Among car enthusiasts in Columbia, it’s common to hear The Tuning SPOT as a recommended automotive shop. The main reason is that it’s uniquely a do-it-yourself shop. It enables customers to work on their vehicles with tools and equipment the shop provides.
Today, not many DIY car repair shops exist in Missouri. While some have been successful, others have started and perished. However, The Tuning SPOT has now been a part of Columbia’s automotive scene for nearly fourteen years.
The shop was the brainchild of Stuart Cunningham, who launched the business in December 2011. Cunningham had long been interested in working on cars, but not for a dealership or traditional service station. That led him to start his own shop with a new mission: empowering people to maintain their own vehicles.
“My friends would just be frustrated about how limiting it is to try and do it yourself, like in your own garage, you know, on jackstands or what have you, and I said ‘There’s gotta be a better way,’” Cunningham said. “It didn’t occur to me that they didn’t really exist.”
At the time, customers were limited to taking their cars to traditional auto repair shops or a dealership for repairs. Cunningham was looking to fill the gap between the driveway and expensive dealership prices. He hoped he could save his customers money while giving them back some freedom.
The shop originally opened on Burlington Street, but Cunningham quickly outgrew that location and moved the business to 1305 Olympic Boulevard. The 2,000-square-foot shop allowed for more lifts, which meant more space for customers to work on their vehicles.
A Changing of the Guard
“When he moved to this location, he refined what worked. I just continued that vision, helping people work on their own cars with the right tools and guidance,” said James McNamer, the shop’s current owner.
McNamer was a Tuning SPOT customer before he heard the business was for sale. Once he was able to afford it, he seized the opportunity to buy it. Now, McNamer and Cunningham have become friends.
“I definitely got a good man out of it, and I’m super happy that he’s the one that took it over because when you start something like that from scratch, it’s kind of your baby,” Cunningham said.
“Even though I would sell it and was ready to move on, I wanted to make sure it was gonna go to someone who was gonna treat my customers well and run it properly.”
With current automotive shop labor prices of $150 per hour or more, customers have an opportunity to save money by doing the work themselves. But keeping customers’ costs down isn’t McNamer’s only motivation. “It’s not just about providing a service — it’s about empowering people,” he said.
“Teaching someone to do a repair builds confidence, especially for those who wouldn’t normally try. I’ve seen mother-daughter teams come in, often testing the waters, and I love guiding them,” McNamer said. “It’s rewarding to see people gain skills and feel capable.”
The Tuning SPOT isn’t the main source of income for McNamer, who also works as an environmental engineer. In fact, he invests everything the business earns into the shop to keep it alive and growing.
Like many auto repair shops, The Tuning SPOT is usually busy. It’s best to make an appointment to bring your vehicle in by calling during business hours or booking online. Currently, there are three options for customers whose cars need work. They can book lift and flat spots for $40 an hour, seek mechanical assistance for $80 an hour, or have a Tuning SPOT pro work on their vehicle for $125 an hour. If a vehicle needs a diagnostic scan, that currently runs $125 as well.
For the community, The Tuning SPOT has become more than just a garage. It’s a place where beginners can learn the basics, and local car guys can tinker on their cars. Whether it’s a college student trying to save money or a hobbyist diving into a weekend project, the shop offers a welcoming, judgment-free space. The Tuning SPOT continues to prove that with the right tools and support, anyone can take on their own car repairs.
“Learning to work on your own car means you’re less reliant on others. I’m 50 now, and with many old-timers in Columbia’s automotive community passing away, sharing knowledge is crucial,” McNamer said. “You don’t need thousands of dollars in tools for basic repairs. We make it attainable, easy, and safe so people can maintain their vehicles themselves.”
