About us
Additional DBA - Tom Kaercher Automotive LLC. Family owned and operated
Business highlights
67 years of experience
Services we offer
Pennsylvania state inspection & emission testing, waivers, oil changes, battery, brakes, tires & alignment.
Services we don't offer
Transmission repair; Engine overhauls.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Check
- Visa
- Discover
- MasterCard
Reviews
4.932 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 97% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 3% |
Filter reviews by service
Showing 1-25 of 32 reviews
Krister S.
Aug 2018
Auto Service, Auto Inspections
Aside from needing to schedule well in advance (not their fault that I wait until the last minute), it went very well. Nothing major came up and everything seems to be good.
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Than you [Member Name Removed] for understanding the need to call us 2-3 weeks in advance. We greatly appreciate your patronage and hope to see you back whenever your car needs us!"
Kimberly F.
Oct 2016
Auto Service
They are fantastic. We've actually used them for quite a few things and they are fantastic. I can't say enough about them. They are a family owned business. You never have to worry if what they are telling you is true or not. They're very honest, very quick to respond and very helpful getting the work done.
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks so much for taking the time to review our business. Like any family owned business our goal is to be sure our customers have a positive experience with our family business. Thanks again!"
Michael S.
May 2016
Auto Service
Awesome - family shop that treats you well. They know me when I call - always a fair price (I've compared to 6 other south hills mechanics) and work gets done quick and as it should. I never once felt like they tried to do something for my car that wasn't needed. Never an up sell. If they say u need it you really do - great education when they have needed to do something too. I moved to a new house and still drive my cars back to get them serviced by them due to trust. When you find a good, fair priced mechanic you trust you don't need to go anywhere else. I've referred several family and friends too all happy. If you want a cafe late in a fancy waiting room while ur car gets an oil change go to the expensive dealer shop- if you want it fixed at a good price by honest family driven local business owners then come here. There always busy (guess why!) nice people too!
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"We appreciate your taking the time to recommend our shop [Member Name Removed]! Always happy to help you and your family!"
James S.
Feb 2016
Auto Service
unknown
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks for the vote of confidence Mr. [Member Name Removed], always happy to help you out!"
Zlatko L.
Feb 2016
Auto Service, Wheels and Tires
Great folks and very busy.
First time I needed an estimate.
The second time diagnostics, LR speed sensor and wheel bearing have been
replaced.
I highly recommend this place.
-
PS: Sorry, it took me almost 4 months to post this review.
First time I needed an estimate.
The second time diagnostics, LR speed sensor and wheel bearing have been
replaced.
I highly recommend this place.
-
PS: Sorry, it took me almost 4 months to post this review.
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks for making the time to review our service record. We are very pleased that you found our service to be up to your professional standards. We look forward to seeing you again, but not too soon:)!"
James F.
Feb 2016
Auto Service
unknown
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks Doc! We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with us."
ROSE D.
Dec 2015
Auto Service
I have said it before and I will say it again, Tom Kaercher is the most honest repairman in the area! I have been using him for 20 years and he never lets me down! I always leave feeling thankful for the work that Tom or Brandon have done. Their prices are more than fair! Thank you!
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks again for that vote of confidence [Member Name Removed] As always we appreciate your taking the time to share your experience with other Angie's list members."
James S.
Aug 2015
Auto Service
The work was scheduled promptly and the work was completed quickly and efficiently.
I have been a customer since 1958 when the business was owned by Bob Klein, Tom Kaercher's father in law. My father was also a customer. I can't say enough good things about the wonderful service we have received over the years from Tom and Bob. It is a pleasure to do business with such an honest, hard working family business. They have never done work that didn't need to be done. On the occasion where I needed work done that they were unable to do, they told me where I might be able to have it done. Two years ago after passing inspection, Tom told me I might have a small gasket leak that he put dye in to confirm, but told me that maybe it was time to get a new car (the car was 13 years old) because the work to repair the problem due of its location would cost twice as much as the book value of the car. That's just one example of the good advice and service you receive at Kaercer's. Brandon, the third generation, is also a fine mechanic and and an equally fine young man.
I have been a customer since 1958 when the business was owned by Bob Klein, Tom Kaercher's father in law. My father was also a customer. I can't say enough good things about the wonderful service we have received over the years from Tom and Bob. It is a pleasure to do business with such an honest, hard working family business. They have never done work that didn't need to be done. On the occasion where I needed work done that they were unable to do, they told me where I might be able to have it done. Two years ago after passing inspection, Tom told me I might have a small gasket leak that he put dye in to confirm, but told me that maybe it was time to get a new car (the car was 13 years old) because the work to repair the problem due of its location would cost twice as much as the book value of the car. That's just one example of the good advice and service you receive at Kaercer's. Brandon, the third generation, is also a fine mechanic and and an equally fine young man.
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks for your continued loyalty to our family. We hope to be here for another 60 years!"
ROSE D.
Aug 2015
Auto Service
I love them. They are a just regular small mom and pop shop. They are just old-fashioned, reliable, and honest automobile repair, honesty being the best. My car needed a lot the last time I was there. It was the right price for what needed done.
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks for your business. Our family always wants to keep your family safe in the most economical way."
Ryan A.
Jun 2015
Auto Service
unknown
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks [Member Name Removed], glad we were able to resolve your issues. Call us anytime."
Andrew S.
Sep 2014
Auto Service
unknown
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"Thanks for the opportunity to service your car. We appreciate the business and we are glad we were able to make the repairs in a timely fashion."
James Y.
Aug 2014
Auto Service, Air Conditioning - Auto
unknown
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"We are happy we were able to help out with your air conditioning. We appreciate your business! If we can be of any further assistance please don't hesitate to call."
Suzanne P.
Apr 2014
Auto Service
The job should have cost $600 to $700 and he charged us over $1300.00. Tom Kaercher tried to justify the overcharge by saying he uses only OEM parts. When we picked the truck up, we had a new problem so we took it back to the shop. We told him that we didn't have this problem when we brought the truck in and he started to yell at us and tell us that he knew exactly where we were going with this and that we were not going to pin this on him. We were overcharged, treated rudely, and refused to even attempt to correct a problem that we didn't have when we took the vehicle in. I have never in my life been treated so rudely by anyone. Tom Kaercher was rude and unprofessional and we give him an F.
Eric O.
Nov 2013
Auto Service, Auto Inspections
We have been taking our cars to Kaercher Automotive for six years now and have never had a complaint. They provide friendly, honest service, are always willing to answer you questions and endeavor to save you money wherever they can. For example, this past June, we brought my Mazda 5 and my Wife's Pontiac Grand Prix in for inspection. Both cars were getting up in age. To pass inspection, my Mazda needed new breaks and a new tie rod. My wife's car needed some minor repairs but also had some serious rust problems on the underside of the car. Before they repaired anything on her car, they phoned me to let me know about her car's problems, specifically the rust issue. They said that the minor repairs would run about $400-$500, but the biggest problem was the rust. They could not fix it, but suggested a couple of body shops that they work with. They advised us, however, that the cost of repairing the rust would run about $2000. Rather than recommend that we fix the rust and other problems, they suggested that we consider getting a new car, which we did. Their recommendation meant that they did not get the $400-$500 for the small repairs and, having a new car with a warranty, they have one less car to work on for the foreseeable future. We love Kaercher Automotive and will continue to take our other car there and will certainly return with the new car once the warranty runs out.
Joanne S.
Sep 2013
Auto Service, Auto Inspections + 1 more
We have used them for 20 years and now my children use them for their cars.
They are exceptional people; they truly care about doing the best work on our cars.
It is family owned and operated. I continue to use them even though we have moved away from Mt. Lebanon.
They are exceptional people; they truly care about doing the best work on our cars.
It is family owned and operated. I continue to use them even though we have moved away from Mt. Lebanon.
Kathleen S.
Sep 2013
Auto Service, Auto Inspections
Excellent....very fast, friendly, professional service. We have been going to Tom Kaercher for several years with all of our auto service needs. He is honest and provides quality service in a timely manner. Prices on any work we've had done have been very fair. We trust Kaerchers to tell us the truth...they only service what's needed and do so with a fair price. Wouldn't go anywhere else!
Nicholas F.
Sep 2013
Auto Service
Excellent. They took care of issue. They may be a little bit more than other shops - but a good overall value.
Carol K.
Sep 2013
Auto Service, Auto Inspections + 1 more
They are our go to mechanics to work on our cars. We call and they do what they can to fit us into their busy schedule quickly. They always tell us upfront what absolutely needs done right now, but also what can wait till a later date which is much appreciated. It is a family business and all of the family are extremely professional, honest and reliable.
With my VW Beetle, they showed my husband how the light went into place and explained at times because of the design it may jiggle out of place and how to push it back in.
Very Trustworthy
With my VW Beetle, they showed my husband how the light went into place and explained at times because of the design it may jiggle out of place and how to push it back in.
Very Trustworthy
Marilyn O.
Mar 2013
Auto Service
Tom's wife field's all of the calls and is always friendly and and can squeeze me in on short notice. They finished the job on time and were able to pick me up to get the car. The shop is a family business and Tom's son works with him. I love the pictures of the grand children in the office!
Richard R.
Dec 2012
Auto Service
Our latest experience was: car would barely shift into gear--the shift lever was really sluggish, and it was all we could do to get it into Drive. We braced ourselves for a huge repair. They checked it out, and saw that the cable was rusted and sticking. $50 worth of labor and some grease, and all is well. That's typical of our experience there, and when the repairs are more substantial they are fair on price, explain what needs done, and complete it well.
Outstanding service, great experience.
Outstanding service, great experience.
Padraic M.
Oct 2012
Auto Service, Auto Inspections
when I moved to Pennsylvania in April, I needed to find a mechanic to handle routine repairs and to get an initial PA inspection. Contacted this business based on high scores here on Angie's List.
Over 2 visits in May and June, the team performed 60,000 mille scheduled maintenance, an oil change, and a state inspection. The team disclosed all the tests and checks they performed and pointed out a few things that, while not requiring immediate attention, would bear monitoring over the short term.
Only complaint -- and it's partly self-inflicted: I was charged for 3/4 hour of labor to remove a stripped screw holding my out-of-state tag onto the rear on the vehicle. Pretty sure this is a 5 minute job, so I don't know how they figured 45 minutes, but they did do it safely and completely. Don't think their hourly labor rate is out of line.
Overall, good attention, good service, and a great location by the Castle Shannon T station for commuters.
Over 2 visits in May and June, the team performed 60,000 mille scheduled maintenance, an oil change, and a state inspection. The team disclosed all the tests and checks they performed and pointed out a few things that, while not requiring immediate attention, would bear monitoring over the short term.
Only complaint -- and it's partly self-inflicted: I was charged for 3/4 hour of labor to remove a stripped screw holding my out-of-state tag onto the rear on the vehicle. Pretty sure this is a 5 minute job, so I don't know how they figured 45 minutes, but they did do it safely and completely. Don't think their hourly labor rate is out of line.
Overall, good attention, good service, and a great location by the Castle Shannon T station for commuters.
Response from Kaercher Automotive
"The 45 minutes of labor involved drilling out the screws that were rusted/stripped into place. This is rather tedious work to drill center of screw out to allow for extraction and replacement, some are easier than others."
ROSE D.
Aug 2011
Auto Service, Auto Inspections
I have been a customer of Kaercher Automotive for about 10 years. They exemplify all of the qualities of the "little corner repair shop." Tom is the most honest repair man in town. His prices are fair and his service is excellent! I trust him explicitly!
Mary C.
Jul 2011
Auto Service
I've been using them for at least 5 years. I like that they are very honest and don't try to sell me things I don't need or do any additional work that doesn't need to be done. There have been times that most people would have just taken my money but they are up front about the situation with me. I would highly recommend them.
Cynthia D.
Jan 2011
Auto Service
We have a 2005 Honda Van...it was making a strange snapping noise..related to the steering... not consistent, but it sounded dangerous. We took it to the Honda dealership 3 times, but they could never hear the sound, and could not figure out the problem. They told me it was nothing serious but that is not the way it sounded to us. Finally, I decided to find another service provider and tried Tom Kaercher..I told them to drive it until they heard the noise, it didn't matter how long it took. They took me at my word, drove it at least 5 miles, heard the sound and found a small stone wedged into the engine cradle. The stone came out, the sound was gone and it cost $50.00. It was the best $50 I have spent in a long time. We will use this company again!
Sarah G.
Jul 2010
Auto Service
Fine
Licensing
Insured
State Contractor License Requirements
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FAQ
Kaercher Automotive is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Kaercher Automotive accepts the following forms of payment: Check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
No, Kaercher Automotive does not offer free project estimates.
No, Kaercher Automotive does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Kaercher Automotive does not offer a senior discount.
No, Kaercher Automotive does not offer emergency services.
No, Kaercher Automotive does not offer warranties.
Kaercher Automotive offers the following services: Pennsylvania state inspection & emission testing, waivers, oil changes, battery, brakes, tires & alignment.
Transmission repair; Engine overhauls.