Colonial Garage

Rip offs. I took my car in cause it sounded weird, they told me its a simple fix that’ll cost under 200. I come back, bill is 300, they fixed more than what they initially said. They did not give me an official report before touching my car, playing on my naivety in the car business. And to add insult to injury, the sound is still there, and they messed up my car! The car runs at a lower rpm, and the sound is louder. DO NOT COME HERE

After being rejected from other shops nearby in La Jolla to drop off my used motor oil, Colonial Garage had no problem taking it off of my hands! Al was very polite and welcoming. I have yet to use their repair services, but this experience hopefully provides you with a reflection of their character and kindness which I’m sure transfers over to their auto service.

I have been meaning to give this garage a review for ages, I absolutely loved them.
I really hate bringing my car to repair shops because I always feel like I’m being overcharged and taken advantage of…
Not these guys. They took care of the repairs I needed, they didn’t try to diagnose a million other issues with my car, and they didn’t charge me an arm and a leg for labor. They also didn’t try to push me to come back, and they didn’t mark stuff up so they could pretend they were giving me a discount.
This is a straight forward, family garage that you can honestly trust with your car. I’d give them a million stars if I could and I will definitely be going back.

I just bought a used Mercedes Benz that was due for its regular 60,000 mile service, filters, and an oil leak. I am sooooo happy I brought my car to Colonial Garage and had it serviced by Amir. He is amazing knowledgable about all German engineered cars and was able to explain everything to me in a way where I knew what was happening with my car and what I was paying for. The prices were great for the area and something I expected to take two days was finished in 6 hours! So happy I found my go to mechanic.

Although they are friendly it is the worst place I have ever taken my car. I have gone back two times for them to fix my windshield wipers and they still do not work to this day and had to pay big amounts each time. Brought my car there when it was over heating spent way too money replacing parts to think my car was fixed. They put a hose in the wrong place and ended up over heating and smoking on the side of interstate and having it towed back. On top of it they replace things that are not necessary to get more money out of you. All in all I will never bring my car back here and give them money.

Easily the best and most knowledgeable mechanics in all of San Diego. And on top of that, this is the one place I trust with my car and all of my family’s cars.

Really nice vary helpful, fair prices. Went in for my 60,000 miles on my Subaru started at family auto across the street for an estimate and colonial garage cut that number in half def check them out I will be back

One of the best repair shops in San Diego! My car had a major malfunction, and I had it towed to Colonial Garage because it was the closest garage to where my car decided it was going on spring break. They were already closed but Al called me back the same night, explained how I can drop of my keys and have the tow truck leave my car in the back. By the time I woke up the next morning, around noon, Al had called and left me a message on what needed to be done and how much it was going to cost because he wanted confirmation before he started working on the car.
His work was great, my car was fixed the same day and for less than what he estimated. I called a couple different shops after the fact to get an estimate for the same work, because I have time like that, and all the estimates were almost double what Al charged.
Great service, pricing and personality. Thanks again Al!

I can’t believe it has taken me so long to write this review.
I got a flat tire. AAA put a spare on that was good for a few miles. I looked up a garage that was in the vicinity to help me get the other tire repaired. Colonial Garage of La Jolla Corp came up on my search. My lucky day!
I got to the garage they were very busy, the man who came out to get my tire explained it would be about an hour until they could get to it. He must have seen the stress in my face because he stopped what he was working on and began the repair on my tire.
I waited no more than 20 minutes. They not only repaired my tire, they remounted my spare and had me all set to go. Here’s the best part… They charged me $ 10!
Seriously, a life saver. Five stars for customer service!

I’ve known owner Al for many years and I always take my cars to him. although they are located in la jolla you won’t be able to beat their service and prices, he always tries to find least expensive parts and does the job in no time. they specialize in German autos which is great cause usually BMW repair cost a lot due to labor but he always gives me a discount even when I want to pay full price. I’ve recommended him to all my friends and family and they all have had positive experiences.

This place is awesome. I was thrilled to find them right across the street from where I used to get my car serviced. Al (the owner) is very friendly and makes you feel welcome the moment you come through his door. My car started making an odd noise from the suspension and I needed it looked at before a trip to Arizona. When I found out that my old repair center had closed down, started looking around and found Colonial Garage. Rather small shop but they work quickly and efficiently. Al checked the car out and quickly got on the phone to get me prices. Had the car back well before the end of the day as promised. You can’t go wrong, and they’re in the heart of La Jolla!

Three times back. Problem STILL not fixed. 600.00 later. STAY AWAY, or just hand them your credit card when you walk through the front door.

We have all of our cars serviced at Colonial Garage. We have different cars, mostly German and I always trust Ali. If a problem is too complex, he will refer you to the appropriate dealer or repair garage.
Location also is very convenient.

After calling a bunch of mechanics, I called this place on a friend’s recommendation when my car didn’t start. The owner (Al) gave me some free advice and told me try a few things and the car started again. I took the car in for him to see and he replaced the starter. I was worried that I am paying too much for an after market but then he took the time to call a couple of dealers in front of me and I came to his earlier conclusion. Car got fixed for the third of what would have paid at a dealer.
All this aside, having had many good mechanics in the past (different cities) and knowing when I am getting ripped off, I would say with absolute confidence that these guys are not dishonest. The owner is especially careful not to have dissatisfied customers. If I could give this place 6 stars I would.

Ahhh Back light out!
I noticed that the back of my light was out so i called them to see if they had the bulb. Al told me to take it in and he will check to see if we they have the bulb. I Took the truck in on my lunch break. I literally was there for 13 minutes. He got the bulb replaced it and only charged my $ 10. It was quick and easy. I will be back for any other services my truck needs from here on out. Nice guy and great service.

I was recommended by a trusted friend to come to this repair shop when I had an oil leak. They replaced the oil pan (a rather expensive repair), but my car still leaks oil a bit. I took it here to get an oil change recently, and they notified me that the radiator was leaking and they would need to replace the whole thing (another rather expensive fix). I consulted the mechanic I used to go to (who is much further away), and he seemed wary about this conclusion. I would advise others to get a second opinion before they go through with any repairs recommended by this place. I would not say the guys at Colonial Garage are necessarily dishonest or trying to rip you off, but they do seem concerned more with their own profit rather than your wallet. My friend remains adamant about this place and would never trust his BMW with anyone else, but I have decided to drive all the way to Santee and take it to where I know I can rely on an honest opinion (check out the Dyno Shop in Santee if you want reliable service).

I had a flat and called around to repair shops in LJ Village to compare pricing and was quoted up to $ 25 (at 76), $ 15-​$ 20 at Chevron and $ 10 at Colonial. I arrived, was taken care of very quickly and my repair was done in 15 minutes. They showed me the nail, didn’t try to tell me anything else was wrong with my car or tire, finished up and told me it would be $ 10. I handed them my debit card and they asked if I had cash for such a small amount, which unfortunately I didn’t. The owner then told me no worries and just to swing by whenever I had some cash. I am so used to going to automotive places and leaving feeling ripped off because I’m a female. There was none of that here. I immediately went to the bank and took out some cash so I could go back and pay them. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and it’s so refreshing to realize there are honest friendly automotive shops out there.