About Snell Automotive — Memphis Auto Repair Since 1974

Memphis roots since 1974. Still fixing cars the right way.

Our Story

Over 50 years of Memphis roots.

In 1974, Larry Snell was 24 years old and ready to work for himself. He and a partner named Mike started turning wrenches out of a converted gas station on Summer Avenue. That was the beginning.

By 1976, they'd moved to an old Dodge dealership on Poplar and Garden Lane — running a body shop and a mobile service unit out of Walnut Grove and Tillman. Then came a shop on the corner of Southern and Highland. Larry was building something, one location at a time.

In 1978, Larry and Mike split ways, and Larry opened Snell Automotive on Highway 70 and Summer Avenue. His name on the sign, his reputation on the line. That shop became the foundation for everything that followed.

In 1994, Snell Automotive moved to its current home on Appling Way — where we've been ever since. Over 50 years, four locations, and one family. The tools have changed, but the way we treat people hasn't.

Meet Sherry

The heart of the front desk.

Sherry grew up at Snell Automotive — literally. She spent her childhood around the shop, learning the business from her parents, watching them take care of customers and cars with equal attention.

When Mom and Dad retired in 2018, Sherry stepped into the role of office manager. She runs the front of the house — scheduling, customer communication, and making sure every job gets the attention it deserves. If you've called Snell Automotive, you've talked to Sherry.

Meet Greg

20+ years under the hood.

Greg Baumgarten is our lead technician and the person who diagnoses your car. He's been at Snell for over two decades — long enough to have seen the transition from carburetors to computer-controlled everything.

Greg works with Snap-on ZEUS and Autel MaxiSys Ultra diagnostic scanners — the same professional-grade tools used by dealerships. He subscribes to factory service data for every major manufacturer, which means he has access to the same wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins, and diagnostic procedures that dealership techs use.

What sets Greg apart is his approach: he diagnoses before he quotes. He won't tell you to replace a $400 module when a $15 connector is the real problem. That philosophy has kept customers coming back for decades.

"The job hasn't changed — find the problem, fix it right, charge fair. That's it. We don't sell you stuff you don't need."

Greg Baumgarten — Lead Technician, 20+ years

What We Work On

Domestic, import, truck, SUV — we see it all.

We service all major makes and models. Most of our work is on domestic vehicles — Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler — and popular imports like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai. We also see plenty of trucks and SUVs, which makes sense for Memphis.

Our diagnostic capabilities cover OBD-II systems on all vehicles 1996 and newer, plus older vehicles with manufacturer-specific protocols. We handle everything from routine oil changes and brake work to complex engine diagnostics, transmission repair, and electrical troubleshooting.

Our labor rate is $95 per hour — competitive for an independent shop in Memphis and significantly less than the $120–$150 dealerships charge for the same work.