James Automotive

These guys are great. Trustworthy, honest and affordable. Multiple times they have given me deals on repairs. They make sure you know what they are fixing and will work around your budget. Recommended.

Too bad I can’t put 0 stars. My check engine light was on in my car so decided to bring it to this place. Left the car there for a week and none of them could figure out the problem. I would call them each day to see if they had made any progress on the car and everyday they seemingly found something wrong with the car that I had never experienced. Long story short, I went to go get my car from them after a week and when I got it out it would barely run. I couldn’t even start the thing. I had to get someone to push me off the main street because the car could not do it on its own power. Keep in mind that I drove my car down there all the way from La Jolla with no problems except my check engine light being on. Do not bring your car here under any circumstances whatsoever.

I’d put zero if I could. They’ll charge more for a remanufactured part than your dealer will for brand new. They’ll break your car then charge double what other good shops in the area would to fix what they broke.
We used them because our normal guys were too busy and we needed the work done in a pinch. Bad move.

Do NOT go here. Came here ha my car called at 3:39 an they were closing at 4… They answered I said I was calling to check on my car and he said I don’t have time to answer your questions we are leaving and HUNG UP. 11 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSIN TIME!!!

I called 3 – 4 places around the downtown area and James was able to do it sooner and cheaper than anyone else. What more can I say… he at least deserves my first call when looking to get some repairs done.

I am so happy I found this place. Right across from an Autozone, they probably get good deals on their parts which in turn makes their prices extremely affordable for the average to below-​average income.
James is an honest-​to-​goodness business owner, who treats his customers with respect and seems genuinely thankful for your business. It feels like his establishment is truly a rarity among the sea of Firestones and other fancy schmancy auto «repair» shops (aka take your car in for an oil change, leave with a laundry list of repairs needed «asap»).
The employees have been there a long time and are friendly, which to me means that not only is he a good business owner but also a good boss. Not to keep harping on Firestone, but when do you really ever see the same employees at places like that? Hardly ever. I feel like that alone makes me distrustful of a business.
Services I’ve had done: oil change, brakes, smog check/​repair, engine check, battery service, battery inspection & repair (something draining battery & they figured it out). Whenever they told me the price, it was fair and reasonable, and didn’t fill me with the dreaded «oh my god… when do I get paid again?» feeling, if you know what I mean.
And get this — last time I picked up my car they had hand-​washed it for me as a surprise «thank you». What? I’m sold!

I love these guys. Its a local shop, the owner invests in local youth by hiring them to work for him. They were honest and did the repair work quickly. I needed a new alternator but they didn’t gouge me for tons of extras.
The parts took a day longer but they kept calling me to make sure I was in the loop and approved anything different. Will take my car there for anything.