Tom's Automotive

Edit- Since I’ve taken my car to Tom’s, my car not only has the original issue I brought it in for, it is now making a second noise. I took my car to Monte & Son’s today and the mechanic found that whoever did the alignment at Tom’s didn’t tighten the bolts all the way. The original issue Tom’s didn’t find or fix turned out to be the ac compressor. Tom’s told me it was my tires. Monte & Son’s told me today that my alignment is off- funny right! I’m getting brand new tires placed on my vehicle and will see if Tom’s fixes the alignment properly this time… Original issue- I just moved to Elkins Park a week ago and my car started to make noises. I knew my tires were old but I figured the issue was a worn belt because I have 93k on my 22 Cx-5. I found Tom’s online because it was a small business (which I prefer) and called in. They got my car in the next day! Tom’s Automotive found out what the issue was and fixed it within hours- all for a great price. They’re super friendly, honest and helpful, too. Plus the birds were good company! Thank you! Being new to the area is always stressful because you don’t know who you can count on. Well, I can count on Tom’s and will use their services from here on out!

Can not say enough good things about this place! The owner and staff are very knowledgeable and care about their customers. Had a dealer look at my car with a $900 estimate. Buddy of mine suggested I have Tom look at it. The issue wasn't what the dealer said, Tom found what the issue was, made the repair and charged me a little over $120. Car has been running great since then. Tom will be my go to mechanic from now on!

We have an older car that had a whole suite of problems that needed to be solved before it could be entirely safe and reliable. After trying 2 other mechanics who failed for various reasons, leaving us stranded for a week of expensive Uber rides, we found Tom. It took a couple of visits for him to fully resolve all the issues, but he prevailed!! And he got us in FAST, worked fast, and was extremely humble about his diagnostic skills—very refreshing after all the BS we had heard from the other mechanics! This is exactly the kind of guy you need if you have an older car—and we have two! Tom is a total mensch. The charismatic parrots and the awesome secretary, Kim, are added pluses. We now have a mechanic we can fully trust, which is a huge stress reducer.

Tom’s team is really fantastic. These guys are extremely trust worthy. We have been using them for years. They do quality work and always go above and beyond. They just did that for me yesterday and took out scratches for us and didn’t even charge for it. When you find guys like these you stay with them.

WHAT HAPPENED: Car was blowing hot air. Brought car in first thing in the morning. Shared that I had to refill my coolant twice in one week, that I had not seen and leaking from the car and confirmed the car was not overheating. Was told needed a new radiator cap, which was already ordered. I called close to closing time to get a status & it was clear my car had been done for a while and no one called me. On the drive home air was still warm but I thought maybe it will take a moment to kick in. Next day running errands it's clear car still blowing hot air. I call and am told that I never said anything about hot air. I'm told I said there was a leak. (Note: this was coming from someone I had not spoken to when I brought the car in). In addition the tone of how I'm being told this on the phone didn't help, so I actually go back later that day to speak in person and try to understand how the solution for my car blowing hot air led to replacing the radiator cap. I ask to see the diagnostic report. It's then when it's confirmed there was a miscommunication on their part, & they did the wrong diagnostic check. Things happen so no big deal. An AC diagnostic is required. There was no offer to deduct for the incorrect diagnostic that was performed and I quite honestly was flabbergasted. In addition, I requested a quote for some additional work when I brought the car in and 5 days later still nothing. I prefer to support local businesses but this was just a disappointing experience because at the end of the day I paid $120 for a new radiator cap and my car is still blowing hot air. Edit: I got a second opinion and learned I need a new compressor which leads me to question what quality assurance checks were done during the visit. ADVICE: Since I can't speak to the value of an actual repair, for anyone considering obtaining services from this business I suggest requesting a written work order so everyone knows exactly what the goal is. Also request that you get a callback before any parts are ordered or any repairs initiated, to approve the actual next steps and pricing. And for the staff, please be mindful that not every customer calling is the customer who may have been irritating to you from another interaction. The tone over the phone is really abrupt with a hint of condescension, in contrast to the more personable and polite experience while face to face.