Big O S Automotive — Car Repair in Anchorage

ALL reviews about Big O S Automotive

• Aiden

  Added 2015.05.07

  This is the only review I will ever write and it's worth it because this place is fantastic. They have been timely, friendly and have provided quality work every time I have used them. Incredibly fair pricing, patience and superb service. Highly recommend, I won't use any other shop in Anchorage. I brought my Mercedes in for a pre-buyers inspection. Everyone inside was extremely pleasent. Upon returning to pick it up I see my passenger side window SHATTERED! I asked the owner what could have possibly done that to my window. He had no explaination but assured me he would review the security footage to find out, and get my window fixed. 2 days later I receive a call from the owner informing me it was fixed. Upon picking up my vehicle they showed me the footage. There was nothing happening nor was anyone even around my vehicle that could have possibly caused that to happen and yet they still fixed my side glass at no charge. This kind of service is seldom found in the automotive repair industry anymore. Most shops would have used that footage against me to claim it was not their fault. Big O's is the kind of shop you can send your mother to when her car needs a repair, and not have to worry about her being taken advantage of. Mind you, I have never used them for a repair in my life, and this is the kind of treatment I got from them. These guys are a class act. I wish there were more people like them in the industry. I look forward to giving them my business in the future. Jeff at the counter is always helpful and friendly. Prices are normal, 10% off for seniors. They can be fast if need be. Took my 10 year old, mechanically neglected car into Big O's on a Monday. I complained that the heat was low, the rear window wiper wasn't working, it needed an oil change, and that the car was vibrating when in gear. Said it probably needed a tune up. Was called later that day, told nothing was wrong with it, they did an oil change and added some fluids. To fix the wiper, they quoted me $950 to fix the Smart Junction Control Module under the center shift console. When I picked it up, they again said that there was nothing wrong with it, no vibration at all. The guy helping me (manager?) confirmed that they took it for a test drive and found nothing wrong....So they charged me $198.25 for an oil change and fluid check! Two days later, the check engine light came on. Knowing better, I did NOT take it to Big O's. I took it to a REAL mechanic, and complained of exactly the same things. Here’s what the REAL mechanic identified, that I kinda knew about but didn’t think were a problem or that it could be fixed. Again, Big O’s didn’t notice ANY OF THIS. Brakes were shot (the brakes pulsated like crazy!) It was leaking in a couple places (my driveway looks terrible) The serpentine belt was squeaking (annoying!) It had trouble shifting gears (scary on the highway) The fuel filter was bad (I was having to put in gas a dollar at a time). Here’s what they fixed: The wiper was a FUSE ($20! Remember, Big O’s quoted me $950!) They ACTUALLY took it for a test drive Changed the spark plugs Oil change Replaced the O2 sensor Gave it a tune up Brakes & Rotors Identified the source of the fluid leaks (engine and transmission) Changed out the belt that was squeaking Replaced the crankshaft seal (one of the leaks) Flushed the rear differential twice (it was ORIGINAL, 10-year-old fluid and had metal shavings in it) Replaced the transaxle fluid (that’s why it was jerking when shifting) Because they were so awesome, I also bought a set of tires from them. My old beater car runs like a top now. There’s a mechanic near Old Seward and Huffman that works out of a gas station. That’s the place to go. A mechanic is supposed to diagnose and fix problems. Big O’s did neither. They charged me $198.25 for an oil change and fluid check that I could have got at Jiffy Lube for $50. Pros: excellent service, honest, knowledgeable, experienced, conscientious about your wallet, locally owned Cons: far to drive (they are located near Merrill Field & I am near Abbott) Comments: I came to Big O's a little over a year ago go. They did great work but they were too far away from where I live. I chose to go to a couple shops closer by and have regretted it. They did fine work but I never got the feeling that I was their number one priority. The straw that broke the camels back, was an experience with a local dealership. I recently bought a used truck and wanted it to be inspected. I also brought it in for the close location and their brand specific "expertise" in hopes to find a new reliable mechanic. I've never been involved in a place were they go after your money so aggressively. Needless to say it went downhill from there, but this is not about them. After that experience, I searched for top Anchorage auto shops and near the top sat Big O's. Remembering my earlier experience, I came running back. I've now been involved with Big O's on 4 separate occasions and all have been an excellent experience. Take a chance and visit them, I promise the moment you walk in you will feel welcome. Brent, Jeff and Tom will greet you with professionalism, experience and a smile. Say hello to Bobbi too who is hiding in her cubbie off to the side of the main counter. Thanks guys. :)