Wasp Automotive

Driving an old car with over 300,000, you get your fair share of moments in which a mechanic is needed. Bring new to Durham, I had heard great things about WASP from my neighborhood listserv, and let me just say, they are all true!
I am so happy I found them - the mechanics are the friendliest mechanics I've ever met, and they even took the time to get to know us and then, upon picking the car up a few days later, remembered to ask how school was going absolutely amazing! The waiting room is clean and has WIFI (a big plus!), and my mechanic mentioned that in the spring they plant a garden each year and that it is wonderful place to sit and watch hummingbirds- yes, they are no ordinary garage, to be sure! To top it all off, they do great work on your car at a good price!

I just started going to Wasp in the last year or two. I had been burned too many times at the local Honda dealership (ugh) and was looking for recommendations, when I heard about Wasp from a friend (and also on the Car Talk website!). I've been really happy with them so far. The first time I went in was when one of the heat shields underneath my car came loose. They actually took me right away, reattached the heat shield, and didn't charge me a penny! Huh?? I almost fell over. I also went in when I had some mysterious problem/check engine light. They read the computer and told me I should take it into the dealer to get it fixed under warranty. Again, no charge. I went to the Honda dealer then - they charge you, like, $100 (actually I can't remember the exact price - may have been $50) just to read your computer! You know, I expect mechanics to OVERCHARGE me, not this. They've earned my business for as long as I live here, and I recommend them to everyone.

They specialize in Japanese makes, btw.

I have been using WASP Automotive for about 20 years and they are the best. When I purchase a new car I look for one that they will service.

Link to This Review      Post on Facebook   Share on Twitter

These guys are the best! I have been using them for over 15 years and would not consider going anywhere else. I won't even buy a brand of car that they don't work on.

They explain in everyday words what the problem is, what the options are for fixing the problem, the safety risks of the various options, the cost etc. In figuring out what to do for any unexpected problems that come up with my vehicles, I feel like I am a partner with them in the decision making process.

I have never felt any pressure from them to perform any recommended repairs. The only time there was even subtle pressure was the one time they tried to talk me OUT of something. I wanted to replace an engine in a vehicle with over 200,000 miles whose life expectancy for other systems (like the clutch and transmission) was unknown.

You can depend on them to be honest, to do good work and to charge a fair price. It doesn't get any better than that!

I never let on that I know anything about cars when I take them for service. Playing dumb gives me a better chance to sniff out honesty in a mechanic. I'm not a mechanic, but I've worked on and understand cars enough that I usually have a pretty good idea of what the problem is before they've taken a look.

I found Wasp based on several positive reviews here and elsewhere. I can verify that the reviews are indeed true - these guys are as honest as they come. I gave ample opportunity to be upsold, and it just never happened. They'll fix what's wrong and nothing more unless they honestly believe it's a safety issue - and I appreciate that.

Plus the waiting area! Couches, lots of different magazines, soothing fountain, wireless internet, classical music, good art on the walls, a couple iMacs, good coffee - what IS this place?

My mechanic was female this time around - said she was new, forget the name, maybe Emilly? Very sharp, very well spoken, very polite. Wouldn't hesitate to have her work on my car again.

I read another review here that they aren't the fastest - and that may be true, but think about it - would you want work on your car rushed? I wouldn't. And there's a reason they're so busy - they're a small shop that's honest and good!

I went there to check the condition of my car. They provided friendly and quick service, even if we did not make any appointment. I like the way they do business, supporting customers with candid options. Unlike the other mechanics who boasts in an area you are unfamiliar with, WASP's priice was much less than expected. I will definitely go back for any service in the future.

We've been coming to WASP with our cars for over 13 years and have always been more than satisfied. Their prices are more than fair, they are great with offering options and explaining them clearly, and they are all so nice!! Even the waiting room is pleasant -- it has a soothing fountain, views of their outside butterfly garden (complete with porch swing), gourmet coffee and tee (free) and NO TV, but with free internet connections instead. Furthermore, oil changes are even faster than those so-called quickie places (and at about half the price). WASP is super!

I'm very happy with my experience at WASP. They will do some diagnostic beforehand and offer me different options. More than once I've aggreed to one price and then have them come back with another--even lower. I refer friends and family.

WASP is a mechanic-owned garage that assigns a specific mechanic to your type of vehicle (Honda, Mazda, Subaru & Toyota) so you know who is working on your vehicle all the time. They are honest, and have solved several quirky problems for us in the past 13 years with Mazda and Honda vehicles. I'd never go anywhere else. Their prices are extremely fair. Old fashioned service and high speed connection. That's awesome!

Durham is home to one of the best mechanics I ever used. WASP automotive (now of south durham) is one of the most honest car guys out there. They we more...