Fitzgeralds Auto Care Center

Joseph Tran

★☆☆☆☆

11 months ago

I initially tried to forget about my experience and just move on, but after getting constant spam emails asking for a review, I figured maybe I should write one—to raise awareness and encourage others to be cautious when dealing with Fitzgerald's Auto Center. I had recently brought in my older 4Runner with a few known issues: the check engine light bulb was missing, the car had trouble starting, and most concerning—a loud, almost unbearable noise coming from the vehicle. I had already taken it to AutoZone for a free diagnostic and was aware of the engine codes, but the noise was my biggest concern. It was so loud I could barely hear myself talk. When I arrived, John was welcoming and kind, which put me at ease. He ran a diagnostic and confirmed the engine light issues—nothing new to me. He explained that replacing the bulb and addressing the codes might also resolve the loud noise. I was hopeful, so I agreed to proceed with the repairs. The initial diagnostic and repairs cost around $1,400. About a week later, I was told the noise hadn’t gone away because it was actually coming from a bad wheel bearing. Rob informed me it would cost an additional $900 to replace. I had already told them my $1,500 budget was my max, but at that point, I felt stuck—I wanted the problem fixed, so I went ahead with the extra charge. Another week passed, and I finally got my car back… only to find that the exact same noise was still there. Nothing had changed. I was beyond disappointed—frustrated, stressed, and honestly starting to feel like I’d fallen into a money pit. I looked into the wheel bearing they claimed to have replaced and noticed it was still oily and leaking. I called them to follow up and was told I’d need to wait another week because they were "too busy"—even after I’d just spent over $2,300 with them. I didn’t have a backup car anymore and couldn’t wait that long, so I took it to a trusted local mechanic. Turns out, the issue wasn’t the wheel bearing at all—it was a bearing inside the differential. Something Fitzgerald’s should have caught from the beginning. Furthermore they had written in their recommendations that the noise was the left wheel bearing and also tires. They're diagnostics on the issue had been extremely off. I felt completely scammed. After three weeks without my car, thousands of dollars spent, and a problem that still wasn’t resolved by them, I’m left with a terrible impression. As someone who’s new to car ownership, this whole experience has been draining—financially and emotionally. I’m writing this to warn others: be cautious. Just because a shop has positive reviews doesn’t mean your experience will be the same. Personally, I would like an apology and some kind of compensation for the time, stress, and money I had lost.

Eva Langford

★★★★★

7 months ago

As an Auto Club member I have been very happy taking both my cars to Fitzgeralds for years. Very good service!!

Marci

★★★★★

3 years ago

I’ve lived less than a block from this business for over 2 years and just recently took my car there for the annual smog check. Not only was I impressed with how quickly they were able to fit me in and the cleanliness of their facility, but the staff (specifically Patrick, Service Manager at front desk) was so knowledgeable, funny and polite, we talked the entire time my car was being serviced that next thing I knew, my car was done before I had even begun waiting. Price was very reasonable for the quality and speed of service provided. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. I will definitely be going back for my future auto service needs. I would highly recommend Fitzgeralds to anyone.looking for exceptional service and honest prices.

Charlie Howarth

★★★★★

a year ago

Have been taking my vehicles to Fitzgeralds for many years. They are honest and thorough, and they don’t push for additional services that are unnecessary. I tend to do my research and am a mechanic’s nightmare (shade tree), but I know I can trust and count on these guys to be straight shooters. If you’re in the Newport/Mesa/HB area I would highly recommend Fitzgeralds. Dan, Pat, Ricky and John are good guys!

Olivia Ritchie

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

TLDR: Do not go here! Go to literally any other repair place. I went to Harbor Auto 1 mile away and got the problem diagnosed and repaired in 1 day for 1/10th of the cost. One of the worst experiences I’ve had at an auto repair shop. I called in for help with my 2009 Toyota Camry (34,000 miles) which had overheated and was leaking coolant. Fitzgeralds told me if i brought my car in that night (Friday) they could try to look at it the next day. I get a call from Dan on Saturday saying the engine was damaged and would cost $3-3.5k to fix. He told me I could think about it and wait till Monday to decide. On Monday I called back to try and get a written estimate and then schedule the repair. I mentioned Dan gave me a ballpark estimate on Saturday and I was hoping for a more official written one. John said “well I can tell you Dan’s been doing this for a long time and that estimate is probably not a ballpark but rather accurate.” John on the phone asked for my email and said they would send it over by end of the day or tomorrow (Tuesday). End of Tuesday I call Fitzgerald after never receiving an estimate (or a phone call) and they say “Oh I tried to call you earlier but we have bad news. I misspoke on Saturday and didn’t realize this was a 6 cylinder engine. So this will be twice the cost due to twice the labor and parts. We could also replace the whole engine but that will also be expensive.” I then asked them to send over the estimate so I can look it over. He asked for my email, which I already gave them, and said he’d send it over right away. I never received the estimate. Wednesday morning I decided I better rescue my car from these incompetent misogynistic jerks and take it to get a real diagnosis. When I showed up on Wednesday, John told me I had an invoice for the diagnosis. I said “I’m surprised there is a fee since the final diagnosis was never given”. Because I was desperate to get out of there I paid the fee and on the invoice receipt I can see they had misspelled my name and misreported my odometer reading (written: 74,000 actual: 34,000). I was shocked that they had the 6 cylinder engine on there. The invoice reads “Possible blown motor. Customer declines repairs. $160.” I am unclear what the repairs were as I was never given a written estimate or an explanation of what needed to be done. I towed my car to Harbor Auto a mile away and the nice mechanics there were very explanatory of the problem. They fixed it within a day for $900. It is clear by some of the other reviews of Fitzgeralds that they are rude, inefficient, & take advantage of people, specifically women.

Desiree Kunihiro

★★★★★

2 years ago

I went to Fitzgerald's on a recommendation and now have been there a couple of times. I have a trouble some car. Pat, Ricky and all the guys were so helpful with my issues. Great communication, would call me immediately and let me know what was going on. The prices are what I expected. Would highly recommend and go again.

Kelly Wicks

★★★★★

2 years ago

Fitzgerald Auto Care Center is were I take my car to get fix cause they always explain everything that needs to be fix and they are never pushy to get other repairs on your car. The last time I went to Fitzgeralds, they came in several hundred dollars under their quote, gave me rides to and from my home, and were very nice and friendly the entire time. I would recommend Fitzgeralds to anyone needing repairs on your car.

V M

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

Don't go there. Just go somewhere else. I suspect most positive reviews are like whatever off your next visit when you rate us 5 starts. The problem is They Charged Me $60 just to test the battery (takes them less than 20 seconds with their tiny machine) many people test your battery for free! Plus they charged me like $180 for never heard of brand battery. Top tier battery at Costco for the similar Ah rating at that time was $150. Their license should be revoked for their criminal tactics.

R. J.

★★★★★

Edited 7 years ago

Honest Mechanics with a crystal clear and seamless operation! My brother has been an honest mechanic for 25 years, but he's too far away. So I have seen and heard about a lot in this business. This was the 3rd place I took my used car that I had purchased. These guys not only saved me over a thousand, but kindly and patiently explained to me why I did not need the recommendations that the other vendors had made. They also fixed one simple issue for free, and made sure that I got a discount that I would have forgotten to ask for. For both my oil change, smog/inspection, and repair, I would show up, drop off, get shuttled home and then picked up when my car was ready. I never had to wait in the waiting room for long. Everything was seamless. Very well managed, professional, clean, and friendly. Everyone upfront was very knowledgeable, including the owner, who was always in. Best service I've experienced in 25 years! Expect more of the same.

Jack Nguyen

★★★★★

7 years ago

The BEST service ever!!!! Pat and Jim were amazing! When I first called about taking my car in, Pat was so welcoming and took the time to walk me through the potential next steps for my car. I’ve never had a service manager have so much patience on the phone with me and help me feel supported during this tough time with my car. Once I took my car in, Jim took care of the communications with my car and went above and beyond from start to finish. He built rapport, greeted me by name right away, and was completely honest and upfront about my cars situation. Jim’s customer service is top notch and it’s rare to find a person like him in this business that genuinely cares about each customer. This is my first time coming to Fitzgerald’s and I’m sold - My car has a new repair home without a doubt! Pat and Jim even gave me a free car wash coupon after my car checked out just as a random thank you for taking my car here for this larger than normal car issue I had. I know these freebies won’t be given out all the time nor do I expect that each visit, but WOW what shop goes to this extent to make its customers this happy. I’m still in shock that places like this exist and are so good with service. Never once was I pushed off the phone because they were too busy etc they always took the time to take care of my questions and requests. Bravo to Pat and Jim- I’m referring everyone I know to Fitzgerald’s! Thanks for genuinely caring about the people who drive the cars - you guys are the best!

Rhiannon Farrell

★☆☆☆☆

Edited 2 years ago

Went to Fitzgerald inquiring on diagnostics for engine failure on my Chevy Van, after a $360 diagnostic fee for two hours of work I was stunned. Their report indicated it was a faulty sensor and would be an additional $400 to replace. After a thought out decision my partner and I decided against the repair. Curious if we could take on the project ourselves, we googled the specifics of this sensor, at a cost of $60 for the part and 20 minutes of our time we got the van up and running like brand new again. As a young women I felt taken advantage of and am incredibly disappointed by their integrity to do honest work at fair prices.

B Moon

★★★★★

10 years ago

Honest, reliable, reasonable costs, works within your budget and needs, friendly and personable. I've been taking my cars to Fitzgeralds for 7 years now and have always received great service. It took awhile to find an honest, reliable mechanic in Costa Mesa who would tell me when I needed minimal work done rather than major service and prioritized needs to fit my budget. Dan, the owner, is a great guy who is straight with you, very easy to communicate with, and you can tell that he has you and your car's best interests in mind in order to establish a meaningful business-client relationship. When I've dropped off my car in the morning for work to be done, they even gave me a ride home. The mechanics I've spoken with are well-trained, friendly, and really know their trade. Fitzgeralds is clean, organized, and they treat the interior of my car with care, too. Great auto mechanic shop!

David & Carolyn V.

★★★★★

3 years ago

I have been going to Fitzgerald's for nearly 20 years. These guys do a good job for a fair price. They do a thorough inspection and tell you what work is needed to be done. They are respectable and honest. They have worked on my cars, my first wife and now my new wife, and now my daughter with her first car and my stepson. My second wife feared going to mechanics after dealing with unfair mechanicals who lied about work that needed to be done and work that didn't need to be done. The guys from Fitzgerald's, Dan and Pat spoke with her an explained the work that needed to be done and allayed her feats. Now when my daughter went to get work done they gave her a handout that further explained the work that needed to be done. They are friendly and experienced and I would highly recommend to anyone looking for mechanic with integrity who does a good job in good time give Fitzgerald's a call.

Alice Toth

★★★★★

4 years ago

My husband and I have brought our cars here for several years now. Both Pat and Dan always take good care of us. They are courteous and professional. The repairs are done in a timely fashion and I’m happy to have a local garage we can trust! My Chevy Tahoe is 20 years old, 176k+ miles and they are helping me milk every mile more I can get out of her!

Rob Hill

★★★★★

Edited 10 years ago

I've had some very bitter experiences with automotive repair in the past, so I was careful to investigate Fitzgeralds before I called them. Pat, the service manager, is not only friendly, he's professional in every way. There is a rule in life you simply can't get around: You get what you pay for. Even if you decide to go with a less expensive place, it will cost you just as much or more than if you paid the right price in the first place. I'm more than happy with the service I received at Fitzgeralds. They did a thorough check of my car and found a number if issues that I was unaware of, issues that left unattended, would cost me far more down the road. With Pat's help we were able to prioritize the needed repairs with an eye to cost, safety, and reliability. Over the coming months I will have a car that I know I can rely on. It won't be cheap. Money is tight. But I'll know the work done on my car was done right.

Rachel Page

★★★★★

5 years ago

Shout out to Fitzgeralds for the A plus service they provided yesterday. I have had the same mechanic for many years and he's wonderful- but he takes a long time to get the job done. As a stay at home mom with a lot of errands and two toddlers, being without a car for days on end is just not a viable option for me anymore. I was recommended Fitzgeralds as a quick and excellent mechanic. They were great and got the job done in one day. Clean, prompt, professional and straight forward. I'll be back!

Jason Russ

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

These guys charged me over $600 to look at something then told me my car was worth nothing and will never run again. Here I am two years later car running perfect. Took the car to the dealer and they fixed it for less than the diagnose was with these guys. Do not recommend.