Castle Automotive is top shelf when it comes to any car issues that may arise. Located off of Oxnard St & Hazeltine Ave, you can't miss it - not too many businesses are shaped like castles, especially in the Valley! Whenever my wife and I have car problems, we've made this our go-to garage because they're honest and provide excellent service. When my car had to be worked on for a couple of hours, Ara the owner offered to personally give me a ride home since I'm a local - I honestly can say no one has ever offered to go above and beyond like that from any other garage I've been to! The prices are fair and much cheaper than going to a dealership, but the quality of service provided by Castle Automotive is even better. Give them a call or bring in your car whenever you need and they'll get your sorted out as soon as possible without breaking the bank. read more

This review is long overdue. I had a lingering dreaded check engine light for five years on my older Ford Explorer. I was able to temporarily make it disappear to pass the smog test a couple years ago, but it came back on. Last year I had to pass the smog test again, but couldn't make it disappear this time around. I first took it to another mechanic who didn't have troubleshooting machines and told me we had to do the process of elimination thing, starting with changing the air filter, then fuel filter, then a few other things that took over three weeks and over three hundred dollars worth of parts and repairs. Still, the check engine light came on. That's when I turned to Yelp and found Ara(the owner) at Castle Automotive. I spoke with him on the phone and he told me to bring it in and he could troubleshoot with the proper machines and pretty much pinpoint the problem. I brought it in and within an hour and half he told me that he was certain in was one specific sensor. The total cost was less than what I paid the other mechanic that took three weeks with no results. He told me to drive it over the weekend then stop in afterwards and he'll check it one last time to give the go ahead to take the smog test. I picked up my car, drove it around for 60 miles, then swung by his place, they checked it and gave the okay to take the smog test. I drove across the street, took the smog test and passed! It has been almost a year later and no check engine light! Recently, I had another issue with my car and drove it there and he pointed to the exact problem and said I could do it myself at home to save money. I told him that I wanted them (the pros) to do it and to add an oil change while we're at it! I am sooooo happy to have a local honest and trustworthy mechanic in my neighborhood. I'm super grateful that I found Ara at Castle Automotive. I have recommended them to friends and family and highly recommend for all you Yelpers to check them out as well. You'll be happy you did! read more

It's been years now that I've been coming, so I'm way overdue for a review, but I appreciate that Ara is very upfront with the pricing and will call around for parts while you are there, so you know the price. And what I also appreciate is when they say to bring my car at a certain time, they really do work on my car at that time. They do good work, at a good price, and respect your time. Definitely recommend. read more

Our son swears by these guys. He is pretty knowledgeable himself. I was going to the Dealers service dept but I plan to stop that money waster. read more

Castle Automotive is the best! I was shopping for a used car. I brought multiple cars to Castle Automotive for pre-purchase inspections. I was impressed with the fact that they always called me and not the seller. Afterall, I was paying for the inspection. Castle Automotive was thorough, candid, and were looking out for my best interests. I ended up with the best car thanks to their help. I can't thank them enough for their integrity and professionalism. read more

Ara is great. Honest. Professional. I've brought my car in. He delivered my car within the time he said he would. Multiple times. read more

I just called for an estimate on an AC recharge and I was told "there is no such thing as a recharge", but that they charge $160 for the diagnostic and that my vehicle takes 1234yf Freon and depending what repair needed to be done is what I would be paying. For that year there are two options and my truck takes 134a Freon, not what I was just told. There is a huge price difference between both. 134a a little over $200 is what I have been quoted three calls before and IF they said IF for some chance my truck took 1234yf, it would be $700. I just checked under the hood and it's 134a. People are not very honest here, not who I would trust with any type of repairs. read more

I went in to get a new battery for my 2000 4Runner because it was starting more and more slowly. It's got over 300k miles and it's still hanging in there (knock on wood)! The very nice owner Ara verified that it of course needed a new battery, and he was able to squeeze me in for an add-on oil & fluid change despite being very busy. They also replaced a faulty hose of some kind for a pittance (they noticed it and took care of it with minimal drama nor cost). Have you ever gone to an establishment and seen the positive Yelp reviews acted out live in front of you? It almost got to the point where I felt like I was being punked but I was really heartened to see how well the owner Ara treats his customers while I waited in the office. Price- reviewers have mentioned how reasonable and fair his prices are. An elderly customer literally was BEGGING Ara to charge more for the service he had just provided. Ara finally relented and charged him a half hour of labor and the customer was grateful. How often do you see that?! Trustworthy- another customer commented on how much he trusted Ara after his diagnosis and repairs, and he emphasized how much that meant to him to be able to trust someone like that. Based on these interactions along with seeing how calmly and effortlessly he juggled the many in-person and phone inquiries, I was very impressed. I was also really happy with my own service. As others mentioned, it's a good idea to call ahead and schedule a time to bring your vehicle in as they justifiably can get busy! Will definitely be back (hopefully not too soon)! read more

Castle Automotive offers a decent selection of tires and the staff is generally helpful. I had to wait a bit longer than expected, which was frustrating. However, the prices are reasonable and the quality seems fine. It's not the best experience, but it's not the worst either. If you're in a pinch, it gets the job done! read more

Ara at Castle Automotive is terrific!! He really helped us out in a jam when our Ford Focus had a fuel line leak. We had it towed over and he had it repaired the next day at a very reasonable price. Thank you Ara!! read more

Great service, work done in a very timely manner, prices are more than fair! Will be going back for services on my other vehicles

My 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a limp mode and stalling issue that is difficult to diagnose. I took my car to a "specialist" closer to my area before taking it and they wanted to play "Process of elimination" while paying at every level. After 2 process I decided to take my truck out and keep it in my home. I came across Baker at Castle through FB (yeah I know). After speaking to him, it seems he knows what he's talking about and assured me they will find the problem. I decided to give them a try while being skeptical. Well, needless to say they did not disappoint and gave me close 100% diagnostic along with the solution. My truck is working again now so I can say that the guys at Castle are very competent and gives you a no BS assessment of your vehicle along with the solution. read more

Took great care of my gf repair, didn't rip her off like other mechanics have tried. I'll be bringing my car here in the future and would recommend to others read more

I've been here a few times and they are always very nice, efficient, and most of all honest, which you don't find at a lot of places and is refreshing when you do. They were able to fit me in short notice and did a quick oil change for me! I definitely recommend this place!!! read more

I found Castle Automotive on yelp and was impressed by their high rating. I was looking for a place to get a diagnosis because the water kept falling out of my car, but I wasn't able to tell from where specifically. Within a few mins they were able to pinpoint my issue: I had a hole in my radiator, which I already figured. They were super busy and had jobs waiting, but Ara saw I was in a pinch and was able to fit me in anyway. He and the team were even able to get my car back to me the same day, which I was not expecting for a radiator replacement job. From my experience here these guys are deserving of their high rating. I will be going to them again when I need future work. read more

I am infinitely grateful to this shop and this team for maintenance on my van. Honest, dependable, excellent service. You can not do better than Castle. I'm so relieved the work is done. There are no words for how great it is. read more

AVOID this place. Castle Automotive broke the air conditioning system in our Mazda 3. They had 3 chances to fix it and never could. When they were done breaking things, it was determined the car was now a total loss by their insurance company. Insurance company paid us for Castle's negligence, but Castle refused to refund us the initial $2,000 for the work they weren't able to do, even though their insurance company notified them and explained their policy to owner, Ara. Ara went back on his word, as he initially offered to refund the money. He flat out lied. read more

Ara is the best! He's so honest and reliable! He will tell you an honest opinion of your vehicle. He's busy but will take care of your concern. Highly recommend! read more

Was referred here by a friend. My catalytic converter had been stolen and I needed an estimate for a replacement and installation. Scheduled my repair date for a week later. I thought I would have to reschedule due to the "hurricane" but the shop was open. Dropped off my car around 8am and it was done by noon. Ara was knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. So happy to have finally found an honest reliable place for any future automotive repairs! Highly recommend! read more

Excellent customer service. Honest assessment of what is needed. My new mechanic for all my automotive needs.

very good experience. My 4Runner has over 100,000 mi and except for oil changes I haven't done much else. That's a lot of miles so I wanted everything checked out. I had Castle take a look. They said it's all good, no charge. This was my first time at Castle and I went there based on the good reviews I'd read. It's good to have a place to go. Castle is now my go-to mechanic. read more

It's been a couple of months since my issue was resolved here, so I can confirm trusting them with my car was a great decision. Let me tell you, in the middle of a pandemic, nobody wants to hear they have to drop 5K on a car with low mileage that just sat in the garage for several years. Well... that's what the dealership told me when my car was making horrible squeaky sounds all of a sudden and the brakes seemed to be fine when they checked it. Interestingly all these problems they had to fix were revealed after my warranty expired. Hmmm... A friend of mine recommended I get a second opinion from Ara, who found out there was dust stuck in there & that's where the noise was coming from! He was communicative, honest, and polite and saved me so much $ that from now on I'll just do my oil changes here and have them check my car if needed. They even changed my key battery that was low for free after noticing it, and that kind of individualized attention is what we all need in this apocalypse rn. My suggestion is to call first & explain ur issue. You'll definitely see what I mean. read more

I had minor damage to my driver's side mirror that I needed to fix before I turned my lease in, and everywhere wanted to charge me exorbitant amounts of money to fix it. I went to take my car to CA for a general car service, and asked about fixing the mirror. Their quote was more than reasonable and about 1/3 of what everyone else had been quoting. I worked with Ara and he was SO nice and helpful. These guys are super honest and fair. As a solo woman it is so difficult to find an automotive place where the staff isn't trying to scam you. I hope I don't have any car issues anytime soon, but if I do I will most definitely be coming back to Castle Automotive. read more

Ara and his team are really friendly and patient. They helped me trying to pinpoint the issue of my car. Really honest and professional. Also patient to explain the situation and giving me suggestions. So happy that I found a trust worthy place in the neighborhood. They are definitely my go-to place from now on. read more

I'm so happy to have found Castle Automotive. They're right in my neighborhood, and getting in for an oil change was fabulously easy. Ara is as delightful and affable as everyone says. Great work, friendly people, and honest pricing. What a terrific find! (Well, I say "find" because they're new for me, but keep in mind they've been open since 1962. And, it's not hard for me to see why!) read more

I just moved to the area and I am SO HAPPY I found this place!! I took my 2017 Subaru Forrester here and Ara gave me an honest answer for the things I needed and saved me so much money! He is also very nice and professional. The Subaru dealership I used to go to would charge me and arm and a leg and they will never see me again. Castle Automotive has a customer for LIFE!! I highly recommend!!! read more

Ara was responsive on the phone and his crew did a solid maintenance and oil Change on my '17 Volvo for a fraction of the dealership. Car was ready when promised. I'll be back. read more

Absolutely love this place. They did my regular oil change and fixed up some broken bits on my car from wear and tear, topped my fluids, and gave me a fair and honest price for the whole thing! Can not recommend them enough. Ara was a delight to deal with, service was fast and efficient! Also shout out to the guys at Van Nuys Tire right next door, who fixed up and reattached my busted tire for a low price after Ara's team noticed the nail in it! I'll definitely be coming back for all my work on my car in the future! Bonus: the company has excellent Covid restrictions in and is taking care of their staff and clients perfectly. Thanks, Castle! read more

HONEST. I called to have them do a transmission service. They gave me honest advice that would not benefit their pockets There should be more honest mechanics like them read more

Thank you so much Ara for repairing my daughter's Ford Fiesta serpentine belt so quickly and at such a reasonable cost. Will be coming to you for all service in the future. read more

Amazing customer service here at Castle automotive. Ara the business owner is friendly and honest. I will be a repeat customer after the service I received today! Thank you Ara read more

Castle Automotive has excellent service. I finally found a place that is honest, trustworthy with good pricing. The owner, Ara is very knowledgeable and provides the best possible service. Will definitely be back for my car repairs and needs. read more

I went to castle Auto after my neighbor kept recommending this shop - best referral ever. These guys are on task - and Ara has got to be one of the most honest guys in this line of work. Super pragmatic and proponent of the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'... needless to say, this is bound to save you some serious $$ vs. the other guys... I had an issue with my car where it'd randomly would not start for no apparent reasons; Ara had a quick look, diagnosed the issue which was simply a loose battery contact... They cleaned it up, tightened it, and boom - fixed. No more issue. No costly diagnosis, no costly unneeded repairs. I also asked them to check my transmission after being recommended multiple times by other shops to flush it.... they looked at it and told me: "fluid looks ok -- if it runs fine, don't worry about it for now". That's my kind of auto shop.... warmly recommended. read more

Bottom line is it's hard to find a mechanic you don't have to worry about doing additional work or overcharging. I used to live in the area and he, Ara, was my go to mechanic until I moved about 40 miles away. Recently I had to get a vehicle checked out and it was in his area so I brought it in for an evaluation. Nothing has changed. Knowledgeable & honest people who showed me and explained in simple English my mechanical issues. You can feel confident you will be treated fairly. read more

If I could give them 10 stars I would, had a last minute trip and they took care of my oil change immediately at a great price, I appreciate them being very customer service oriented. #lifesavers read more

These guys are incredible. They are honest, they do great work. They charge a very, very fair price. Steve and Ara are the best - forget about the rest. read more

We are glad we gave Castle Automotive a try. Worried about having a major oil leak-Ara made time to see Our car and determined it was a minor problem. It was our first time coming here. Im really glad we took the recommendations given from our neighbors. Honest and Knowledgeable. read more

Castle Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I chose Castle because of the reviews and profile here on Yelp. I called and spoke to Ara and told him that my car wouldn't start. He was friendly and helpful. He gave me his email so I could send him my info. I had my car towed there. He called me when it arrived. Had it checked out quickly and called with an update. All of my communication with him was clear and direct and he answered my questions. The work was done promptly and I had my car back in about 90 minutes. When I need work on my car in the future, I will definitely go back. Thank you, Ara. read more

Ara is the real deal. Excellent customer service, friendly, honest, quick, and all at a great price. I needed new brake lines on my truck and they did a fantastic job. Even installed my fuel filter at no charge. So glad I got to meet Ara and his crew. Thanks again! read more

What a great place! It's not easy to find a competent and honest auto repair shop. Castle Automotive is the both and more. Great repairs, great customer service and honest. Castle was suggested to me by several of my friends. Well, they were right. This will be the only place I'll be taking my car for repair. Thank you Castle Automotive!! read more