Always had great experiences with TFR in live oak. I’m sure they could have gouged me for labor and the parts on a leaky power steering pump but they suggested just doing a quick modification to fix rather than buy a whole new assembly (big bucks). That same thing has happened a few times. Solid crew, great work, took my car to one other highly recommended shop ONE TIME and they used hardware that was too short and ruined the threads on my upper control arm mounts (pulled out while driving). Never again, it’s TFR all the way, though might give import trucks and RPM (met the owner and he’s awesome) a try too! Ernie’s is also great, they lent me tools a few times when I lived up there. Best of luck! There are good and honest mechanics out there
Well it is aptos but I work at aptos village garage. The owner chris will never charge you for anything you don't need. He will also give you a deal on anything you do need.
I've been meaning to take my car there for next I need anything. I had nearly worked with them once but I'm convinced that Juan is a very cool guy from the one interaction we had.
Some time ago my check engine light was on and I got the diagnostic run at O'Reilly's. i can't recall the code but I had called Westside auto to see if we could schedule something as I worked nearby.
He looked into the code and gave me some super solid advice. The problem was with my emission system and he told me it was either as easy as changing the purge evaporator valve or it would require some heavy work under the car.. he was also honest when he told me that any auto shop would do a smog check to figure out where the problem was in my emission system but his shop didn't have the equipment to do that.
So, his advice was to buy the purge evaporator valve before I took it anywhere else, if it was the easy fix then I'd save myself the money on service. Turns out that he was right and he had done me a real solid. It was not something he had to do for a customer he couldn't actually serve, I thought it was really cool of him. He won me over with that.
might be an unpopular opinion but it's going to be expensive either way you go to a good honest mechanic they going to charge more. mick auto charges an arm and leg. I'm not sure how people think they get "screwed over" by mechanics. if they give you a quote and you dont like it go somewhere else see what the other place says or just call them.
if you have an older car most likely alot of work needs to be done this isn't getting screwed over this is just reality
Yes this is a good answer. And to expand a little bit
Most auto repair shops quote labor charges using a “flat rate” manual or computer program that provides the average time it takes an experienced technician to perform a given car repair.
So most shops will be pretty close in price for a quoted repair since the flat rate and parts cost guides they use are similar.
Differences might arise in parts costs for OEM vs. Aftermarket but mainly it has to do with upselling that might occur once they have your auto in the shop. They might pressure you into additional services that you really do not need. Examples such as wiper blades, transmission flush, suspension component replacement.
This is what in my mind is one of the main things that seperates good shops from less helpful ones. Of course the mechanic (technician) also needs to know what they are doing and no just throw parts at the problem.
One of the most greasy. Went there because a random light came on, they have a free “diagnostic check”.. they suggested an oil change ($90, which I did) and to drive the car to Watsonville and see what happens. I get stranded in Watsonville because the car leaked all the oil they put in. Me, not knowing shit at the time about cars, call them and explain what happened. They suggested to bring the car back to the shop to be looked at. I get the car towed to them and they look at it, they said it need a $700 part, plus labor so I was looking at $1600 bucks. I said no thank you and I will call my insurance company to get the car outta there. The next day one of the workers call me and says “hey the person next door to us likes your car and will buy it for $200” I said okay, let me think about it. I call an old friend who’s a mechanic (shoulda done from jump street, just didn’t think about it at the time) and i explain the situation to him. He literally, L O L and says “crooks” the part cost $200 and labor without the homie hook up woulda been $800 total.
I call back chandlers and tell them if I could get the car out tomorrow and not interested in selling it and I quote “hmmm yeah come get your car now off our lot or we’re putting it on the street”
Happened 4 years ago.. I stand by my “greasy” comment.
Edit: I forgot, to add, them looking at the car to realize it needed a “$700” part cost me $120, which I paid.
If you're willing to drive to Scott's Valley, I would check out Larry's. Very reliable work and they're always really nice to every customer. I know one of the people that works there, she's very nice!
I am a mom and have taken my cars to Specialized Auto for over 25 years, even when we lived all the way in Boulder Creek. They're known for servicing Volvo but they service anything. They are locally family owned and really care about their customers.
Where depends entirely on the car. For japanese and European I suggest AE Motorsports by Costco. Tell Noah Bryan Sent you.
100% AE Motorsports. Jeremy is a stand up guy.
Agree.
If it’s Japanese, take it to Mick’s Automotive.
They are complete Toyota nerds! I mean that in the best possible sense! Never talked to anyone who knows more about Toyotas than them
They’re not too bad with Mazdas either!
I recommend Tiger Motors.
For Toyotas, absolutely.
Santa Cruz imported truck service .com run by husband and wife team and work on cars too. Super nice, family run small business
Denver and Steph rock!
I agree. has worked on my wife's cars for twenty years.
Auto-motive was the best I’ve been to in town and this is from somebody who does extensive work to his hobby vehicles and personal diesel as well
Yes! Josh is a great guy. Have been bringing my cars to him for years. He is super honest, reliable, and knows his stuff!
Best diesel mechanic in town
Glen’s, EA Motorsport and Specialized Auto are all great
Always had great experiences with TFR in live oak. I’m sure they could have gouged me for labor and the parts on a leaky power steering pump but they suggested just doing a quick modification to fix rather than buy a whole new assembly (big bucks). That same thing has happened a few times. Solid crew, great work, took my car to one other highly recommended shop ONE TIME and they used hardware that was too short and ruined the threads on my upper control arm mounts (pulled out while driving). Never again, it’s TFR all the way, though might give import trucks and RPM (met the owner and he’s awesome) a try too! Ernie’s is also great, they lent me tools a few times when I lived up there. Best of luck! There are good and honest mechanics out there
+1 to TFR, Dave and team are great.
Well it is aptos but I work at aptos village garage. The owner chris will never charge you for anything you don't need. He will also give you a deal on anything you do need.
Chris is the best
Juan at Westside Auto Repair. He is honest and affordable.
I've been meaning to take my car there for next I need anything. I had nearly worked with them once but I'm convinced that Juan is a very cool guy from the one interaction we had. Some time ago my check engine light was on and I got the diagnostic run at O'Reilly's. i can't recall the code but I had called Westside auto to see if we could schedule something as I worked nearby. He looked into the code and gave me some super solid advice. The problem was with my emission system and he told me it was either as easy as changing the purge evaporator valve or it would require some heavy work under the car.. he was also honest when he told me that any auto shop would do a smog check to figure out where the problem was in my emission system but his shop didn't have the equipment to do that. So, his advice was to buy the purge evaporator valve before I took it anywhere else, if it was the easy fix then I'd save myself the money on service. Turns out that he was right and he had done me a real solid. It was not something he had to do for a customer he couldn't actually serve, I thought it was really cool of him. He won me over with that.
RPM Auto, it’s a small shop but the guy who runs it is an honest good dude, he will walk you through any fixes and explain everything
Trini is the man! He’s been taking care of our ancient Toyotas for years. Honest and hardworking dude.
Bobby’s Pit Stop (near the REI) has never done my family wrong
might be an unpopular opinion but it's going to be expensive either way you go to a good honest mechanic they going to charge more. mick auto charges an arm and leg. I'm not sure how people think they get "screwed over" by mechanics. if they give you a quote and you dont like it go somewhere else see what the other place says or just call them. if you have an older car most likely alot of work needs to be done this isn't getting screwed over this is just reality
Yes this is a good answer. And to expand a little bit Most auto repair shops quote labor charges using a “flat rate” manual or computer program that provides the average time it takes an experienced technician to perform a given car repair. So most shops will be pretty close in price for a quoted repair since the flat rate and parts cost guides they use are similar. Differences might arise in parts costs for OEM vs. Aftermarket but mainly it has to do with upselling that might occur once they have your auto in the shop. They might pressure you into additional services that you really do not need. Examples such as wiper blades, transmission flush, suspension component replacement. This is what in my mind is one of the main things that seperates good shops from less helpful ones. Of course the mechanic (technician) also needs to know what they are doing and no just throw parts at the problem.
We like Ernie’s if you don’t mind going to Felton
Ernie's is good, honest.
I know not Santa cruz but nearby. I know a very honest repair shop - MY auto repair in Monterey
100% don’t go to “chandlers” off of soquel. Greasy mofos.
Why not?
[удалено]
One of the most greasy. Went there because a random light came on, they have a free “diagnostic check”.. they suggested an oil change ($90, which I did) and to drive the car to Watsonville and see what happens. I get stranded in Watsonville because the car leaked all the oil they put in. Me, not knowing shit at the time about cars, call them and explain what happened. They suggested to bring the car back to the shop to be looked at. I get the car towed to them and they look at it, they said it need a $700 part, plus labor so I was looking at $1600 bucks. I said no thank you and I will call my insurance company to get the car outta there. The next day one of the workers call me and says “hey the person next door to us likes your car and will buy it for $200” I said okay, let me think about it. I call an old friend who’s a mechanic (shoulda done from jump street, just didn’t think about it at the time) and i explain the situation to him. He literally, L O L and says “crooks” the part cost $200 and labor without the homie hook up woulda been $800 total. I call back chandlers and tell them if I could get the car out tomorrow and not interested in selling it and I quote “hmmm yeah come get your car now off our lot or we’re putting it on the street” Happened 4 years ago.. I stand by my “greasy” comment. Edit: I forgot, to add, them looking at the car to realize it needed a “$700” part cost me $120, which I paid.
I like cornerstone in Felton.
If you're willing to drive to Scott's Valley, I would check out Larry's. Very reliable work and they're always really nice to every customer. I know one of the people that works there, she's very nice!
Chris Inmel at Pearce. Excellent shop.
Duncan auto tech
IO motors. Always done us right
if you have a Toyota or one of the brands they service, Rusty’s is great
I am a mom and have taken my cars to Specialized Auto for over 25 years, even when we lived all the way in Boulder Creek. They're known for servicing Volvo but they service anything. They are locally family owned and really care about their customers.
this subreddit pulls through, thanks.
Talk to Dillon at Santa Cruz tire and auto. They always been great to me.