Encinitas Aloha Auto Repair

Reviews

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

  Ki Woyke MA CPC ELI-MP
3 months ago
Came here after reading the reviews and am happy I did. Excellent service, Gary has been a life saver! Am very attached to my old car ('09 Forester) that took me from Alaska to Toronto, back west to the PNW and finally to San Diego, and he gave it life one more time. THANK YOU!! Stayed under the quoted price, accepted the car Saturday and had it back Monday morning - amazing. Recommend 100%.

  Francis
a month ago
I found out about aloha Auto from a local AutoZone. Gary, the owner of aloha Auto is a very skilled mechanic and an easy guy to talk to.My first experience was just for an alternator. Recently, I was in need of a whole new steering apparatus for my Honda Odyssey, including rack and pinion pumps hoses tie rods engine mounts etc.Gary tackled it all for me in one day. Expert work.Now when I turn my Honda Odyssey it feels like butter instead of trying to turn a boulder.Thank you Gary if there was more than five stars I'd give them to you?

  T R
2 months ago
This place tried to take advantage of my 75 year old mother who knows nothing about cars.Her engine was misfiring and Gary told her the engine had no compression and needed to be replaced for over $5000. I told her to get a second opinion, the second place replaced the spark plugs and coil packs for a bit over $500 and the problem was fixed. I gave Gary some time before writing this for the benefit of a doubt in case the problem returned. It did not. It has been months now and the car has run fine since going to the other shop.Lying to elderly people is despicable, she must have looked like an easy target.

  Ryan Panaro
2 months ago
Came here to Gary after a different shop was ripping me off by trying to add as many charges as possible and keeping my car multiple days after a supposedly failed smog check. Gary quickly solved it, then even brought it next door for me to get re-smog checked, it passed, and he called me within 2 hours after dropping it off that it's ready to pickup. And he didn't even charge me a dime. Wow, thank you.

  Veronica Ramos
2 weeks ago
It was great fast, and the owner took my 2016 bmw the next day to get my brakes done, $800.00.All new brakes

  Ana Zarate D
7 months ago
Our car broke down we were desperate, someone recommended this place, what a blessing!! They were able to take our car ,did their best to fix it but couldn't finish it on time ,they wanted to fix it well. Next day it was ready and we were on our way home.I wish it was closer to LA we would definitely take our cars to them!! Very trustworthy, would definitely recommend!!

  Kim Warren
9 months ago
Gary is the most honest mechanic I ve ever brought my car to. I definitely recommend taking your car to him you won t be disappointed. He goes above and beyond to make sure you are satisfied with his work.

  AKooge
a year ago
On the road traveling from Tucson, my Honda was overheating, so I was in a bind. Even though auto shops are all super busy, Gary got me in the very next morning after I called. Fixed my car right, for a good price, and had me back on the road by 2:00. Great communication, great service, would definitely trust this shop again. Thanks Gary!

  Jon Gonzo
a year ago
I can t say is the best auto shop in Encinitas, only because I haven t tried them all. But I can say that this place is, hands down, the best shop I have ever been when it comes to customer service. The guy who opened the shop (Gary I believe), gave me a quote on the phone about 4 days before my appointment. The price was fair (compared to Midas, that wanted to charge more than double). Since you enter the premises, you get the feeling that you won t be fooled or scammed. The whole experience felt great. You can really feel you re dealing with mechanics and not sales people, who will tell you anything just to keep your money. In a world full of lies, I truly respect and honor the honesty of this auto shop. I took my car for a throttle body replacement. It took them 4 or less hours to repair. My car now feels better and the check engine light is finally gone.I would definitely take my car here again. I feel comfortable coming here. You have gained a valuable customer that will spread the good word and recommend this place to all the neighbors.Thanks again for the great service! It won t go unnoticed.Services: Auto exhaust system repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic

  Willliam Stein
a year ago
I called around to get a price for my timing belt and Aloha Auto Repair definitely had the best price. Kind and courteous the service was great. My car was done the next day. I'm for sure going to bring my car back if I need anything in the future. ThanksGary!Service: Engine repairService: Engine repair

  Noel Meza
4 years ago
Best mechanic! Oil changes are the best here. Quick, reliable, and affordable. The owner Gary is honest, professional, and a no-BS type of guy. His team always gets my car in and out super quickly. First time I told him my car model and make, he told me the different options for oil changes and helped me save money. Because of its excellent service and positive reviews, Aloha is always very busy. I recommend calling ahead of time to make an appointment because they get lots of customers.Location is very convenient: right off the Pacific Coast Highway 101. Make sure you don't miss it because it is difficult to see from the street. Lobby area has plenty of magazines and even a legit massage chair. I spent my entire time waiting for my oil change while getting a 5 star massage. There's also restaurants within 5 minutes walking distance and the beach is only about 15 minutes away if you want to take a stroll.Overall, the prices here are unbeatable. Gary and his team at Aloha are the best. Don't waste your time or money going anywhere else!

  Dawn Wiggins
3 years ago
Our daughter was in a bind and took her car here. Gary took advantage of our young daughter.1 he parked the car on the street where it was totaled.2 he called my daughter told her the car was ready, charged her close the 500, she paid and then was informed the car was totaled.3 when I called he was extremely rude and stated he had no choice he couldn t leave her Ford Focus parked where he keeps his better cars like a BMW and to call a lawyer4 once we had It towed back home our family mechanic looked at it and said repairs were never madeWe were fortunate enough that the guy who hit the car left a note and asked not to go through insurance (once he found out I had contacted a lawyer to go after Aloha). The honest man paid my daughter a pretty penny for the car. Gary refuses to pay our daughter back the 500 for services never rendered. He probably thought since it was totaled we would never knowWe have honored the other mans request to keep the totaled car out of dispute and 500 isn t worth the stress of small claims court for our family right now.So I have taken to social media and agencies to file complaints to warn others. If you drive a regular car and are a young female stay away from this company and dishonest Gary! If you care about honest business in your city choose another business.

  Mehrak Hamzeh
6 months ago
Most reliable honest mechanic ever met in my life. Thank you Gary for all you do! Save me money! You da man

  Fred starr
a year ago
Larry was the 1st mechanic in 8 years of owning my Audi to FIX the check engine light! Audi of Carlsbad, Escondido and 2 other mechanic shops could not resolve issue. I will definitely be going back to Aloha for auto repairs( trust worthy and fair).Service: Auto engine diagnosticService: Auto engine diagnostic

  Bassanio Peters
4 years ago
Gary is the most trustworthy mechanic you will ever meet. He diagnosed a serious issue with one of my cars at no cost. He knew ahead of time that if the issue was what we both suspected, I would end up getting rid of it (not worth repairing). I highly recommend Encinitas Aloha to anyone looking for a auto shop they can trust.

  Esh Esh_Vibez
6 years ago
Gary is really awesome man. God send. Great customer service. I came to him recommended by Towing Unlimited when my car stoped on high way. Not knowing anything wrong or knowing anyone in Encinitas. He took me to Gary. He gave me a rough that could be wrong, fixed that called me in few hours explained to me that when my car overheated I blew a head gasket. He said he need a few days, and gave me a great price. Including fixing other things that could cause me problems down road.Never had problem with my car before, so I am greatful to have found Gary.:)

  Jim Hesson
5 years ago
I have been taking our two cars to Gary for maintenance and some other minor issues since we moved here 4 years ago. The dealer wanted $700 for the 60,000 miles inspection of our Subaru Forester. Gary did it for $147! He doesn't do work if you don't need it. He's conscientious, friendly, and honest: all the traits I look for in a mechanic. Last time I came in for an oil change, he replaced a burned out tail light for free just because he noticed it was out. The dealer wanted $40 for this!

  Nan Vaughn
2 years ago
Our 2005 Chevy Astro wouldn't start (surprise), and we determined it was the fuel pump. After reading reviews I called Gary to see if they could replace the fuel pump that same day. To our surprise and delight they took care of us and got us back on the road for a fair price. Love this place! Thanks to Gary and the crew at Encinitas Aloha Auto Repair we made it back to Arizona. Highly recommend.Mahalo i� 'oeService: Engine repair

  David Johnson
3 years ago
We bought a new 2002 Camry and have maintained it and have all the service records. Around 5 years ago the transmission started to have issues and we brought it to Aloha and they replaced the transmission for $3000+. A year ago it started to act up and kept slipping, it downshifted like Toyota's sudden acceleration issue, not safe for my daughter to drive anymore. I stopped by Aloho in Encinitas I was told the warranty is only good for a year. We're conservative drivers we use the car to get to work, market, school, it should have lasted longer. The AC still works, the engine is powerful, but the transmission is bad.We took it to a place in Oceanside and were quoted $4500 to replacethe transmission. I'm expecting it won't pass smog -- cash for cars it is...I advise everyone to use care and caution when doing a major repair with such a limited warranty because at most shops especially the dealer when you replace an engine or a transmission it will last for the remaining life of the car.Service: Transmission

  Marty Lucero
7 years ago
Out of town, needed service, saw star rating and took vehicle in. It was on a Sat at 830am. I knew I needed brakes and maybe new rotors. Gary said he needed to look at it and call me back. Thinking he was gonna tell me extra repairs was gonna be needed, but called me back in a timely matter and told me what needed to be done. Of course what I thought it was. And also he let ke know that I eventually need to do my rear brakes. Very professional and courteous. Highly recommended this shop. Thanks Gary.

  Lori L
4 years ago
Took me in last minute and fixed me up so I could drive to see family for the holidays. Straightforward, quick, simple, and trustworthy. Super nice guy who even gave me new wiper blades. Will definitely continue to go to his shop and recommend the one also on Black Mountain Road

  Alisa A
3 years ago
While visiting Encinitas from Ventura County I was involved in a car accident. I needed to make sure that my car would be safe to drive back home the next day but I had a hard time finding an open auto shop on a Saturday. I pulled into Encinitas Aloha Auto Repair and Gary couldn't have been more helpful. He made time for me even though he was closing soon, checked to make sure the car was okay and strapped up the hanging bumper. And then refused to let me pay. It was so sweet and what I needed during that stressful time. I wish I lived in Encinitas so that I could give him my business, but I hope that you will give him yours.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Anthony Cruzitono
7 months ago
Gary was very helpful. Got my car in quick and easy and did a great job

  Baby Safe Homes
a year ago
Gary is the best. He is very honest and does not recommend repairs you do not need. His prices are reasonable and fair. Would recommend his shop to anyone.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Rick Romano
5 years ago
Very trustworthy. Super nice guy. Water pump went out on my daughter car. Gary fixed it and was the cheapest in town. He is my new mechanic.

  Seth C
5 years ago
Definitely recommend. It's tough to find a good honest mechanic these days. I was super happy with the service I received here. Seemed honest and the prices were better than anywhere else I checked. Quick work and seems to be of good quality.

  Eduardo Reyes
5 years ago
I was on vacation in San Diego and my Tahoe started leaking water from the water pump. I called different shops and since it was Memorial day, they were closed or were very expensive. Aloha auto repair repaired my Tahoe the same day and for a very good price.

  steve hom
6 years ago
Gary at Aloha auto repair is awesome! He s fair and does an amazing job. I would recommend this business any day.

  Rob M.
4 years ago
Pricey repairs and questionable add on repairs but they both do repairs and smog for older cars like mine that may not pass first time. Nice people, good CSR.

  Jason Jon
4 years ago
I ve been coming here for about 5 years and I m always impressed. Gary is reliable, honest and incredibly efficient. The prices and service can t be beat.