A-1 Auto Care

Reviews

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

  Info - Encinitas Plumbing
2 years ago
Kevin and his guys have worked on my personal and work vehicles many times, and every time is just like the last...A-1 exceptional service! A-1 Auto has a great little shop right in the heart of Carlsbad Village, and is easily accessible from Coast Hwy or the I-5 freeway.Super clean shop! I've been around a little while, and gone through lots of shops and mechanics in the past. I can tell you without hesitation, I have never seen a cleaner or better maintained shop...EVER!! That's important, trust me on that one. Their attention to detail is impeccable, pricing is fair, and they stand behind their work.If your vehicle is as important to you as our service vehicles are to us, then you should check out Kevin and his family-friendly team at A-1 Auto. We're glad we did, and I'm sure you will be too.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Oil change

  craig wilson
3 months ago
They are very honest, they will communicate with you as much as you want, and answer all your questions. I have had so many sketchy experiences with mechanics where I didn't feel comfortable. Never get that feeling here.

  Travis Schilling
7 years ago
They are an amazing service facility. Super friendly, very knowledgeable and they give you the recommendations to try and help save money.Last year my Camry didn't pass smog because of a timing issue, they got that fixed and gave me tips on how to improve the actual emissions because fixing the timing can make the emissions a little worse. I ended up passing smog with flying colors all around.I have a few Co workers who use them too and I know all of us would definitely recommend going to them.

  Mike Sergent
2 years ago
I have known Kevin for many years, including before his ownership of A-1, and he has always been known as an honest and extremely knowledgeable mechanic. He and Melissa run a spotless and efficient shop. A-1 is the only auto care business I feel I can completely trust.This week they repaired my wife's Volvo's A/C and they changed the oil and did all 4 four brakes on my RAM ecodiesel and they are both in great shape again. I strongly recommend them.

  Chris McKinney
7 years ago
We've been taking our family cars to A-1 Auto Care for over six years now, and have never had one reason to regret it. They communicate well, do good work, and charge reasonable prices.I feel they are always willing to take the time not only to explain our options and what needs to be done, they also tell us how things are likely to develop in the future, and they listen to our concerns and priorities. I never get the impression that the time this takes is unimportant.I hate when I pay to have something fixed, only to find that the real problem was something else; that hasn't happened with us at A-1. Their diagnoses have proven accurate, and when they're done our mechanical issues are resolved.Cost is important to us, and I'm gratified that the people at A-1 Auto Care understand this. They help us plan out our maintenance and anticipated repair spending. Once they recommended I buy a part myself used online, and saved me quite a bit when I followed their recommendation. Another time they identified an issue with a vehicle that would not be worth fixing once it deteriorated past a certain point; that gave us a solid year to look around for a replacement vehicle.A-1 Auto Care is a mom-and-pop business. We've developed relationships with the owners, mechanics, and front office people. We trust Kevin and Jim and the rest, and feel like they take that trust seriously. You're in good hands at A-1.

  Kathleen Russell
7 years ago
I have been taken my car to A 1 Auto for years. They have been under New ownership last few years with Kevin at the Realm and are very reliable, Trustworthy, and willing to go the extra mile to make sure that your car is safe. They take the time to explain what you need and listen to what you telling them. I always have a great feeling when I leave. Just peace of mind that what I needed was done and I wasn't charged for things I didn't need. Lynn makes you feel like family when you Call the office to make an appointment, drop off the car, waiting for my car and picking up my car. Kevin and Jimmy are very professional when talking to you about what you need and will tell you straight, "that is not necessary right now and you can wait ", or "this is something I wouldn't wait on". I am more than satisfied with the quality, dedication and service I receive every time I take my car in... Thank you A 1Kathleen Russell

  Kelly Linn Newcomer
7 years ago
I have been a customer with A-1 auto care for the last 10 years I would have to say by far my experience has been amazing! Jim, Sal, Kevin and Lynn ( and the other employees)far exceed my expectations and customer service and care! I am always greeted with a friendly smile and made to feel like family! I have no doubt in my mind that whenever my car is being serviced there will be no problems. I even have a reminder set up to come in and check my oil ( because I have a tendency to forget these things) I would highly recommend A1 auto care for everyone who's looking for quality service and customer satisfaction! The family at A-1 genuinely cares for each person that walks through the door!!

  Luis Arias
4 years ago
Melissa is great! She and her crew were very honest and I felt like I had great work done on my car by honest people. In fact, I know they were honest because they could have gouged me for LOTS of money, but instead, they gave me an objective assessment of what was going on along with fair prices. You can't go wrong at A-1!

  Emily Lingvall
7 years ago
A-1 Auto Care is phenomenal. My Mom referred me here, and I am so grateful she did! Their service is stellar. The people are professional and know their cars! Honest, trustworthy and the only place I take my Corolla. I plan to take this vehicle and all future vehicles to this fine establishment. I recommend A-1 to everyone who desires solid service, affordable prices, and quality care. Thank you all at A-1 for all you do!

  Masha Sowell
3 months ago
Love them. Always honest and reliable. Very fair and reasonable prices.

  Dr Marcus Ettinger
a month ago
I wish they were closer to me. This was an emergency far from home and they got to the car when they first opened, and charged me for half the quoted amount. Thank you.

  Melissa Genewich
6 years ago
Highly recommend!! Took my 2009 Honda Pilot in for a transmission fluid drain/fill and an alignment. Not only were they very competitively priced but everyone there was friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough. They also completed the work in a timely manner. Couldn't be happier...I will definitely come back here for all future auto services!

  Michael Mueller
7 years ago
Jim and Kevin and the rest of the crew at A-1 are honest and do great work for our family vehicles. My neighbor referred me to Jim's shop years ago and I have been trusting him with all our car service needs ever since. It is nice to have a family-run business so close to home!

  Michelle Russell
6 years ago
My family has been going here to service our cars since I was a little girl. The original owner (who retired fairly recently) always did his best to efficiently fix cars as inexpensively and as quickly as possible while still doing a good quality job (hence why I said inexpensively and not cheaply since there is a difference in the term). If for some reason, the problem with the car was something they didn't have the right equipment for and the customer had to take it somewhere else such as the dealer, he would offer to let the customer call them from the other mechanic and talk to him to make sure the customer didn't get ripped off.While the original owner did sell the shop within the last few years (while apparently opting to stay on as an employee for a bit before he retired), the new owner is sticking to the same standards. Both of them legitimately feel bad when even the least expensive price possible is a bit high.

  Steve D
5 years ago
This is the best experience I have ever had at an automobile repair shop. Yes I said that! I have a 2013 Acura RDX that just turned 100K mile, the car looks great and runs great. When look to change up to a new one I saw the 45K price and decided to keep what I have. So I was referred by a friend to go to A1. I called them they were so nice and helpful and the were well over $1000.00 less from what the dealership wanted to do this 100K tune up. I showed up this morning and was blown away. The garage floors were so clean I would have eaten my lunch on it, people so nice a finished in 1 day. I will never take my cars anywhere else.

  Jessie Asuncion
5 years ago
I have 2003 Honda Accord with clutch that was slipping. Since I live in Carlsbad, there are too few choices in car shop. So I called to get a quote and I was greeted with a friendly voice of Melissa. She gave me a fair quote and assured me that the job was going to take less than 2 days. Others shop estimated "at least 2 days" of repairs. That means large labor cost.I dropped off the car on Tuesday before the shop closed and the car was ready by Thursday morning.This was my first time with this shop and it was positive experience. They made me feel welcome and I highly suggest this shop. HAPPY CUSTOMER.

  Grammar Girl
7 years ago
I have been taking my family's cars to A-1 Auto Care for 27 years. They are always friendly, charge fair prices, and perform excellent work. I have referred several people to A-1 who have all reported back of their excellent experiences as well. A-1 knows cars! Two thumbs up A-1! :-)

  Bryan & Paige Thunstrom
3 years ago
Honest, responsive and competent. Kevin was able to perform the Toyota 100,000+ service schedule for less money than the local dealership. Good people! Melissa communicated with us very well and left no question unanswered. Thanks A-1 Team!

  Amber Engebrits
7 years ago
My family has trusted A 1 Auto Care with every car for over 32 years. Excellent service from the moment you walk through their doors. Local owners who know you and want you and your family to be safe in your vehicle. I recommend A 1 Auto Care to anyone who wants their car to be service by courteous and dependable mechanics!!

  Marcia Long
7 years ago
This is a great auto care business! We have had our autos serviced here for 15 years and have had a great experience every time. The work is done right and at reasonable cost. I am so grateful to my friend that referred A-1 Auto Care to us.

  Terry Hart
7 years ago
I have used A-1 for over 20 years. Over time, I bought one Honda after another, long after I was tired of the same drive feel, just because I had a reliable and reasonable mechanic who I trusted to work on it. Maintenance is expensive and having the bozos at an auto dealer work you over is no fun. When I take my car into A-1, I tell them if they find something else they want to do ( like brakes ) and they can't get ahold of me to ask,, just do it anyway. I cannot say enough good things about A-1. You will never go to another mechanic after going to A-1. Their prices are very reasonable, and you can trust the work that they do.

  Scott Vaughan
3 years ago
I was recommended to come to this place years ago by a friend because it's an auto shop that is extremely fair. It can be hard to find a place you can trust. While they are a bit more expensive than your standard oil change shop, it's more than worth it because you don't get charged for things you don't need, which is cheaper in the long run. I'll be a customer for years to come.

  Samuel Reiser
7 years ago
My family and I have been going to A-1 Auto Care for over ten years. We have built such trust in the team not only with our vehicles but also as people in the community. With such trust and care they have always felt like an extension of family; not only with how they check up on our cars but also our lives and how we have been since the last time we visited. Such awesome and honest people! Could never imagine going anywhere else!

  Nicole R
6 years ago
This is truly one of the best small auto-repair shops in North SD County. They are fully trained and masterful mechanics who use factory parts and will never, ever take advantage of you or rip you off. You can trust A-1 with your vehicle from the time you buy it to the day you sell it!

  Gary Marston
4 years ago
Our family has been going to A-1 for years. The A-1 team is outstanding - experienced, knowledgable, kind and honest. They have serviced our Toyota, Honda, and Lexus. They are great listeners. We stopped going to the dealers years ago.

  Penny Carrasco
7 years ago
Expert , knowledgeable car care ! Will go above and beyond to assist their customers. A family owned and operated business where CAR SERVICE AND PEOPLE MATTER ! When I discovered A-1 my car had broken down in Carlsbad Village--close to A1 Auto Care. That was years ago. I have never opted for any other company since that time. My entire family has benefited from their excellent service and their friendship ! 5 Stars +

  david morton
7 years ago
This is the best auto repair shop in North County. I've been taking our cars here for over 12 years and have always been completely satisfied with their personal service, positive attitude, and honesty. I'd recommend them to anyone for any reason.

  Miller Zayn
5 years ago
Highly recommended!!!!Took my 2012 Mustang GT for a oil and air filter change. Shout out to the lady that made me coffee,staff were really nice and helpful.Mechanic was master.Reasonable pricing,got mine done in total of 100 $.

  Morgan Mieras
4 years ago
This family-owned business is the only place to take your car for service. They are honest, knowledgeable and hard-working. We recently moved to Fallbrook and I still drive to Carlsbad for an oil change. I can't recommend them enough!

  Lisa Mickley
7 years ago
We have been using A-1 Auto Care for our vehicles for 20 years. They have reasonable and fair prices. They communicate exactly what needs to be done and are honest. Highly recommend A-1 for your car needs.