Camarillo Independent Automotive Repair

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Steamroller Imports
3 months ago
Need a reliable mechanic? Well don t go to Camarillo Independent Automotive Repair. Went there for some specialty work - needed a new catalytic converter for my 2008 Honda. Well, since they were a local business, and they were recommended to me, I felt that they would be fair with pricing and good with service. But was I wrong! Just a few dollars less than the local Honda dealer and since I thought I was dealing with a family run business, I didn t think twice to ask for rates until the bill came, which was close to double most local shops would have charged, plus the list of needed repairs was something to scare me into believing I must do or else. I have never felt more like a sucker and ripped off before, but after my visit @ CIAR I really did. However, the kicker is that I ve needed to return twice due to oversights on fixing some of the problems that I was charged for and paid for. The latest problem is that my air conditioner leaked freon, which I told them when I brought the car into the shop. They ran a leak check only to assure me that they fixed the issue. Even charged me extra ($15) for the yellow dye they used to perform the leak test. $200+ to refill the system to realize that there are now three other leaks causing the freon to again evaporate, which was overlooked or caused by them, since they hooked up new technology to older parts. Did they damaged my system further now causing me over a $2,000 repair? I am not sure, but how are there three new leaks from something they just pressurized? One should never have to question the integrity of a good shop, but because I still don t have a fixed AC, I only asked kindly for a refund for a job not completed. But, that was asking too much! Again, the blame game on the old car, not the automotive repair shop that was paid to fix the problem. I am a very unhappy customer and would never recommend this business. Stay away!

  Stephen Mojica
a week ago
Engine swap was performed on my hot rod. Clean job, cost were discussed up front, one change had to be made in the process and was discussed prior to the change. I'll repeat business.

  Don
4 months ago
I brought my CRV to their attention to diagnose an oil leakage issue. Initially, they proposed inspecting the oil pan for $350. However, after driving the car again, the oil continued to leak. Upon returning to them, they recommended examining the uppermost part of the oil reservoir for $400. Despite this, the oil still dripped after a few days of driving. I once again returned the CRV, and now they propose a thorough inspection and repair of the oil leakage issue by opening the engine, costing $1,200. It appears that their approach involved starting with lower-cost tasks and escalating the charges to address the core problem. Unfortunately, this experience has left me feeling deceived by their practices.I'm very disappointed and would not recommend this place at all.

  Steel Rails to A Sunset
2 months ago
Always friendly and efficient front desk staff. Managers communicate effectively regarding conditions with the vehicle. Work is completed as promised and if there is any issue with vehicle after visit they immediately investigate, determine and solve the issue.

  Zarek Parthenopaeus
5 months ago
Went in to get a diagnosis for an oil leak and to get a quote for a clutch master cylinder replacement. They charged me an additional diagnosis fee just to give me a quote. I already knew it was leaking and needed to be replaced. I asked for a quote, not a diagnostic. No place should charge for just a quote. The diagnosis consists of opening the hood and seeing the fluid drip out from the clutch master cylinder and also the puddle of fluid in my carpet. I had already told them about both and that I knew what needed to be done, but they charged me anyway with some B.S line about how they would apply the extra fee to the charges if I got the work done by them.Tldr;They charged EXTRA fee then kept my money hostage unless I came back to have work done by them.

  Sean Coyne
7 months ago
Bret and team have been incredible to someone new like me, I immediately noticed how they know a lot of their customers by first name basis. They take the time took the time to explain the nature of the problem and didn t get bothered when I asked follow up questions as the curious customer like I am. They do top quality work and stand by it. I found them via AAA since I m a member. Highly recommend!!

  Angel Anne
4 days ago
Love camarillo independent. Fair and honest. I have never left feeling cheated. Won't go anywhere else

  Elizabeth Nowrasteh
6 months ago
We took our ten year old Lincoln that works fine in for a smog check. $5800 later IT STILL FAILS THE TEST. It is essentially a worthless vehicle now, but they are much richer. We were without it for weeks while they drove it. Do not trust them with smog checks or to help you solve a problem. Only in California would this happen. It's a racket.

  Ken Broomfield
2 months ago
Another good service at Camarillo Independent Car Care.They take good care of my Prius & me. Ken

  chris
11 months ago
I decided to try this place because Triple A was running a promotion ($65 for an oil change, 40 point inspection, and tire rotation).I dropped my car off and right away I could tell that the front desk was not welcoming. The log-in process seemed to take forever and there was no sense of urgency. This wasn t too big of a deal, but what ultimately led me to review them so negatively was one inexcusable and bad policy.I purchased a package that explicitly includes a 40 point inspection, yet they refused to give me a copy of the inspection in paper, claiming it is not their policy. I can not imagine a situation in which it is justifiable to have a customer pay for a service and then not give that customer a copy of that info. I paid for an inspection so it shouldn t be too much to ask to see what they found during the inspection. I completely lost my trust in this establishment at that point.The lack of knowledge from the front desk does not help their case at all. I would have given an additional star if the person at the front was competent in the automotive field, but unfortunately they were not. I do not expect someone working at the front of an automotive shop to be the most friendly or even the most knowledgeable so I don t fault them for that, but to me it was immediately clear that this individual was working here because a family member owned the business. This is understandable as the economic conditions currently are difficult for a small business and keeping as much money as possible in house makes sense.If I hadn t asked about the 40 point inspection, no information would have been conveyed to me even though I could see the inspection paper in her hands.Down the street is another auto place. When I went to them for an inspection, they generated 3 pages of notes. Whenever I go to Toyota, I get printouts of the work that was done with their complimentary inspection and oil change. Independent Auto should consider following their lead if they want to retain customers.Another thing I do not like is how defensive this company gets in their Google reviews. It s not a good look especially when you won t even hand over inspection notes that a customer PAID for. This place needs to review and tweak their policies. I will not be going back and I will not recommend this place.Service: Oil change

  Mikayla Besket
11 months ago
Great place to take your car. They're friendly, honest, and professional. They're totally transparent when it comes to pricing. They fixed my car so it'd pass smog, got it smogged, and did all the necessary paperwork before I got it back. This is where I take my car for all of its maintenance now. Bring your car here!

  Dash
6 months ago
Took them three days to do an oil and filter change with a brake inspection. The brakes they installed I wouldn t even put on a bicycle. Gave me my car back covered in oil and dirt!

  James Purcer
a year ago
Highly professional and reasonably priced with prompt service. I feel that they are trustworthy and I would choose them again if I should need service on my truck.Service: Wheel alignmentService: Wheel alignment

  kiley ann
9 months ago
charged me $900 to replace my fuel pump just for my truck to breakdown in the middle of the road a week later because that was actually not the problem at all. Not to mention, whoever did it, messed up the fuel gauge which makes it now almost impossible to read how much fuel i have.

  Aldona Galdikas-Franz
a year ago
Electrical system diagnostics. Battery would lose power so they had my vehicle for a week( incl Thanksgiving weekend) to try to locate the areawhere the power was leaking out.Couldn t find it so finally decided I needed a new battery. I was not happy with the charge of about $150 per hour for the diagnostics! Was not happy that they took so long to realize the battery needed replacement. My total bill incl battery was $800 something.I emailed them a letter with my complaint. Also since their diagnostics the lighting is dimmer on my dashboard.Fortunately I had a Plan B!! I filed a complaint form with AAA for reimbursement of the 3 month old battery. AAA reimbursed the battery for $110 and then decided toreimburse me about $625. for the labor.Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Linda Fisher-Helton
a year ago
Honest and helpful! Twice they helped me get the dealer to address a warranty or recall issue the dealer that the dealer was refusing to do. I have also gotten advice regarding a used car I wanted to buy. Fair prices. Nice folks. Trustworthy advice. They are my go to auto repair place!Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Side view mirror repair, Auto emissions testing, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil changeServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Side view mirror repair, Auto emissions testing, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil change

  Steve Paul
3 years ago
Great service, friendly staff, and affordable rates. Their personalized service is the best in county. I was preparing to drive cross-country and needed several preventative maintenance procedures done. Camarillo independent automotive performed it at half the price the dealership quoted me for and got my car operating at full capacity with warranties. They ensured that my car remained reliable for the 2,500 mile test. They also offered shuttle service while I waited.

  sandra Sherritt
8 months ago
You guys made my day yesterday, seeing to it that my old beautiful Caddy passed smog. One MORE thing off my mind. The waiting area and the big room was so comfortable and I enjoyed your staff at the front desk. So thanks for your help.

  Gail Wenig
6 months ago
I have been taking my Toyota to the Camarillo Independent Auto Repair for several year's now and I have always found them to be very efficient and fair in their repair prices. The staff are friendly and very helpful and I am alway's able to get an appointment quickly .I continue to take my car into Camarillo Independent for regular oil changes and any additional repair's.I am very happy with their service and friendly and efficient staff.

  Warren Wilderson
4 years ago
Difficult review to write. Lots of good things. All staff I met were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I had emergency service done and it was done quickly and at a fair price. Overall the work was good, but there was an error in my service that forced me to stop and do my own repair and a service was recommended for a part that doesn't exist on my vehicle. They were willing (actually eager) to correct problems, but since I was on the road that didn't work out. I would say that I would recommend this shop over most others I have tried, but they again demonstrated why I do most my own work. I make mistakes too but the don't cost $50-$100 dollars in labor charges.

  Justin Tillman
3 years ago
Came in with my car overheating after changing out the water pump and thermostat. They got it fixed within 24 hours. Turns out I m a moron and put my thermostat in backwards. Simple fix. They did the job and didn t kill me in price. Great customer service. I ll be going here from now on and would recommend these guys to anyone.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Carl Wright
4 years ago
I don't normally write reviews and don't always trust sites like this where it is so easy for people to write really bad or really good reviews. I am writing it because I see so many bad reviews that I don't agree with.I started coming to Camarillo independent a few years ago when I got tired of the Toyota dealership telling me things I did not agree with. I have brought two Corollas, a Plymouth Neon and a Toyota Tacoma to the shop and have not been displeased with their work. Is the place posh? Of course not, why would I want that? Did they do the work I asked them to? Yes. Did they try to sell me other things I didn't bring the vehicle in for...well, yes, but that is part of their job. I don't know that much about autos, but I am not entirely stupid about them either. I was told the Neon needed $2000 dollars of work to make a car worth $1000. Did I believe that...Yes. I just got rid of the car. I bought a used Tacoma truck and had the Toyota dealership check it out (expensive, but for the first time...eeeh). The truck was fine, but did seem to handle oddly sometimes. For the next service I brought it to Camarillo Independent. One of the things they pointed out is that I was driving on three different sizes of tires!!! I probably would have bought the tires elsewhere, but I was so grateful, I purchased the tires from them.All in all, I am pleased with the service I have gotten from them.*************************************************************************************************OK, two years later and I am still coming here. I still don't believe the negative reviews I see here. Is this the cheapest auto repair around here...no, you can get cheap work done badly in many places. With their cost, I think they are honest and represent good value. If I didn't think that, I would go another place.My last visit I needed two tires to go with the ones I replaced in the review above. I thought about lo-balling them and checked the price of the tires I wanted to buy on-line with another shop doing the installing. Compared to their price I wouldn't have saved any money. I don't know about you, but I think that is admirable.Couple of years later and still happy with these guys!

  Lolita Valianos
2 years ago
I have a 21 year-old Honda CRV, and have been going to Camarillo Independent for at least the last 16 years, I think....and they keep her in the best shape. My experience is always top-notch, and if it wasn't, they remedied it and communicated. I appreciate knowing I have mechanics I can trust with an older car. I can also easily get a ride home from them, and a pickup, as well. Thank you for your excellent service.Services: Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Wheel alignment, Battery

  KENT JOHNSON
7 months ago
Went to get the AC fluid refilled. They told us to be there at 8am and we will go right in.Over an hour of waiting later, they charge $200 for inspecting the AC unit and it was not even an hour they looked at it.WAY OVER PRICEDService: TransmissionService: Transmission

  A Betancourth
4 months ago
Love this place! They love there customers like they love there country! Honest and dependable, thank you!

  Peter Liu
2 years ago
When I dropped off my car at 8:40 AM on 7/30/2021, I didn't receive a call about diagnosis until 2:18 PM about my check engine light diagnosis. The mechanic was way to slow to diagnose my car. When he called me on the phone, he recommended the following services: remove cylinder head for valve job, replace cylinder head gasket, cylinder heat bolts, spark plugs & thermostat, change engine oil and filter and refile engine coolant all for $3690. That is super expensive. Also, he said this repair would take 3 -4 business days, which is way too long for me. Thus, I had to decline this repair. If anyone has major engine issues, I don't recommend this place.Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Brad Reichman
4 years ago
I'm new(er) to the area and was referred to Camarillo Independent by several locals, not to mention Enterprise Rent-a-car. They performed a regular service on my Nissan with 170,000 miles, recommended an air filter change and another $150 service that had not been done since new. Very reasonable and honest along with prompt and friendly follow-through.

  Deborah Wenger
4 years ago
We first used this place when we first moved to CA and needed smog checks. Then, we discovered that the people who work there are great diagnosticians and mechanics. We used to go to the VW dealer, but I felt the dealer ripped us off of thousands of dollars. CIAR is where I will be going from now on for any car problem! They fix it right and are very reasonably priced. They drove us home when we found out we had to leave our car there until parts arrived. Very nice people. I feel lucky that I have found a trustworthy and reasonably priced auto mechanic!

  Nicole Zanders
a year ago
THEY RIPPED ME OFF!!!!!!Steve Thomas BMW did a diagnostic and said I needed an alternator. The cost was $3,500So I called this clown at Camarillo Independent for a second opinion and had my 650 I convertible towed to them with a price quote of $1200.The con man said BMW lied, it's the Starter, so I paid 0$1,963.00 to his rude wife.Drove my car back to Ojai and it didn't work.I then took it to a great shop in Ojai for performance vehicles and they diagnosed it to be the alternator.All together, I lost $2,500 my car still doesn't work Total including tow fees and diagnostics

  Lettie Conrad
2 years ago
At best, these folks don't know hybrid tech at all. At worst, they're just plain incompetent (not to mention incredibly rude). We trusted them for a few minor things that seemed ok, but when we needed new tires for a 10-year old Prius, they failed. Sold us a terrible product and tried to sell us a story about needing them for monthly tire maintenance, which has proven 100% wrong--after we spent a bundle at the dealer to fix their shoddy work. Stay away; hybrid owners!!!Services: Tires, Auto maintenance