Kim's Auto Repair & Body

On 3.28.11 we took our 1993 Honda Accord to Kim's because it was running rough. He did not quote a fee for diagnostic. He called and said we needed a new timing belt at a cost of $650. We asked how it was diagnosed and he said that he "drove it around the block and listened". We explained that the timing belt had been replaced once and according to criteria for this auto & make was not due for at least 20,000 more miles. That caused us to get a 'second opinion'. We took it to Midas on Lake City Way - they told us it did NOT need an expensive timing belt and suggested other repairs (which we did and now it is working fine). When we went back to ask for the $60. fee + tax that Mr. Kim charged for "driving around the block" and "listening to the engine", he refused and denied telling us that he recommended a new timing belt. He also displays a BBB Member sticker in his window - this is NOT TRUE. We did file a BBB complaint to which he has not responded. We also talked to several shops that told us that if we were to need a timing belt they would recommend also doing other work like hoses and water pump etc. as this is a major job - Mr. Kim did not recommend this (until we suggested it). Another reason we did not trust his assessment. Do not trust this shop - based on the other review, they are just there to survive and nickel and dime potential customers. more

BEWARE the positive reviews written at Kim's request. Kim’s Auto Repair and Auto Body is very dishonest. I paid $600 for a car repair. It was not done correctly. Kim also did not replace all the parts he charged me for. When I returned, he said the problem was that I suddenly needed brakes. No, the local dealer said my brakes were fine. When I returned again, Kim accused me of returning to get free work. No, I am an honest customer who trusted Kim and paid $600. Also beware his hand-scribbled estimate. It does not cover what he says he will do -- it is shrewdly written so you cannot prove this. He told me I was paying $600 for a certain repair. Then he found ways to do just part of the job and replace just some of the parts I paid for. I also requested that he give me the used parts (a customer's right). But he said they were thrown away. So I had no official estimate and no parts to show that Kim did not do what he promised for my $600. I finally went to another mechanic and paid again to have the job done correctly. Sure, you will like the lower price Kim promises. But it is a dishonest trick. And beware if you are a member of certain ethnic groups because Kim does not hide his contempt for certain ethnicities besides his own. I am writing this review so other customers will not have the same terrible experience and waste of money at Kim's Auto Repair. Good luck. more

As a woman, its very difficult to find mechanics who don't try to b.s. through what your car really needs. In the pursuit of an honest mechanic I actually found Kims and he quoted me the true price and lowest price of the work I needed done. His work has always been awesome and he calls me right away to let me know whats going on. He is the best mechanic I've ever had in all the states I've lived in and I would recommend him to anyone who wants to find an honest mechanic who won't try to rip you off if you aren't yourself a mechanic. He's GREAT! more

I dropped my car off Monday to have a few front end scratches fixed. I was told the car would be ready Tuesday afternoon. I called Tuesday afternoon around 2pm and was told the painter called in sick Monday and my car will be ready Wednesday by noon. This put me in a real bind as far as getting to work is concerned. No one even bothered to call me Monday and let me know the car would not be painted until Tuesday. Infact, I doubt anyone would have even called Tuesday. I asked what time on Wednesday and he barely spoke english, I ended up just hanging up and calling back. What a nightmare. more

My 1996 Toyota 4-Runner got t-boned by a younger driver, and was wrecked pretty bad. Kim was able to give me a very competitive estimate, completely repair the damage and I would recommend his shop to anyone in need of professional auto body repair. more

I have used Kim's for about 10 years now. He's fast, honest and much less expensive than other repair shops I've tried. (Probably because he's honest). It's a wonderful independently owned shop, with great people who have worked there for years. He also does great work on foreign vehicles. more