Pacific Motor Service

A REPAIR FROM HELL!** My husband and I were in Pacific Grove/​Monterey California in December 2015 when our fuel pump went out. I called Pacific Motors (found on the internet) who then replaced the pump. We drove home to Santa Monica the next day. After the car was sitting in the garage, we found gasoline leaking on the floor. This means that gas was also actively leaking from the new pump while driving several hundred miles to our home. When informed of the situation, Kevin at Pacific Motors basically said that he was out of it and to call Napa Insurance who covers the warranty. The new mechanic tried to fix the bent flange but gas continued to leak and eventually the entire pump had to be replaced; parts were ordered but there was continual delay because of the intervening holidays. We were without a car for a couple weeks. And, most important, we could have DIED from a horrific car fire!* In all this time, Kevin NEVER showed any concern or follow up. Kevin eventually apologized for our «having to go through this ordeal» and promised some compensation but nothing was ever offered. Kevin took advantage of us because we were not local (he asked for our address within minutes of my first call to him… before we had even agreed to have him do the work.) He charged over 30% more than prices quoted by other Monterey repair shops and by our own mechanic. My husband and I are elderly; I am 72 years old and have never had to write a review like this. However I am writing it now, after 2 months, so that others do not have the same unpleasant experience.

I needed help with a tire repair and Pacific Motor Service went above and beyond! Kevin and the mechanical staff repaired my tire in no time and went out of their way to make sure they accommodated me as quick as possible so I could get back to my busy life! Thank you Pacific Motor Service!

It’s been a few years since I resided in Pacific Grove but when I did, I only trusted the maintenance of my vehicle to Pacific Motor Service. Kevin and his team of mechanics are first rate and provide superior customer service and quality mechanical/​auto service. I highly recommend this automotive services business.

Even though I was early they managed to get me in and out quickly without any muss fuss or bother. Would recommend this business highly. Fast Smog Check!

Kevin and this shop is so trustworthy, I am so happy I was referred here. You want to go here, they are excellent!

My truck did not pass smog at the local smog station, so I took it over to Kevin to determine the problem. He had his tech run a complete series of diagnostic tests and discovered a poorly functioning catalytic converter. The new part was installed and the truck passed with flying colors. Everything done was explained with care and I was treated with courtesy. Thank you for your kind service.

So I call up at 8:00 am and ask if I can have my ’84 VW bus towed in with a dismantled exhaust system and broken exhaust manifold stud (big problem that could have potentially required dropping the entire engine and removing the heads). I was thoroughly pleased with the approach that was taken. They started off with small steps, kept me appraised of progress during the day. Kevin, the manager, stayed after work that night with his mechanic and they were able to drill it out (a very delicate process that can go badly if not in expert hands). They got me back on the road to start my vacation with professional service and took the extra steps! I will be back for future work.

Always EXCELLENT, informed, courteous service! We wish to save money by going elsewhere, but the knowledge, HONESTY, and incredible courteous service keep pulling us back! This shop has the diagnostics to really tell what is happening with a car engine-​not just make expensive guesses. I’m in love with my 25-​year-​old car and want it to run forever. It has 200,000+ miles on it already, and thanks to Pacific Motors it will probably be with me until I pass! My husband’s car is fifty years old and Pacific Motors keeps it running also. There may be cheaper places out there, but there is only ONE Pacific Motors with top notch service and diagnostics. I know when my car is serviced here that I’m getting the right service done correctly. Pacific Motors NEVER tries to sell me «EXTRAS» that I don’t need and they are willing to withhold service on items I can’t currently afford. They have impeccable service and honesty I can trust. I never feel that I’m «just a number’» here or that I’m subject to «one size fits all» service. Pacific Motors has that rare thing– a RELATIONSHIP with the car owner which keeps me confidently returning. A motor service which doesn’t condescend to or try to take advantage of women!

This owner and his team provided a light where there was nothing but darkness They deserve more than thanks, but sincerely, more I cannot give.

Unbelievable service. Quick and informative. I’ve had bad experiences with mechanics in my past, but Pacific Motors is trustworthy and reliable.

Very disappointed. Sad to say this type of poor service exists in PG. Brought in coupon that I received in the mail and was treated as such. Right after he went out to get information from my car he came back in and tried to talk me into $ 100 for defogging the plastic on my headlights. Not interested in that I came in for an oil change fluid check and tires rotated only. when I returned after 75 minutes my car was already ready to go and the tires were not rotated he vaguely told me they were they should just stay as they are no other information was given. I had to call back later for more info. The other totally unprofessional thing is that they gave me a receipt before the service was even completed. Also when I came to pick up the car I waited 10 minutes while he was on the phone reserving reservations for himself for a personal trip. This was rude. Could’ve put them on hold. The reason I went there and spent an additional $ 10 versus Jiffy Lube price was to get my tires rotated. They did not rotate them at all. Will not be using this company or recommending them to anyone. Not the attitude or the service I’m looking for checking the safety of my car. Go elsewhere!

They did a good job with my car. The owner (Kevin) seemed very nice. No complaints

The team at Pacific Motor Service is always professional, personable, and pleasant. Regardless of the issue, they provide a thorough and quality service. I have never felt they over charged or were being anything but honest and trustworthy. Their use of the internet is great, but they will still take old fashioned walk-​ins and phone calls too. I highly recommend them.

Well, thought this was a great place until my husband’s car started having problems several months age and it turned out they used after market parts that resulted in bearing damage which, ultimately, would have cost thousands to repair — less than a year after we paid this place thousands — don’t waste your money and find an honest shop for your car needs.

Prompt, efficient, and quality service, I’d trust my car to no one else!

Jim and the team did a wonderful job of diagnosing and providing options on the quick! We were on the last leg of a road trip when we realized there was a problem. With over 300 miles left to travel… We were able to find a solution that met both criteria of being a «quick fix» and also allowed us to drive the car home.
My only note would be that if you’re looking for a «deal» this might not be the place for you, but my impression is that this is a place that does quality work at «market rates». Probably less expensive options out there, but if service and quality factor are your first priorities then I would expect these guys are definitely worth a look.

I have a unique, highly modified car that sees time both on the street and race track. Lots of custom parts in the engine, drivetrain and suspension. Actually listing the stock parts might be faster than listing the mods. I am more involved than usual when it comes to auto repair and maintenance so its going to take a lot to sneak a scam past me.
When my out-​of-​town specialty mechanic’s health took a turn for the worse and he left the field, I was a fish out of water. EVERY Monterey shop — Even a couple of performance-​oriented ones — declined to take on the car. The usual arguments ranged from the repairs not being by The Book (common term for industry manual that sets customary repair times), to a more honest «I wouldn’t know what to do with it.». I thought I was going to have to try a shop in Salinas.
Then I noticed a shop right next to my house. I drove in and spoke to Kevin about taking on some work routing some aux cooling lines. Rather than the usual freakout he responded with enthusiasm and let me know they’d be happy to work with me on both routine and specialty stuff. I was shocked to find these guys practically next door when I had been all over creation searching for a competent, can-​do attitude.
Since then I have worked with them several times. No complaints and no worries. They’re straightforward and do quality work. Not cheap but worth the. money in care and attention to detail.

Wonderful service! Got me in next day for oil change and tire rotation. Finished super fast. Let me know what to keep an eye on but didn’t try to upwell me right away. Plus it’s so clean.

If you have a car out of warranty, don’t trust the minimal competence of the dealer’s service department, and are looking for a long term mechanic who’ll take care of your car, then go to PMS. My 2004 VW Touareg had transmission issues that nobody else could fix. Kevin & Casey diagnosed the problem and found the solution.
I don’t know about these negative reviews, but I know I’ve found a great repair home for my car.

I thought I had written a review a while back, but its no longer here.
Basically, I took my truck here to change the oil and do an overall inspection before I left for college. They told me my truck had a bunch of issues and I agreed to go ahead and fix a few. (The ones I could afford)
After that, my truck just went downhill fast and I was unable to bring it with me to Oregon.
My brother did me the favor of taking it back here to fix the on going problems (bad idea). The next day my bro was on the side of the road with my steaming truck telling me it had died… Pacific motors forgot the radiator cap…
It caused a small crack in the radiator and they did not own up to it. Instead, they over charged me for a new radiator that now leaks like hell.
Since I’m a cheep-​ass college student, I now carry the appropriate fluids and constantly check the damn radiator leaks and oil leaks cause I can’t afford to repair then at the moment.
I only chose this place cause my cousin works here… Definitely not going back. Ever.