Overall user rating: Highly Recommended
Overall score: 92
Brake Job
Posted by streetmedic on 04/17/2006
"I had rear brake job done. No surprises on cost! They were honest and I am recommending them to my friends and family. Kudos R.A.R.!"
Pros: Honest, Timely, Fair Price
CEO Posted by svillarico on 11/25/2003
“Even though it is an hours drive to Austin, I am just so pleased to have found such an honest repair shop. Paul always has the correct diagnosis and treatment. I swear, my little BMW has a smile on her funny little face every time we get out of the repair shop. Everyone there is so good-natured and pampers my car more than I do - and believe me, that is quite a bit.”
Pros: “workmanship, effeciency, attitude”
a pleasant surprise... Posted by wanda34 on 03/11/2003
“i got an estimate for $800+ from a quickie place...they took a look at it - explained to me what was really wrong - and got me fixed up for only about $380.00! i was skeptical at first, but my car's problem hasn't come back... it's been almost 2 years!”
Pleased as Punch! Posted by nissanowner on 01/29/2003
“The shop owner/ head mechanic there was friendly, knowledgeable, and had me back on the road in no time!”
Pros: “Reasonable, Fast, Friendly”
“I wouldn't go anywhere else. Their service is great.”
“excellent work. honest folks. good prices.”
“We live way out south, further than the southaustinites and still bring our business WAY up north, just because this is, without a doubt, the best auto shop in Austin.:”
“Quality work at reasonable prices without a long wait- what more could you ask for from an automotive repair shop?! I've taken a number of my vehicles here over the years and it's always been the same thing: good, honest work!”
“because it makes my Beamer shine with pride as she is watched over by the most proficient, honest serviceman in Austin.”
“Several years ago the dealer wanted to charge me $1200. to fix my car. A co-worked reccomended the guys at Rational. After they examined it and came up with a different diagnosis and repair my vehicle for $325.00. It seemed too good to be true. But they did a great job and fixed the problem. They have been maintaining my car ever since. They are fair, honest and get the job done right.”
“i had a similar experience...they're awesome! “
“feel like this is the first place I have felt really comfortable leaving my car with. Paul is a very nice guy and doesn't make you feel like a moron. There prices are very good and the work has never failed me. He will explain the procedures in great detail if he needs to. I highly reccomend everyone taking there cars here. Of course then I could never get in to take my car there.”
--reviewer #9469, 1998
“Best mechanic I have been to here in Austin. He always fixes the problem and will go out of his way to help to out. I have never had a negative experience here.”
--reviewer #21785, 1998
“I was recommended to Rational Automotive by a friend at work. When I called to make an appointment, Paul answered the phone and was really truly nice and courteous. In the past, everytime I had to bring my car in for some work, mechanics were usually too busy or just plain old rude to listen to your problem. Paul wasn't like that at all. Also, being female but knowing a little bit about cars, I realize I have been overcharged by others, but Paul's pricing seems very fair and very reasonable. But aside from prices and such, because Paul was very friendly, I would go back to Rational Automotive regardless of price!! “
--reviewer #44672, 2003
“I am completely ignorant when it comes to cars. But, now that I have found Rational Automotive, I don't have to experience automotive angst anymore. They are honest and professional and don't make you feel stupid--- even if you do make them explain it more than once. This this the repair shop where you'd bring your mom's or boss' car (assuming you car a great deal about them). “
--reviewer #45121, 2003
“Being female and blonde, I have been taken advantage of many times. When I brought my BMW to Paul for repairs it was the very first time that I did not take it to the BMW dealer. The dealer is VERY expensive. I went to Rationale with many misgivings - hoping they would not treat me like a "dumb blond" - afraid they would destroy my Beamer - screw me bigtime on the charges. I was very pleased to be treated so well, to have my car repaired perfectly, and the charges were reasonable. Since then, I have been there several times and even though it is far away from my home in Bastrop, it is definitely worth the trip “
--reviewer #45170, 2003
“I suppose it requires an explanation when I strongly agree that they fix the problem the first time and that they respond well when they screw up. They really haven't ever screwed up. They did put 3 alternators in my car during a 4 week period. I was trying to save money by using reconditioned parts and they ended up doing way more work on the job than they'd intended to, but didn't charge me any extra. I was referred to Rational by a friend who had found them to be honest and helpful to him when he was on a low budget. For the past 16 years I've gone to Rational with my car woes. I still go there for important stuff even though I've moved 20 miles away and found someone pretty decent in way South Austin. I kept going back after talking to the guy who started Fast Brake while he was inspecting my brakes. He said he only knew of one mechanic he'd trust to do a particular procedure that I needed done, but it wasn't Rational. When I asked him about Rational, he said "Oh yeah, I'd trust Paul with it too, but I didn't realize you were willing to drive all the way up there."
--reviewer #53498, 2004
“I thank the friend who referred me to RAR every time I get my car back. I am impressed with their honesty, integrity, and competence. Can't say how they'd respond to the need to correct a repair because they haven't needed to. Definitely worth the extra miles/time to get there. “
--reviewer #60792, 2004
good service. totally honest. reasonably priced.
--reviewer #64660, 2005
Rational Automotive is by far the best auto repair shop I have ever used. Paul, the owner, is a most friendly and helpful mechanic and person. As far as I can remember Paul, himself, always answers the phone. I suppose this is his policy to maintain his excellent customer relations. He nursed my mother's old Chevrolet until it was hopeless to repair any more and let me know its time was past. He has worked on or inspected the following makes for me: Chevrolet Corsica, Ford Windstar, Honda Civic, Mercedes . I first met him by searching for a shop that could update air conditioning coolant to the non-polluting kind without rebuilding the whole system. He did the conversion on three cars. He has continued to repair several cars and has inspected some I planned to purchase. I recommend him without reservation. The minute the factory warrantees run out on any of my cars Paul takes over and performs far better than the dealer's service at much more reasonable cost and with no attempt to sell me up to service that is unneeded. Everyone I have referred to him is very pleased.
--reviewer #66227, 2005
Working with Rational was my BEST experience with a mechanic/repair shop. Great customer service, call backs, status of repairs, quick performance of work, and very fair pricing!!!! They have a new loyal customer!
--reviewer #77626, 2006
Overall score: 25
(of a possible 25)
“Topnotch and honest service at an affordable price”
"They gave me an accurate and honest diagnosis and estimate. They did a great job; it was ready on time. AND they saved me a over a hundred dollars that the first shop I went to was going to charge."
Excellent
"I've been going here for years. Not only is the owner/mechanic good, he is really honest. I would not go anywhere else. "
