I'm so thankful to Joe and the team at 1st Class Auto for fixing a dent on my BMW X3 and making it look like new again. Somebody backed into my car when I was at work and left this large dent on the driver's side of my car. I was referred to Joe by the dealership where I bought my car. 1st Class Auto is truly a hidden gem when it comes to body repair in San Diego. I recommend this shop to everybody I know! They will take good care of your vehicle. read more

1st Class Auto Body & Paint - After - Body Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Hello, I was rear ended (hit and run) the tail lights, rear end, and rear quarter panels had significant damage. 1st class auto did part replacement, bodywork sanding and painting. It actually looked as good as new! V/R, Jason Balavram read more

See all

My car came out BEAUTIFUL! Please don't ever hesitate to bring all your collision and paint needs to Joe and his crew. I wouldn't trust my Maserati to anyone else but 1st Class! read more

See all

Auto body repair is not the most fun thing to spend your hard-earned money on. But you have to do it, contact Joe at 1st Class ABP. He literally went the extra miles. When he picked up my Kia Optima at my house it was a jalopy, I'm sure my wife was ashamed to be seen in it. When he dropped it off it was like new, and even has the new car smell (though you can't smell it in the pictures below). I was directed to 1st Class by a larger body shop that doesn't support cars older than 10 years old, and could not be more grateful. Joe did everything to optimize price and speed of the project and kept me up to date with updates and photos. By the way, I called two other nearby body shops and they would not make a house call to provide an estimate--but Joe did! I love supporting an excellent small, local, family-owned business in the Clairemont/Convoy neighborhood and you will too. read more

See all

Joe was amazing, really good price on all the work he did. Smoked my raptor taillights and gave me a quote of almost half price based off another quote from another body shop on painting my fender flares. Very fast and efficient work as well read more

1st Class Auto Body & Paint - Painted side flares as well as smoked taillights - Body Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

I got a few quotes but Joe from 1st Class Auto Body and Paint provided the lowest one. [[HIGHLIGHT]]He seemed very enthusiastic and personable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I picked up my car today and I would say that his team did a great job! The paint matched well (Grey Honda) and you can't tell if something had ever happened. He also provided a limited lifetime warranty on the paint job along with documentation to go with it. His team also washed the car before I took delivery which was a nice touch. Overall, I would recommend them for their services and I wish Joe well growing his small business. read more

Brought my Lexus RX330 here for a bumper repair. Someone hit the corner while parking and the bumper definitely needed to be repaired. Joe was recommended by another body shop that didn't work on any vehicles over 10 years old. He was extremely cost efficient and did the work in 1 day. I am very pleased how it turned out and Joe was about 1/2 the cost that other body shops quoted. I would not hesitate to return. read more

I would give more stars if I could. Joe at First Class Auto Body & Paint did a phenomenal job on re-spraying the carbon fiber roof on my m6. Initially a wrap shop had consulted me and told me that the roof couldn't be saved and that they would have so sand away all the carbon fiber, fill it with bondo, then wrap over it. I brought my car to Joe and without hesitation he told me he could fix it. I was not expecting the fix to look this good though. This re-spray is show car worthy work!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Joe also kept me in the loop the entire time while he had my vehicle and finished the job in a detailed yet expeditious manner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I look forward to bringing the car back to him eventually to respray my car Indianapolis red. One step closer to a show car thanks to Joe!!! read more

See all

It did take some time but my paint job looks like GLASS, it looks like a toy car fresh out the packaging. If you're looking for an exceptional painter in San Diego there's no point for you to look any further. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The shop owner Joe is a man of his word and although there was some small issues throughout the process; Joe and his team made sure my car was beyond my expectations when I picked it up.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'd give them 6 stars if I could. read more

See all

UPDATE May 7, 2024: Previously, I wrote a glowing review on March 26, 2024, regarding repair to my 1992 Toyota Celica GT, driver's side rear-view mirror, which had been damaged in a parking garage. Note: I love my car and it is kept in beautiful condition. I get compliments all the time. I'm an old gal, but cherish my car! Last Thursday, May 2, 2024, the mirror was damaged again, ever so slightly. I called 'Joe' for help once again. He said he was busy, but if I would bring my car by, he'd take a look to see if he could fix it again. He said it might need a replacement mirror. So, I headed to his shop, and after a few blocks on the road, I heard a clunk, and noticed the mirror fell completely off, hanging by wires only. Previously, he had glued/cemented it back together and I personally feel that it wasn't a permanent solution, nor would it hold indefinitely. Parts are no longer available and are difficult to find. I definitely couldn't drive on the freeway and was thankful it happened near home. I again phoned 'Joe' and told him what happened, and that I could have it towed. He again said he was busy, but maybe Friday or Monday he would come by my home and look at it. Well, days went by and no word from Joe. I called him daily. One day he said he was w/a customer and would call me back, which he never did. After that, I would only get voice mail messages telling me to leave a message, which I did. I called on my landline phone (old school), my cell phone, and even wrote him an email including a message, pictures, and a request that he kindly phone me back. I never heard anything back from him. It is now Tuesday, May 7, 2024 late afternoon and nothing. March 26, 2024, upon completion of repair, Joe stated that there are good people in this world and God is good. He asked for a good review, which I did, a glowing one at that, and was glad to do that for him and his business. Today I am totally disheartened by his lack of response nor caring. I feel he has blown me off without a care in the world. All I asked for was a follow-through call back letting me know if he could fix my car. Totally disappointed!! Joe, you're only as good as your word, and this lack of response speaks volumes about you and your business!! Too bad! read more

1st Class Auto Body--The bridge between you, your family, your car, and your insurance company. An Excellent End to End Customer Experience & Restoration engagement! I want to be completely honest with you, the main reason 1st Class Auto Body provides an exceptional end to end customer experience and restoration is due to Joe Gonsalves' practice as an advocate and his family culture that he offered to myself and my family. Joe cares and places your needs first, especially above the needs of the insurance company and their cost saving recommendations. Joe became a trusted advisor who was not only consistent in his communication during each stage of the process, but his family culture provided the necessary support as an ally to weather the storm with the insurance company for over 3 months. Each step of the way, Joe was transparent and always willing to listen as well as schedule time to meet. In this instance, my parents needed their 1991 Toyota 4 Runner classic repaired after an accident. This car has deep sentimental value to the family and yet the reluctant insurance company and several body shops would not repair the car as it is older than ten years. However, through a mutual business we received an amazing referral to Joe's 1st Class Auto Body and Paint Shop and our family has no regrets at all. In fact, this has become our Auto Body and Paint Shop for our vehicles moving forward! To lead and operate an Auto Collision Body and Paint Shop, it's easy to assume that knowledge of, technical skills, and passion for automobiles are paramount to restoring your vehicle. However, it amazed me to learn that while backgrounds in Auto Body and Paint certainly add value, there is a skillset that is more critical, it's the ability to connect with people that matters most! Trust me, I have had my share of many Auto Body and Paint Shops in the past due to accidents and every single experience was very process oriented and lacked an authentic human connection. These negative customer touchpoints included phone, text, and email and in-person meetings. Joe does the total opposite by really taking the time to connect with people first and foremost and I think this is what it takes to be an exceptional leader in the Auto Body and Paint industry. Joe knows how to show up, how to collaborate, how to learn, how to grow, and how to be the best version of himself in order to show you a simplified path through an automobile claim process, body repair, or paint process. From the start, Joe acknowledged my family's emotions and listened intently, while providing a clear, concise, and positive solution for the family and car. Everything that Joe does is really about caring for his customers. He begins with us as clients to create a community and then creates change through an outcome that is tailored to our needs, wants, and desires. Operating an Auto Body and Paint Shop is complex, therefore Joe fosters a collaborative business to the customer environment. He surrounds himself with the best technicians, listens, and respects their expertise. All the while maintaining a state of the art facility that is clean, organized, maintained, and transparent. I have 100 percent faith that there is nothing Joe cannot restore. I truly believe that. Restoring, repairing, and painting is about people and bringing people together requires the ability to listen to all perspectives and be open to all ways of knowing. Be rest reassured you that if you choose 1st Class Auto Body with Joe, his goal is to not only to restore your vehicle before the collision or incident with his impeccable craftsmanship, but more importantly take you on an excellent end to end customer experience in restoring your vehicle and helping you orient in the repair process, while exceeding your expectations! Not to mention, Joe's services does not stop at finishing your car, his practice also includes a post-restoration experience with a follow-up to ensure that your vehicle is running in great condition. Thank you again Joe for your outstanding family culture, service, and craftsmanship and look forward to collaborating with you for many years to come! read more

1st Class Auto Body & Paint - 1st Class Auto Body & Paint, 1991 Toyota 4 Runner - Body Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing customer service and quality work that holds up. I highly recommend these guys for a first class experience!

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Joe and 1st class auto body are the absolute best of the best![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]He really took care of us when my husband was deployed and someone hit our vehicle.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] He gave us a smoking deal on a paint job and did the work in a timely manner. He did a great job with the repairs and made sure to give us our vehicle back looking brand new! He does amazing work and we value the fact that we have someone looking out for us. They're also a military friendly place! 10000000/10 recommend going to him for your repairs or paint needs! read more

1st Class Auto Body & Paint - Paint job looking amazing! - Body Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

While attempting to find a shop that could assist us in painting a small part for our vehicle, one of our stops lead us to 1st Class Auto Body & Paint. Joe Gonsalves, owner, assisted us in every step. Turnaround time was speedy. Cost of service was more than fair and work is impeccable. The shop is very clean. Staff is extremely professional and knowledgeable. If I could give 10 stars I would. I'll definitely recommend to friends and family. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Joe and his team are 1st class![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I own 2001 E320 I needed my front bumper replaced and had gotten my own bumper online, needed it painted and installed. Joe asked me to text a picture of my car and bumper told me to come in that day and had it done for me the next day! He gave me a great deal! He also polished my headlights for me for free ( I have had others polish before but not as good as they did!) and made my car look almost brand new! I also had a break light out before I left I asked him to help me see which side it was on so I could go get my own bulb and he went and got me a new bulb and popped it right in for me no additional cost! Excellent service and great team! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I can tell Joe cares very much about others and his team.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Great service from the guys at 1st Class, I stopped by after a Google search and they took me in with open arms and got my new bumper going asap. Paint match was perfect, highly recommend. read more

1st Class is now my number one, go-to, Body & Paint shop! I usually get three estimates before getting any car work done. But Joe Gondalves was so personable and the quality of work I saw at his family run shop so impressive, I immediately gave 1st Class Body & Paint my business. I'm glad I did!!! The work was beautiful!!! Thanks Joe! read more

Brought my car here b/c someone had scraped the corner of my car. Joe gave me an inspection and then a quote, while also outlining the process and the cost components. While he didn't have to, he also told me about a cheaper alternative, and offered to apply it on for me for free. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Excellent service and excellent man, 10/10 would come here if another issue were to happen with my car.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Wow! I cannot recommend 1st Class Auto Body more for your auto body services. Joe is beyond amazing and does exceptional work. Cannot be more happy with the results I received. Joe you are the best my man! Thank you! Keep up the phenomenal work you do! read more

Don't make the same mistake!! Picked up truck on 6/28 after being in the shop since 6/8. I was very anxious to get the truck back to say the least. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Joe said that if there are any problems just bring it back and he will take care of it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Had body work done to back passenger side and overall paint job. From first appearance the work seemed satisfactory but after time noticed issues. The brake lights were not working and they didn't properly put the molding back on the windshield. Also the spare tire assembly wasn't put back correctly. What really got me upset was a dent on the front driver side that was there and it wasn't when the truck was dropped off and when we told Joe he said it was when we brought the truck in, [[HIGHLIGHT]]he also said he would have an electrician come in on Monday July 8 and then he said make it Wednesday the 10th and I will let you know what time.. Never got back to me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ended going elsewhere to have it repaired. Beware when you get work done with Joe, take pictures of your vehicle before you drop off and don't pay until you are 100% satisfied with the work. read more

See all

Several weeks ago, I brought my 2015 GT-R to Joe @ 1st Class Auto Body. He promised to make it perfect, and that I would be very happy with the finished product. He didn't follow through with his promised time lines, as well as photos showing the progress, but overall, I was pretty happy with what I wanted done. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Joe asked me to write a really good review to help promote his business.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I asked him about doing some work on the hood on my M3. The previous shop had done a bad job painting the hood. While Joe did take care of some of those problems, there ended up being many more blemishes after than before. [[HIGHLIGHT]]After several return trips pointing out problems, he told me to mark each one with a piece of tape, and they would take care of them.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I became frustrated with how long the job was taking. By the time the car was done, I thought I better take a closer look at the GT-R. One of the two original issues I brought the car into his shop for was what looked like a run in the paint below the left headlight, just left of the grill. I brought the car in so he could see it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]He said he was too busy, and I should check back with him in another week or so.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I came in the following Wednesday and asked him when I should bring the car back. He told me to bring it on Friday. When asked how long it would take, he said there were 2 possibilities; 1) the simple quick way, which might work. They were going to work on it that day, and the following day (sat) I could pick it up. [[HIGHLIGHT]]He called me Sat. am and asked me if I was going to be at my house. I said yes, and that I had a cable TV guy coming between 10 & 11. He said he was heading to the beach, so he would stop by on the way. He never gave me any time frame.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]After the cable guy finished at 11:30, I drove up to check on the car. It hadn't been touched. I headed home and waited; no text, no call, nothing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]By 8pm, I had all I could take of inconsiderate Joe and his empty promises.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I got a text from Joe at 4:52 pm on Sunday. It asked if I was at home. I didn't reply.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]On Monday I was there at 7:50am. Joe was at home. When his employee called him and said I was there and wanted the key to the GT-R. Joe immediately called me and said he was going to take care of it that day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I told him I was DONE ! He kept saying he was going to make it right.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I asked him how long it would take him to get there so I could get my key. He said 45 minutes. An hour and 25 minutes later he showed up. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I warmed up my car and left.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I was referred here by my long-time trusted mechanic after I was involved in a hit and run. Joe was extremely warm and professional...truly a pleasure to work with. He is a great communicator and completed the work on my car earlier than he had quoted. My car repairs were PERFECT! I will only use their services going forward. Did I mention that I was given a life-time warrantee? I received more than the service that I requested. The service I received was of the highest quality. The price was reasonable, lower than I had expected. They accept auto insurance and are certified providers with my insurance, USAA. The work they did for me was of such a great value. I HIGHLY recommend 1st Class Auto Body & Paint. I rarely write reviews. You can trust mine to be honest and truthful and you can thank me later. read more

Amazing service. Was a very simple and quick process. What made this even better was the price, after getting different quotes from other companies. I went and talked to Joe who gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. Great spot!! read more

I was very pleased with and appreciated the superb workmanship of Joe and his team in repairing a nasty dent in the door of my recently painted car. Having no insurance I paid out-of-pocket. Joe color-matched the repainted door perfectly to the color of the car for a price considerably less than quotes I received from other body shops. It looks like a brand new car again, thank you 1st Class Auto Body & Paint! read more

Quick good job! Good work. fast close by. immediate service great great great great great.

I brought my 2024 seltos to 1st class and met the owner "Joe" . one of the nicest guy's i've met in a long time,so joe took a look at my car and gave me a price in minites . He told me half down and he could order the part. ok , i stopped back about a week later and gave him the deposit so a couple days later he called said the part was in , i dropped off my car at noon and joe called me in 21/2 hours later and he told me to come get my car cuz it was done.. (HOLY----!!!) i've never had anybody who has worked on my car ever call me that fast and my car was looking brand NEW again!!! Joe, Thank You and ur team for the quality job u guys did .!!! read more

Joe and the team at 1st Class ABP went above and beyond to help repair my Mazda that was imported from Canada. I had called several auto shops to get the parts, and experienced issues with decoding my VIN. Joe and his team did not shy away from the extra work it took to figure it out and the communication was excellent throughout the whole process. When I picked up my vehicle it was not only repaired, but both the exterior AND interior were cleaned!! I was very impressed with the work, communication, speed, price and customer service here, and I would highly recommend. read more