CARSTAR Lexington
When you need auto body repairs, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your vehicle is in the right hands. At CARSTAR Lexington, you can rest easy knowing that not only will your car receive top-quality care, but you’ll also be supporting a locally owned business that values its community and employees. Located on Augusta Highway, CARSTAR Lexington has been a trusted name in auto body repair since it opened in 2016, and the owner, Ryan Ouvry, couldn’t be prouder of the impact his shop has made on the local community.
A Local Business with Deep Roots
Unlike many other auto body shops, CARSTAR Lexington is locally owned and operated. Ryan Ouvry, who has been in the auto industry for over 23 years, including 17 as a technician, saw the need for a locally run auto body repair shop where customers could receive personalized, high-quality service. Since opening, CARSTAR Lexington has grown from a modest two-person operation in a 7,000-square-foot facility to a bustling team of 23 employees working out of a 14,500-square-foot space.
“CARSTAR is the only major locally owned auto repair shop in Lexington. All the others have been bought out by huge billion-dollar companies,” Ouvry explained. “I’ve worked hard to build a shop that reflects my values—stability for the staff, excellent service for the customers, and a deep commitment to the Lexington community.”
Ouvry appreciates the trust and support he’s received from the community over the last eight years and credits much of the shop’s success to the relationships he’s built with both his staff and customers.
Personalized, Start-to-Finish Service
At CARSTAR Lexington, every customer is treated like family. One of the key advantages of being locally owned is the ability to provide personalized service. Ouvry and his team take great pride in handling every step of the repair process, ensuring customers receive the care and attention they deserve.
From the moment a vehicle arrives, CARSTAR Lexington’s team works closely with insurance companies to streamline the claims process. “We deal directly with the insurance companies,” said Ouvry. “And we work with all insurance companies. I really want to emphasize that. We also handle 99% of our repair jobs in-house, which allows us to maintain strict quality control and ensure every repair meets industry standards.”
CARSTAR Lexington offers a wide range of services, including collision repair, paintless dent repair, and hail damage restoration. The collision repair services cover unibody and frame repairs, expert painting, and the use of high-quality parts to ensure the vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition. The paintless dent repair is an affordable solution for minor dents, while the hail damage repair service helps restore vehicles affected by severe weather.
“I have an in-house mechanic with 40 years of experience,” said Ouvry. “He can handle anything mechanically that other shops do. We’ve been working together along with our production manager for 18 years now, and having people with that level of experience is a huge asset to our team and our customers.”
A Strong Team with a Commitment to Excellence
Building a reliable and skilled team has been one of Ouvry’s top priorities since day one. “I’ve previously worked with most of my guys,” he said. “These are not random employees hired off the street. It took four to five years to build the team we have now, and I believe we have the strongest team in the area.”
He has worked hard to create a positive work environment with strong morale and a great work ethic. He believes that the atmosphere he’s built among his staff translates directly into better service for his customers.
Open communication is one of the shop’s guiding principles. From the moment a customer brings in their vehicle, they’re kept informed throughout the repair process. Whether it’s providing a clear estimate, working with insurance companies, or simply updating customers on progress, Ouvry’s team ensures there are no surprises.
“I’m not in the front office as much as I used to be,” Ouvry admitted, “but when I do interact with customers, I find it extremely rewarding. There’s nothing better than seeing someone drive away happy with the service they received.”
A Growing Business, Rooted in the Community
While CARSTAR Lexington has grown significantly since its humble beginnings, Ouvry remains focused on serving the Lexington community. “We’re here because of the people of Lexington, and I’m so grateful for their support over the years,” he said.
Ouvry’s commitment to the community goes beyond just serving customers—he’s actively involved in the area and looks for ways to give back. CARSTAR Lexington also participates in the National Auto Body Council’s “Recycled Rides” program, which repairs and donates vehicles to people in need.
Looking ahead, Ouvry has plans to expand his business even further. He’s already acquired real estate adjacent to the Lexington location for future growth, although he’s not in a rush to make immediate changes. In addition to running CARSTAR Lexington, he also operates a satellite location in Cayce and owns a towing business, Big Jerk Towing, which provides valuable support for his auto body repair services.