Charlie's Hillside Auto Repair

Brielle Woodall

★★★★★

5 years ago

We just moved to California from Florida and Hillside was great! Our Prius was having trouble starting so they were able to replace the 12V battery the next day, and a few days later I brought in my Rav for a service. They were great with both vehicles, professional, timely, and went above and beyond to provide exceptional service, including getting me a ride home from the shop. I would highly recommend using them.

B Reeves

★★★★★

a year ago

Second experience with Hillside. Was told by smog company that I had a hose in need of replacement. Stopped by Hillside. Technician checked carefully to say everything’s fine. Such an honest shop. Thanks so much Hillside!

Chris Fukuma

★★★★★

5 years ago

Got my brakes and oil change done here. Sam was very friendly in explaining what needed to be done. Email was sent with a report. Price was good. No unnecessary upselling like other places do and very honest good work. Drop off and pickup was kindly provided too along with a complimentary car wash. Best service I had a in a long time. Highly recommend!

Jane Noll

★★★★★

5 years ago

For many years, I have known this place to be highly rated. Yesterday, I had Hillside put on four new tires on my Mercedes. I was given excellent service and Sam was even willing to call my son-in-law (who owns a not-so-near repair shop) and discuss the details with him. On two occasions in the past, I have stopped by Hillside and requested advice or minor service—no charge. These guys really want to please. I was in a bit of a hurry yesterday, so Sam gave me a rain-check card for the customary car wash. By the way, Sam loved the Meyer’s bakery cookies I took him last week. This is a good, competent, friendly, neighborhood place to take your car.

Lisa V

★★★★★

6 years ago

After calling three other repair shops in the L.A. area about my broken air conditioning on my Toyota Prius, Hillside was the only one that said they were able to help me because of the year my car was manufactured. No other shops specialized in hybrid cars. They were very courteous over the phone, I never felt rushed or pressured and it felt more like talking to an old friend who genuinely cared about helping me. I was able to schedule an appointment the very next day. When I arrived I was met with outstanding customer service. Sam was my guy and he took care of me like - he'd known me since I was a kid. They were able to diagnose my car for the ac, gave me a free multi-point inspection and gave me a thorough breakdown on all the costs. I even got a free car wash. I couldn't have asked for more. They were very knowledgeable in hybrid cars and I highly recommend anyone to take their vehicles there if they want it in trusted hands. This is a long overdue review for a very well deserved repair shop and I apologize it took me so long to write this. Big thank-you to Sam and the entire staff there. You all were amazing!

jeff dawson

★★★★★

6 years ago

I have had good experiences when dealing with Hillside Auto Repair. Each time I have taken my vehicles there the folks there have been honest with their assessment and recommendations. They make you feel comfortable and take the time to explain things to you. One of my vehicles had to be towed to their location and they contacted me the following day with what happen and what need to be done. The prices are reasonable as well. They make you feel like part of an extended family member. All I can say is give them a chance and you can decide for yourself.

Sachin Maheshwari

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

Something has changed with Charlie’s over the past year (not sure what) First - sensor in my car was malfunctioning but no issue with driving. Charlie’s gave me a competitive quote vs the dealer but waited for a few weeks and every time they would postpone the service. After multiple phone calls, the person on the phone mentioned they are trying to manage the cash flow and so have not ordered the parts. 2nd instance - bought my wife’s SUV for an oil change. Apparently they overfilled and forgot to close the cap ? Sensor in her car kept showing “excess oil”. Figured it would burn off during regular driving but it didn’t. Took it to the dealership, spent even more money and they said the oil cap ? Wasn’t closed properly. Not sure what’s going on with Charlie’s but their quality of workmanship and professionalism has really gone down over the last year or so

Jeffery Tucker

★☆☆☆☆

8 months ago

I called to see how much everything would be for the services I needed for my vehicle. I thought that going to a mechanic outside of the dealership would be cheaper. They ended up giving me a quote that was double the amount that the dealership quoted me for the exact same services.

Jack Squires

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

I took my car here about a month ago and it was the worst experience I've ever had with a shop. I've never written a review of any business but I am so frustrated with my experience here that I have been forced to. It seems like this place has gone downhill based on the recent reviews and my experience. I would not take your car here and I will not be coming back. I took a new vehicle I purchased here for a basic inspection and oil change, dropped it off in the morning as they said they had availability. I didn't receive a call all day and finally 10 minutes before closing I called them. They told me the car hadn't been looked at yet and they will need to keep it for another day. If they were a courteous shop they would have let me know and given me a call. So the next day at about noon I get a call that the inspection has found moisture levels in my brakes and the brakes would need a bleed. This is a straightforward job that any shop should be able to do with no issue. I gave them the go ahead. About an hour later I get a call that the person working on my car has broken the bleeder valve inside the brake caliper and the caliper would need to be replaced on my dime. This is not a normal thing for a brake valve so I asked for pictures and reluctantly told them to go ahead and replace the caliper. (I also asked if they can just get the old valve out of the caliper and get a new valve screw and they said no as it would be too much effort) Later that day again about 10 minutes before closing they told me my car is ready to be picked up. I said I could be there in 20 minutes and they told me no one would be there and I would have to get it in the morning. After all these issues they don't even want to wait there another 10 minutes for a customer. When I pick up my car the next day I ask to see the caliper and they told me they got rid of it but can get me a picture (I never got these pictures). When I got in my car the oil light was still on and I had to wait another 10 minutes for them to come out and turn it off. Now its been only about a month since and my brakes where the caliper was changed are squeaking. I refuse to go back there and let them touch my car to address this and I would urge you not to as well.

Ash E

★☆☆☆☆

Edited a year ago

I’ve had several bad experiences here, but this last one was the most infuriating. I took my car in because it was leaking oil, and they said they ran my engine in idle for over an hour—with the A/C on full blast, and claimed they couldn’t find any issues. Why would anybody think that’s a good idea, let alone a mechanic!? Meanwhile, I’m here calling, asking for updates because they couldn’t bother to give me any. After several hours, they just said to pick up the car because they claimed: “they couldn’t find any problems.”Two days later, there’s more oil stains on the driveway, even worse than before. Are you actually kidding me??? This place wasted my gas, my time, and they made the problem worse from the extended idling period as I predicted. I ended up going to another shop and they found the problem immediately. I would seriously rate negative stars if I could. This business is a complete joke.

Kelly Whaling

★★★★★

a year ago

Excellent care! I could not ask for better service and will be using this shop every time I’m in the South Bay and recommending to all of my friends and family! I came in with a pressing issue that was time sensitive and they looked at my car immediately. Alex was responsive, warm, and kind, and he and all of the technicians really went above and beyond to care for my car before driving off on a big road trip. I can’t thank them enough!

Christina Pino

★★★★★

a year ago

Charlie's auto repair is the best! I was on vacation and hit a curb at night which popped a tire. Also learning that EVs can't be towed by a wheel lift/hook truck which damaged my 12V battery. Three tow trucks later, they were promptly able to fix all the issues and for a good price. I never write reviews but felt I had to for this place. (Also they have a nice waiting area and there is places to walk to nearby while you wait) Thank you!!

Kimberly Delgado

★★★★★

a year ago

I’ve been using Hillside for years, but today they showed me how amazing they are AGAIN. Took my Highlander in for weird squeaking noises from rearend when turning & going over bumps. Turned out to be loose spare tire! They tightened it up, put air on all my tires, and sent me on my way without paying anything. Thank you and happy new year!!!

Julie Mcmahon

★☆☆☆☆

7 months ago

DO NOT GO HERE. I went here for an estimate and they took 48 hours just to look at my vehicle. I had come in with a diagnostic already done. However when I went to pick up my vehicle they tried to charge me for what I specifically asked them not to do. They will swindle you, take FOREVER and then try to act like then or internal communication is your fault.

Steve Sarner

★★★★★

7 months ago

My parents have been taking their cars here for years and after my latest experiences I can see why. Last week went in for a minor issue and question which they resolved in 5 minutes - no charge. Today with a car in service they sent a thorough text with photos and videos detailing the major and minor issues with the car. Louie then consulted with me on what could and should not be deferred. Trustworthy, responsive, on time and on budget. This is an exceptional auto shop!

Ruth Castillo

★★★★★

2 months ago

I got tired of Carson Toyota ripping me off with expensive unnecessary repairs on my Prius. I gave this place a try and enjoyed the service. Their receptionist, Lydia, was extremely helpful and I had no pressure for “needed repairs.” Very reasonable. I will continue to use them in the future.

Patrick Carnahan

★★★★★

2 months ago

My recent visit to Hillsideautorepair was a very pleasant stress reliving experience. The manager, Louie Ramirez, greeted me in a very professional manner. I explained my conundrum regarding my vehicle. Louie listened and understood and diagnosed the issues. This business has continually serviced our neighborhood with a family friendly approach. This is a very professionally operated local auto repair business.