The import repair shop Athens has trusted since 1991
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Mini, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Volvo and more. Fixed right by an ASE Master Technician who has worked on foreign cars since 1972.
Your import is in expert hands
Athens Import Auto Repair is a small shop with big know-how. We only work on imports. That focus matters. It means we have seen your car's problems before, and we know the fix.
Owner James Miner is an ASE Master Technician. He started working on foreign cars in 1972. The shop opened on Winterville Road in 1991. Since then, drivers from Athens, Watkinsville, Winterville, Oconee County and UGA have counted on us.
We give you a clear parts and labor estimate before any work starts. No surprises. No pressure. Just honest repair from people who love these cars.
Factory scheduled maintenance, done by the factory checklist
Your carmaker wrote a plan for your car. It says what to check and what to change at 15,000, 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. We follow that plan step by step, with the same checklist the dealer uses.
Good maintenance is the cheapest repair there is. It keeps small things from turning into big things. And it keeps your records clean, so your car is worth more when you sell it.
- 15K, 30K, 60K and 90K services
- Mercedes-Benz Service A and Service B
- The right oil and fluids for your brand
- Service light reset when we are done
Imports are all we do
German, Japanese, British, Swedish, Italian and Korean cars. We know the quirks of each brand.
Master tech on every job
James is an ASE Master Technician with more than 50 years on foreign cars. That experience shows in every repair.
Clear, honest estimates
You get an itemized parts and labor estimate first. You approve the work. Then we start.
Fair prices, real warranty
Customers tell us we cost less than the dealer for the same job. Most repairs come with a 6 month, unlimited mile warranty.
Import car services we offer
From a check engine light to a new engine, we handle it. Every job gets the same care. Factory maintenance is the service our customers value most.
Factory Scheduled Maintenance
We do 15K, 30K, 60K and 90K services by the factory checklist. You can skip the dealer.
Learn moreBrake Repair
We replace pads and rotors, flush fluid and fix ABS faults so your import stops safe.
Learn moreTransmission Repair
We fix slips, hard shifts, leaks and limp mode on automatic, CVT and manual imports.
Learn moreAC and Climate Control
We find leaks, fix compressors and blend doors, and recharge so your import blows cold again.
Learn moreEngine Repair and Replacement
We fix head gaskets, low compression and oil burning on imports. We also replace engines.
Learn moreCheck Engine Light
The light is on. We read the code, test the cause and fix what is really wrong.
Learn moreElectrical Diagnostics
We trace warning lights, dead batteries and gremlins to the source. We test, we do not guess.
Learn morePre-Purchase Inspection
Before you buy a used import, we check it top to bottom. Then we tell you what we find.
Learn moreOn our lifts this week
Brands we service
If it was built outside the United States, we can help. No American cars. Here are the brands we see most.
Why Athens drivers choose us over the dealer
Dealers are big and busy. We are small and focused. When you call, you talk to people who will actually work on your car.
We use parts that meet or beat what your car came with. We use the right fluids and the right scan tools for your brand. And we stand behind our work with a 6 month, unlimited mile warranty on most repairs.
Customers tell us we are honest, fair and polite. That is the reputation we have built in Athens for more than 30 years.
What customers say
These guys have helped our family out of binds numerous times. They are friendly, fair, accommodating and do great work!!!
Beckler, D.I bought a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Clubman about a month ago. I replaced just about everything on the engine to no avail. It just would not idle like it should. I determined it was a bad timing chain. As it turned out I was right. I took it to James who agreed and he had his technician Tony replace the timing chain components. They went the extra mile to remove the oil pan and remove the chewed up debris from the oil pump screen. It now runs like a brand new car! Thanks to them, I'll enjoy this car for many years to come. Great service and very polite. Very knowledgeable too.
RobBeing a single woman in Athens, I did not feel like I was being taken advantage of like I have at most other repair shops. They were polite, courteous and respectful. After checking prices I found they were least expensive for what I had done. I am very pleased and will definitely be a return customer.
Marucci, C.Serving Athens and the towns around it
Our shop is at 835 Winterville Rd on the east side of Athens. Drivers come to us from all over Northeast Georgia.
What we do, and what we do not do
We do
- Imports only, from Germany, Japan, Britain, Sweden, Italy and Korea
- Factory scheduled maintenance with the factory checklist
- Engine and transmission repair and replacement
- Brakes, AC, cooling, timing, suspension and electrical
- Programming on certain models of cars
- A 6 month, unlimited mile warranty on most repairs
We do not do
- American cars
- Windshields
- Body work
- Alignments
- Tire repair, tire replacement or tire balancing
- Muffler replacement
- Engine or transmission rebuilds (we repair or replace instead)
Questions people ask us
Do you only work on import cars?
Yes. Athens Import Auto Repair works on imports only. That includes German, Japanese, British, Swedish, Italian and Korean brands. We do not work on American cars. If you are not sure about your car, just call 706-353-3880.
Where is Athens Import Auto Repair located?
We are at 835 Winterville Rd, Athens, GA 30605. That is on the east side of Athens near Athens Ben Epps Airport, just off Lexington Road. Look for our sign on Winterville Road.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Call ahead and we will have a spot ready for you.
Do I need an appointment?
An appointment is best. It lets us plan for your car and get you out faster. Call 706-353-3880 or tap the Call to Book button.
Will I get an estimate before you do the work?
Yes, always. We give you an itemized parts and labor estimate first. Nothing starts until you say yes.
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Yes. Most repairs come with a 6 month, unlimited mile warranty. Ask us about your job when you book.
Is there anything you do not do?
Yes. We do not do windshields, body work, alignments or tires. We do not replace mufflers. And we do not rebuild engines or transmissions. We repair them, or we replace them. For everything else on an import, call us.
Do you do pre-purchase inspections?
Yes. Before you buy a used import, bring it to us. We check it top to bottom, test drive it, and give you a written report.
Plain answers from the shop
Why Is My Check Engine Light On?
Steady or flashing? Gas cap or sensor? What the light means and what to do next.
Read
How Often Should You Change Oil in a European Car?
Long-life oil is real, but 15,000 miles is a stretch. A safer interval for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and VW.
ReadShould I Repair or Replace My Transmission?
Fix one part, or put in a new unit? How we decide on an import with transmission trouble.
ReadReady to get your import fixed right?
Call us or stop by the shop. We will give you a clear answer and a fair price.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.