Auto Repair Shops and Mobile Mechanics in Ames, IA

We list 12 in Ames, IA. That covers mobile mechanics, workshops, diesel and heavy duty specialists, body shops and tire shops. Every one has its own page with the phone number, what they work on and the reviews we have found.

Mike's Body & Frame currently holds the highest rating in Ames at 5.0 stars from 73 reviews. Mike's Body & Frame, Groat's Garage, Campus Garage are the top three by rating among businesses with a real review history behind them. We rank on the ratings themselves and nobody can pay to appear there.

Yes. 2 of the businesses we list in Ames will travel to you rather than making you bring the car in. That covers most servicing, brakes, batteries, diagnostics and plenty of repairs that do not need a lift.

Independent shops in Iowa usually bill $85 to $120 an hour for labor. The national range is $95 to $140. Dealers charge more. Most quotes are the book time for the job times that rate, plus parts, so ask the shop how many hours it is billing you for.

Iowa does not require periodic safety or emissions inspections for passenger cars. The Iowa DOT inspects vehicles only for titling cases, such as a car bought out of state with only a registration as proof of ownership.

Yes. 1 of the businesses we list in Ames show Sunday hours, including Rodamaker Mobile Repair. Call first, because Sunday hours are often short and some only take emergencies.

Look at the review count as well as the stars, because five stars from four people tells you very little. None of the 12 listings in Ames has been claimed yet, so call to confirm hours and what the shop works on. Iowa's Motor Vehicle Service Trade Practices Act gives customers the right to a written or oral estimate when repairs will cost more than $50. The bill cannot go over the estimate by more than 10 percent unless the customer approves a higher amount before repairs are finished. Get the quote in writing before any work starts.

Usually not. 2 of the businesses in Ames come to you, and with no building to pay for, they often charge a bit less than a shop. What they cannot do in a driveway is work that needs a lift or a press, so heavy jobs still go to a shop.

Ames gets about 147 nights a year at or below freezing. Cold exposes a weak battery, and salted roads rust brake lines and exhaust parts. Test the battery in the fall and rinse the underbody in winter.

Yes. PPI Auto, our sister company, inspects used cars in Ames for $225 on most cars, pickups and SUVs. The inspector comes to the car, runs a 122 point check and sends the report the same day. Call 951-267-8500 to book.