Testimonials
Philip Writes
"Recently had a timing belt and water pump for my VW GTI. Smitty is very knowledgeable on these engines. Very honest and up front, I have very good confidence in their work and would definitely go back again. Their charges were very reasonable and I get the impression they want to give good service. It is a no frills shop just plain good workmanship. Would recommend to anyone with a VW."
Report Date: 3-24-10
Patty Writes:
"How can we ever thank you? Your knowledge and understanding plus your patience is so appreciated. You have been such a valuable resource for us. Thanks you, thank you, thank you. Patty."
Report Date: 4-17-09
Pat and Patti write:
"Hello Smitty and Team, Thank you for all the fantastic help you gave in preparing Jessica's car, Pat arrived in Texas safely and with a "like new" vehicle for our daughter. Smitty you went way beyond the call of duty answering my weekend email cry for help! The car passed Texas inspection and Jessica is thrilled her new Mazda. God Bless You! Pat and Patti."
Report Date: 2-14-09
Max Writes:
"Hi Smitty. I wanted to thank you for all the great work you did on the car. I've been driving a lot and love it. Everything works great. It even started up fine today as cold as it was. So, thanks for everything. Keep warm. "
Report Date: 2-4-09
Quinn Writes:
"Smitty, you are as good as your word. I got the correct part this morning. I appreciate you taking care of this."
Report Date: 1-21-09
James Brown writes:
"Can't apologize enough for my impatience - but that dang '81 VW pickup has finally up and cleared itself into a fine running machine thanks to you. It has never run better. Hope you all are doing well. Many Thanks."
Report Date: 10-10-08
Wtuni writes:
"I had a bent rear axle on my Volkswagen Jetta 2005. I first took it to the dealer and the repair and part cost was so outrageous. After searching for a while, I found Smitty's Auto repair shop. His price for the part and repair was extremely reasonable. He was so decent and reputable with 20 years of experience. It took him one morning to replace the bent axle with the new axle and I am so satisfied with the service that I have received. No more worries of tire ware. I strongly recommend Smitty's Auto shop for car repair. He is honest his and his price is reasonable. I finally found a mechanic for my car!"
Shop Rating: Excellent
Recommended
Report Date: 07.29.2008
K. Brown writes
"I asked another car repair service, "Why is my 2002 VW Jetta overheating?" The cooling fans are both working fine, the water pump belt is secure, which is also the timing belt, There is no coolant leak anywhere, the shop says the thermostat must be the culprit. So they installed a new thermostat and O/Ring, The car stills overheats especially more in the city, I took the car back of course, Now I'm told its has to be the head gasket and its going to cost about $500-$600 to do the repair, which would include machining the cylinder head. One of my co-workers, hearing my dilema, who also drives a much older VW Golf, suggested I should get a second opinion and I should call Smitty."
"I called Smitty's Auto Service that afternoon, spoke to a very pleasant young lady who got her dad on the the phone. After speaking to him for about five minutes he was absolutely sure there was nothing wrong with my head gasket, but he could not look at it until the next day, I made an appointment to take my Jetta there."
"I felt very good when I got there, because I saw quite a few VW Jetta's, Golf and even some older VW Bug on the premises, they even gave me a ride back to Shands."
"A few hours later I got a call from Smitty, he explained to me that my car needed a new water pump. Of course I was very skeptical since most people always associate replacing water pumps when they leak or make noise and my VW Jetta had none of these symptoms, then he started to elaborate, he said they have replaced many water pumps on late model Jetta and Audi 2.0L with (AZG) & (AVH) Engines. He explained that most of these engines come from the factory with Plastic Impella, the Impella cracks and become loose on the water pump shaft, at that point the pump becomes inefficient because even though the timing belt is turning the pump on the outside properly the impella is just spinning on the water pump shaft therefore not getting proper circulation, and that's the reason my Jetta was overheating."
"He recommend that I should also change the timing belt, since it would have to be removed in the process of replacing the water pump, and there would be no more labor charge to do it, The cost would be $466.00, and this would include the water pump with gasket, coolant and a new timing belt and of course labor with taxes."
"This repair would also have a warranty period for the next 12 months or 12,000 miles. I gave him the authorization to do the repair and picked up my car that afternoon. I have been a customer there since The fall of 2006."
"They were wonderful to work with and did exactly what they said they would do. My Jetta never had the head removed and is still working fine. They have a wonderful oil program, so I see them every 3500 miles."
A.S. Williams writes:
"I'm new to the area, being a UF student, and the rear breaks on my 97 gti went out. After going to multiple (and as it turns out, disreputable) shops and getting jerked around to the tune of $500-$555 per estimate for a job that I knew could be done for less at my regular garage in Orlando, I found Smitty's on this page and went there. They quoted $260 for new rotors, pads, and bearing seals. The final came out to $257. They finished it in one afternoon. They also did a complimentary inspection and gave me a list with estimates of all other problems with the car. Very reasonable and friendly people. I think I found my new garage."
Shop Rating: Above Average
Chuck Schmincke writes:
"Knowledgeable, fast, friendly and reasonable!"
Shop Rating: Excellent
Fred R. Williams writes:
"Shop is a 30 yr. place for parts & service ... and I know the owner."
Shop Rating: Excellent
Roger Martin writes:
"I was in Florida and needed an oil change. Since I'm not from around here, I looked up a shop on this list, . I found Smitty's in Gainesville. I was a bit nervous when I arrived because their shop is a bit rough looking on the outside. But Smitty was extremely friendly. I asked if they'd have time to investigate my check engine light. They ended up spending 2 1/2 hours investigating my emissions system and vacuum hoses. They checked individual components and smoke tested the vacuum lines. In the end they couldn't find anything, which was disappointing but not a surprise because the code indicated an intermittent failure. (I've driven 500 miles since then and the light hasn't recurred, but that's been typical lately.) The final bill? $78, including the oil change. I consider that extremely fair."
Shop Rating: Excellent
The Callen Family writes:
"My son attends UF, and as out of town parents, who pay the bills, you are at a mechanics mercy when something happens. We were very lucky to find this place on Car Talk. Had my sons car towed their for a starter problem, it was fixed imediatly, very reasonbly priced. Some other work was recomended, we elected to only have the starter replaced. Month or so later CV joints went out, again had the car towed, and again the work was done imediatly and reasonably priced. Would highly recomend to any one. I wished we could find someone in our home town as honest, fair, helpful and freindly to deal with."
"Recently had a timing belt and water pump for my VW GTI. Smitty is very knowledgeable on these engines. Very honest and up front, I have very good confidence in their work and would definitely go back again. Their charges were very reasonable and I get the impression they want to give good service. It is a no frills shop just plain good workmanship. Would recommend to anyone with a VW."
Report Date: 3-24-10
Patty Writes:
"How can we ever thank you? Your knowledge and understanding plus your patience is so appreciated. You have been such a valuable resource for us. Thanks you, thank you, thank you. Patty."
Report Date: 4-17-09
Pat and Patti write:
"Hello Smitty and Team, Thank you for all the fantastic help you gave in preparing Jessica's car, Pat arrived in Texas safely and with a "like new" vehicle for our daughter. Smitty you went way beyond the call of duty answering my weekend email cry for help! The car passed Texas inspection and Jessica is thrilled her new Mazda. God Bless You! Pat and Patti."
Report Date: 2-14-09
Max Writes:
"Hi Smitty. I wanted to thank you for all the great work you did on the car. I've been driving a lot and love it. Everything works great. It even started up fine today as cold as it was. So, thanks for everything. Keep warm. "
Report Date: 2-4-09
Quinn Writes:
"Smitty, you are as good as your word. I got the correct part this morning. I appreciate you taking care of this."
Report Date: 1-21-09
James Brown writes:
"Can't apologize enough for my impatience - but that dang '81 VW pickup has finally up and cleared itself into a fine running machine thanks to you. It has never run better. Hope you all are doing well. Many Thanks."
Report Date: 10-10-08
Wtuni writes:
"I had a bent rear axle on my Volkswagen Jetta 2005. I first took it to the dealer and the repair and part cost was so outrageous. After searching for a while, I found Smitty's Auto repair shop. His price for the part and repair was extremely reasonable. He was so decent and reputable with 20 years of experience. It took him one morning to replace the bent axle with the new axle and I am so satisfied with the service that I have received. No more worries of tire ware. I strongly recommend Smitty's Auto shop for car repair. He is honest his and his price is reasonable. I finally found a mechanic for my car!"
Shop Rating: Excellent
Recommended
Report Date: 07.29.2008
K. Brown writes
"I asked another car repair service, "Why is my 2002 VW Jetta overheating?" The cooling fans are both working fine, the water pump belt is secure, which is also the timing belt, There is no coolant leak anywhere, the shop says the thermostat must be the culprit. So they installed a new thermostat and O/Ring, The car stills overheats especially more in the city, I took the car back of course, Now I'm told its has to be the head gasket and its going to cost about $500-$600 to do the repair, which would include machining the cylinder head. One of my co-workers, hearing my dilema, who also drives a much older VW Golf, suggested I should get a second opinion and I should call Smitty."
"I called Smitty's Auto Service that afternoon, spoke to a very pleasant young lady who got her dad on the the phone. After speaking to him for about five minutes he was absolutely sure there was nothing wrong with my head gasket, but he could not look at it until the next day, I made an appointment to take my Jetta there."
"I felt very good when I got there, because I saw quite a few VW Jetta's, Golf and even some older VW Bug on the premises, they even gave me a ride back to Shands."
"A few hours later I got a call from Smitty, he explained to me that my car needed a new water pump. Of course I was very skeptical since most people always associate replacing water pumps when they leak or make noise and my VW Jetta had none of these symptoms, then he started to elaborate, he said they have replaced many water pumps on late model Jetta and Audi 2.0L with (AZG) & (AVH) Engines. He explained that most of these engines come from the factory with Plastic Impella, the Impella cracks and become loose on the water pump shaft, at that point the pump becomes inefficient because even though the timing belt is turning the pump on the outside properly the impella is just spinning on the water pump shaft therefore not getting proper circulation, and that's the reason my Jetta was overheating."
"He recommend that I should also change the timing belt, since it would have to be removed in the process of replacing the water pump, and there would be no more labor charge to do it, The cost would be $466.00, and this would include the water pump with gasket, coolant and a new timing belt and of course labor with taxes."
"This repair would also have a warranty period for the next 12 months or 12,000 miles. I gave him the authorization to do the repair and picked up my car that afternoon. I have been a customer there since The fall of 2006."
"They were wonderful to work with and did exactly what they said they would do. My Jetta never had the head removed and is still working fine. They have a wonderful oil program, so I see them every 3500 miles."
A.S. Williams writes:
"I'm new to the area, being a UF student, and the rear breaks on my 97 gti went out. After going to multiple (and as it turns out, disreputable) shops and getting jerked around to the tune of $500-$555 per estimate for a job that I knew could be done for less at my regular garage in Orlando, I found Smitty's on this page and went there. They quoted $260 for new rotors, pads, and bearing seals. The final came out to $257. They finished it in one afternoon. They also did a complimentary inspection and gave me a list with estimates of all other problems with the car. Very reasonable and friendly people. I think I found my new garage."
Shop Rating: Above Average
Chuck Schmincke writes:
"Knowledgeable, fast, friendly and reasonable!"
Shop Rating: Excellent
Fred R. Williams writes:
"Shop is a 30 yr. place for parts & service ... and I know the owner."
Shop Rating: Excellent
Roger Martin writes:
"I was in Florida and needed an oil change. Since I'm not from around here, I looked up a shop on this list, . I found Smitty's in Gainesville. I was a bit nervous when I arrived because their shop is a bit rough looking on the outside. But Smitty was extremely friendly. I asked if they'd have time to investigate my check engine light. They ended up spending 2 1/2 hours investigating my emissions system and vacuum hoses. They checked individual components and smoke tested the vacuum lines. In the end they couldn't find anything, which was disappointing but not a surprise because the code indicated an intermittent failure. (I've driven 500 miles since then and the light hasn't recurred, but that's been typical lately.) The final bill? $78, including the oil change. I consider that extremely fair."
Shop Rating: Excellent
The Callen Family writes:
"My son attends UF, and as out of town parents, who pay the bills, you are at a mechanics mercy when something happens. We were very lucky to find this place on Car Talk. Had my sons car towed their for a starter problem, it was fixed imediatly, very reasonbly priced. Some other work was recomended, we elected to only have the starter replaced. Month or so later CV joints went out, again had the car towed, and again the work was done imediatly and reasonably priced. Would highly recomend to any one. I wished we could find someone in our home town as honest, fair, helpful and freindly to deal with."