Claremont Automotive

So a quick background, my wife and I just moved here, and we needed a smog check done. Every shop in the area seemed to have iffy reviews on service, and I was alone with the baby, so I didn’t really want to be stuck waiting in an iffy area with iffy service.
Coming to Claremont was the smartest choice I have made since getting here. Rafael was super polite and informative. He was not doing smog checks at the time, but offered to take my car to a partner location that was helping him, while I walked over and grabbed lunch. This was super helpful, and I got a pretty decent price. I probably could have saved $ 10 by going to the other shop direct, but they are notorious for having less than stellar personal skills.
I would totally go back for just about anything from Claremont, they were totally worth it.

Claremont Auto Repair is the go to place if you are looking for a very honest mechanic who cares about his clients and knows what he is doing. I have referred him to many people and each one of them have been happy with the services Rafael and his team provide. They are friendly and attentive — I plan on using them again for my ongoing car maintenance.
By the way, is Rafael single? My female friends always enquire about his marital status. I never know what to say!

Rafael is such a rare gem in San Mateo. He and his team are the ones to call when your car breaks down or needs any type of work. Rafael is professional and considerate, not to mention reasonably priced. Unlike other mechanics, he truly cares about his clients and he does not try to get people spend money on things that are not needed. I highly recommend this shop for all car repairs.

Rafael and his team are every bit as good as the Unilocal reviews suggest. After receiving an outrageous estimate from another mechanic I decided to take my car to Claremont Automotive to get a second opinion and to make sure I was not being ripped off. Claremont’s estimate was half the total the mechanic around the corner had quoted me so I did not hesitate it even for a minute and I decided to have this shop fixing my car. Although I could see they were busy they were still able to have the car ready by the following day.
I am delighted with the services provided by Rafael and his team. They run their business with integrity and they truly care about their clients. Highly recommended.

I have been to Rafael for couple of fixes in my car. A very honest and friendly guy. He offered me a drive back home, the first time. Unlike other auto shops, he never tries to sell you anything, gives a fair price and sticks with the delivery time. He didn’t charge me for the tire repair, but instead donated the proceeds towards cancer cure, which I believe is for a great cause. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a honest auto shop in the Bayarea.

If you couldn’t tell by all of the other 5 star reviews, Rafael and his guys are the best. All you have to do is sit in the shop for a few minutes and you can see the relationship he has with his customers. It’s almost like everyone that comes in is talking to an old friend, probably because people continue to bring their vehicle to him year after year.
Rafael is an honest guy who does great work, and does it at a fair price. He’ll even throw in a few tips on how to save money/​extend your vehicle life, even if it’s at a detriment to his own bottom line. He completely understands that customer service is the number 1 aspect of any business and knows that if you treat people with respect and honesty, that they’ll come back to you in the future.
Moving from the generalities into specifics with me, I couldn’t have asked for more. The first time I dropped my car off he gave me a ride back to my house so I didn’t have to Über. When I went back to pick my car up I overheard him setting up an appointment with one of his regulars and he offered her his personal vehicle if she needed transportation while he was working on her car the following week. Little things like that stick out and will keep me coming back in the future.
So yea, there’s a reason this Unilocal page is littered with 5 stars, because they deserve it.

Hi, we have continued to go to Claremont since my last review over four years ago and I cannot overstate how awesome Rafael is and how great the quality of service is!!! We are driving the same cars (07′ BMW and 08′ Volvo) and as always he keeps them in great shape for great economics. Also, he is a wonderful guy who is always a pleasure to see. Thank you Rafael — you rock!!! Best,
Barrett

Have you ever wanted to hug your auto mechanic? Well, after you get to know Rafael you just might want to! Do you know any other mechanic who’s brave enough to post his photo in the the Unilocal reviews? I needed a smog check, but I as I drove over to CA I also realized my car hadn’t had any checkups in quite a while, so asked him when I got there if he’d give my Scion a complete check as well. He gladly did so… replaced the oil, checked my brakes, etc., & the smog certificate. And in a little more than an hour, and for barely $ 100 he was done. As I was getting in my car I asked him where I might go for some touch-​up body work. He told me they did have a good man for doing that, but then after looking it over suggested my car might not need it so much, and to think it over before bringing it back to do same. My eyes got a bit bigger when I heard this fine auto mechanic say no to more business, then gave him a firm handshake and said I’d be back… when I NEEDED him!

This auto shop is the real «help»… I have an old car and in a very tight budget but this auto shop gives me a peace of mine. I just found a good man his name is Raphael a Manager/​owner/​auto mechanic and most of all I find him reliable, trustworthy, knowledgeable and willing to help. So Let me tell you this, if you have a car issues/​problem just don’t hesitate to go to this shop you will get the help you need from a friend Raphael.

The other reviews for Claremont Auto Repair are spot on! I had two trucks that were headed to a job site down south and needed some general diesel services to be performed prior to their departure. Rafael’s shop come up in my search and I was intrigued by his 5 star rating and positive reviews. I contacted him and gave a description of what services I needed performed. Rafael was able to complete said services within the short timeframe I had available. I myself am an automotive enthusiast. I’m also responsible for maintaining my employers fleet vehicles. So with that said I’ve seen all types. Rafael is a rarity in the automotive repair industry. He is a genuinely honest, respectful individual. I will with out a doubt recommend his shop to others. Five well deserved stars for Claremont Automotive Repair!

This group of mechanics are hands down the most welcoming bunch of people i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They knew exactly what needed to be done and got the job done efficiently and timely without breaking my bank account to bad. I am definitely returning for all future car problems.

This is our go-​to auto repair shop. The owner Rafael is such a great guy! He is very friendly, provides great customer service, is very honest about what your car needs and how much it will cost, always follows through, and his team does great work that keeps cars running for a long time!
Rafael and his team are experts at diagnosing what is going on with a vehicle, providing your options and the various price ranges to expect, and then performing exemplary work that will keep your car running strong and safe for longer than you could have imagined. We have taken our Lexus to him for years, and he has always quoted us extremely competitive and fair prices. He has done incredible work that has prolonged the life of a vehicle that has well over 200K miles now. He also gave us amazing pointers — like advising us to call our insurance company after our car experienced some vandalism. It turned out the insurance company gave us a huge settlement, which was a financial boon. He did not have to tell us to go this route. He is really looking out for your best interest as a customer and builds great relationships with his clientele as a result. He deserves your business and will keep it for the long-​run because he runs such a great business!
Thank you Rafael!

Rafael is awesome! He was so awesome and very helpful. Definitely coming here every time I need a smog check or oil change.

I have an Audi A4 2.0T. Simply put: he’s the only mechanic I trust with my car. Plus, a portion of the repairs goes to the American Cancer Society.

The time it took to repair my truck was outstanding! What would have taken any other shop up to 5 days to fix, Claremont Automotive only took 4 hrs. I had my fuel pump replaced. Thanks one million!!!

I waited for 15 minutes for someone to help me but no one cared, then I flagged someone down and they blew me off, so I left. Terrible customer service.

First off, make sure you don’t pull up to the wrong garage. This area is full of garages and I accidentally went to the wrong one the first time I came by for service.
I came here for a smog check and oil change and I called them when I was less than 5 minutes away. Rafael happily accepted my last minute request and made me feel welcome. The best part about his shop is how truly kind and friendly everyone is and the overall feeling that you are being told the truth. Being someone who doesn’t know much about cars and repairs and has been lied to by mechanics in the past. I really value this aspect of their approach and service. Rafael mentioned to me that there are a couple things that tend to go wrong with the make and model of my car but mentioned it once and without pushing me to get repairs or extra work. Both him and his employees followed this overall attitude of honesty and respect.
I just moved to the area and I will definitely be returning for all of my auto needs.
Notice how none of the reviews posted here are anything but 5’s. And they deserve every single one of those.

THE BEST! Absoluta BEST shop I’ve ever been to. Rafael and his employers know what they’re doing. No over-​pricing or cheating. Very fair and great customer service. Definitely has become the family auto shop. GO! And prepare to be served and treated great. And even more for your car!

A friend introduced me to Claremont Automotive two years ago.
She was very happy with the repairs on the cars in her family.
I am equally happy. THANK YOU.
From the first time I spoke with Rafael I knew this is the shop for me.
These qualities come to mind when I think of Rafael and Claremont Automotive.
Effective. Found leak in Volvo fuel line when others couldn’t. Fixed intermittent problem with BMW headlight by changing the balast when others, including Peter Pan BMW, wanted to change the whole assembly. Fixed Honda steering wheel vibration by balancing tires instead of pushing more expensive alignments. Inspected used Toyota purchased for niece without appointment.
Courteous and Professional. Rafael has the technical and people skills to explain complex matters in understandable way. He and his crew go out of their way to please. There isn’t a loaner car, or a driver in a late model car to drop me off at home. They use my own car. This is great. Time to have undivided attention of mechanic to speak and ask about other things I hadn’t remembered to mention.
Reasonable downtime and prices. It doesn’t take long to get the repairs done. One time he had to wait for a BWM part the Peter Pan BMW didn’t have in stock and that took a few days. Otherwise pretty much in and out next day. Prices are very reasonable for two reasons. Final price is a factor of time spent and cost per hour. Rafael has reasonable labor rate and takes a short time to fix things. His hourly rate and duration is less than the autohouzes around here.
Flexible drop off and pickup. I can drop off my car without appointment and expect a call later for estimate. I get off work after he closes. I know the charges and where the car is parked. I drop off check in night drop and pick up the car that’s parked on the street near the shop.
No more euro autohauzes. Rafael has won my loyalty after several good experiences. You’ll feel the same. Try him.

In the industry for 30 years and owner of Claremont Automotive for 10+ years, Rafael is the best there is.
Rafael runs a great repair shop, built on professionalism, integrity and HONESTY. So cost of repair has always been and remains fair. He’s got a solid team that does great work. You’ll never be pushed or made to feel you need extra repairs done.
I want to add, every year Rafael donates ALL tire repair costs to charity!