Were honest with problems. Didn't try to up sell. Work was done quick. Will return for future repairs.

Excellent service. Reasonable, logical repairs with an eye towards saving on unnecessary items - as the customer requires. Owners, Steve & Ara, were knowledgeable, calm & sensible & sympathetic to our plight. Our aging Mazda MPV had conked out far from our home in NorCal. We made the mistake of towing the van to Galpin Mazda which was nearby when the van ground to a halt. I should have known better: dealerships! Galpin recommended extensive tests & repairs amounting to over $1500. We towed the van to Castle Automotive & they fixed the problem we already knew about (and had let go too long) as well as a problem we hadn't known about, AND dropped the car off at my Dad's house a few miles away. All for less than a third of the estimate Galpin gave us. Yay Castle! read more

Great place! Always does the job you need and gives honest evaluations! Love these guys an thx castle auto for being so amazing!! I'm originally from a small town where I always saw a family mechanic, so moving here was a bit scary when I started to have car problems. Luckily a friend recommended this place and I haven't been steered wrong since! They make you feel like ur in the family!!! Don't think twice! Call these guys now!!! read more

Steve and Ara are as professional and nice as they come. My Ford Escape needed a complete air conditioning overhaul, new compressor, hose assembly, virtually everything. A Ford dealer quoted me over $800 what these guys charged me. They give honest repair quotes and do the job right. What else could one ask for? Thank you Castle Automotive! read more

I work weird hours in weird locations, so it's imperative that I keep my older car in good working order. I'm not particularly auto-savvy, but fortunately the guys at Castle pick up the slack for me. Ara & Steve know their stuff! I've been depending on Castle's expertise and service for the last decade, despite the fact that I don't live as close to the shop as I once did. I'm grateful to have a mechanic I can trust. read more

BEST MECHANIC IN TOWN! I've been using Castle Automotive since 1999 and I wouldn't take my car to anyone else. I've sent friends and family there too.They are honest, YES HONEST, PROFESSIONAL and REASONABLE. The work is done well and on time. Even major repairs are often completed within one day. The prices are fair, they stand by their work, and they get the work done quickly. I highly recommend them. read more

My first experience with Castle was the most honest dealing I've ever had with any business. He identified the problem with my AC and didn't make a dime. Asked if my car was still under warranty and suggested I take it to the dealer. I've been going to Castle ever since. Always finds time. Always fair. I recommend them to everyone I know. read more

My mechanic said I need a timing belt. Since he's retiring, decided to get a 2nd opinion and shop for a new mechanic. Called Castle and spoke with Ara who was very helpful. He asked if my mechanic was basing the work after seeing a decaying timing belt or if was based on the mileage. My mechanic said it was based on mileage but since he hadn't been the one to replace the belt, it wasn't time yet! Saved about $800 buckaroos!! When my mechanic retires, you bet I'm going to Castle! read more

I love this place! My car is ten years old and I've put more than 100,000 of the 198,000 miles on it. A co-worker recommended that I take it to Ara for some problems I was having. I now take my car there for everything except oil changes. I'd get my oil changed there too if I lived closer. But I live in Torrance, so that's a bit far to go just for an oil change. Steve and Ara are both great! They don't mess around. They get the problems fixed quickly and they don't over charge or try to upsell. ALSO, I've seen a few bad reviews for this place but mostly great reviews. I will say this: If you feel like you've gotten shortchanged by Ara, go back to him and explain your situation and make sure that you fully understand what's going on with your car. IF you're still having a problem with the car, take it back and let him know. I don't trust a lot of auto shops. But I trust Ara and Steve to do a great job and to be upfront about what's happening with my car and what it will cost. Further, going to a different place and getting a job done for less money is not evidence that the first place is "ripping you off" It just means that maybe they charge more. I have only ONCE in the last year taken my car somewhere else, and that was only because I live in Torrance and had used up all of my AAA calls and couldn't get it towed to Castle which is in Van Nuys. read more

After an extremely bad week my car refused to start and I was forced to find a mechanic (sigh). Since I was so stressed out my girlfriend called around and told me a few minutes later she found a guy who sounded very honest and like he could get the job done. I was hesitant but we went anyways and I met with Steve. Steve assured me he would find the best way of fixing my car for the cheapest price. I left my car in his hands and went home ro figure out what I was gonna do. Steve called me back a few hours later and quoted me a price that I couldn't afford but I didn't have any other options so I said go ahead and fix it and I will figure something out. I managed to get the money together and went to see Steve again. Within one business day Steve had his team fix my car to perfect condition and when I went to pay I was actually told a LOWER price than I was quoted. I didn't even know mechanics did that. Castle Automotive will be set mechanic as long as I live here in California. Thank you guys!! read more

We were on a trip when we suddenly ran into some engine trouble. Ara at Castle Automotive was so helpful and kind! We were in and out with excellent service. Extremely helpful!! read more

I am a customer of Ara's for about 12 years now I guess, and Yes, Ara is absolutely the best. He started by servicing our '95 Ford Taurus which we kept and bought another one a '97, both were 2 year old lease buyouts from my wifes company. Ara started servicing them when they were outside of warranty, Eventually I gave the first one to my Mom and a few years later, the second one went to my son. All we ever did on those cars was scheduled maintenence, never any major problems. Then I got a new BMW and didn't see Ara much with that, but a year or so later also aquired a C4 corvette. At the time I got the Vette from a friend they, had completely neglected it. Ara started basically getting it back in shape. Every time something died on that car and I wanted to get something aftermarket Ara talked me out of it and convinced me to stick with factory stuff. At the time I didn't really see the wisdom, but now I still have that vette in the family, It went from me to my wife to my son and now my daughter loves it and it is her car, all because it is well maintained by Ara, it has remained problem free and the TPI engine gets about 20MPG combined Hwy/City. In the meantime, after the BMW lease was up I went and got a 2 year old Jaguar and initally started servicing it at the Jaguar dealer. Then that became a joke after paying insane prices for maintence and fixing things that shouldn't be breaking in my opinion, I switched to an independent Jag service place, that started out great then same story, got more expensive. Now for the past few years I gladly take the Jag to Ara for regular service and only a few minor repairs so far, he fixed them in one day and his prices are very fair. Do I need to go on, O.K. my wife now has a used Porsche Cayenne that Ara services, my son now drives a Honda Civic that Ara services. HONEST, RELIABLE, FAIR PRICES, HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more

I tried a lot of auto shops for the first 2 years I started driving but since I went to Ara who my dad referred I always have my car service here. Its been 12 years now and had all our cars service only by Castle Automotive. Ara and his crew are very honest on what they do and the price is fair. It is hard to find a honest and good mechanic but yet we have found Castle automotive. They will tell you what is priority/urgency on the things that you need service on and I trust him and his crew as they do an excellent job. If you need a trustworthy and good shop who will not rip you off please come visit Castle Automotive I assure you will not have your car service anywhere else (thats the mistake I did after going to different shops 10 years ago). read more

Excellent service, Ara thank you for all your help!! I would definitely recommend this place!!!!!!!! 5 star ;-)

I don't remember how long I've been taking my cars to Ara. We have two cars that are both nearly twenty years old and he keeps them running strong. Ara is a great guy, experienced, professional, honest and hard working. I checked out some of the negative reviews here and I just can't believe what these haters are saying. Hey, I've been upset to find out how much a repair is going to cost, but that's not anybody's fault. Maybe people just don't want to listen. If you want to get something fixed right then bring your car to Castle Automotive. Ara stands behind his work because he cares about his reputation and the business has been in the family over fifty years. A lot of shops will cut corners just to make a quick sale. Ara and his guys are not like that and won't compromise your safety on the road. These are mechanics you can trust. read more

Had a brake issue that was misdiagnosed at another place down the street. Castle automotive quickly found the issue, were clear about the cost and everything up front, and did great work. Thank you! read more

They were awesome! I brought my car here to get the AC fixed. Fortunately they had the parts and they were able to fix my car the same day. But unfortunately they had to replace the fan too which they didn't know until everything was put back together. By then it was closing time but Ara was able to get the part and was so nice he had them put in the fan even though they were "closed." I would definitely bring my car here again. read more

I'm a small, single female who looks young. This makes me a prime target for car repair ripoffs. I therefore have a vicious suspicion of all car mechanics. I also have to be cautious of my spending, since I work hard for the money I make. That adds to my natural suspicion and distrust for most mechanics. But I trust Ara at castle automotive with undying certainty. He is the most honest, straightforward, trustworthy mechanic ever to grace the business. I've brought my old used car to him after having ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED myself that my breaks needed to be replaced, and told him "I think I need new breaks, so go ahead and let me know how much that will be" only to have him come back in ten minutes and tell me "it was just the tightness on your break pedal. We adjusted it. No charge." Now that's an honest mechanic. I love ara and his shop is the only place ill ever take my cars. And I live way down on the west side! read more

Brought my car in for a fix and was called within a few hours with the prognosis, which I loved because I didn't have to wait and wait and wait to find out what the issue was. Everything was explained to me and priced out over the phone before any work was done, which made me feel comfortable. I was even given an option on a few of the "suggested" fixes, which I decided to go forward with just so I didn't have to worry about them later on down the road. In the end, after further investigation, Ara decided not to tackle those "suggested" fixes because they weren't damaged badly enough to require replacing. Again, I felt so comfortable with him because of that, since he easily could have just replaced those parts anyway and collected my money and I would've been none the wiser. But he wanted to be honest with me, which was awesome. All work got done within two days and I was always kept in the loop about what was happening, with the price matching the original quote given to me. I trust Ara and will continue to bring my car to him in the future! read more

It's great to know that honest, hardworking professional, service oriented auto repair people still exist! Something punctured the A/C condenser on our Prius C. Turned out that it was not covered by warranty, and Toyota wanted $1200 to fix it! I took it to Ara, and he called around and found an aftermarket part. But since it was hard to find, he also kept the order open for a Toyota part just in case it didn't work. I was prepared to pick up the car the next day, but he called a few hours later, said the part worked and the car was ready. Not only did Castle saved us $500, they were sure to keep us updated on the situation which saved us valuable time. :) We will continue to bring all of our business here! read more

Friendly employees, clean facilities and fast service on my car!

I no longer live in the area, but I still find myself referring people to Castle (my sister having been the most recent person). The guys are genuinely interested in fixing car problems- not giving you up-sales. Pricing is very fair for the services performed too. Sure, you could go to the dirty, dark shop down the street and save $20, but you'll feel a lot better about the quality work performed at castle and you won't have to worry about your car buzzing out on you for the same problem. Highly, highly recommend Castle. read more

I have had two major repairs here. A complete brake unit replacement and now my clutch. Ara is a straight shooter and is a good person. He asks what's going on with your schedule and offers to work around it to benefit you. And he has always met my short deadlines (due to needed my car for work). One of his primary mechanics Steve is equally helpful and both talk to you like a human being, and not down to you like so many local mechanics do. When I moved to LA my biggest fear was finding a mechanic I could trust... that's no longer a concern! read more

Castle Automotive is a a great place. Ara is very nice and honest. Will return and send people there.

A good honest car shop. No drama here. You bring in your car, and you pick it up repaired/serviced. No hidden charges. No ripping off. Ara is a great guy to deal with. I wish if other shops are like his, but unfortunately, they are not. I recommend this shop just like all the other reviewers do. read more

I've been going to Castle for a few years now and I tell everyone I know to take their cars there. I once had to get my car towed to a different place that was 24 hours, but when I called Ara to compare estimates, Ara's was significantly lower. My car is a little banged up has a few quirks, but they've never pushed me to get anything fixed that wasn't necessary to drive safely. Ara and Steve are the best! read more

I had been a customer of Ara's since 1992. I have NEVER had anything but excellent service and respectful treatment from Ara and his employees. Ara is trustworthy and fair in his charging for the repairs. I don't believe that I ever had to bring back my car to correct a repair that he made. Ara never took advantage of the fact that I was a single woman that didn't know anything about car repairs. The only reason that I no longer go to him is because I now drive a newer car that is covered by a dealer's extended warranty. Once that expires, I'll be back!! read more

Very fast service, even on weekends. Solved my brake problem. Prices better than average.

The best. Honest and there are no post-repair issues. Brought my car in today as AC was dying. Ara called after a few hours and suggested that I check with the dealer to see if I might still be under warranty - if I was, the dealer could do the repair for free. In other words, Ara was making me aware of a solution that would mean he would have lost out on a few hundred dollars of business. He did not have to do that - I was nearly certain my warranty had expired. My husband and I have come to this shop for years and plan to keep doing so. read more

I thought I needed my brakes repaired but they told me that it wasn't necessary yet. they could have easily told me the opposite, since I know nothing about cars. I appreciate that honesty, and will totally be back again. read more

I dealt with Steve on the phone and Ara in person and both were very knowledgable and helpful. They gave it to me straight, and didn't try to sell me on doing work that didn't make sense to do. They will be getting all of my business from now on. read more

Have been taking my Chevy Silverado and my Toyota Camry here for years. Very honest, good pricing, family operated facility. I told them to replace an alternator and instead of listening to me they ran the proper tests and determined that AAA was lying to me and that it was the battery that needed replacing! Outstanding service! read more

Ara is an honest auto mechanic . He enjoys trying to investigate, diagnose and repair vehicles. I have referred 7 other families to Ara for their auto repairs. We all have been going to Castle Automotive since 1990. read more

Don't understand the recent one stars as these guys are great! I've been going for years and have had nothing but great service. They're fair and honest--which has kept me coming back time after time. Very happy with them and would highly recommend! read more

ara, steve and staff have taken care of my car for 7 years. they have kept my car in impeccable mechanical condition at a fair cost. if you need someone you can trust, who will give you the service you deserve, and has high standards of excellence for his customers as he does for his own vehicles, run or drive to castle automotive. taking care of my car is equivalent to taking care of me in this driving intensive town. read more

AMAZING!! Finding an automotive place that 1) has amazing customer service, 2) does NOT screw you over and 3) goes out of their way to do what they can is PRICELESS!! I went in for an oil change and they fixed something (free of charge!!!) that was needed and had nothing to do w/my oil change. I was extremely impressed. I would most definitely go back to Castle.Very friendly, honest and trustworthy!! Ara was fantastic and I can now feel safe driving the 2500+ miles back home to Wisconsin. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!! read more

Been here two weeks ago and I was impressed with the way they work. I needed oil change for my car and the mechanic was so friendly and competent. He checked my car and after an hour and a half my car was ready to pick up. Glad I went here my car is now running so smoothly. The price is fair enough and they don't charge extra for checking some small issues I mentioned. They were kind enough to suggest what to do next time. Thanks to the people here. Definitely a reliable and trusted shop! read more