R & D Motorsports

My first experience with Rick was in 1993 when I took my 911SC Targa in to have the drivers side power window repaired.
I told Rick to replace the power window motor– a $ 350 job (then!). Rick said that he would be happy to, but all it really needed was a $ 15 switch.
I knew at that moment that I had found my Mechanic For Life!
Rick and his team have worked on my cars for the past 22 years and have never let me down.
I strongly recommend them…

It wouldn’t make sense to move to Santa Cruz just for a mechanic but I’m tempted. Been in twice with my very un-​exotic Ford SUV and been very pleased with the price and service.

Very professional, to the point for the task at hand and when have you ever seen such a clean shop. The diagnosis and repair on my ML500 was all I could ask for. I’ll be back.

I brought my car to R & D after I was told by another repair shop that I probably needed a new steering pump and/​or gear box. Turns out the air pressure in my tires was extremely low. Knowing I was taking the car on a road trip, Rick totally inspected all fluids, belts, etc. and took time to answer all of my questions. Melissa was great about getting me in quickly and even gave me a ride to the gym. I’m so happy to have a repair shop I can trust.

There’s a reason Rick has been in business at the same location with the same customer base for over 25 years now, maybe even longer. He is plain and simple the go-​to shop for anything Porsche, Audi, VW, Isuzu, diesel, custom performance, you name it. Rick and Matias will always have my respect, and always get my referrals.

Best shop ever… Couldn’t be more knowledgeable or have greater integrity!

If you want it done once and you want it done right then go to R&D Motorsports. I am very particular about my cars and Rick has never let me or any of my friends down.

Rick and his amazing crew have been taking care of my Porsche Boxster and BMW for years. They are extremely competent, friendly, and honest. They are passionate about their work and customer service. Can’t ask for more. I have referred many friends with all different car makes. They are all as thrilled as I am. Can’t give any higher recommendation. Fantastic folks!

Rick has done some work on my Sunbeam recently — and all I can say is that he is professional, honest, and really knows his stuff. Not the best location for me, but I’ll continue to trek over to Portola/​41^st area for service because I know how good he is at his trade. You will need to make an appointment — but my experience is that he will get your vehicle in/​out on time for routine maintenance issues. He was recommended by the guy I bought the Sunbeam from… and I also give him 5-​stars.

I thought I might update my previous review. The thing is that Rick is still giving us his sterling customer and car care that he always has. This isn’t a review for service from 7 or 10 years ago, this is merely an update from when I wrote my last review in 2010.
We don’t bring 2 cars to Rick. We have 5 and ALL of those cars only go to Rick for car care. And we always recommend him to other people.
Bottom line: he still gives us the attention and honest auto maintenance that we’ve come to trust. It’s wonderful to find a person with integrity that does car care. We’re staying with R&D!

The week after Christmas I was headed down to Big Sur with a few family member s and my 2006 Audi A3 had an Ignition Coil failure. AAA recommended R&D Motorsports in Santa Cruz, but stated that his shop was booked and he might not be able to fix my car for a few days. I begrudgingly agreed to have it towed to the shop, and thankfully that was the end of my pain.
As soon as my Audi was off the flatbed, Rick was outside looking at the car. He told me that he had several cars ahead of mine, but he was hoping to look at it by the afternoon. Before I left the shop, he checked the repair code and check engine light and realized it was a failed ignition coil.
Not only did Rick fix it that day, he called me less than three hours later and informed me that the failed part was on recall and should be reimbursed by Audi. Thank you R&D Motorsports for the quick and professional help!

Rick didn’t actually fix my car, BUT that’s why I’m giving him 5 stars… He looked at the problem, told me he could fix it, but said it would be cheaper to go somewhere else and referred me to another mechanic. It’s hard to find such an honest person when it comes to car repairs.

Worst experience I ever had. These guys have no business working on any Porsche. They charged me more than $ 2000 and didn’t fix half the issues. I ended up taking it it to a REAL Porsche specialist and he was dumbfounded of the poor diagnosis of R&D Motorsports. My new mechanic has fixed several Porsche’s that R&D didn’t properly diagnose and repair. You have been warned.

R&D is the only place that I take my vehicles. I have a work van with 240k and an Accord with 230k. Everytime something needs repair, it is quickly diagnossed and the job completed.
Earlier this year, I brought my van in with a shot transmission. Rick got on the phone that morning, got me a new transmission, and had me back on the road two days later.
Everyday without my van is a day I don’t work, and that is why I trust only Rick and R&D with the care of my vehicles.

What, no reviews for R&D yet?
This repair shop is the place you dream about. I found them through 2 separate local recommendations a few years ago. The owner (Rick) is straight-​forward, ethical, reasonable and really knows his stuff. I have found their pricing to be very competitive or even cheaper than the dealer/​other shops. I have been bringing our Audi A4 here for a few years and have recently also brought in our Toyota Camry. Excellent service.