Alejandra Melgoza

★★★★★

2 years ago

I’ve been coming to R.A.D. for the last 7 years. Let me start by saying PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW. Ray and his work ethic are truly one of a kind, and a lost Art. He truly cares about people, and ensures your car is perfect before it leaves. Talk about taking pride in his work; he is the definition of it! When I was at his shop this past weekend, he had several vehicles that were coming from other shops that had done terrible work and improper services. Stay away from impersonal franchises and dealers! He is Open weekends too! Who does that? I’m giving credit where credit is due. Thank you R.A.D. for going above and beyond the call for service! A+

Joël

★★★★★

a year ago

The owner Ray is the sort of owner who is completely honest with what your car needs. He will make sure to be transparent with his services so you know exactly what you're spending your hard earned money on– a great communicator and as great of a mechanic.

Nathan de la Rionda

★★★★★

a year ago

100% the best Mechanic I have ever worked with. Ray is honest, trustworthy and extremely knowledgeable. He clearly explains solutions & the options available. On top of all that . . . he charges a more than fair price! I highly recommend him to anyone.

Kiki Stafford

★★★★★

10 months ago

Wow! I’m so happy I was referred to Ray! What an amazing mechanic. Professional, friendly, trustworthy, reliable and highly skilled. It means SOO much to me to have finally found a great mechanic I can trust! Jackpot!

Ben Marrache

★★★★★

a year ago

If you are looking for a trustworthy place to get your car fixed this is your place! Ray is the man! Rays been doing my car for a minute now and has always done a good job. super communicative and made sure to get my car done speedy quick.

Robin Hanson

★★★★★

a year ago

I just had my smog test completed by the owner Ray , and needed to say he was professional, knowledgeable and hardworking. I will be recommending his services to anyone who asks. Great job! It’s nice to have met someone so honest and trustworthy.

Jasmine Rye

★★★★★

Edited a year ago

UPDATE (3/9/2025): I can’t say enough good things about this shop after working with them on various car issues over the past year. At one point I had so many issues my car was essentially undriveable, but they got me back on the road with the level of care, thoroughness, and expertise I’ve come to expect from them. It’s rare to find a shop that’s both incredibly knowledgeable and willing to take the time to explain everything clearly, but that’s exactly what they do. Ray and his team don’t just throw parts at a problem, they actually diagnose and fix it the right way. Also, their new location at the bottom of the hill makes them even more accessible. This is the only shop I recommend to people, and if you need a trustworthy mechanic, this place is a gem. Original review: After working with a couple other shops that couldn’t figure out what was going on with my catalytic converter, it was a breath of fresh air to talk through the issues and solutions with Ray. This place is genuinely one of the best shops in Thousand Oaks and they make everything easy to understand. They’re super thorough, knowledgeable, explain everything well and are probably the most trustworthy shop I’ve ever been to. If you’re a technical person that likes to understand what’s going on with their car, you’re gonna like this place.

Amanda Jiang

★★★★★

a year ago

I was looking for a new mechanic in the area, someone I can trust and I found that at RAD Automotive. I came here by myself for a smog check and tire work. My car is also due for a tune up but didn't get that done this time. Ray didn't try to upsell me. He was very honest, educational, and transparent. I felt taken care of and not taken advantage of because I'm a female that doesn't know much about cars. I will be coming back in a few weeks to get that tune up. Thanks for taking care of me and being someone I can trust with my car!

Mike Sekulic

★★★★★

a year ago

My car is a 2004 BMW, which Ray has kept running in tiptop shape for a very long time now. Most recently, he fixed a radiator-related problem and I was up and running in no time. He does outstanding automotive work and deserves recognition and the highest recommendation I can possibly possibly provide.

S D

★★★★★

a year ago

I finally found my mechanic for life!! Sheesh I have lived in Thousand Oaks for several years and hard to find somewhere trustworthy, I feel I have tried several places and all took advantage of my lack of knowledge or experience on the price. Found Ray on a woman’s only group with amazing references and glowing reviews. I reached out and was greeted with amazing support and understanding of my hesitations. I can say I fully trust Ray and his team with my cars. Thank you for everything from the price to helping me in a bad spot. You guys are awesome!!

Lianna DiRocco

★★★★★

a year ago

Came for a smog test based off of great reviews here on google. Ray lived up to the reviews! A real dude, did smog for me in about 15 mins and also made me aware that mice had been inside my car eating at it! Definitely will be coming back, do recommend. I will mention for other women: Didn’t feel weird coming here, safe and relaxed environment, no pressure, no mansplaining!

Tony Barrientos

★★★★★

2 years ago

I just had my 93 honda del sol smog tested and I was told by many smog companies that they didn't want to smog my car because of the year. he had no issues at all performing the smog and was very polite. If you are having issues or just want a painless worry free smog or have questions, he will have the answers and is willing to assist you in any way. Strongly recommend RAD for any repair you may need on your vehicle.

Trevor Magee

★★★★★

a year ago

Ray and his crew (shoutout Lester!) are the absolute best when it comes to your car needs. I’ve been going to his shop with my 2007 jeep liberty for a few years now and they’ve helped me with general maintenance as well as replacing the entire coolant system. My car runs better after every time I take it to his shop and I couldn’t be more grateful! Ray gives detailed and thorough explanations when needed and also offers a fair and competitive price. Highly recommend visiting RAD Automotive!

Nik Bales

★★★★★

a year ago

I can’t recommend R.A.D. Automotive and Smog enough! I had been struggling with a car issue that was preventing me from passing the smog test, and Ray went above and beyond to troubleshoot the problem. Not only did he diagnose the issue quickly, but he also handled all the necessary repairs with OEM parts to ensure my car passed with no issues. Ray is a rare find—a very experienced, down-to-earth mechanic who genuinely cares about his customers. In my town, it’s tough to find someone as knowledgeable and senior as he is, and I want people to know that if Ray gives you advice, take it! Otherwise, you might end up paying more down the road. If you’re looking for a reliable and honest mechanic, this is the place to go. Thanks again, Ray!

Gavin Singh

★★★★★

6 years ago

R.A.D. Automotive & Smog, Inc. knows what they are doing, specially when the owner "Ray" greeted me personally and assisted me with my service needs. They did exceptional job on my Honda Accord brakes, prices are very reasonable, and the advice is always free. I have lived in SIMI from almost 10 years now, and every automotive shop on the LA avenue talks to you like they are doing you a favor by working on your car. Best part about Ray's shop is that you get the dealership treatment without paying the dealership prices.

Emma Marie

★★★★★

a year ago

Ray is truly an incredible, hard working mechanic that goes above and beyond in his work! He took me in last minute as a first-time customer late in the day with no hesitation. I appreciate how honest he was and helpful towards the situation with the car I brought in. He gave me great tips and future resources while fixing the issues at hand and getting my car smogged. I’d recommend him to anybody looking for a reliable mechanic and would trust him 100% with any of my vehicles. Thank you, Ray!

Melissa Pammit

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

Ray greeted me as soon as I pulled in, even though the garage and parking lot were full. My stay was less than 30 minutes, and Ray was very professional and accommodating the entire time. edit: I recently visited their new location in Thousand Oaks. I continue to be blown away by their excellent service, in regards their customers AND their vehicles!! They accepted my car without an appointment, and Ray was so communicative of every finding and fix. I am truly grateful to be a customer of R.A.D.

Allira Corrine Bellawala

★★★★★

2 years ago

Had a fantastic experience here and absolutely will be coming again! My car broke down in Thousand Oaks, and I came here because of all the positive reviews. As a younger woman coming to a mechanic alone, I was definitely nervous about how I would be treated, but Ray (and Leo) were phenomenal! They explained everything clearly to me, gave me a great deal, and fixed the car up nicely. The whole experience was totally transparent and smooth. Thanks again!

Danielle Mana

★★★★★

a year ago

Ray goes above and beyond! My Kia Soul overheated on the freeway and I had a frustrating experience with the AAA approved shop that it was towed to. Found R.A.D. on yelp and even though he was right the middle of doing major renovations on his shop, Ray made time to help me out and do a full diagnostic and no BS explanation of all my options. I decided to sell my car and he did a fantastic job with all the repair/prep work, including power washing my floor mats and cleaning the engine (it looked as new as when I first got it!). Fast and easy and quality work! I appreciate all the tips Ray gave on what to look for when shopping a car and know that my new (used) Toyota Camry is in good hands with its first tune-up.

Marlene Mgm

★★★★★

2 years ago

Love the service.!!! The owner is a very detailed oriented person. He takes pride in job and has a wonderful team. My car is new again. Very honest and prices are reasonable. He update you on every detail of what the car needs, even pictures. My brakes are quiet (better than when the car was new), and he removed all signs of rats in the motor. I couldn’t be happier with the results.