I'm sick of the autoport on base. They are constantly taking advantage of personnel on base and only make problems worse. The entire shop is corrupt, and have purposefully sabotaged vehicles so they can "fix" it for a ridiculous amount of money. One guy was even recently fired for charging customers full price for new parts and then getting them from junkyards. I have yet to even hear on good comment about this establishment.

I used to go to them only for oil changes. It was just easier to do that rather than do it on my own. But they purposefully drilled out the threads on my oil pan, and said that it is a common problem to have threads stripped during maintenance. It is not common, and if it does happen by accident, then it is done by negligence.

If you have had a similar problem, I ask that you please go to the following website: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Naples/index.htm. On the right side of the page, you can submit an Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE). If enough complaints are filed, maybe they'll finally start turning that place around. I'm not looking to get it shut down. I'm all for the convenience, even though there are several viable options of english speaking shops just off base. All I want is for the Autoport to have competant workers that aren't going to cheat the customer.

JC-

I couldn't agree more! They destroyed our Naples car and it cost us a few grand to get it fixed. They also did it to two other cars that I know of. I've made complaints too, because they are corrupt!

I had my oil changed there last week.  I came back to show the guys where the key to my lug nuts was so he could rotate my tires also and I found the technician rifiling through the back of my hatchback trunk and checking out my tire pump and tire pressure guage.  He dropped it right away when he noticed me standing next to him.

The older gentleman that used to work at JFC, he says as a mechanic, tried to charge me $25 a quart for Mobil 1 synthetic.  That stuff goes for $8.69 a quart back in the states.  I know this is not the states, but come on man.  He tried to tell me because it is 0-40w vice 5-20w and this is the triple difference in price.  Now if I had not grown up working on all my own vehicles and changing my own oil all these years I might have bought that, but seriously not everyone is that ignorant.

I wish I could change my own oil here, it is just to much touble to wait until the hobby shop opens, take a safety course, hope they have room, rent a stall, pay for oil discard, etc.

Well let’s see, where I start. The last two replies about two autoport are right, both in their own ways. The hassle for waiting until it opens and ... is difficult to accept. But at least you have the peace of mind that it was done right and not wondering if the last 40 liters left in your NATO coupon book are going to be there when you get your car back.

I went to the Autoport last week to get a new battery for my car and they would have to order it for 250 Euro! I was upset and told them I can get one out on the town for 120 euro and they asked where? Then yesterday I went back to check if they could get it. After they called around and got one for $220. It is a 110 amp BOSCH for a Mercedes.  Said it would not be here until 1000 tomorrow, so I went in at 1200. Guess what? No battery. They said it will be about an hour to an hour and a half as the driver is stuck in traffic. So I went and did a few duties around the base and went back at 1330. They called the driver again and he said maybe 1430 or 1500. That is when I lost it. Told them that it was unacceptable and I will file a complaint with the Base Commander. Also said I have the intention to have my money fully refunded. And told them about the piss poor service I have been hearing about around the base that they do or don’t provide. Told them with firm hand in the air that I will be back at 1000 tomorrow and left.

So here I am, found this forum. Going to file an ICE survey and also email the CO of the base and NEX general Manager. Hopefully we can put an end to this VERY BAD SERVICE at the autoport.

I too was ripped off by the autoport on a car battery that would not hold a charge.  They would not replace it nor give me my money back.  I have found a very fair and honest mechanic in town who has worked on both of my cars for a fair price and nothing else was broken or stolen when I got them back!  He will continue to get my business as well as all of the friends I have referred to him!

The autport is terrible... they tried to sell me wiper blades for 150 dollars saying the ones they have on the shelf wouldn't fit.... After doing more research, the ones on the shelf were perfectly fine

So Posters who now get services out in town- help your Mates out and post the names/addresses/phone of your local mechanics that are trustworthy and won't screw foreigners over...

I live in Lago Patria and have one for ya:

Oil Changes-
Go to the Total gas station across from the chinese restaurant, bring your own oil (discounted with NATO oil coupons).  I can't remember the price, but they were reasonable AND after taking a look at my car one time the mechanic actually told me my oil was okay and didn't need to be changed yet (instead of doing it anyway and charging me).  Little to no English Spoken (so use your smartphone google translator).

Look in the Panorama!  Johnny is the guy we use. 

All of the ABOVE! True! Rip-off! They need to get rid of the nasty customer service attitude. I'm tired of filling out customer complaints when they are still there!

If you fill out a negative ice complaint, you will probably get a response quickly.

https://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=site&site_id=163

It's been over 2 months now, and I still haven't heard anything back from either the NEX nor the ICE survey that I filled out. I don't know about anyone else, but my next steps are to schedule a one-on-one appointment with the managers of the NEX and also submit a complaint to the Navy Inspector General. I know the guy who's wife is the IG here for Italy, and this is what she has metioned to do. So, if you've had troubles with the Autoport, like so many others, please follow suit, and maybe we can finally get some good quality service. If something is here for our convenience, it should be convenient. It shouldn't be a huge stressor due to the huge rip-off that it is.

Keep up the good fight!  I have no experience with them, but if they are not doing business in a professional manner- go after them.  We have no BBB or Yelp or anything here...only folks like you who care that people getting ripped off.  Or even worse, a young sailor or spouse who does not have money to waste.  If you don't say anything, no one will. 
Thanks for you effort.

I heard there was a mechanic just outside the SS that has base access, and will pick up and drop off your car while you're at work... Any one have a name and/or number? Thanks.

He does not have base access that I know of.  You have to take the car right across the street from the main gate of SS.  His name is Johnny and his # is in the Panorama.

Look in the Panarama for Mario's. He is a good guy to take your Auto for repairs. Do not go to the guy across the Street "Johnny".

David wrote: I had my oil changed there last week.  I came back to show the guys where the key to my lug nuts was so he could rotate my tires also and I found the technician rifiling through the back of my hatchback trunk and checking out my tire pump and tire pressure guage.  He dropped it right away when he noticed me standing next to him. The older gentleman that used to work at JFC, he says as a mechanic, tried to charge me $25 a quart for Mobil 1 synthetic.  That stuff goes for $8.69 a quart back in the states.  I know this is not the states, but come on man.  He tried to tell me because it is 0-40w vice 5-20w and this is the triple difference in price.  Now if I had not grown up working on all my own vehicles and changing my own oil all these years I might have bought that, but seriously not everyone is that ignorant. I wish I could change my own oil here, it is just to much touble to wait until the hobby shop opens, take a safety course, hope they have room, rent a stall, pay for oil discard, etc.

Changing oil at the auto hobby shop isn't as bad as you think. They give you a short test to make sure you know how to work things like the lift and where stuff goes, if you get anything wrong they explain it to you. There have been stalls open every time I go there, to me it's worth it.

Ok here we go.  I only go to the auto port to purchase items.  Never will I have my car worked on there again even though I have never had a problem.  As far as oil, I will only use Royal Purple 1st and then AMSOIL 2nd, both oils are about 7or8 dollars a quart.  Expensive I know but no oil out there will top these 2 oils.  You can buy these online and have them shipped here, you just have to find the right store that will ship it.  

I completely agree with all of you, this place is such a rip off but then again what isn't in Naples!!  It's all the same, Autoport, Housing dept, Telecom, etc.  Sure the pay is good here but at what cost?  I just don't understand why complaints are never dealt with? I stongly believe there are people here getting a pretty good kick back to look the other way.  Why do we allow this to happen??

It is amazing that this business is still operating, well not really.  The things you all mentioned here are rife at all levels in every part of every business on base.  If this were America, which it isn't, these places would be boarded up and someone held accountable.  I am sure this place will be on the BRAC list sometime soon, hopefully next stop will be Rota or Lisbon, at least they know who to take care of each other and not run the place (Mother Nature and everyone else) into the ground.  For a place that has been around for 2000+ years, maybe they could reign back on the "old ways" just a little.

We use a wonderful mechanic located in Lago Patria; his name is Lorenzo. With your consent. he shops for rebuilt or used parts, charges very reasonable prices (unlike the Autoport), and goes the extra mile each and every time. The total price even includes a complete car detail, a nice fnishing touch.  We've never had a problem, and he speaks perfect English.  He also owns a car stereo store, and has excellent prices on stereo repair and upgrades. He was referred to us by another American, and we are grateful!

I worked with auto mechanics for 13 years before moving here, so I feel confident in recommending Lorenzo and advising to avoid the Autoport if at all possible.

Lorenzo:  338-718-2590

Maria wrote: I completely agree with all of you, this place is such a rip off but then again what isn't in Naples!!  It's all the same, Autoport, Housing dept, Telecom, etc.  Sure the pay is good here but at what cost?  I just don't understand why complaints are never dealt with? I stongly believe there are people here getting a pretty good kick back to look the other way.  Why do we allow this to happen??

This is a plug for the best car mechanic we have ever had. For a little history, my husband has a Chrysler Sebring, not exactly the highest mechanical quality car. Before we moved here, he put close to $2000 into the car to try to fix several problems. No joy. When we came here, he found a guy named Luciano, who works in Lago Patria, and not only fixed the problem but charged 1/4 of the price. He works on all cars, is very reasonable in price, and does a great job. Yesterday, our car wouldn't start and he was going to drive to Carney park on his day off to help fix the car. His shop shop is at 143 Via Staffeta, right next to Caruso's. His cell number is 328-465-1084. email is lufly@live.it. He speaks english pretty well. If you happen to use him, let him know that Josh said he was THE BEST!!!!!!

I beg to differ on this. I have used the autoport with much luck and fairness. I usually research the parts I need prior to checking with them and knowing a little about cars I have yet to be ripped off. I may be an isolated case however, they have always been fair and good. I notice alot of individuals buy a junker car then get angry when they bring it in and are told repairs are 900 bucks, you bought a hunk and now your engine is about to blow sorry if you need to spend a little. A few months ago I heard a lady getting angry cause they said she had to change her rotors as part of the brake change this is a common safe practice and only changing out the pads like the lady wanted is half way doing the job. If your new give them a chance, if there crooked or your suspect it contact the NEX to get this issue fixed.