I've had my MGB GT for 4 years. I pride myself in working on my own car and for my duration of ownership, I've only taken my car to a shop for repair twice: both have been here at Burnett British Automotive. A few weeks ago, I repaired the fuel jet in my carbs. After a few days, the car was sputtering and it wasn't able to hold a load. I took apart the carbs, cleaned them, put them back together and it was worse. I checked for any vacuum leaks and went through my distributor and spark plugs. The issue worsened. I read up on the forums, watched hours of Youtube videos trying to figure out what the problem was. I even posted on a forum for open source aid ( https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mgb-and-gt-forum.1/sputtering-on-acceleration-especially-when.3894383/ ). Finally, I gave in and took the car to Jeff. It took him a few days but he was able to figure out that my coil had gone bad. He replaced the coil, gave my car a complete tune-up (since he performed the last tune up 4 years ago) and even fixed my hood release and e-brake. He called me every day with updates and was extremely transparent in what he was doing to complete his diagnosis. I am super thankful for Jeff. He is an expert. If you have an MG, Jag, Triumph or Austen Healey...Jeff is your man. read more

Burnett British Automotive Services - Auto Repair Near Me - Mountain View, California

I rarely leave negative reviews, but after my experience with David Lytell, the owner of Burnette Automotive in Mountain View, I feel other potential customers should know how I was treated. I had a classic vehicle listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace when David reached out to me offering his shop's services. He told me he could help increase the resale value of my vehicle. I explained that the only thing left to complete was a motor swap. David told me his mechanic could perform the installation in approximately eight hours at $250 per hour, for a total of about $2,000. I responded that it sounded like a fair deal and told him I would get back to him after I had time to think about it. At no point did I agree to move forward with the work or schedule an appointment. Shortly afterward, I began receiving repeated messages from David asking when I would be towing the vehicle to his shop. The messages became increasingly frequent, despite the fact that I had never committed to the repair. I finally responded and explained that I had been extremely busy with work and taking care of my children, and that I wasn't sure yet but would try to figure it out. As time passed, I became hesitant because I had another written estimate from a different repair facility quoting approximately $6,550 for the same engine installation. The large difference in price made me want to do more research before making a decision. Because of my work schedule and family responsibilities, I stopped responding for a short period of time. During that time, David continued sending repeated messages asking when I was bringing the vehicle in, even though no agreement had ever been made. Then I experienced a family emergency and had to leave the Bay Area. I informed David of the situation and told him: "I'm out of town due to a family emergency. I'll circle back with you later." David initially replied: "Hope all is well." However, later that same day, he sent me the following messages: "As you haven't said anything." Followed seconds later by: "Or u just playing games on this. Which makes a real jerk! You should die." I was shocked. No business owner should ever tell a potential customer, under any circumstances, "You should die." I found the message threatening, disturbing, and completely unprofessional. I responded respectfully and told him that my mother was in the hospital and that he should be ashamed of sending a message like that. Instead of apologizing, David responded with the following: "Your the scamer like the rest on fb stringing me along, Ad you was never serious on getting your car fixed u just wanted play games and sick of u fb people playing foolish games as im more legit than your looser ass you have no mother doing and probly no family if u was serious u would have set up something instead of keeping me hanging ever so often its u who's a foolish scam good luck with your dumb money pit and stupid kid games, As were a real buiness your just a scamer with fake shit on your hands." I never wasted his time intentionally. I never scheduled an appointment, never authorized repairs, and never promised to bring the vehicle to his shop. I simply told him I would think about his quote. Life happens. Family emergencies happen. A reputable business should understand that--not respond by insulting someone's family, calling them names, or telling them they should die. I cannot comment on the quality of Burnette Automotive's mechanical work because I never had my vehicle repaired there. However, based solely on my experience with the owner's communication and professionalism, I would never consider doing business with this shop and cannot recommend it to anyone looking for respectful customer service. I encourage anyone considering this business to carefully evaluate how they expect to be treated as a customer. read more

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I brought my vintage MG in for diagnosis of a brake pull issue. The mechanical work ultimately appeared competent, and the brake problem seems to be resolved. My leaking fuel pump was repaired with a gasket replacement, which has held. The final bill of $600 did not seem unreasonable for the work performed. My concern was with communication and authorization. I expected to receive inspection findings and discuss repairs before work proceeded, but my understanding of the process did not match what actually occurred. This resulted in a very stressful experience and a loss of confidence. That said, mechanic Ryan took the time to walk me through the work that had been performed when I picked up the car, answered my questions, and was professional in my interactions with him. Overall, the quality of the repair appears good, but I would encourage customers to establish very clear expectations regarding communication and repair authorization in advance. read more

Absolutely one of the worst customer service experiences I've ever had at Burnett British Automotive Services. From the start, the interaction was incredibly unprofessional and disrespectful. Instead of being treated with basic courtesy, I was met with a bad attitude and was even talked about negatively, which is completely unacceptable in any business setting. The whole experience felt hostile and uncomfortable. I came in expecting help and left feeling disrespected and frustrated. There's no excuse for that kind of behavior, especially from a business that relies on customers. If this is how people are treated, I'd strongly recommend taking your car somewhere else where you'll actually be treated with respect. read more

I took my Jaguar XJS in for an oil change, transmission fluid service, and an A/C recharge in early June. The mechanic who initially helped me (I unfortunately forgot his name) was very friendly and told me the work would be completed within a day or two. When I called two days later, the person who answered the phone (I believe the original owner's son) told me the car needed much more work and that A/C parts had been ordered. I asked what parts were needed and when the car would be finished, but I never received a clear answer. I was simply told it would take another day. The next day I called again and was told it would take a couple more days. At that point, I asked them to stop any A/C work and just let me pick up my car. I was then told they couldn't because "the engine is all open." This concerned me, so the following morning I went to the shop in person. I spoke with the same mechanic who had originally checked in my car. When I asked about the A/C issue, he told me there wasn't one and that my car had actually been ready the day after I dropped it off. I mentioned the multiple phone conversations I'd had, and he said he didn't know why I had been given incorrect information but that the car had been ready for some time. Overall, the experience was unnecessarily stressful because of the confusing and inconsistent communication over the phone. I'm giving two stars because the mechanic was professional and friendly, the work was completed, my A/C is working, and the oil and transmission service were done successfully. read more

Burnett British Automotive Services - Jaguar XJS - Auto Repair Near Me - Mountain View, California

Paid $8000 to them for partial rebuild of engine, drove It home and halfway lost oil pressure. They do not accept responsibility. They had the car over a month, kept making excuses. Bad communication, obviously do not know what they are doing. No longer Original owner. STAY AWAY read more

this clown reached out to me on facebook marketplace about an inspection on my car when i declined he got up set and began insulting my car all because I wasn't interested in his inspection. the guy has serious issues with his aggressive sales pitch no means no. Robert lytell. it's business never personal. you damn clown. don't do business with this clown. he's a scam gonna take your money to tell you some bs customer be aware this is guys is a joke read more

My own fault. From start to finish, I knew I was being bullxxxxed. I relied on knowing them past 40yrs. IMO and that of a 2nd MGB shop, Burnett charged me $7000 for a $3500 job. Did not install nor properly time most of the engine related installation. They had my 1977 MGB for 75 days. Always one excuse after another, and more charges/repairs needed. Finally got it home, I would start or drive once a week 15 minutes around town. Never really ran correctly. Would not start 30 days after getting home. Turns out wheels not properly attached with power tools, ignition switch not properly installed, timing on Weber at best shoddy, did not even change the 10yr old radiator water LOL. Said they put in gas, charged me, they did not. I gave them 100% faith, paid on time. Did everything they wanted. In the end, I knew in my heart/mind, sadly was correct, I did not get what I paid for. Very very disappointed. Took to another shop, $1000, 5 days later got back. Engine, everything is so much better. Am no mechanic but can tell, huge improvement due to new efforts of San Mateo based MGB shop...... So disappointed I had to write this. I would never use Burnett again. read more

I hadn't been able to drive my 1960 AH Sprite since I had a hip replacement in 2016. I live in Walnut Creek, and was unable to find anyone locally that could do much more than change the oil. Fortunately, I discovered Burnett British Automotive. I originally spoke with Jeff, and he promised to have Mattias call and discuss scheduling. Mattias called the next day end explained that they had a 2-3 month backlog. When he called back six weeks later he explained that they'd have the car for some time due to the fact that they had to order parts each time they found something else to fix. I was happy to see it off on the tow truck on its way the be fixed. I have had the car for 25 years. The previous owner had replaced the original 948cc engine with a 1098cc engine and the original front drum brakes with disc brakes, but it turns out they hadn't done a proper job. Jeff and the mechanics found a myriad of problems in addition to the obvious ones that were keeping it from starting. After about 10 weeks, my car was ready to come home. Getting to Mt View was going to be difficult for me, so Mattias kindly offered to deliver the car to me. We went for a test drive together, and he answered all of my questions. The car runs better now than ever. The mechanics, communication, and customer service are outstanding. I can't recommend Burnett British Automotive highly enough. read more

I have been using Burnett's for about 30 years on my 67 Austin Healey 3000, and for the last several years have not been following their advice to drive it more. During the pandemic, I hardly drove it, and it started to overheat and eventually the engine began running very rough, to the point I hardly ever drove it. I called Burnett's and had it towed down to their shop in Mountain View, met with Jeff and Mattias, the person who would take the business over. I also met several of the new mechanics and was happy to learn that some of them had extensive experience with old British classics. They kept me updated as they fixed the obvious problems and discovered others. Items that were probably old problems were identified and we agreed on a plan that involved extensive brake, valves and carburetor overhauls. I picked up the Harley and found that they had done all of that, plus lubed most everything and cleaned the engine and radiator so we'll that it looked like a new power train under the bonnet. Car runs better than it had for years. Nice work, and nice folks. read more

Jeff (and his father before him,) have taken care of a series of British cars that I've owned, doing everything from assisting in a complete re-build of my '58 Morris Minor, to regular service, to installing transplanted disc brakes on my Morris. He is a one-man shop, so you need to be patient, and the work is superb, attention to detail excellent. I think that he under-prices himself and his valuable store of knowledge about quite rare cars. He is scrupulously honest and more than once has talked me out of something that would have been good for him, but not great for me. I love to visit his shop, just for the aroma of older cars, grease and all the (now) antique decorations. read more

Unfortunately, my wife has been driving Range Rovers for the past 20 years. Henceforth, I've become quite well acquainted with Jeff Burnett. If you own a British vehicle this is the mechanic you absolutely need, end of argument. read more

Jeff's moved across the street from his old location on Middlefield, just behind Francesca's. It's a little cozier back there, but he's in with all of the other automotive service businesses. Find 'em- Jeff and Andrew are the best!! read more

Jeff keeps my 1958 MGA running better than new! I've been a customer for over 6 years right after I first bought my car from the original owner. After two years the car needed its first ever engine rebuild. Jeff appreciated the originality of the car and took great care to rebuild with that in mind. Jeff knows British cars, with all the 'special' mechanical, fuel and electrical 'features.' I highly recommend Burnett's British Automotive Services. read more

Jeff provided exactly what I was looking for with my 1991 Jaguar. He listened to my requests and respected my choices involving the extent of the repairs I needed. Communication is key in auto service and Jeff was very open with everything - timing, risks, and cost were all discussed before work was done and at points where decisions were required. I came away with a functioning car at a very reasonable price as well as information on what repairs I may see in the future and how to deal with them. I will definitely be coming back to Burnett British Automotive Services when either of my two British cars need professional help. read more

I am married to my 1974 1/2 MGB and, as they say, marriage is hard work. When I need counseling and repair, I send my car all the way down the Peninsula to Jeff. Cal me sentimental, but I kind of consider him part of the family in terms of trust and how easy it is to communicate. Honesty and integrity is the name of the game here. This is a family business with no strings attached. Jeff deserves the support of his loyal customers. As time goes by there are fewer and fewer British car mechanics around. read more

Jeff was perhaps the rudest person I have ever met. He took my land rover in to replace two worn brake lines. After destroying the brake lines I asked him if he could make new ones....He said I don't work on the old British Land Rover. Still scratching my head as to why he took the car in first place.....then he said I don't want to argue with you!!! I never raised voice..."talk is money"...he stated.... Then he insulted me further about my ability to pay.... OMG the guy was a total jerk....Other shop guy apologized for his behavior, Fair warning......Don't go here. read more

I am a supplier for Jeff at British Auto Service. I've dealt with Jeff, his brother and father for over 25 years and these folks have always been a favorite to deal. If you like to deal with a no nonsense type of individual that has a wealth of knowledge about British vehicles, get in to see Jeff Burnett. I think he bleeds LMA. read more

I have a 2001 XKR and never trusted it to anyone but a dealer. Wanted to change due to high dealer costs and tried Burnett British Automotive services. I need routine servicing and it was reasonably priced. Jeff told me I would be needing new front brakes in 6 months or so. His quoted price was way below a dealers price. After about a year I noticed a oil leak and went to see Jeff. Logical fix did not work (Pan and gasket). Additional work by Jeff was required at, no cost, to locate the source and fix it. Jeff and his assistant Jake are absolutely great. And YES they did the brakes at the much lower price. If your a Jag owner go see Jeff. TLC at the best. read more

My 74 E Type visited Burnett's British Automotive for the second time after the starter decided to quit. Jeff completed everything that he promised and totally delivered great service. He loved cars and it shows. read more

Wouldn't trust anyone else with my Mk III. Jeff, Jake and the crew took great care of me, the ride and the wallet. Got her up and running asap. I own an old fragile British car- and for that reason, I will be back! If you can fix an Austin Healey you can fix anything! read more