About Business
Residents of La Mesa, CA, El Cajon have long trusted Peanuts Auto Repair for their expert Car Repair needs. Whether you need assistance with Auto repair shop or general Car Repair support, they are well-equipped to help. They are well-regarded for their quality of work, maintaining a 4.6/5 rating with 91 reviews. Throughout El Cajon, and particularly in La Mesa, CA, Peanuts Auto Repair is recognized for upholding the highest standards of the Car Repair industry. Don't hesitate to contact Peanuts Auto Repair for any Car Repair inquiries or to schedule a visit to their La Mesa, CA facility.
Google Reviews
Erica Westcott

★★★★★
6 years ago
I brought my car in for an oil change and a new battery. I also had some questions about other maintenance items that another shop insisted that were necessary, but I felt were bogus. Peanuts looked things over for me and confirmed my suspicions! Thank you for being honest (and having an adorable shop dog).
J C

★★★★★
9 years ago
Awesome place, great people. These guys went in depth to explain exactly what was wrong with my car, showed me the parts that needed to be replaced and explained why. They offered so much and even gave me a %10 discount on the car parts ordered. I will definitely go back to these guys for future repairs. Really great guys.
Corey Couron

★★★★★
3 years ago
Peanuts Auto Repair is a godsend! My wife and I, our whole family actually, have been taking our cars to Bryan at San Carlos Auto for two and a half decades now. Well.. Bryan sold his shop to Aero Auto. I was more than happy to give the new owners an opportunity to win me over. They failed, miserably. I took my 2006 Honda in for a tire rotation and an oil change. I was told by a service writer that they would include a courtesy check for free. She was very polite and friendly. Unfortunately, when I got a call back, she said that the mechanic discovered quite a few issues ($1,376 worth of issues) with my car. I almost had her fix everything, but then I got a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. That feeling that you're getting fleeced. I asked for an email of the estimate. A photo of the drive belt suggested to be replaced was provided in the estimate and showed no damage that could be seen with the visible eye. I picked up the car without getting any of the recommended services. I decided to call Peanuts Auto Repair because of the rave reviews on ND. Joey, previously of San Carlos Auto, answered the phone! I was elated, because I really trusted San Carlos Auto and I was thrilled to hear Joey's friendly voice. I gave Joey the estimate Aero gave me. He said only the brakes needed to be replaced, and the cabin air filter. Everything else was fine, the drive belt etcetera etcetera didn't need to be replaced. I am so grateful that I have a new place to take our cars, knowing that we will only pay for repairs that actually need to be done. Thank you to everyone at Peanuts! Joey, Rick, and Scott!
Jen Ables

★★★★★
10 years ago
My Honda needed a new starter, but I had an appointment to get to that I couldn't cancel. I was completely floored when they loaned me one of their personal vehicles to go to their appointment so that they could fix my car and have it ready by the time the shop closed. Turns out they had to stay late to fix it, but I drove it home the same day that I brought it in. Awesome people, honest people, and they just gained a client for life! Make sure you bring some dog biscuits for the pups at the shop!
Stacey

★★★★★
9 years ago
I may be a female (gear head), but I am no stranger to knowing a GREAT MECHANIC AND SHOP when I find one!! believe me I’ve gotten the run around at other places in my area…mis-diagnosis, and poor quality service is the norm. Well let me tell you about Peanuts- I was treated professionally and kindly unlike many name brand shops. They are honest with you, and their good reliable service is top notch- with attention to detail and clear communication about possible problems you should be aware of. I have brought two of my vehicles there and have told many who have also had the same experience with them. Excellent work and great value from a top team along with integrity and excellence service. I would definitely recommend without hesitation or reserve Peanuts-in my opinion the BEST Car Repair in La Mesa!!
Michelle S

★★★★★
3 years ago
A very pleasant experience and reasonable fees. I've been here once - I needed a same-day apt for something urgent- and they fit me in and had it done by the end of the day, calling me as soon as my car was ready. They were kind and took the time to give me information in a clear way. I'll definitely be coming back!!
Kimber Sutton

★★★★★
12 years ago
I wanted to have my car checked over before going on a long trip and I decided to take it here because of the good reviews. I called this morning and was able to take it in right away. Even though the shop was full, they were able to check my car and fix a few minor things that needed to be done. Rick was very helpful and friendly, and so was the cute shop dog. :) I felt like I could trust the guys at the shop to make sure my car is in great condition and I definitely have peace of mind for the trip I'm about to take. ***One nice thing about the shop is it's location. If you have to wait a little for your car, Lake Murray park is right across the street and so is a Starbucks - it made the wait fun and relaxing.
Anton Khlebnikov

★★★★★
Edited 9 years ago
Updating my review, it was my second time visiting them, now with a broken wheel barrel. This is the best place to fix your car in San Diego. The guys love what they do, and they do it excellent. I'm so grateful I found them. My original review from a year ago: I came here because of the good reviews, and they are all true. Stuff has plenty of knowledge, they are honest and stay true to their original quote. They explain to you what is wrong, show you what they plan to fix and do not try to add any hidden costs. A pleasure to deal with.
David Evans

★★★★★
7 years ago
Expert and reasonably priced services with a warm and honest ambiance, Peanuts is the place I bring all my vehicles for repair and have my daughter and son do the same. Unlike the dealership where I feel as though they try to pad their bill, Peanuts will give you the straight scoop on what is needed now and what can wait. I cannot recommend Rick and the crew enough!
elise gabrielle

★★★★★
7 months ago
Best place! Quickly got a stuck key out from an unreachable spot under my passenger seat, free of charge!!
Rae Bohnet

★
☆☆☆☆
3 years ago
Firstly, I took my car in for diagnostics, they said there was something wrong but it’s transmission work, which they don’t do. So I took it to the Kia dealership where they kept it for 3 days and tried everything and didn’t find anything wrong with it. So they lied about the work that needed to be done and tried to hook me up with another mechanic shop to do expensive transmission work that was unnecessary. Then - A MONTH LATER, they charged my card AGAIN for the $67 diagnostic AND ALSO a random $483 charge. I’ve never experienced something so disgusting before. They say it’s the credit card company’s fault and they’re getting it fixed but I do not think I will be going back, which is sad because this place was recommended to me by someone whose judgment I trust. I don’t view this company as trustworthy. After their charges + my overdraft fee I’m out nearly $600 for the next “2 days” while the refund processes. Who can afford that? Not even a cash refund. Not even a promise of anything to make it up time? Just “sorry.” A pathetic way to run a business. I’ve never been so angry with a company. I will say the people there act nice and the older gentleman gave me helpful tips on driving manual. That’s the only positive.
Denise Gershwin

★★★★★
6 years ago
These guys are really the best mechanics I have ever used. They were able to figure out what was wrong with one of my cars when other service shops had failed to figure it out. They are also honest and very considerate about discussing what needs to be fixed, what it will cost and what can wait if preferred. The are also friendly and kind. They always take the time to explain exactly what work they did and show the old parts without being asked so even those of us with a very basic understanding of their car can see and understand the work that was performed. Finally, their charges are very fair and at least half what the dealership would charge for the same work.
Juan Castro

★★★★★
2 years ago
It is rare I write reviews, but I felt the need to give these guys the credit they deserve. They do excellent work and are honest. It is refreshing to do business without the fear of being taken advantage of by the other party. I think we can all attest to the disappointment of having car problems, but that goes with the territory of owning a car. But I am confident that the folks here at Peanuts Auto Repair have my best interest at heart.
Jen

★★★★★
2 years ago
Great group of folks who run this place -- to me it's invaluable to have people you trust to give you honest advice about what your car needs, will need in the future, and things that you don't need that some other shop may have tried to sell you. I started going here back in 2017, and I see no reason to ever go anywhere else. Plus, my dog is treated like a celebrity when she's there :) Sadie says thanks for all the love, Scott!
Peter Charest

★★★★★
a year ago
Called and fit me in, car windshield washer nozzles dripping spray, they removed washer pump and clean clogged pump screen, working great; also oil change. Peanuts Auto Repair is the real deal in honest integrity. Highly recommended
Nica Demus

★★★★★
2 years ago
Love these guys! Service is excellent, and they are very thorough. Bought a used vehicle last week and called them up with no appointment to ask for a go over before my three days were up to return to the dealer if there were any issues. They got me in real close to closing and out on the road in no time. My brand new old ride was given the all-clear. They have been in business for years, so you will be getting experienced service along with a few funny anecdotes if you are lucky.
Mike Molitor

★★★★★
a year ago
These guys are so honest and such good people. I had brought my car in elsewhere where they recommended a new belt among other things for hundreds of dollars. I brought it to peanuts for a second opinion and after taking a look right away they said no that is not needed right now and tuned it up for a small fee. Thank you so much!
Chris Ertz

★★★★★
5 months ago
top repair shop in la mesa. honest mechanics that provide quality work every time. couldn't recommend them any higher!
Rob I.

★★★★★
11 months ago
We have brought our two cars to Peanuts for the last couple of years now. Ricky and Joey are trustworthy knowledgeable guys and the entire staff is highly trained and skilled. They have saved us thousands of dollars by telling us we don’t need complicated repairs recommended by big chains like Firestone, etc., when it comes To auto maintenance. We love supporting a first rate local business that will save you lots of money over going to a dealer.
Nick Gervais

★★★★★
2 months ago
I recently needed to find a new mechanic and decided to try Peanuts Auto Shop based on a strong recommendation from a friend for a routine oil change and tire rotation. I am thoroughly pleased with my decision to do so. The team at Peanuts demonstrated exceptional professionalism from the moment I arrived, providing a welcoming and straightforward experience that immediately put me at ease. Joey at the front desk was particularly outstanding, offering friendly and knowledgeable assistance while maintaining complete transparency throughout the process. There were no unnecessary upsells or vague explanations—just clear communication about the services performed and the associated costs. Adding to the positive atmosphere, the shop features a charming resident dog that greets customers from behind the counter, contributing to the overall relaxed and approachable environment. Finding a reliable mechanic can often be a daunting task, but Peanuts Auto Shop made the transition seamless and stress-free. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking honest, efficient automotive service and look forward to returning for future maintenance needs.