I really didn't want to leave a bad review because Bo and his staff are all very nice and respectful. However I feel the need to communicate to anyone that may have a Volkswagen to go somewhere else. I originally went in because my car would die over night. It just simply wouldn't turn on in the mornings. Well I payed for the diagnostic and they said it was a fuse, fixed the fuse and they said it was the battery, fixed the battery and they said it was the starter, fixed the starter and they said it was the alternator, fixed the alternator then they said it was another fuse...so I fixed that fuse and well 3 months and approximately $1300 later and I'm sill having the issue with my car except it's worse and now my car turns off while I'm driving(yes even on the freeway). When I told them I was still having the problem they told me i would have to pay for the diagnosis again...well a month later now and I just left the Volkswagen service department and they said if you pay for a diagnostic then you SHOULD get a diagnosis and be able to fix that problem no excuses. They said a diagnostic would have found the problem right away and couldn't understand how I was told so many things were wrong with my car. I'm just very disappointed because I spent so much money at this shop and my car is running worse than ever. I don't want to discredit this shop I'm sure they do well with many different types of cars but like I said if you have a Volkswagen go somewhere else, my car was at their shop for 2-3months and it's in worse condition than when I brought it in. 2/7/18 I'm not sure how to respond to the owner's (bo) comment but saying I wanted the diagnosis "free" is very inaccurate, after you "fixed" my car and it would no longer turn on you OFFERED to work on it (diagnose it again) because how the heck are you going to return a car to someone when it doesn't turn on? And why would you expect someone to pay for another diagnosis when the first one you did which you then proceeded to fix the problems for caused my car to be in worse condition than when I first went to your shop? I understand you're trying to defend your business but be honest. I see in all your responses to people's negative reviews you sound very defensive and don't make very valid points. Yes Volkswagen thankfully fixed my car with just ONE diagnosis that cost less than what you charged me. Have a blessed day Bo. read more

I wouldn't recommend this shop to anyone. I have had to bring my car back multiple times for overheating repairs. I spent over $3000.00 for this problem and now my car won't even go over 35 miles an hour. The owners explanation id that it's an old car. Stay away, Far away. I reported him to BBB. read more

Stay away and look somewhere else while its not too late. Bo (the owner) will sweet talk you and promise you this, that etc... here's my recent experience *quoted and agreed for a $1,500+ for a 71k (low miles engine swap). guaranteed etc.etc.etc. --result (I payed $1,800+ w/ a much higher 95k miles that i didnt agree and asked for. i got no choice it's already there. *estimated time 1 week --result -- (ADD another 1 week to the estimated time) *Got a super ghetto loaner car from them --result (1st car same day (overheated and leaking coolant), 2nd Car got me stranded and waited 4 hours. (tire exploded because tires are done long time ago). **think of it this is their loaner car that they don't maintain. I just didn't have a choice. *After getting the car back ---result (AC not working - just need a coolant) - when it's done i was asking Bo for the issue (the owner)- and he's ignoring me as if its like my fault, and hes getting annoyed and dont want to answer me because he said we didnt charge you. if you want me to answer you give me $50 for the labor. ***** he's upset and became rude because he thinks he gave me a favor. ***dont forget i have to leave work early to comeback here and have them fix their unfinish job & if only they do a good job the 1st time and check their work when done. and to think that he made me feel it's my fault and should thank him. Yep that's my experience, their nice in talking and other staffs. but if you want quality and good result. do it right the 1st time. ** i wasn't gonna say anything even i had a very bad experience, delay, etc... but after what Bo did today * disrespecting, ignoring my question and said you want me to answer you give me $50??? in front of his customers, after they got my money. they treat me like that.. i got to say and share it. *if you think this is a fake review. think again and goodluck. read more

On Vacation, my AC belt went out. Did a local search for an auto repair place and this was the closest place to me. Was quoted a price on the phone and made an appointment same day. Met Bo, the owner of the place. Him and his mechanic assesed my situation and discovered that my AC Comperssor went out. They took me outside to my truck and showed me the problem. The mechanic working on my truck was VERY knowledgeable. Bo not only gave me $165.00 discount he drove me back to my resort and his daughter came and picked me and my wife up after business hours to get our truck once he was done! We really do appreciate him going out of his way to drive us and to pick us up. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Bo and his company!!! Go to Advanced Auto Repair; they are GREAT at what they do for their customers. Plus they are HONEST with their work. The whole staff are friendly as well. We can't thank Bo and his staff enough. read more

These guys did a good job changing my brakes and oil. It did seem rather chaotic though because they were really busy. Downside, It took longer than they said it was going to take and I had an appt to be at. Upside, they had a loaner. Downside, it was an employee's car and it felt like it was gonna crash when driven over 30mph, brakes didnt work well and it had over 200k miles. Got back from appt. Car still wasnt ready. I was then scolded by the mechanic because the engine was a quart low. Price was decent and I haven't had any issues. read more

Thank you Kris and Bo! Very nice, professional and fixed my car to pass smog :)

Excellent experience. Bo, the main guy has a really good attitude about life. He made me feel very comfortable while they tried to figure out why my air conditioner was broken. The tech (Ken) that was assisting me with my car was very passionate and has been working on cars for 15 years. The waiting room is very nice. They offer chocolate and water! They also play planet earth and have fancy and comfy chairs. I would recommend this shop to anyone around Vista. read more

Excellent service and honesty!! I brought my BMW into advanced auto with what the BMW dealer diagnosed with a frozen AC compressor. I asked advanced auto to replace the compressor as I "trusted" the dealers $200 diagnosis. Tim from advanced auto promptly called me after looking at my car and told me that I was simply missing the belt to the compressor. He saved me over $3k in repairs, gave me prompt service and updated me thru out the time my vehicle was in his shop. It's very refreshing to see this kind of honesty and knowledgeable service anywhere these days. They have gained a lifetime customer for all my vehicles! Thank you Tim!! read more

Was expecting at good customer service based on other reviews but was very disappointed after. Wasn't even tolerable.

I brought my Honda Accord here based a referral from family friend. My car was experiencing some acceleration problems and check engine light was on. Of course needed a new transmission. Bo, was great from the start with excellent communication and service regarding replacing the transmission and delivering an accurate, upfront, fair quote. He even offered to have my car towed to his shop and a replacement car for the during of the transmission work. Don't know of any automotive repair shops that offer that kind of customer service or care. I've been to other repair shops that underestimate the work and and then bamm at final billing tack on additional repair and labor charges, after its too late. Bo even showed me the old transmission and all the work completed. To further demonstrate Bo's commitment to excellence a week after new transmission an oil leak. Took back to his auto shop and questioned as to why an oil leak. Bo's workers found the cause of the oil leaks and fixed. To guarantee his work and that it was unrelated to the transmission Bo said if any further oil leaks then a full refund. After two weeks no oil leaks and a great running car. This auto shop is one of the few and far in between automotive repair shops that delivered honest and quality work without overcharging or billing schemes. I will be a customer for life and recommend all my family and friends go here. Highly recommended you won't be disappointed. Thanks Bo and keep up the good work. read more

One more time to Advanced Auto repair yesterday and of course a pedicure next door. It is a fun way to kill 30 minutes or more. Bo always takes good care of my SRT10 truck and knows it is a special needs baby . He even keeps a stack of parts removed to show the customers before tossing them. His prices are always fair and just did a smog too for less than a smog guy. This time was ball joints and rotor work.We only bring our trucks and muscle cars to Advanced Auto from now on. Thanks Bo read more

I ended up going there twice in one day. I took the wrong car the first time and had to go back. They tested the first in around 20 minutes. The price was good. Took back my second and they took around 25 minutes. I was happy with their work. read more

I cant say enough about this place. The perfect storm of bills and car problems hit causing panic in my house. After soooo many calls to auto shops I found this one. They answered all my questions without getting frustrated with me, they got me in same day without an issue, not one attempt at an overcharge or sneaking in increased work, and they gave me a discount so that I didn't pay a single penny over what I was quoted. My car was in and out in no time and is back to running like a dream. I've found my new mechanic!! Thank you guys so much for being honest and for doing a great job on my car!! Referring everyone I know here for future work. read more

Updating my previous review as I've visited several times since and figured I should. The owner, Bo, always treats his customers right and wants you to walk away happy and smiling. Ever since my last review I've only brought my car in for "touch up work" because he made sure everything under the hood is A-OK. Thankfully he caught the discolored trans. fluid that the last car place messed up as well. Very awesome place, highly recommended. P.S. I still love the stuff he plays on Netflix! read more

DAMAGED MY CAR! Cost me 10 times more than I paid them to repair their damage and rent cars as my car was undriveable! I paid them to swap a timing belt. Not only did they take 6 hours instead of 4 costing me money as I had to cancel my client that day, but there was a strange noise coming from the engine which owner denied was there even though his staff pointed it out. I pulled over on my way home..it was worse..they refused help saying they were too busy! Then service engine light came on and I returned demanding they look at it. An hour later, car returned, engine light off but each day after the noise kept getting worse, they refused to take responsibility, said they'd charge to work on it if it was not their fault. As I could no longer trust them I had another mechanic look and confirmed it WAS their fault: They put the timing belt cover on wrong, causing it to rub against my power steering belt. Had to replace both power steering belt and timing belt cover, cost me 3 times what I paid them in repair AND lost hundreds of dollars in car rental because even though I sent vids of their damage they refused help!!! Reporting them to the Bureau of Automative Repair and suing in court! read more

I had a great experience here last Saturday. I called Bo in the morning for information about front brake replacement. He told me they could get me in that morning. When I arrived, I asked about a couple other concerns I had and left my car in their care (also taking advantage of their free shuttle service, a perk I didn't expect). Kris inspected my car, keeping me updated via text message and photos. I thought I would have to bring my car back on another day since I had added additional concerns to my initial request. They ended up making all the repairs needed, including the ones I dumped on them last minute; staying after hours on a Saturday until the job was complete, keeping a smile on their faces the entire time. I am no longer stressed when driving my car as I know it is now in good shape. I can't think of any reason I wouldn't continue to bring my vehicles to them, great crew, great prices, great work! read more

Check engine light came on. Stopped by O'Reilly's and got referred here. Bo, the manager performed the check engine light diagnosis for free. Hooked me up on the same day. (Went and got a burrito) When I came back the work was done. As I write this I watch him let a guy pay him in cash without the full amount. The guy promises to come the next day to pay him. I saw shaking hands and trust within this business. read more

Good luck if you plan to get your repairs done here. Bo will quote you one price then it continues to go up and up and up. I will never have my car repaired here again. Again, good luck! read more

Even after all these months Bo continues to call and harass my brother- He wants me to remove my review- Not going to happen- the worst experience with a mechanic ever!! Unprofessional . I am entitled to my opinion and should be able to tell others about it without being harassed. Everything I have written is true and stands- I will never change my opinion and that's it. Bo- leave well enough alone- I had not even thought about you in over 6 months- why ever would you call my brother and tell him to make me take my review down. Leave me alone Bo and move on- If you are so great there should be plenty of good reviews for others to read and decide for themselves. I personally like Allens Auto and will take my cars to him- my choice. How about - you leave me alone and i'll stay off your yelp-? read more

I went there (this was nearly a year ago). I had squeaky front brakes. They told me it needed rotor alignment and would cost $125. I just wanted them to take care of the problem. They spend 10 minutes at the most fixing it. Yes, the brakes stopped squeaking. Yes the sound was back in 2 weeks. I went to another place (Midas) for an oil change. They heard the squeaking as I drove in. They asked me about it. They told me I was taken and most likely they sprayed a squeak stopping liquid which works for a short while. I waited to write this review because the Midas did a good job and a nearly a later the brakes work fine and do not squeak. Beware! read more

Extremely honest and fair priced I was very impressed with her professionalism and there warranties on all the work I would highly recommend them read more

slow ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(like a snail) service, good candy yum yum yum!!!!! i love the candy selection in their lovely glass swan bowl!!! read more

Advanced Auto Repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Vista, California

HORRIBLE PLACE DO NOT GO HERE I went for a oil change ..... you would think nothing bad would happen right? Wrong . My car was working perfectly fine before I brought it there. I went to dmv which isn't far then a drive to the beach my car randomly started over heating I opened the hood to see why and realized that my coolant reservoir cap wasn't put back on properly and at this point wasn't even in the engine bay anymore! Not only that the coolant sprayed my hid light and ruined it which worked properly before I went there as well...I called I asked if they top off coolant with the oil HE TOLD ME YES .. than I told him what had happen he proceed to call me a liar saying it never had a cap keep in mind I drove it to Sd earlier in the day and sat and Sunday no problems what so ever... I bought the car two weeks before inspected everything it had a cap and I have pictures to prove it ... HE than told me I need to apologize to him for telling them they messed up my car .... THIS PLACE IS NOT PROFESSIONAL AT ALL HE TALKS IT UP TO BE BUT I WOULDNT SEND ANY FAMILY MEMBERS, friends, enemies, or co workers here at all first and last time I will ever go here This is for BO's comment below http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-a-coolant-reservoir-works. Who states the reservoir doesn't effect the car and overheating even though it clearly states it's a main component in the engine to keep it cool... so look at the link and what he says then make your own decision on his HONEST WORK!!!!! Dude is a liar I shopped around for two months for the right integra me and the owner before me went over it meticulously and there was no issues what so ever if you would like to double check the facts bo I can also send you videos of it working perfectly fine and after I went and spent 54$ for a new reservoir since no one sells just the cap my car didn't over heat again but like I said before I called and asked if you too off coolant you said yes then deny ever doing it and tell me I'm wrong ... great customer service ....... I've had three integra ls's I know what I'm talking about when I stated it before I can't change oil in my apt. That's why I went there and it was horrible and I will NEVER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE read more

They were kind and efficient. They matched a price for a smog check that I saw but was out of my current direction. Will definitely visit again! read more

I had my brake hub and brake pads replaced all on half the price compare to other shops. I was quoted $500 to $700. then Bo quoted me $240-300. With japanese brand brake pads. Oil change is cheap too. read more

***BAIT AND SWITCH*** I brought in my 2002 mercury for a check engine diagnostic, after some poking and prodding i was told they would need to keep it overnight to asses the problem. After not hearing anything from them the next day i went in around closing time to see what was going on. I was told there was a part that needed replaced, and it would be around 400 dollars. The part needed ordered, so it would be another day before it was done. Three days passed without as much as a text message. When I finally took initiative to find out what was going on, i was told that the problem was still there and they were still trying to assess the issue. Again several days passed without any contact, so once again i had to reach out to get any information on the status of my vehicle. At this point its been nearly two weeks with no new quotes or updates other than "were trying to figure it out" finally my wife and i decided enough is enough. We returned to pick up my car only to discover Bo had taken the liberty of changing several parts WITHOUT MY CONSENT and suddenly my quoted 400 job is now over 1000 dollars! So the price more than doubled, the problem was still there, and three weeks into this nightmare im still fighting to get my car back. Do yourself a favor and take your car ANYWHERE else, this place is bait and switch defined. read more

The worst auto shop ever. They butchered so many things like not connecting my brake system, leaving my radiator empty which resulted in my car overheating in a few minutes, throwing a soda on my floor which I had to clean up, breaking off my dipstick which is now causing grand problems, leaving my hood full of grease, not connecting hoses which resulted in my engine being full of fluids, leaving electrical connections loose so the engine heat burned off the insulation and many other things. Bo did have some fixed but the work was so disrespectful and unprofessional it is unfathomable. read more

Recently, I returned to Advanced Auto Repair to have my noisy fan belt adjusted and to have my rough idiling engine looked at. Bo told me that the fanbelt he installed is new and it schreeched becauses it is wet in the mornings. He said "Every body's fan belt makes noise in the morning" Knowing that this is not the case, I took my Nissan to a different mechanic in Vista. I went to AutoTyme on Melrose Drive in Vista. The owner, Tom, told me the fan belt needed an adjustment as it as not seating on the alternater properly and he replaced 2 leaking vacumn hoses that were making the truck run rough. The truck now runs smoothly and the alternator no longer sounds like an attacking owl! I'm somewhat dissapointed in Advanced Auto Care. There is a sign in their office that reads "Labor Guarenteed for lifetime" I wonder what life time in the animal kingdom they are using as a standard, a fruitfly? Recently I took my wife's Toyota Camery to Advanced Auto Care for an oil change. There was no evidence of an oil leak before I came in to Bo's business. After the oil change they removed the engine cowling and showed my wife she had a discolored valve cover seal and tried to upsale her on a new one. There was no evidence of even a minor oil leak, only the normal appearance of a car engine with 160,000 miles on it. I will not be returning to Advanced Auto Repair because of the issues demonstrated above. read more

Bo is the owner here and he is awesome! Very friendly and professional. I don't trust anyone else to work on my car. Bo and his wife recently opened up a nail shop right next door which I love because I can go get my nails done while I wait for my car to get serviced. Love this idea! read more

Excellent customer service and reliable auto repair. I had an on the spot issue and they took care of me right away. I am humbled by the level of customer service that they provide. I am so happy that I was referred here. They even offer a shuttle service if you need it. The prices were great and it was just an impressive experience. I am so glad I came here today! read more

I use Advanced Auto for all my cars. They are amazing with Japanese vehicles. Brought my 4Runner back to life and it is running better than ever. I recommend them to everyone. read more

Bo was super one at and professional. He was true to his quote and got the job done fast. Did my brakes for a great price I would recommend Bo to anyone . read more

I have been bringing my cars here for over 3 years and have never had a problem with repairs Bo and his staff have always been polite and respectful to me and my family. I know I can trust him with my vehicles to always be honest and affordable with any repairs needed. Labor is guaranteed for life. This is the best auto repair in north county. I'm a customer for life and also refer my friends. Thank you Bo and staff! read more

fast and courteous smog check. Will go back for wheel alignment. Cant beat their prices and service!

I got my car detailed here and smogged! They left my engine looking squeaky clean very worth the price nice employees good work completed on your car! I'd recommend it!! ﾐ(*‿*)彡 read more

Came in to ask about a brake service. Brought the car in 20 minutes later. Ready in 15 minutes. Ceramic brake job for less a hundred less than Pep Boys! read more

Just left.. Excellent brake Service. The manager Bo is a great guy. Prices are negotiable.

Came here to do a quick oil change. Really friendly staff and will get you in the same day if you have an appointment or just a walk in. They always have something playing on the tv in the front office so you're not bored lol. Complimentary cold water as well. If you have any problems with your car or need an oil change, swing by. read more

I need to replace a molding on my car. The dealer wanted $200. I popped by Advanced Auto Repair and spoke with Bo. For $50 he replaced both sides/I was in/out in 15 minutes. I am thrilled. read more

BAD SERVICE - Reported to BAR Took my car for a check - came out the valve seat on cylinder 4 broke. asked what can do - was told by BOO that should swap engine asked $3.9K - said cant afford. Next day got text at work - from him i got engine - 46,456 k miles 3 month warranty ..... ( i said from beginning a z22-ge air injected) .... BOO said i know what im doing. Decided to do it. Got the car - one week passed check engine light came on went to the shop code P2441 ( air injection stuck ). Science i had the car past 10 years ... looked up .... and what i suspected was right. They installed a Celica gts engine ( non air injected) .... not compatible with this ECU ... CEL will always be on. Asked was told By Boo - supplier is at fault .... ????? ... if u take a job u install whatever u think will work ? u receive parts without checking what u get? went back left the car another week passed by ... car was on the lift for 3 days sitting .... got cal bac from shop pick up. Went to work with the car ( they installed the steering wheel 90 degrees off what it suppose to be ) - said come back later . Check engine came back on again - even tho they tried to make a modification to the header .... ( U got the wrong type engine with different head .... u messing with header ). Took a look - what they did looks like a some kind a Plumber was high and used a recycled copper pipe to jerry rig stuff..... Paid more than should and asked do you gonna install the right stuff what i asked ..... said i can modify what is and it should work - offered to give a smog test and make sure it will pass.... On third week asked bring car back u gonna fix it - BOO said bring back Monday. I had enough of cheating and being blown off and telling me he is doing me a favor and doing that for me . IF U DID YOUR JOB AS IT SUPPOSE TO. - would have not have issue with you. After making an offer - which was blown off - decided to file with BAR and BBB. DONT TAKE YOUR CAR there . Besides that also MY GPS is missing. DONT LEAVE STUFF it u want to still have it. He tried to say that for another $650 and $220 can replace my original head on this engine for me .... what? really? U screwed up and asking for that? after multiple txt from BOO at the end he said if u find the right engine i can install for you for free.... i guess i need to post the txt screen shots too - his number is there. read more