Del Mar Auto

I hardly ever write discouraging reviews, as I think that sometimes people and businesses have bad days, but this place is AWFUL.
I came here to have my battery and starter replaced, and spoke to the owner on the phone a few times before having my car towed to his shop. He was perfectly nice and the place seemed legit since it had so many great reviews.
HOWEVER, it took him 5 days to do the repair, which he never called to tell me, I had to keep trying him, and when I went to pick it up at 5pm on day 5, he was totally drunk.
Not only was he drunk, but he was lewd, and when I asked about the repairs he mumbled something about an «idle problem», which I DID NOT have before taking my car in. I honestly was trying to get the hell out of there once he started talking about a woman’s breasts who had just been in there, and started my car and got out.
Once I drove it, it felt shaky, and then when I put the car in park after driving, it revs the engine on it’s own. $ 300 later I have now fixed the problem this guy created. I did not go back because I’m pretty sure he is an alcoholic, and probably did the damage on purpose so I would have to come back. DON“T GO HERE!!!

First off their number is (310) 740‑7884. I needed brakes for my car and I was recommended to this place. So I came here and met Art who is an amazing person. He quoted me and save me money AND fix my brakes (no problems since the visit too!!!). I know where I’m going when my lovely car need fixing. Thanks again Art!

Looking for a good and honest auto repair shop? This is the place! Art, the business owner really knows his stuff.

I was referred here by a friend and was very glad I went. It’s not much to look at from the outside, but these guys know what they’re talking about and they won’t run you up a flag pole with their prices. They did honest work, quickly and kept me updated with all they found. They didn’t pressure me when I didn’t want to get everything done they recommended. Isaac and Art were both very personable, down to earth nice guys. I’ll be taking my car here from now on.

It was time to get shocks for my old beat up Toyota Tacoma. I checked around because I’m through with the dealers after they blew my last brake job big time. First estimate, regular auto shop on Lincoln Blvd near Rose, $ 980.00… What? Second opinion, front end and suspension specialist, on Venice Blvd near Overland, $ 740.00… Noooo!
So, I go on line and look up shocks for my vehicle. I found three grades of shocks, 1) cheap, 2) okay and 3) probably good. The cheap ones? We’re talking like $ 24.00 each. They should last about six weeks or so. So, I chose the good ones, about $ 230.00, on line wholesale price for four, and noticed the website listed shops for installation. I chose the mechanic closest to me and it turned out to be Del Mar Auto on Venice near Centinella.
I met Art Hoffmann there and he gave me an estimate for $ 390.00 parts and labor for the shocks. I was shocked. He gave me the wholesale price and didn’t mark them up. Made an appointment for a couple of days later, dropped off the truck and picked it up two hours later.
I have since referred one friend for a mechanical problem that Art fixed for $ 80.00, and I will refer anyone else who asks me if I know a good reasonably priced mechanic.
It is really hard to find anyone that can do anything well for a reasonable price any more. Our whole economy is in rip off mode. If you know any good craftsmen let Unilocal and me know.

I have been taking my car here since 1997. Art is the best and most honest mechanic in town. I have taken my car to places like Jiffy Lube and they give me estimates for tons of work I need done. I show the paper to Art and he tells me I only need one thing done. Art has also looked at cars I am thinking of buying for free! This place is a throwback to the days when auto mechanics were your friends.