Cal West Auto Center

Matt T

★★★★★

a year ago

Incredible customer service. My daughter attends Cal State San Marcos and her car died. I had it towed there and they were more than helpful to diagnose it. They were unable to replace the hybrid battery but recommend others that could. Very helpful staff, I will be bring all my cars here in the future.

Anna Orlowska

★★★★★

2 years ago

I got worn down squeaky drive belt in my Lexus RX300 4WD. I made an appointment with another auto repair shop within ten days, But suddenly Friday afternoon squeaking got much worse so I called the other shop to reschedule for Monday but was refused. In desperation I started looking for alternative. I found Cal West Auto Center on Internet called them and they agreed to fix my drive belt Saturday for less than I was going to pay in other ship. I found the place impressive. Facilities very impressive, Very clean. Staff very friendly, helpful and professional. They did not try to sell me anything more than I requested, No pressure. They did everything they promised. For a woman who doesn’t know much of car repair everything was explained to me in simple language. Atmosphere is family friendly. They clearly like to keep their customers for a long time, I am sure I will come back to do car maintenance there very soon as I have confidence in their honesty and professionalism. I would recommend Cal West Auto Center to anyone especially on limited/fixed budget.

Jason & Tiffany / AlvarezFamily1904

★★★★★

Edited a month ago

Couldn't recommend a better place to take your car if you're ever in need of any kind of diagnosis repair or are just in the market to purchase a new to you but "used" vehicle as they offer "Pre-purchase inspections", which are invaluable to when trying to decide on making such a large, impact full purchase. Especially when it is a used vehicle you may or may not be purchasing from someone who you may not know or necessarily trust. That being said, calwest is a true savior when it comes to that. We recently purchased a 2015 Toyota Camry with almost 200000 miles on it. So, as you can imagine, it was in our minds that it could be a risky buy, however, after taking it to Cal West, they reassured us in many different ways that this was not only a sound but secure purchase. Not only that, but that it was probably for us, a really, really good purchase and in our case, it worked out exactly how they said so far and even then, some. We also took the car back in to just do a couple. Little maintenance touch-ups like breaks rotors. Etc. Not only was the price of everything, extremely competitive but also they were able to fit us in that day, which typically it is by appointment. Only all I can say is that after the last few years of kind of mechanic shopping around for my husband's vehicle, we've had hit and misses. Some have been okay. Some not so okay, but with cal west, I honestly feel like we have found our new Home mechanics that will be returning customers for as long as they're close by. And uh, but like I said, you can't really go wrong. The very minimum vacant view for a small fee. You know, it's kind of like a diagnostic, and they'll have even given you printouts with pictures to show you exactly right. What it is that you need. Everything is super transparent, very fluid super. Easy, and if you're in the San Marcos north county area, I highly highly recommend you try them out. I don't think you'll be disappointed, and I think you'll be highly impressed at what they have to offer. Just a little side note, the owner's wife owns a small boutique and secondhand store right next door to the actual mechanics. And there are some very cute one of the kind pieces so you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else very reasonably priced. And as you can imagine, this is very much a family business, and you can just feel the love, the welcoming vibes and the warmth. We can not thank cal west auto center, all of its awesome, extremely knowledgeable, very helpful. And just all-around great employees. Especially the Henry Ford of car knowledge who worked on our Camry (you know who you are wink 😉)

WD Jackson

★★★★★

4 months ago

Drew fixed my headlamp for a fair price in almost no waiting time. Very friendly gentleman who repaired what other shops turned me down for.

AM

★★★★★

a year ago

I brought my car back to Cal West to get the brakes repaired. I didn't have an appt. Drew and his team were able to fit me in. As always, they didn't disappoint! Professional service, Friendly, courteous and honest. Pricing is fair and reasonable. It's great when you have complete confidence in their integrity & workmanship. Thank you Drew and Team for always exceeding my expectations.

Jennifer Wynn

★★★★★

a year ago

I had a great experience at Cal West Auto Center! They are honest, friendly, and efficient—exactly what you want in an auto shop. The team was quick to get me in and didn’t waste my time with unnecessary upsells. They explained everything clearly and got the job done fast. It’s hard to find a shop you can trust, but Cal West Auto Center has definitely earned my business. Highly recommend!

Cj_ JACOBSON

★★★★★

7 months ago

I don’t usually write Yelp reviews, but the customer service here was truly exceptional—hands down the best I’ve ever experienced, not just at a mechanic shop. I highly recommend this place. I won’t be taking my Tacoma anywhere else from now on. :)

Michael Marchica

★★★★★

10 months ago

I am a happy repeat customer of Cal West, Drew and his crew are always honest and helpful, whether you need scheduled maintenance or if you are bringing your car in with an unexpected problem. I highly recommend giving them a chance if you need work done on your car!

Fernando Mitre

★★★★★

11 months ago

My Acadia car had a major problem when I looked for service. I found this team of professionals who, from the moment you walk in the door, provide excellent and friendly service. They treat you as if it were their own car and help you with everything. They follow up with you from start to finish.

Linda MacKenzie

★★★★★

Edited 9 months ago

WOW!!! Amazing customer service and quality work of this team. Drew and his crew truly love what they do, and it shows. My car had an odd sound, the figured out the issue quickly, I was able to get my car fixed the same day and the prices are fair, although I would happily pay more because they treat you like a VIP from, they pick up your phone to call. They made me feel like family, I highly recommend Cal West Auto!!! I like in Orange County now and I gladly drive to Cal-West for all my car needs. Once you find a mechanic shop that is honest and is great at what they do, you stick with them.

Jen McNairy

★★★★★

10 months ago

I live in Nor Call, and my daughter goes to college in San Marcos. She has had to take her car in for repairs and maintenance a few times while away from home , and this shop has been nothing short of amazing to her! We've compared all of their quotes to our trusted mechanic's quotes here in Nor Cal,, and they are very competitively priced. They are always VERY accommodating and kind (bringing her snacks and drinks while she waits, and have never tried to take advantage of her naivety regarding repairs. Makes my mama heart super thankful! Thank you Cal West!!

Kenichi Haskett

★★★★★

8 months ago

I highly recommend these guys, they are no B.S., up front, and don’t try to up sale their services. I take both of our cars here for auto repairs and services.

James Canino

★★★★★

2 years ago

Cal West Auto Center located in San Marcos California. They give the stereotypes for auto mechanics a black eye. This shop is literally the best auto center I have ever been to in my 45 years of driving experience. Been taking my cars there for over 1.5 years and they are honest, completely transparent, great service and the trust level is over the top. Andrew (Drew) the owner young professional with a smile on his face and always there to help. His rates are competitive, however if you consider you never have to second guess his work and drive out with great peace of mind knowing you’re solid, then he beats every other mechanic I personally know within a 1200 mile radius. (Including family members) Told him my vehicle had a low horn sound in the brakes. He checked it most would charge to replace for a break job. Not him. He told me nothing to worry about. I out 40k a year on my car would not go to the dealership for anything (3 year old car). If you need a great mechanic that will not B.S. (Brussels Sprouts) you then go to CalWest Auto Center you will not be disappointed or go anywhere else

K B

★★★★★

6 months ago

First time customer. Impressed! Brought in an old car with 3 must have repair items and two nice to haves (depending on cost). Car working great now, so obviously did a great job. The guys were understanding and accommodating regarding minimizing cash spent on an old car. Zero effort made to upsell or push to do more work than was absolutely necessary.

Patrick Mitchell

★★★★★

7 months ago

I’ve been bringing my whole family’s vehicles to Drew at Cal West Auto Center for years. Even after moving, I still drive 40+ minutes because there is no one I trust more. Drew and his team are honest, knowledgeable, friendly, and fast, exactly what you want in a mechanic. They explain what’s needed (and what isn’t), give fair prices, and get the work done right the first time. Finding a trustworthy mechanic is hard! Cal West Auto is the real deal. I won’t go anywhere else. Thank you, Drew and team, you rock!

Cailen DSa

★★★★★

3 weeks ago

Been bringing my whip to Drew and the team for 6 years - they’re hands down the best shop in SD. Great work, high-integrity, and genuinely great humans.

Cole Zakian

★★★★★

2 months ago

I moved to San Marcos for college and this is the only mechanic shop here I’ll ever go to. They are beyond nice, and caring about any car issues. They are super easy to get into contact with. Drew especially goes above and beyond with all services and really makes you feel comfortable about all your decisions