BJ
Brandon Jett
Jul 31, 2026
I just moved back to Gainesville after being away for 10 years. I brought my older car to Auto ER off NW 39th because I had great experiences with their Archer location in the past. I had a TPMS light come on. Because it is an older car, I also asked them to just look it over and let me know what else might be in need of repair. The folks at the front desk were very nice, the inspection seemed thorough, and I liked the fact that they sent an invoice online explaining what they found, the remedies, and costs.
I couldn’t afford to pay for all of the recommended repairs, which would’ve totaled over $5,000. The AC replacement being the biggest expense. I opted not to do that. They fixed the TPMS and some other computer issues, new spark plugs, and replaced my constant velocity axle assembly. In all, I spent about $2,000 on repairs. It seemed reasonable. Again, service was prompt and people were nice.
The car drove in an odd way after I picked it up. It just felt like something was off. I brought it back, they quickly got me in, drove it around, and looked at it on the lift. They told me one of my front struts was locked up. That repair would be around $1,200. It just felt odd to me that the strut issue wasn’t identified the previous inspection. Maybe it was always like that and they just missed it. It is just disheartening to pay a lot and realize that additional repairs are necessary. Again, it is an older car. I expect to have to fix things. The timing of the strut issue just felt odd. I didn’t get the repair because I couldn’t afford it at the time. My car drive worse than it did when I originally brought it in.
After I left, I also noticed that my brake lights wouldn’t turn off. A small plastic pad was broken that attaches to the rake pedal and connects to the brake lights switch was broken. Not a huge issue, but frustrating. A small piece that isn’t carried at auto zone. My anti-lock brake system light also popped on. Again, old car. Maybe the repairs to the computer system just started to work properly and there were always issues with the antilock brakes. Maybe the struts were always like that and I just didn’t notice the wobbly feel when I drove it and maybe they missed the struts during their initial inspection. Maybe I broke of little plastic pad on the brake pedal. Feels like a lot of coincidences.
The people were very nice, very professional. Their invoices are really useful for understanding what you are paying for. I understand it is an old car and repairs are necessary and at times quite expensive. Just disappointed that it feels my car is in worse shape after getting it back.