Where do I begin. Took me a long time to make this review. I took my 2017 Chevy traverse in and I told them I believe my transmission was shuttering (troubleshooting) and for an oil change. They told me it was my engine mounting bolts, $1300 later, still shuttering and was 100 percent my transmission and not my engine mounting bolts. They also were a quart short on oil when they did my service. My oil light came on shortly after getting it and I almost thought I was leaking oil or something but nope, just low oil and I added some and it’s been great ever since. I was also given a quote for a smog over the phone and they tried charging me about $10 more in person. They did honor over the phone pricing but what the heck. They have done me dirty so many times and it’s sad not to be able to trust a small local shop like this. They were too busy to care and scammed me.
⭐ 1 Star (Zero if I could)
Zero stars if it were possible. Very disappointing and dishonest experience at Pine Valley Alpine. Jose have no shame at all.
I went in for a smog check and paid $79. My truck failed for minor issues that were easy to fix. They said they could handle it, so I left my truck there. After two days, they never touched the vehicle and Jose called me and say they are working in your truck NOT TRUE !
Jose then called and suggested me thsr I needed to replace the catalytic converter,When I questioned him, he changed his story and blamed me, Just excuses. The truck only needed a simple fix and cleaning.
Then Jose charged me $168 for an “evaluation fee” even though no real work was done. Absolutely NOTHING then I took my truck to another mechanic and they fixed everything in 2 hours. No catalytic converter needed.
I will never come back. Zero stars if possible.
Went in today for a smog test . They did a great job and very nice guys . I called before I went in to be sure they had availability . Got it done while I waited . I will be back .
This place always seems like it is overcrowded, but the team here always managed to get my vehicles in and completed. They have been my go-to smog shop for years now.
We blew a belt while traveling to San Diego, and they were able to fix it in time for us to catch our flight! Great people, great service, and, to boot, a beautiful location to wait while they work. Can't recommend enough!!
I woke up to a flat tire with a giant screw in it. I called Pine Valley Auto Repair and they said to come right in.
They fixed it right away and I was in/out in less than an hour.
They were great!
They are very helpful and dependable. I had a car in my garage that needed to be towed to nearby mechanic. They took me in the next day, looked it over, found multiple electrical issues and referred me to the dealer for work to be done in a more timely manner. I appreciated the honesty and they worked with me to keep my car there overnight when the scheduled tow truck didn’t arrive during business hours. They had great communication throughout the whole ordeal. I would trust and recommend them to work on your car.
Had my car towed in because it wouldn't start, in no time at all my car is running again and they filled my tires! Excellent service from there Pine Valley Auto Repair team! They've gained my loyalty ?
I've been doing business with Joe for over 30 years, whether you know everything about cars or nothing about cars, Joe will treat you right. He's been in Alpine so long that our kids are now doing business with each other, you can trust his integrity and his expertise without question, a rarity in business these days...
Jose & Juan are good, honest folks who do a great job at a fair price. We've entrusted our vehicle maintenance to them for the past couple of years and have been pleased with the services rendered and appreciate the lack of "up-sell" for services not requested or required.
I had an alternator replaced here for a 2005 Honda Odyssey. They charged $800
total, which I knew was outrageous. Some time later we notice the headlights flashing on the vehicle.
I decide to go back to A & H (Acura and Honda) specialist in Kearney Mesa who I have used for years. They tell me that the van is running at 15 volts, when it should be around 13 volts, and replacement will cost $450.
So, Pine Valley auto repair installed the wrong alternator in a common vehicle and basically charged double to do it.
If you need car repairs, drive down to Kearney Mesa, get a hotel, & go out to dinner. You will still save money, and not have the wrong part installed.
Of the two auto repair shops in Alpine I prefer Pine Valley. The guys are friendly and knowledgeable and (not important to their repairs but) they have a neat bug collection in the waiting room. I'm sure you could find a cheaper shop if you went into El Cajon or La Mesa but for those of us in the San Diego back country area it's worth not having to travel too far west.
I am forever grateful to the guys at Pine Valley Auto! We broke down on our way to San Diego and ended up stranded in Alpine for a night. Thankfully the guys here got us right in once they opened in the morning. They were quick and reasonably priced. They got the job done quickly and got us back on track for our vacation!
Weary traveler passing through and JC dropped everything to quickly repair my vehicle and get me back on the road at a very reasonable price. I was deeply grateful and highly recommend Pine Valley Auto
Went in for my Smog check for my tags. Every other “Star” smog station I have been to, charges $25-$29 for the check, unless it doesn’t pass then they don’t charge. I am a quadriplegic an on disability, so on fixed income. So when I come back to see if it passed or if I need to have something done first. The technician tells me it didn’t pass and he would show me why on the print out. Then he asks me how do I want to pay the $61.98? I asked him what I was being charged for? He charged me for some diagnostic check, but wouldn’t charge me again if I had the repairs done by them! “Wow seriously?” What a rip-off place! I have never, ever had a auto repair place rip me off like that before! Ever and I am almost 60. Warning everyone I know, stay away from Pine Valley Auto in Alpine! Family Auto is awesome!!
They charged me for work that they didn't do. Got my car back and it still didn't work. Took it to another shop and they told me that the part had not been replaced and charged me less than pine valley. I called pine valley and they said parts can be defective and that they would replace for free. The owner later called me and said that there was a mistake and that no one actually fixed the car and that I was charged for repairs that never took place. I had to argue to get my money back. They had my car for 2 weeks and everyday I had to call them for an update. Horrible repair shop. Do not go to this place. If I could give 0 stars I would
Talk about honest mechanics, I've brought both my Explorer Sport and Cooper Sport to this shop for going on 3 years and Juan and his crew all do excellent work. The folks here try to save the customer as much money as possible and the service is pretty timely. Even when making small talk with other people waiting for repairs, we all just cant say enough of how highly our thoughts are on the service received at this shop.
Took my car here for some work to be done. After having the brakes replace they noticed a few other things that we didn't notice. So we had them fix the leaking axle seals. Was very happy with the work performed by the guys here. I will definitely bring my car back when it needs something else.
These guys are extremely kind and helped us immensely in an extremely timely fashion. They understood our problem quickly and they were very accommodating. Couldn’t have asked for better service and a very reasonable price.
Worst place to go, they overcharged my dad. He ended up paying over $500 for a repair they didn't even fix. He went in for a smog check, the truck didn't pass and they still charged him (other places don't charge if you don't pass), charged him $100 for the diagnostics, then more to fix the supposed problem. Problem wasn't fixed, so they charged another $100 for another diagnostics plus the repair, and once again the problem was not fixed. Ended up being over $500 in total. Decided to take the truck somewhere else, and they fixed the issue, truck passed the smog test, all for $80. Thanks a lot! Will never be back again.
Exemplary work at excellent prices. My new local go-to!
Follow-up: Have now taken multiple vehicles here for both help figuring out what is going on and to get repairs beyond my ability, or available tools. I would not hesitate to recommend this shop to anyone. Juan rocks!
Unfortunately we had a very poor experience here. My vehicle broke down while traveling and this was our first stop. It was obvious immediately when we pulled in that they were unwilling to help. Another recommendation or some customer service would have been useful.
My daughter's car broke down at Laguna camp ground and towing company took the car there. I was afraid they might try to rip us off but it was totally opposite. Jose was courteous and honest. The repair price was absolutely reasonable too. Thank you for taking care of our car.
