About Business
John's Foreign Car Service brings expert Car Repair solutions to the local community in Laguna Niguel, CA, Mission Viejo. From Auto repair shop, Auto spring shop, Auto tune up service to complex Car Repair projects, they maintain high standards of service quality. Local residents in Laguna Niguel, CA appreciate their attention to detail, leading to a consistent 4.4/5 rating from 47 reviewers. By focusing on the specific requirements of the Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel, CA and beyond.
Google Reviews
Klaus Bellinghausen
★★★★
☆
7 years ago
nice people good work, you must know why you get it done what you get done, if you need OEM parts or parts which are like OWN or better amd your prices as with every car repair shop. but trustworthy to get it right.
Corey Kulek
★★★★★
9 years ago
Been using them for over 7 years and they are the most honest and most reasonable priced. I have recommended them to family and friends and they are the only shop we will use. I have never had one bad experience!
Steve Ock
★
☆☆☆☆
Edited a year ago
??? really good? I found out that this guy is not so good because the guy said that my car ac compressor went bad and the guy charged me $650 and estimated additionally $1400, I went other shop and fixed $650 for replacing condenser and dryer.
Belinda Flores
★★★★★
3 years ago
Love John's. Very professional and honest people. Have been taking my BMW '95 there for 20 plus years and runs like new!!
James D
★★★★★
9 years ago
2005 VW Beetle, check engine light on, many items needed repair, Russ found them all and had it done in a day, runs great, and he called to follow up and make sure we were satisfied. I recommend them.
Glenn Nutting
★★★★★
6 years ago
Russ and the crew are very professional and always prompt and helpful. These guys always explain why and how a repair will be done and the best method for reliability and durability. They are very reasonably priced and always stand by their work.
John Sciacca
★★★★★
9 years ago
I took my 2008 Mini Cooper to John's Foreign Car Service because the engine light was on and I needed the problem addressed so I could get a SMOG test and then get my car registered. It turned out to be a complicated problem, but John's Foreign Car Service stood by their pledge to find and solve the problem..... and they did not let me down. They put extra effort into diagnosing the problems, at no extra charge after the initial diagnosis, until the complicated problem was addressed. They are competent and honest and I highly recommend them for Mini Cooper service.
Nils Gerber
★★★★★
6 years ago
Christian diagnosed my issue with my Lexus in a timely matter and had it fixed the same afternoon. It was a front wheel bearing which was noticeable when driving. Great customer service. Fair price. Highly recommend John’s Foreign Car Service.
Peter Cosmakos
★
☆☆☆☆
6 years ago
I had several problems with this place. First, they wouldn’t pick me up Friday b/c their guy was Stuck in traffic/lost. I had to leave my car there the entire weekend. When I picked it up on Monday the leather steering wheel cover was torn and they refused to take any responsibility for it even though it was their fault. I went in with the service engine soon light on and left with $2400 worth of “their” recommended repairs and they still wouldn’t take responsibility for the torn steering wheel cover On top of all of this they said I was lying about the steering wheel cover. After spending $2400 at this place my car doesn’t run any better. certainly hope you cross this place off your list
Mark Scheurer
★★★★★
8 years ago
Been going to Russ for many years, driving a long distance to see him. He's a great mechanic who knows German cars really well. If you own one out of warranty, you will save a ton of money and get much better service at John's Foreign Car than at any dealer. Highly recommended!
Patrick Golez
★★★★★
a year ago
I have been coming in for a couple years now & I have had nothing but positive experiences. Christian has been working on my car & has done a great job. I highly recommend him & this place.
Joy Bus Journeys
★★★★★
4 years ago
Russ is the man! I don’t trust many people with my vintage VW but he knows more about them than anyone I know! His skill and knowledge base is that of an skilled artist. He is great at telling you what is needed and not more. When you drive an older car having someone who is this good close by makes all the difference. In the shop is a tire shop too and Kevin is super knowledgeable about all things tires. The tires needed on my 73 bus are funky and hard to get but he found them no problem.
John Campbell
★★★★★
4 years ago
Great shop, I have been going there for over 25 years! My first experience was with a BMW 740 I purchased used, it was towed in there with a bad transmission. He called me 2 hours later and told me to come pick up my car, it was finished??? Turned out the transmission had never been serviced and all the filters were clogged. Super honest guy, could have easily charged me for a new transmission and I never would have known the difference. I asked Russ if the transmission was okay, and he just laughed and said he didn't have a clue, but why replace it if it's still working! It turned out, it lasted three and a half more years, and of course I had John's Foreign Car replace it. I have referred dozens of friends there and they have always very happy with Russ and his team.
Nathan Mohasesi
★★★★★
Edited a year ago
Good service, prompt and fast. We have been taking our cars to John's Foreign Car Service for 2 years now. Their service is excellent, they communicate with customers very well and pricing is very fair. Ross, Christian and Cole are exceptional and we highly recommend this place for all your automotive needs.
Tom H
★★★★★
a year ago
Christian is an excellent mechanic, upfront, honest and this shop has some of the best prices in all of the OC!! Excellent service, great suport staff. Highly recommend. I use this shop for all my auto repair needs!
Leonid Kaligin
★★★★★
a year ago
Will always use and highly recommend this service. Russ is a true professional and has done multiple jobs for my BMW X5 F15 flawlessly. Cole is always willing to help you and very accommodating. Well done guys, keep it up
Debbie Grimaila
★★
☆☆☆
9 months ago
Something BAD has happened to Russ. He damaged the paint on my car, at the driver's side view mirror housing, when he replaced the side view mirror. He must have had something on his hands when he touched the housing to replace the mirror because this is the only place on the entire car with this paint damage, and the damage showed up immediately after he did the repair. The damage looks to be in the shape of fingers and the palm of a hand holding onto the housing (which would be required to replace the mirror inside the housing). There is no other spot on the car where there is this damage to the paint. Next day I called Russ to tell him about the problem, and brought it back in to show him the damage. But Russ would not even look at it. Russ had his receptionist look at it and report what he saw to him. Russ also refused to speak with me himself, but delivered messages to me via his receiptionist. First I was told they could not match the paint. When I said I did not care if it was not an exact match because that would at least look better than damaged paint, I was then told it was not they that caused the paint to be damaged and that it was time for me to leave. Russ later sent me an email telling me I am not to return to his place of business. I am very disappointed in Russ' behaviour. I have been bringing my car to him for years, and he has never been so NASTY. I recommend you give someone else your business. Someone who admits their mistakes and corrects them without attacking the person they have damaged.
Jody Giles
★★★★★
Edited a year ago
I have referred at least 5 customers to Russ and Christian at John's Foreign Car service. They are outstanding. I own a 1974 VW Bus. A vehicle of that age is very tricky and Russ knows exactly what he's doing. He's a certified VW Master mechanic. The 1974 Bus was the first with electronic fuel injection. That means there is 46 year old computer on board! I had issues with it starting when cold. John did a complete diagnosis, pulled the circuit board and using a magnifying glass, identified connections that needed to be re-soldered after heat expansion and cooling contraction broke the connections. Presto! It now starts and runs like a top (Russ rebuilt my engine a year ago.) Russ is very insistent on quality work and the best possible parts. If you've invested in a classic VW or Porsche, surely you want the best possible and most knowledgeable and trustworthy service. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. June 2024 update: I continue to be so happy with Russ, Christian and Cameron at JFC! They are the best!!!
Marcy Morimoto
★★★★★
a year ago
John’s Foreign Car Services is the best ever! A neighbor who has been going here for over 18 years, referred me to John’s when I shared with her that the dealership was quoting me $3900 for engine type work and between 1100-1200 for 4 new tires. Russ did a full inspection and indicated so many of the things that the dealership was recommending was not needed. I saved $2800 going to John’s because they are honest and have integrity!! Oh and Kevin that heads the tire department at John’s was fantastic with guiding me with my purchase of 4 new tires that my car desperately needed. Saved money for tires too. My car feels brand new and I am totally sold on this place!! They are great with communication and I am so happy to have been referred to John’s!
Josh McLane
★
☆☆☆☆
Edited 11 months ago
FURTHER RESPONSE: Russ, I would encourage you to release any office video you have of our interaction and let the world react to the way you yelled and treated me (and hear what I actually said versus what you allege I said and did). I was in no way trying to leverage anything. Nor had I made an earlier specific appointment. And as I stated in my earlier review (and in person), I would have happily paid for the labor — 8/10ths of an hour of labor wasn’t going to break me (or make you). Rather, my updated review (and recommendation that others avoid you) is based on your over-the-top yelling behavior and inability to speak civilly. I feel no need to put you in your place, but do want others to be forewarned of your mercurial temperament and inability to self-regulate. I will not spend any more time monitoring or responding to this review, and sincerely hope you are able to treat others respectfully (even when you could not extend that courtesy to me). THIRD REVIEW: Russ (the owner) has anger and lack of self-control issues. I’ve never been yelled at and berated as an auto customer like I just was. When I originally spoke with Russ, he told me they would make things right and cover both the battery and associated labor. I said that’s great, and when I come in a few weeks I’ll update the review. I come in today to do so — admittedly it’s been about 6-7 weeks (life gets busy) — and immediately update the review before they even start any work. I also explain to the same new associate my prior conversation with Russ, and he says he’ll go back and check with him Next thing Russ comes out guns a blazing and yelling at me that I didn’t remove the first review fast enough. I stay very calm and explain that if there’s a problem, let’s talk, and if you need me to pay the labor I can do so. Instead he continues to berate me, doesn’t give me a chance to speak, and tells me it’s better that I just leave. (I get that perhaps he is short staffed and could be having one of those days. We all do from time to time. And for that reason I like to give people grace. But unfortunately Russ continued to double down and could not control his tone and yelling, even when he came out a second time as I waited for my car to come back around to the front). Truly disappointed in the lack of Russ’ ability to be civil and can no longer recommend John’s Foreign Car Service. SECOND REVIEW: Russ (the owner) was kind enough to give me a call. After my initial review, he explained that the new associate misspoke, and that the battery itself was indeed warrantied for at least 36 months. I made a trip down to the shop and his team quickly straightened things out. Appreciate Russ and the whole John’s Foreign Car Service for their help here and will definitely be back for future car needs!! FIRST REVIEW: Beware that their battery warranty is only a year. (In contrast, others generally offer 2-3 year warranties). I started having trouble on my Audi battery just before my one year warranty.but because I waited and only called two weeks after the anniversary, there was nothing they said they could do, other than offer to replace it at full cost.
