Is it possible to give 6 stars? On a road trip and passing through Carlsbad, our turpentine belt blew on our Sprinter van that left us broke down on the side of the road. We called Dave's, explained to them what was going on, and got the car towed in to the shop. From the moment we came in to the moment we left, we knew we were in good hands. This shop was very honest and transparent and did a really great job with the repair. We enjoyed a sunset run around town and the before our run was done, the car was ready to go! Our Sprinter van is older and we have been to a couple of different mechanics in different areas. Dave's is the gold standard. If we lived in the area, they would be our shop. This is the best experience we have had with a car mechanic and would consider ourselves lucky if we broke down near his shop again. read more

Service on my son's car was done as requested. Only issue we had was communication. Stated if the car was dropped off on Friday, it would be ready on Monday (Memorial Day). Due to the holiday they were not open, like we originally thought but when we were told Monday we just thought maybe they were going to be open regardless. We were able to reach someone and were told the car would be ready the following morning, we showed up and the car was still being worked on. We came back a few hours later and the car was still actively being worked on but was finished within the hour. Prices were reasonable and as far as we can tell the work was done properly. read more

We already had a great impression of Rich and A Better Auto Repair because he had helped our daughter with her car a few times. His prices were very reasonable (after shopping around) and I was impressed with his efforts in confirming any problems before doing the work. So recently the dealership told us our rear brake pads were down to 2mm. I didn't have time that day for the dealer to do the work, and then decided to have A Better Auto Repair do the job. They removed the wheels and confirmed with photos we still had 5mm of pad left. They had every incentive to just go ahead and replace the pads, but they were honest enough to let me know I still had life left on the pads and could wait to replace them until worn further. They even topped off the coolant. Enough said. I'll be returning. read more

Fast and honest service I brought my car yesterday , I have a warranty and they were able to do all that in 24 hours read more

They scratched the front of my car and denied it, they made me come back there twice and sent me a super grainy photo that was impossible to see anything in, and said that proved my car was already scratched. However I am certain my car was not scratched prior to coming in for an oil change. Response to owner - I couldn't figure out how to respond to his comment, so editing the origional with my response. I came back twice - the first time you didn't have any video available, the second time you showed me a video but it was very grainy, I did not see any scratch on the vehicle. You asked me to come back a third time to view it on your larger TV, but I live 30 minutes away and have two toddlers, I had already driven a total of 3 hours back and forth with two toddlers (including for my initial appt where my car was scratched). It clearly seemed to me you were trying to exhaust me and make it so impossible to view your "evidence" so I would just drop it...who asks someone to come into the store 3 separate occasions to view a poor quality surveillance video? Also the video is of the car on the risers, your tech could have easily scratched my car driving it from the parking lot into the back or getting it onto the risers, so it doesn't even prove anything, even if you could clearly see a scratch, which I could not. read more

A Better Auto Repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Oceanside, California

Easy affordable got the job done. Nice staff! Would recommend for quick repairs, etc.

My airbag light illuminated on the panel and they misdiagnosed the problem completely. They said I needed a clock spring for the airbag component. They charged me a lot for the repair and when they did it, the light came on again. So I brought it back in the next day so they can fix the issue that they failed to do in the first place. He says I now need another harness for the expensive part that I already asked them to get and repair. The person working even went so far as to call my car weird and asked me where I bought it from. None of that should matter, if you advertise that can can fix a car--do it. Its their job, not to make weird comments about my car. I got a second opinion at another garage and as it turns out the clock spring wasn't needed after all it was completely something different. I can't even mention how much money I spent on a repair that was not even needed or diagnosed correctly but I feel taken. Im pretty good with cars but I had no idea about this airbag light apart from what I looked up in my owners manual. These people do not do a good job. I would bring my car elsewhere. It just takes one bad incident for me to write a review like this. read more

Rich is an amazing mechanic and person. He's honest, knowledgeable, and fairly priced. He'll let you know up front when you should wait and do a repair as part of a bigger repair to save money. Genuinely cares about people and their cars safety. This is why my family only comes here for any repairs our vehicles need. read more

I went in for a transmission fluid change & they rubbed out the scratches I acquired the day before, pulling into my garage. I didn't mention the scratches when I brought the car in and certainty didn't expect them to rub them out.Nice extra touch! read more

This guy talked about how great of a guy he was for hours while I waited on my car. He went on and on about how "nice" of a guy he is and how he helps people and is "too honest". Looking back it was total manipulation. Usually, the people who feel they have to talk a lot about how good they are aren't actually good people, and I should have known better. It should have been more apparent with him bragging about how financially well off he is, but I had to learn the hard way. We talked for a while about my car and the potential transmission issues he suspected on the first convo. I gave him so many details and made sure i noted everything before deciding to come in. He had me come in for a paid oil change and tire rotation and there he said he'd diagnose it as long as I paid for the services too. I thought that was fair and he was doing me a solid. After seeing it, he assured me he heard the problem himself and pretty certainly the issue after paying for the first service to pay for another. I asked him clearly "what if this doesn't fix the problem" and he assured me it would based on his logic. I felt good about his confidence in fixing the issue and that's why I went back. I'm difficult to trust and went to many mechanics beforehand but felt he was different and honest and listened to my concerns. However, he ended up going back on every word he said to me and him hearing it himself and put it all on me after he was wrong, of course. He then explained it was a me problem that i didn't give him enough details or hear him correctly. No, you just didn't listen the first time around about what I was telling you, or you did, and just gave a half-hearted effort to resolve it hoping i'd keep coming back for more and more services if that first guess didn't work out. When calling him to let him know he was incorrect in his diagnosis, he was instantly rude and not understanding. He was immediately very defensive and spoke over me without any manners. He was "mansplaining" to me like I was not knowledgeable myself. It was like a complete shift from the "nice honest guy" i met before selling me the service. It seemed natural to him and like he does this often - and blames customers instead of taking accountability to fix the problem. He didn't even want to listen and instead wanted me to come back to do what he should have done the first time? Please don't trust this guy proclaiming how good of a person he is like I did and these weird reviews that seem fake. I should have just paid a real mechanic to thoroughly diagnose the problem the first time, instead of trusting this guy thinking he's a car God and can look at a car for 2 seconds and give me bull - and then blame me. It was my fault for listening to him and thinking he was doing me a favor by giving me an oil change and a REAL diagnostic together. Next time, I'll be sure to question what bundled "offers" a mechanic is actually giving me. I like to think I'm difficult to be scammed but this guy did it effortlessly, like it's practiced for sure. Don't trust him and pay for real diagnostic services with someone who actually looks at the cars themselves and doesn't just sell themselves all day long. read more

I called to have a side mirror replacement on my Edge. The responder was exceptionally nice and accommodating !! He said bring it in and we will fix it. I arrived it was immediately attended to and fixed in less than thirty minutes. Ken Grody Ford could NOT do this until April 7!! If you have auto needs please give them a call!! read more

I called a few places before going with Rich, he's been responsive and helpful and was able to give me a fair price on the repairs the 135i I have owned for the last 6 years. Would recommend to any bmw owner looking for a mechanic I'd recommend this one! read more

We found A Better Auto Repair from Yelp and the good reviews did not disappoint us. He fixed the radiator and the ignition in our 2007 Toyota Yaris quickly and for a very fair price. Communication was awesome and the car is all fixed. Nothing negative to say. Glad we found a good mechanic. Totally recommend. Added bonus- they are across the street from the new Butter Buzz and close to lots of restaurants on Coast Highway. Gives you something to do while you wait. read more

Being a widowed lady I'm very conscious of service and value. I felt very confident that this company would do a good job. The estimate was spot on. The explanation of what services were performed on my car were explained. And, also the services my car will be needing in the near future we're explained. I had done business with them when they were located in Carlsbad. Now, an added plus is that they are near Start Fresh Cafe and walking distance to other businesses as I usually wait for the car to be done. read more

Rich, Jose and the team were amazing! We were headed back home to Arizona when of all things the water pump started acting up in our car. These guys got me in immediately and I was out and back on the road within 3 hours at an affordable price! Local mom and pop (Rich is the owner) shop. Amazing customer service and work! Thanks guys for saving me today! read more

A Better Auto Repair - Lobby - Auto Repair Near Me - Oceanside, California

A short shout out to a local auto repair shop. We were long-term clients at LSI Automotive in So O. One of our vehicles developed a noisy "top end" typical of the Ford 4.6 V-8s apparently. Since LSI is gone, I had to do some shopping around. I finally landed on A Better Auto Repair on 1106 S. Coast Hwy (just N of 31 Flavors). Jose runs the office - great guy, Richard (owner) and Angel in the shop also great guys. This was a difficult repair (timing chains, tensioners, and guides - Ford's better idea of "planned obsolescence"). They had it torn down 1st day, called me over to confirm the breakdown visually in person, and out the door two days later. Car once again purrs like a V-8 should, no more clickity clackity engine noises. Prices were more than fair, some sound recommendations from Richard as to a solid repair plan. Their expertise and efficiency most appreciated. read more

Great, fast and honest service. Replaced my timing belt. Reasonably priced and don't try to sell you on a bunch of stuff.

Since moving to San Diego, it's been a struggle finding a reliable mechanic. Rich and his team are all so friendly helpful and accommodating. I refer all my friends and loved ones over here. I have a Land Rover and am always plagued with misdiagnosis and messed up electrical at previous shops. He was able to figure out what was wrong in about 10 minutes and charged affordable prices. I also am a college student and he provided a great rental car while fixing my car. Definitely will be your forever spot for repairs!! read more

Rich and team are super honest and trustworthy. They take the time to do domain things to my wife. Additionally, they look at various solutions instead of the most expensive one. Thumbs up!!! read more

Hands down one of best auto repair shops in the area. Richard, who used to be in Carlsbad, moved to Oceanside. Glad he stayed in our neighborhood. Quotes for repairs remain fair and accurate. Never be taken for a ride by shops that inflate the prices of service or parts. A Better Auto Repair earns the reputation of Rockstar;) read more

I was with the former owner of this company when it was "Dave's auto" in Carlsbad for about six years. They always did a good job and were honest, efficient, affordable and reliable. I continued to go to them for my auto repairs and oil changes when they moved to Oceanside. The only thing I don't like is that they're no longer in my neighborhood. They have a comfortable place to wait and coffee if you want it. Check them out, you won't be disappointed. read more

These guys are amazing! I had a lot of work I needed done on my car, and was thinking I would have to mortgage the house to pay for it. Nope. The price came in a lot cheaper than I thought it would, the work was splendidly done (and I've never even used "splendidly" in a sentence before). The owner was nice and professional. It would be great if all repair shops were like this. I'd like to say I'll be back but...the car is driving so well, I might never be in a shop again! Thanks, guys. read more

I found them through Yelp, what a great find. This was my first time here and they were very friendly and accommodating. I had taken my car to the dealership for some basic stuff, and they said I needed front brakes as well. I went to Dave's and they actually told me I needed back brakes not front like the dealership said, and that my front brakes could wait until my next oil change. Plus they were a good $100 less than the dealership. I have been searching for a good mechanic since my mechanic went out of business almost 2 years ago. I am thrilled to have finally found a good and honest mechanic. read more

5 Star Service!!! My wifey took her car in for brakes and while their were complications not due to Dave's fault it took some time to fix. What I love about Dave's Auto is the attention to detail and customer service. Jose took care of everything and made her feel very comfortable and he took his time explaining everything to her and for that I will always recommend taking cars trucks motorcycles etc there! read more

Dave's was great! Brought in my 2016 F150 for spark plugs and transmission fluid change. Service was completed in the time they promised and for the estimated price. No pushy sales here. Just honest recommendations for the service your car needs. I'll be taking my truck back here again. Thanks Rich! read more

A Better Auto Repair - My 2016 F150 workhouse. - Auto Repair Near Me - Oceanside, California

We came in from out of state and our wheel bearing was going bad. We were in a tight spot because we had to make the 2000 mile trip back in a few days. It was just before New Years day and their hours were limited and the shop they outsource wheel balancing to was closed. Yet they some how got the job done and got us on the road. And we received a couple calls after we got back to make sure the car was still driving well. HIGHLY recommend Dave's Better auto repair! read more

Dave's better auto is the best auto shop in north county. Best pricing, quick and great service. Thanks Richard and Georgia!

Jose and his boys are amazing!! Couldn't have asked for A BETTER customer service and quality repair. On top of that, they totally hooked me up!!! I came in for a really small but important repair, told them I was going to do it myself but just needed some help with tools. Jose said just to bring the parts in and that they would help me out. I'm beyond grateful to Jose and his team for helping with my heater hose installation. A simple fix that was causing me a lot of trouble. They handled in five minutes and on the house. Shops like this are impossible to find! People who go out of their way to help you without trying to ream you on the bill. A Better Auto repair is my new go-to mechanic in Oceanside. If you want a quality repair for a great price. Thank YOU Jose and team for taking care of me and my Jeep!!!! read more

So won't go back there loyal customer taking my truck there many years got married wife takes her car there , I had a smog check issue, took to Dave's to figure out problem, I get charged 115.00 dollar diagnostic charge, never got one before, I understand if they don't repair the problem but they always do !! Called rick says well it was really hard to figure out , damn I don't know much about cars but I knew it was one of 3 things and even it was hard , as a loyal customer he should have no trouble doing it for me hard or not because of my loyalty to him but I guess he has none to me goodbye Well the guy didn't tell me the smog was free but 89.00 dollars and you have made over 6000.00 dollars off me so you can spend 30 minutes or 90 minutes I deserve some loyalty from you!!!! And driving 40 miles then you owe me 25.00 dollars for gas!!! read more

Daves Better Auto is a great place with very honest mechanics. I brought my car here twice and always had a great experience. I never felt any pressure or the need to upsell like other bigger mechanics. Further, Dave's is always honest in explaining when the next repair is needed, never putting pressure to get things fixed right away that don't need it. The best part? Their prices are always the cheapest in town. read more

i know next to nothing about cars so whenever somebody works on mine we're talking about a major leap of faith here. i trust these guys and do business with them without reservations. great guys that always take good care of us. highly recommended. read more

Rich was great, helped us out a lot and answered all our questions. Great spot 10/10 recommend

My entire family comes to A Better Auto Repair and has done for years! I highly recommend this shop for their hard work, CARING, and understanding! They definitely go above and beyond! Thank you again for always being so honest and helpful! read more

Im so glad I found Dave's Automotive! I have a 2007 Mustang that is my baby. My check engine light went on and took it to a local shop to see whats wrong. The shop didn't know what the code meant and never called me back. This is when I thought I need a Mustang professional. So with the help of Yelp and some Mustang blogs I came across Dave's Automotive. I immediately called and talked with Dave who owns several Stangs himself. I booked an appointment for the next day and they looked into the code issue, along with a plethora of other issues I was having. Once they had some time with my car they called me back with a wishlist of repairs from immediate needs to future repairs. He even solved one of my major issue by suggesting I do a cleaning service on my throttle body verses replacing it right away. I reviewed the list and did everything I could afford at that time. My pony runs like a champ now. I've been back to fix the remaining items along with all future maintenance and couldn't be happier. I had no idea how bad my car was running until I had all the repairs and services done. My 2007 GT Mustang is running like the first day I got her. I think it's as hard to find a trusted mechanic as it is to find a dentist, vet, doctor etc. I'm stoked I found Dave's Automotive! His team of mechanics are my Mustangs doctor. read more

A Better Auto Repair - My Stang getting a check-up at Daves Automotive. - Auto Repair Near Me - Oceanside, California

Finally, a truly 5 star auto shop! As a preface, I was a mechanic and also graduated from General Motors Institute, so my bar is rather high. I couldn't say enough positive about Dave's Better Auto Repair! Not only are they entirely trustworthy, professional, efficient, and courteous, they are focused on the perfect solution and to no excess. You are more likely to hear "the parts were good and didn't need to replaced", "consider it after another 100k miles", or "we noticed and issue and fixed it for free" than discussions revolving around more work/money/time that you would hear from other places on average. I'm not on staff at Dave's, just a very very happy customer for life!!! read more

We stopped off the freeway to check out Carlsbad on the way to a job interview in San Diego when we heard a flapping sound and thought we picked up something on the freeway. We pulled over near old town Carlsbad and noticed a shredded belt under the hood. We looked up the nearest auto repair shop was Dave's! The guys there were loaded but came out to look at my car right away. Although they had other work and couldn't get to my car for four hours, they were understanding that I was on my way to an interview and got the repair in right away. The work was done in less than the time estimated and other recommendations were given by fair and competent friendly team. Would highly recommend and return! Thanks guys! read more

We have an older Ford Ranger and it's been developing a personality lately. Luckily, Dave's Better Auto Repair was able to repair the rattling noise in one day for a great price. read more

Dave's is the perfect example of a local business that supports its Carlsbad community. I was referred here from the 76 gas station smog check on Tamarack with a check engine light. I was pleasantly surprised by the honest evaluation and recommendation they gave me. I decided to search for a new car since repairing my 2003 Acura MDX with 200K miles was going to break my bank. The 5 service comes from their honesty and Richard continuing to contact me every few months to make sure my car is good. read more

I am a long time resident of Carlsbad and always walk by Dave's. I needed brake service and decided to finally give them a shot. First, the customer service is awesome! Very friendly man helping me out. The price for brakes was reasonable and since I was a first time customer, they inspected them for free. They did not try to over sell me on anything but did mention a few things that didn't fixing/replacing but informed me that it was not urgent. Overall, very happy with my new brakes. The reason they only get four stars is because of how dirty the left my front seat. I have tan interior and when I picked up my car, the seat and seat belt had a layer a film/grease/dirt all over them! I had to scrub my car and luckily it came clean. Also, my glove compartment now opens a bit rougher now than before. I will go back for services in the future. read more

These guys were awesome. I called around town all afternoon looking for a place that could get me in that day for an oil change (and kept being told I should have called ahead and I couldn't get in til the following week). Dave's was able to slip me in between two appointments and knock out the oil change as well as check and make sure I wasn't in need of additional services right before my trip. Will and the rest of their staff were extremely friendly and helpful; I'm absolutely bringing my car here for all future service/repairs! read more