I took my 2000 Mercury Cougar to Dave's when I noticed it revving up really high and shifting hard. I told him that from my research online and speaking to my brother who is a mechanic in Oregon, that I think there is something wrong with the transmission range sensor. He brushed it off saying something to the extent of "I think I know better than Google, I've been doing this awhile," which I understand, however I still thought he'd still at least check it out. After he looked at my car and couldn't find anything wrong with it, he recommended changing the transmission fluid, which I agreed to. He made sure to tell me that it may help or hurt the problem and to see how it runs after a couple weeks to a month. The other option he gave me was to have his transmission specialist check it out, which could get into the $1000 price range, but he recommended just getting rid of my car altogether and getting a new one, so I left planning on getting a new car. I drove my car for a couple weeks after taking it to Dave's hoping it would get better, but the problem still persisted, it wasn't any better or worse. So, I took it to a different mechanic. The other mechanic ran a diagnostic test and found that the transmission range sensor was bad (like I had thought all along!!), and that he could fix it in a couple hours, for only $169!! I had him change it, happy that I wasn't having to replace the whole transmission, or my car for that matter! Since then I've been driving my car for about 2 weeks and it runs great again! So overall, Dave was nice and professional, however in my case they weren't much help. read more

I had a engine light go on just before heading back from my vacation. I just wanted to get a quick read out if it is still save to drive. They did that in 5 minutes and a short explanation on P2015. Thanks a lot guys! read more

Dave's is one of those rare automotive service centers that you can feel at ease with and trust they aren't trying to upsell you on everything. They are professional and competent and always trying to SAVE you a buck. Very refreshing working with them and I can and have sent my wife and kids here to have their autos worked on. read more

My girlfriend found Dave's better auto on yelp last week and was extremely happy with how they treated her! From my girlfriend "I called Thursday about an hour before they closed asking for help on if they would be able to fix my car based on another diagnosis. He told me to bring my car in and drop it off Thursday night so he can diagnosis it Friday morning. Friday morning he called me and was able to fix it and had already ordered the part! It was ready 3 hours after he called! Great customer service and even better he saved me probably over $400 from not going to the dealership! Thank you!!! read more

I have brought my car here multiple times. They are always honest and let me know if they can do the fix or if I should go somewhere else. They are quick and efficient and fair. read more

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Quick oil change. Set up an appointment earlier in the week and they were ready for me! I used a discount from their website. They were honest with me about some maintenance I might need in the future but didn't push it on me for today. I will go back! read more

These guys are very honest and straight forward! I've been taking my car here for the last few years for regular service and have always had a great experience! Don't waste your time and $ at the dealership! read more

If you need your car repaired, and need it done right, an quick go to Dave's Auto service and repair. Their motto says it all, they truly are honest mechanics. Big compliments to mechanic Jason, always upfront and honest. read more

I have had my fair share of Mechanic shop horror stories. I have also been blessed with some good ones. Dave's is just that. I started going to him almost 2 years ago. He said he was honest - and so far has proven that. But it is not just about honesty - it is about quality and true caring for his customers. He has gone above and beyond what I expect. Jerry, one of his employees has also been helpful - even when I call to just ask a question - they always do their best to answer - free. The shop has looked at my husband's car and mine several times for free when something just did not seem right. I can't say enough good things about this place. I am a coach, consultant and professional speaker who presents on subjects such as branding, business development and trust. Dave's Auto lives up to to its promises in a way that customers can trust. read more

This is a local auto shop that is tucked into the corner of the village, unlike somethings in the village, this place is incredibly reasonable price. I have had my truck's oil changed here couple of times and every time I use the pennysaver coupon which makes it cheap. Not only is this place cheap but I never had a problem with them, my oil is changed from 30-90 minutes, fast enough for me to go get breakfast from Lola's or walk 2 1/2 blocks home to do laundry. read more

I trust them with both our vehicles. They have fair prices and seem to be honest. I have never once felt like they were trying to take advantage of me. The only knock on them is sometimes their quoted wait times aren't always spot on. Jose, the new guy manning the front desk, is easy to talk to and is a pretty straight shooter. Their previous guy sometimes rambled on wayyyy too much. I also think their lead mechanic, Rich, is a good dude who also shoots it straight. I've gone here for about 3-4 years and will continue to do so with our family vehicles. read more

Wow! My experience was the polar opposite of the others who posted here before me. I will NEVER recommend these guys. Showed up Friday morning, around 9:30, with a few repairs needed, mainly a timing belt and water pump. Junior told me he'd need an hour or so for the boss to come back to run the estimate with him. At about 12:30 I had to call them and I was told they would be getting to it "soon." After 3:00 they finally called with the estimate and I went into sticker shock. I tried to speak with the boss about the pricing breakout, but he got offended when I questioned why he wanted over $90 for a water pump: The correct Bosch version of this (Bosch is always among the best) is $44 and in stock "for pickup today" at the local Pep Boys. We didn't even get to the other parts, as the line went dead, but I can do the math: they're taking a 100% or more markup on their parts. In my book that's gouging. Then he either hung up on me or we got cut off. He didn't try calling back. When I hit redial to call him back, it turned out I was on Junior's cell phone, and I guess the boss was too busy to speak with me 60 seconds after we had been disconnected. Things went from bad to worse then. I had been 100% clear with Junior that I needed the car back by tomorrow close of business. Said it more than once when dropping the car off, even think I noted it on the paperwork. Come to find out now, they're not even open on Saturday! Junior lamely explained they were hoping to get it done today, but with 3.5 to 4 hours labor quoted, I don't know how they planned to do that when they didn't even have approval at 3:00. This was a HUGE waste of my time. Not prompt. Not fairly priced. Not polite. Everybody can have a bad day, I know, but how we recover tells who we are. I'm sure I know enough to stay away now. read more

I've been coming here for the last 3 years. These guys are great and I know I can always trust their work and suggestions. They are never pushy and I refer everyone I can to Dave. read more

This was my first time getting my car worked on at Dave's. They are right down the street and I thought I'd give them a shot. I am fairly car savvy but when faced with a torn front-axle CV boot I didn't have the materials or time to take it on by myself. I spoke with Junior on the phone in the morning and he quoted me a reasonable $220-290, then said if I bring it in today they'll have it done tomorrow. When I brought it in Dave reassured me of the quality of the replacement part (a concern since it is a re-manufactured component from what was originally unwanted, like the one they would take out of my car), and I felt like they would do a good job. Dave also told me it might be ready that night, I thought yea right... BUT sure enough they got my car up on the stand that evening and finished the job right before close. I was very impressed, and glad I wont have to take the bus to work now. They did an honest and effective job fixing my car, and I will be back. read more

I really like going to Dave's Auto. I take both of our vehicles there. We had an issue with a check engine and Dave was able to diagnosis fairly quickly. Couldn't be happier with their service. read more

Before I found Dave, I would drive to LA for my repairs for one reason: I trusted my mechanic there. After several referrals and trial run, I have finally found exactly what I had been hoping for... A local mechanic that I not only trust enough for my repairs and maintenance, but to refer to all of my friends and family. Dave and his team take the time to explain what is needed, they are very reasonably priced and they go WAY out of their way to make my wife feel comfortable and informed... Something I truly appreciate. I even told my mechanic in LA about my good fortune... He gave me his blessing:) read more

These guys are the absolute best mechanic in town, we don't trust anyone else but these guys, prices are reasonable and the work is outstanding. Highly recommended. Thank you Dave & Junior! read more

These guys are great, aside from the usual mechanic stuff like trying to upsell on parts/oil changes, etc... I ALWAYS take my truck to these guys (I have a Toyota 4runner with 290K miles) if I can't fix it myself. They are always straightforward about the work that NEEDS to be done versus the work that should be done soon; this really helps me (as a graduate student) spread repairs and upkeep/maintenance over paychecks. For example, I was told I needed a number of components of my coolant system replaced, but when I took it to Dave's they took a look and identified one or two lines that were showing wear (inspection was free, by the way), replaced them, and recommended I come back in 10K miles for the other lines. I did, and, once again free of charge, they checked the lines and found none in need of replacement. These guys have my business for life! read more

Thanks to Will at Dave's Auto Service in Carlsbad for a quick and effective tire repair yesterday. I discovered a screw in the rear tire of my truck as I was trying to drive back to South Bay after visiting my friend in Hospice. I panicked a bit -- I don't know Carlsbad at all. I am so grateful for a repair that was honest, swift and well done. Thanks again to Will, and to Wyatt for your kindness. read more

Dave's auto repair went beyond the call of duty for repairing my truck. I cant them enought for the Head valve job! They were upfront and gave me a thorough education to my engine repair. Technition Jr. is awesome! My Tacoma is good for another 100,000 miles! read more

As a female it's especially challenging to find a trustworthy mechanic. Dave and his staff went above and beyond on each visit and I have already sent over 3 happy customers. Don't go anywhere else! read more

I had a coil fail on my Ford Expedition while on vacation. Dave's was a short walk to my timeshare and had good reviews on the net. They seemed busy (a good sign). After diagnosing the problem, Dave gave me several options (cheap fix vs. the full MaryAnne). I feel I was fairly treated and received a good value for the services received from a professional repair facility. Go to Dave's. read more

Dave was friendly and honest. He quoted me a very fair price for what I needed done on my car. I have gone back to Dave a number of times now and have always been impressed with the customer service, fair price, and honest work. read more

Another outstanding experience with Dave's auto and his shop. Had some major work done on my truck including installing a new fuel tank, starter, among other things. Dave was honest about what needed to be done, the price was fair, and the work is top notch. read more

Awesome service Dave was very upfront and honest .. Will be back to do more business ..recommend to anyone looking for good quality n reasonably priced work.. Brought in a my corolla in and it's running like a champ read more

I was driving back to Los Angeles to San Diego on a Sunday light when my check engine light came on. I took the next exit and ended up in Carlsbad. After a quick assessment I realized I couldn't drive anymore. Saw this place had five stars and the next morning took my car to Dave's. Let me tell you, they deserve every star. Will the manager was professional and honest and really tried to help me out. He got my car fixed and on the road in time to beat the traffic. Thanks again Dave's!. Too bad I live too far or else I would be a regular customer read more

3 days after paying my car off, that guy 'Murphy' flicked my check-engine and thermostat lights on! As the supposed law would have it, I took it to Dave's to discover I needed $1200 worth of repairs. Now, I tried 3x to get the car diagnosed and repaired by my usual mechanic shop around the corner -- but, let's just say that the new management of the old place is a little too unusual in how they do business nowadays for my taste. For instance, I asked old shop: "Should I drive with these lights on?" Answer: "Yes. But if it starts running funny, pull over and get towed." I'm literally having this discussion with the (funny acting) office manager, as she relays that they are too busy to fit me in, while at the same time checking a guy in for a standard oil change. No worries, though -- DAVE'S BETTER AUTO REPAIR TO THE RESCUE! Not only did they treat me with respect, they were willing to educate me. And even though they were really booked, they squeezed me in same-day and finished the job by closing. It has been about a month since I got my car fixed. It's running like a brand spanking new car. What was wrong? It needed new solenoids, thermostat sensor and brakes. Thank you Dave's Better Auto Repair. You've got my business and my referral for life -- unless... y'all start acting 'unusual!' - jk. read more

Great customer service from the first phone call with Will to Dave actually taking a ride in my car to see if he could hear my brakes. Took both my car and my sons truck in for an oil change and tire rotation. They looked over everything and pointed out a few details that would need attention but did not insist on it having to be done immediately. They explained what would be the most important things and gave us a reasonable quote on it. Loved there was no pressure and that the owner took the time to educate me and my son on everything. We will definately be using this place for our cars. read more

Beware! I Know the problem my car has, but when i took it here they said it have more problem. I know it a lie, So took it to the dealership and again. They just trying to make money.. MUCH MORE I CAN SAY, BUT I DONT RECOMMEND!! read more

The most important requirement for any mechanic: honesty. This guy is really honest. Another dealer tried to rip me off saying I needed $2,000 worth of repairs. Dave checked and said the car was fine, and NO repairs were needed. How many mechanics would do that ....? read more

Dave's Auto in Carlsbad is the only place my family and I take our cars for service. The staff will always accommodate your schedule with appointments and sends service reminders with mileage. If they see any other problems with your vehicle, the staff will make sure to notify you as well as give you the best advice of what to do for the best price. I wouldn't go anywhere else and have only had positive experiences when taking my car in for service at Dave's Auto. read more

A couple of months ago, I rolled in mid afternoon and they were slammed. I needed a starter installed that I had purchased and an oil change for my 2000 4runner. I could have probably done it myself, but I am so over tooling around on my ride. Met Dave and he said he wasn't sure if he could get me in because I came in kind of late in the work day. He told me to hold on a second, and he came back 2 minutes later and said he was going to fit me in and it would be done at five! I live right down the street so I skated home, and did the same to pick it up. Nice to know there is a trusty and good mechanic so close in Carlsbad. I will be coming in this coming week to have her looked at again. Probably cats and another injector. Thank you! Adam Gomes read more

Jose and his team are great. Fuel injector blew out and they were able to fix it for a 3rd of the cost of big corporate shops, and had a turn around time of 5 hours. Highly recommend and will be a permanent customer! read more

I've been going to Dave's better auto care for years. They always do great work and give me a great deal. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else. read more

Came in with a friend and they got me in next day for an oil change. Came to $30 and change and they changed my filter for a little additional money. Great shop, friendly service, Will is fantastic and honest. I'll definitely be back. read more

Great neighborhood service as always! Checked my oil and helped me on the run one morning! In the next day for a much needed oil change. New management is great! read more

Everyone who works here is so friendly! Dave especially, as he has such a calm energy about him. It's hard to find a good auto service place that I feel I can trust, but they immediately make you feel like a long time friend and actually show you what's going on with your car. I've been to places where they just tell you what needs to be replaced and then ask for the credit card, but Dave actually showed me what was going on and why it was bad. I definitely will be going back for all my future auto service. read more

Fantastic customer service! I rolled up to Dave's needing to have an emergency fix before driving all the way up to LAX airport. The tire air valve stem on one tire was leaking air anytime I removed the air valve cap. I didn't have an appointment but Rich the auto technician and Will immediately accommodated me and went to inspect my tire. I needed my Schrader air valve core replaced. Not only did Rich switch out the defective piece and put in a new one, he proceeded to fill the air on all four tires to ensure my driving safety. As I went to pull out my wallet, Will said that there would be no charge! He understood my situation and didn't charge me for the part or service. I'll certainly be back for my automotive needs and next service. Thanks! read more

Dave is great! Best place in town. They were professional, honest, fast, and reasonable. Very happy with my service.