Reviews & Ratings for Walter's Automotive

01/19/12

unhappy experience

by Alice bob at Citysearch

Recently I need to fix my old car, which has a lot of problems. I went to Walters based on the nice online reviews. The first time I went there, I was told they will work out a cost estimation and call me back. A few days passed, I got no call back. In the following a couple of weeks, I have called them a couple times and driven there in person multiple times, asking for a cost estimation. Each time I was told "we will call you back", even "I promise". But no calls. Eventually, I called back again and was told they can fix the car. Fine

I brought my car to their shop. A couple of days later, I called them and was told "it can be done tomorrow or no later than next Monday". I waited until next Tuesday and called. I was told "its gonna be ready tomorrow, and WE WILL CALL YOU TOMORROW". Again, the next day, no calls. I called later, and was told "WE WILL CALL YOU TOMORROW".

This is when I am writing this review. I am not criticizing their technical ability or honesty or something. I still believe in the online reviews I saw. I also understand they must be crazily busy. However, I am very unhappy because they promised to call but failed MANY TIMES. I don't know what is going on.

11/03/09

fixes the problem

by cosmic castaway at Citysearch

tim's a nice guy who wont make up problems just to make a quick buck.

• Pros: honest, makes sure that the problem is fixed
• Cons: takes ages to get an appointment

07/28/09

won't charge needlessly

by gobias at Citysearch

Tim drove with me and diagnosed the problem immediately and free of charge. I needed an oil change and also had a rattling issue with my exhaust. I payed for the oil change, but he fixed the rattling (some welding needed to be done on the exhaust shield) free of charge! Small shop that always seems busy, book your appointment well in advance. No waiting area, but a shopping center (whole foods, bookstore, coffee shop) is only two blocks away. Great mechanic!

• Pros: Tim is honest, funny, very personable.
• Cons: Small, busy shop, no waiting area

07/08/09

Great mechanic!

by gazda at Citysearch

I highly recommend Walter’s Automotive. Tim is experienced and knowledgeable. He test drives the car and tells you right away what the problem is and what needs to be done to fix it. I was at his shop twice, once to fix bad rear brakes and the second time because of a grinding noise coming from front wheels. The latter was due to dealership techs not tightening the nuts on wheels when they serviced front breaks one week earlier. Tim diagnosed and fixed the problem in just a few minutes and refused to charge me for that. Thanks, Tim!

• Pros: knowledgeable, straightforward, honest
• Cons: none noticed

03/26/09

Rare find

by bodhitree at Citysearch

I always took my car to the dealer before until I read the reviews here. I must say that that are all absolutely accurate. Walter's is the most honest and competent mechanics around here. They put your interests ahead of everything and offer suggestions to save you money. I once had a flat tire due to a faulty valve which they fixed for free despite my offer to pay. Sadly though, I don't live in Pittsburgh anymore.

• Pros: Best mechanics in Pittsburgh
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?

09/14/07

Tim and Walters Automotive were so helpful

by hlmeiers at Citysearch

what a great find, we live in Philadelphia, daughters are at Pitt, both mirrors on 2002 Focus got whacked off within a week in Shadyside, found Walters on this website, called he gave an estimate over the phone, ordered mirrors, they arrived promptly and he even installed them while my daughter waited and since it took less time than he thought, he charged LESS, wow wish he had a branch in Philadelphia!!

06/13/07

Best mechanic and garage in Pittsburgh HANDS DOWN!

by flipflapjack at Citysearch

After a consistent overheating problem and strange rod scraping sounds coming from my front left side, I took everybody's advice and took my jeep to Walter's Automotive on Baum. Tim diagnosed the rod sound in 2 minutes and told me exactly what it would cost. The overheating problem had cost me over $1000 (new fan idle relay unit, new thermostat sensor, new water pump, etc.) at another garage and the car was still overheating. Tim diagnosed and fixed it for free. Plus my bill came in at $80 under the original estimate. I HIGHLY recommend Tim at Walter's Automotive for a mechanic that will not charge a dollar over what he needs to. He does not gauge and doesn't perform unnecessary service.

• Pros: good work, low rates, good communication

03/30/07

Best mechanic ever!

by elydonkline at Citysearch

No longer do I have to dread getting work done on my car. Tim is a smart guy, and always treats me with respect (which, as a woman, is more than I can say about any place else I've been). He clearly explains the problem and tells me when he can fix it. I have never felt that I am getting an unfair price. No matter where I live, or how far I have to drive, I will continue to go to Walter's Automotive.

• Pros: Fair pricing, nice people.
• Cons: None

08/29/06

Fine mechanic, good guy. Entertaining!

by inkflower at Citysearch

You will find an extremely knowledgable and personable mechanic at Walter's. (Tim) is hilarious, honest, and affordable. I knew he'd be my mechanic when he could get me to laugh instead of cry when faced with a large repair ($$$) on my old used car. He's just a happy guy. He is a bit ADD, so don't be surprised if he can't find your keys, or invoice, or a pen. He knows what he's doing and does it well. He's not afraid to suggest ways for you to save money on a repair -- and he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would suggest unnecessary repairs just to make a buck. His lot is always full. But he manages to work rather quickly. He's a great find.

• Pros: knowledgable, friendly, affordable
• Cons: No waiting area.

11/01/05

Very honest

by guychik at Citysearch

Professional, but as a small shop he cannot do everything. Yet, he is honest and will tell you when you need to ask for somebody else help. The prices are reasonable.