5 Best Auto Repair Shops in Ottawa to Check Out! [REVIEWED]

Auto repair businesses are all the rage in a big city like Ottawa, where there can be more actual traffic in need of such services as there is foot traffic.

But sometimes, motorists of the Canadian capital need a little bit of help in choosing a place to treat their set of wheels right, most especially for unfamiliar visitors.

This is where we at Auto Almanac come in like we always do, guiding our readers to the best auto repair services via our criteria-based reviews and ratings wherever they may be! 

Spark Auto

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Website	https://www.sparkautorepair.com/
Address	96 Nelson St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7R5, Canada
Contact Information	+1 613-744-7647 / [email protected]
Operating Hours	Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 6 PMFriday: 8 AM – 5:30 PMSaturday – Sunday: CLOSED
Services	Maintenance, Wheels, Alignment, Powder Coating, Brakes, Engine Service, Starter Package, Professional Package, Deluxe Package

Our Overall Rating: 9/10

Criteria	Score
Professional Experience	9.5/10
Facilities and Equipment	8.5/10
Task Efficiency	9/10
Pricing and Quotations	9/10
Customer Service	9/10

Ottawa car owners who would love to spark some life back into their pride and enjoy once again can hit up Spark Auto for its high-quality auto repair services and dedication to customer satisfaction.

With over a decade of experience working on all types of vehicles, Spark Auto has proven to be one of the most dependable shops in the city, and we’re inclined to think that it can get even better over time based on the output it has shown so far.

Sure, it’s not the biggest and fanciest shop out there, which equates to a longer queue of cars on busier days. But the fact that it gets this many customers is telling of the amount of trust people have for this place.

You can expect all of the typical maintenance and repair services, and the pricing is not that bad either, especially when it comes to its tire sales.

Whether it’s the mechanics or the front desk, the people at Spark Auto very much operate in a systematic manner when it comes to choosing the right parts, all while ensuring that everything is explained to the customer with full transparency.

With that said, we believe this system still needs some work. For instance, they’re pretty insistent on not using parts that you bring, and they tend to make mistakes when taking on too many jobs at once.

Customer Reviews

They were extremely accommodating 

“Great experience!  I was stuck in Ottawa with a broken alternative belt.  I had to leave at noon.  Called in the morning, they were extremely accommodating.  I was out at 11:00.  This is a family business that save my vacation.  Thanks again!!!” – larrry paille

Able to tackle more complex engine repairs

“Called in this morning to replace my spark plugs on my 2009 f-150. The guys there are very knowledgeable and professional. They gave me a good price for labour and it was done within the same day upon my request. I highly recommend this garage for any kind of work. Seems like they are able to tackle more complex engine repairs as well.” – Tony Kim

Takaki Automotive

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Website	http://takakiauto.com/
Address	47 Hintonburg Pl, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2H4, Canada
Contact Information	+1 613-728-7529
Operating Hours	Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 5 PMSaturday – Sunday: CLOSED
Services	Japanese Imports, All Makes and Models, Maintenance, Advanced Diagnostics, DriveClean, Tire Storage

Our Overall Rating: 9.7/10

Criteria	Score
Professional Experience	10/10
Facilities and Equipment	9.5/10
Task Efficiency	9.5/10
Pricing and Quotations	9.5/10
Customer Service	10/10

Takaki Automotive isn’t just your typical repair business but exudes a culture for the love of cars that it has managed to preserve for the decades that it’s been serving the local community.

We like how even before we started reviewing Takaki Automotive, it had already established its own philosophy of how it wants to run its business. As simple as it is, we can say it’s been really effective in propelling the shop to its reputation today.

Operating on its principles of honesty, fair pricing, competitive rates, and complete customer satisfaction, we’re very impressed to see that Takaki’s team has consistently lived up to them for every car that comes in.

It’s no surprise to us that they know their way around Japanese imports given their background, but they’re very dependable even when it comes to domestic brands. We are curious, however, how they’ll handle European brands.

The owners, the mechanics, and just about everybody in the shop are as nice and welcoming as they come, ever striving for the utmost customer care even during more hectic times of the year.

Even the physical shop is nicely built and pleasant to look at even though there are other places out there that can accommodate more cars and customers at once.

Customer Reviews

Genuinely dedicated to quality service

“We experienced a suspension problem with our car. After reaching out to Takaki on a Saturday, they impressively responded within an hour. In just 72 hours, our car was expertly repaired at a reasonable cost, meeting our satisfaction. This shop operates with commendable transparency, and the team is genuinely dedicated to quality service. Highly recommended for their excellent business practices!” – Brandon Davenport

Exemplary service for me and for my various cars

“I’ve been going to Takaki Automotive for the last 45 years, first when Kunio Takaki was running the business and now with his two sons.  I have never in all that time had anything other than exemplary service for me and for my various cars a number of which were old and challenging to work on. Skill, value and honesty are words I would use to describe the business and everyone who works there, mechanics and support staff. Highly recommended.” – carol english

A16 Automotive (Auto Parts & Recycling)

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Website	http://www.a16automotive.ca/
Address	1756 Bantree St, Ottawa, ON K1B 3W4, Canada
Contact Information	+1 613-736-3636
Operating Hours	Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 5 PMSaturday – Sunday: CLOSED
Services	Mechanical Repairs, Body Shop, Oil Changes, Tires, Heavy Equipment Repairs, Parts Delivery, Towing Services; New, Used, and Rebuilt Auto Parts

Our Overall Rating: 8.8/10

Criteria	Score
Professional Experience	9.5/10
Facilities and Equipment	9.5/10
Task Efficiency	8.5/10
Pricing and Quotations	8/10
Customer Service	8.5/10

A16 Automotive has almost every part that you could ever need while also providing exceptional repair service that even older vehicle models can benefit from!

Places like these actually make you think twice about parting with your old car by meticulously repairing and restoring it to make you fall in love with it again. It’s even more impressive that it can do that at a considerably reasonable price.

Of course, the seemingly unending knowledge about different vehicle components and specifications all come naturally for a repair shop that doubles as an auto parts shop like A16.

But while its automotive expertise is nothing to scoff at, we wouldn’t say it’s the best place to be 24/7 and 365 days a year, as it also has its flaws in terms of customer service, price quotes, and even quality of work and items.

Customer service can get a bit disorganized, leading to some customers getting misquoted or coming back because of recurring vehicle problems. On occasion, some replacement parts end up being of lower quality than expected.

To a greater degree, however, we think that their overall trustworthiness remains very much intact as a repair shop and parts supplier, with hundreds of customers receiving A-grade service and parts that last.

Customer Reviews

Definitely worth a call if you need something

“Good guys, straightforward and no BS. I bought a couple of parts for my Honda civic’s cruise control, good price and worked fine. They also tested a pump i got at Kenny U-pull to see if it works, that save me a few hundred. They are definitely worth a call if you need something.” – Ian Weatherall

Would rate 10/10 stars if it was possible

“Great experience, would rate 10/10 stars if it was possible. As a young woman I’m often worried that car companies will take advantage of my lack of knowledge about cars but I feel confident coming here. The owner is very kind and his son is cute so that’s a bonus!” – Britney Jasmine

Barrhaven Auto Centre

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Website	https://barrhavenauto.com/?id=5
Address	890 Greenbank Rd, Nepean, ON K2J 1A2, Canada
Contact Information	+1 613-825-1831
Operating Hours	Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PMSaturday – Sunday: CLOSED
Services	Automobile Inspections, Battery, Alternator, Starters, Alignment, Brakes, Clutch, Electrical Repairs, Exhaust Systems, Fuel Injection Service, Heating/Air Conditioning, Oil Changes, Safety Certificates, Shocks/Struts, Steering, Suspension, Tire Installation, Transmission, Tune-ups, Warranty Approved Maintenance, etc.

Our Overall Rating: 9.3/10

Criteria	Score
Professional Experience	10/10
Facilities and Equipment	9.5/10
Task Efficiency	9/10
Pricing and Quotations	9/10
Customer Service	9/10

Family-owned businesses usually have an indescribable bond that translates to top-notch service, and Barrhaven Auto Centre is a good living proof of that judging by how well it treats you and your car.

With several decently sized bays to wrench on vehicles and a team of professional and friendly mechanics and staff members, what’s not to like about an auto repair business like this that implements a formula that works well?

Simply being one of the most honest shops out there works wonders for this location. Regardless of whether it’s a good repair job, a bad one (which is a rarity at Barrhaven), or giving referrals, people keep coming back due to the trust instilled in them.

With great honesty also comes great communication, which we believe is another great attribute of this shop. The mechanics take the time to carefully explain every step of the repair process without making it too overly complicated for the client.

Barrhaven is, no doubt, a well-rounded repair shop, but we also think it’s genuinely one of the best places for all your tire needs. Tire changes and repairs are always done efficiently and prices are also a solid bargain.

However, one particular weak point of this shop throughout the years is its safety inspection. Not only are the associated quotes sometimes pricy, but they’ve also been found to be inaccurate when compared to other shops’ inspections.

Customer Reviews

Nothing but great service!

“I’ve come to Barrhaven Auto Centre in the past, nothing but great service! I went there again a couple of months ago for a brake service and I’m glad I did! I was quoted by a Toyota dealership around 600 dollars for something that Greg and team did for me for under 200. I appreciate their honesty in this shop. I will definitely come back even if I don’t live in Barrhaven anymore. Highly recommend!” – mieckers

Exceptional at what they do

“Greg and his team are phenomenal- they are exceptional at what they do and trustworthy and affordable. I’ve been going to them for 7 years and now and eventhough I’ve moved farther away, I continue to use their services because I trust them.” – hanna imad

Roy Rump & Sons Ltd

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Website	https://royrumpandsons.com/
Address	1037 Pinecrest Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 6B6, Canada
Contact Information	+1 613-828-3213
Operating Hours	Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Services	Brakes, Drivetrain, Fluid Service, Cooling System, Maintenance, Air Conditioning, Exhaust, Electrical, Steering, Suspension, Engine, Transmission, Repair, Electric Vehicles, Vehicle Diagnostics, Tires/Alignment, Wheel Balancing, Tire Rotation, Tire Installation

Our Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Criteria	Score
Professional Experience	10/10
Facilities and Equipment	10/10
Task Efficiency	9/10
Pricing and Quotations	9/10
Customer Service	9.5/10

To pay a visit to Roy Rump & Sons is to experience what it’s like to be served with high-class standards in vehicle repairs topped off with a sense of community like no other.

As with our last entry, this is another family-operated shop that’s closely knit together by kind and knowledgeable individuals whom even Vin Diesel would be proud of.

The fact that it’s been around since 1956 also goes to show it has garnered several generations’ worth of trust in the automotive industry, in general.

Even with a business this vintage, it’s great to see that Roy Rump & Sons is keeping up with the times by investing in a team that also knows a thing or two (we mean to say a lot) about the EVs and hybrids of today.

Not only that, but it has also incorporated the digital age into its inspections by providing things like photos, descriptions, and reports from its iPad to your device. It’s nothing too techy, but still bonus points in convenience nonetheless.

All services are done diligently and prices are also generally fair for this shop, though it’s still worth mentioning it doesn’t quite have a perfect record regarding that. Every now and then, customers still get charged a lot more than is expected.

Customer Reviews

Fast and provide tons of photos/descriptions of the issue(s)

“I have taken my car here several times and am always happy with the service. They are fast and provide tons of photos/descriptions of the issue(s) which I find helpful as a non-car expert. It’s close to my house and convenient when pesky car troubles arise. Thank you!” – Katherine Craig

Quickest and cheapest repair shop I’ve ever been to

“I brought in my car for an inspection and subsequent repairs, and they gave me a detailed report outlining what needed to be repaired right now for road safety as well as a list of items that could wait until next time. Having such clarity was incredible and I felt well equipped to make informed decisions. The folks at the shop are also happy to elaborate and answer any questions you may have, and the place is very welcoming. It’s also by far the quickest and cheapest repair shop I’ve ever been to, so with all of that said, I will absolutely be back!”

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Deciding on where to get your car fixed or maintained can seem like a daunting task given that not every place is as good and trustworthy as they claim to be.

The good news is there’s always a way to properly sift through and filter out the best auto repair services just like we demonstrated in this guide for Ottawa-based shops.

Suppose you plan on taking a trip to other neighboring cities like Montreal (Best Auto Repair Shops in Montreal) and Toronto (Best Auto Repair Shops in Toronto), then we highly recommend checking out our main directory (AutoAlmanac Auto Repair Services Main Location Directory Page), where even more top-performing shops in your area of choice are ready to serve you!

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