A few months ago, I had just picked up my Shelby Mustang after repairs from an accident. While visiting my father's grave in South San Francisco--an hour from home--I suddenly started hearing a very loud and concerning noise from the front end of the car. It sounded like something had come loose, and I genuinely didn't know if it was even safe to drive. It was late on a Saturday afternoon, and as we were leaving the cemetery, I happened to notice Auto Exotics right across the street with the shop door still open. I pulled in and explained the situation to the owner, Joe Ajam, who was literally closing up for the weekend. Despite that, Joe stopped everything, moved cars around to make space, put my Shelby on a lift, and went through it carefully. He found a few loose bolts but nothing dangerous. Most importantly, he took the time to check every major component so my wife and I could drive home safely--and we did. Joe works primarily on European performance cars, yet he treated my Shelby like it was one of his own. And to top it off, he refused any payment for his time and effort. In a world where true customer service feels increasingly rare, what Joe did that day deserves to be recognized. His honesty, generosity, and professionalism turned a stressful situation into one of gratitude. Thank you, Joe. You've earned every bit of this five-star review. read more

Auto Exotics - 2016 Shelby Mustang - Auto Repair Near Me - South San Francisco, California

I contacted Auto Exotics after my car failed a smog inspection. Joe saw me right away and ordered the part. He called me within an hour to tell me the part had arrived, and within half an hour of my return, I was on my way to get my smog retake. I wish I had known about this shop sooner! Because of the quality of service I received, I plan to take my cars back anytime I need a repair or work done on my cars. Great customer service. read more

Saturday I broke down on the 280 and after a quick map search and phone call I asked AAA to tow me here. Joe knew just by turning the key that it was the fuel pump. He had it done when he promised (Monday) and while the time took longer than he quoted, I feel like I got a fair deal after he explained the part costs and time for repair schedule. I don't live near Colma but if I did this shop is where I'd take my 2004 BMW for maintenance and repairs. Thank you, Joe! read more

Auto Exotics - Joe - Auto Repair Near Me - South San Francisco, California

Keep up the great job they do really great work on cars I would recommend him to anyone

Joe and his team are awesome. I have been bringing my car to Joe for over 15 years. Always a positive interaction and great service. As a woman I feel confident and Informed. I fully trust Auto Exotics 0ne million % read more

I've been taking car to Joe for the last 5 years and I wouldn't go anywhere else. It's really difficult finding a mechanic that is honest and doesn't charge up the wazoooooo. Always polite, funny and a positive experience. I feel lucky to have found him. read more

New location. CONGRATS joe. Wish you the best w many years to Come. God bless. New place is only two doors down from his old location. Come visit joe for your daily auto repair needs. Best prices and friendly service. Thank you joe for 15 years of excellence. read more

Auto Exotics - Address & contact info. - Auto Repair Near Me - South San Francisco, California

See all

I had a battery problem and my regular place was closed. Joe took my call right away, gave a realistic estimate, and took care of my car that afternoon. Great service, comfortable place. read more

Not good repair shop. Better look for another place. Even just an ordinary oil change, not good. Protect your car, avoid this place.

Great professionals team! Very nice, very reasonably priced and nice people! Joe the owner is amazing dude! He always helps out, always makes sure your car is safe and will get you to places safe and sound. Thanks Joe for always taking care of my and my family's cars! All European, American, sports cars, SUV's, literally every type of car he has serviced for me and my family and we have been nothing but happy! read more

I really hate having this write this review. I do not believe it was anything intentional however the end result was I paid them $1,300 and the problem was not resolved. I took it to the Mercedes dealer and they diagnosed it fast and accurately. The dealer actually charged less for the diagnostic then Auto Exotics. After getting deeper into the issue on an online chat forum it was clear they do not have the proper, very expensive diagnostic equipment the dealer has. When I approached the owner with the receipt from the dealer he refused to look at it or even entertain he may have over looked something. I was not looking for a full refund, just something to soften the blow. read more

I dont have anything bad to say about joe but im not happy with the service he provided Either ive took my lexus GS 300 there and in two weeks he got it done but when i came in with my t5 transmission for my foxbody he had it for 3 months i didn't hear back i would always call and he would just feed me bull shit he said he got the parts and then he said parts are hard to find this guy was all over the place so i dont recommend having joe fix any t5 transmission read more

This is the best auto shop so far for me. Change oil and tire change like omg soo affordable. Joe helped me a lot with my car problems too and he always has a solution with all the problem and charge for a reasonable price. Joe is the type of Mechanic who doesn't rip off pockets. He charge based on the work and parts it cost. I highly recommend this place! He's such a great guy and he knows what he's doing. I would never trust my car to other auto mechanics. I've looked around the area and auto mechanics are charging me hella money. For a tire change and an oil change. Where in joe changed everything for a cheaper price!!! 5 stars!!! Highly Recommended!!!. read more

After installing coilovers on my car, it started making some chirping/grinding noises whenever I turned the wheel. I had a few people diagnose it and the verdicts ranged from CV boot failure (idiot RWD-cars don't have CV boots) to the wheel bearings going bad (FML$$$). Took it to Joe. He assured me that my wheel bearings were fine and that the noise was merely caused by my inner tire wall rubbing on the strut housing caused by the significant toe-out angle from lowering my car (wow duh... brain fart.... why didn't i think of that). I just needed spacers. He only charged me half an hour of labor for raising the car up and tightening down my endlinks which were fine too. Never felt like such an idiot. But I did save a ton of money. read more

Have been taking both our family cars to Joe for 6 years. The experience, quality of work, timeliness and Joe's advise have been excellent. On top of being good and honest mechanic, Joe is always willing to help - drop me or my wife off when we can't catch a ride, loaner, etc. We have a 08 mazdaspeed, which I love dearly, and I would only trust Joe to work on it - even oil changes. BTW just got a set of Conti Extreme Contact on Joe's recommendation and I am jumping up and down - quite tire, excellent grip and all season handling - amazing. So, if you are looking for a great family/personal mechanic, who does quality work at a very reasonable price - Joe is your guy. read more

If you're looking for an honest mechanic, then look no further. Joe is your guy.

Have been taking both our family cars to Joe for 15 years. We call Joe "our car's doctor". Joe very good mechanic .Thank you Joe! read more

Ok. I've had my fair share of mechanics. I've only known ONE really good , honest, go out of your way guy, and he was a family friend. He unfortunately closed down. Enter Joe of auto exotics. Words can't not express my gratitude for this man. Been coming to him for a few years now, and let's just say the service, the compassion, the understanding of financial binds. The guy is a gem. Thank you Auto Exotics and Joe for being one of few good mechanics out there. read more

It's difficult to find an honest mechanic, but Joe is one of them. Was recommended by a friend and I never regretted coming over. A very nice shop, reasonable pricing and a spot on service. read more

This place is awesome!!! Very fair in price, clean shop, and friendly service!!!!! They do great work!

I took my Mercedes here after a pretty bad crash. Joe helped me out for a good price, made the car look like new, and had a great attitude. The service here is outstanding. More importantly, my car has been running perfectly since then. read more

If you want the best service, helpful owner and someone that doesn't gauge you just because you have a BMW go here. Joe is great and very helpful and will work with you on whatever your car needs. He even was working on cars when he had a kidney stone, that's dedication. Been going to him for 3 years now and honestly I don't trust anyone else with my or my families cars. read more

Great shop, I checked for my repair with the dealer, and I took my car to this shop, and I saved myself a $300.00 difference. Oem parts for my BMW, great price= happy customer. read more

Joe truly goes above and beyond with his service! This is the best auto mechanic shop in the entire Bay Area! He is extremely educated and has a really impressive background in engineering! He really want you to be happy with your car and was more than happy to help me with all of my questions. I am always worried about where he take my car, because I know there are a lot of unreliable auto shops out there, but auto exotics is the real deal and does not do any sketchy business! HE ALSO GAVE ME A COOL STYLUS/PEN/FLASHLIGHT! If you're in need of a good auto mechanic you need to go to this store! Also, he charged very reasonable prices for all the work he does! read more

Joe is an honest man and a pleasure to do business with. He helped me fix my BMW that had completely dumbfounded another local shop and even frustrated the BMW dealership in SF. Knowing the aggravation and expense I'd already incurred, he was more than fair in explaining my options and even reducing his rate where he could to make a happy customer. A nightmare car repair experience had a positive end result thanks to Joe's professionalism and expertise. He just won a customer that will take all car issues to Auto Exotics from now on. read more

Found this place on a whim when I needed a quick brake light bulb change. I called in while in the Costco parking lot and Joe told me to "Bring it on in!" When he was finished with it, he told me he doesn't charge his customers this type of service! But this was my first time here so I was stunned ! I thought my car was at the end of its ropes and I knew it was in poor condition. Joe did a free inspection on him the following morning and told me that there were 3 things that I needed taken care of right away (TBH, I was surprised there were only 3). Idk why but I trusted him right off the bat, but I don't regret it one bit. My car feels like a brand new car! Who knew new bushings and an alignment could make a world's of a difference!? I didn't mention the minor issues to him but he noticed that the window button to the driver's side was broken. I hadn't opened that window for a year now and I kinda forgot about it. Joe went ahead and ordered the part for me. And OMG, it's so good to have a working window again, especially in this summer heat! Joe took his time explaining to me in auto world language the main issues of my car. Joe and his assistant showed me extreme kindness and care towards me and my car and tried to help me find the best deal on tires for my baby. Although I ended up finding one on my own through Craigslist, he didn't hesitate to help change out my tire when I came back the next day without notice. I will definitely be returning to Joe for my future mechanical needs! Also to note, I have a 2003 bmw 330ci and he knows beemers very well!! He definitely should receive the praise he deserves!!! Thank you so so so much!!! read more

Thank you Joe for your amazing service. It has been truly hard to find a speedy and reliable car shop and these guys definitely delivered! My car is my baby and I can only trust Joe and his team! Thank you for all your hard work and service. My car looks brand new and has been driving very smoothly! It's like having a brand new car again! read more

changed the whole engine for a used one that joe ( the owner ) recommended for me, and it has been working for like 2 years or so now. since then i trust no one with my car but joe. he does not only knows what he is doing, but also a very nice guy. read more

Shady business practice. Doesn't allow me to see him work on my own car. Gives me the run around about liability b.s. I told him I could stand 5 feet away and watch, but still insist for me to wait inside. I later found out that Joe charged me 2.5 hours for labor for a repair that took 10 minutes and other mechanics only charged half an hour for. Complete rip off, I wouldn't trust the guy. If you were to go here, you better off going straight to the dealer and getting your repairs. read more

VERY shady business, brought my car in for a simple part swap and left with a expensive bill, because joe said there were lots of problems on my car and he swap out other parts without telling me. instead showed me a expensive bill. WILL NEVER COME BACK HERE read more

Joe Ajam is always helpful. He recently did more body work on my BMW and replaced a side mirror. Very professional and very clean. I got my car back and I was extremely happy. I will not take my car to an expensive dealer again. read more

I had a absolutely awful experience at this place. I would never recommend this to anyone. They were unprofessional, they did not explain what work they were doing, they could not explain why they couldn't finish the job and the charged me for things I have no way of proving they actually performed. They are shady and rude. NEVER EVER go to this place!!! read more

My car had a noise coming from the drive belt area. When Joe looked at the car he confirmed that pulley assembly is the problem and it needs to be replaced. A few days later when the part arrived I brought the car back to Auto Exotics. Later that day I got a call from Joe saying that replacing pulley assembly didn't resolve the issue and that the Power Steering Pump is the problem. I had no reasons not to trust Joe and I needed to get my car back as soon as possible, so I gave an approval to replace the pump. On the following day I got a call from Joe saying that even after replacing power steering pump the noise still didn't go away and he needs to replace AC Compressor. At that point I've already owed Joe $586 ($140 for the pulley and $300 for rebuilt power steering pump plus installation for the pump (he told me that he wouldn't charge labor for pulley assembly)) and it would cost me a little over $1,100 total with AC compressor replaced. Instead of replacing AC compressor I got my car back and had a different mechanic to take a look at it. I was stunned to find out that the pulley assembly was never replaced and in fact it was the source of the problem. There was nothing wrong with AC Compressor and most likely Power Steering Pump either. As soon as the pulley assembly was replaced (for under $200) and the noise went away I went back to Auto Exotics, but Joe denied to admit that he ever identified pulley as being a problem and that's why he never replaced it. I never got a receipt because I paid in cash so that he wouldn't charge tax. I've learned my lesson - never go to this shop again! read more