Hilltop Automotive

Our first tire repair the day before was unsuccessful, so my friend found this place near her sons’ school. It’s nice they open early. She dropped off her tire about 7:00am and was given a price quote for the repair. They told her they would call her in about 45 minutes when the job is complete. Well, she never got a call so we ended up calling them at about 9 am and that’s when they told us our tire is ready for pick up. When we returned to pick up the tire, the technicians quickly mounted the repaired tire onto the car. At my request, they checked the spare tire and added air to make sure it was properly inflated. I also noticed the the repaired area was wet so this meant that they used water to make sure the leak was completely sealed.
This place is aesthetically pleasing, professional and has reasonable prices for flat tire repair. She paid $ 30 plus tax. We would definitely come back in the future.

I brought my car in because the brakes were making noise. Steve inspected my brakes and said there was some dirt that needed to be cleaned. He could have charged me for new brakes. He didn’t charge anything. Then I brought the car in because there was smoke coming from beneath the hood. Steve sprayed something on the hoses. Here again, he could have said that the hoses were defective. He didn’t charge me for that either. Steve and his associates are honest! Thanks, Steve!

We have been going to Steve who owns Hilltop Automotive for 25 years. He began servicing our vehicles since before he built his shop.
Steve is outstanding. We are the type of folks who have new cars and old cars (one with 318,000 miles!) Steve keeps our cars in tip top shape. From quality oil changes to major problems with engines, radiators, suspension, etc, Steve and his folks solve the problem. His prices are competitive with other automotive shops, and often better than the dealers.
One story worth noting. We have a 20 year old family suburban. We have kept the truck in mint condition. Yes it is the «baby» of the family. When my husband was driving it to work one day, the radiator blew. Happened to be next to the vehicles dealer! Don took it there (it usually always goes to Hilltop). The dealer had the truck for days, then called us and said the engine blew also and it would be $ 12,000 to fix it. We almost decided to scrap the truck. Then thought, «We haven’t had Steve look at it.» We towed it up to Hilltop, and he kept it. After a thorough look, he called us and said the engine is fine, you need a new radiator. Wow, Steve saved our truck! He repaired it and now it is running in tip top shape!
Steve is like a doctor for cars. We often talk when I bring my vehicles in. He shares how he is always keeping up with new technology, new manuals, parts, etc with all vehicle types. I often see everything in his shop from vintage cars to school district trucks to new vehicles.
I can take my car in anytime with a question or concern and Steve always helps me.
You can’t beat his service, attention to detail, and expertise. Besides where else can you go, drop your car off, and pick it up cleanly washed and vacuumed and get a super coffee to go in his shop?
I highly recommend Hilltop Automotive.
The Ritter Family

Just got my tire fixed at my favorite automotive repair facility, they do everything I need to keep my SUV on the road and safe. Thank u to friendly staff and knowledgable technicians.

I’ve never written a review before, but after my experience here, I thought I had to. I brought my 2007 Honda Accord here to get my brakes serviced. They quoted me $ 800 just to replace the brake pads! I called the Honda dealership and they quoted only $ 400.
When I told Hilltop that I would rather bring my car to the dealership they were not happy and they couldn’t match the dealership price.
When I went to pick up my car, they charged me an inspection fee for $ 65. Hilltop told me that my coolant was low (they didn’t want to top off the coolant) and they tightened the bolts on the oil pan.
When I got home and looked at my bill closely, I noticed they charged me $ 5 for supplies and $ 5 for hazardous waste fee. I couldn’t understand why there would be a supply fee or hazardous waste fee for an inspection and to tighten a few bolts, but by this point I was tired of dealing with them.
If you go here, make sure you get a quote elsewhere and watch out if you decline their price or they will charge you an inspection fee.
Overall, a disappointing experience — definitely won’t go back here! I ended up going straight to the Honda dealership and they did everything (including topping off my coolant) for $ 400 and I only had to wait an hour and a half.

Recently found Steve and Hilltop Automotive. They pointed out stuff I didn’t know needed to be fixed. They were thorough and even checked my Check Engine light. Nothing gets past them! They even off a minor paint scrape I had on my car, and adjusted my tire pressure. Their attention to detail is unique. They work on extremely expensive cars yet they treated my 05 Scion TC with the same care and treatment. They even took me home for free. I live in Torrance and I would much rather go up to the Hilltop than any of my local shops. Well worth the drive. I’ve found a new mechanic

Came here after seeing the good reviews and let’s face it, not many other options on the hill. A bit more expensive than torrance or Redondo mechanics. Good: Sam was able to identify the problem the other mechanic couldn’t and told me it was a cracked oil pan for around $ 400. Bad: However, when I came back that evening, they found out it was something different and had taken the liberty of completing the repair without calling to ask! Also, had mentioned a check engine light problem that they neglected to pick up on and had to bring it back again later… All this would warrant 3 stars because although questionable it seems they did complete the work well. However, 2 stars because I feel extorted and taken advantage of because I don’t know much about cars. Sam also kept suggesting new tires every time I came, talking about how wet and dangerous it is on hill in the winter. Later, when I asked one of his guys, he said I’d be fine for at least another year.

My Buick wouldn’t start, got it to Hilltop. I was nervous of the cost, as there were Jaguars and Aston Martins in their lot. They got me in right away, even offered to have one of his guys drive me to work! When I picked my car up at the end of the day, not only had they fixed the problem (which had something to do with the battery), but they had fixed my hood (which hadn’t been latching completely), fixed my AC and dash clock, topped off my fluids, and cleaned my car inside and out! All for less than some places would charge labor fees. They treated my 20 year old Buick like it was a Benz. I was floored. I live in LA, but I will drive all the way here every time my car needs anything. Fantastic experience!

Took my Corolla here to replace my sideview mirror. They gave me the best price compared to other local garages. They also include a free car wash. Awesome place, friendly, and give off an honest vibe.
There lot was kinda packed when I came, but the location is nice.

I want to share a story.
We have a Honda Odyssey that was having some issues. Instead of doing the work and charging us $ 500, Hillside Automotive checked to see if the issue was still under warranty. Once they found it was, they took the car to the local Honda dealership made sure the repair was made and then brought it back to their shop and didn’t charge me a nickel.
AMAZING!
They have a lifelong customer in me.
Dean

Steve has always taken care of me and my cars. Knowledgeable, courteous and communicates about what work needs to be done. Hilltop may not be the cheapest around, but the bottom line is that you often get what you pay for.

My car broke down 2 weeks ago. I pushed it from my house to hilltop and he told me he would get to it last Tuesday. 2 weeks have gone by and he hasn’t even looked at it. Every time I would call he would end up yelling at me saying he is too busy to get to my car and he will when he has time. I haven’t had a car for 2 weeks now so finaly I called up AAA and had my car towed to a place who wouldn’t yell at me and blow me off like I was his enemy.

TERRIBLE PLACE. Charged me 500 dollars to drop my pan. I came here based on these reviews and lost alot of money! I called my mechanic back home and told him what they did and he said he charges 200 $ for the same service. They charged me 350 $ for labor! When I asked why so much for the labor the guy lied to me and said they had to take off a skid plate blocking the oil pan. (Does not exist)
If your filthy rich and and your trying to get rid of your money as fast as possible go here. The work was done right but the price was rediculous.
The worst part is the manager lied strait to my face about taking off an oil pan skit plate that «took a while»

I took my car to Lexus of Cerritos where they told me that I needed a $ 1200 radiator. I decided to try Hilltop and they quoted me $ 650! These guys are so honest and trustworthy. Their prices are phenomenal compared to the dealerships that are gouging. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO EVERYONE! YOU CAN’T GO WRONG HERE. I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!

Been back to this place many times since my first review and keep meaning to re-​review the place. Finally remembered to do it. Not only is Hilltop as good as it ever was — honest, dependable, easy to deal with, and reasonable, but I think it’s gotten even better. With the addition of Steve (not the owner, the other Steve) in the front office, service, which was already great, is even better. Both Steves really take the time to listen to what your problem is and give you a fair estimate. If something changes, they let you know what changed and why. And it’s still the cleanest repair shop I’ve ever been to. I’m upgrading from 4 stars to 5. Give it a try. You won’t be sorry.

This is half of a review. I took my Hummer H3 there on Saturday, it has electric issues. I met one of the Steves and he was very nice, and thoroughly went over my issues. The place is very clean, much cleaner than I would ever expect an automotive service place to be.
I’m still waiting to hear back on my estimate and my repairs. So that will follow in the next few days. So far so good.
— update —
Got the call that they have to take the dash off. I hope it does not add too much to the cost. They seem very good so far.
— update —
Ok, got the Hummer back and they did a great job. The price was about as quoted. Which for the work I needed was expected. They cleaned it up and even had a mint. I’ll be going back.

Just plain honest, dependable, and trustworthy. They keep my car in tip-​top shape.

First of all I dont think I had ever met an HONEST mechanic, so this place surprised me! SO glad I came here. I got an estimate that was actually lower than two other places I went to and they didn’t try to tell me that I needed all kinds of other work done.
I drive quite a bit, and it is great to have a place that I trust. They even had it done sooner than I expected.
Great Job!

The service that I received at Hilltop was outstanding. I was in need of some quick and good service and that is exactly what they provided. At a reasonable price. When I requested, they took the time to show me what was wrong with the car and explain it to me. I have not had this kind of service from any automotive repair shop… or the dealer for that matter.
Quick, honest, reasonable and reliable. Thank you for servicing all of my vehicles. Yes, I take all of them there now. Outstanding.

This is a real GEM!
I have family here and driving here takes a big toll on my car… so whenever I drive here (about 3 times a year) Steve the owner is ALWAYS there. I get him to check the oil, change the oil and balance my tires.
He is very pleasant and always gets my car done on time.
This is the nicest auto place that I have ever seen… and great magazines to choose from.