Excel Automotive Technology

When someone treats you well, you want to return the favor so I will do so with a fantastic review. In my case, Jay Meir of Excel Automotive saved me over $600, 3 days of my time and plenty of inconvenience. Let me explain. My vehicle driver door began to make a very loud popping noise every time it was opened or closed. I contacted Sterling McCall Toyota (the dealership where it was purchased) and they told me it was beyond their onsite repair and needed to be taken to the Sterling McCall Restoration Center. There I was told it was a weld that had come loose inside the door. The repair would be $500 and three days of car rentals while the repair was being done. Needless to say I didn’t schedule the repair. Searches resulted in many shops that could do this extensive welding repair, but few had more than a 3-star review. Excel Automotive Technology was not only close, but had many exceptional reviews from very satisfied customers. I stopped in after work today. Jay took one look, said “I’ll be right back.” and walked off to grab tools. He returned, worked on the door (hinge area) for a couple minutes, stood up and asked me to shut the door. It was fixed. Yes, fixed. He said he’s seen the problem before with Toyota’s. (He replaced a nut (or bolt?) that helps hold the arm in place that had loosened and fallen off. I asked him what I owed him and he said “Nothing.” and smiled. “But you saved me over $600!” Again, he said oh, it’s nothing and smiled. As I glance down at their business card I see that it says, “Where quality comes second…only to honesty.” Thank you Excel Automotive. Thank you Jay Meir. You have gained a new customer.

Went very well. Each step of the way I got to speak with Jay and we discussed several theories that could explain the problem and we took a methodical approach to resolving the issue in as cost effective manner as possible. Initially replaced the tensioner per the recommendation of a MB service TSB that seemed to match the symptoms. This did not resolve the issue so Jay continued his own investigation and ended up soliciting the advice of several colleagues who had more experience with this particular engine than he had (by his own admission, he hasn't had many 4-cylinder MB cars in his shop) which gave us confidence in going ahead with the otherwise pricey replacement of just the intake camshaft adjuster. Anyway, what I really liked was that Jay and I could talk at a relatively technical level regarding the problem symptoms and the possible fixes. This alone gave me a great deal of confidence in both Jay's abilities and helped to really justify the work that he was doing. I can't possibly recommend Excel Automotive enough. They've made a customer of me for life!

The owner either took my call when I called or returned my call within an hour every time.

They were accommodating. The only thing was, the oil weight they used, you know, the viscosity is kind of heavy, and when I asked them what kind of oil they used they said, well it's a standard oil. I had the guy ask exactly what the weight was, and it was like 10/40, which is pretty heavy. I had them drain it and put in the oil that actually goes with the car that's recommended. They did respond to my concern.

It took longer than expected but Jay knows his jobs well. He was also helpful & honest. I would come back for other services.

Another good experience with Excel. Jay did it within a day. The car runs like new now.

I took it to Excel and they correctly determined it to be caused by low engine oil. (The oil level was not low enough to trigger the warning on the dashboard.) They added a few quarts and the car is running fine now. Thanks so much Excel Automotive.

They fixed the problem and had me back up and running. They were persistent and took the time they needed to find the problem and repair it correctly. They are our new full service auto shop in Houston! Lovely people to work with!

They: - mounted two new front tires - changed synthetic oil - fixed blinker problem caused by a burnt bulb - diagnosed check engine light and found the problem was due to cylinder misfiring due to low oil. - Performed inspection Martha and Jay were friendly and professional. They showed true care for the customer. The prices were very reasonable and the turnaround quick.

I didn't get the warm and fuzzy feeling that everyone else got from Excel. I brought a 1985 Chevy Celebrity to Jay. It had been sitting for a while and had a fuel delivery issue. The car is a lowrider, and has some customization to it (suspension), but nothing that I thought was too serious, and nothing that other mechanics ever had a problem with working on. When I initially dropped the car off I met with Jay (after having talked on the phone and through e-mail a couple of times). I'm guessing he was pretty busy because of flood cars (after the flooding in May). I almost got the feeling he really didn't want to work with me too much or discuss the issue. But again, I think he was just busy. When they began working on my car, he would call with updates. I know the deal on these old cars, so sometimes you fix one thing, and find an issue, so I knew that would be coming. His prices were very reasonable however, and I wanted the work done, so I had them to continue to push through the issues. At some point during the process, I could tell Jay's frustrations. We were talking and he mentioned an idle issue (car idling too high). We talked about a fix for it and what could be done. I asked him some questions and once got a response of, "Look, I don't know. I was asked to get the car running. When it came here it wasn't running, and now it does." Also said, "I don't know the history of this car, just from what I've looked at." But, isn't that the same as every new car that comes in? Surely he's not looking up car fax's and title history for every vehicle that rolls through the shop. We agreed to keep pressing on the work. He said, however, that he would not continue to work until he got paid. About $1.3K of work was done so far. I understood, since this was the first time we had worked together. So I met with him that week, and settled up for what was done so far (essentially site unseen). Then, weeks passed before he worked on my car again. When we spoke, he essentially said he had some big projects come in. OK, but I literally already paid you for some work, why would I get pushed back? In the end, the final work was done and I went and picked up my car. He let me pick it up at my own pace, and acknowledged that I was patient with him, and so he would be patient with me in picking up the car. Took me about a week to get over there (not for lack of money, since final payment was only a couple of hundred bucks, just timing with work, since they close at 6 or whatever and aren't open on weekends). This was probably the saving grace there, as I kind of got the feeling he knew it took too long. Overall I gave Jay a B for the services, essentially for pricing and the work done. Maybe would have been lower had it not been for him being understanding with timing of me picking up the car in the end. Probably wouldn't recommend for an older car, but something for a newer vehicle and if you live close by, should give it a go.

Really excellent service. They responded quickly for all correspondences. They were honest and upfront about the work they would do. The service was done timely and they even drove me back home after dropping off my car because I didn't have anyone that could go with me. I will go to them again for any other work needed on my car.

Very good customer service and service was quick

Didn't get a message from then to set an appointment so I called them instead. Good thing I did because they had to social order my oil filter (2010 Lexus IS 350). They also charged me an extra $3 because of it. Not a big deal. Would jab been nice to know that at the time of purchasing the deal though. Anyhow, it was quick and painless and quiet waiting area, though small. I went on a Tuesday morning around 10am.

The owner was very kind and accommodating. I would use them again.

The owner, Jay, scheduled me an appointment for 8:30am due to my work. As soon as I arrived, by car was taken in. I was in and out within 45 minutes! I sat and talked with the admin and Jay and had some great coffee. This place is very professional and clean. I love going to this place. Both time I have been there, I have gotten the same great service and honest prices! I will always use this place and refer my friends!

I was in the neighborhood and stopped by for an oil change. They were able to take me on the spot and perform it quickly. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I have been looking for a mechanic that I can trust to maintain my car. I especially like that I can review my service records online! So happy that I found Excel Automotive!

It was good. I actually bought it as a gift for my sister-in-law. They used it and were happy with it. They actually called me first. They didn’t have any trouble scheduling and the service was pretty quick as well. They were able to spot some other issues and took care of it as well. The pricing was good.

Everything went well and I would recommend them to others needing service

The AC system on my Liberty Jeep had gone out and my ex tried to cheap the repairs. After several failures on the 1st mechanics part I finally took the vehicle to Excel. After looking at the issues Excel gave me a estimate of the repairs and informed me of the potential issues that could arrise once the repairs were made. I will tell you that while the secondary problems arise they were expected and i trust that Excel did their best to diagnose the problem correctly from the start.

I've dropped my fiance's and my own car off at Jay's a few time and we appreciate how knowledgeable and straight forward Jay is. I love that he will drop me off at work while they look it over and then calls us to discuss the work. Most times the work is done the same day and pick up is arranged before traffic gets too bad.

It was very well and I've been going there for years. They were very competent at a fair price. The work was very good.

I contacted Excel Automotive Technology for a major scheduled service due to my previous mechanic retiring. Due to my work hours I showed up close to closing time for the shop, but Jay was very patient and treated me as if I was a regular customer. Throughout the process I felt he was very sincere and thorough, and took the time to explain all my options, including that the valve clearance inspection (the most expensive part of the service) wasn't necessary. I wanted to keep my car in top condition and stay ahead of potential problems so I insisted, and he was very courteous and proceeded as I wished. When my car was being worked on he called to let me know they found corrosion buildup on my battery, which they could clean for a small charge. I agreed, and thanked him for letting me know. When I came to pick up my car the overall total was less than I expected, which is always a pleasant surprise. Beyond just performing the service he made sure I understood what they were going to do and how it affected my car, and offered more than one option based on his professional advice. I appreciate that level of service and attention to detail, and will be switching all my future service needs to Excel Automotive Technology.

The air conditioner in my car was only blowing air but was not cooling it. I went to Excel automotive after reading reviews on Angie's list and I am very happy with their service. Jay inspected the vehicle and first told me what was OK in the vehicle and what could be wrong. Then he came back after inspecting it further to give me two options - One cheaper but a quick fix and one a little more expensive but a more permanent fix. If i was going to keep the car for the long term then he suggested that I go for the expensive option so that my car does not break down in a year with the quick fix. He explained what he was going to fix, how each of the options would affect the cost now and in the future, how the repair would affect my vehicle and saved me extra trips and labor expenses. I would definitely recommend them to my friends and go to them for any future concerns.

Had appt. and Angie's List coupon for oil change and scheduled a state inspection for same time. Was in and out of there in no time....although it is a very pleasant place to be if you are waiting. Jay is very nice and I feel like he looks out for his customers. I am so glad I found Excel!

jay has been our trusted auto mechanic over 20years. jay did a very thorough inspection of both vehicles and uncovered issues that indicated which car would be the best to own.. I trust Jay with all our auto services.