Been going to Harbor Auto for years now. Mike is down to earth and great with my entire Family and friends. Jobs are extremely reasonable and so are the prices. I recommend anyone who needs help with there vehicle to get it done at Harbor Auto.
This review is for the the girlies who don't know much about cars. Every time I take my car somewhere to get worked on, I feel like they're speaking to me in a completely different language. Failed head gasket? mmmmk. Water pumps broken? don't know what that means. Catalytic converter's doin something wrong. I guess fix it? All of this comes together to makes me a great candidate to rip off. HOWEVER, Harbor Auto has been the only place where I don't have that fear. Michael is straight forward and honest and seems like he genuinely wants to do the work with integrity at the best price possible. All this to say, this girlie feels thankful to have found a shop she can trust.
I called 15 different shops before taking it here. I had all 4 of my brakes replaced and serpentine belt replaced.
I decided on this place because it was:
A. Even though they were busy, they were easy to get in to, I called them and they got me in the very next day (even though they said they could fit me in the same day still).
B. Down to earth - Mike was really easy to talk to, friendly & relatable - he answered any and all questions I had.
C. I trusted my car with them, and I’m glad I did. He’s a problem solver and truly wants to help. He got me in the very same day I needed help. He went above and beyond, taking a ride with me to identify the problem (sounds) I was hearing and wanted to be looked at.
If you want to be treated fairly, not have to worry about your issues, and you’re wondering where to take your car stop wondering and just take it to these guys -> Michael will take care of you.
Mike must get sick and tired of hearing “you’re the best” all the time because he truly is.
I was recommended here by a good friend. I won't go anywhere else to get my Honda CRV serviced! It's the best in quality repairs, maintenance and friendliness, thanks to Michael and the team of workers.
Walked up to some guy asked him if I could speak to somebody about getting some work done. Look at me like if I was crazy like if I walked into a candy shop asking for tires. Also, you need an appointment that's a huge zero.
The owner, Michael, was very kind and honest. Southcoast Toyota tried a scare tactic on my car, I went to him with their exaggerated quote and he not only took the time to check out my car but also showed me the “supposed” problem spots that Southcoast Toyota tried to scare me with. Said it wasn’t an urgent fix like they made it seem. The suspension bolts did not shear/break as they claimed and he showed me where they were located under my car and took the time to educate me. I read Yelp reviews before going, and as a female wanting to feel safe and not get ripped off, he reassured me and did not charge for his time. I’m a converted lifelong customer. Will be going back in a few weeks for oil change, transmission, new tires (he doesn’t do tires but will hook it up through his referral). Love that I’ve found my one stop shop! Thank you for your kindness and giving me faith in humanity! Female customers on Yelp swayed my decision to pick his shop over others, their reviews about making us feel comfortable was spot on!
Decades of experience dealing with various auto mechanics, and nobody beats Harbor Auto. Nobody. Best work, trustworthy and honest service, good prices, and did I say honest? Let me say it again. I now live almost an hour away, and I will still take my car there and rent a car if necessary. Thank you for the many years of service!!
Got my brakes and oil changed for my Suburban. Ask for Mike he’s a great guy, the shop is also extremely clean and comfortable for being a mechanic, they obviously take pride in what they do. 10/10 recommend
I was quoted $7k by South Coast Toyota to get several things fixed on my car which they assured me were imperative. After a few months of searching for a new car, being that I didn’t want to put $7k into my current one, I figured I would get a second opinion. I selected Harbor Auto because it was nearby— I knew nothing about them before coming in. After only a few minutes on the phone, I had an appointment set same day. I returned a few hours later, and they had completed their inspection of my vehicle. They walked me underneath the car, showing me what the dealership was referring to, and told me that they were glad I came by before paying the outlandish price. Out of the laundry list of items Toyota told me I had, Harbor Auto only identified one which was immediately needed. They told me I can come in any day next week to get it repaired…. $300. Inspection free.
Unfortunately, this kind of honesty and transparency doesn’t exist much in America anymore. I’m no car guy, but I am going to find every way possible to line these guys pockets! Couldn’t recommend this shop more.
Needed a front bearing replaced. They asked for it to be dropped it off first thing. Not long afterward they called to say they recommended replacing the hub, too. Still got the car back by the end of the day.
Good communication, fair pricing. Been a customer for a couple of years now.
My son and I both use Harbor Auto Service Center for all of our car repair needs. We are so pleased with the high level of service and expertise. Excellent location, fast repairs, very experienced mechanics. Michael Pavone is the friendly manager, and Swim is the best mechanic on Earth!
We took my daughter’s 2013 Ford Explorer in for a transmission flush and to rotate the tires. It was our first time here and we had the best experience! They were upfront on the cost over the phone and while the vehicle was there we received a call recommending front brakes. I hadn’t even asked them to check the brakes and felt grateful that they had inspected them. We did the transmission flush, front brakes, and a tire rotation, it was done the same day and it was less than what we were quoted! Everyone was very polite to us and we felt well taken care of! Don’t hesitate bringing your vehicle here!
I took my Kia to Jesse at Harbor Auto Service Center in Costa Mesa because Firestone and Kia of Irvine couldn't figure out what was wrong with my car. It only took Jeese two days to figure out what the problem was: the crankshaft censor. Thankful I found this place. It is a bit of a drive from my house, but it is worth the drive. I highly recommend this place.
These guys are great! Been to them for a few things and they always take care of me and my cars and are honest with me. Haven’t ever felt taken advantage of before, which is a big deal in this area/being a woman! They were accurate with their diagnosis with my last car and its problems so I ended up selling it and they’ve taken care of my new to me car too! Took in my Lexus to get check engine light figured out and they told me everything they did and what they figured out. When I went to pick it up they also told me they found a nail and my tire and plugged that too! Solid, friendly, and reputable business! Hope they always stay that way :)
This auto shop was recommended by multiple community groups on Facebook and I went here a few months ago to get my Honda serviced. Great customer service and prices. The mechanic even showed me up close the damage I had done to my car and explained exactly what had to be replaced and done to fix everything. I appreciated the insight and seeing the problems he pointed out. I thought I just needed my break pads replaced but I had worn in my pads so badly it caused a lot of damage to my car (it was obvious after the mechanic took the wheel and parts off and showed me). So I had to get more replaced than originally expected but it was definitely needed. Would recommend this mechanic to anyone, will go back again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic customer service, outstanding communication, and genuinely superb pricing. I could not be happier with my experience as they were fast and respectful. Absolutely will be returning if I have more car troubles
John was able to accommodate us at the last minute and thoroughly look over a car we were about to purchase. From a road test to lifting the vehicle and inspecting the frame, brakes, fluids, etc, Harbor Auto was able to confirm the car was solid. Thank you Harbor Auto for allowing us to buy with confidence!
Those people are awesome super friendly fast honest and very reasonable price even if I came walk-in and alone as an Asian female. No fake reviews like the most of other places has. Solid business. I love the professionalism. Did my overdue oil change too and it was decent price too. Thank God this place is right by my house. Highly recommend this place.
Had a blown power steering hose, brought it to Harbor Auto Service and they were able to get me in and back out quickly and easily. Great service and easy to deal with. The hose was pricey, but within the range I expected, nothing to complain about.
I'll be coming back here for the quality and speed of service.
I had taken my 2015 Nissan Senta to Surf City Nissan and I spent tons of time with them working on my vehicle and they just seemed clueless. They were trying to scam me and charge me thousands of dollars.
I took my car to Harbor Auto Service to Johnny and his team. Let me just say... BEST SERVICE EVER. These guys treated me like family, lots of communication, they fixed my issue and didn't charge me an arm and a leg for it. Everything about this shop was great. I will bring any of my vehicles here from now on and I'd recommend them to anyone.
If you want your car fixed properly, be treated with respect and not get ripped off. This is the place to go.
Always done right the first time! John and Mike know the business, order directly the original equipment for whatever kind of car you have. They're honest and known for not doing things that are absolutely essential for your car to be maintained at the highest level. If you like getting more for your money at Harbor Auto. I've been taking ourjjjj cars there since the 90s
Arturo is the best!! I broke down in California visiting family but I live in Texas now and needed a new transmission and he got me out of there in like 3 days! I was back on the road in no time. He was trustworthy and super friendly! His work is amazing and I highly recommend him!
I know John and Mike personally. I know they are highly experienced. Their techs are experienced and everyone knows what they are doing. I delivered parts to this shop and I could clearly see they treat their customers with fairness and respect. I highly recommend these guys. You can trust their knowledge and their sincerity in taking care of every customer. I've spoken to other customers and have heard the conversations and it's obvious that their customers are happy.
Everyone at this shop is very friendly and super knowledgeable! Loved their transparency and efficiency with getting diagnostic and repair work complete. Took my car in for a brake and fluid leak inspection and they had my car ready within hours with a full report on what needed to be replaced, how much it will cost, and how urgent each of those repairs were. Highly recommend!
When my wife and I left this business we both said, now we know why they are rated so high. I came in with a "check engine light" issue. In a matter of 10 minutes my problem had been diagnosed and addressed. When I asked how much I owed the one mechanic said $600. After we all had a good laugh I was on my way. This is what you call exceptional customer service.
I love this place. Mike and John are very knowledgeable about all cars. They get the work done quickly and the prices are more than reasonable. I have never had a problem - have been going there for years. I feel like I’m taking my car in to have a good friend work on it. Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable.
harbor auto was recommended to me from a 4runner forum. Amazing experience from start to finish. Personable, professional, knowledgeable. Came in for maintenance light and some 15-a work. Quote was exactly what I paid. Today when I picked up the car my 4 year old who is very into vars was with me and they showing him how to use various tools and gave him a quick look around the shop. Definitely found our forever auto techs for all our family vehicles.
I've been to do many places and been hit with crazy high bills and it didn't even seem like those other shops did anything. After being serviced at Harbor auto everything I asked for was actually fixed and my 4runner is rocking.
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