What Our Customers Think
Here at Top Gear Auto, we understand that many businesses make promises that don’t match the experience, and we believe you deserve better. Our Reviews page shares honest feedback from real customers, so you can see how we actually work: the quality of our repairs, the clarity of our service, and the care we provide to every vehicle. Read what people have to say to make an informed decision with confidence, straightforward, transparent, and based on real experiences.
Tyna
Can't say enough about this business. I was stopped on the side of the road calling roadside assistance. This young man stopped asked if I needed help. Told him the problem and he told me his family had an auto repair shop right up the road and would be glad to help me. He took me to the rental car place (which was closing in about one hour - it was a Sunday) and arranged to have my car taken to his shop. He told me the name (which I thought I would remember) but not the address. He just said up the street. I thought it was Top Notch Auto (I remembered top and auto). I knew there were lots of auto repair places in the vicinity. I went to the area (but unfortunately not far down enough. Long story shortened - I was at my wits end when my phone rang. The young man realized he had not given me a card or address, went back to the car rental place - told him I had just left, gave him my number - we had probably crossed paths. They told me where to come - literally one more bay of buildings from where I had just been.
They checked my car the next day, gave an estimate and told me it would be ready on Tuesday. Also found a couple minor things that needed attention and took care of those. It was worth every penny - and reasonable - all things considered. I was trying to buy myself a new car for my birthday.
Very pleasant and knowledgeable. I will be going back for my car needs. They say every woman needs a good mechanic - finally found one!
Thanks for the service.
Fernandes
Had an alternator problem all the way in Ames — they towed my car to Iowa City late at night for a very reasonable price, did all the work, and the service was excellent. Great experience and even friendlier gentlemen.
Lauren
When my 2020 Toyota Corolla battery died out of nowhere, right after the first cold snap of the 2025 season (in late November, and during its first-ever time in a snowy climate), it showed a "check engine" message that concerned me.
When I called Top Gear for advice, they told me that I could come in for a free 10-minute diagnostic during their normal 9-5 business hours, no appointment needed. (That was already a huge and wonderful contrast to the other top-rated auto shop in the area, who said that they would not have any availability until a few WEEKS from now.)
I drove my freshly-jumped Corolla over to the shop and was greeted quickly and pleasantly by Gusai (or I believe that was his name? Forgive me if I misremembered). I had my bus route mapped out in case I needed to leave the car there overnight or something.
Thankfully, he was able to assess my vehicle right away, and he explained very clearly and simply that my battery was so dead that it would not hold a charge any longer. Unless I replaced it, I would need to jumpstart it every time, which was a clear sign that a new battery was needed.
Until he explained some of the mechanics to me, I had not previously realized that hybrids have not only a large, deep hybrid battery, which can cost around ~$6k to replace, but ALSO have a smaller battery for normal operations that lasts around 5 years (exactly as long as mine had lived until that point) and which only runs you ~$200 to replace.
Gusai was able to get me that battery straight from the O'Reilly's down the road. It has a three-year warranty, which made it feel worth the money to me, and it only took him 20 minutes after making his diagnosis for it to arrive and him to install it.
The overall experience took less than an hour, was very pleasant and even diverting (since the shop appropriately has the British TV show also called "Top Gear" playing in their waiting room). Even though my phone was about to die, I felt comfortable, warm, and well entertained while my battery issues were quickly resolved.
I highly recommend this establishment, not only for the quality of its work, but also for the pleasant nature of its ownership. I gather that it is a family business, and after interacting with the son of the father-son team tonight, I can safely say that I would definitely return there if I needed any other fixes anytime soon. Finally, as I was leaving I asked a couple more questions about how to be prepared for driving in the winter weather, and Gusai offered to check the tread on my tires for me (for free, as a courtesy). Five stars for sure. 🙂
Troy
Such a perfect experience. Had a coolant hose break on a Hawkeye football game day as I parked. Called at 2pm, was fixed by 8 pm on a Sat night. He went and got the coolant hose himself to replace my broken part. Would recommend this place immensely. Good work! Drove home after the game that night.
Paras
After a bad experience elsewhere, I brought my Mercedes Benz E350 2014 to this shop. We spoke on the phone first, and the mechanic inspected the car.
They checked both the main and auxiliary batteries. They confirmed both were healthy and original. No unnecessary replacements were suggested.
They identified the real issue quickly. Re inserting a specific fuse fixed the auto start problem.
As discussed on the phone, the diagnosis was completely free. I was not charged even a penny. That level of honesty is genuine and legitimate.
I highly recommend this place for clear and trustworthy service.
Isabel
This place helped me get a hamster stuck out of the dashboard of my car! If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The very nice man working was very determined and amazing!!
Michael
Very high quality and did me a solid. He was able to get me in right away and made sure everything was taken care of before giving the car back. Very very nice and friendly, with very good prices. I will definitely take my car back here in the future and recommend to anyone else. Thank you much!!
Matt
Absolutely 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆. All I can say is these guy have it going on. Traveling home to MI from AZ, had a truck issue. Called 3 places, they were beyond helpful. Get it here and we can see what’s going on.
ON A SUNDAY!! I am a fellow small business owner, this is exactly how things should operate. Fantastic people, thank you!! (Ps we made it home in 4wd auto. 😮💨
Thank you again gentlemen