Almaden Auto Repair

Reviews

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

  Rocky Quat
2 days ago
Was looking up a place to get my oil changed because I haven t had time to do it myself. Search around and Almaden auto repair got back to me fast with a price and appt time. Came in the lobby, filled out a quick form, and just hung out in the lobby for about 30 minutes. This place is nice and clean with classical music playing in the background which was relaxing. I ve been here like ten years ago once so I decided to come back. I recommend this place because it s organized, well managed,and just listening to the employees interacting with each other and customers, you can tell they re very professional. Bringing in your car for anything can be daunting because you hope for the best and fear for the worst but this place eases your mind.

  Berrit Ericsson
a month ago
I highly recommend Almaden Auto Repair. All the staff are extremely friendly and courteous. As someone who knows very little about cars, I appreciate that they take the time to explain the necessary repairs for my vehicle. If you are looking for a new repair shop for anything from a simple oil change or more extensive work, give them a call!

  Mohsen Dada
3 months ago
I've been bringing my car to this shop for oil changes and repairs for approximately two years. Following my recent concern, the management addressed it effectively and resolved the issue. I'm pleased to continue relying on this shop for my car service, trusting them to provide excellent service.

  Min Yuan
8 months ago
Very nice service and friendly staff, I have got scheduled services on my Toyota Prius for the last 3 years at this store, and all the services are good with reasonable price rate, I will highly recommend this store for Toyota car owners.

  Michael Reyes
4 years ago
They do ok work. Not great service, Thai is a wonderful person and manager, he will go to almost any length to make sure that your car is fixed and running better than before. I would give five stars but I can't ignore the past mistakes and my recent experience with my Toyota echo.

  Alisa Lopez
10 months ago
I had the best experience going here. Usually I feel like mechanics try to scam me. But this place was upfront with pricing from the beginning and kept me updated with where my vehicle was throughout the process. They were quick to get the work done. I will always come back here. Thanks for the great customer service.

  Bien Caliston
2 months ago
I have a 2012 Mazda car that needed a part replaced. They said the part is not available because it s discontinued. Really! On a Mazda/Ford parts car??????!!!!

  Tarif khan
a year ago
I went to Almaden auto repair for a diagnosis of a squeaking sound coming from my car. I also did a brake inspection and fluid level check since I just bought the car used. The mechanic said the sound was normal and nothing to worry about. That was good news. However, the best part was they didn't charge me a single cent for my visit. They earned my trust. 10/10 would recommend them to anybody.

  Nathan
8 months ago
I was so upset they told me I had blown engine oil in the cylinder and it would be 4500.00Actually needed a Tune up I just bought this car a month ago . I took it to a small shop I know they said the engine is fine it just passed smog 6 weeks agoThe bad plugs and bad oil could set of a misfire and trip the knock sensor

  Joseph Martin
a year ago
Trung did a good job keeping me updated on the status of my multi-day car job, and was clear about the work being done and what was being charged before the work was completed - I didn't have any surprise charges! Additionally he didn't pressure me to get work done on my car that wasn't absolutely essential, since a lot needs to be done and I want to spread it out. I have now been here 4 or 5 times and am generally happy with the service I am receiving.

  Justin Herrera
a year ago
I'm not surprised by all the five star reviews. The staff were very friendly and got my car serviced in less than 2 hours. Not to mention the price was pretty good as well. Overall great service, I would definitely recommend this place to get your car fixed up.

  Laya The Barber
a year ago
Incredible honest business!!! Owner is outstanding and staff so kind. Very very great spot for a pre inspection before buying your car!! Best price ever too . 60$ less then other shops I've used in past and fantastic service

  angelica advincula
2 years ago
I m so glad my boyfriend found this auto shop for me! They charge less than $100 for diagnostic or to check what s wrong with your car which is reasonable than the others I called for $200+. They re service are awesome! They kept me updated for my cars with everything including the cost of it. Very reasonable price. You won t regret taking your car here. Thank you for the service!

  Darryl Lopez
6 months ago
Great service. Will continue bringing my car to them for all services and repairs.Services: Tires, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Auto maintenance, Oil changeServices: Tires, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Nishant Patil
2 years ago
Amazing technicians and professional work at reasonable price! Thai was kind and made sure I was helped. I had to wait long hours for my service, but it was worth it, my car is fixed! will come back here again.Service: Wheel alignmentService: Wheel alignment

  David Perez
4 years ago
Very dependable and customer friendly. I've brought my car in twice already for an oil change and for additional changes I thought I needed. However, after they inspected my vehicle, they told me everything checked out and no changes were necessary. It is tough to find an honest mechanics these days. I am definitely coming back.

  Cecilia R
4 years ago
These guys are great. Honest & straightforward about what needs to be fixed for the most reasonable prices.Been taking my Mitsubishi here for a couple years now and they never upsell or push anything that isn t necessary. This time I had an issue with the front right caliper and they took me back to the car to show me hands-on how it was supposed to work and what was broken.Will come again and again. Highly recommend.

  Ed
4 years ago
I have been going to this shop for several years. I am impressed with the quality of their work, honesty and communication about a problem. Recently the left front tire began rubbing against the inside wheel well. It was obviously misaligned. I took it in. Minh explained it was the suspension and they needed to get it on the lift to find out what it was. He called me back and said said that it had thrown a bolt that holds together parts of the suspension and they had ordered the bolt. He explained that they would put the bolt in and then could check to see if that fixed it or if the suspension had been damaged. I also thought that I needed new brakes since it had been a while. He called said that putting on the new bolt fixed it and that also my brakes were fine. Car is now running fine.This shop has an interesting business model for an auto repair place. Rather than trying to get as much as they can from each customer and overselling they depend on doing quality work, being honest and not overselling. Their theory seems to be if you do those things customers will refer others to their shop. I have referred three friends all of whom now get their cars serviced at Almaden.

  Lee Kim
4 years ago
Have brought my and my wife car shere several times in the past year and have always felt they've been completely honest with me and give me a very fair price.Also have always gotten my car back same-day without any issues. Will continue to bring my car back here in the future.

  Bella B
10 years ago
Updated Review:I decided to remove my review because even though we had to go back 3 times to fix the car, the last time the owner Thai really tried to do his best, and the car was fixed. I think the issue was that one of his mechanics did not do his job, and the one who ended up getting blamed was the owner.I think after this incident, the quality control has probably improved, and if they did that's great because they know how to do the job, but quality control when returning the cars is something they should keep improving. Thanks Thai.Part of old Review:What is the point of having "friendly" service from owner if there is high lack of quality control!Expect to pay more for every visit as their quality control is the worst we have ever seen, and expect to be returning more than once to for things that they should have find out on the first visit!

  Steve Scheinberg
7 years ago
Always the best! Thai is the best in the South Bay, no question! Not only are his prices great, and you know you aren't being taken for a ride; but the quality of work is top notch! My last experience there was last week. GF brought her Toyota in for a belt replacement, and the quote was reasonable, so we authorized it. Went back in to pick the truck, and he had included the water pump replacement cost into the estimate (read $300+) and we couldn't be happier. They not only get the job done right the first time, but the rates wont leave you wondering. I've been going here for about six years, and couldn't be happier with both the quality of work, and the service! Thank you Thai!

  Coach Short
4 years ago
Ok did not get my car repaired but actually had a flat tire near this shop. Did not have time to wait for a AAA so I walked in asked if I could borrow a low floor jack. To my surprise they said yes. Did not charge me a penny. They did truly help a stranger in need. THANK YOU. review long overdue was about a year ago.

  Uma Suresh
7 years ago
Thai, the owner has excellent work ethic and is very pleasant to work with. He lists all the issues with the vehicle and is very honest about the urgency in attending to them. He would even recommend not performing some repairs saying "it can wait till the next service" or "not needed for the next 10,000 miles". He even goes the extra length by offering his own vehicle in case of delays caused by a part getting delayed. His rates are reasonable and it is easy to schedule an appointment. He even answers his cell phone when called outside of the hours to let you know you as a customer come first. I would heartily recommend Almaden Auto Repair for your vehicle needs.

  JTL main Gmail
3 years ago
Customer service was excellent. Minh was very courteous, knowledgeable, and was very patient in explaining the car's problems. My Prius needed a new catalytic converter. The crew did a fantastic job.Minh made sure that customer's satisfaction is highest priority. I would highly recommend Almaden Auto Repair to my friends. Thanks you for the service.Jessica

  Hoang Pham
2 years ago
My car has been running poorly; sputtering while driving, and shut down at the stops then check engine appeared. So I bought an OBD scan to check the engine and it came out with one code P0301, which is cylinder 1 misfire. Next day, I replaced spark plug , mass air flow sensor and air filter. However, the problem still there. I brought it in to Almaden Auto Repair for the check engine diagnostic the day after i replaced all the above parts. Later on, the Almaden mechanic called me and told me that my spark plug has been worn out, my air filter is dirty and the mass air flow sensor is bad. The mechanic suggested that i replace all the above parts. Also, at cylinder one; both of the old and new sparkplug has been bent in and almost touching the tip. This may be a very serious problem with my number one cylinder. For that, replacing it will not solve the misfire problem. Also, how could my new air filter become dirty in one day and my new mass air flow sensor is bad the next day. Well, the new mass air flow may be bad. After arguing to the mechanics there, they did not charge me the $95 diagnostic. After all, they seem to be nice people but i doubt their service is of good qualityService: Auto engine diagnostic

  Cortney Garcia
4 years ago
Went in for rack and pinion steering, steering pump, and oil leak. And the price was good but when I got my car back the next 4 times it made sounds that weren't there before and my steering kept going in and out, even included rubbing on the tire arm that hadn't been an issue before. thanks but no thanks

  Kathleen Espa�a
4 years ago
I made an appointment via their website. They were able to take my car at the time requested. They called me after my service and gave me the results of the diagnosis for additional work needed. Everything was very carefully and clearly explained to me. All the work was completed in a very timely manner.

  Saso Markoski
7 years ago
They have made me a customer for life. Just left the repair shop in disbelief. They spend an entire day figuring out what was wrong with my car and in the end not charge me a dime. Not only did they not charge me for a diagnostics fee, they also advised me what was wrong so that I can get it repaired with the manufacture under their powertrain warranty. If you ever need honest people to look at your car and not get ripped off, this is the place you should be going to.

  Carl Valdez
5 years ago
This started as 4 star review. But due to recent events, I am very disappointed in their service and dropped it to 2 stars.Basically: In December 2017 I brought car to them for a check engine light and some rough driving. $800 to repair. But about 800 miles and 3 months later, it was driving rough again. Brought in and they said they couldn t find the issue.Car started to drive okay for a few more months. July 2018 the check engine light goes on again, even though it is running fine. They offer me about $1200 of repairs, AFTER it cost me an oil change and $100 to diagnose.Since the car was still running fine, I did not make the changes. A few days later, the check engine light does NOT go on, and it s been running fine since.I m not saying that their diagnosis is wrong, but I think they could have done something minor and NOT charge me $1200 for a car that has a resale value of less than $500. Instead, they basically told me either fix it or your car is junk.Now I m not racist (being Asian myself), but there was a language barrier. Not a huge one. But I think they didn t understand exactly my intent of this car. I ve driven it less than 1000 miles in 6 months, and their original repair didn t even last that long.I won t be going back. See original review*********I'm new to the area, and this is the first time I needed a mechanic. I've been seeing the same mechanic back in Ventura for about 15 years, so I'm always skeptical.I have 2002 Mitsubishi Gallant that started to idle very rough and eventually the check engine light went on. I purchased the car from my nephew (who is also a mechanic) but that was in Southern California, and I couldn't get the car back to him. After consulting with him, he told me it was something minor.I found Almaden Auto Repair online and based on reviews, I took it to them. they quoted me a bunch of repairs that wasn't "minor" anymore and was going to cost about $800 in repair. I only had a few choices:1. Trust what they were telling me2. Find someone else, still pay their inspection fee (about $80), and risk hearing the same thing3. Take it back to my nephew in So. Cal.Well, 3 wasn't really an option. So I let them do the work.The car was repaired and it now runs better than when I first bought it. I delayed on a review because I wanted to see how well the car ran. If it still runs well after a year, I'll update to 5 stars.The best part is that the work and parts is guaranteed for 2 years. To me that's worth the investment.

  Alyssa Buzby
4 years ago
I had a larger project done on my Honda 05 here at Almaden Auto Repair. Head gasket replaced/repaired here plus water pump and timing belt for a great price. It was a big project but when I met the owner, he took the time to break down the needs of the car to get it on the road safely again. Those were the 3 things he explained were needed. The owner is an honest and knowledgable mechanic. I can tell he's probably done this all his life. My engine has currently never felt stronger. This place went above my expectations.