Satterfields' Auto Tech Services - Decatur, Alabama

Jorge R.

This shop didn't even look at our car, lied, and tried to get us to let them "scrap" our working vehicle.
We brought a car in that wouldn't start up after it started to shake during a long drive. They told us the engine was blown, there was no oil or coolant, extensive internal damage, and the car was not worth fixing. Mind you this is a car with 112k miles and has been regularly maintained. It was definitely worth at least an engine swap, but they continued to say the car wasn't worth it.
We decided to get a second opinion. To our surprise, we didn't need to tow it as we were able to start the car right up. That's right, a car with a "blown engine" was running perfectly fine. The oil was full, and while low, the coolant was not empty.
The second shop, A & T automotive, found that the valve body gasket was leaking oil into the spark plug wells, so after prolonged driving, the spark plugs would be flooded with oil and no longer spark. Hence the bad shake when cylinders would be fine misfiring and be unable to start up. I find it suspicious that Satterfield's diagnosisndidnt include this. The low coolant was caused by a cracked coolant reservoir. $600 in parts plus labor to fix all the issues.
Based off my findings and that of A & T, I can only conclude that this shop didn't take a single look at our car and simply wanted us to sell them the vehicle for them to flip.

Michael V.

Not one for leaving reviews good or bad, but people who need their cars to get around or to get to work need to know about my experience. Made appointment to get my truck checked out two weeks out. Told they had 30 cars ahead of me. I figured hey, good mechanics stay busy. Drop my truck off on a Monday morning of appointment date and was told they would call me after they checked it out. Monday and Tuesday pass, no call. Call them Wednesday afternoon to ask if they had checked my truck out and secretary lady told me they had checked it out but they could not figure out issue and was told they would call when they knew what it was. No call that week. Call them again on Monday and was told by a different person that they had not even looked at it because they were so busy but they definitely would get to it Monday or Tuesday. So told two different things by different people which one was it? At this point wanted to pick up my truck and try a different place but I thought waiting with them was my best chance to get my truck fixed sooner. Finally get a call from them and essentially told it was going to be a big job and I likely only get it done at ford. So 3 weeks of waiting to get my truck worked on by this shop and nothing to show for it. Also asked if I could get what was wrong with my truck in writing. Told they would have it for me on Wednesday. Went early on Wednesday, they didn’t have it. Went on Thursday, they again didn’t have it. I am more understanding of a shop being busy than most folks, but they could at least could’ve communicated more and been more honest about how soon I would get my truck back. Mind you that I had another vehicle down during this time so I had to borrow a car from someone else to get around. So if you need your vehicle back promptly and expect good communication about your car’s issues. I would think twice about trying this place.

Jelani I.

I took my car in due to a check engine light on and a recommendation from the Ford Dealership. I scheduled an appointment but they were behind due to one of their mechanics being out sick. I was very understanding and told them to keep the vehicle. Well that turned into a week and half!! (This seems to be a running issue with these guys, check the other reviews).Well they later told me that an ignition coil was the problem and it was best to replace all of them. There were other warning lights on in the vehicle, but they didn't offer a solution. They said they could do the ignition coils. When they started to quote me the price it was odd because they kept quoting me parts but not labor. The reason was because the job was over $1,000! Pep-Boys price was half that. So I told them I could not get it fixed and needed to get my car back. They charged me a $120 diagnostic fee. When I got my car back I noticed some items missing from the trunk that were there when I left it with them. I asked the owner if by chance maybe his technicians might have moved the items and set them aside. I was polite enough to make sure I didn't accuse them of theft. The owner insisted his technicians were trustworthy because he personally asked them and he trusts them with the keys to his building. It was laughable to say the least. The owner insisted I misplaced the items and rudely hung up on me. So not only did I get no service but got an overpriced quote for the work, no solution for the other issues with the car, them keeping my vehicle for a long time and rudely treated because I inquired about my missing property from my vehicle. Good help is hard to find...

John K.

We lost a transmission in a company van and James and his team replaced the transmission within two days. It would have been sooner, but they could not get the parts, due to an ice storm. They took good care of us.

Ellie

Satterfield's Auto Tech can only be described as an excellent place of business. My truck broke down on route to Decatur from Huntsville. James Satterfield diagnosed the problem and broke the bad news that it was beyond repair! I was devastated and broke. Where would I get the money to get a new car? Mr Satterfield told me about a vehicle that he had just completed repairs on and his wife was driving it so I knew it was probably quite safe. He told me he may be able to get it for me to buy at a fair price! He actually delivered it to my house so I could drive it to a doctor's appointment and test drive it for a couple of days and then he negotiated a price for me from the owner! I was just amazed at his kindness! A month later my problem is solved and I have a very good vehicle thanks to this business owners kindness and caring way of handling his customers: he even arranged to sell my broke down vehicle to another person for parts! If you need car repair do not hesitate to contact Satterfield's Auto Tech ; they are honest trustworthy and go above and beyond what most places will do! No wonder they have been in business so many years here in Decatur Alabama.

probnews that it could no longer be

Lindsey I.

I love this place so very much. They went above and all out for me and my family. Very friendly. I would keep coming back . Just love this place

Reid F.

Mr Satterfield was very nice and accommodating when we had to get our car towed to his shop early on this Thursday morning on the way to the airport. Needless to say we missed our flight. They made us very comfortable and offered us food and drinks while we waited for my cousin to come pick us up from Birmingham. Very honest and down to earth. Clean shop, awesome people. Thank you, Mr Satterfield and Crew!!

-Reid and Sarah

Staisha J.

Mike and the entire Satterfields team was wonderful! They were honest and delivered great service! They took my husbamds truck in for repair in very short notice and sent us away in a loaner until the work was done. Excellent group of people, honest and trustworthy mechanics!