Used Sam’s before to boost/charge my battery. So it was an easy choice to make to take a friends Jeep in for repair that I was shipping back to Canada. We had a tight timeline so they allowed me to drop off the jeep the day before so they could get a look at it first thing in the am. I received a call from Nick to advise me of what the issue was and the $ cost to repair. They got it done in the time frame they promised and Nick reviewed the complete repair with me when I went to pick it up. They also allowed the jeep to be stored overnight as the transport truck was coming the next day to fetch it. A friendly and knowledgeable operation with great service!

They were very detailed on what the problem was in my vehicle front end. They are very courteous and it was a reasonable price for repairs. Thanks for doing a great job and I will definitely recommend your shop for auto repairs.

Honest and reputable. Most repair shops see a woman enter, and attempt to upset or take advantage. Sams treated me fairly without gender bias, and were honest in their diagnostics and process. They were highly recommended to me, and I see why. Kudos to your business for having small town values in a big city. 5 stars.

They have been my go to for my 14 yr old VW. Alert me to the cost after evaluation, complete the job on time. Always pleasant. I would be happy to give a ( rating) of 5*****.

When I called AAA to get a battery installed they dispatched a technician from Sims Automotive. The technician was here in less than 45 minutes and installed my battery for less than what I could buy it at auto parts. Alex was very informative and did a great job installing my battery I would give them a five star plus review

Shout out to these guys! I was travelling through town and the fuel pump went out on my Silverado. This started after hours, so based on a recommendation, I tried Sams out. Had the tow drop my truck at 4:30AM on their lot. I talked to Nick just after they opened at 07:30 and explained the situation to him. By 9:30 he was calling back with the diagnosis and estimate on repairs and by 1:00PM that afternoon I was back on the road. Great job guys! Now to just figure out how to get a tow truck from AAA within a reasonable amount of time. Tow truck ended up coming in from Lakeland!?!?

Ive been going here for my auto maintenance for about 15 yrs. Professional. Quality service. Veterans get a discount.Nick behind the counter is very nice.Bob the owner is always nice to me.All the staff treats their customers with respect.Also a AAA approved shop. So thats a great peace of mind.

I was on my way to get groceries when I needed to call AAA because my tire was flat. I had the pleasure of meeting Tim, the Nokomis native. He was so kind, and helpful. Not only did he replace my tire with my spare quickly, he also taught me a few things about my tire so when I go to get another one, I don’t get pulled into buying more tires then I need. Thank you for your help!

This is the best place ever! They are friendly, helpful and always available in an emergency!! I highly recommend them!

Have been having BATTERY trouble for the last week and a half since car doors were left open for a couple of hours while cleaning the interior. Battery was DEAD. Put my old 25-yr-old battery charger on it 3 or 4 times but it wouldnt take the charge. Called AAA and got it jump-started... TWO DIFFERENT TIMES. This morning, after an overnight charge with a different charger, it started to get me to the doctors office, but was dead when I came out of the doctors office.Called AAA road service again and they sent ALEX from SAMS AUTO REPAIR. Alex KNOWS HIS STUFF. Told me he expected it was a dead battery even tho the other AAA guy had tested it as GOOD. (We could not locate an install date on the current battery) Alex said these modern batteries will sometimes test good even when half dead. He suggested that a new battery COULD solve the problem, but there was a chance that it could be an ALTERNATOR problem - which I suspected, also. He gave me the choice of calling for a TOW to tow me to a garage, or TRY a new battery as the current one was likely dead. I opted to go with the new battery. When he pulled the old one, he found a 2017 date. Started the car with the new battery and Alex checked the volt/amp (whichever) output and it was GOOD. Alex said the new battery solved my problem - would not likely need to take it to the garage.This was the second time in four years that ALEX has answered my service call. I was impressed with him the FIRST time, and even more so this time. Will TRY to get ALEX if I need AAA battery road service again. Hes the BEST.

Sams auto repair was quick efficient and professional. Hands-down the most honest and loyal mechanic in Sarasota.

Repaired shift cable issue with a very good solution, only replacing a bushing when many places might have replaced the complete and much more expensive, cable. Also replaced my battery, at my request.Top notch crew and management.Steve Sorensen

Our car started smoking on the drive over from the east side of Florida to Sarasota just as we got within a few miles of our hotel in Sarasota and we googled nearby auto repair and found Sams. They let us leave the car there just before they closed on Friday and said they would look at it and try to fix it so we could drive home on Monday. We had just had the car serviced by the Volkswagen dealer on the east coast (twice) and Sams was able to find the root cause (PVC/Oil Separator failure) and fix it where the VW dealer had failed (twice). They called on Saturday and Monday to keep us updated and delivered the repaired car on time and at the price they quoted, which was 1/3 of what the dealer had charged to not fix the car. I highly recommend Sams Auto Repair Service for any locals as well as out of towners like me.

Alex helped jump my car and was able to determine I needed a new battery. He was very nice and I did not have to wait long at all

They were nice and patient with my folks. I really appreciate that since my dad has dementia. He doesnt look old enough to have it, so its hard to tell. Thanks for the hard work!

Juan the service tech was absolutely wonderful nice and helpful all while going above and beyond

My car didnt startThey came in record time, diagnostic the situation and changed the battery with a newer one and voila!, I was able to bring my life went back on the calendar in record time!Very professional, great quality, good price, very educated and unbeatable time response!

Excellent customer service by Nick and Juan

Horrible Triple A recommendation.My car broke down on the side of the highway, and AAA recommended taking it here. At the time, I thought my dealership was too far away. When I realized I could have it towed to my dealership, in which my car is still under warranty, the niceness stopped. First, they tried to bully me into keeping my car with them, even though it would cost me significantly more. I put my foot down and said AAA will be coming to get my car soon, is there anything else needed? Anything at all? They said NO, and everything was set for my car to leave. THEN, they wouldnt give the AAA tow driver my car keys, resulting in my Uncle needing to go there. They bullied him into paying $100 key-return fee before allowing them to take MY car, which nothing was done on it.When I called to ask about the fees and the money, I was told it was a $100 diagnostic fee. What diagnostic?? I never got one, other than this might be the issue, or it could be this. I never actually set foot here! They never altered my car, should NOT have at least. DONT go to this SHADY BUSINESS.

Sam’s Auto is unprofessional and untrustworthy. They don’t take responsibility for their wrong doing and will make excuses in attempts to restore their reputation.I haven’t used this company in more than 2 years because of an unnecessary upsale, and just received a reply to my Google review (1-star) that I posted more than 2 years ago. One of their employees must have taken the task to reply to all of the 1-star reviews, regardless of how old the Google review was. What’s the use of a reply about a situation that happened 2,3,4 years ago?If you’re really on-top about your company, and care/listen to the customer, you’ll always take the initiative to check on customer feedback so that you can improve your business actions. Evidently this company is incapable of that.Sam’s Auto upsold a car battery to me when I only needed a jump. Nick & Diego.If you’re a AAA member, seek another local company to get dispatched when you need assistance. Not too sure how Sam’s Auto became qualified to work with AAA.

Helped me out really quickly with a problem that was really easy for them to fix, appreciate it a lot

Was referred by another company to try Sam’s. I couldn’t be happier with the work and the consideration of the staff. Gerry was great and Bob was very Helpful and friendly.

The employees are outstanding! They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful! They are the best in the area!

I went to get into my car and the battery vwas dead. I called Triple A and they sent Sams Automotive out. Best deal ever. On time, checked battery, alternator, and showed me results. Had a battery for my car with them. My old battery was a four year, they brought a six year! Installed quickly, made sure I was good to go!! Tim was representative. So glad he came! Highly recommend! Thank you Sams! Best wishes, keep up the good work!!!

Owner tells it like it is. Good news or bad but you can trust what he says.

Sam’s auto does a fantastic job and delivers each and every time that I have used their services.

Replace the starter,battery in a timely manner. Very professional, kept me informed on the repair. Highly recommend this independent repair shop .

I’ve been dealing with Sam’s auto repair since moving to Sarasota three years ago. I’ve always had outstanding service they are highly professional and extremely honest. Frequently for high budget items by comparison shop and they have always been beaten the competition. I highly recommend this garage!

I highly recommend this auto repair shop. Juan was a 10 across the board! And thank you to AAA for recommending this place of business. Linda B.

Fast and quality work. Highly recommend

Nick and Jerry were great

Knowledgeable and timely repair.

Ive been there 3 times and all 3 times Sams exceeded expectations!Bob Richardson

We have been coming here for over thirty years and have NEVER had a problem. This is a world class business. They have always gone out of their way to make each visit exceptional. Gerry and Nick are very professional and friendly and you can TRUST them! We feel very fortunate to be able to use them for all of our auto repairs.

I had an expensive job done in my ignition system .Nick, the manager, did a great job answering all my questions and reassuring me that the job will be done correctly and backed up with a one year 12,000 mile warranty. Also, Nick and all his technicians are accredited with ASE.I was also able to take a short drive to test out my car performance before payment.

Very helpful, got me diagnosed and out of the shop in a timely manner.

HIGHLY recommend this place based on the experience I had with them today. On a Sunday, a wonderful guy named Juan came out to help me with some car issues. It was arranged via AAA and I couldn’t recommend Juan enough!!! He took the time to explain things to me as well as teach me how to use a jump starter that I had purchased and was afraid to use without watching someone else do it first. :D Anyway, I’m going to try this place for my automotive needs based on Juan. I will update my review once I have more experience with Sam’s.

I found this gem when I needed to call AAA one morning because my car wouldnt start. A good old fashioned neighborhood mechanic. Kind, friendly and reliable. Competitively priced even though you cant really put a price tag on this level of confidence and security.

Very good place and Awesome employees.I will Always come here.

I have been bringing my auto to Sams service for many years and have always found them to do excellent work; to be friendly, helpful, and professional; and to understand that I have a budget and recommend whats necessary now and what can be done later.

One of my tires went flat whilst driving to school, which resulted in my car needing to towed. The best-rated shop nearby was Sams Auto Repair, and its obvious as to why! This shop was able to fit my car with two new tires within the hour. Ill still have plenty of time to make it to class due to the friendly, fast, and affordable service at Sams. Come here if you ever need quick and quality help!

After a few initial hiccups, all my mechanical issues were handled quickly and professionally. The owner is hands-on, and the techs are top-notch. I recommend Sams to handle any auto service problem or maintain a vehicle. Thanks for getting me back on the road.

Ive been a customer here since moving to the area in 2004. They are ALWAYS patient and thorough in explaining what needs to be done; what can wait and what must be done RIGHT NOW.Ive purchased everything from tires to a rebuilt engine over the years. Always willing to give an estimate and they DO CALL if it goes over.Jerry & Nick are great guys. Tell them Granny Val sent you!

Had to have my car towed to Sam’s Auto and ended up having a smooth experience with the team. They were very hospitable and kept me in the loop throughout the process. The team has the best attitude of any repair shop I’ve been to. I give them a big thumbs up.

DO NOT USE!!! They have employees that lie through their teeth and are unprofessional! They should not be allowed to be in business!PLEASE DO NOT USE THEIR SERVICES!!

We use Sams Auto Repair for all of our personal vehicles and work van. Couldnt ask for a more professional group of mechanics and prompt service. Would recommend them to anyone looking for great and reliable service.

Austin helped with a dead battery. He went above & beyond! Outstanding customer service, professional, polite & explained everything thoroughly. Hes an asset to your company!

Reasonably priced quality workmanship

My battery was totally dead. Sams apparently does AAA emergency work. The technician named Alex was absolutely the best. He tested the battery and the alternator in a very proficient, professional manner. He was really quick in removing the old battery and installing the new battery. He explained why the new battery was smaller but stronger. His whole demeanor was great. He deserves a raise.

Exelent

Very prompt and reliable. Will definitely use them again! Nice to be able to trust.

Took care of a problem immediately and efficiently. Would recommend!

They squeezed me in on short notice and finished my repair in less time quoted! Price was 1/2 the cost of a repair chain quoted me. Ver6 friendly, fast and convenient. I will return to them for any car troubles. Excellent service

Excellent service. Gerry and Nick were quick, efficient, and gave me honest advice about my car. Only using them from now on!!

Diego was sent to me because I called AAA. He was very prompt and courteous. His knowledge and diagnosis of my trucks battery problem resulted in my returning a recently purchased but faulty battery and getting a new one. His performance not only got me back on the road it saved me having to hassle with the same problem again later on.

These guys have gone so far above and beyond their jobs. They helped me out and treated me as a human even though I’m homeless. They are all amazing!! Work they did on my truck was quality work.

Gave me a quote to replace my entire AC unit that was over $2200. I told them that was steep and they said they might be able to throw me in a new cabin air filter...thats like $20. He backs up the price by saying its a lot of work and they will need to take the whole bumper off.. my bumper is held on by two bolts so that was not a good excuse. Brought to a different shop and ended up paying half that price. I wouldnt trust them, you can get good work done at other places at half the cost.

I have been taking my 1999 Honda CRV to Sams for 9 years. They have always been honest, helpful, not in the least condescending despite the fact that I am a 75 woman who knows little about cars. I am always given the option to have work done at my convenience and given the price up front.I dont understand the negative reviews written here...can only think it is the customer and not the staff at Sams. Gerry and Nick are the best!

Awesome service Chuck.Thank you for getting here promptly, diagnosingthe problem with our car and getting us movingagain.I’d definitely call you guys if I have anothercar problem or service requirement in the future.SteveSarasota January/ 2020

The shop is amazing! Gerry and Nick are very helpful and explain all the details so that I can understand. They even gavee a ride home so I didnt have to wait at the shop for it to be finished. They did great work and was even cheaper than another estimate I had been given. Will be having all my work done here from now on.

I have been in loyal customer for many years and appreciate the excellent service. As a retiree I appreciate the staff giving a list of repairs needing to be repaired at first visit, repairs needed second visit, then repairs on vehicle third visit, giving the customer time to save money for the second and third repairs.

We are visiting from out of town, it is nice to find a mechanic trustworthy and with integrity. Gerry was very helpful who was able to assist us in a timely manner, a reasonable price, great service and honesty. We are grateful to have found this quality shop and ended up paying less than what was quoted once the problem was properly diagnosed. We will be relocating to the area, we are happy to have already found our mechanic. Thank you! Greg and Shelly, Livingston TX

Had routine service completed for my 2014 Toyota Prius 6 months or so ago. Service included an oil change and cabin air filter change, amongst other things. When I picked up my car the kick guard in the front passenger seat was not connected. I thought hey thats not right, no big deal though and I fixed it. Fast forward to two weeks ago when a terrible rubbing/humming noise started when my AC was on high. Had to take apart the glove box to access the cabin air filter and blower motor to investigate. Found that when Sams changed the cabin air filter they installed it incorrectly causing the filter to crimp and bend (see photo). This caused there to be an incomplete filtration barrier resulting in leaves and other debris being sucked past the filter and into the blower motor. Had to disassemble the blower motor this weekend to clean it all out. Disappointed to have received such sub par service from a shop that used to be great. The cost to replace this filter was very high considering the work that was done. On the plus side the staff is super friendly. Hope they figure it out.

Great work. Great prices.

Ive been going to Sams at Lockwood Ridge and 17th St. for years with all of my family vehicles. I find them to be honest and excellent mechanics. Plus, they stand by.their work performed.

I am so happy to have my car fixed in this place - the service is great and the crew is very friendly and and skilled

Big Time Thief’s !!! CHARGE UNBELIEVABLE PRICES FOR Minimal services..They ask you to use the local businesses to keep the money in the town then you go and you get ripped off by crooks

Thorough work and explained everything that we’re going to do and I was in and out the same day

Sams auto repair is without a doubt the best auto repair shop in all of Sarasota/ Bradenton area. Honest reliable, professional and always service with a smile. 10 stars all day every day, always fantastic service...

They were all very nice and understanding. Very helpful. I will return

Called AAA and 10 minutes later Alex from Sams showed up. 10 minutes later hed diagnosed that the alternator and ignition system was fine but the 11 year old battery had finally died. He quickly replaced the battery, gave me a very legible receipt/warranty and explained everything. 35 minutes after calling AAA, I was back on the road. Thanks Sams and, Sam, if you read these reviews, keep Alex. Hes good!

Service was great! The car was diagnosed correctly the first time (i once got stuck fixing my own issues after shelling out for a mechanic) and fixed by the next day and they didnt try to give me any run-around. They replaced the sensor (brand new costs around $90) and ran the diagnostics and I was only charged $280. They probably spent more than two hours on the car so I think thats a fair price. At the end they let me know any other issues I had, and I was aware of all of them but the brakes. I think they are honest mechanics and they have great service. If I have any other major issues I will definitely visit them again. Would recommend.

I have been a client at Sams for over 15 years. They are always on top of the game, and honestly care about their clients and the cars. I tend to keep my cars to reach that 200K milestone, and Jerry and Bob are there every step of the way. I trust them, and recommend them without reservation.

These guys are frauds. Why are they frauds? Because they will up-sale car batteries to customers who actually dont need batteries. Who is they? I dealt with Diego (Sams Auto technician) and Nick (Sams Auto manager).Yesterday morning, I attempted to turn on my car but the battery wouldnt budge. Ive only had the battery for 2 years, so I knew that all I needed was to jump the battery. Unfortunately, all of this happened before my Thursday morning commute to work, so I had to seek alternate transportation and was unable to stay and wait for the technician to come. I left my mother with the task to deal with AAAs technician (Diego from Sams Auto).Instead of a simple recharge of the battery using jumper cables, Diego insisted that I needed a new battery and persuaded my mom into a purchase that we did not need to make. Batteries go for 4-8 years, my 2 year old battery had years of life left in it. Im a 25 year old male and If I was present for when Diego serviced my car, Diego would have never attempted to up-sale me a battery.Sams Auto Repair Services takes advantage of uninformed females who arent knowledgeable with auto vehicles.In the end, Nick neglected my request for a refund of my $180. Nick instead put the blame on us saying that we had buyers remorse. Sams Auto Repair was unable to accept the blame that one of their technicians used poor customer service and persuaded their customer into a purchase that they didnt need to make.Untrustworthy and unsympathetic.If you are a AAA member and need assistance, ask for another dispatcher.

##BEWARE! Bait and Switch Scammers##My mom’s car’AC wasn’t working properly so she went to Sam’s Auto Repair to have it checked out. They told her it’s most likely a leak and that they will add some Freon with some dye and that when it leaks out again she’ll come back and they will patch it. They also gave her a price of $154 and said that the price will also include the repair of the leak when she comes back.The AC stopped working the next morning so she went back to the shop to have the repair completed.Imagine her surprise when she was told that it’s not just a leak and that the whole AC assembly needs to be replaced, and now that’s going to cost her $2,386(!).What a shameless bait and switch, they refused to give her back any of the $154 she paid the day before (that was supposed to cover the entire repair) now stating that the $154 was the price of diagnostics. What diagnostics? All they did was put some Freon and some dye. And on top of that they are now trying to rip her off by charging an exuberant AC repair bill.She called me all upset and when I asked to speak with the mechanic, the guy didn’t even have the decency to get on the phone with me. When she asked for a partial refund, the guy told her to get out of his office and threatened to call the cops on my mom, who’s 64 years old... wow!I am honestly baffled by their audacity.Not to mention we will never use Sam’s Auto Repair and urge everyone else to steer clear. Save your money and go to a reputable and honest shop.

Honest and knows what they are doing. Tells you only what’s best for your car to keep it tuned and long lasting

They are over priced and didnt advise of a fee until the last minute. Charged a 100 fee and said sorry we forgot about this one. Refused to turn the keys over until the phantom charge was paid. Very unprofessional.

HORRIBLE! Terrible customer service. Rude ... At one time, I believed they had integrity, but something has changed. I agree with the lady that posted, dont go there if you are a woman. They are not who they used to be. I used to say nice things to others about them, until my recent experience. I was planning a trip in to re-evaluate work needed on my car. Spoke with Matt on the phone, who started off nice. I was asking about a previous suggestions, as I was over due to get them repaired. He was going to look it up and call me back...great I thought, then he changed his tone, became arrogant and rude, pretending like I was a pest on the phone (as if someone else was listening)...so he said Im done with you! and slammed the phone down angrily. I was in shock! It didnt make sense, it was a kind conversation. Turned out the manager Bob was behind this very behavior ... possibly because I havent been there for awhile. But I was looking to come back. I learned the hard way that Bob is not the good man he used to be. I guess behind every bad employee is a bad supervisor. Bob has changed. Theres something corrupt about them. Ill never go there again...dont trust them. Ill warn all my friends. You dont treat people like that; it shows their TRUE colors. After my experience, beware of any kindness they display; it is purely artificial. Too risky for me. Really sad to see who theyve become.

I have used Sam’s several times and have always been pleased. They are helpful, friendly and reasonable!

Always have had good experiences here. They always communicate what needs to be done and how much it will cost before doing any work.

I recently had my 2014 Ford Escape serviced by Sams for a check engine light issue. They were extremely responsive, diagnosed the problem and were able to make repairs quickly and cost effectively. The staff is always customer focused, helpful and friendly. Sams has been my familys go-to auto repair place for more than 30 years. I think that says it all :)

My experience with Sams was professional and very transparent. Everything I was told would be done, was done at the price I was quoted!!I will continue to have my car serviced with Sams Repair in the future and have already referred them to my circle of acquaintances.Thank you for your professionalism.

Can’t ask for better service than this - honest, reliable service, they picked me up at my home to bring to the shop to pick up my car. I’ve customer of theirs for about 10 years, and they are like family now.

Service was quick and the staff was friendly. It was a very pleasant experience

I have been taking my cars here for more than 10 years. Bob, Gerry and Nick do great work at a fair price.

Possibly the worst customer service Ive ever experienced. Was not greeted at all upon coming in to the service area, was treated rudely once I acquired a workers attention, and was actually turned away very bluntly when inquiring about something as simple as an oil change. An employee came running out to keep me from driving away maybe to salvage a permanent lost customer but it was too late, I will not return here. Baffled as to how they keep their lights on with this level of customer interaction.

I moved to SRQ in 2004 from Palmetto and asked some of my friends in the area where they took their cars for servicing and Sams came up in the conversation. They have a gazillion customers and yet from day 1, they remembered my name and the car/truck I drove. Always honest and straightforward with me. Explained things which I didnt understand WITHOUT dumbing it down because I am a woman. Never hesitate to do business with them!

Have been bringing my company vehicles here for years and will be gladly doing so for years to come

Veri knowledgeable and friendly services!

Sams has serviced our families vehicles for a few years. The employees have been friendly and courteous. They have always explained the problems with my vehicle, my options for repairs and have tried to save me money. Happy with their service.

Poor overall. If you simply need your car diagnosed, you can have it done for literally 1/4 the price.

Great service!! Honest and keeps you in the loop!

Prompt and courteous service. Would definitely recommend.

I have taken my car here several times and they have provided excellent service each and every time. Matt, Gerry and the rest of the service team have always greeted me with a handshake and a smile. I highly recommend this place.

Honesty, first quality attention to detail and guaranteed satisfaction keep me a regular customer.

We are a local business just like Sams Auto Repair, they are located right down the road from us and we have used them for our shop vehicles and my own personal vehicle repairs. They have always been very professional and extremely helpful with the questions I have had pertaining to our work vehicles. From one local shop owner to another we want to thank you for all the help you have offered our company.

Had a vehicle towed in by AAA and thats all it took. They were very rude and disrespectful once they realized I was not fixing it, all they could say when I questioned quote is they have enough work. Their parts are marked up 100% call and do your homework before giving Sams the ok to work on your vehicle.

My husband and I have used Sams Auto since 2008. We trust them with our vehicles new and used. Fair and honest are hard words to come by in existing business models. Sams meets and exceeds when it comes to service. A joy and a pleasure to do business there.

Always great service - honest and easy to deal with. I trust their advice for my car!

Got my car fixed fast and at a great price