Bayleaf Tire & Auto Service

Apr 07, 2024

I have taken my vehicles here for many years and follow their recommendations for maintenance. I sell my vehicles at 200k+ miles for cosmetic reasons, but mechanically - I really have not had trouble with them. I think the reason is Bayleaf has done a good job taking care of my vehicles. Except once during covid when getting parts were an issue, appointments have always gone very smoothly. Overall I recommend them highly.

Dec 07, 2023

Chris is the best! Always professional, helpful and smiling. He got me in and taken care of quickly so I could go out of town on time! Be sure you go to the correct Bayleaf! He's on Six Forks (northwest corner with Mount Vernon Church -- within the Shell station property!)

Dec 07, 2022

Bayleaf Tire & Auto Service is a rare gem of an auto shop. We started coming initially for inspections (Toyotas of 1998, 2004, and 2016). During the inspections, Bayleaf found two major problems on separate occasions that Toyota dealerships totally missed. From that point on, we have exclusively been using Bayleaf for all our auto care for years now and have been extremely happy. They find things, give you the risk/reward/recommendations. Their prices are on par or below those of Dealerships and well worth their expertise. We have had simple things like defogging of headlights (quite cleaner than when we had it done on the same vehicle at the dealership years earlier) to major repairs of replacing a whole engine. They keep our vehicles going. They accommodate your schedules the best they can. Chris, Juan, and the team are extremely personable and are a joy to interact with.

Dec 07, 2022

Great attitudes knowledgeable professional service. Juan is great honest and knows what he is doing i will not take my car anywhere else. It is not easy finding a mechanic you can trust when you do you need to stick with it.

Dec 07, 2022

I called Bayleaf automotive to set up an appointment to get a diagnosis on the oil leaking form my Jeep. I told them my problem. I asked if they work on that and if they can look at it. They said sure. We set up an appointment. He asked me 3 times prior to my appointment (on separate calls) if I was staying. I said, "Yes" every time. I said, "If we get the work done and it takes a long time I will Uber home, but I just want a diagnostic. How long is that?" He replied, "About 30 minutes." AT WHICH TIME HE could have easily said what they charge for diagnostic. Long story short, they told me I have significant repairs needed $1500 (Rear seal leak on the oil and rear brakes). I told him I was going to wait and would come back if I decided to do it there. He said, "That will be $129." I then said, "For looking at it?" He said, "yes." I said, "You never told me there would be a fee for looking at it." He said, "Well it took time." I replied, "I understand that but I thought the diagnostic was free." He asked, "Why I would think that." I said, "Because the two places down the street that I usually go to are free and you didn’t say it wouldn't be free." He said, "Well it’s $129." I said, “I for the sake of my integrity will pay this. However, I want you to know that this makes me question your integrity. This “feels” like a bait and switch. You should have told me before I came here that you charge $129 for diagnostic.” He said, “Well, in 11 years you are the only person who has ever been upset. We charge diagnostic fees but we don’t make up for it by charging higher labor costs.” I said, “I promise you I am not the only person in 11 yrs who has been upset about this. I am just the first person to care enough to tell you I am upset. I am not leaving here slandering you or writing some awful Google review. I am telling you to your face, this is bad business practice. Worst case its deceptive, best case its poor communication.” We went back and forth about other businesses (doctors, HVAC repair etc. and how they charge for time). I felt like Chris finally understood the customers perspective when I said, "If I call an HVAC place and ask them to come to my house they say, 'Sir, there is a $129 trip charge.' At which point I can then decide to have them come or say, 'I am going to call someone else.'" I then said, "You never gave me that chance so this feels bad. I am telling you I will not be coming here to get the repairs done. I came here because I had read you were honest. Whether you were being dishonest or not, I do not know. But best case this is poor communication.” He said, “That is what it is. Poor communication. I am sorry.” I said, “I accept your apology. I will pay the $129. I will not be back, but if I see you at the grocery store we are good.” He agreed. When I took it to another mechanic I was informed what Bayleaf had diagnosed as needing repair (the rear seal) was also incorrect. They said I needed a rear seal repaired and that alone was going to be over $1000 of the work. The other mechanic fixed my leak 6 months ago and it was a $450 repair that was NOT the rear seal. He suggested for the sake of helping Bayleaf learn from their mistake that I call them and let them know it was not a rear seal leak. So, once I could call without getting angry I called Chris back and said, "It was not a rear seal leak and in light of the fact that not only do I think I shouldn't have been charged the $129 but that you were wrong about the diagnosis I would like to request my money back." He denied that they were wrong (even though that isn't what I had repaired and the leak was gone and as of the date of this review about 4 months later it is still not leaking), and he also refused to refund the incorrect and unstated diagnostic fee. So, I told him that before I said I wouldn't write a review but in light of this interaction I would be writing a review. I wouldn't do business here. I don't think you should either.

Dec 07, 2021

As always, my car was returned to me driving like new! Today was an ac repair and both rear shock replacements. The car was done in less than 2 hours, returned to me clean, and the pricing was very fair. I was a bit taken aback when I read some of the negative reviews on this place. Having been a customer for 3 years now, I have had nothing but positive experiences! I highly recommend this mechanic!

Dec 07, 2021

Chris was friendly and professional. He got the job done in a timely manner for a reasonable price. What more could you ask for? Would recommend.

Dec 07, 2021

Went in to try and get a tire seated on my rim the guy at the front desk looked at me said we dont have time and walked away. How do you not have time. Two guys sitting in the back on their phones

Dec 07, 2021

their was some issues but it was a great experience!

Dec 07, 2020

I went to this place based on recommendations from my neighbors on the Nextdoor site. It wasn’t until later that day that I found out I went to the wrong one! I was supposed to go to Bayleaf service center at 1232 mount Vernon church road, but instead I went to Bayleaf tire and auto on corner of six forks and mount Vernon church. I later went to the post to tell about my bad experience and then realized from the comments lots of people made this same mistake. All the comments about Bayleaf tire and auto are horrible and the comments about Bayleaf service center are great. And I understand why. Now for my review. I pulled in today just wanting an oil change on a ram pickup with a diesel. Before he even said anything, I told him I have my own Rotella (a diesel oil) and my own filter. (Since a lot of shops don’t always carry diesel that). He then stopped me in the middle and said he had Rotella. Then he asked if I had a diesel and told me he doesn’t work on diesels. I explained I don’t need diesel work, I just needed the labor to change the oil. He then said his lifts don’t accommodate a truck that size! I said “oh you don’t work on pickup trucks?” He said of course we do. Anyone that knows trucks knows that the ram comes with either a diesel or a HEMI and the truck is the exact same size! Mind you, my truck is bone stock. It is no different than any other pickup on the road. Then he took the comment back about the lift and just said well he don’t work on diesels. Why did you say you stock Rotella if you don’t work on diesels?! Calling BS on that one. The entire time he was so darn rude also. I couldn’t believe my neighbors recommended this clown. My fault for going to the wrong place by accident! I still am dumbfounded why they turned down my money because for as long as I’ve owned trucks, any repair shop will do an oil change on a diesel. There is literally ZERO difference between a diesel and a gas engine relating to the oil change. All I can think of is because I had my own oil and my own filter it wasn’t worth it to him because he couldn’t make money on oil and parts. Upon doing some research, this guy Chris has a reputation around town for being this way. Thanks for turning down a neighbor, Chris! I wound up going up the road to the station on 98 across from the Exxon and the place was great!! They know how to treat customers.

Dec 07, 2020

These mechanics don't know what they are doing, the place is super expensive, they take a lot of time and can't do much more than inspection or oil change or minor repairs. My brother who just moved to the area was without a vehicle for good 5 weeks while it was being worked on at 4 separate occasions fixing the engine, transmission and some other minor items spend close to $11,000 on his Toyota Tundra 2006. He just picked up his truck a few days ago for the 4th time and the next morning the truck starts with a cloudy smoke when started. As the smoke was part of the problem we honestly don't know what to do as they took his money but did not solve one of his main problems even though the 4th visit was specific to resolve the unresolved smoking issue. I would love to add a video to demonstrate how bad it is but Yelp only allows attaching pictures. After so many times they have wasted so much of his time and money all we can do is advise others to stay away.

Dec 07, 2020

I've been going to Bayleaf for years now and l can attest to their great work. They are honest and fair, efficient and friendly, but professional. The crew is fast and expert, and Chris is incredibly helpful and easy to deal with. They never load me up with a huge list of unnecessary items to be done, they tell me what l need, then suggest other things that might need looking at and let me choose how much l want done. I feel very secure in trusting my vehicles to them, and they've kept me safely on the road for several years. It's such a blessing to have a local, family- owned auto shop that l can rely on for both regular Makena as well as the occasional emergency. Chris even helps me when l travel out of state when issues have arisen, his advice and knowledge are always spot on. Bayleaf is a the very best shop I've ever had and l will continue counting on their great work and friendly professionalism for as long as l drive. Mark N Jensen Wake Forest

Dec 07, 2019

Chris is really a great guy. Very skilled in all auto repair needs. I'm a certified auto mechanic. When I get stumped I go to Bayleaf. I usually use them for annual inspection. He is fast and thorough. A far better experience than jiffy lubes or the dealership. Very fair prices too

Dec 07, 2019

Replaced rear shocks one visit. Reasonable price done right. Been for multiple oil changes, inspections, battery. I think reasonable, fair, honest.

Dec 07, 2019

They fixed the leak. Too pricey though.

Dec 07, 2019

Was a new client, now a repeat customer. Job $estimate on target + finished on time I was pleased with the attention to detail Chris showed: he explained that the prior year of the vehicle I had would've cost more to replace the TPMS (tire pressure monitor sensors) because they weren't self-calibrating. Update (12-02-19): just took another one of our vehicles (this time, for a frontend alignment). I appreciated that, in addition to completing the expected car service, the mechanic also provided feedback on other problems he noticed PLUS put the severity of the problem in context (in this case, minor) AND had a suggestion on how to mitigate the problem.

Dec 07, 2018

Chris is up front he runs the front desk he's friendly and helpful. The mechanics that work on the cars are awesome. I highly recommend.

Dec 07, 2018

I've been using Chris for a number of years. He's always been fair and honest with me and is good about telling me what I need now, and what I might need in 6 months (and he's even told me things not to have done). Having a mechanic you can trust is great thing. I trust him with the car my kids drive.

Dec 07, 2017

Chris and his crew have been taking care of all 3 of our vehicles for several years. He is fair, honest and reliable. I highly recommend Bayleaf Auto.

Dec 07, 2017

I've been taking my cars to Chris Harris and his team for years. Great guys, great service and great prices. Would recommend them to anyone!

Dec 07, 2017

I visited this place because it is extremely close to my home. I also hate going to corporation places as I don't feel I'm taken care of and have had bad experiences at chain locations. So, I made an appointment to get my car inspected here. I get to Bayleaf at my appt time, and they said they could no longer do my inspection on time as they did not have a bay open. He gave me a legitimate reason why they don't have a bay open, however I had to get this inspection done on this day due to my work schedule. I asked how long it would be, and he had no idea. He said to leave, and hed call me when he had a bay open. I would have appreciated a call prior to my appointment to reschedule my appointment, however the nice guy who scheduled me did not get my phone number when I made the appointment initially. Thoroughly displeased with my experience, however I understand this was not a "common occurrence" for them to not be able to keep appointments. Ball was dropped today. Everybody has a bad day but this was inconvenient and not handled very well by staff.

Dec 07, 2016

I would highly recommend. I happened to have a flat tire right in front of the store and the owner came out and changed the tire for me. He didn't try and get me to use his shop or even ask for payment when I offered. He was very friendly and quick. I will definitely consider his shop for any future repairs and definitely recommend him to others.

Dec 07, 2015

Bayleaf tire & auto was a wonderful shop years ago. We had horrible experiences under its new management. They mis-diagnosed the problem (broken struts) and charged us $900 for fixing what didn't need fixing. Furthermore, Chris didn't offer to return the money when I had to bring the car back to them the next day after it became apparent they didn't do the repair needed. Never again will I bring my cars to them. I recommend you go elsewhere.

Dec 07, 2015

Chris and the team at Bayleaf Auto are very knowledgeable and the customer service is wonderful. I learned about Bayleaf Auto from a family member and have since recommended them to several friends.

Dec 07, 2015

Great place to get almost anything done on your car. I recently got an oil change, inspection and all of my tires changed! Great customer service, quick, reliable, and very affordable.

Dec 07, 2014

Took 4 days to change a brake line "waiting on parts". More like understaffed. Instead of communicating with me, he took it upon himself to keep the vehicle without any updates. No brake line repair should take more than two days. Too bad because Chris the owner is actually a nice guy just not a good business man. Will not be taking any more of our commercial vehicles there. Steer clear of this establishment for a more devoted and reliable auto shop and one with better communication. Had to add this: after we finally got our Ford SUV back, the amateur mechanics left air in the passenger brake line. Brake Line 101 is never leave air in the brake line. Vehicle pulled hard right upon applying brakes. Had to get this fixed by an actual mechanic. Lastly, Joe and Linda were the previous owners of Bayleaf Tire and Auto. They sold somewhere around 2010. Chris is the new owner.

Dec 07, 2014

We have been taking our cars to Bayleaf for years. They have been the most reputable, competent and caring mechanics we've ever used. I can't say enough about them personally and professionally and I should have written this review years ago. If you ever need a mechanic, please go to them first. Not only are their prices reasonable, Chris and the mechanics are all friendly and thorough. I recently bought a car from Carmax and had them look at it prior to buying and, needless to say, there were issues. Carmax "fixed" the issues and we took it for a second time to Bayleaf and they found they either did not fix all issues or fixed them below standards (cheap parts an inaccurately). Chris and his team quickly found what was wrong "and then some" and we were finally able to get Carmax to agree to have Bayleaf fix it at Carmax's expense. We take all of our cars there and again, are extremely happy. I would trust no one else (and, by the way, I am not related to any of them)!

Dec 07, 2013

Absolute highway robbery! Shop, shop, shop other auto repair services first. As a business owner myself I expect everyone to make a buck but not to this extent. Parts are marked up sometimes over 100%, even more than luxury car dealerships. Compare part prices with dealers, auto repair shops and part stores and you will see. When choosing this repair shop, hold on to your wallet and your first born, unless you don't want either of them. (by the way all their other reviews are from "Google User", funny how such happy customers won't put their name on their review)

Dec 07, 2012

I just had a high mileage oil change, but it was reasonably priced, and Chris let me know about some things approaching replacement time on the vehicle so that I could plan that out as I could afford it. Very helpful staff.

Dec 07, 2011

I have been going to bay leaf for years, and ever since NEW MANAGEMENT has taken over, I will not be going back. I have three cars all have been serviced through bay leaf. When linda and her husband ran this place, they could get me in and get me fixed fast and for an affordable price. Since new management has been in charge I am not sure if I should grab my ankles or grab for my wallet. Its funny to watch every time I drive by there, there is less and less cars being left overnight there for service. I cant imagine them staying open much longer.