Google Reviews
Melissa Sharp
★★★★★
a month ago
I had a great experience getting my son's truck battery replaced here. The service was quick, professional and hassle-free from start to finish. The installation was done efficiently, and they had him back on the road in no time. It's not always easy to find an auto shop you can trust, but this team definitely delivered. I would highly recommend them to anyone!
Danielle Dorman
★★★★★
a month ago
Ray Frey Automotive is something of a unicorn in 2026 in the following ways: 1) they are experts in car repair, sourcing parts, and combining services to avert future problems and save on labor costs down the road. 2) they are top-notch professionals who explain things thoroughly, communicate frequently, go the extra mile, and deliver on time. 3) This shop is run by a very caring, understanding, and HUMAN staff of people who feel more like family to one another than business associates. I was introduced to Ray's services 9 years ago after buying a used car that they serviced for the owner before me, and I will literally never go anywhere else.
N E
★★★★★
a month ago
I have been going to various dealers and auto shops for vehicle maintenance upkeep for a long time looking for a mechanic that is responsive, trustworthy, has integrity and is reasonably priced. Each time I seem to find myself on the "analysis fee" treadmill that wasn’t asked for or returning within several months due to a failure of their repair, as in this case. During an oil change the mechanic notified me that there was an oil leak on the underside of my car. And once again, I was looking for another Auto Mechanic shop after several failed attempts at brakes and front axels from people who call themselves “Experts.” I have spent a lot of time reading reviews of mechanics in San Diego, and there are a lot of them. I watch auto repair shows and found one in particular that stands out as a repair shop that one could trust their car with and know your vehicle will be taken care of and that shop is, Fantom Works in VA. I asked A.I. to find me a shop in San Diego who works on 2019 Ford Edge’s and has the knowledge, capability, and integrity of Dan Short. Finding a mechanic with Dan Short’s level of integrity is rare but I hit the jackpot with Ray Frey Auto Center. I read his reviews and they were exceptional. I called and explained the problem with my vehicle, they were busy, and so I dropped my car off. Within an hour Ray contacted me explaining his observations and recommendations and we proceeded with the repairs. This is the “first” time I have come away from an Auto Shop and felt good about it. Ray was extremely responsive, and knowledgeable. His shop replaced the front axle bearings that had just been replaced less than 6 months ago from my no longer mechanic. The underside of my vehicle was thoroughly cleaned and there are no more leaks. Ray also fixed a long-standing transmission jerking problem that I have had with my 2019 Ford Edge for the last 6 years. It was an absolute masterclass diagnostic and for just $25 reflexes his honesty. The Ford dealer quoted me $14,000 for the transmission repair last year. Ray’s level of integrity is rare, especially when you've been burned by "experts" who can't seem to get an axle right or dealers who jump straight to a $14,000 transmission replacement. I have found a mechanic with all the requirements I was looking for, and it's Ray Frey.
Laurie Champion
★★★★★
2 months ago
Amazing! I took my Jeep in and it was fixed professionally for a fair price and a very friendly staff. I am grateful and glad I found a place that I can trust and that I can go to that will know my Jeep. The mechanics obviously take pride in their work. Thank you, Ray.
John McElwee
★★★★★
Edited 5 months ago
Ray Frey is a righteous establishment. I have been taking my vehicles there for 2 years. They are my FIRST choice if one of my vehicles needs attention. Reliable, experienced, trustworthy and affordable. I just took my wife’s Range Rover Velar there for a complete tune-up, her coolant hose needed to be replaced and new brakes (rotors, pads & sensors). They got me out of there within 24 hours and for less than half of the price that I was quoted by the dealer.
Erika Brown
★★★★★
5 months ago
Lengthy but honest review: I have been essentially metal to metal on my rear passenger side brakes for a couple months and it got to the point that I just couldn’t ignore the grind and rub anymore (plz I’m just a girl so save the opinions). One reason I waited so long is because it’s hard to find a mechanic that won’t rip you off and actually be straightforward. I’m from Arkansas, so I know a trusty mechanic on every corner in the town usually. When I found Ray, I immediately thought “he is funny as hell and I feel like I know him as a friend of mine”. His quick wit, immediate knowledge, and banter made me feel instantly at ease. Ray and the mechanics are quick with services. My SUV got a full tune up within a 24 hour turnaround and for about $400 less than another competitor in town. I never once worried that I was getting punked or that my vehicle was not under the best care. The front office staff is also super approachable and nice. They know their regulars and they have a lot of them from what I can tell. Ray will be number 1 in my book in San Diego.
Louie Carratt
★★★★★
3 months ago
Ray is a very ‘down to earth, tell you like it is’ kinda guy. With his business right next door to the Honda dealership, LOL. He beat their price for replacing my clutch by 2K! Everyone I spoke with at his place was pleasant to deal with.. EXCELLENT SERVICE!!
Melinda Mariano
★★★★★
Edited a month ago
Our family keeps cars forever. We have a 2014 Prius which needed the front struts replaced. The Toyota dealership has provided all the maintenance but their prices are high. My husband takes his Chevy van here for service so I wanted to try them for the Prius. I couldn’t be happier. Toyota quoted me $2000 for the repair. Ray Frey did it for $1200. Plus, at first they said the rear shocks needed to be replaced and provided a quote. Once they dug deeper into their analysis, they called to tell me the back was fine so only the front needed repair. They now have me forever. They could have charged me for additional services but did not, Their honesty was a complete shock and I greatly appreciate it, Plus, they detailed the car!!!. Washed it, cleaned the windows and vacuumed. OMG……..customer service is not dead. As a consumer, I intend to sing their car repair praises to all I know. This level of service and integrity needs to be rewarded.
Patricia V
★★★★
☆
5 months ago
I’ve had 2 services done this year at Ray Frey Auto Center - a transmission fluid service in August and an oil change this October. I chose their shop out of all shops in San Diego based on their great reviews and because I got the best quote from them when I was first calling around for my transmission service. My first experience at Ray Frey for my transmission service truly felt like a family oriented customer service approach. I did a walk-in just shortly after noon. I willingly chose to wait and stay at the shop because I didn’t have anywhere else to be and my car is my means of transportation, so I had no problem with waiting and I was in no rush. With that said, even though some of their techs were on lunch, they saw me waiting and had my car worked on sooner than anticipated. I was very grateful for this and had the pleasure of talking to Ray and Theresa for the first time. The quote I received over the phone was accurate and what I paid for, and I signed off and verified that prior to the service being done. However, this second time around for my oil change, things were just a little different. I called ahead a day or two in advance to ask for the labor rate of an oil change because I was going to supply my own oil and filter. Some people may not do this, but as someone who has changed my own oil before, it is my personal preference to supply it when there’s a time I cannot do it on my own. Hence why I was hoping to only pay for the labor cost to get the job done. I was quoted $30 by Lizette and that was the end of the phone call. Upon dropping my car off for the oil change, this time I was not given an invoice to sign and verify the cost; I was checked in by Ray and just handed off my key to him. So when I came back to pick up my car and pay for the service, it was a surprise to me that my total came to $50. It wasn’t until I took it upon myself to ask about the breakdown of the cost, that I learned bringing my own supplies actually doesn’t make a significant difference in the cost for the job. After everything was said and done, Ray followed up with me via phone call, sincerely apologized, and even offered a check for the difference of what I was quoted vs. what I paid for. There was miscommunication on both of our ends and that was acknowledged. At the end of the day, the cost is not what matters to me, but the transparency and communication of a shop to their customers. As a young lady that lives across the country from my dad and having basic car knowledge, it’s extremely important for me to feel understood, to advocate for myself, learn about the industry, and making sure a shop is working WITH me and not against me. That’s why I always try my best to make a call ahead of time to get an estimate/quote on a service to ensure I know exactly what I’m paying for. As mentioned before, I am always open to learning more about the auto shop industry and I will never question or have any credentials to push back on any shop’s business model. My advice and takeaway from this review is that I hope it teaches young women like me to ask questions if you don’t understand something or want to learn more about the costs of services. I understand not every shop will go the extra length to do a breakdown to every customer, but when you have a new customer that is just asking a clarifying question (and not attacking or debating whatsoever), it’s extremely appreciated and that is the factor that will keep me as a customer. In short: I will continue to come to Ray Frey for my car’s needs and will recommend to others.
Barbara Machado
★★★★★
6 months ago
Got there on weds about 8am.Got right in.Staff is very friendly. And efficient.Had not been there since 2016.Because I Got new 2017 after that so didnt need maintenance on my new car.Was getting oil change closer to my house.But now that maintenance reminders came on I wanted to go to some one that I new was good and honest and fair to tell me what I needed to do. And that is Ray Frey He will be honest and he told there were things i didnt need to do on my car.So for now it was oil and filter change. SO I am happy to be back.And to know my car will be well taken care of. Oh and did I mention what a bonus that they wash and vaccum your car!! My car when I came in looked like it hadnt been washed since 2016.lol😅🤣 Now it is beautiful and shiny again. Love this place.
Jack Hull
★★★★★
4 months ago
Came in for an A/C issue. Nothing but excellent communication and service. Car ended up needing a wheel bearing replacement and were able to get it done as well at a good price. Great transparency, precise in how much time the take to complete the job, and they even cleaned my car. Will surely come again for any car problems!
Sherry Jackson
★★★★★
Edited 3 months ago
Ray Frey and all the employees are amazing, they are very kind, welcoming, and respectful to everyone. They show you that, they really care, and always explain every detail to you concerning your vehicle. They are the best mechanic auto center in San Diego, and always do an excellent job.
Laura Gabel
★★★★★
6 months ago
I have been going to Ray Frey for about five years and recommend him to everyone I know. He is straightforward, professional, and extremely knowledgeable, as are his staff, and mechanics. The work is top-notch and you get the added treat of a car wash after every service. I highly recommend this business
Denzel Brown
★★★★★
7 months ago
This review is the honest clarity & reassurance you're looking for. The shop is filled with hardworking people from the front desk to the mechanics in the back. They are a local shop that appears to take pride & care for the services they provide. Even being a smaller shop, it's the little approaches they take separating them apart from corporations/dealerships. No in-betweens, cut straight to the chase & provide you with great feedback, reasonable prices, & recommendations that aren't pushy but more on the side of bringing you awareness. They even go so far as in providing you with the actual mechanical notes which is crucial to the people that take value in their car. The local feel gives you sense of comfort knowing your car is in honest & reliable hands. Something that corporate/dealerships can't seem to achieve these days. If you want you hard earn money spent at the right place, Ray Frey is your answer. My experience was my alternator, went the corporate route due to limited options. Towed my car to Ray Frey & they offered me everything I was looking for & they even give a complimentary car wash at the end. It's the little thing y'all. Customer Service: 5 Expertise: 5 Credibility/Pricing: 5 Location: 4.8, Tucked away Time wait: 5, Reasonable in timing w/ the work they take on. Recent experience, repeat customer as long as I'm in San Diego.
Shirley Stephenson
★★★★★
a month ago
Ray Frey Auto Center Inc has always for over the last 10 years or more have done a wonderful job of taking such good care of our family vehicles.
Sean Keller
★★★★★
Edited 7 months ago
Dropped my son’s Toyota Four Runner off in the morning, replaced both front axles same-day. Fair pricing and quick service. Thanks again Ray Frey!
Dale Gray
★★★★★
Edited 3 weeks ago
Take your vehicle to this place. The trust and communication is the best in the business. Ray and the family care about getting your vehicle right. No one better in the area
Blaine OSU
★★★★★
5 months ago
They were very down to earth and told me issues I had that no other mechanic had caught. They weren’t even trying to get money out of me as they only charged me the inspection fee but wanted me to know the vehicle wasn’t safe to drive. I had just taken it to the dealership for an inspection the week prior and they didn’t catch any of these issues. Highly recommend!
IzandEva Inmyheart
★★★★★
7 months ago
I just became a huge fan. Ray is transparent to a fault. I can’t imagine him giving you anything, but an honest evaluation of your car problem. Straight is an arrow. I was sure that I cracked my head on my Toyota RAV and that it would be thousands of dollars and the problem was just a faulty alternator. Instead of thousands I spent hundreds for excellent work. On a busy day he got it CompletedRight away. Not only that, But my previously filthy car was cleaned inside and out. This auto shop with their customer service and their actual product of good work and honest Work really goes out of their way to make sure you get a good deal. I’ve had so many bad experiences with mechanics over the years in San Diego. But Ray Frey auto center is a great find. I’ve already started to tell my friends and I’m bringing another car soon.
Marcus Menchago
★★★★★
8 months ago
Great experience! Spoke with Mr Frey and he was completely honest with everything giving nothing but straight answers. Helped with exactly what I needed and nothing more. From the time I dropped my vehicle off to when I picked up was communicating with the shop the entire time. Also the turn around time was amazing. Expecting to not have a vehicle for almost a week he had it done within a day. Would go back and recommend this shop.
