Testimoinals

“You won’t find a bad review anywhere for Automotive Solutions, and for very good reason. Tioga, the owner, just saved me 3k and had my car returned to me within 24 hours. I would give him a million star review if possible.

Backstory: I’m a transplant from CA, and own a 2012 Tiguan that has been a handful to say the least. The latest issue was a broken trunk latch plus a check-engine light indicating a failed Turbocharger. Google that, and you will feel the instant panic that I did when I saw the potential price tag. Flow Volkswagen in Durham, NC quoted me $2600 plus tax, and $500 plus tax on the latch replacement (After having my car for two days, mind you). I declined service, paid them $150 for the bad news, and began researching mechanics in my region. I kept hearing about Tioga from my neighbors, so I decided to give Automotive Solutions a call. Tioga charged me $440 out the door. Yep, you read that correctly.

Tioga was aware of a potential work-around that could delay the need to completely replace the Turbocharger, and although I called him out of the blue mid-afternoon on a Monday, he told me to go ahead and bring it in same-day (Other local shops were needing 2-4 business days to take a look at it). The next day, I get a call at NOON that I can come pick my car up; my car did not yet require a new Turbocharger, and the latch was fixed as well. The fact that Tioga did not know me at all, and was willing to save me thousands of dollars PLUS work me in immediately into his already jam-packed schedule…well, I’m still speechless.

I have been so stressed out about this Tiguan of mine, and now finally I found someone that I can trust to keep it running and in safe condition for my daughter who drives it. And, clearly, Tioga is the kind of person with integrity, and his breadth of knowledge and expertise with respect to European cars is clear within seconds of speaking to him. I feel very fortunate to live as close to Automotive solutions as I do. It’s about a 45 minute drive for me each way, but I would drive ten times farther if I had to.

I’m a customer for life, and if you live in the Triangle and own a European car, you ought to be also.”

Kelley R.

“I own a Datsun 260z. Tioga is the only person that knows how to fix it and does so with knowledge and skill. In the past I have been taken advantage of by jack legs that lie and damaged my car. You can trust Tioga to be honest (which I really appreciate even when it is not what I want to hear) and if he finds little things as he goes along like a lose door handle he fixes it, no charge. I will not let anyone else work on my car.”

Cindy S.

“Tioga is the best in the business when it comes to Z’s, he installed a transmission, clutch, flywheel, and differential for me. He went above and beyond by adjusting both of my doors to make them fit better and called me throughout the process to walk me through every repair he was making. I will
definitely return to Automotive Solutions for all my Z needs. Thanks Tioga!”

Turner S.

“I highly recommend Tioga and his shop at Automotive Solutions for import needs. Tioga tended to repairs that had been long overdue with a quick and honest assessment and repair. I have a 1987 Porsche 911 that I have taken to multiple repair shops and dealerships both in California and NC, without satisfactory results. As a woman I frequently felt taken advantage of and assessments were given me in language I didn’t always understand. Tioga explained my needs so I could understand, bought parts that sometimes are hard to get for this vintage Porsche and had me drive it before paying the repair bill. My car hasn’t run this well since I purchased it 20 years ago. He tended to details that had been ignored for years. He even pressure washed 30 years of grime off my engine that now sparkles!

Just take your car in to meet Tioga, you will be impressed and take your car no where else from that point forward.”

Marjorie

“Tioga is one of the best mechanics around.

About 10 years ago, a local VW dealer quoted me almost $1000 to take care of a ‘major glow plug issue’. I dropped our Jetta TDI off with Tioga for a second opinion, on a friend’s recommendation. In less than 10 min he diagnosed the ‘major’ issue as a failed sensor and replaced it for about $20.

A few months ago, I was at Automotive Solutions for routine maintenance on the same car, and I witnessed the following: A VW owner had brought a Golf to Tioga for a second opinion on her car’s shuddering brakes. Another shop near Chapel Hill had told the owner that the brakes were in such bad shape that her front brakes needed to be completely replaced. But Tioga had found the issue: A single piece of gravel. “No charge,” he told her, as he handed her the small stone.

I’m not saying everything Tioga does is no- or low-cost. But even when the parts are not cheap and the labor is intensive, Tioga’s rates are fair, and his work is first-rate. He’s both skilled and honest. I’ve never been unhappy with his work and recommend his shop without hesitation.”

Chuck C.

“This is the most incredible place!! A tow truck driver told me about if for my Volvo. I couldn’t be more impressed. I’ve used this place several times now. For little things and big. He always goes the extra mile. Fixes things the first time. Doesn’t over charge. Is honest and kind. I have left other repair places because as an older woman, I’ve been talked down to and in some cases lied to… Not here. I know I can go here and get an honest answer with repairs done in a timely manner and at a fair price. Automotive Solutions has restored my faith in humanity as far as automotive repair goes. Thanks!!!”

Carol W.

“Tioga is amazing and is an exceptional technician! I have huge respect for his knowledge and his meticulous work. He’s always in demand and for good reason – he really knows his stuff and he’s an honest person! So, if you have a car that you really love and you want it serviced right, then I highly recommend you book an appointment with Automotive Solutions.”

Robert K.

“I’d give ten stars if that were possible. Tioga is the best mechanic, and a genuinely good person. I began coming here when I lived around the corner and was so happy with his work that I now drive down from NYC (where I currently live) to have him work on the car because I know that he does great work and wont rip me off for things I dont need. He’s also always been upfront about the urgency of work and if theres a repair that needs to be done right away vs could wait for a later time. I really appreciate his integrity and honesty with his work and will keep bringing my car here from whichever state I live in for as long as I possibly can! The guy knows what he’s doing!”

Allason L.

“Great service and no games from an awesome and more than fair mechanic!! To start, its very difficult finding an intelligent, knowledge and skilled mechanic for German vehicles, including the Porsche I own. The owner also saved me a significant amount on replacing control arms, CV boots and engine/transmission mounts – all of which I knew needed replacing. The control arms had seem some wear/tear over the years – particularly since they had been exposed to salt roads up north. It was worth the 2 1/2 week to get a repair done the correct way, honestly and without up charging. I will definitely skip the dealerships moving forward!”

Warren D.

“I have been taking my Porsches–first a Boxster and now a Cayman–to Automotive Solutions for about ten years. Tioga is as talented a mechanic as I have ever dealt with; but most important, he is completely honest and trustworthy. Recently my air conditioner stopped working, and I told him I thought it was the evaporator box, which would be about a $1,500 repair. He determined that the problem was a faulty relief valve, which only cost me about $225. On other occasions the repairs have cost me much more than I anticipated, but he clearly explained what needed to be done before starting. He is thorough rather than cheap, and that’s exactly what you need from a mechanic.”

Billy D.

“I can’t say enough good things about Tioga at Automotive Solutions. The most thorough, honest, best-valued work I’ve ever experienced. He goes the extra mile on everything and really does whatever is going to be best for you and your car. Wish I would have found him sooner. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced on very complex cars. If you call and have to wait a few days for an appointment, please don’t go anywhere else. The wait will be worth it. Thank you, Tioga!”

Irene & Todd B.

“Tioga was referred to me by another mechanic in the area. I had brought my Volkswagen to a VW dealer and another mechanic to address the check engine light that came on. Both groups told me different reasons why the light was on, so I went to Tioga to get a third opinion. He diagnosed the problem within 15 minutes, and had my car completely fixed in a day. He was incredibly easy to work with and thorough. If you have a German car, Tioga is your guy!”

Dylan R.

“I first started taking my car to Tioga 10 years ago at the recommendation of a friend. My car back then was a 1990 BMW 528I that I had purchased brand new. It was then at a stage in its life that it needed attention from a truly knowledgeable mechanic. Over the rest of the time that I owned it, Tioga never failed to solve the niggling problems that an old car develops, and always guided me to make a good decision about the amount of money I was willing to spend to keep it going.

I have also purchased 3 used vehicles from him over the years including in 2012 my current Audi A8L that had been his personal vehicle. All 3 cars have been excellent, and Tioga has always taken very good care of them for me. I get my oil changed every 5,000 miles by him, and enjoy spending an hour talking with him about cars while the oil is changed and the tires are rotated.

I have recommended Tioga to numerous friends all of whom have thanked me for connecting them with the best car mechanic that they have ever used. His work is outstanding, his car knowledge is terrific and the cost for his services (labor and parts) is fair. He will always tell you whether it is worth fixing something, or find a way to save you money if you choose to repair the problem.

He is a one person operation that in my opinion provides the kind of hands on, personal service we all wish we could get for our vehicles. 5 stars is the highest the google rating system has, so that is the best grade I am able to give Tioga. I am almost 70 years old, and I have never had a better experience dealing with a service provider.”

Christopher H.

“My first experience here was when another mechanic gave up after days trying to find a fuel leak in my old 325i, but Tioga took care of it quickly. Second visit years later was for electrical gremlins in my 545i, quickly diagnosed as a bad starter relay. He really knows his stuff, is totally honest (he even told me to sell my 545 because the maintenance would be expensive), and charges a lot less than a dealer. Highly recommended.”

John C.

“I had a clutch kit replaced by Tioga at Automotive Solutions in Chapel Hill, NC. He is totally legit. 10/10 would highly recommend. Knowledgeable and reputable. One man shop so you know that work will be quality, and he took a TON of pictures of the repair as well as of several other issues he fixed along the way (from a prior owner). I’ve found my new go-to (totally worth the drive). Hope that others can benefit from my find!”

Ken P.

“Tioga does the best work. The pricing is fair, especially considering how knowledgeable he is. He fixes things right and quickly. He’s done this for my VW Jetta several times, but my recent water leaking issue was tops. The dealer diagnosed the issue as clogged drains and wanted $750 to replace them. They gave quite the sales pitch stressing their knowledge of this issue and that it was about to rain in the coming days (seriously!?…that’s the moment I knew I wouldn’t do business with them). Anyway, since it wasn’t going to be covered by any recall, I called Tioga and he was pretty sure it was an easy fix as he’s done hundreds of them himself. Sure enough, he was able to unclog them for less than 1/3 the cost quoted at the dealer. It’s been dry ever since.”

Aaron K.

“Tioga is as good as they come. Recently had my VW diagnosed by another shop and they wanted to do $2K worth of work on it. Immediately had it towed to Automotive Solutions for a second opinion (I would have gone to him first, but I had to pull into the first shop I could find quickly). Tioga not only knew the diagnosis didn’t sound right, but found out that the problem was much simpler, covered under a manufacturer’s extended warranty, and directed me to the dealership so I could have it repaired for free. Tioga is knowledgeable, trustworthy, fast, and friendly. I will probably base my next car purchase decision around the brands of vehicles he works on. He’s that good.”

Roman P.

“I know most of these reviews sound like they are from family members 🙂 But he really is that competent and professional.”

Justin C.