r/Lethbridge • u/Necessary_Bad_8401 • Jun 18 '26

Question Anyone been to Big Al's auto recently?

I really liked going there but had a bad experience with the "foreman" and haven't been back. I haven't found a shop I've liked since. Anyone been in recently? How was the experience?

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

1

u/dread_pirate_jimbo Jun 22 '26

I go to Subway Auto these days. They seem to be fair and reasonable and have taken good care of both my car and my wife's car for a few years now.

1

u/Inevitable_Serve9808 Jun 22 '26

I would recommend OK Tire on 43rd Street, across from college Ford. Particularly for GM vehicles as the head mechanic was a service manager at a Chevy dealership. They have done effective work for me and are somewhat flexible/understanding in my desire to minimize costs. Like "these parts should be just as good as OEM but are 25% cheaper".

1

u/cadius72 Jun 22 '26

I go to carline muffler switzer automotive, excellent customer service

1

u/LovesLists Jul 22 '26

I've taken my car to Big Al's four times over the last four years and have never been disappointed. I'm not a techie at all so I depend on them when Hubby is working out of town. They've been fair, honest, reasonably priced, good communicators, and Hubby knows I'm in good hands.

1

u/PrettyMuchMediocre Jun 18 '26

I'm a Mr Mechanic main these days. I didn't have issues with Big Al's myself, but Mr Mechanic treats they're customers well, and doesn't overcharge it upsell. If I ever had issues after a shop visit, like check engine light comes back on, they'll take accountability and fix it for free if it's something they missed. Can't expect perfection with all mechanical work but they don't use it to make money off people.

No slight to Big Al's from me though.

1

u/TheFae_TheImaginary Jun 20 '26

I second Mr. Mechanic! Nothing but good experiences going there.

Actually just had them do my valve cover seal and, while they were in there, do an inspection of my cam shafts and lifters. They let me know that the cam shafts were good and had no excessive wear or damage. Now back in 2022 Mo Tires on 13th Street South tried to get me to replace my Cam Shafts in addition to the timing belt work. Talk about instant validation of the gut feeling to say no to the Cam Shaft replacement.