About Business
Charlie's Foreign Car Service brings expert Car Repair solutions to the local community in Encinitas, CA, Carlsbad. From Auto repair shop, Auto tune up service, Brake shop to complex Car Repair projects, they maintain high standards of service quality. Local residents in Encinitas, CA appreciate their attention to detail, leading to a consistent 4.6/5 rating from 95 reviewers. By focusing on the specific requirements of the Encinitas, CA area, they have built a loyal following among local Car Repair customers. Explore their full range of Car Repair services and see why they are a preferred choice for customers across Encinitas, CA and beyond.
Google Reviews
Robyn Harding

★★★★★
6 years ago
This place is so honest, friendly, fast, and reasonably priced, why would you go anywhere else. Call them after finding out how much my checkup would cost through Audi. Pricing was much more reasonable and I knew if there were any issues any repairs would be a lot cheaper than through Audi. Also mentioned I had a tire that kept deflating and they patched it for free. Got everything done within 3 hours. I'll definitely to be taking my car back here.
Stephen Poleshuk

★★★★★
2 years ago
If you own a Porsche, this is the mechanic to go to! I have a 2015 Macan with inherent problems of timing cover leak and exhaust crack. The former mechanic (who I used to trust) wanted 20K for the repair. Out the door at Charlies for 1k. Competent, clean and friendly, even washed the car.
Mr. Steve O

★★★★★
5 years ago
I had a engine motor mount replaced at Charlie's Foreign Car Service and I have to say I was very pleased with not only the quality of work,, but the time frame in which the work was completed. Very personable staff and great communication all around. Highly recommend before you consider going to a major dealer for repairs give Charlie's Foreign Car Service a call, you won't regret it. Glad I found them by researching local repair shops.
Doc Whisperer

★★★★★
5 years ago
I moved back to San Diego from Seattle months back, and my poor 2005 Lexus got a bit thrashed in Seattle's weather & needed some work. I spoke with Todd there, and he was able to help me with every single thing that needed to be done with my car---they even gave me a loaner car to drive while they worked on my car---super helpful and a GREAT perk. They are friendly there and never tried to upsell me on anything that wasn't needed---super important to me as a woman/person who doesn't know much about cars. I just want to put in my key and drive, lol! Todd was very honest and took care of everything I needed. The oil change was very reasonably priced. I needed brakes and also a new back tail light, which Todd found the same exact light outside of the dealership that saved me money (everything on Lexus is $$$ to replace). I appreciate that, as I don't have the time to search for parts and other places to get a deal. This is my new, one-stop shop & so happy I found it! Thanks for the great customer service, Todd! I will be back for my car needs! I highly recommend this place.
Karen Fisher

★★★★★
2 years ago
I was pretty set on buying a 40 year old Mercedes and chose this shop to do a pre-purchase inspection. I am a 31 year old woman and was treated so well by everyone I interacted with at this shop. They spent a little over an hour looking at the car and Niko spent 20 minutes explaining the findings to me, speaking directly to me, looking directly at me — not at my boyfriend, or the man who was selling the car. He was patient and direct but not condescending. Women reading this will understand how important it is to be treated so well in this setting. I will be bringing my new car and my other car here for service moving forward! Thank you!!
Joe Lippert

★★★★★
2 years ago
Charlie's foreign car is the best mechanic I have been to, period. I have brought both my 911s (2014 and a 2015 gts) to them over the years. Charlies fixed an accident related suspension issue quickly (1 week) that another shop tried (and failed) to fix 5 times over a year, they were methodical and precise. I have gone to them for routine maintenance as well. Highly recommended to me and I highly recommend to anyone.
Conni Jespersen

★★★★★
a year ago
Had a high quality experience today. Tom was very patient and spent time with me as I explained the issues with my vehicle. They communicated with me every step of the way and completed the work in a timely manner. I would work with them again in a heartbeat and trust the work they do.
Aaron Windmiller

★★★★★
a year ago
Charlie's is the gold standard. Period. Everything from vehicle knowledge, mechanical skills, customer service, car community events, and everything in between, there is no one better. They have not only repaired my cars to an A+ standard many times through out the years, they have also taken the time (sometimes hours!) just to help me with anything from understanding my repairs to getting a new vehicle. They're also a fun bunch to chat with. Charlie's is a gem. There just aren't many shops like them anymore. I highly recommend them and truly wish I could give them 6 stars.
Adam Majer

★★★★★
8 months ago
Sent in my speedometer/odometer to fix a broken gear. The quality of work is amazing along with the visual documentation of the steps. If only I was closer I’d bring the whole car in to get it to 100%!
Ryan Dennehy

★★★★★
2 months ago
I called them for a pre-purchase inspection and they did a great job. Thanks.
Bruce Henderson

★★★★
☆
3 weeks ago
Range Rover Transmission service and oil change. I supplied oil and cost was $138. Transmission service was $1848
joe

★★★★★
4 years ago
I was searching for a place to fix my speedometer in a 1988 Porsche 911 cabriolet. I found this place on YouTube of all places. Be sure to check them out. Well I sent it to Niko and I received back an estimate complete with pictures of every step of the repair. Thanks again Niko. Sincerely, Joe Augusto in Massachusetts
Justin Chan

★★★★★
11 months ago
Brought my 718 Spyder to Charlie’s for a new exhaust installation. These guys were thorough and quick, and fairly priced. I love the small family vibe of this coastal shop and everyone I worked with was awesome. Will be coming back for maintenance and future car work!
Nick Czerula

★★★★★
a year ago
While visiting from out of town we needed help with our rental vehicle and Niko and his team were there for is. Five stars - highly recommend.
J M

★★★★★
2 years ago
Review for Charlie’s Foreign Car: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recently, I took my E46 to Charlie’s Foreign Car to address concerns with the IRP v3 shifter. From the onset, Niko, who I had the pleasure of interacting with, stood out as a beacon of professionalism. He is exceptionally friendly and possesses a depth of knowledge that is both impressive and reassuring. Niko quickly identified that the shifter, a sophisticated mechanical linkage system, had been previously misinstalled by another shop. With his expertise and the support of the team, they rectified the issues, ensuring optimal performance. Niko is a true auto expert, and his passion for cars is evident in the quality of work and care he extends to each vehicle. Charlie’s Foreign Car, under the guidance of professionals like Niko, continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in automotive care. Highly recommended!
John E

★★★★★
a month ago
This is an amazing automotive repair shop. Top notch employees offering great customer service. They offer great value.
Yash

★★★★★
a year ago
Best place to send your car if you want to have no problems with your car once it is out of the shop. They don’t mess around, sure you can find cheaper service elsewhere but you seriously get what you pay for
J. D.

★★★★★
2 months ago
This is truly a magical place. Niko was nothing short of amazing; he diagnosed a potential speedometer problem cross-country via pictures and email, saving me a huge headache. I cannot thank Niko and the team enough for their professionalism and eagerness to help.
Fiona Maya

★
☆☆☆☆
3 months ago
One of their mechanics sold me a car, he assured me that it was in perfect condition and that he was giving me a great deal turns out the car needs $ 12,000 worth of work according to the old owner who informed him of this. And previous jobs HE DID on the car need to be redone. A shame they have him working here again after being released from San Diego central. Do you really want this less than honest mechanic working on your car?
Emilia Hallo

★★★★★
2 months ago
Brent did such a great job on my Prius oil change. It was done after only hour. Highly recommend! I was visiting from Germany & it was nice to trust somebody in the USA with my car. Best auto shop in so cal💘💘💘