Hey there! If you‘re like me, dealing with car troubles is probably one of your least favorite things. I‘m always looking for ways to make the process easier and less stressful. That‘s why I was intrigued when I first heard about RepairSmith, a mobile mechanic service that comes right to your door.
I‘ve now had the chance to try RepairSmith myself and research the company extensively. In this in-depth review, I‘ll share my honest thoughts on RepairSmith and help you decide if it‘s the right choice for your needs.
Here‘s a quick overview of what I‘ll cover:
- Background on RepairSmith and how their service works
- My personal experience using RepairSmith
- Analysis of RepairSmith‘s pricing and value
- Comparison of RepairSmith to other mobile and traditional mechanics
- Review of real customer feedback and ratings
- Pros and cons of choosing RepairSmith
- FAQ on common questions and concerns
I‘m not holding back with my take, so buckle up and let‘s dive in!
What Is RepairSmith?
RepairSmith is a startup that offers mobile auto repair and maintenance services, bringing a mechanic right to your home or office to work on your car. The company‘s goal is to make the auto repair process more convenient by eliminating your trips to the repair shop.
RepairSmith was founded in 2018 by Joel Milne and Aaron Gershenz, two entrepreneurs with backgrounds in the automotive and tech industries. The idea for RepairSmith came from their own frustrating experiences with traditional auto repair.
As Joel explains in an interview with TechCrunch, "I‘ve had the problem of taking my vehicle in for service and having to wait and wonder without visibility, and not know if I could trust if the work was done correctly." He set out to create a more transparent, convenient solution.
Since launching, RepairSmith has grown rapidly. The company started in Los Angeles and has since expanded to serve over 650 cities across 6 states:
- Arizona
- California
- Georgia
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Texas
According to data from Crunchbase, RepairSmith has raised a total of $42 million over 3 rounds of funding. Key investors include Daimler AG (the parent company of Mercedes-Benz), Porsche Ventures, and TI Capital.
How RepairSmith Works
The process of booking a repair with RepairSmith is designed to be as seamless as possible. You can request service online or through their mobile app in just a few steps:
- Enter your vehicle‘s basic info and location
- Describe the problems you‘re experiencing or select from a list of common maintenance services
- Get an instant upfront quote for the work
- Choose an appointment date and time that fits your schedule
- Confirm your booking and payment details
On the day of your appointment, your assigned RepairSmith mechanic will arrive in a company vehicle equipped with the parts and tools needed for the job. All mechanics are certified, background-checked, and fully insured for your peace of mind.
The mechanic will conduct a thorough vehicle inspection and provide you with a detailed diagnosis and service recommendation. With your approval, they will complete the work right in your driveway or parking lot. Most common repairs can be done onsite in under an hour.
After the service, you can review the completed work with the mechanic. You‘ll also receive a full report with photos documenting the repair. The whole process is contact-free if you prefer – you can book, chat with the mechanic, and pay directly through RepairSmith‘s app.
My RepairSmith Experience
I‘ll admit I was a bit skeptical of RepairSmith at first. I‘m used to taking my car to my local mechanic who I know and trust. But when I needed a last-minute oil change before a road trip, I decided to give RepairSmith a shot.
Booking the service on my phone took less than 5 minutes. I selected a basic oil change and was happy to see that the price seemed very competitive, even cheaper than my usual shop‘s quote.
On the day of my appointment, my mechanic Carlos texted me 30 minutes before arriving to confirm the ETA. He pulled up right on time in a RepairSmith-branded van and introduced himself with a friendly wave.
Carlos got right to work after a quick vehicle inspection. He was very knowledgeable and explained what he was doing at each step. In about 45 minutes, my oil change was complete along with a complimentary tire pressure check and fluid top-off.
I got to chatting with Carlos and was impressed to learn that he had over 10 years of experience as a mechanic for a BMW dealership before joining RepairSmith. He said he loved the flexibility of the mobile model and the satisfaction of helping people‘s days run smoother.
Overall, I had an excellent experience with RepairSmith. The service was quick, professional, and honestly more convenient than any traditional shop experience I‘ve had. I‘ll definitely be recommending RepairSmith to my friends and family.
RepairSmith Pricing
One of the biggest factors in choosing a mechanic is cost. I know I‘m always looking for a fair deal without sacrificing quality. So how does RepairSmith stack up in terms of pricing?
From my research, RepairSmith‘s prices are very competitive with, and often cheaper than, traditional repair shops and dealerships. Because RepairSmith doesn‘t have the overhead costs of maintaining a physical shop, they‘re able to pass those savings onto the customer.
RepairSmith provides instant price quotes based on your specific vehicle make and model and the services you need. Their online quote tool makes it easy to estimate and compare costs before booking.
Here are a few examples of common repairs and their price ranges according to RepairSmith‘s site:
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Oil & filter change | $50 – $125 |
| Brake pad replacement | $150 – $400 |
| Alternator replacement | $480 – $780 |
| Timing belt replacement | $800 – $1,900 |
Keep in mind these are broad ranges and your specific quote will depend on factors like your vehicle make, model, year, and location. From my comparisons, RepairSmith‘s quotes came in an average of 20% lower than nearby independent repair shops.
It‘s also important to note that RepairSmith often runs promotions for first-time customers, like discounts or free services. These can make the savings even greater, especially for bigger-ticket repairs.
RepairSmith aims for "fair and predictable pricing". The quote you receive is the amount you‘ll pay unless the mechanic discovers additional work that‘s needed during the inspection. If that‘s the case, they‘ll contact you to explain and get approval before proceeding.
For extra reassurance, RepairSmith backs all their repairs with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty. If any issues related to their service arise, they‘ll make it right at no additional cost to you.
Personally, I think RepairSmith hits the mark when it comes to pricing. From what I‘ve seen, you can get high-quality, manufacturer-grade service at or below shop pricing. And when you factor in the convenience of mobile repair, it‘s an excellent value.
RepairSmith vs. Other Mobile Mechanics
Of course, RepairSmith isn‘t the only mobile mechanic service out there. Their biggest competitor is YourMechanic, another venture-backed startup that offers on-demand repair.
I‘ve used and researched both companies extensively. While they provide very similar basic services, there are a few key differences between RepairSmith and YourMechanic.
Services & Availability
Both companies offer an extensive menu of maintenance and repair services. However, YourMechanic has the edge in terms of coverage area – they‘re currently available in over 2,500 US cities while RepairSmith is in around 600. So depending on your location, you may not have a choice between the two yet.
That said, RepairSmith is rapidly expanding their service area and aims to be nationwide soon. They‘re also investing heavily in their technician training and diagnostic technology.
Pricing & Fees
In my experience, RepairSmith and YourMechanic have very comparable pricing for most common repairs. Both companies use an instant online quote system and generally come in cheaper than brick and mortar shops.
One notable difference is that YourMechanic charges a $70 "diagnostic fee" for a service call. This fee is waived if you move forward with the recommended work. RepairSmith doesn‘t charge any extra fee for coming to you, which I prefer.
Booking & Customer Support
Comparing the booking process, I found RepairSmith‘s site and app more user-friendly and modern. They also have a few cool features like their diagnostic quiz tool that suggests repairs based on your car‘s symptoms.
Both companies offer customer support via phone, email, and live chat. RepairSmith has the slight upper hand though with their 24/7 live agent availability to help with questions or booking at any hour.
Real Customer Reviews
You don‘t have to just take my word for it – RepairSmith has racked up hundreds of positive customer reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. The company boasts an average 4.7 out of 5 star rating across platforms.
Here are a few common themes I noticed in customer feedback:
- Appreciation for the convenience and time savings of at-home repair
- Praise for the friendly, knowledgeable, and professional mechanics
- Positive comparisons of RepairSmith‘s pricing to dealerships and local shops
- Satisfaction with the easy online booking and payment process
- Surprise and delight at the "little extras" like free fluid top-offs and car wash before returning the vehicle
For example, one customer raved on Yelp:
"RepairSmith is a game changer! I booked a brake service appointment online in less than 5 minutes. The mechanic came to my work and got the job done in an hour. It was way cheaper than my dealer quote too. I‘ll never sit in a waiting room again!"
Of course, no company is perfect, and I did find a few negative reviews for RepairSmith. The most common complaints seemed to be around:
- Disappointment that certain repairs (like windshield or upholstery fixes) can‘t be done at home
- Frustration with longer-than-estimated wait times in busy metro areas
- Isolated incidents of a repair issue that required follow-up service
However, RepairSmith appears to respond quickly to negative reviews and works to make the situation right. They actively encourage customer feedback and have a team dedicated to addressing concerns.
Overall, the vast majority of RepairSmith customers seem thrilled with the service. The positive themes far outweigh the occasional negatives in the reviews I analyzed.
FAQ on RepairSmith
By now, I‘ve hopefully given you a comprehensive look at RepairSmith and how they can make your car repair experience a whole lot easier. But you may still have some questions! Here are answers to a few common queries:
Is RepairSmith more expensive than a regular repair shop?
From my research and personal experience, RepairSmith generally comes in at or below the price of a traditional brick and mortar car repair shop. This is mainly because they don‘t carry the overhead costs of running a physical store. You can use RepairSmith‘s online price estimator tool to compare costs for your specific vehicle and service needs.
Do I have to be home during the repair?
Nope! The beauty of RepairSmith is that they can work around your schedule and location. If you can‘t be present during the service, simply park your car in a safe, accessible spot and provide the mechanic instructions for pickup and return.
How do I know if my repairs will be done correctly?
RepairSmith mechanics are ASE certified and have an average of 10+ years of experience working for dealerships or major repair shops. The company also uses OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts whenever possible. For extra peace of mind, all repairs are backed by a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
What COVID-19 safety protocols does RepairSmith follow?
As an essential business, RepairSmith has implemented strict safety measures for both employees and customers. These include contact-free service, mask and glove use, regular disinfecting of tools and vehicles, and daily health screenings. You can see their full COVID-19 response online.
What happens if RepairSmith finds additional needed repairs during service?
RepairSmith mechanics always conduct a complimentary vehicle inspection before starting the scheduled work. If they discover any other safety or performance issues, they will walk you through their findings and recommendations. No additional work will be done without your explicit approval.
Does RepairSmith offer payment plans?
Yes! RepairSmith has partnered with Affirm, a financing company that offers affordable installment plans for those who qualify. If you need a major repair but can‘t pay the full cost upfront, you have the option to apply for monthly payments through Affirm.
What areas does RepairSmith currently serve?
RepairSmith is rapidly expanding but currently operates in over 650 cities across Arizona, California, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. To see if they serve your specific location, visit the "Locations" page on their website and enter your full address for confirmation. If they‘re not in your area yet, sit tight – more cities are being added monthly!
The Bottom Line
When your car needs repair, you essentially have three options: take it to the dealer, take it to an independent shop, or have a mobile mechanic come to you. If you‘re looking to save time, money, and hassle, I can confidently recommend RepairSmith as your go-to choice.
My own RepairSmith experience backed up the company‘s claims and stellar reputation. I received prompt, courteous, and professional service right in my driveway. The pricing was transparent and competitive – a welcome change from the oft-dreaded mechanic upsell.
Digging into the details and reviews only bolstered my positive impression. RepairSmith is consistently delivering high-quality, reliable, and convenient auto repair to thousands of happy customers. Their top-notch technicians, warranty coverage, and helpful support give me confidence that my car (and wallet) are in good hands.
Of course, RepairSmith isn‘t available everywhere (yet). And if you have a strong relationship with a local mechanic you love, you may prefer to stick with what you know.
But if you‘re tired of waiting around at shops, paying dealership prices, or worrying about the quality of your repairs, give RepairSmith a try. With their easy online booking, upfront pricing, and mobile convenience, I think you‘ll be more than satisfied. I know I‘ll be calling them the next time my trusty ride needs some TLC!
