GT Automotive Center — Local services in Ambler

BE CAREFUL!!! DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU EXPECT TO GET ONLY WHAT YOU ASKED FOR.

I recently read a review that closely mirrored my own experience with GT Auto, so I felt compelled to share my story and warn others.

I took my car to GT Auto for a routine oil change since they’re conveniently located near my home. I dropped it off the night before my appointment. By 4:00 pm the next day, I still hadn’t heard anything, so I called to check in, thinking an oil change shouldn’t take all day (even considering they might have been busy or short-staffed). The owner answered and confirmed that the oil change was done but then informed me that my total bill was $380, listing several additional services they performed. I was shocked, as I had only requested an oil change. He explained that they do a courtesy inspection, found a few issues they decided to fix, and proceeded without asking for my consent.

When I expressed my frustration, the owner told me he treats every customer like his granddaughter and wants to make sure their car is in good condition. While I can appreciate the sentiment, it’s completely unacceptable that they didn’t ask for my approval before performing additional work, especially when it added an unexpected $240 to my bill.

I also explained that I’m currently between jobs and had budgeted carefully until starting my new role, so this surprise charge would significantly impact how I support my family. His response was dismissive and condescending—he expressed disbelief that someone could be unemployed in this economy and sarcastically suggested I could apply for a job at his shop. He even pointed out that he pays his employees $60 an hour, which felt like a jab at my situation.

Given this experience, it seems like this is a common practice at GT Auto. I strongly advise anyone considering their services to be prepared for unauthorized work and unexpected charges.

To any GT Auto employees reading this—if you’re not making $120,000 a year like your boss claims, it might be worth asking...

If you have a serious problem, or think you do, go somewhere else. The shop rate is 100 dollars per hour(not posted anywhere, and they won't tell you unless you ask 5 times). Parts prices are high also, and they apparently don't appreciate it if you bring your own parts. They will comb over your vehicle looking for problems, and give you a high pressure up-sell to fix what they find, stating that they found the items during a free inspection that comes with your oil change. I dropped my vehicle off for an transmission service, oil change, tune up (if needed), and to have an engine light checked out. They kept my vehicle all day, called me at 430 to tell me all that was done was the oil change. They went on to tell me that they found many problems with my vehicle, including that I needed new rear brakes and rotors(and wanted 450 dollars for the parts and labor). Also, that they found "material" in my transmission fluid, so they did not service it because it needed a rebuild, in there opinion. The owner told me I could just buy the same year and model jeep for what it was going to cost me to do all the work my vehicle needed. They were unmoving on their price, and related to me that in their opinion no one else did work as well as them (or apparently as slowly) so that's why it costs more. In the end I left, paying 258 dollars, for an oil change and diagnostics for 4 engine codes (light is still on). I decided not to pay the 150 dollars for the transmission service(it was on special), and opted not to have them rebuild my transmission. In the final moments before I left, Harry(the owner), insulted me and my vehicle. Here, the customer is not always right. This was my first time,...

Would like to start off by saying that I really don’t leave bad reviews but people should know what kind of business this is. Had my car taken to GT automotive for an inspection, the car was there all day and I get a phone call around 5 pm that there were multiple issues. The major ones in my eyes were the “low” tires Harry claimed to have 1.5/32 of thread left. State requires a minimum of 2/32 - subpart E of the DOT inspection vehicle equipment and inspections regulations. The second was a coolant leak from an apparent broken spring clip. No evidence of coolant in the garage or driveway. Harry also stated that I needed a oil change, new radiator hoses, engine air filter (all not listed as a requirement under subpart E) for a state inspection on top of tires as he stated were at 1/32 practically bald. He could help me out and complete all the work for $1900.

I told him to fix the spring clamp and refill the radiator with the correct fluid ~ $300. Upon getting the car home, I dug around for my tire gauge and proceeded to measure the tires (pictures below are tire measurements 6/32) The tires that are on the car now are around $400 a tire with plenty of life left. I called him to try and explain the discrepancies and he proceeded to scream through the phone, told me not to bring the car back for the no fee state required reinspection and hung up.

Anyone reading this should absolutely be skeptical of this place for a state inspection. Maybe people think it’s great but the truth is maybe they just don’t know and take this guy...