Ken's Auto Center

Reviews

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

  chad muska
4 months ago
One of the best shops I ve brought my car to. Love these guys! The owner ken is incredibly friendly and the service manager there really looks out for your well being. Couldn t speak better about these guys! Only thing is I wish there was more room to park. I tried to show up on a weekend to drop my car off for the following Monday but it was completely filled with cars being worked on in the lot which I thought was odd since they re not open on the weekends. None the less this shop is great!

  Thrill seeker
4 months ago
The best auto repair shop in San Diego county work on a variety of cars. The staff are friendly and super knowledgeable about every vehicle I can t emphasize enough how the importance of having a shop the community and I can trust

  enrique espinoza
5 months ago
My jeep broke down in the spring over heated. The mechanic at the place broke my thermostat housing and much more. I drove the jeep home. It was running super cold so i swapped the 160� thermostat for the oem 195�. Maybe they'll apologize or say it wasmt them.

  Kevin Eichmann
5 months ago
I've been taking my vehicles to Ken's for many years and had nothing but positive experiences. The work is completed professionally and if there is an issue, they make it right. I just met the new Service Manager Mario, he is doing a great job! I recommend this shop to all my friends!!!

  Joe Fleener
2 months ago
They were able to properly diagnose and fix an engine issue that no other shop could, which ended up saving me thousands of dollars for unnecessary engine work. Did it quickly as well! Highly recommend this shop.

  Bill Brown
7 months ago
Mario was very helpful and even called me after I got my car back to ensure that everything was good with my car. I will say, though, that under previous management I had to go back several times to fix a problem that the mechanic caused in the first place. I initially brought my car in for preventative maintenance - for a valve adjustment. Everything was working just fine but the manager told me that my particular make/model needs a valve adjustment around 75K miles. My car had 80K miles at the time, so I decided to go ahead any pay for the valve adjustment, about $1000. But when I brought it home it developed an oil leak. I brought it back multiple times and still they did not fix it. Then I had surgery and was out for a few months. When I called back I spoke with the new manager, Mario, who assured me that if I brought it back again he would make sure it was taken care of properly. And he did! He let it sit for a few days with cardboard underneath and found no oil leak. I brought it home and let it sit for a week, running it almost every day, and sure enough there is no oil leak anymore. I really appreciate that they were finally able to make my car right and really, really appreciate that Mario called me to see if I had any issues. I hope that Ken and leadership can maintain quality mechanics and make sure that Mario is compensated for his very professional workmanship. Thank you Mario!!!Note: This would have been a 5-star review if my car was completed properly the first time. Unfortunately, Ken did not ensure my car was right initially, or even several times after, and Ken, the owner, assured me that it would be right.

  bosmat katriel
5 days ago
Great customer service! Reliable and transparent. Never had any issues. Very nice personal

  Thomas Wyatt
a year ago
Genuinely but pleasantly surprised to find a shop of this calibre. Every aspect was professional and polite. I was greeted in the office by the owner Ken and he created a custom work order based on the service items I wanted doing. They use excellent digital tools to beam an itemized quote directly to your phone for your approval.Since the place was quiet Ken offered to get started right away and had my car turned around in under two hours. A complete report was sent to my phone with all the items I wanted checked off plus their standard inspection checklist. They even included photos of the brake inspection, with gauges to show precisely how much brake pad was left.The shop had 100% of everything I needed in stock, including oil, filters and wiper blades. Fast, efficient, completely competent and entirely professional. Plus the music in the customer lounge absolutely rocked. Zero hesitation about going back here for future work.

  Emily and Henrique Nakamura
2 months ago
Courteous staff, they explained everything clearly and were very helpful! Mario at the front desk was awesome.

  michael wackler
7 months ago
Where do I start! First off expectations of a auto shop was definitely exceeded, Mario the service tech took me in an hour early before they even opened up so I didn't have to wait, took me information down and schedule me in first thing, upon dropping off the vehicle the tech got a detailed description of the discrepancy I was having and even took in what I have already did troubleshooting wise, great work, only charged me for the labor from a chewed wire from a rodent, also applied a military discount! Go to Mario, he will take care of you!Services: Electrical repair, Electrical

  Rita Lim-Wilby
9 months ago
I called to ask if they could help with a warning light that came on in my 2012 Toyota Sienna. So frankly, I was told what I could do without cost to me, and that didn't earn them any business.I'm definitely coming in with any issues that do need more attention. I run a business too and would definitely interact with all in this way. Love their philosophy!

  Joshua Perkins
a week ago
One of the worst experiences I've ever had extremely overpriced but the employees not the owners are what used to make the shop worthwhile since Mario left I will no longer be going there

  William Smith
10 months ago
Ken's Auto center is where I take my cars to fix problems that other places (even dealerships) can't fix. They have been consistently professional, knowledgeable and effective at vehicle repair each and every time I've gone to them over the years.

  Lisa Sisel
4 years ago
I have been in search of a trusted mechanic, and Kens Auto Center was recommended to me by a close family friend. My high expectations were met. They were professional, friendly, fair, & worked diligently to get the job done. Brian who runs the frost desk was a pleasure to deal with. The Owner & The Mechanic both came out and asked me how I was doing when I got there. I was impressed with their way of conducting business. I highly recommend Kens Auto Center to anyone looking for a mechanic shop!

  Laurie Carrigan
a year ago
Took my Jeep to Ken"s for a hole in my brake hose.They were very professional, and took care of it in a timely manner and a very reasonable price. I will definitely recommend going to Ken's if you want honest, professional, knowledgeable and excellent prices! (Ken and Brian are the best!)Services: Auto brake repair, BrakesServices: Auto brake repair, Brakes

  Bethany Susan
3 years ago
Wow! I have never before had as good an experience with an auto shop!Ken and Brian are fair, honest and easy to work with. They assessed my situation via email and provided a very reasonable quote for the work they thought needed to be done.Dropped the car off and within a day they got back to us letting us know what had been misdiagnosed by the last company who looked it over, what they missed, the timeframe for fixing it and the ramifications of waiting.They did the most urgent work quickly and without incident, and honored the first quote.I will definitely go back to them - their oil change and checkup prices are on par with chains such as Firestone, but their expertise and service far outshine those guys!Thank you, Ken and Brian! You guys rock!***Update, 18 Aug 2020:***Simply the best, better than all the rest...Okay, I got carried away.Ken and crew are fabulous! Patient, kind, fast, honest, down to earth, and fairly priced.I'm on my second car they've worked on and I see no reason to go anywhere else, ever.

  vera wang
6 years ago
A family member recommended Ken's Auto Center to me. I must say that they're very patient and professional and the shop is very clean. I was helped immediately with a friendly and caring smile. I was skeptical about bringing my vehicle considering that I have many friends and relatives that are mechanics who normally works my vehicle but due to holiday I didn't want to inconvenience any of them ... anyways I totally would recommend this place 100% and I'll definitely be back in the future for any maintenance needs my vehicle will be needing.Thank you to everyone at Ken's and happy holidays... I'm a happy customer!Dec 2017Vera

  T W
3 years ago
I am so happy that I found a good mechanic! Just moved to the area and found Kens through doing some research on mechanics near me. Ken himself was very friendly and helpful. They recommended everything I should do on my car in a non-pushy way. Just simply: this is what should be done but you don t need to do it all today. Most places make me feel like my car will spontaneously combust if I don t fix whatever $400 repair they suggest. Not Ken!I will definitely be going here for my future auto upkeep and repair:)

  Sara Sunday
3 years ago
I called Ken when I was broken down on the side of the road the other day. He was at my car within 10 minutes! He ran a diagnostic but couldn t find anything conclusive that way so he helped me get my car to his shop. He then gave me a ride to my husband s office so I could have a car. Within a few hours he had found it was just a loose electrical connection, and had fixed it for no charge! Super friendly and professional staff. I m very impressed! Will definitely come here in the future for all my repairs. Thank you Ken and Brian!

  Ian Vedral
4 years ago
Well let's just say- just like many of you, I've been trying to find an honest, trustworthy auto mechanic with ethics, integrity and pride in their work. As for me- I'd been searching since I bought my first car MANY YEARS ago......well I finally found Ken's about 7 years ago. Best Ken's story; was told by another BIG COMPANY mechanic that I blew a head gasket (VERY expensive fix).....well when Ken and his crew took a look- it was just a heater box and a hose that broke...... easily saving me more than a thousand some dollars! And even more so- just see for yourself- next repair you need- just go in and see how refreshingly professional, kind, considerate and what "just plane nice good people" they truly are. Honesty- you owe it to yourself....I so very glad I found them!

  Jamie Smith
5 years ago
Wow. I can t say enough about the service I got here. Not only did they instill complete trust from having worked on my husbands car a couple times, but my oil leak was handled AND EXPLAINED to me! He showed me the faulty oil filter I got by a cheap drive through oil change place. Then further assured me of how they triple checked the issue was handled. I will never go anywhere else again. I ve already told all my family and friends. Great prices, great people, great service... this place is truly a gem.

  Tiffany Howell
2 years ago
We have been coming to Ken's Automotive for a few years now. He has worked on 3 of our family cars. His shop and employees are always helpful and do a great job! Ken is a very nice and honest man who cares about his customers...AND he plays the oldies in his shop while you wait :-)Services: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Air conditioningServices: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Air conditioning

  mvasgamer
3 years ago
I visited Ken's auto to have an engine installed. My truck was towed in with the new engine in the bed. With engine out, the mechanic made a few suggestions of a few things that weren't needed now, but would probably need attention later, based on the age of my truck, easier and cheaper labor cost now, ie: fuel filter and they poured out a lot of the transmission fluid (old). That alone saved me about $150. I don't use a repair shop often , I prefer to do my own work. I was able to talk to them and they listened to my concerns and answered my questions in language I can understand. They also didn't try and sell me things I didn't need or want . No hard sales or scare tactics Thanks and I'll be back to have my wife's a/c checked out. Gary C

  MultiCrownZcx
7 months ago
Great place! Was being charged so much other places, walked in and gentlemen helped me out and gave me a fair price!This place is great!Services: Auto exhaust system repair, Air conditioningServices: Auto exhaust system repair, Air conditioning

  Lee Vernon
5 years ago
If you are in need of an auto mechanic you should seriously consider giving Ken's Auto Center your business. After receiving quotes from several dealership service centers, I called Ken's Auto Center to discuss the cost of routine maintenance for my 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. Ken and his staff are true professionals and took the time to answer all of my questions. Thankfully, I made the wise decision to bring my SUV to Ken! Ken's Auto Center thoroughly inspected my SUV and only charged me for maintenance that was necessary. Had I taken my SUV to a dealership service shop, I would have paid hundreds of dollars more for maintenance that did not need to be completed at that time. If Ken's Auto Center tells you something needs to be done on your vehicle you can rest assured they are telling the truth!!! Thank you Ken for your honesty and integrity!

  Kelly Johnston
3 years ago
I have been going to Ken's Auto for about 5 years.He and his staff do a great job!!He is very helpful, knowledgable, honest and doesn't sell me things I don't need.He gives me the facts about what is going on with my car and makes recommendations so I can make informed decision.I made appt for routine oil change for Tuesday and of course yesterday my oil light went off. He was able to get me in today so I would be ready for the holiday weekend.I appreciate all that he and his staff do.If you are looking for a great auto shop check his shop out.Service: Oil change

  Charles Carter
6 months ago
Waited for them to open at 7am like advertised, 0720 and still not open. Going to another auto shop that is true to their hours of operation.

  Kevin Tice
3 years ago
I m from Las Vegas and drove down to San Diego to purchase a 2006 Honda Accord. To be safe I searched on Google and I found Ken s shop and he got me in right away at a very reasonable price to do a pre-purchase inspection. Needless to say they found multiple issues with the vehicle and saved me from making a $5200 mistake! Ken is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and fantastic when it comes to customer service. I d recommend anyone in the San Diego area to use his services.

  Chase Edlefsen
6 years ago
I have taken my car here a bunch and received quick service. I know they are not the cheapest, but they just recently quoted me $330 in labor for an alternator change that I brought my own part to.... it does not take over 3 hours to change an alternator. Definitely makes me question the other bills that I have received.

  Karen Wheeler
4 years ago
Great place to take your car. We have been going there for 15 or more years.. They are fair and honest and reasonable.Brian is the new manager there and my first impression is a good one . Of course we have always liked Ken.