San Clemente Auto Service

Reviews

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

  ann baldi
a week ago
I was out of town camping when my 1995 eurovan had a breakdown and this autoshop thanks to Tom was willing to work on it. If you know anything about old cars most mechanics are to busy to work on them. They replaced two very difficult to access hoses so I could safely get home. I live 52 miles from this shop and they will be my new go to autoshop for my 1995 van. Thank you

  Dwight Ranney
4 months ago
The BEST mechanic I ve ever been to. Tom is an absolute gem and always goes above and beyond when servicing your car. He is an honest and genuinely good person who takes pride in what he does. They also have the best prices to go along with the amazing service. I happened to stumble upon this place when my car broke down heading to San Diego, and now I drive from north OC to get my car serviced here because it s the only place I trust with my car.

  Morgan Harrington
2 months ago
I ran over an object on the freeway and brought my car in here to get it checked out. They told me it was just a bend in the fender and they popped it back in place for me at no charge. I'm grateful for their kindness while I was internally freaking out about the possible damages and how much it was possibly going to cost.

  Kevin Ochs
3 weeks ago
These guys could ve took advantage of my college age daughter whose car was sputtering. They treated her like family and were so honorable! These guys are the best!!!! Thank you so much!

  Redsky
6 months ago
Tom has been working on my husband and my Lexus for years ! He is the best guy. honest and knows what he and his team is doing. High recommend him.

  Dr. Alex Kaliakin
10 months ago
The owner Tom is the nicest repair guy I ever met. My camper truck blew its transmission and was towed there after hours Saturday night. Tom came in on Sunday, realized they did not have lift big enough for us and spent considerable time helping us figure out what to do, tow, etc. he went way beyond the call of duty. Thanks very much Tom!

  Ranae Delgado
8 months ago
I asked a local tire shop owner Robbie of Robbies Tires for a good honest Auto Repair Shop that will not screw me over on overpricing for a new "engine starter". I trust Robbie because he is a honest businessman and is loyal to his customers, which is why we go back and trust him. He referred me to San Clemente Auto Service on El Camino Real. Tom the owner and his wonderful technician team Craig etc fixed my car same day, made sure I had ride home and back while it was fixed. And he charged me so honestly that I will recommend without hesitation on any Auto Repairs to Family and Friends! If I went somewhere else, I for sure would have been overcharged! This is my now go to Auto Repair Shop! I am now a loyal customer. Thanks Robbie of Robbies tires for referring me to Tom, Owner of San Clemente Auto Service in San Clemente! You both for sure are 2 businesses I will always refer others too! SUPPORT LOCAL!Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Engine repair

  robin davis
a year ago
i was impressed by how fast my car was diogonesed, fixed psi i could get on the road again! i will defiantly come back for all further car issues!!!oh yea, the staff was respectful and professional!Services: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Oil changeServices: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Oil change

  Jessica Kessler
8 months ago
Went to get my AC checked and had incredible service. I called ahead and based on his expertise of what is was gave a timeframe to get it looked. When I arrived they quickly fixed the issue and were great at communicating. Definitely will be doing all my car service here and recommend to all my friends and family.

  Bill Dyer
6 months ago
The owner, Tom and his team are great. They charge a fair rate for their work. I highly recommend this hidden jewel in San Clemente.Service: Steering & suspension repairService: Steering & suspension repair

  Ed Stewart
11 months ago
My truck has 16 spark plugs that were due to change,and I was dreading the cost of replacement. The total cost from Tom was half of anyone else. My truck was spotless when I got it back AND the mileage has increased by 20%. Super happy with the service I got here.Service: Engine repairService: Engine repair

  Stacy Irvine
a year ago
Excellent service at an excellent price! Tom squeezed us in as we were in a pinch having driven in from out of town and hit unexpected car issues along the way. He fixed our problem (even quickly ordering parts) in a jiffy, on a holiday week with a very fair price! Highly recommend!

  Edward Troshin
7 months ago
Edit: yes it was indeed this shop - 2020/2021. I learned that harold (before he moved) does not give good advice on local mechanics. Avoid these guys like the plague. I forgot they also told me my cash was fake and to get different bills so there i went on another side quest, just for the bank to confirm my bills. "we were messing with you" they said. gross experience everytime i think back. Just a bunch of old guys who think theyre special.I was suggested these fellas for having a press to do my ball joints. I brought in the spindles, left them the parts. When i returned, these fellas lost the two out of four grease packets, and told me they used regular grease and did me the favor of installing the boots (incorrectly and clearly didnt read any of the instructions). So i asked them, when they worked for toyota? "ive been doing this for xx years.." Well then when they figure out how to make vehicles & parts that last as long as toyota does, they can decide what the right way to do it is, for now follow instruction. Left and had to re-do the favor they did me. Honestly was far to nice for the talking down these old smartasses deserve.

  Praetorian Venture Partners, LLC
a year ago
Tom and his team are epic!!The consistent excellent and professionalism I've experienced here is really unsurpassed.5 minutes ago I rolled in with the flat tire on my Range Rover... 3 gentlemen found the leak and they plugged the hole, Without trying to upsell me on anything.This is my 2nd time here and if you folks are looking for an honest 1st class outfit here it is!

  Molly Elkins
10 months ago
My passenger tire blew up on the 5 and this was the closest location for me to get a tow. What a day! I wasn't sure what to expect, but Thom and his crew took care of me and had me patched up and on my way again in no time! Awesome.

  nona ryffel
a year ago
Tom and his crew replaced the water pump on our VW Tiguan.We felt they were very honest, fair, & informative.We feel lucky to have found them.Nona & CharlieService: Auto engine diagnosticService: Auto engine diagnostic

  Taylor Hanagan
3 years ago
The men at this shop were so kind accommodating to me and my girls today. My van had suddenly started acting up and I didn t know what was going on. They were quick to get my car in on such short notice and fix the issue within 2 hours. Places like this are why I love supporting local businesses. I will definitely be coming back if I have any other car related issues.

  Tam
a year ago
It has been a while but I can't forget the kindness of the owners and workers who help me out when I needed it the most. I got a flat tire and they fixed it up right on the spot with no charge! I was stunned, and I still am.... Such awesome guys! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul! ~ Tamara from Ukraine.

  robert githens
3 years ago
Tom was a lifesaver. We stopped here after a tire blow out on our trailer on the freeway. After changing the tire we noticed more damage and needed help. The closest place was San Clemente Auto Center. We did not have an appointment and the shop was extremely busy. Tom came out looked at the damage and said we'll get it fixed. Very grateful to Tom for all his help and willingness to fit us in. Thank you Tom.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Yael Steinberg
a year ago
I ran over something on the freeway driving through Camp Pendleton and I didn t know if my tire had flattened and I needed to check the tire pressure. This was the first auto shop for miles. They checked everything out and were so kind and fast! Glad I stopped there.

  Kean Ganan
3 years ago
New Ownership for over ONE YEAR; so any yelps older than that do NOT apply to new ownership. Tom is a wonderful person and GREAT Mechanic; Fair in his pricing, keen in his observation and recommendation for my wife's Porsche Macan. He will DEFINITELY Be the "GO TO" Person for our car from here on in, we were BOTH very impressed.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Oil changeServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Oil change

  Nate Dove
11 years ago
PLEASE READ! THESE PEOPLE WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU!The people here are dishonest and don't care about their customers, they only care about making money.I took my '84 Bronco II here because of a transmission problem. My transmission was 'stuck' in 3rd gear. I had these "mechanics" diagnose the problem for a charge of $90 (which I thought was expensive to begin with). So, I get a call the next day from them telling me that my transmission had ceased and it would need to be removed and rebuilt to be fixed. This would cost anywhere from $1500-$2500. Obviously, this was out of the question for me seeing as how I had just bought the truck for $1000.So, I put the Bronco II up for sale in the classifieds for $500, expecting to get much less. I received several offers, but eventually settled for $325. I had a guy coming up from San Diego to meet me at the shop. On my way there to meet him I got a call from a different guy who was interested in buying the Bronco from me. He explained to me that my problem was likely not a bad transmission, but a problem with my shifter being jammed down where it goes into the floor board and into the transmission. He explained to me in detail what to look for and hopefully fix the problem, if indeed that was the problem. He said that it was fairly common in older Ford trucks with manual transmissions to get locked-up in gear. So I got to the shop and borrowed a couple tools from the mechanic (this mechanic offered me $350 for the car and would not charge me the $90 inspection fee if I sold it to him, which I thought was a little odd). Within 10 min. of work (which was simply pulling up the boot that surrounds the stick shifter and removing 4 screws) I got the transmission working 100%!I am not a mechanic, my knowledge of car mechanics is very limited. But with some simple advice, and 5 minuets of "fooling around", I fixed what was supposed to be a HUGE and EXPENSIVE problem. Now, 2 weeks later, I haven't had a single problem.There is no doubt in my mind that the guys at this shop knew exactly what was going on. This is the most obvious case of a shady & dishonest business. I am absolutely disgusted that people can be so cruel. I saved up money for weeks to buy a car so I could get to and from work and make an honest living, and here I am getting ripped off.Do yourselves a favor and don't bring your business to these shady and dishonest people. You will regret it!

  Joseph Mankawich
2 years ago
Tom and his crew are the best! There are fewer and fewer true mechanics that can work on the older cars....the ones prior to computer diagnostics. They work on my 1967 MGB, and have been a great resource!

  Sara Hohmann
5 years ago
This place wanted to outrageously charge me, they are saying these parts they have a high quality. I don t believe that a little hose and a plastic clamp can be 300 bucks plus 100 bucks an hour! Went to a different place they charge nothing near the amount they wanted to charge me and got the job done. These people seem nice but I am not okay with getting ripped off.

  Anthony V. Yuro II
11 years ago
Do not do anything over the phone with these people! Go in - get a DETAILED written estimate - exact pricing for everything! Review it before you leave - WITH A COPY - and compare it when you return to pay. Check everything when you pick it up - get all your replaced parts back!!!It seems they do good work but - they will run up the price and the 'now you needs this' is never ending.CYOA when dealing with this place.

  Garrett
10 months ago
3X cheaper prices than @ Firestone on base. Very honest and straightforward. Fast service.

  Brady Martin
a year ago
First class experience. Tom will tell you what is the problem and not sale you on something your car doesn't need.

  Cupid Lover
a year ago
Tom is a great for fixing I go and visit with my fiance he Is so fair with him in what he can afford.

  ray hull
5 months ago
They work hard and you can trust them.

  Bok Park-Bacevic
9 months ago
Really went above and beyond with repairing my mirror, did an awesome job and was patient.Service: Side view mirror repairService: Side view mirror repair