The crew at Douglas Automotive in Nevada City is the best of the best! - premier auto technicians - reliable + fair prices - top tier customer service I needed a ride to and from my house and the shop and Randy and Jeff made that happen for me. I appreciate this team so much! Customer for life. read more

Douglas Automotive - oooh la la - Auto Repair Near Me - Nevada City, California

See all

Unprofessional, immature, disrespectful and sarcastic when questioned about a bill emailed for services rendered without first calling to discuss the changes needed and get approval on price and what to move forward with. Instead of taking any accountability or kindly speaking into any misunderstandings, he immediately responded with sarcasm and disrespect - "Oh well we can undo the work we just did and you can have an non-functioning can instead." He ended up reducing the price. No kindness, non engaging and simply an a%#hole. Cold and cut off. He could have been having a bad day, bad month or bad year which I feel for AND you run a service business. Just lost 3 clients. read more

These guys have been so helpful to me as I worked through some deferred maintenance on a beloved van. The place I got my oil change referred me to them, which seems like a good sign. I'd highly recommend them. read more

Highly recommend. Jeff and Kevin are great ! It's become our go to place . They are friendly , responsive and even got us in quick for an emergency fix on a Friday afternoon before closing today . And to boot ... Kevin noticed my jenky fix on my windshield wiper and replaced those for me too :) read more

Be careful with this place. My Brother-in-Law is mentally handicapped and brought his car into Douglas for an oil change and tire rotation. They then told him he also needed a new cabin filter and air filter (he did not). They then pushed it too far and told him he needed new spark plugs. Fortunately, he remembered that this same place replaced them a little over a year ago and that he only put around 3000 miles on it since then. Miraculously his spark plugs no longer needed replacing. Maybe they do good work or maybe not, but it is not worth the hassle of them trying to rip you off. read more

great service & even better management. These guys really helped me out today! Appreciate it

Every service provided by Douglas failed (BRAKE CALIPER JUST FELL OFF MY CAR). Service manager Jeff and the owner are nice... seem like they care, but the mechanics actually doing the work very clearly do not. I took my Subaru to Douglas for AC repair and brakes (new rotors and pads). Brake Service: Well, I just had a break caliper completely come loose with both bolts missing (SEE PHOTO). Car was towed to Subaru which confirmed that whoever worked on this car last did not properly tighten the bolts. This happened while I was out of town and was unable to bring back to Douglas for resolve (not that I would ever let them touch my car again). AC Repair - I was very clear upfront with Douglas that my car had a nuanced AC issue I've been trying to sort out for years. I was ready to take it to Subaru for repair but Douglas assured me they could sort it out. They returned the car on several occasions stating that the AC works (IT DOES NOT). The AC works intermittently in cool weather but 100% does not work at all in sustained heat. Do not tell people you can fix something if you are unsure. I agreed to pay for a repair, NOT an attempted repair. read more

Douglas Automotive - Caliper bolts completely gone and caliper hanging loose - Auto Repair Near Me - Nevada City, California

I recently went into Douglas when at relatives up in grass valley and took my 03 TL to get an Inspection & possibly serviced by them, they quoted me 703.11 for a new high pressure power steering line which I understood as they were probably planning to purchase the part from manufacturer, I respectfully declined the service asked for some advice and payed them there inspection fee. Now I'm not sure but I have suspicion to believe whoever inspected my vehicle accidentally left a clamp unbolted, which thankfully didn't cause any damage (this really may not have been them) but overall I'm thankful they got me in so quickly and were overall polite, thank you guys read more

Douglas Automotive - Vehicle - Auto Repair Near Me - Nevada City, California

I was only in town for a few days, at the beginning of a long road trip, when my A/C compressor started failing. Douglas is right down the street from where I was staying, so I took a chance and showed up there first thing Monday morning. Jeff was nice, but said they were busy and probably wouldn't be able to get it in until Wed or Thurs. He offered to take a look and see what he could do, so I took the chance and left it with them that morning. About an hour later he called me and said they'd had some cancellations and would be able to work on it the same day. I asked how long a new compressor would take to get and he said he'd taken the opportunity to order one that morning after talking to me and it was already there! They were able to fix it and get me back on the road the same day, which was a huge relief. Thanks to Jeff and the crew at Douglas for being good humans and good mechanics! read more

Everything you want in a mechanic! Communicative , honest and great quality! We were so impressed with the top notch service we received from Jeff. Highly , highly recommend!!! read more

These guys do a great job. I've been bringing my car here for 3 years. I've had really bad experiences with mechanics in the past and I don't trust easily. These guys have earned my repeat business and customer loyalty. read more

I've dealt with many shops in the last 15 years a few were good and a few just felt like a scam. This place though is the best! Jeff has helped me get set up with everything from an oil change to what I consider major issues while also helping deal with those damn warranty people. Not once did I feel like I was being talked down too or like a brainless idiot. Everyone working there has always had time for a quick chat or to answer any questions I have. It's not often I get to deal with people that have mastered being professional and personable at the same time. Even running into Jeff at the store off the clock he was willing answer a few questions (if possible) and joke a bit. Customer service is top notch! If I ever move away I'm going to try and bring the shop with me! You guys are awesome! Edit: I forgot to add that while waiting for repairs I had my kids. They weren't being to crazy and a shop is in no way a daycare like some people somehow believe. But the employees talked to my kids a brightened their day. Hard to keep them happy while waiting around. read more

Great service, great customer service and a great looking guys and even if they were ugly ,they are the best shop I've been to.

While driving up through Nevada City I felt the clutch on my truck start to go soft until eventually it wasn't working. Pulled into a parking lot to assess and realized I needed a mechanic to look at it. Was hopeful it was just a master / slave cylinder issue like a leak and would be a quick fix. Called up Douglas Automotive as they were a few miles away. Jeff told me if I could get it there before closing they could look it over and least diagnose it and have a plan to move forward with. Dropped it off and a few hours later they had a full diagnoses of the issues. Sadly I don't live in the area and the amount of work needed in the time span I had in the area. I was able to work with Jeff to keep the truck on location for 2 days while I found a truck/ trailer to tow it home. Had I been local to the area I would have felt fine with Jeff and crew taking care of the worn. 5 star shop as best I can tell. read more

We were visiting Nevada City and noticed that our car was running rough. We went to Douglas Automotive based on other reviews. They identified the problem with our tires and took care of it. They were fair, prompt, and helpful. read more

My family has been coming here for almost 20 years. Alex is trustworthy, does quality work, and goes above and beyond. It's hard to find a mechanic that you can trust so we were super lucky to find Douglas Automotive. They worked on my very first car when I was 16 up until now where I get needed work done on my car when I'm in town visiting my parents. Can't say enough good things about Alex and Douglas Auto! read more

I was passing through Grass Valley when my alternator failed, which left me stranded. As I waited for AAA Towing, I checked Yelp for local auto repair and saw Douglas Automotive nearby in Nevada City and they had many great reviews. I called them and spoke to Larry by phone who was reassuring that they could get me back on the road the same day. After my tow to their shop, the diagnosis and repair were less than 2 hours. The cost was far less than I was expecting. I can't say enough good things about Douglas Automotive following my experience. The mechanic was super with my repairs while Larry at the service desk was warm, friendly and reassuring. This is a dependable repair shop and for out of town people like me who are looking for a trustworthy shop, go there with confidence. read more

They did a great job and charged me exactly what they said they would even though the job ended up being a bit more complicated. Great place! read more

These folks totally lived up to their reputation: friendly, professional, flexible, and timely. An absolute great neighborhood service. Price was fair. I have found "my auto shop" finally. read more

Super nice and fast, but best of all, honest. Not trying to make you pay for things your not ready to do. Totally understandable bill, and they dont talk down to women. I'll never go anywhere else. read more

Broke down on our way to pyramid lake Nevada. Drove in here diagnose the issue and had us fixed and back on the road in one hour. Outstanding service friendly guys very professional came in $50 under original estimate. Would highly recommend this establishment for any automotive repair. Thank you guys for saving our trip and taking care of us! read more

On a week long road trip and check engine light goes on along with couple more. Our son recommended this shop and I can't say enough good things about it. We called Thursday late and Jeff had us bring it in early Friday. They did all the diagnostics - checked out the all mechanical parts - eliminated all the possible problems. Did FIVE road tests. Couldn't find any problems - only thing possible was bad tank of gas - which I'm pretty sure it was. They changed the oil and car was ready to be picked up Friday afternoon. They only charged us for oil change since they didn't find anything wrong. I was so impressed with their honesty, their thoroughness in checking everything out , and how they were able to get our vehicle back to us so we could continue on our trip. So what started out as every motorists worst fear - car trouble while you far away from home - while you are in the road .... Ended up being one of the best automotive repair experiences we have ever had. Thank you Jeff and all the mechanics at Douglass in Nevada City. They even gave my little dog a dog treat. Such nice people. read more

Wow! I've hit the auto shop jackpot! Seriously. Like the dentist, these poor guys know that nobody really looks forward to having to call or visit them. Somehow, having personable, kind, friendly, witty and extremely professional (mechanics and dentists ;) really takes the sting out of the whole process. I'd been referred to this business from a local and was really impressed with the yelp reviews and they far exceeded my expectations. I'm seriously heart warmed that there are such honest and ethical mechanics out there. To be able to run a business and be a 'day maker' is a gift and these guys have it. read more

Awesome people! Fixed my car up in a day! Dropped it off at 430 on Monday, picked it up 24 hours later. Definitely recommend! My car was making some pretty scary sounds..they diagnosed it and cleared off a plethora of plastic wrapping that had been stuck up under my Kia Sportage, changed my oil & air filter, and replaced spark plugs that needed fixing. Safe and sound and back in the flow! read more

Heading thru town for a long awaited camping trip to escape COVID cabin fever and we lost power steering! Called several shops in town begging them to take a look and help us get back on the road. Everyone else said, "No way. Not today. Too busy!" But Douglas Automotive said, "Bring it by!" They immediately pulled the truck into the bay and diagnosed the issue. Although it wasn't a repair that could be done immediately, we were amazed that they didn't expect any payment for the diagnosis and wouldn't take our money even when we tried to insist. It's places like this that restore your faith in community and make you want to support more local businesses. Thank you, Douglas Automotive! read more

I'm yet again amazed on every level. A honest mechanic. Outstanding customer service and quality work. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

THANK YOU THANK YOU to Kevin at Douglas Automotive!! He gives me fast, fantastic service, always with a helpful and pleasant attitude. I highly recommend Douglas Automotive for all your auto repair needs!! read more

I don't write Yelp reviews often, but I had to tout these guys' awesomeness! My father is a mechanic (in VA) and has been my sole and trusted mechanic for a long time, so I'm always hesitant to bring my car to a shop without knowing its people first. Alex and Kevin at Douglas Auto have worked on my car twice now, and I can definitively say that I would trust my vehicle in their hands as I would trust it in my dad's! First time, they did an oil change, diagnosed my check engine light, and balanced a tire for me (a full size spare that I stuck on after getting a flat). In addition, Alex also checked all of my fluids and remarked on my fresh transmission fluid that I had (got a flush a couple months ago) and explained to me that I needed to change that knock sensor on my 2000 Subaru Forester and also exactly WHY I needed to. I love when my mechanic really cares and can explain to me how everything works. Second time I brought my car in before I left for a road trip. Changed my headlight socket, tightened my power steering belt, changed the knock sensor, and also bought a tire, stuck it on, balanced/aligned it (they are getting a new alignment machine, I'm forgetting what it's called, so they can do it all). I can't tell you how much they went above and beyond for me. Checking and re-checking, calling and explaining to me what they were doing. Quoting me very reasonable and honest prices all along the way. I didn't feel so much like a customer, but more like a friend that they wanted to make sure was taken care of before hitting the road for a long journey. These guys are knowledgeable, honest, personable, and just all around AWESOME! I'd love to hang out and shoot the shoot with them because they are just cool guys. I am so glad to find a shop of people who make me feel safe in their hands and who make me safe for the road. Thanks a lot guys! I look forward to upkeeping a good relationship with Douglas Auto. read more

Found my local mechanic. End of story. LOL. Smiles, great customer service. They care, and you can feel it. Community centered and connected. No fear of them trying to sell me something I didn't need. I am heading out on a long summer road trip, and stopping in here before I leave to get the oil changed and all things checked for a good bill of health for my truck, put my mind at ease for the journey ahead. Thanks Alex Douglas!! You have my vote and my business. read more

I do all my own work on my cars, and only go to a mechanic if it's something I absolutely can't do myself. After I replaced the AC compressor on my wife's truck, I took it here to have the refrigerant recharged. They quoted me almost exactly what a mechanic relative of mine said they should, and finished when they said they would. Much to my delight, the total bill was less than the estimate by a couple dollars! They could have just left it higher and I would have never known (or cared) but the fact that they were truly honest about how much time they put into the job is fantastic. They even washed the truck, which is nice from a small shop for a cheap $100 job. I drove past this place every day on my way to work for about a year, and the parking lot is always overflowing with customers. There's a reason for it, this place is top notch. read more

Thanks for getting my F150 back on the road fast. If you are looking for quality, professional trustworthy automotive service in the Nevada City area this is the place! I give them 5 Stars all day read more

I took my car to them because location is very convenient for me. But they are so busy trying to up sell you on needless work and filters they failed to do the things I asked them to do in the first place. They assumed they did the last service, but they didn't't and changed the cabin filter. That I had recently changed. I shed for the old filter to see it and they didn't supply it,no doubt because it was clean. I also wanted them to rotate my tires and they didn't but bullied me into having my brake oil and brake cylinder flushed, a dubious procedure in my opinion. Despite the convenience of location will seek another abc provider. I worked on cars before these guys were born read more

I HIGHLY recommend Douglas Automotive. I had a unique issue where at a different shop in Utah my oil cap was left off after an oil change. I was out of town in Nevada City and was able to get my car serviced at Douglas Automotive. Every part of the experience was excellent. They were easy to schedule with and available quickly for an appointment, they communicated really clearly and professionally, they were careful about COVID (all customer facing staff being fully vaccinated), they were very detail oriented, and were very transparent. I was worried about all the oil that had gotten all over the engine and potential damage or repairs needed. The company went above and beyond providing very clear details on what they were going to check and why. They could tell I was stressed and gave me extra info to help me understand what needs to be checked. Even when they found everything was in good shape, they offered to drive it around the block to further ensure everything was working correctly. They cleaned out the engine for me and everything. They were incredibly kind and generous with their help. Truly this is by far the best experience I've had working with an automotive shop ever. read more

These guys are the best, best deals, treat you like family, super trustworthy and reliable fun and friendly. I'm surprised by the price every time being lower than expected. I literally look forward to coming in read more

Had an excellent experience at Douglas Automotive recently. Check engine light came on and took it in to Alex. He did the diagnosis, car was in shop for a day, gave me my keys back and said test it out for a week. He cleaned some valves Rather than replacing them, and hoped that was all it needed. I came back several days later and happily reported that the engine light did not return. I went in to pay the bill and Alex told me there was no charge. Amazing. That doesn't happen anymore these days. First he trusted me for a week, and then said there was no charge for the problem he remedied. Honest, trustworthy service. I'll definitely be returning to Douglas Automotive. read more

Broke down on a trip to Idaho. I have my own shop in Chico and it was a matter of towing it back or finding a place to fix it and continue on. I called around they said they could do it right away. Got it over there and they got us out and on the road in no time. Having a wife 2 daughters and three grand children they were very accommodating. Can't say enough about our experience. read more

My family and I broke down on a road trip. My car needed an alternator. They fit us and got the car fixed as quickly as possible. The staff was wonderful and they even had coloring books for my kids while we waited. Fixing the car as fast as they did made it so we could continue on the road trip. Great service and great people. read more

Alex Douglas is that rare gem, an honest mechanic. I always know I am only paying for the time they actually work, not just what the book says. Anytime there has been an issue with the work, there's always been a magnanimous resolution offered by Alex. I really feel taken care of while getting a good deal. I compared the actual price I paid for Douglas Auto to replace the Ball joints on the front end of my Truck when I was pressed for time and going to miss my vacation if I didn't get it done. Alex did it in a few hours start to finish, same day and charged me $450 LESS than the estimate given to me by another reputable garage. Obviously I recommend Douglas Automotive. read more

We came chugging into Nevada City and up to Banner Mountain, cold and icy outside, late at night, on a wing and a prayer, in a Subaru. The following morning we did a search on yelp and came across Douglas Automotive. Called them up and they fit us right in. When we got there, Alex, the owner, hopped in the driver's seat to do a test drive, drove us into town to drop us off for a beautiful afternoon in Nevada City. Every time we mentioned to folks we met , where we had dropped our car off , people said "Oh perfect, those guys are great" and would share their own personal experience of the excellent service they had received there as well. The work they did on the car was phenomenal. They fixed things that our mechanics back home haven't been able to figure out. I am so pleased with the outcome. So happy with the care we received at Douglas Automotive. We plan to have them do all the maintenance and safety inspections from here on out. read more

The phrase "finding a good mechanic is worth the weight in gold" is so true. I can't work on my car, I can keep my fluids full and check my oil but that's about it. I went to another local mechanic through the years and have been seriously screwed over. I took my SUV to the mechanic, it was a shop on evening star up by the old airport, and told him I had a leaky rear main seal. I found that out when I was getting my oil changed at Gold Flat. So when I picked my SUV up, $1500 later, the mechanic said no, it wasn't my rear main seal and and he fixed the problem. Well, my SUV wasn't fixed, and still leaks oil. It's pretty bad not only to be charged $1500, but to tell the mechanic the issue and still not have it fixed. Last week my car was seriously over heating. I had it towed to Douglas automotive, called Alex and told him my car was on the way. It was towed at 7pm, and was fixed the next day. My radiator had a big crack in it. When it was fixed, one of the guys drove it to me, and gave me my receipt. Alex charged me $438. I couldn't believe at how great the price was. The part was $228 and the labor was $210. I am taking it back in the next couple weeks to get the rear main seal fixed. After having some pretty bad experiences, I am so glad to finally have a mechanic I can trust, who fixes the problem, and gives you a price which is beyond reasonable. I would highly recommend Douglas Automotive. Not only were the prices very reasonable, but my car was done in one day. read more