Sam's Auto Repair Service
5
4
3
2
1
Review highlights
"This is the best place ever! They are friendly, helpful and always available in an emergency!! I highly recommend them!"
"This was the second time in four years that ALEX has answered my service call."
"I couldn’t be happier with the work and the consideration of the staff."
Overview
Hours
Sunday
Closed
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Description
Established Sarasota auto repair shop, serving the Sarasota area for over six decades. Formerly known as Sam's Auto Repair, now operating as Elite Auto and Tire. Offering comprehensive car repair and maintenance services, including oil service, tires and more.
Reviews (37)
Jan 31, 2025
WARNING! Do not use this auto repair shop unless you want a “Bait and switch”! My engine light came on and because Sam’s was close I drove it there. I was informed it would be 5 days before they could look at it. That wasn’t a problem. When they called with the estimate $1450.00 and claimed coil wires melted into engine and 5 other issues. I explained the car is 21 years old so just minimal to get engine light off. I was told that I sb happy bc they saved me $37.50. I decided to have it towed to another shop. The new shop had the car ready for me before noon the next day for $208.00! After doing research I found they have had many bad reviews and this is why they are changing their name to ELITE AUTO TIRE. I also called AAA and they will no longer be associated with this shop. Customers beware!
Jan 24, 2025
Responded quickly and replaced battery in my garage , price was substantially less than dealer
Dec 07, 2024
Needed a tire patched the day before a planned trip and they got me in and did a great job.
Sep 07, 2024
Really knowledgeable and very friendly!
Jul 07, 2024
Excellent service. Very nice to deal with. Will come here again.
Jul 07, 2024
Leo from Sam’s responded to my call for service. He was courteous, friendly and quickly got me on the road again. I heard they were good now I’ve had the opportunity to experience their outstanding customer service first hand. Thanks again Leo!!
Jul 07, 2024
My Mazda CX-9 had an intermittent 'no start' problem. They found the problem in one day and fixed the next day (had to order parts). I checked online for part prices and labor costs. Sam's prices were right in the middle, which was good given their 5 star reputation. Nick found a new starter rather then a rebuilt one which was much appreciated. Yes, will use again.
Jul 07, 2024
Sam's is awesome great customer service very nice to deal with I highly recommend them
Jun 07, 2024
Great mechanics, customer service.
Jun 07, 2024
Very nice service and good news and great work
May 07, 2024
We were on vacation last week in Siesta Key and our rental car wouldn’t start. Enterprise sent Sam’s Auto out to help us. If I recall correctly the Technician’s name was Kevin. He arrived quickly and he was very helpful and professional. We are not too happy with Enterprise , but Sam’s was great! Thanks for your help.
Apr 07, 2024
Installed in 15 min. hydraulic thingies for hatch to stay open when I load the Honda CRV hatch. On my other vehicle, Sam's price to complete a steering repair was $400 less than a quote from a local national chain auto repair place. Service at Sam's rarely disappoints.
Apr 07, 2024
Outstanding customer service! Was able to get me in fairly soon, fixed my issue, and then followed up a few weeks later to check on things. Who does that anymore? Highly recommend!!!
Apr 07, 2024
Sam’s was referred to me by another shop. From the first phone call, they were professional and accommodating. They scanned my vehicle, made the appropriate repairs, and gave me options to consider for work that may need to be done in the future. The waiting room is clean, and the mechanics are courteous and have been here for a long time. On top of that, they are a AAA awarded shop and honor the membership discount. I am pleased to have found a place that I can trust to work on my vehicle for a reasonable price.
Apr 07, 2024
These guys are great! Honest, hard working group of guys. My Mama used to take her car to the place on Main St. But they would not let us wait. This shop has a nice cosey spot to sit. Try them out when you need your next service!
Mar 07, 2024
I don't immediately give 5 stars owing simply to my respect for certain proverbs, such as the proof of the pudding is in the tasting, or "time will tell." Sam's may well deserve 5 or 10 stars. The lads there seemed quite decent and forthright and the car is now running well. I respect these guys and if, heavens forbid, new problems arose, it's where I'd go. (Car servicing generally seems awfully expensive to me, but I may be stuck in the 1960s, c'est la vie.) Thanks, Sam's. Here is my second review. February 26. I have edited and added a fifth star. I took my car in today two weeks after the above comments. They checked out a new problem for a reasonable fee. My car is nearly an antique, and, unfortunately, a needed shifter cable is unavailable. They lubed the existing cable and did not consider that a solution. But, as I drove home, the shift actually worked better. So, fingers crossed. Sam's also kindly drove me home and picked me up later in the day to get my car. My impression is that Sam's is all-round reliable. Five stars!
Mar 07, 2024
Sam's is my trusted place to do car repairs. I am pleased to find a completely competent place of business. Well run. I felt at ease knowing that whatever they recommended was necessary. I am a regular customer from now on.
Mar 07, 2024
Some things never change, thankfully. I managed this shop about 10 years or so ago, I have since retired from the automotive business. I just had to express my gratitude & thanks for a job well done once again. Sam, Jerry, Gene, Uziel, & of course James have all worked here since I was there & before. These guys take pride in what they do & only do what's needed however they also tell you what to "keep an eye out for". I can't thank this crew enough for taking such good care of me & my Jeep Wrangler. Keep up the great work guys!!!!
Mar 07, 2024
These guys are amazing. My car is a piece of garbage, but I'm stuck with it right now. These guys do everything they can for me to keep it going. Plus, military discounts if ANYONE in your family served.
Mar 07, 2024
Very impressed with Sam's Auto Repair Service; a well-seasoned, pleasant, professional & helpful staff. They are honest & provide suggestions &/or give FYIs without being pushy & deceitful. Work is done in a timely manner with reasonable cost. I feel very comfortable doing business with them!
Feb 07, 2024
Alex came out today and replaced my battery, explaining the process and the warranty. he was quick, courteous and professional. Five starts!
Feb 07, 2024
Came out from Lowes to discover I had a dead battery in my car. I called AAA and they put me in touch with Sam's Towing Service. I requested a new battery. The technician (Jeremey), arrived in 20 minutes. He was the nicest guy, calm and polite. He answered all my questions, and then proceeded to install the new battery for me. I was so pleased with the prompt service, and with the demeanor and professionalism of Jeremey ... it turned what was a bad experience into a feeling of thankfulness. Thank you AAA, thank you Sam's Towing, and so many thanks to Jeremey.
Feb 07, 2024
For 3years anytime I've had a need or question theywere very attentive friendly honest and timely.
Feb 07, 2024
Good service and great people
Feb 07, 2024
Great service! I recommend them.
Feb 07, 2024
Great service!!
Feb 07, 2024
I took my 2014 pilot in for a ticking noise they told me I need a new engine for 8 grand. I took it to another mechanic and it was the timing belt and some other tuneup oil change for under a grand!! Always get a second opinion. I will never go back plus they charged 170 to lie to me!
Feb 07, 2024
Quick
Feb 07, 2024
The diagnostics did not not reveal anything extra on top of what I already knew. There was a disconnect between what the two gentlemen at the front desk said in each others absense in terms of how the diagnostics was done. Still had to pay the fee. Just wasted time and money. The repair estimate had parts overpriced, there is about 35% surcharge on top dealer price, if the parts intended to installed are OEM, which I would not really know. They do not accept customer parts. Does not look like a place for locals, more of like snow birds.
Feb 07, 2024
The fellas at Sam's have been taking care of me for years, helping to keep my 2 old cars running. They are honest and operate with integrity and kindness! I would highly recommend them to anyone needing vehicle assistance!
Feb 07, 2024
The service people were very honest & helpful with a difficult situation & were able to fit me into their busy schedule without an appt & take care of the work I needed done in a timely manner. They were friendly & the prices were reasonable. They were good at explaining all the necessary details of the situation with my car.
Feb 07, 2024
They are good with your vehicle
Feb 07, 2024
They helped me fix my car. Excellent services
Feb 07, 2024
This shop kept my last car running for 13 years. Now I’m trusting their care to my new car.
Feb 07, 2024
Took my auto to Sam's, repair first time. They took me asap & in a few hrs was back on the road. I shall return. TY Sam's 😊
Feb 07, 2024
Very nice knowledgeable mechanics, First rate operation, I was lucky to find such an organized operation, Bob the service consultant, helped me out and saved the day for me. Thanks again
Feb 07, 2024
tried to play me like a fool