Hal's Auto Repair Oceanside

Linda Vanderwalker

★☆☆☆☆

Edited a year ago

The latest incident with Hal’s happened a while ago and I almost wasn’t going to leave a review but the way I was treated as a longstanding customer was horrible. My ck engine light came on and after $180 Johnny told me it was either electrical or transmission and I would need to spend almost $400 more to have more diagnostics done. After talking with a friend he said it’s probably your gas cap. So I went to auto Zone where the gentleman behind the counter said before you spend any $ lets see what’s wrong. So they took a device to my car, plugged it in, got a reading and put it into their computer. It took probably less than five minutes and he said it’s the O2 sensor. This was all free of charge. So I went to a new mechanic who did diagnostics and said it’s an O2 sensor. When I called Hal’s I talked with Johnny and told him how disappointed I was with their shop and I was bilked out of $180 without even getting any answer. Of Course he argued with me but I told him I’ve lost all trust in Hal’s and will never be back. They took advantage of me and made me look like a fool. Johnny left a voice message later that day telling me he would refund my $ if I came into the shop. If they wanted to refund my $ they could have easily put it back on my card. I ignored the voice mail and did not go back in because I knew he was just going to try to bully me in person. I don’t even know if Hal knows what happened but it doesn’t matter anyway because I won’t be going back. If this is how they treat customers be careful with this shop. As soon as they get the opportunity you’re screwed.

p4k0760

★☆☆☆☆

7 months ago

Fake advertising says free brake inspection outside the catch is they’ll only do it if you agree to get whatever they say fixed. Old guy on the front counter is rude and not helpful couldn’t even explain himself after I asked why the sign doesn’t say that. Bad service overall very scummy

Dan Peragine

★★★★★

5 months ago

Very thorough , detailed inspection, quality work and parts. Great communication!

Tam Wallace

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

Hal's is one of the best mechanics I have ever had. The prices are extremely reasonable. The workmanship is excellent. Hal, himself, is very warm and friendly. Johnny is helpful and makes sure everything has been taken care of correctly. Jordan and Wayne are excellent mechanics. I highly recommend bringing your vehicle to Hal's.

Mathew Rebolledo

★★★★★

3 years ago

Went in there for a flat tire, got it changed in less than 30 minutes, customer service was satisfying as well, definitely coming back here again if someone leaves something sharp on the road again!

Milo Otenburg

★★★★★

7 months ago

Great guys. Worked on my taillight housing for free while I was in for a brake job. This is why you shop local!!

Connie Kramer

★★★★★

8 months ago

I went to EXP auto repair for a smog test. They were fast and the process went smooth and easy. Very nice people too. I recommend them highly.

Eric Albalos

★★★★★

11 months ago

Excellent work and fair prices! Stopped in for an oil change. Staff were friendly and professional. After oil change they gave me a quick rundown on my vehicle’s condition and prices were fair. Will definitely be coming back for future maintenance! Thanks!

Nikita

★☆☆☆☆

8 months ago

For anyone planning to get service done here in the future — be warned. These guys don’t replace filters. Let me explain: I came in to get my transmission fluid changed. Like in many cars, mine has a transmission filter that cleans the fluid. Unfortunately, in my case (as with many German cars), the filter is built into the transmission oil pan. They didn’t replace it — neither the pan nor the filter. They told me replacing that part would cost an additional $600, on top of the $400 I already paid just for the fluid change. I don’t recommend this place.

Jake Smoke

★★★★★

8 months ago

From the moment I walked in, Johnny and his team were welcoming, professional, and incredibly thorough. It’s rare these days to get exceptional service right out of the gate, but that’s exactly what they delivered. They helped me diagnose a tricky A/C issue in my vehicle, took the time to explain things clearly, and never once made me feel rushed or overlooked. What truly sets EXP Auto Care apart from other local shops is their outstanding customer service. It’s not just about fixing cars, it’s about how they treat people. Johnny and his crew make you feel like a priority, and that’s something I value just as much as the repairs themselves. If you’re in the Oceanside area and looking for honest, skilled, and friendly auto care. Look no further than EXP Auto Care. This is a shop you can trust.

Susan Gibson

★★★★★

7 months ago

Johnny was very accommodating. Hal was awesome. They got me in super fast worked with me on all kinds of things cause I have a really old vehicle, but I am going to be back on the road now and things just couldn’t probably be better

Hudson

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

Went in for an alignment and came out with bald tires, a worse alignment, and no compensation for any new tires. If I could give zero stars I would. The accountability at this place is the same level as a toddler. I came into this place about a month ago to get an alignment since my truck is pulling to the left. I get it back 3 hours later to find out it still pulls, if not more! So I call and go back and get it “fixed” (I’d find out in about a month that it was worth than the first alignment). I left that day and it didn’t pull, so everything seemed fine, except when I would hit turns it would shake and when I was in parking lots with smoother asphalt it would screech when I’d turn. I thought it was the BRAND NEW TIRES I got a few days before the alignment just being new rubber, so I didn’t think much of it. Especially since I thought two alignments was enough. Fast forward a month later my friend hops out of the truck and asks weren’t these the brand new tires I just got. I said yes and came over to look at them and see this (pictures below) Being pissed and wanting a refund I call and talk to the manager who tells me he will give me a refund on the alignment but no new tires because it’s “not their fault” If I knew this I would’ve just gone to Firestone or somewhere where they care more. Waste of time and money. The pictures below are the tires and the other picture is when I got everything aligned at Firestone AFTER the two alignments at Hal’s Also I checked all their other bad reviews has them saying “I don’t have you in our system your not our customer” so I’m waiting for their unaccountable response down below. ⬇️

Alicia Machado

★★★★★

6 months ago

Johnny was amazing, he gave me quick AND competitive quotes over the phone! A tremendous help, I would highly recommend asking for him if you have questions or if youre looking for budget friendly quotes.

Kathleen Gore

★★★★★

6 months ago

The care and careful checking of all parts of my car was greatly appreciated. Johnny, the manager, made sure that I was fully aware of all that needed to be done to keep my car safe(l drive a 1990 Miata) and on the road. He was very thoughtful and helped make a long time more bearable. I would strongly recommend Hal's for all of your auto needs.

Ronnie Jones

★☆☆☆☆

Edited 2 months ago

Took my vehicle in for a failed smog inspection. Check engine light on. Took two weeks. The vehicle was a 2001 Mercedes 320 SLK. They kept increasing the price as the vehicle remained at the shop. The things they said they did I don’t believe after just leaving the Mercedes dealership. My final cost was $1600 . Intake manifold Gasket, hoses, and cracked some other B.S. they claimed. Passed smog. I think they used it as an excuse to rob me. I will never go back to this place for any type of service. Please beware of these money hungry crooks. They Gerryrigged my vehicle to pass smog. Now the check engine light is back on. Now I am in the same predicament that I was in before I started. They changed me $1590 to pass smog with repairing the actual problem. No good criminals. Please do not trust this Guy at the front counter name Johnny. He will rip you off and steal your money for repairs that is not being done. Please Beware!!!!! Johnny and his crooks. This Racket should be outlawed and put out of business.Last thing. My vehicle is leaking antifreeze very badly. I never had this issue until I took it to these clowns. Remember this. Johnny does not care anything about your vehicle. His primary goal is to make a huge profit off of you. Facts!!!! Terrible Establishment.

Christine

★★★☆☆

3 months ago

Took car in to get struts assembly and sway bar link replaced and alignment. The shop called later in the evening and said they couldn’t do alignment because drivers side tie rod outer was rusted really bad. We had just had both replaced not too long ago so I didn’t believe him. Went in the morning and he was still charging for an alignment that he said couldn’t be completed because of the tie rod. I told him it was just done not too long ago. I called O Reilly and the part was still under warranty so we just had him replace it. Later in the day went and picked it up and got the old part to take back to O Reillys so I wouldn’t get charged. The part still looks brand new. The boot was damaged, it looks like when they took the tool to take the tie rod off when changing struts the guy ripped it and lied about it being rusted out. They charged us 90.00 for labor for their mistake. I have pictures of the paper saying it was rusted and pictures to prove that the part was not! UPDATE: Company responded very promptly and made it right!

alexis santos

★★★★★

a month ago

Great experience with EXP Auto! Friendly service, fair pricing, and a team you can trust. If you’re looking for a smooth and reliable auto repair experience, this is the place.