Encinitas Automotive

Alfred Smith

★★★★★

6 years ago

Great work and legitimate honesty that I can verify. Had one ignition coil go out. Peter could have easily told me that I NEEDED to replace all of them right now and I would’ve been none the wiser and he would’ve made an extra few hundred dollars off me. Instead he plainly and honestly explained that I could change the rest now but could also wait until they go out next time, whenever that may be. Definitely a great guy and does great work. Thanks a lot!

Amanda Meisner

★★★★★

11 years ago

GREAT SERVICE!!!! I worked closely with Peter at Encinitas Automotive Repair. He first helped me determine what kind of vehicle would be good to purchase with a higher mileage based on reliability. He was so kind and spoke to me for at least 20 mins. We ended buying a Ford Expedition that had a mechanical issue. When I brought Peter the vehicle to check out, he found that the engine needed new coils and did not charge us for the inspection. They got the coils replaced in less than a day and the charge was LESSS than the estimate. AMAZING! Our Ford Expedition runs perfectly now and I feel like Peter is the most fair and honest repair shop owner I have ever worked with. My mom has also been going to him for awhile as well as a few neighbors and coworkers. They all say Encinitas Automotive Repair is the best place they have been!

KC Rentfro - San Diego Realtor

★★★★★

6 years ago

I recently went into Encinitas Automotive Repair for my truck as for some reason it would randomly not start. They saw me within 2 hours of my phone call and checked the battery, alternator, starter and told me had a loose connection. They tightened a few things and sent me on my way no charge within 10 minutes of showing up. Hard to find good people let alone trustworthy automotive shops these days. This place is awesome and friendly and I will always take my car needs there in the future. I highly recommend and thanks again!

Neil Miller

★★★★★

4 years ago

I have been going to Peter and team for 20+ years. I have taken my old vintage muscle cars, my Hondas and Toyotas, as well as my new expensive German cars and these guys have fixed them all. Peter and his mechanics are excellent at diagnosing and fixing any type of problem - but most importantly, I feel I can trust them. I have been to shops before that I know performed extra work that was not really needed. Peter always calls me and gives me a detailed run-down on the problem before any work is performed. He always tells me what he would do if it was his car. I've even had a few times where he fixed something and did not charge me - where he could easily have made a couple hundred dollars. Bottom line, when you find a shop like this that is technically qualified AND trustworthy - you never take your car anywhere else. Thanks Peter.

Wilson Hambrick

★★★★★

6 years ago

I've been taking both of our cars here for several years. Peter & Alex are always beyond friendly and professional. They always call and check-in with me to let me know about the current status, when the car will be ready, and other important information. There's no need to take our cars anywhere else. Highly recommend!

Doug Machon

★★★★★

6 years ago

I highly recommend Encinitas Automotive. I've been going to see Peter and Alex (and Peter's son, Marcello) since 2009. I chose them b/c they were recommended by AAA and my experiences have always been first-rate. We continue to take our Acura, Lexus and Scion there, and previously they worked on our BMW and Ford vehicles. They are honest, trustworthy, do excellent work, and their prices are always better than fair. Highly recommended.

Thomas Nobles

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

Needed front brakes for my Ford Fiesta. Went to the AAA site and there were only a few listed in my area. I was familiar with two of them previously and thought I would try these guys instead. Big mistake. The garage looked pretty dead quiet and not busy. Maybe that was a clue. I spoke with Alex on the phone. When I got there he and one other guying just walking aimlessly around were there. Neither doing anything. He wasn't sure he would have the parts and be able to do it in one day. That was fine but I wasn't even home yet and within 15 mins he calls having already checked all four brakes. The rears were ok. The fronts needed full replacement pads and rotors. He quoted me $689, before tax. I was shocked. Google was very wrong too as a recent estimate for a Ford Fiesta was in the $300 max range. His shop is in a little center almost all being auto repair of at least 6-7 shops so I figured he must be fairly cost competitive with everyone else and I didn't really think I could just say no and go back and start price checking with everyone. Also given the across the board price inflation on everything I figured this is the new normal. Its not. So I gave the go ahead. A few minutes later I called the Ford dealership, and figuring the dealerships are pretty much always at the top of the price ladder, their estimate would be more but instead they estimated around $550. They actually got the job done in about 3 hours, and charged $300 for labor which seems ridiculous. When I arrived at the center to get my car I stepped into the Evans Tires to get a quote from them too. They quoted around $525. So I was getting summarily screwed. He said the parts had doubled in price the last year. I checked that online, pads and rotors for a Fiesta and they ranged anywhere from $80 at Walmart to around $130 for a set of two. He was charging me 2-3x that. Nice margins, not to mention the ridiculous labor. After tax, and the AAA discount (he tried to convince me this was with a discount) total was $714 for two discs and rotors done in three hours. What a scam.

Valentin Despa

★★★★★

6 years ago

Went here for a pre-purchase inspection and I the mechanic was very reliable and honest, gave many tips on how to take care of the car.

Diana Keefe

★★★★★

5 years ago

I came here because I saw the great review of how honest and trustworthy Peter and Marcelo are. I was not disappointed. They were very quick to schedule me in. I brought in my car for an oil change and diagnostics because I thought the breaks might need replacement. Prices are very competitive and both Peter and Marcelo provide great customer service. I felt well-taken care of and recommend to anyone in the area looking for auto service!

Timothy Hughes

★★★★★

2 years ago

Went to them when my car started grinding as I drove. Got my car in right away and they called me back within 30 mins after diagnosing the problem. Since the fix was worth more than it would be to just get another used car, they recommended just buying another and then didn’t charge me for the diagnosis since they didn’t have to take anything apart. All in all, I found Peter and Alex to be very informative and honest. Definitely would go to them again!

Travis

★★★★★

a year ago

I have had multiple repairs and maintenance done on a 2003 Toyota 4runner and the crew here has been excellent every time even on short notice. Quality people and workmanship by Alex the mechanic. I truly appreciate these guys and will continue to bring my old 4Runner in.

Jesse Hahs

★★★★★

10 months ago

I am very happy with my service. Alex and Peter were extremely helpful in diagnosing my cars problems. I thought I had multiple thousands of dollars in issues, and they solved it for less than $200. Will be going back in the future.

b o

★★★★★

7 months ago

Peter at Encinitas Automotive is always honest straightforward and repairs things the right way. Timely and responsive. It’s my only place to fix my new Highlander and my old jeep. They do it all and do it right.

Andy Vicario

★★★★★

8 months ago

I would highly recommend Encinitas Automotive. Peter and Alex were a pleasure to work with from when I called to make an appointment and explain my concerns, to check in and picking up my car. Very professional and cordial all the way through. No upselling and they truly listen to concerns. I consider having found a gem! Thank you Peter!

J

★★★★★

7 months ago

I've had my car repaired at Encinitas Automotive for years. I truly appreciate that I can always trust Pete and Alex to only repair what is really necessary at the time. This, along with quality work is what makes me a return customer.

Troy Pearson

★★★★★

Edited 5 months ago

These guys are the best, I could tell right away that these guys are honest, knowledgeable, and will give you a fair price on your repairs. Very Communicative and did the work right and quickly. I will definitely use them for all my repair needs in the future.

Jackie Ragasa

★★★★★

6 months ago

Alex was amazing! I came in with some issues and he was so kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. From the very beginning—explaining the services, walking me through the pricing, and making sure I felt comfortable—the customer service was top-notch. Peter helped check me out and was just as friendly and genuine. Both of them are down-to-earth, honest, and truly care about their customers. The work they did was excellent, the pricing was affordable, and I could really tell they take pride in what they do. Definitely recommend Encinitas Automotive, and I’ll be back if I ever need anything else!