Melika European Motors

Very knowledgeable and personal. Needed work on a car and he came to my house to help me out. I can’t say enough about his help going way beyond normal service! Thx

Mike at Melika European Motors is one of the most honest and genuine person I have ever met in the automotive industry not to mention in Los Angeles. His family run business has been in Venice for years and they do a great job at a fair price. You will be in good hands if you take your car to them.

My experience was different than previous reviewers. My car broke down, friend recommended I come here, my car was towed. Owner was very generous as he met me after hours to drop off vehicle.
First, the hourly rate at Melika is $ 150 an hour. This is more than what most BMW dealers charge for labor.
There was also a charge for $ 150 for diagnostics, which consists of plugging in a portable machine to your car to determine what’s wrong with it. This diagnostic is a very quick process, helps confirm what issues your car has. I have owned the car for over ten years, had never been charged for this procedure.
In short, gas pump needed to be replaced, my total bill at the end came to $ 1,007.24. Prior to that I was exploring the possibility of towing the car back to Palm Springs, my mechanic here in town was quoting me $ 540.00, or half of what I ended up paying at Melika. I had 100 miles to use for tow from Triple-​A, then would have to pay 20 more miles at $ 10 p/​mile to get to the desert, the logistics just didn’t work out, had to discard that plan.
I was referred by Melika to a rental car agency that has preferred rates, but only if you don’t go over the mileage. I live in Palm Springs, about 130 miles east, my bill was over $ 70 for one day rental.
I will say the owner is a super nice guy who took some time early Saturday to work on my car. Just the price was extremely high, was a bit shocked and feel taken advantage of.

I’ve been going here since before Unilocal was invented. My family members go here, I have no hesitancy in recommending him to friends.
Morad, or Mike, owns and runs the shop which was originally established by his father. It is a true family business and he takes pride in it — rightfully so.
He is quick, reliable and skilled. He will take the time to explain everything to you and will never, ever talk down to you. (Being female I’ve experienced that a lot in a variety of car places. Not this one.)
You can trust in his work to be done correctly and reliably. He is very aware of time and does everything he can to make your visit as speedy as possible.
Over the years Morad has become like family — not something you would expect from a mechanic!
I would recommend him any time for anything for any make or model with absolutely no hesitation.

I moved far out of the area where Melika is located, yet I still go out of my way to get my car looked at-​and serviced-​by him.
Yes, I still hate cars, but Melika is the one true, honest mechanic out there, especially for the ladies-​or even some of you guys-​who don’t really understand the mechanisms and components that go into our hulking metal vehicles that cost us so much money.
His enthusiasm makes me want to take better care of my car, almost! He was referred to me years ago by a trusted companion, so I’m happy to say he has followed through on his word.
Until I move back to that city where a car is not required, I’ll continue to go to Melika European Motors, even though I no longer drive a European (Piece-​of-​S*** German made) car.

If you are looking for a trustworthy resource that will care for your car (s) as much if not more than you do already, then you need not look any further than Morad Melika. My wife and I feel so fortunate that we were referred to Melika many years ago. He has taken such good care of our cars that I can not even begin to put a value on the benefits he has provided us. I concur with the many positive Unilocal comments from others who have their cars serviced at Melika Motors. Morad [and his family] are the best you can find!

I literally joined Unilocal so I could write a review of Mike Melika.
HE IS AMAZING.
Mike is not one of those lame mechanics who sizes you up as a small blonde lady driving a BMW who knows nothing about cars and therefore he can tell you you need a system flush, a new this, a fixed that, etc., and send you on your way with a $ 1500 bill every few months.
I used to have one of those mechanics, only I didn’t realize it until I came to Mike. My intuition must have known, though, because after dropping at least a grand EVERY TIME I went to my old mechanic, I thought maybe it was time to try someone new.
I have a ’97 BMW 540i named Stella, and because she’s a BMW, repairs on her are already expensive because parts are so much more than for other cars. Plus, she’s a bit older! You know – she’s a broad.
Mike Melika treats my car the way I do – with love, respect and a whole lotta know-​how I don’t have.
Thorough and detail-​oriented (to the point of OCD perhaps) doesn’t begin to describe. I once asked him if I needed new tires b/​c my old mechanic had said I would in the spring, and Mike went around the whole car checking and said he’d already double-​checked the alignment in his diagnostic, and I didn’t need new tires based on what he’d seen and blah blah blah (I don’t remember everything he said because it was v. detailed and car-​parts-​oriented and stuff, but basically, HE IS SO THOROUGH he should get an award.)
Anything he takes out and replaces, he keeps the old broken thing & shows me when I come back to get my car.
He ALWAYS WASHES MY CAR FOR ME when he does work! That alone is worth something for sure!
I’d say don’t go to him for just an oil change because THAT is expensive (I think mine was like $ 200 b/​c I use synthetic oil, and he’s $ 150/​hr). You can get a cheaper one somewhere else.
BUT, for everything else, Mike Melika is my man.
YES, take your car to him.

Mike is super friendly, Always runs everything by you, and gives different options on solutions etc, before starting any work etc. Super efficient, great service, like the good ol days! It is great finding a trust worthy mechanic, I would not think of going anywhere else. Thank you Mike.

Three hours ago my wife called and said our Toyota Sienna wouldn’t start. Since we’d recently replaced the battery, I was concerned it might be the starter. AAA came out and couldn’t get the car started so she asked that the car be towed to Melika European Motors.
I called Melika as the van was being towed and explained that we were supposed to leave town this afternoon. They called my wife to get more details from her about the issue, they ordered the starter and gave her a loaner car so she can go home and continue getting ready for our trip.
About 15 minutes ago, my wife got a call letting her know that the car was ready and they were dropping it off so she could continue getting ready for our trip!
Melika European Motors took an unhappy issue and made us feel great! We’re customers for life!

Mike is a gem in the auto world. Trustworthy, hardworking and direct. He’ll tell you straight what needs to be fixed, why, how much and how long you have until you need to do it. In some cases he talked me down from getting more expensive work done and really helped think through what made the most sense for me. I’d give him Six stars if I could.

Hand down Mike is the BEST!!! He is honest, knowledgable and does the best job EVER! I highly recommend Melika Motors for any car repair. I bring Mike my BMW 135i. I will forever be loyal!
Thank You Mike!!!

I recently drove from Portland to LA and noticed along the way my E30 was having trouble keeping the temp down. Mike (friendly and super knowledgeable) diagnosed the problem in no time (busted fan clutch) and took care of it quickly. Hopefully I don’t have to go back anytime soon but if I do, I feel 100% at ease having this guy work on my car.

If I could give 10 stars I would.
Mike is without question a solid, knowledgable mechanic. He knows cars and always looks at the full picture before having you incur one cent. He wants to make sure that before you even decide to have any work done, you understand what the issue is, what needs to be done and why. This alone gets Mike a Unilocal 5-​Star rating. What puts him into the 10-​Star stratosphere is that he is truly a good person. I am longtime client of Mike’s and what has always impressed me is his integrity and genuine concern for those he encounters. There are hundres of great mechanics out there, I’m sure. What sets Mike apart from all others is his strength in character, true concern for others and his honor. I know, I know… this is an odd sort of write up to provide for someone servicing your vehicle, right? Sounds more like a Unilocal review for a Superhero… but for me and my family, that’s exactly what he is and the bonus is that he happens to know cars like no one else.

Very helpful on the coolant/​distilled water tip. Good info. Thanks!

I have a BMW 3 series. Driving back from Palm Springs, thermostat and water failed. I rode in an awesome tow truck for an awesome 105 miles back to LA on an awesome Sunday. First thing in the morning I start calling around shops to help me out. No one can take me until end of the week, including all of the highly rated BMW repair places on Unilocal. Finally one gave me a referal to Mike and Melka Motors. I had driven by this little shop a million times and never knew it was there. He took me in Thrusday and his price quote was lower than anyone else I called.
I took it in and Mike was very professional and straightforward with me. He explained the possible scenarios in as much detail as I wanted and seemed very legitimate. I left the car there and the next day he called me to pick it up. I got a ride there and he went over all the work that had been done, showed me the parts he took out and where they actualy failed mechanically and electrically, showed me the settings on my dash that he reset and adjusted. He washed the car, vaccummed it, gave me a calendar and was just a super honest, hard-​working, knowledgable guy. The kind that are hard to find.
I waited to write this review because I drove out of state for Christmas and wanted to see how the car functioned on the highway long distance and back. Well I’m back in LA and the car runs like new! Mike did a fantastic job, made me feel good, made my car feel good, gave me a good and fair price and I’m a happy driver now.
Great mechanic. Take your car here, you wont be sorry.

If you want an honest and straightforward mechanic, look no further than Melika Motors. You will not be disappointed.

Melika Motors is AMAZING. I got a recommendation to visit this shop from a friend and I’m so happy I did! Just like the other posters, I had an incredibly positive experience with Mike. The service is top-​notch, Mike is incredibly informed and educated me about everything that was happening with my car and charged a very fair price. I don’t even have a European car, and he took care of my Honda perfectly! Go here for a great auto-​shop experience!!!

So impressed with this place. Came in last minute… I was under the gun… handled my automotive issues quickly and for a fair amount. Washed the Coop! I think I’ve found my mechanic!

Quick and honest, one of the best mechanics for my Mini-​Cooper!

Mike Melika is an outstanding mechanic (and person). He is widely considered the most skilled and knowledgeable mechanic in Venice (and maybe LA for that matter). People travel from all over the city to see him.
He is kind, knowledgeable, skilled, honest and talented.
What I especially like about Mike is he is 100% honest. He explains everything about what’s wrong with your car. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of every make, model, year, etc. He tells you what’s wrong, what caused the problem, what will cause problems in the future. And he has often recommended that I NOT make a repair in order to save money. He also pretty much always perfectly estimates what will happen.
If you don’t like feeling that maybe your mechanic is taking you for a ride, then Mike Melika is a great place for you.
The only downside is that labor costs here are a bit more expensive. So maybe don’t bring in your car for an oil change (although Mike will probably kindly recommend that himself). Probably the most fair way to characterize this point is: you get what you pay for.
I unreservedly give Mike Melika and his European Motors my most enthusiastic and passionate endorsement. (And I’m not one who does this lightly).