Del Mar Car Care in
Corona del Mar (CA)

I took my car for scheduled maintenace and no known issues with the car. When I received the report (and was told verbally) that there was a half inch tear in a bushing and they could not rotate that tire because of it. I took my car back to the Subaru dealership for a second opinion and was advised that tear was very small, so much so they would never suggest a repair. He said it was less than a quarter inch tear (see photo and full video is available). I feel like Del Mar gave disinformaiton in an attempt to charge me for an unnecessary repair. Screenshot of Del Mar indicating a 1/2 inch busing tear. The screenshot is from a saved video from the Subaru dealership indicating a very small tear less than 1/4 inch and no repair is indicated.

I have been taking my three cars to Del Mar Car Care for several years and have been extremely happy with their superior service and competitive pricing.

CC: Shaun Anderson & Inspection Crew I brought my 2021 Jeep Rubicon in because it was shaking at freeway speeds, which I believed to be the beginning of the classic Jeep “death wobble.” I’m not the type of person to leave negative reviews, but my experience at this shop raised more flags than a NASCAR pit lane. They listed an unusually long laundry list of problems that were very suspicious. Shocks (front & rear) – $950 Steering damper – $379 Steering linkage – $1,500 Alignment – $150 Tire replacement – $1,600+ Brake fluid service – $150–$235 (Jiffy Lube checked my brake fluid right after and said it was perfectly within normal range. No flush needed.) Out of all these issues, the one that stood out as particularly suspicious was the recommendation to replace the steering linkage for $1,500. This didn’t line up with normal wear on a 2021 Rubicon with 40,000 miles unless it’s been lifted, used for towing, or running oversized tires (mine is none of the above). Probably the biggest red flag of all red flags… “Do you want a lift with that?” Which was said as casually as if I were just being asked whether I wanted to supersize my order to a large Coke and fries. For context, I’m a 120 lb female who does not off-road, so no, I don’t need or want a lift kit, Shaun🥴 A reputable shop would make sure your suspension is stable first, not try to modify it further. This alone was not economically justified nor reflective of a service department acting in the customer’s best interest. To top it off, I didn’t even receive an official printed quote, they had us scribble the prices down on a random scrap of paper. Nothing says “trust us” like the back-of-a-napkin treatment. I took my vehicle to Pep Boys, it was a $35 inspection fee vs. a scamming $225 at this shop. Pep Boys also didn’t magically “discover” a catastrophic steering failure, nor did they recommend replacing everything but the VIN number. If you go anywhere for service, insist on seeing the issues with your own eyes. Ask for photos. Ask for evidence. Get a second opinion, preferably from someone who isn’t trying to turn your daily commute into their commission. Do better, bros. 👋

Each visit to Del Mar Auto Care was a pleasure! Expert diagnosis and repair advice at competitive pricing!! If your vehicle needs simple or more involved services, bring it to this shop; you won’t be disappointed!

Shaun and crew are a delight to work with. Great communication and amazing service. First class all the way!

When I had a issue with our Honda Fit, I was directed to Del Mar Car Care. Our vehicle was repaired with professional expertise, actually going the extra mile to ensure that the repair was of the highest quality. Excellence service team!

My experience at Del Mar Car Care is consistently excellent, professional, friendly and best of all they take great care of my car. I highly recommend Del Mar Car Care!

We have hired these master mechanics for our two cars since 1998. They have integrity, honesty, and high- level skills. I’m so grateful for this business.

My 2002 BMW which I purchased new is still in great shape thanks to the care and skill of the mechanics at this garage. The staff is helpful and kind.

Del Mar Car Care has serviced all five of our family cars for many years. They are Honest, knowledgeable, and reasonably priced. They consistently provide expert service. I highly recommend them!

I had a mini car emergency in the area and brought it here for a quick fix. The staff were so kind and generous. They helped me immediately and didn’t even charge me since it was so minor. Really great service, I highly recommend you coming here. Thanks Sean and everyone at Del Mar Car Care!

We have been using Del Mar Car Care since the early 2000s--throughout that time we have had six different cars. Every step of the way, Del Mar Car Care has provided excellent service, advice, and insight at affordable prices. Most of the work we have done has been basic maintenance, but inevitably there will be problems that crop up. Our most recent issue was representative of the sound advice DM Car Care gives us, as well as their integrity. A known defect in our engine (but no recall initiated) required a very expensive repair. DM Car Care spent a lot of time figuring this out and ultimately suggested we take the car to the dealer because it was 6 months out of warranty but only had 23,000 miles. They advised us to see if the manufacturer would provide a goodwill repair. The manufacturer did indeed give us a good deal on the repair. At all times, Del Mar Car Care went the extra mile to give us the information we needed, provide insight and support, and work in our best interest. Highly recommend!

We recently had the team look over a 2016 Mazda CX-5 that we are shipping to the east coast for a family member. They did a thorough and professional evaluation and completed the recommended repairs in a timely fashion. We can now ship the car with confidence. We have had multiple vehicles serviced and repaired at Del Mar Car Care over the year. We recommend the team without reservation.

Del Mar Car Care does good work but is expensive. They charged $327 for an oxygen sensor that can be found on-line for about $80. They charged $97 for labor to install it. However, when I found it deep under the engine, I think they had the amounts reversed. $97 for the sensor and $327 for the labor makes more sense. They also changed the transmission fluid including the filter. They do things in a timely manner, update me on expenses and do a complete job.

Thank you Del Mar Car Care for your careful care of my older car. I had rodent damage and they took care of it by replacing wiring. The shop is clean; the gentlemen were polite and congenial. Thank you for your honesty! :)

Another great experience at Del Mar Car Care. My truck is my everything vehicle. I've put 80,000 miles in 4 years and some of them hard off-road. The truck doesn't go to the dealership because there is no shop I trust more than this one. Thanks fellas!

Took my car here for a check-up before road-tripping to CO. WORTH IT! As a single woman, it can be intimidating to take your car to a shop, but they made me feel 100% welcome and comfortable. Like my dad would be happy I took my car here. Sure, a littttle more expensive than your typical shop, but it’s worth the top-notch service and peace of knowing you didn’t get ripped off. Will be back. Thanks guys!!

I don't live in the area, but if I did, these guys would be my mechanics. I was visiting from out of town when a belt broke. This was the closest shop to where I was. They were so accommodating. Felt very comfortable the. Currently trying to decide if I should just get a new car, or let Bernadette rest (she has a couple hundred thousand miles on her). I definitely feel better informed with their help.

I noticed a large grating sound from the front end of my car every time I went over a speed bump this past weekend. I brought my car to Del Mar Car Care this morning just as they opened; I did not have an appointment. They put it up on a lift, fixed it within 15 minutes and sent me on my way with no charge... and I'd never been there before. Such friendly, professional service. I will most definitely be back to give them my business.

I took a Jeep I was thinking about buying in for a pre-purchase inspection and had them fix a few things they found. Also had them take a look at my older Accord. Lots of people can fix cars, so I judge shops on their ability to help me understand what they've seen and what they recommend so I feel confident deciding what to do, or to defer as the case may be. In all my interactions with Del Mar Car Care, I've found Matt and the team incredibly forthcoming and trustworthy. They make things make sense, and do what they say they'll do, when they say they'll do it. Highly recommend!

Strange experience at Del Mar Care. I needed the headlight assembly on my Toyota replaced and I took the car there for an evaluation. These guys said they would research the part and let me know. I have called multiple times for a week and they keep promising the estimate. Yesterday they said I would have the estimate by COB- yet nothing. This is strange since my other interactions with this shop have been great.

These guys were awesome. I had my car towed to this shop after experiencing smoke coming from the front. Even with them being short staffed and having a major backup of vehicles, Dalton was kind enough to take on the project and was able to fix it up within a day of dropping the car off. Dalton was up front and honest in our conversation regarding potential time frames on when my car would be fixed, depending on the severity of damage. I would 10/10 recommend these guys any day knowing I will get good, honest work done on my vehicle.

Top notch work! I don’t take my vehicles anywhere else whether it’s service of custom build work. They did my overland build to the next level! Thanks!

Shaun and Bill are awesome, personable, professionals with a delightful admin- who will take your initial call, drive you if necessary to or from your home. Del Mar Car Care has knowledgeable mechanics. They are caring individuals, who will assess your vehicle in a timely manner, do the repairs at a reasonable cost in a friendly atmosphere. I recommend Del Mar Car Care to anyone who's looking for quality work by an established business (a pillar in our community). I've been a patron for over 10 years.

Had a carli suspension and 4, 37 inch grapplers installed on my ram 3500 solid team working on my truck although I dont live in california anymore would recommend 100%.

I was recommended to Del Mar Care Care for my high end suspension installation. Shaun was Awesome! He handled the ordering of my Carli System and it is awesome! Now they are now handling my bumper, winch, lights and electrical power management. This is a one stop shop and I highly recommend Del Mar Car Care!

Shaun and Bill are penultimate car professionals! My BMW has never run better and my recent 4 wheel alignment improved ride and handling. Excellent value and marvellous service.