This is the best mechanic I have ever been to. The staff is so friendly, and the hospitality you receive is unmatched. There is a waiting room where the staff will offer you coffee and snacks, and you can wait comfortably for your repair, otherwise they offer free rides to where you need to go. The mechanics are highly skilled and honest. Once, I came here to get my tire repaired, because it kept losing pressure. The mechanics found nothing wrong, and sent me on my way. I had the same problem afterward, so I came back. They were able to find the problem this time, and they did not charge me at all because they were sorry they didnt identify the issue the first time. This was very unexpected but much appreciated. I have visited this service center many times for various issues with my car, and they have always addressed my concerns quickly and effectively. The prices are also very reasonable. I have moved away from Charlottesville now and sadly, I dont think Ill ever find such a great mechanic. I would highly recommend API Service Center!

Got my car inspected here and had a great experience. They didn’t try to sell me on anything I didn’t need. Got a free ride to and from work while the inspection was being done. People were nice!

Best repair place Ive ever been in my 50 years. The service was first rate and the price was super reasonable.I was treated with dignity, honesty, fairness, and compassion. Best waiting room snacks too.I would buy anything they sold. I would let them fix anything they said they could.

Very frustrated. Car was making a weird sound around the front right wheel. We had a road trip coming up, so we brought it in and asked them to take a look. They said they couldn’t reproduce the sound on the lift, and a visual inspection didn’t turn anything up, but “might need to replace the struts eventually.” Drove the car, 200 miles from home, the right wheel bearing fails. Lucky we didn’t wreck. We get stranded, have to have the car fixed then shipped. Problem was exactly where we said it was. Will never go here again.

GREAT AS ALWAYS ! I DONT TRUST MY CAR TO ANYONE BUT API. THEY HAVE BEEN HONEST WITH ME AS FAR AS I KNOW. THEY COME N TALK TO ME BEFORE THEY DO ANYTHING TO LET ME KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IF ANYTHING. VERY NICE GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO I THINK CARES ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE . HONESTY GOES A LONG WAY WITH ME.

Great people and service. Knowledgeable people who know what they are doing.

My first time there and I was very much in bind. These people went above and beyond to help! The staff, all across the board, are responsible and courteous. From now on I wouldnt take my vehicle anyplace else.Its a little bit out of the way for me, but those who treat their customers with respect get my loyalty!THANKS EVERYBODY AT API!

Most honest and respectable shop in the area. Go here for any of your auto needs. I could not recommend them enough.

Service is fast, very helpful and a nice place to wait. Wouldnt use anyone else.

We have found API to be a great service center. Always honest and upfront. Never pushing for work that isnt needed. Reliable and dependable. We highly recommend API.

Got the job done fast after 3 other mechanic shops turned down the work after giving crazy quotes. Went to API and they got it done fast and also was the lowest cost of any quotes.

Good machine shop highly recommend randy

Appointment in ten days verses twenty days at other location been attending for decades.

Best auto service place in Charlottesville, friendly people, good service and they dont try to rip you off !

Great Quality of Work, Professional Staff, Price is right, if not the Best in Charlottesville and surrounding areas.

Got my brake pads and rotors replaced here and totalled up to $370 for my nissan sentra. They were able to graciously finished same day for a rush job since I needed it for work the next day. They also have a shuttle service that was super convenient. Great to go to if youre a busy person!

Very good shop with the prices and services I recommend to anyone 👌

When I moved here to VA from WA I wasnt sure of a reliable, family-feel mechanic like Ive grown up going to. I made calls all around and found that either places opened after 8 in the morning or they closed by 5 (sometimes 4). I also found that many places wouldnt work on my 2002 F-150 because of the year. After calling all around, I heard from a coworker about API and their reliability, pricing and communication. It sounded exactly like what I was looking for and to my surprise, it was that and more. They walked me through everything that was needed, pulled schematics to talk me about parts and what each part did and why things where needed. They worked with me on time constraints, transportation to work/picking me up with their driving service and their waiting area is clean and the staff are very friendly. Ive come here for the last few services on my truck and everytime Ive left appreciative of their hardwork.

My choice for service in Cville. Professionals 😎

Great Service. Very honest. Extremely professional.

Fast. Efficient. Friendly. Professional. I’m not sure if the pandemic caused my state inspection to go by so smoothly compared to sitting in my dealership all day last year, but I will go here again for my car’s needs in the future.

I came here recently for a state inspection and API was professional, prompt, and great to deal with in general. The next day my other vehicle had low air pressure so I went to API before work. I arrived before they were actually opened and without an appointment, but a mechanic was there early and volunteered to work on it. They offered me coffee or a ride to work and provided a comfortable place to work on my laptop. Soon enough, he fixed the tire and showed me the screw that was stuck in the tire. He adjusted my air pressure in all tires and sent me on my way with no charge! I was blown away. They have totally earned my trust. Caroline in the front office and the mechanics have been consistently great to deal with.

I had both my heads of my 1992 Toyota rebuilt there . Awesome work great price and got them done in just a few days . I highly recommend API for your automotive needs

These guys are the best. End of story.

I have been taking my vehicles here for years. They are reliable and honest. If I bring my car in for something and they look at it and it doesnt need it done, they will tell me rather than take my money unnecessarily. Also, several years past, my Subaru needed some serious work done, including replacing the head gasket. One auto body shop quoted a figure over $4500, more than my car was worth. I had returned to college to finish my degree and did not have that kind of money. Distraught, I drove around another dangerously beat up car until I brought my car into API after saving some money. They replaced the head gasket and fixed a bunch of other stuff and charged me less than half of what the other garage was going to charge--I was so touched by their generosity and kindness! Their work is always good! They are lovely people and so hospitable while youre waiting on your vehicle. They feel like family! They remember their customers too, which is always nice to be remembered! I love API!

This place does good work so there is usually a wait. The waiting area has snacks and drinks, which I always enjoy. The staff is nice and professional, keeping me informed of my vehicles progress as I waited. Slightly pricey, but it is Charlottesville.

They treat me well. Labor rate is reasonable. Never suggest or pressure me to do repairs I dont want or need. Expertise.

What a great service center! I cannot recommend highly enough! Fair pricing, excellent service, friendly and helpful staff. Really make you feel valued as a customer. I will only use API for all my auto repair and maintenance needs! Thanks to JW and his incredible team! Oh, and the ladies in the customer lounge couldnt be nicer!

Friendly staff who got to my car faster than I expected. Decent prices too. I got out for about 200 dollars less than I expected.

APIs service is refreshingly great. As a car enthusiast, I have used them for 12 years, and I find them to be flexible and always deliver the truth. If they feel a complex repair would be better serviced elsewhere, they let me know and supply a recommendation. Beyond general automotive maintenance, they have performed more significant repairs/replacement on suspension, coolant system, and top engine repair. On occasion, they have fixed simple items or issues without charge a hallmark of a neighborhood garage.

API is the best mechanic I’ve ever had. I’ve never had a mechanic go as far out of their way for their customers as they do. Whether it’s a last minute appointment or making special accommodations, these guys go above and beyond every time. Moving here from a different state and not knowing anyone, finding a new mechanic was a little nerve wracking. I’m so glad I found these guys, they’ve never steered me wrong.

They go above and beyond. My husband was away and I couldnt get our 2-month old from daycare and walk over before closing on Friday afternoon. They dropped the car at our house so that I wouldnt be without a car for the weekend. Quality automotive care and fantastic customer service.

Outstanding service. Enjoyed the conversation with Carolyn. Bought two new tires for the rear of my car and I had an alignment. The price came in under the quote... very cost-effective!The coffee was very good and hot!🍵Thank you for everything.Joanne

I would not recommend this place for a car state inspection.This is my story: I left my car one night for a state inspection. Then they called me the day after at 4pm telling me that there was an issue with my car and to fix it I needed to pay $770. I wanted to have a second opinion. So they put me a failed inspection sticker on my car and I took my car to my trusted mechanic (who unfortunately does not do state inspections). My mechanic told me that the issue API found was not that problematic although he could see why they failed the inspection. In other words, they were picky but they did not made something up. My mechanic fixed it for $450 ($300 less than what they would have changed me).Then I had to take my car back to API and after another full day they finally passed the inspection.These are just facts. I leave the interpretation to you.What I know is that it was a massive waste of time, but at least I saved $300. I will not go back to API again. Too bad, because I liked the guys and I went there for years

Great staff and absolutely excellent service! They have a very convenient website where you can make an appointment and they are timely in responding via email or phone. The duration of the service is quick and painless and they always provide a ride to my office and back to the service center once the work on my car is finished. Robert, the driver, is very nice and always a pleasure to speak to. Thanks, API.

Excellent service and very good value. Chad and JW are always so good about finding a time for me to come in thats convenient. They have helped us multiple times with urgent situations, too. The waiting area Id like a living room: comfortable chairs, TV, coffee, drinks, and snacks while you wait. Carol checks to make sure youre comfortable. If you need a ride, Roger will get you there promptly. Ive been a satisfied customer for over 5 years now! Thank you!

I had a very good experience with this shop, the price was reasonable and everyone was nice overall great customer service. They didnt try to fix anything that didnt need to be fixed, it was honest work.

My car has staggered tires (the front are a different size from the rear). They should not be rotated. They swapped my rear tires with my front tires during a routine alignment. The result was a flat tire, funny driving, and friction between the front wheels and the control arms. The service is cheap and the people are amiable, but this is a simple error that never should have been made.

This place is awesome! Walked in this morning and was greeted with a friendly smile from Caroline. Waiting room was huge. She welcomed me to snacks and coffee. Then she mentioned SHUTTLE SERVICE, where I was able to utilize for a barber shop visit and back. Robert, a local since early 60s, helped with very convenient shuttle service along wits interesting history facts about Cville. I highly recommend you try this place.

Best service in town and customer service

Found this place through scouring the internet. I wanted the best reviewed place in town. So far Ive got zero complaints

API is a great place they are always honest and will refer you to body shops if they dont do the work you need done! Thanks to JW and all their mechanics

API always gives great customer service and they stand by their work. We have never been disappointed with the care we recieved.

These guys were so friendly and respectful! Excellent service. The only issue was the shuttle driver lady was a little crabby, but Im guessing it had been a long day. Overall wonderful people and service.

Great service! Appreciated their willingness to get me a good market price for materials I needed for my car. I got my sideview mirror replaced with a new one. Everyone on staff was incredibly respectful and friendly. The work was done quickly too. Keep it up!

This is my favorite mechanic in town. Ive taken out cars here for 6 years and have ways had a fine experience: reasonable prices and never felt upsold.

Ive been here twice now for an inspection and an oil change. The guys are friendly and professional, and the waiting room is comfortable with snacks and coffee.

Just had a vehicle inspection done and received fantastic service. Their waiting room had drinks and snacks, and then when I was about to miss a meeting they drove me to the meeting location and picked me up later that afternoon. Everyone I encountered was very nice and courteous. Contrary to an earlier review, I am Hispanic and was treated very well.

They were quick, friendly and efficient.

I had a great experience and will be telling others about them. They were up front and honest about my repairs and very fairly priced. The people were friendly and helpful.

This place is great. Free prompt shuttle that will take you and pick you up from work, affordable rates and great quality work. This is my 3rd time going here and I will be going back again for sure.

I was just there today for early annual inspection.. Ive never been here before, I know this place from a friend..I thought I would spend money to replace my two front tires that nearly bald.. and it turns out, I was surprised how much I have to pay.. only $ 3..yess only $ 3something.. I used a coupon free inspection for first customers, and it works.. I just paid the extra engine oil only.. tires can still be used and doesnt need to be replaced at this time..Really comfortable lounge area with coffee and complete snacks.. you have to try come hereThanks API..👍

I appreciated the no-nonsense directness and friendliness of the service staff at API. They did my inspection and changed my wipers. The price was reasonable, and the office staff gave me a complimentary Nutri-Grain bar and a water. Ill be back again.

Locally owned. Treat their customers like family. Straight shooters.

I do not recommend going here for Virginia State inspections as it is a racket and these folks love to take advantage of the unwary public. Just spend some time here and watch how many failures and the lame excuses given for repairs needed to pass. BEWARE

I enjoy this service center because I can trust the staff, and I utilize the shuttle to and from work in the Charlottesville area.

Best service in Charlottesville. Best price too. They offer a ride to work as well.

Friendly, reasonably priced, spacious kid-friendly waiting area.

Beyond great customer service! People talk to you before they make decisions to work on your car and the price was much less than I expected. It was super busy and they still fit me in. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.

Ive been to this location twice. The first time it was for an inspection and an oil change. That went well and the inspector found minimal number of things wrong with my car, perhaps because I also purchasing an oil change. However, I went back this year for an inspection without an oil change and suddenly my car was apparently a disaster.Lots of work needed to be done, and it would cost me hundreds of dollars. I dont know how some of these parts, which normally last the lifetime of a car, would suddenly wear out after driving my car just a couple of thousand of miles.Caveat emptor

I have been to API a few times and wouldn’t go anywhere else in Cville. Great service — they work hard to get my car back to me as quickly as possible, and are very transparent regarding pricing, prognosis, etc. Highly recommend.

I have had pretty good experiences with API over the years and have even recommended them before, but when I have an instance of gouging or unnecessary repair, I never go back to those shops. (Sadly I am running out of places to get auto repair.)Went in for an alignment ($80, or so) and was told I needed camber kits for the rear wheels. Took them five hours to obtain parts, get them installed, and do the alignment. (The mechanic admitted that he had never installed these kits before.) Bill came to $400. Okay, fine.Service manager told me he had done his best to keep the price down on the kits and only charged me $66 apiece for them. Later I looked up the same part number online and found that I could have walked in off the street and bought the same kits for $30 each at the NAPA Autoparts store IN THE SAME BUILDING as API. Maybe the parts and repair were necessary, and maybe it takes five hours to do the work. But dont tell me you tried to help me on the parts and then overcharge me.Wish Whitey the best, but Im done with his shop.

Great service at a great price! Ive taken several cars here for different kinds of service, and have always left satisfied with the work.

Months back I took my car to them so they could replace my tire rods, they called telling me i needed all of this work done I said ill take it somewhere else. I guess they didnt like my response. So as i got in my car and drove off it was making noises and rattling, on my way home i lost control of my car and I was able to maneuver it to the side of the road. Took it to another honest mechanic who said i was really lucky i could have died they didnt put the main bolt back on my car my entire car was disassembled from the bottom i wouldnt even give them one star also what they said i needed was not the case. This wasnt a great experience what so ever.

I definitely recommend this place to anyone who needs their vehicle services. EXCELLENT customer service and I dont get sold services I dont need. Called Thursday evening to see if I could schedule my vehicle for a state inspection the next day was told they were booked up, but if I can bring my vehicle maybe they can get it done. Husband dropped the vehicle off Friday and was told they stop doing inspections at 5 (I think) and had a full schedule, but would try to fit it in. 4:30pm came around hubby was told vehicle still not done, but would still try to do it before 5pm. Hubby picked me up from work we went to check on my vehicle 5:10-5:15 and it was done! If that isnt great customer service Im not sure what is. They went above and beyond and even helped me by putting air in my tires! Thank you API!!!

Dont come here if you are a minority, they dont care about you at all. Paid $70 for the alignment of an older mercedes and got it back not aligned at all. The mechanics dont know anything about european cars and the different types of alignments. Now have to pay $700 to fix issues caused by driving without alignment. Thanks API!

Trustworthy, honest, and knowledgeable. This is the only place I will take my car!

Very friendly and very efficient! Job well done.

The best place for car care.👍👍👍

If your a minority dont go their.. Latino, Mexican, or just poor in general dont go!They will be cheap at first but before you know it you will be coming back week after week to fix problems they created to milk you of more money.GO AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Great staff, mechanics and service . About the most reasonable priced shops in Charlottesville. Check em out and youll see!

Best place in Charlottesville to get your vehicle serviced hands down

WOMEN/MINORITIES: BEWARE IF YOU NEED ANYTHING BEYOND AN OIL CHANGE OR TIRE PLUG! I took my car here on the 1st of July to get an inspection. I wasnt in a rush, its a second car that doesnt get used much and I could wait a few days, and fully expected to require a few repairs. He told me it wouldnt be done until the 6th which was fine. Except it didnt get done until the 11th around noon. I was in culpepper at the time and asked what the price for parts and labor would be. I let him know that I can get the parts at the store cheaper and I would bring them once I got back to town.I ordered the parts online and left immediately to pick them up at Pantops. The parts were dropped off at 4pm on the 11th and I was told they would get to it when they could. Essentially, they put me in the back of the queue. Fast forward to today, the 14th. I called right when they opened and was told that they still hadnt gotten to my car, my husband asked why and we were told that because it took a half a day for me to get them the parts, they couldnt guarantee a completion time. Essentially, if I wouldve either bought their parts or magically made my purchased parts appear at their doorstep, we wouldnt be still waiting.This is an extremely bad business practice, no mechanic Ive ever been to has penalized me for purchasing my own parts. No mechanic should also let an inspection sit for 10 days and then put off a 3 hour job for 3 days. Im not sure if they treated me this way because I am a woman or a minority, but it definitely didnt feel right.

These guys are ultra honest and amazing mechanics. I couldnt recommend them enough.

Affordable and honest repair service!

These guys charged me a hundred bucks for a repair the dealership wanted six hundred to do. Will be going back to them again. Thank you guys.

These guys are the best around.

Had a tire rotation done. Excellent service.

Excellent dudes, awesome service, honest and quick.

Great place, nice people, excellent service!

Weve been going to A.P.I. for all our auto mechanic needs for over 20 years and theyve always treated us right.

Excellent service

Always great service!

Exactly what you want in a garage

Fast and cheap

Fast, easy and inexpensive.

Sorry wrong location