Rational Automotive Repair

Working with Rational was my BEST experience with a mechanic/repair shop. Great customer service, call backs, status of repairs, quick performance of work, and very fair pricing!!!! They have a new loyal customer!

I am completely ignorant when it comes to cars. But, now that I have found Rational Automotive, I don't have to experience automotive angst anymore. They are honest and professional and don't make you feel stupid--- even if you do make them explain it more than once. This this the repair shop where you'd bring your mom's or boss' car (assuming you car a great deal about them).

Being female and blonde, I have been taken advantage of many times. When I brought my BMW to Paul for repairs it was the very first time that I did not take it to the BMW dealer. The dealer is VERY expensive. I went to Rationale with many misgivings - hoping they would not treat me like a "dumb blond" - afraid they would destroy my Beamer - screw me bigtime on the charges. I was very pleased to be treated so well, to have my car repaired perfectly, and the charges were reasonable. Since then, I have been there several times and even though it is far away from my home in Bastrop, it is definitely worth the trip

I suppose it requires an explanation when I strongly agree that they fix the problem the first time and that they respond well when they screw up. They really haven't ever screwed up. They did put 3 alternators in my car during a 4 week period. I was trying to save money by using reconditioned parts and they ended up doing way more work on the job than they'd intended to, but didn't charge me any extra. I was referred to Rational by a friend who had found them to be honest and helpful to him when he was on a low budget. For the past 16 years I've gone to Rational with my car woes. I still go there for important stuff even though I've moved 20 miles away and found someone pretty decent in way South Austin. I kept going back after talking to the guy who started Fast Brake while he was inspecting my brakes. He said he only knew of one mechanic he'd trust to do a particular procedure that I needed done, but it wasn't Rational. When I asked him about Rational, he said "Oh yeah, I'd trust Paul with it too, but I didn't realize you were willing to drive all the way up there."

I thank the friend who referred me to RAR every time I get my car back. I am impressed with their honesty, integrity, and competence. Can't say how they'd respond to the need to correct a repair because they haven't needed to. Definitely worth the extra miles/time to get there.

good service. totally honest. reasonably priced.

Rational Automotive is by far the best auto repair shop I have ever used. Paul, the owner, is a most friendly and helpful mechanic and person. As far as I can remember Paul, himself, always answers the phone. I suppose this is his policy to maintain his excellent customer relations. He nursed my mother's old Chevrolet until it was hopeless to repair any more and let me know its time was past. He has worked on or inspected the following makes for me: Chevrolet Corsica, Ford Windstar, Honda Civic, Mercedes . I first met him by searching for a shop that could update air conditioning coolant to the non-polluting kind without rebuilding the whole system. He did the conversion on three cars. He has continued to repair several cars and has inspected some I planned to purchase. I recommend him without reservation. The minute the factory warrantees run out on any of my cars Paul takes over and performs far better than the dealer's service at much more reasonable cost and with no attempt to sell me up to service that is unneeded. Everyone I have referred to him is very pleased.

I have used RAR since the mid-1980s when Paul's dad ran things. The honest, dependable, reliable, fair, efficient, and friendly service were present then and Paul has maintained, and perhaps heightened, these values at the current shop. As far as cost, I find their charges to be more than reasonable compared to other repair shops usually beating the dealer-based service centers by 40%. But better than that, their diagnostic and repair skills are unmatched. I also like it that every time I call, the owner answers his own phone. I bet Paul's dad is proud.

Paul did a large amount of work for us recently, during the holiday break and he worked around our hectic holiday travel schedule. We have three drivers but only two cars, so we try to get all the work done at one time, so as to be without a car for the shortest amount of time. The large amount of work included a timing belt, water pump, tune up, replacement of the catalytic converter, and new brakes. Rational Automotive completed all the work in 2 days. The price was very reasonable. A few days later, some minor repairs were needed when the weather shield was torn off the car while parking it. Paul worked us in that day so my son could drive to school the next day. If you're looking for a repair shop that tries to work around your schedule and does the work in a timely manner, competently and at a reasonable price, then Rational Automotive should be your first choice.