Auto repair shop · San Antonio, TX · reviewed since 2013
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%61+33.3Reliability 24%46+11.2Value 14%92+13Replies to reviews 7%46+3.3Momentum penalty39−6.1Experts Score= 55Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.55SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#577 of 588 auto repair shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 2%
4.8★★★★★264 Google reviews · 24 photos
90%five-star reviews
4.25★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
13.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers with a 4.8 rating from 264 reviews generally praise Sanford Auto Service for honest pricing, timely repairs, and clear communication regarding services like AC replacement, transmission work, and general maintenance. Recurring themes include fair estimates and efficient turnaround times, often contrasting favorably with other local shops. However, low-star reviews highlight concerns about unexpected costs, parts substitutions without prior consent, and difficulty resolving warranty claims or unresolved mechanical issues.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 264 reviews (90% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 264 Google reviews (230 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 14% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 19, 2026.
Service: Auto Repair Shop serving San Antonio, Texas.
Data from Google, last updated November 5, 2026.
Score profile vs other auto repair shops
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and value; weakest: momentum.
Sanford Auto ServiceAuto Repair Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Sanford Auto Service: 61/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.B
61
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Sanford Auto Service: 46/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.C
46
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Sanford Auto Service: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Sanford Auto Service: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
92
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Sanford Auto Service: 39/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.D
39
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Sanford Auto Service: 46/100 on this factor. Category median: 57.C
46
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
264 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars23890%
4 stars104%
3 stars31%
2 stars42%
1 star93%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 230 written reviews
97%praise
Praise44197%
Complaints143%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
83%fair
Great price117%
Reasonable467%
Overpriced117%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Price & value9521%
Staff & attitude8218%
Speed & response6815%
Quality & results6514%
Honesty & trust6514%
Would recommend5412%
Communication266%
What customers talk about
We read 230 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Had to have my truck AC completely replaced, very fair on the cost and timely for such a big job”
“Over priced work and had the car for a week for a starter”
“…anford was sooo awesome I totally recommend going here, Tracy was so helpful as well…”
“Randomly called Sanford and asked for a quote for the same service and they quoted me $1,100 and did the service same day.”
“), everyone was honest, transparent, and dedicated to quality work.”
“old fathers Suburban to Tracy 3 times, still did not fix the oil leak.”
“These guys not only have my business but have my trust and will now be the only place I take my vehicles.”
“…wary of auto shops and price gouging but Sanford was sooo awesome I totally recommend going here, Tracy was so helpful as well…”
“and the so call manager didn't want to honor their warranty never again will go there.”
“It was affordable and they had great communication!”
People customers mention
Steve24 reviews
Tracy14 reviews
Ron4 reviews
Winn4 reviews
Automotive3 reviews
Groupon3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Sanford Auto Service for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
KKatieLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Went to another auto shop and got quoted $1,700 for a service. Randomly called Sanford and asked for a quote for the same service and they quoted me $1,100 and did the service same day. They also did not charge me for the diagnostic fee since I had just paid it at the other place. These guys not only have my…
DDanielLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★
Sanford Auto Service has consistently been good to me since I started going to them for my car issues. When my car’s AC needed replacement last year, Tracy was especially helpful in diagnosing and resolving the issue. Work was completed in a reasonable time for each issues, and subsequent maintenance and repairs have performed reliably.
JJerryLocal Guide · 30 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Had to have my truck AC completely replaced, very fair on the cost and timely for such a big job
Reasonable priceAuto A/C replacement
Zzach4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
Very happy with my headlight restoration! It was affordable and they had great communication!
Reasonable priceService not listed
KKaylie6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
My 2019 hyundai had been giving me soo many issues, I took it here and they gave me a great price on an inspection (100) and were able to inspect my car, fix it, and have it back to me in the same day!!! The prices were super reasonable I felt they were very honest. As a young women who is not a car person I’m wary…
Reasonable price
NNancyLocal Guide · 341 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 11 months ago★★★★★
2nd visit for maintenance. Very pleased with the work and the price. Excellent Mom and Pop business since 1956 I believe. I highly recommend them.
Great priceGeneral repairs & maintenanceAuto A/C replacementService not listed
Went to another auto shop and got quoted $1,700 for a service. Randomly called Sanford and asked for a quote for the same service and they quoted me $1,100 and did the service same day. They also did not charge me for the diagnostic fee since I had just paid it at the other place. These guys not only have my business but have my trust and will now be the only place I take my vehicles. Timely, trustworthy, and fair prices. Thank you so much we are so happy to have cold air in our truck again!!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the glowing review, Katie! We are thrilled we could save you money, get your truck's air cold again, and earn your trust all in the same day. Welcome to the Sanford Auto Service family!
P
patrick davis5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews patrick has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I've been taking my cars to Sanford for over 30 years, and had always been treated fairly and honestly. However, recently, circumstances have led me to question their current reliability. A couple of months ago, my son took his car there on my recommendation and was told it needed a new transmission, cost of over $5000. We agreed to the work and paid the bill.
Then, recently, my daughter-in-law also took her car there and was told the same thing: new transmission, $5000. She couldn't afford that, so she had a friend who is a mechanic look at it, and after hooking up the computer, he found the problem was merely a sensor that needed replacing, cost of $120. When he called Sanford to inquire about their estimate, they refused to discuss it and told him they didn't need my daughter-in-law's business.
That made me question my son's work, so we had an independent mechanic inspect his car, and he told us that the transmission had indeed been replaced, but that the problem was far more likey the torque converter, which could have been replaced at a cost of less than half of what we paid for the transmission.
Draw your own conclusions from this narrative, but if you take your car there and they quote a costly repair, I strongly suggest you seek a second opinion.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Services: Transmission
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for being a loyal customer for 30 years, Allen. We take your feedback seriously and hold our diagnostics to the highest standards. We regret that your recent experience left you feeling disappointed. We stand behind our recommendations, but we would welcome the opportunity to review these vehicle services directly with you. Please reach out to our management team so we can address your concerns personally.
D
Daniel ZamarripaLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Daniel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Sanford Auto Service has consistently been good to me since I started going to them for my car issues. When my car’s AC needed replacement last year, Tracy was especially helpful in diagnosing and resolving the issue. Work was completed in a reasonable time for each issues, and subsequent maintenance and repairs have performed reliably.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto A/C recharge, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Daniel, thank you for your thoughtful review and continued trust. We’re glad Tracy and the team could help with your AC repair and ongoing vehicle maintenance. We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to keeping your car running smoothly.
J
Jerry BrozLocal Guide · 30 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jerry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very happy with my headlight restoration! It was affordable and they had great communication!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thanks so much, Zach! We are glad you are happy with your headlight restoration. Clear communication and fair pricing are important to us, so we appreciate you pointing that out. Let us know if you ever need anything else!
K
Kaylie O'Connell6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kaylie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My 2019 hyundai had been giving me soo many issues, I took it here and they gave me a great price on an inspection (100) and were able to inspect my car, fix it, and have it back to me in the same day!!! The prices were super reasonable I felt they were very honest. As a young women who is not a car person I’m wary of auto shops and price gouging but Sanford was sooo awesome I totally recommend going here, Tracy was so helpful as well
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Kaylie, this made our day. We are so glad we could get your Hyundai inspected and repaired quickly and at a price you felt good about. Tracy will be happy to hear your kind words. Thank you for trusting us and for the recommendation!
J
Jerry StrainerLocal Guide · 20 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jerry has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great customer service, Tracy is very knowledgeable
Response from the owner · Edited 9 months ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our customer service and that Tracy was able to assist you with his expertise.
N
Nancy Varga KrzywonskiLocal Guide · 341 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nancy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
2nd visit for maintenance. Very pleased with the work and the price. Excellent Mom and Pop business since 1956 I believe. I highly recommend them.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto A/C replacement, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you for coming back to see us, Nancy! We are proud to serve our community with quality, honest work at fair prices. We truly appreciate your recommendation and support!
J
John Casiano5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews John has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My 2012 F-150 Eco-boost hit 250,000 mi this month. It's been a relief more than once knowing I could trust Sanford Auto and Mr. Tracy to take care of us over all these years when we needed it. One more comment my mileage has actually gotten better this year. I just realized writing this, maybe my foot isn't as heavy as it used to be. Haha
