Allen's BP Auto Service & U-Haul

Over the course of several years, when I lived nearby in Woodfin, Allen's Gulf & U-Haul was convenient, pretty flexible, and really good with communication. Prices weren't bad, especially when considering the competition. Really good for routine maintenance, inspection, oil changes, etc. I rented trucks on occasion, they were in good condition, and logistics were simple. I never felt like they were ripping me off, or nickle-and-diming me.
Allen hardly knew me, but always treated me with respect, as did his staff. For a while I had leaking tires, but was in a hurry for an appointment. I explained my problem, and asked him if I could use his air hose. He loaned me his tire gauge, and said to help myself when I needed to. I bought my own gauge, and did that on a number of occasions, never was confronted by any of the staff. He explained the differences between synthetic oil and regular oil, and why it's important to use the former.
He replaced my brakes a year and a half ago, but coming down the mountains, I noticed a grinding sound from the rear left brake. My local mechanic in Spruce Pine examined it, and said the brakes were fine, it was just the indicator. Well the sound got worse, and I did have a two year warranty. I contacted him, drove down to Woodfin, and repaired my brakes on warranty, pointing out there was a loose pin that got jammed, and was providing the sound. He explained that it wasn't dangerous, but it wasn't right. He fixed it rapidly, and sent me on my way, a happy customer.

I could write a novel on why folks should avoid trusting Allen with their vehicle(s). However, I will simply say that you are going to end up paying someone else to do the work correctly, and it is highly possible Allen will have you driving around with major safety concerns. This could cost you a lot more than money.
Just beware - his friendly demeanor and cheap prices may pull the wool over your eyes. Pay attention to the lack of organizational skills, being able to call and actually talk to someone who knows what's happening with your vehicle, how long he keeps your vehicle, and what you've asked for him to fix versus what actually gets fixed. This is just a partial list. I don't even trust him to do an oil change anymore. Seriously.
Try to have a conversation with him, eye-to-eye, about something that went wrong/wasn't totally fixed, he won't hear you and he won't make it right. Not even if he's been working on your car for several years and you've paid him a lot of money. Oooof. This guy's ethics are in the "needs improvement" category.

I'm extremely happy with The Organic Mechanic (two locations in Asheville). They blow Allen out of the water in every way. Give them a holler.

As for Allen, I have to say, Mother Nature will always set things right. Good luck, pal.

Bro told me I couldn't drop my scheduled U-Haul at this scheduled location. Super rude over the phone needs a reality check

I've taken all my vehicles to Allen. Inspections, brakes, you name it! I've never had a problem with the work there. They've saved me a ton of money over the past12 or so years we've been going there.

One Christmas Eve my wife broke down in front of the Asheville Mall in traffic! I called Allen and his response was "I'm going now!" I did leave the car over the holiday but 2 days after Christmas it was ready.

He has come to my rescue several times and gives free advise if I call. He rarely suggests extra work unless it's really prudent. (Serpentine belt was slipping and we just went ahead and replaced the water pump, since it will often fail after changing that belt...lots cheaper to do it all at once.) That's the only time I remember him suggesting extra work. For the things he can't do, he can tell you who can.

I read someone talking about him suggesting that the car would magically reset...if they were talking about a check engine light issue, that can happen! You reset the light and drive it 50 miles and most of the time it will pass inspection (often oxygen sensors failing,) I had a car that did that all the time. I'd just come in tell him it needed an inspection. He'd say "Engine light?" I'd say "needs a reset" and then I'd drive it 30-50 miles, come back and it would pass.

Bottom line I think they are great!

Don't go to Allen he kept my car 6 months and when I got it back it was worse then it was when I took it to him. I have had to take my car to another mechanic to have it fixed right. Having to pay again to have all his mistakes corrected so I can drive the car.

Beware of Allen's Gulf.

My Son has employed Allen's to do work on his Chevy.......months and months, possibly a year ago.
Supposedly, problems could not be repaired, and they a sold him a brand new Jasper engine and installed it.
My Son was only able to drive said vehicle a week or 2 til it broke down. Had it towed back to Allen's fir it to be made right..... bearing in mind that the engine cane with a 1 year warranty. It has set on Allen's lot for several months ths now, not attended to and not fixed! Bear in mind, he shuffles numerous Subarus in and out, most are one-day or quickly done.
Still, my Son's Chevy sits on his lot, NOT FIXED. MY son paid thousands for that new engine. My Son needs and deserves FULL ATTENTION until his vehicle is diagnosed and fixed.
We feel ignored, even forgotten.
This has been the worst place we have EVER trusted to work on our vehicles.
My Son called him this morning inquiring about it. He was told that they hadn't pulled it out and worked on it since the LAST time he called..... Still, other vehicles get serviced and repaired daily. My Son has waited FOR MONTHS.
Though his specialization may be in Subarus, he has been well-paid to complete work on this Chevy Tahoe.
I am highly disappointed, highly unsatisfied, and would NEVER RECOMMEND ALLEN'S BP to my worst enemy.
The warranty on the new engine, which my Son has not had the opportunity to use, will expire in a few months.......
ALLEN'S BP HAS ABSOLUTELY DONE MY SON DIRTY.
WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!

Best mechanics in town! They helped me get back on the road for a great price and in a timely fashion.

I read reviews before I use businesses such as a mechanics and home repairs, but I also listen to my friends. We have a 96 Buick that had not been driven for almost a year. We called Allen, he had it towed and began work, he was honest in the fact that it would take awhile and that we would have some problems until we began driving it again. He not only got the car back on the road, but has taken care of every thing that has ever gone wrong. We have had such bad experiences with other mechanics, especially when they made a mistake and do not take care of something they did. He and his staff is very professional, he advises me when he thinks we may have a problem, and he has not charged us for anything that he or his staff fixed but there was still a problem. I will advise this. He is very busy and if you think you can just drive up and get something fixed right away unless there is an emergency you may find there is a waiting list. We have learned to ask his work load, and unless it is an emergency he has advised us what to do until we can get the car to him. Pricing is very fair, he explains exactly what is going on, and the time frame and at times we have been a one car family so he definitely understood our need to have a car.

They are courteous, professional, not over priced and stand behind their work. I have worked in customer service for years, it is the people that want something instantly that are always complaining, so be realistic. We would definitely recommend Allens Gulf on the Weaverville. Hwy. Great service and we will not let anyone but Allen touch our cars.