Ernie’s Service Center

Been an Ernie’s customer for many years. What brought me is this time is that my engine light was on, so I took my car to Ernie’s and they did a diagnostic scope to find out what would be needed and determined it was safe to drive until they had an appointment for me the following week (Obviously Ernie’s is very popular) On the scheduled day of service, I was given my estimate, a ride home, and picked up, before 2p.m., which I appreciated. I was also advised of 2 other things that would need to be done down the road, along with an estimate. The mechanis are thorough and the entire staff is a pleasure to deal with!

Thanks Ernie’s! You’ve restored my faith that GREAT customer service is still out there. After having our new car for only 4 days, the tire light came on. I though, Damn, a nail or puncture already. On NYE, they told me, it wasn’t a puncture at all. the tire pressure on all four tires was wrong. They fixed it and didn’t even charge me. Much better service and knowledge than the Subaru dealership when it rolled off the lot. And Happy 2016 to all you and your service team too!

I brought my car to Ernie’s for a smog check. I had appointment and I still had to wait over an hour. My car did not pass. So, I said I’ll take to my mechanic (of 25 years) to fix the problem and bring it back to get rechecked. When I went to leave, my car would not start. The technicians checked the battery and alternator and said my alternator was almost dead. They jumped my car and I drove it straight to Scotts Valley to Konrads Auto.
My mechanic checked it on the spot (only 10 minutes after Ernie’s checked it) and said both my battery and alternator were fine. I fixed the smog issue and I brought it back to Ernies for a recheck. The ONLY reason why I returned to Ernie’s was because I paid $ 76 to have this done. I made my second appointment and it took over an hour for them to check my smog. THEY TRIED TO CHARGE ME A SECOND TIME and I said that I didn’t expect that… The owner’s (Ernie) response was, next time we find something wrong with your car you get it repaired with us or we’ll charge you a second time for a smog check. I didn’t want to argue with the person who is authorizing my smog check but I think what he did was illegal and certainly it was unethical. For this reason, I WILL NEVER EVER GO BACK to Ernie’s Service Center. I don’t trust them. My husband had his smog done today at Duncan Auto Repair in Scotts Valley and he said they were excellent. Here is their information:

I just bought my car, and took it here to get it smogged for registration. They took my car away and told me everything passed for the computer, but my car didn’t pass their ‘visual inspection’ They told me I had ‘smoke billowing out my tail pipe’ and I of course still had to pay for the smog but didn’t have to pay for my second smog if they ‘fixed’ my car. I immediately took my car to the Corner Store down the road, they let me watch for this so call ‘billowing smoke’ which there was none, my car passed just fine, they also had never heard of a ‘visual inspection’ So pretty much Ernies just stole my money, for the smog, and tried to scam more out of me.

caring, thorough, efficient and cost effective.

They’re so good and trustworthy that I just put them in charge of taking care of whatever my older Honda needs to keep running well. They do, and it does. I’ve now moved away from the area and will miss being able to count on them.

They have cheap, crappy tools that are extremely overpriced, try 200 – 400 percent markup. I went in for an oil change once when I didnt have a lot of time and they changed a taillight bulb that I could have changed myself without asking me. They charged me for the bulb and a little extra labor for the bulb. They installed it wrong (didnt push it in far enough) and it stopped working a day later. I tried to pull it out of the housing to replace it, but they had put it in so loosely that it fell into the housing and was stuck there permanently. Luckily that was my old car, and I never have, and never will, let them touch my new car.
They do have decent prices on a few things though, like OE fluids, coolants, etc.
Still get a 1 star for the shitty service, and extremely overpriced, garbage tools. Dont even buy tools there. Also they have a huge markup on vehicle parts and Ive heard friend’s get estimates from them (for replacing something as mundane as a cam plate) that are astronomical. I honestly thought some of their repair estimates were a joke.
Just stay away unless you need some coolant or silicone.

The first and last time I will go to Ernie’s Service Center in Scotts Valley –for anything!
.
I can tell you what the warranty on their mechanical work really means: they are guaranteed to find a way to say it’s not their fault.
I had over $ 1,200 work done on my engine – a major overhaul on my Toyota. Then less than 1,800 miles later I have a radiator leak, a leaky gasket or possible cracked cylinder, etc. This is a problem Ernie’s should have detected – or least halfway through the job they were doing on $ 1,200 worth of work on my vehicle.
Chris, who is very polite and profession, of course came up with reason in the world. I couldn’t even look at him. My guess is that’s what he’s paid to do. Regardless of how he was professional and courteous he was, there was no doubt in my mind he was not telling me the truth.
I was disgusted. I simply said, «There is no way you can convince me a mechanic shouldn’t have seen at least some of these problems. You didn’t spot a radiator or oil pump leak, but charge me $ 20 for a radiator cap? I would have never had all this work done if the vehicle had any of these problems.»
I will never enter this Ernie’s. WHy go back when you get treated unfairly? I have lived in this area for over twenty years. And if this is how they treat residents, fine. I live and work in this area and I will gladly go out of my way to share my experience with anyone I come into contact with.
One particular thing I found upsetting is they have a parts department, and a service department, and they clearly buy products wholesale, so there’s no middle man, but both sep-​arate businesses clearly jack up the prices on the auto parts. If you’re going to use them, my advice is this. Bring your own parts in. Sure they won’t guarantee their work, but they don’t live up to that anyway!
They’re good for wipers, tires, parts service and basic stuff.
But DON’T GET YOUR CAR REPAIRED THERE!

literally, this place is AS GOOD AS IT GETS !!!
i cannot say ENOUGH to express the excellence in service and assistance customers get when they shop for parts here, or choose to have their vehicle serviced here. these people stand by their products and services. they are incredibly savvy, and genuinely courteous. they go above and beyond the norm, during an era when many places cut corners and leave you hanging if there is a problem. zero problems here, just amazing results at both counters. the entire team of people which run this place, deserve all the awards they have earned which distinguish them as a *truly* «diamond certified» establishment. it is an honor to finally say my piece about this place, as they have come thru for me, time and time again.

Ernie’s is our «go to» place for any type of car servicing. Not only are they proficient in the repair/​service of all makes and models, all their service people are fantastic to deal with and very thorough in their explanations of what is wrong. And their prices are more than fair. We’ve tried other service dealers throughout the County and, along with only one other, Ernie’s is the place to go.

Went in with a slow leak in my right rear tire. Within 40 minutes the problem was diagnosed, a new tire ordered, my spare put on, and I was off. (I’ll return this afternoon to complete the fix.)
Completely courteous and professional all the way! It was refreshing.

Great service and super helpful staff.
I went here after Andy’s auto shop dicked me around and gave me the wrong part and the person at the front desk was able to help me from a description of the part. Very satisfied with their service

Went in with a flat tire, they quoted $ 19.50 and approximately 45 minutes to complete the repair. 50 minutes later I was on my way having paid no more than they quoted. Fair and fast, thanks guys.

Ernie’s Service Center, Felton is the most reliable, friendly, and fair auto repair spot I’ve known. Chris and Melissa are always on the spot, call in advance any new-​found issues while the car is the rack, and have never steered me wrong in 10 years (with 4 cars). They are also always done early with every job I’ve taken there!
Thanks to all at Ernie’s Napa Service Center.

After having lived in Santa Cruz over 30 years and having good experiences on every occasion I have brought my truck in, I thought it was time to write a splendid review of Ernie’s Service Center. The service is always highly reliable and a reasonable price. The staff is trustworthy and easy to deal with. On a couple occasions they have done really fast work for me when I am in a bind. The service staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, in fact I really get the impression that they totally care about their customers happyness and satisfaction. Also the store itself has all kinds of rad auto store items and has a very good selection. There is a clean waiting room and also a beautiful park nearby if you need to hang around while your auto gets fixed.

I depend on Ernie’s and have for over 20 years. I have never been disappointed. The quality of the work is top notch and the folks in the service center are always a welcome sight when I drop off one of our cars, and always greet me like an old friend. I never have to worry about a thing. I don’t know what I’d do without Ernie’s.
And my only connection to Ernie’s is their years of honesty and great service.

Great place to buy parts but I don’t take my car there for service any more. Everyone can and does make mistakes and they did not put my car back together properly after a routine tuneup and my car stopped running on Highway 17. Great big inconvenience and I had to fight tooth and nail to get them to repair it. Once they agreed that they were responsible, they did complete repairs at no extra charge. Why bother with this hassle when there is another mechanic in town who bends over backwards to take care of his customers?

The oil light comes on and I know I have neglected my car for far too long. I walk into Ernie’s Service Center without an appointment and I sheepishly announce that I have no idea what to do about the oil. Less than 10 minutes later, my car now has 3 more quarts of oil and the mess of leaves under the hood cleaned out. The gentleman who took care of my car, Jesus, was polite, efficient and eager to be of help. My cousin visiting from France, chided me for not doing it myself, until I told him how much I paid. His last remark was, «You would be crazy to do it yourself!» I think this says it all. I know I am very pleased and I am especially grateful to Ernie’s Service Center. Thank you Ernie.

AWFUL!. I brought my car in for an oil change, was told it would take an hour. I waited at the park and watched my car sit in the air for an hour and not one person touch it. I went back on the hour asked how much longer and they said that they haven’t started because of a bunch of «what if’s», not one phone call within that time. Then as I told them how upset I was for them wasting my morning, I recieved a smug response, and the guy continued to make excuses and guilt trip me about one of the techs being ill. I don’t understand why that’s my problem. WHAT HAPPENED TO GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE!

This review is for the auto parts store only. Great selection and super helpful workers along with fair prices.