Awful. I was recommended carstar first choice on Fountain from State Farm (not my insurance-- the accident was not my fault so I was using different insurance). State Farm should not send people here. Carstar works far too quickly and not carefully. My car came back with paint on the window and seat belt. Also, the tire pressure was extremely high so a light came on. And finally, the door handle fell off! When I came back it turned out they had to purchase a new handle and said the car was not safe to drive the way it was. They sent me off originally with an unsafe car! There ia another Yelp page for the same place with a much lower rating so they seem to be trying to get away from all of the people who have rated them low. The mechanic does not care at all. there are many good places to go to that do better work and are less expensive. Definitely do not go here. read more

Obviously it's not fun having coming here to get your car fixed after an accident, but you will not regret it. I honestly HIGHLY recommend everyone to come here. Just the sservice alone is great. Honestly so kind, helpful and quick. Also, the quaquality of the work is just aamazing. They really do a great job! Thank you guys again for making my car look like new. read more

the only place i trust w my car. knowledgeable helpful and honest. frida is the best and always takes care of you.

Goodness gracious, what an amazing shop. Fantastic communication, honest and reasonable estimates and prices. clean, kind, professional and FAST. I was rear ended and the at fault's insurer pointed me towards CARSTAR and honestly, the headache of the accident was worth it knowing that now I have a place I trust for future repairs Everyone I came across at the shop was friendly, but I have to give a special shoutout to Edwin. I can't say that I can't wait to be back, haha, but I know when I do need to, I will be in good hands. Thank you for treating me an my old car as good as any new shiny off the lot model. read more

Thank you Frida and Alex for helping me get my car fixed. Carstar first choice did an excellent job on my rear bumper repair. You can't even tell my car got rear ended. It's like nothing ever happened to my car. Thanks again! This shop is highly recommended. read more

No one enjoys getting hit and having to have your vehicle repaired, but Frida & CarStar make the experience as painless as possible. Frida greets you and takes the time to listen to your story with a sympathetic ear (I'm sure she hears everyone's sob story). She's patient & understanding, steps you through the process and makes you feel like a valued customer. CarStar finished my repairs far ahead of schedule. The organization is first-rate. read more

Mark was very RUDE. They called and stated that my car may or may not be done by today. I get a call and I was told while at work your car will be done today by 4pm!!! How in the HELL CAN ANYONE GET OFF WORK WITH SHORT NOTICE!!! I know I can't!!! I have to leave work early with short notice to my supervisor. Fuck these people at this place!!! I will never recommend this auto body shop to anyone!!!! read more

Carstar was on my insurances list of approved repair shops after my drivers side mirror was swiped off. I spoke to them over the phone and the representative for Carstar told me that they would not just provide me with an estimate, per my request, but that they would also be the required repair shop because they were listed by my insurance. First red flag. When I pointed out that's different from how my insurance has always operated, he told me that I was wrong. Second red flag. I still proceeded to take my vehicle there for repairs at the scheduled time since I needed it to be fixed quickly. At the drop off, the representative proceeded to tell me that they wouldn't fix my mirror without repainting my whole driver's side door for a small paint scuff I'd mentioned. Even after I requested for them to just replace my mirror which was the primary damage reported, they declined to do only that. Third red flag. They do not have straight forward business practices and I wouldn't recommend working with them if you can avoid it. read more

Hey Everyone, CARSTAR was great. Quick turn on major bodywork while feeling completely looped in to progress. Received update texts throughout the week. Great experience overall. read more

UPDATE: Upgraded to 4 stars. After 4 weeks, my vehicle repairs were done and I finally got it back from the shop! Together with Frida and Edwin (from Carstar), we had to tag-team my auto insurance (GEICO - a separate Yelp review was written for them) as it seemed they didn't get correct and accurate parts assigned and sourced. GEICO was also not diligent in communicating and coordinating with the Carstar so the supplements repair documentation back and forth should have been faster. Glad this is all over! Appreciate the professionalism of the Carstar team and the workmanship done on the vehicle was excellent (looks good as new)! ============================================================ Based on a highly recommended referral by my preferred independent BMW shop, I went to have my vehicle repaired here at First Choice Car Star (Fountain Avenue). The people here are nice and professional whenever I speak to them so it kinda pains me to write this bec I think I owe it to other future potential customers to give realistic expectations and know what they'll be getting into based on my current experience. My SAV has been sitting in the shop for 3 wks. now (which I know for sure doesn't have major damage) and yet is still being worked on. It seems they'll need another week (going on the 4th wk) to get it done. I'm hoping it won't extend to a 5th or 6th week. I've been very patient these past several weeks and accepted the explanations and reasons from supplemental parts that needed to be approved (by my Insurance) and ordered or defective parts delivered (that need to be re-delivered). I'm just not convinced that it takes 3 weeks to order and deliver parts (in this day and age of 1-2 day shipping/delivery) considering my vehicle isn't a rare model. I even asked them if my Insurance was the cause of delay (if it takes time to approve the supplemental parts or service needed) but they said they approve it quicky. It therefore dawns on me that the main reason for several weeks of delay is that my car repairs aren't being prioritized. As of this writing, I've also expressed my disappointment and frustration to the shop verbally and thru email so I'm hoping they sort out this situation! read more

I had a low impact fender bender that effected the passenger door, unfortunately. CARSTAR returned the passenger side to new and also repaired another panel that had some minor rust due to a bad scratch by a steel gate. It's like having a new car again! They work fast and are friendly and responsive. Hightly recommend. read more

Do not trust your vehicle to this body shop! Was directed here by State Farm to repair a recent accident. After they had my car for a week and a half I was called and told they couldn't get the part needed to repair my vehicle. I understand the supply chain issues these days, but why did it take so long for me to be informed they couldn't make the repair. I had to pay for a rental car for all that time for no reason. A few weeks later they called and informed me the part had arrived. I bring back my car but even though they have the part in stock it takes another week and half to complete the repairs. So another week and a half of rental expense. To top it all off, they stole items from my car. I know, I know, I shouldn't have left anything in there. I had emptied out my car the first time I dropped it off but neglected to do it all again. Still, someone there stole from me! Take your car elsewhere! read more

I was referred to this shop by State Farm and they had me text them photos of the damage, which was just a smashed driver-side mirror, no other damage. They never confirmed receipt of the photos and after five days of waiting for a response, I finally texted them to ask if they were close to getting me an estimate. When I still didn't receive a response I asked State Farm to call them to make sure I had the correct number. State Farm called me back to report that the shop would be ready with an estimate the next day. The next day came and went and the day after that, I finally texted, "can you please confirm that you have received my texts?" to which they finally responded-- 7 days after I first sent them the photos-- that they were too busy to take my car and I should find another shop. Could they maybe have told me this a bit sooner? At the suggestion of State Farm, I asked if they could at least send me an estimate as a courtesy so I could take it somewhere else (like the dealership which already had ordered my mirror- body paint and all) but they refused, texting: "Unfortunately, we are not able to do that." It is now 19 days after I lost my driver's side mirror and I still have not been able to get this simple repair done. Based on all the positive reviews they have, I can't help but wonder if Carstar treats insurance claims with less importance than other claims (now that I'm learning what State Farm pays for labor, i can't entirely blame them) but still, if you are referred to CARSTAR by your isnurance company, I recommend you go elsewhere. read more

CARSTAR First Choice Auto Body - Body Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It would be nice to live in a world where you didn't need a go-to body shop, but this is Los Angeles, and stuff happens. When it does, you want a trusted source for excellent service, great communication, and top-notch bodywork repairs. First Choice checks all those boxes. I'm a repeat customer, and have referred others, always with consistently great "like it never happened" results. Happy to give Carlos, Alex and company a double thumbs up! read more

Much love to First Choice Auto Body & Repair! All I can say is wow! I am truly grateful for their detailed work. Evan and his whole team are the best. I had my whole front bumper completely taken off during a hit and run accident with some minor damage to my radiator and a few other pieces. (Brackets) I got my car back looking good as new! I also had some other work done to my car as well and I was very pleased with how the work came out. Can't thank them enough. They're the go to shop in my opinion. read more

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Frida at First Choice is the reason I went with them. Hands down, she's the best. She understands how to work with your insurance carrier, how to advocate for you, and how to keep you calm through the process. I made the stupid mistake of forgetting that I'd parked next to a cement column in a parking structure. It was in my blind spot so when I backed out, I completely forgot its existence and started turning my wheel -- hard -- because no other car was around me. That's when I heard a soft crush and realized my mirror was GONE. It just hung there as sorry as can be. In a panic, I found First Choice through Yelp and Frida immediately calmed me down and did her best to make me feel less idiotic and embarrassed. The next morning I took my car there and they got everything going. My car is now back and it looks as good as new! But most importantly I appreciate how well Frida and the team took care of me and patiently worked with me -- from communicating with me frequently what was going on with my insurance company and getting parts ordered to getting me a rental car to returning my car washed! I really hope I don't make any other imbecilic mistakes but I'm glad to have met Frida and the First Choice team because it is so handy having experts like that when you need them! read more

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I would like to preface my review by immediately disclosing that I did not actually leave my car with First Choice Auto Body for a dent repair I needed, despite the fact that they were exceedingly polite, friendly, and referred to me by my mechanic. There is a damn good compelling reason why after my dealings with them I am issuing a two star review and it will certainly resonate with many potential customers, which is why I am taking the trouble to leave it: I had a tiny dent in the hood of my 2015 BMW which was inflicted by the fist of a crazy crack head in South Los Angeles. The aluminum hood was dented yet neither the paint nor clear coat was marred. On the lauded advice of my mechanic, I brought the car over to First Choice Auto Body and Repair. While dealing with the First Choice estimator (I believe his name was Evan), I was told that during the dent repair process, bondo would be necessary and two entire panels: the hood, and the front left fender would need to be stripped and repainted in the process. I was given a stratospheric quote of $800 to repair a two inch fist inflicted dent with a subtle corona. I drove off with their card entirely unconvinced that such extensive surgery was necessary for such a small problem. Naturally I was monumentally displeased with their sky high quote so I decided to investigate other options. Let me tell you how happy I am that I did! I found a company in Playa Vista that specializes in on location paintless dent repair. They had stellar reviews all over the web as well as before and after pictures of their work. The man who FLAWLESSLY FIXED MY CAR FOR $300 came to my home and did the work in my driveway in under three hours. That is a $500 savings from what First Choice wanted to charge. I repeat, the result is absolutely positively flawless. First Choice gets a big fat two star review for being extremely behind on the latest technologies. I feel as if I went to the doctor for a headache and they offered to trephine my skull instead of offering me an ibuprofen tablet. I debated whether or not to post this review at all but after careful consideration decided that it is exactly the right thing to do. To the people at First Choice I offer this: I think it is time for you to learn this technology instead of just assuming that every customer who owns a nicer make of car is awash with money. Your confiscatory quote for a job that was expertly carried out by a consummate professional for significantly less than half the price, was not well received by me at all. I hope you find this review constructive and your potentitial customers find it instructive. read more

This shop was on the preferred list from Travelers. I was skeptical, because my last experience with a body shop was a nightmare with zero communication. And they didn't even do the work correctly. I had some pretty major damage to my Honda and they turned it around within a few weeks and the work was done perfectly. They also washed the car after too. Anytime i called they answered and gave me an update. It took an extra week but that was because of a parts manufacturer. They are nice people too. Personally I recommend this place. read more

When I recently got into an accident I was unsure of where to take it. My dealership recommended one or two places, insurance recommended some other places (which I learned isn't always a good idea) and some friends recommended a few places. However, more than one told me to call this place and speak to Edwin, the owner. I called and spoke to Frida, who was very courteous and professional. I explained my car was not safe to drive so she walked me through the process of setting up a claim. I called them and got a claim # and these guys literally did the rest. They towed my car from my house to the shop and I rode in the truck (they billed the insurance so no charge to me). I wanted to go to the shop to see the place and meet the people running the establishment. I met Edwin who was very professional and took the time to explain the process. They told me they strive to make the car look exactly as it did when it was new, and they did not fail to deliver! Besides the Grade A work, they put me at ease, and basically did everything for me. I think I spoke to the adjuster once, maybe twice. First choice = Easy choice. I'm going with these dudes hands down any and every time. read more

Carlos was super responsive and helpful! i was able to get my car in quickly to get a scratch fixed and they were done same day with my car fully washed and vacuumed! excellent service, will definitley bring my car here again! read more

Okay, so I've never taken my car here. But I DID take my car to a different First Choice Auto Body in Van Nuys (DO NOT GO THERE!) that was garbage. But I'm writing a 5 star review because Edwin was so courteous and concerned about my bad review, offering a full refund of the repairs when reaching out to me. I appreciate this kind of honesty and customer service in an industry flanked with dishonest people. So while I've never had any work done yet, you can be sure that I'll be using them in the future. Also, PROFUSE apologies to you guys for my stupid mistake!!! read more

I was referred by "State Farm," who stated that they were the preferred auto body shop, Carstar First Choice Auto Body; stay away from these crooks, they are unethical and dishonest!! We took our Kia electric vehicle to be repaired. They delivered my car without a sufficient charge to get back home and did not help me charge it. They sent me out to look for a charging station, I almost did not make it to the station. We also just found out that are "charging unit" was missing from our car. They had to remove it in order that they fix the front bumper, and of course it went missing. These chargers cost approximately $499. I will always let people know how unethical, dishonest this body shop is. Stay away if you do not want something missing out of your car. They do not deserve the one star either stay away from these crooks!!! Do some research just because your insurance company states that they are the preferred they just might not be. You have been warned!! read more

This is not based on their services as much as it is being their neighbor. They park their cars in the residential streets, leaving them out for hours and sometimes days at a time. As a customer, I wouldn't want my car being left out overnight and as a neighbor, I'm tired of having them take all our parking. To top it off, they leave their crap all over because they come and work on the cars in the street. If they have so much business, maybe they should look to rent parking spot or move their place to a bigger location. read more

I was recently involved in a three car pile up, someone crashed in front of me and I hit them. My bumper and hood were wrecked. I was so stressed out as this was my first accident but First Choice and Frida handled everything with my insurance got me on a rental and had me on my way. You can't even tell I ever crashed my BMW, their work is amazing. Frida made sure I got all original BMW parts and kept me updated. They are so warm and receptive here. Thank you Frida for your attention to detail and excellent customer service. read more

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The owner is very rude and has blown off my request to get my car fixed because they do not want to fix it. They gave me a timeline that extended months beyond my time of inquiry just to have me be dealt with later. This is extremely unprofessional and I am shocked to see a company that has 5 stars to have shown such a lack of professionalism on their customer end. I would advise against coming into this shop to get your car fixed because it would take a very long time and they are not accommodating to their customers in any manner. The timelines they give you are completely false and their excuse is that they are overworked. Owner literally told me that they will blow off everyone who comes in at the moment because they are too "overworked". My friends have tried to fix cars here and left because of the attitudes they were met with. read more

My insurance company provided their info to me when I placed a claim. I am always leery of anything to do with the automotive business. CARSTAR First Choice totally turned that notion around! Super friendly, helpful, & they did a great job on all of the repairs. I would 100% recommend CARSTAR! read more

Excellent customer service and my car looks completely new again! They fixed my car in a couple of days and were very thorough. They drove me to get a car rental and even washed and vacuumed my car when they were finished. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend! read more

Frida at the front office is so helpful and efficient, and actually picks up the phone/is very responsive! If going through your insurance, they are seamless. It sounds like they allocate their bandwidth based on which insurance provider you are going through, and since mine was via State Farm, they were able to take my car the day after I made the call + submitted photos of the damage. The team was able to fix my existing hood and didn't have to order/replace it, so the turnaround time ended up only being one day, and I just had to pick up the next day when it was done after 4:30. Frida was also super flexible in letting me know if I couldn't pick it up by 6 that she could wait for me there a bit longer if needed. At any other shop, they definitely would have kept my car for up to a week for the same job! My car came back clean, washed, vacuumed inside, and in close to new condition and although this location was really far since I had to come from the West side, they really know what they're doing here. I went with them due to the great reviews, and no regrets. read more

It's a very professional shop and the staff is extremely helpful. Shoutout to Freda, she was quick to help me out. Awesome place.

Frida was very communicative and kind. My Toyota had a decent amount of work needed but everything was done in a couple of days, looked great and there's a 5 year guarantee on the repairs. They also cleaned my car which i appreciated! read more

3000 million stars if I could give them. Edwin and his team are true angels. I have been a costumer since they opened and they have always been fair, honest and trustworthy about pricing and information. They truly want to help and it's hard to meet mechanics that don't want to cheat you. They have helped my family and I with any type of car, from classic trucks, BMWs, to new Range Rovers. Beyond thankful for the efficiency and amazing service. THANK YOU FIRST CHOICE!!!! read more

CARSTAR First Choice Auto Body - Body Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

They are AMAZING!!! After eating lunch at The Kitchen nearby, my friends and i realized we forgot turning off the engine of BMW motorcycle which my friend rode and left the key and parking on the street for hours. Assured not to be stolen and calling to triple A Roadside Assistance and waiting under the blazing sun. But the wrecker couldn't come easily because of the traffic, and my friend asked neighbors where he could get the jumper cables. The neighbor told him the First Choice Auto Body could have them. We came running asked the help at the office. One man came out and with the portable battery and came along. The motorcycle jumpstart was not easy: the place of the battery is different from the BMW car which just open the hood and jumpstart. Unscrew the every bolt and nut under the blazing sun. After the jumpstart, it needed to screw them again. It took about more than 30mins sweating all over and difficult find out the right place. However, he and my friend finally fixed and everything fine. We thanked him, giving a little money but he said we are neighbors. Why should i get the money and refused to our appreciation, and gone. I think his name is Edwin as I read all the reviews. He is an angel. And i assume that this auto body shop might be honest on their job. And i decided that if i have any trouble of my car, I will come right away, no hesitate. read more

Incredible service from Edwin and Frida. My vehicle was rear ended while going to work. Gave First Choice a call due to reviews and they went above and beyond for me. Sent a tow to pick up my vehicle for me. Provided me with honest assessment and even sent an Uber for me to pick up my vehicle when it was ready. From start to finish...top notch service. Highly recommend! read more

I brought my 2011 BMW M3 here for some body work and paint and they did an exceptional job. They helped deal with the insurance company to get me exactly what I wanted. Everyone was very professional and Carlos went above and beyond to make sure I was happy. I am a stickler when it comes to my car and I am happy with the work I received. I would recommend them to anyone. read more

CARSTAR First Choice Auto Body - Replaced bumper and carbon fiber splitters. Everything from factory. - Body Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I am so grateful for the professional and quality service I received here. It took me a little bit longer to get my truck done, but hey it was all worth it... my truck looks like new again... Edwin provided such a professional service and on top of that he educated me about my rights and how to demand properly from my insurance company. My truck feels and drives like day one. read more

CARSTAR First Choice Auto Body - My 2017 chevy Colorado.... got into a very bad accident. - Body Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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They did a wonderful job with my car. Very professional and good service! I highly recomment CarStar!

I was referred to First Choice from the mechanics at Ikonic. I met with Edwin, the owner of the shop. He has an easy going demeanor and made me feel comfortable discussing the work I wanted done. Today I picked up my car and am wowed by the impeccable work he and his crew have done. My car is stunning. I feel really confident about my car's appearance and am now considering enrolling it into the retro car show Radwood in Anaheim this coming December. I'm left the shop very happy and still feel completely elated as I write this review. Thank you to the entire crew at First Choice. My car is definitely a looker. read more

CARSTAR First Choice Auto Body - Body Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Are you ADD about your car? Seriously... i mean, if there's a ding by some stranger coming out of a yoga class who parked too close to your car in the office garage structure are you going to obsess about it? ok well enough about me then... because when that happens to the beautiful E36 BMW 3 series you've been bringing back to showroom life for the past year and it needs a clean up of a ding on its nose that came with the car when you bought it used... this is the spot. The team at First Choice treats you like family. Meaning... you can talk with them honestly and get honest kind conversation back. Sure there are beverages inside in the mini fridge which is great on a hot LA day, but year round what matters most is results and the experience. And both are PRO here. How happy was I (and my BMW) with the family here at First Choice? I brought a bottle of wine with me as a thank you gift when i picked up my car for everyone there to share a glass of. Thank you IKONIC GARAGE for the referral... hey, that tells you right there who you're dealing with. If the BMW "surgeons" at IKONIC tell you this is the best neighborhood spot... you go. read more

Highly recommend this shop. Very professional owner (edwin). They did a great job fixing our car! read more

CARSTAR First Choice Auto Body - Got side swiped by another car - Body Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Let me start off by saying that this body shop is the best! Everyone that works there is so kind, and helpful. Rachel (secretary) made sure that all my questions and concerns were answered. I was in two car accidents within a 3 week time frame. I wasn't sure what to do or what to expect! Carlos, Edwin, and Rachel reassured me that they would do a complete repair on my car. My car was ready after 2 weeks of the incident, and my car looks as if nothing happened to it .. I don't regret leaving my car with them . Their work is amazing ! read more