Del Mar Automotive

Reviews

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

  May-Linn Paulsen
3 weeks ago
My car broke down on the freeway and I needed a mechanic to tow it to. That is how I found Del Mar Automotive Service Center, they were able to get my car running within two days. They recommended a list of repairs but I explained this car was purposefully running until it died and they understood. I have had trouble arguing with mechanics in the past about what services I would like to perform or not. No problem here, these guys listened and understood my reasoning.Shortly thereafter I bought a newer used car, and took it to DMASC for maintenance. Again they were great, took care of everything quickly, and checked in with me before doing extra services. Price was reasonable especially considering how fast they are.The people there are friendly and respectful, and communicate clearly about timing and any details related to the service.Definitely my new regular mechanic!

  Paula
a week ago
They are always friendly, they listen, (!!) and work with my situation. They fix what needs fixing and communicate well with the client.. Del Mar Automotive has the feel of a neighborhood car repair shop. Thank you!

  Jeff Hemmen
5 days ago
Once again these guys came through efficiently and economically keeping my much loved Honda Element on the road. Some transmission sensor thing diagnosed, re-installed and I'm ready to head to Sedona carefree! yeehaw!

  Will Gallaspy
3 months ago
Avoid. Had my car towed here and they were randomly closed on a weekday. Didn t get a diagnosis for days, was charged over $100 for it, and told I would need a very expensive repair. I don t think they really even looked. When I told them I would tow it elsewhere they told me I had less than 2 hours to get it out of there after they sat on it for the better part of a week. Other shop fixed it in a day for hundreds less and its been running fine since. Slow. Surly. Overpriced.

  Kyle Linder
5 months ago
Fast, professional, honest service. Everything you could want from a shop. They went above and beyond to help clean up a very blurry headlight right as I was about to leave the shop, simply because they noticed it. Don t question, bring your car in and know it s in great hands.

  Joe Cuviello
7 months ago
Del Mar Automotive is a great shop for very experienced, knowledgable, and trustworthy maintenance and repairs. They are a great team of professional repair technicians that preform quality repairs. IMO they are the best auto repair shop in San Diego and the best I've every used.Services: Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Auto maintenance, Oil changeServices: Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Helen Larchmiller
2 years ago
I had an oil change but have also used them to replace a headlight assembly. Todd was extremely kind as were all his employees. It's not often that you find the owner of a business right there to greet customers. I took a nice walk while waiting. I went to Dennys but there is a healthier option by walking a cute little path directly to the beach.I can't remember ever feeling like I could trust an automotive shop until now.I am so glad I found Del Mar Automotive!Service: Oil change

  Teri C.
a year ago
Our family has been going to Todd @ Del Mar Auto for over 20+ years. He has serviced our old Bronco, Ford Truck 350, Ford truck 150, & a Porsche Cayenne. We recently returned from a short trip in the F-150 and had experienced the engine light appearing on the dash. As soon as we arrived back to San Diego, we called Todd and he got us right in. Todd and staff diagnosed the problem & repaired it all in a very timely manner. If you want excellence, stop wasting your time with other auto shops. These guys are the very best.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair

  Mai-Lon Gittelsohn
a month ago
I can always count on Del Mar Automotive to take care of my 2007 Pruis.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Marian Duncan
2 years ago
The garage is great. Reasonably priced, timely, friendly, and professional. Twice I have had issues that either could not be diagnoses or were very expensive to repair at dealerships. Both times, Del Mar Automotive diagnosed the problem within minutes, had the car ready within 2 hrs and was half the price quoted from the dealership. I highly recommend them.

  Christine Warner
3 years ago
I appreciate the reliable and honest service delivered by Del Mar Automotive. I used to have my Toyota serviced by the dealer but quickly realized by truck always needed additional repairs. Todd is extremely trustworthy and I can count on him to tell me exactly what needs to be done. And the price of repairs is always reasonable. Thanks Todd!!Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Eva Trieger
a year ago
Brought my buggy in for a "trip check", and as always Al and Todd made sure that everything was in great shape, and they checked it all out in less than an hour, as promised. Del Mar Auto is the only place I'd take my vehicles because I know the service will be first rate, the prices reasonable and I feel respected and valued.Updated as of 4.27.18:Del Mar Automotive continues to be my most trusted and favored local business. The Phillips run an excellent shop with integrity, kindness and expertise. I am so grateful to be the recipient of such fine service and excellent automotive care. Thanks!UPDATED REVIEW 5.29.20100% satisfaction EVERY TIMEDel Mar Automotive is a family run and operated business that has earned my respect and trust for the last 20 years. They are dependable, earnest and skilled. I recommend this business to everyone and my friends are grateful. Thank you !RecommendedUPDATE: 8/19/2021Efficient, Honest and ProfessionalHaving some concerns about my 2009 Yaris battery, I called Todd. Within a day he got back to me and scheduled an appointment to test the battery and if needed, replace it.I was quoted a price to replace the battery, but a couple hours after dropping my car off, Todd called to tell me that the battery tested just fine, so I did not need the service.The integrity of this local automotive shop keeps me coming back, and recommending Del Mar Automotive to everyone I know.Thank you Todd, Chris, Joshua and everyone else who keeps me safe and on the road!UPDATE 2//25/22New brakes in no time flat! Once more, Del Mar Automotive took excellent care to replace my brakes quickly and reasonably. This shop wins my business and referrals over and over again. Thank you Joshua, Todd and Chris for keeping my car in tip-top shape, and always providing reliable, friendly service!7/7/22Thank you! Though I have moved, it is worth the hour drive to have my car serviced by reliable, honest , supremely capable folks!

  Joel Carrington
2 years ago
The staff at Del Mar Auto have once again Represented themselves professional honest and prompt. Although the issue with my vehicle could not be fixed, they spent a significant amount of time diagnosing and confirming the issues while keeping me updated all along. I appreciate everyone there and will always continue to put my trust and faith in their skills knowledge and abilities. Thanks to all the staffServices: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Wheel alignment

  Grady O'Leary
2 years ago
My BMW had a mystery coolant leak and Todd and Chris were very accommodating to get me in quickly and take a look. Repairs were made quickly and pricing was really reasonable - no BS, really straightforward, and a very friendly crew. I plan to make them my regular maintenance place after moving back to the area. 10/10.

  David Kukoff
3 years ago
I've been a car driver for nearly forty years, and I don't know if I've ever had a better experience than I had with Todd and his crew. I'd been told that the Porsche I'd just bought might need anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 worth of suspension work by the guy who sold it to me. No problem, because we'd taken that into consideration in the purchase price. But then Todd gave it a thorough inspection and said that it wouldn't require anything close to that much work. Saved me a bundle!But then they took it to the next level with my other car, which I was about to sell. I'd just had it detailed, and it appeared as though the detail guys banged up some sensors because the airbag lights were on and the windows and side mirrors weren't working properly. Any other dealer or mechanic would likely have taken the car apart, costing me a couple grand (not to mention me probably having to take the detail shop to small claims court...amidst COVID, no less). But Todd fiddled with the programming codes...and voila! All better.I never write reviews this long, but I can safely say that even though I live nearly two hours away, I will make the drive down any time my car needs service. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind, honesty, and top-notch service these guys offer.Services: Electrical repair, Steering & suspension repair, Electrical

  Julie Berryman
5 years ago
We have been bringing our cars to Del Mar Automotive for at least 20 years. They are very aware of keeping repairs affordable and recommending what needs to be done now and what can be put off for a later date. I brought in a used car I wanted to buy to be checked out, and was relieved to hear that it would be a valuable and safe vehicle to drive.When it was time to trade that car in, I asked their opinion on the replacement vehicle, which I did purchase with their recommendation. My daughter had her car towed there a few years ago and the tow truck driver volunteered that Del Mar Automotive is an honest repair shop.I especially appreciate the waiting area outside in the shade overlooking the lagoon. Who thought getting your oil changed could be enjoyable.

  Lance C.
2 years ago
Trustworthy mechanics that give you options maintaining your vehicle. From imports to classics, their work is impeccable, they have a warranty, keep my cars clean, not sure if they still have a shuttle, good customer service, and are just likeable people. Great place, I wouldn't hesitate bringing any of my vehicles to them.

  Derek Zovanyi
9 months ago
Del Mar Automotive is impeccable they say what they say, and they do what they mean! Todd shows extreme professionalism, and they don t take it advantage of their customers, they are honest and fair!

  Lili Hamra
5 years ago
I know VERY little about cars. But, I drive my & other children around. So, I need to have a mechanic I can TRUST, with my supremely precious passengers. I have faith in Del Mar Automotive taking very good care of my van. And they do so while keeping my wallet in mind, letting me know what the costs will be BEFORE moving forward - no invoice shock thankyouverymuch. The folks that work here have always been very friendly & kind and they back their work up, making them a place I can confidently recommend without hesitation.

  Nancy Stern
4 years ago
I have been taking my cars to Del Mar Automotive for 30 years! I ALWAYS get awesome service with a smile. These guys have kept my 2004 Camry with 111,500 miles on the road and I would never go anyplace else. Plus, they always have great chocolate and pastries to nibble on while my oil is being changed. :-)

  Arthur Thomas
4 years ago
There is absolutely no better place to take your car then Del Mar automotive! They are a good family-run organization, and very trustworthy! The last time I was there I was coming off of a 16 hour work day and very tired and forgot to ask to get my wipers replaced, but Todd saw it and asked if I wanted to get it done, and now everytime it rains I am reminded how awesome Todd is. I almost look forward to the next time something goes wrong with my car so I can go visit these guys! That should tell you what type of experience this is.

  Carla O.
5 years ago
FIVE STARS across the board for Del Mar Automotive! I brought my 2016 Audi in due to some electrical wiring damage caused by rodents. This was the second incident in just two weeks for me. I took my car to the Audi Service Center the first time and learned that the damage was not covered by warranty. At the end of the visit, I was out nearly $400. Looking at my receipt, it said $40 for parts and the rest was for labor. When my wires got chewed up again, I decided to take my car to Del Mar Automotive as based on their fantastic reviews and the fact that they service import cars (amongst all others). I dealt with Todd, who is an absolute professional! He was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer all of the questions I had. My repair was done in a timely manner. I dropped my car off first thing in the morning, was driven to work by Al in Del Mar Automotive's courtesy shuttle then picked up by Al when my car was ready in the afternoon. My bill was only a fraction of the cost I paid at Audi! Going above and beyond, Todd shared some useful tips on how to prevent future reoccurrence, sold me a bottle of Rodent Defense Spray to try as well as helped fill my coolant and windshield wiper fluid reservoirs. Just amazing service from both Todd and Al! I had a very positive experience and so I highly recommend Del Mar Automotive to everyone.

  Felipe Alvarez
3 years ago
Todd and Josh were awesome. I was a stranger in town. They fixed my car and even gave me tour advice on the scenic walks of the beautiful city areas. My wife was impressed with the hospitality and kindness. You have a gem here Del Mar!

  Andrew Martindale
9 years ago
Great bunch of guys here. When our car hit something on the freeway they gave us a great, straight-forward breakdown of the damage and a really good estimate on repairs. We eventually decided to just junk the car and they didn't even charge us extra for storing the car for a few days before we could get a junker to come and take it away. Great customer service overall. Can definitely recommend.

  Liz F
5 years ago
Todd and team do a great job at a great price. They're a throw-back to the old days when you knew the people who owned the car shop, got the straight story and excellent service. I'm so happy I don't have to go to the dealership anymore!

  Roger Derrien
a month ago
Great service as always. Online Scheduling is super easy.

  Arthur Thomas
6 years ago
My sister found this place randomly, and insisted I start coming here after having a few bad experiences with my old mechanic, who had sold his business to a big chain. My father also spoke well of these guys, and I have to say the reputation is well earned. Three times I have gone in with problems that are beyond my grasp, and three times they have given me great service, and an honest price. This is the mechanic your father told you to find, and keep forever - the truthful mechanic! So rare! Thanks for everything, guys!

  Justin Marks
4 years ago
I continue to trust the guys at Del Mar Automotive with my precious vehicles after 8 great years of the best service I could ever possibly ask for. I drive all the way from North Park to see these guys for even just my Oil Changes, because I know I can count on them to do every single thing the right way, without cutting corners, and they also let me know what else I should keep my eye on, no pressure whatsoever. THE BEST.

  William Southcombe
7 years ago
I recently relocated and was looking for a Great garage for repairs on my (older) vehicles. THIS IS IT! I had the air-conditioner recharged. On my first drive ALL of the coolant escaped in about 30 minutes, and I was driving into a VERY hot region. I was miserable for 3 days. When I returned I went back to Delmar Automotive. It may well have been some part of my 2001 car that failed, but Todd did not even hesitate - the system was recharged and re-tested. It is now running like a dream. I have had a few other things done as well - same Excellent Service. I do not give "5's" - but with Delmar Automotive, I had no choice - they earned it. I whole-heartedly recommmend this business!

  david gilroy
5 years ago
The slogan on their great giveaway pens says it all Good People Doing Good Business. I ve been taking my cars to Del Mar Auto for years and I highly recommend them. Thank you Todd, Al, Steve and Joshua!