest and very dependable. I highly recommend his shop to everyone I meet.
KW
Kim Witt
Sep 8, 2025
5.0
John Clay Automotive done a great job servicing and repairing my Acadia. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
TN
Tiffany Newton
Aug 14, 2025
5.0
The most honest mechanic I know. John Clay is dedicated to making his clients happy. He is straight up and doesn't just tell you BS to get you to spend unnecessary money. I am thankful to have him as my mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Clay Automotive
What services do you offer?
Our auto repair services cover a wide range of needs, including brake repairs, oil changes, wheel alignments, air conditioning maintenance, fluid checks, battery health inspections, belt and filter replacements, tire checks, exhaust system services, and transmission repairs. We aim to provide comprehensive care for your vehicle.
What are your business hours?
We operate from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. For those who need weekend service, we offer appointments on Saturdays.
What is the easiest way to schedule a service?
To schedule a service, you can either call us with your inquiries or visit our location in person. We're happy to assist you through either method.
Can I provide my own parts for the repair?
We do not accept customer-provided parts for several important reasons. First, it raises liability concerns if the part is incorrect or faulty. Second, we prioritize quality assurance by using only parts we trust. Lastly, the parts we use come with a warranty, ensuring your repair is protected and reliable.
Do you offer transmission work?
Yes, we perform transmission work on a daily basis as part of our comprehensive auto repair services.
My engine has a clicking noise and the check engine light is on. Do I need to replace it?
Engine replacement may not be necessary. Clicking noises and illuminated check engine lights can stem from various issues, depending on your vehicle's make and model. We recommend bringing your vehicle in for a diagnostic check. Our technicians will identify the problem and provide a detailed quote for the necessary repairs.
What types of auto repair services does John Clay Automotive provide?
John Clay Automotive offers full-service auto repairs including brake services, oil changes, wheel alignment, air conditioning services, fluid checks, battery health, belts/filters, tire checks, exhaust systems, and transmissions.
What are the business hours of John Clay Automotive?
The shop operates Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and offers Saturday services by appointment only.
How can customers schedule a service appointment?
Customers can schedule a service by calling John Clay Automotive or by visiting the shop directly.
What brands does John Clay Automotive carry?
They are dealers for Interstate Batteries, Jasper Engines & Transmissions, and S&S Tires.
Where is John Clay Automotive located?
John Clay Automotive is located at 120 Zakk Court in Nicholasville, KY 40356.
What payment methods does John Clay Automotive accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Financing options, Mastercard, and Visa.
Which cities are served by John Clay Automotive?
John Clay Automotive serves customers in Nicholasville, KY and Lexington, KY areas.
How can customers find John Clay Automotive using nearby automotive businesses?
John Clay Automotive is near other automotive services like Rich's Performance Automotive and CT Auto Repair, which can help customers locate the shop in the area.
What nearby points of interest can customers visit before or after their appointment at John Clay Automotive?
Customers may want to visit nearby places such as Pizza Depot for a meal or Thomas Ripley Flowers for gifts and floral arrangements before or after their visit.
Are there pet services near John Clay Automotive that customers might find useful?
Yes, nearby pet groomers like Precious Pet Grooming and Laura's Classy Canine offer convenient pet care services while you get your vehicle serviced.