Jayson was upfront and straightforward about all of our concerns. Serviced my Subaru in September 2025 and there hasn't been any problems. The car runs great. We were so happy with Jayson's honesty that we took our granddaughter's Honda in for a checkup a couple of months later. No complaints at all. Now it is getting time for my husband to get an oil change in his pickup and the only person we plan on using is Elite Auto Service. Reasonable prices and an honest owner you just can't beat. Thank you Elite read more

I needed to bring my car in for a 60k service. Since I'm the second owner, I was also concerned of the general condition and I also had a weird creaking sound from the back. Jason the owner was easy to talk with, I scheduled my service. I called to tell them I would be late and the lady who answered was very welcoming and easy going. Even though I was delayed, and they were very busy they took the time to hear my concerns, go over the cost and what was recommend and gave me a straight and fair price on the spot. When the service was almost complete Jason called and said we could do another service to help the car feel less sluggish. That cost was reasonable too, so I said let's do it. I never felt price gouged and everyone at the shop seemed sincere and honest. That's refreshing, because the dealerships will try and price gouge you. I have a 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx. We did only what it needed and Jason told me everything it didn't need, and assured me the car was in great shape. Thank you Elite, I will be back for the my next oil change and any other services read more

As a certified mechanic and now new owner of Elite, Jayson Ferland, has continued to improve on the services, value and reputation of this excellent auto shop. I have taken my classic 91 Jeep Cherokee there for service and repair for over 10 years. I just had the 34 year old front end rebuilt after serious problems of wear and tear of original parts. Work done to perfection! Since original owner, John Coe retired, Jayson is taking the shop to a new level of customer satisfaction and excellent work. Just tell Jayson that Lee sent you. read more

There isn't a mechanic out there that can top Jayson and the team at Elite Auto. After my Subaru broke down in my first attempt to move across the country this summer, Jayson made getting me back safely on the road a priority. He kept me informed every step of the way with what he was doing and it is because of him that I landed safely in North Carolina. Now I just wish I could have him here as my local mechanic. If you're in the area, look no further for trustworthy, reliable, affordable, authentic car service. He even checked in with me once I was getting routine service back in North Carolina. I could not be more appreciative!! read more

Honest quality work and great customer service. I sent my teenage daughter here and they took care of her car quickly and got her back on the road. read more

Excellent and trustworthy Subaru mechanics. My Crosstrek died leaving San Diego for a cross country trip, and Jason and his crew did an amazing job making my car reliable for the trip, including a major rebuild. Best Subaru repair shop in the San Diego area read more

Only place I trust for my VW diesel. I'm a women and don't ever feel taken advantage of.

While visiting El Cajon from Arizona a valve spring broke on our 2014 Crosstrek and put a hole in a piston. It required an new factory short block. With the mileage (125000 miles) there was a number of other parts that only made good sense to replace while the engine was out. John and his mechanic Derek got us all set. Unfortunately there was a small oil leak that ended up requiring the engine be taken out to fix. To me a business that stands behind it's work is the true test of their character. John took care of the problem with no excuse and no argument. We now have a vehicle we can drive for many more miles without worry. read more

I don't know where to begin , but here are some good bullet points. -Amazing customer service, (hard to find now a days) -Amazing work done to my truck -Top notch parts used on my truck over all great shop, and john and Jason are great. my Bronco will never go any where else .... read more

Will never bring my car here again! BEWARE!!!! I had finally thought I had found a reliable stand up shop to bring my car. Turns out I was totally taken advantage of and completely ripped off and I'm convinced it's because I'm a young woman who doesn't know anything about cars. But you can't go to work without your car soooooo $650 later here I am. read more

The absolute best Subaru service at a fraction of dealership costs. Very friendly and considerate service. I am a refugee from a local Subaru dealer. Their service department started out fair--I'd bought my Outback there. But after awhile the fees began to rise more than seemed necessary. The final insult was when I took it in for a regular service and was told I needed a total brake replacement. Some months earlier my daughter had switched to Elite for a similar reason and suggested I try Elite. Result: my brakes were fine, no replacement needed at all. I will never ever go to a dealer again. John at Elite is the best, does top-notch work, is kind, and charges a fair price. No gouging goes on here. I drive about 20 miles to get here but it is worth every mile. I'm an Elite customer for life. read more

AWESOME! Why can't other auto shops do this to their customers? This is my first to have my Subaru sport visit them for oil change, and also my rear brakes need to be done (I was told). I checked Yelp and read good reviews so I went there. Well now, John Cole checked my car and my brakes are good after all! Still good for another year! Oil change was done, and I was happy and ready to go in no time. Thank you Yelpers for the great reviews for this shop. I trust the comments and I am very satisfied!! If only more shops would do good service and be honest to their customers. I'm telling you we will keep doing business with you. Thank you, John Cole! read more

My car's transmission had failed, thankfully I had extended warranty on it. Thomas was able to help me find a shop and get me into a loaner in the mean time. Outstanding customer service from him and elite auto! Thank you! read more

Not very knowledgeable.. received a quote of $195.00 to have my brakes installed all parts supplied,by me. The day before I was ready to bring my vehicle in put me on hold and told me it was going to be $340 for the front and $340 for the rear tell him he had to use a specific scan tool in order to bleed the brakes. This was not true you only need the scan tool if you break the lines near or before the Delphi ABS system, I saved $90 going to a shop that was knowledgeable about this procedure and that a regular bleed is will suffice when changing calipers rotors and pads. So they lost me as a customer. I also posted photos of the procedure read more

See all

Zero stars! I brought in my vw for a snapped serpentine belt. Of course I was told 2 belts needed replacing and they charged me $266. No big deal. A month and a half later my serpentine belt snaps again. I'm now being charged $350+ because my tensioner is now messed up due to the belt snapping. John or the mechanic will not take responsibility for the belt they just replaced 1 month and 16 days ago!!!!!!!! In fact they are trying to blame it on my alternator that was replaced 7 months ago!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable!!!!!!! read more

Don't bring your car here. This shop is a total rip off and the mechanics lie. I got three different stories as to what was wrong with my car. These mechanics and the owner of this shop all lie to make money off of people that don't know anything about cars. And to top it off my car had a full tank of gas when I brought it to this shop and when I picked up my car it only had half a tank! Horrible experience. Never ever again will I return to this shop! read more

Awful place. Do not bring your car here. They try to take advantage of people even though they are not knowledgeable themselves. In short they will try and bs you and overcharge you by making stuff up. Terrible experience with these "elite" mechanics. Stay away! read more

BEWARE OF THIS PLACE! This place makes you feel like they are trying to rip you off!!!! The first time I went in (Spent$500) they were real nice and everything seemed okay. Go back today for a simple oil and filter change ($90) and they are trying to nickle and dime me. I left there feeling like I avoided a scam. I WILL NOT BE BACK read more

Brought my Subaru Outback in for a serpentine bearing to be replaced and had them overlook the whole car. They informed me of even the little things and and gave me great feedback on how to resolve the issues without the pressure that other shops and dealerships instill. They team is extremely experienced and use factory parts. In addition, I had my car the same day and was relieved of the cost of the repairs. Thank you for the great experience. read more

Tried to sell me a $400 manifold with $1300+ for installation when a simple fitting to the purge valve was all that was needed. Even if I did need a new manifold, it only takes an experienced auto mechanic 2 hours or so to replace the manifold. That's over $650 an hour for labor. STAY AWAY! read more

Ever heard of an honest mechanic who does quality work but doesn't charge ridiculous prices? NO? Well I hadn't either, until I met John @ Elite Auto Services. John is an ex-Subaru tech who previously worked at a Subaru dealer's Service Center. Now John runs his own Repair shop that caters specifically to Subarus, with a team of certified technicians to support him. I am very thankful to have met John as he treated me with respect the moment he picked up the phone. Immediately, I knew I had called the right place. I am a Subaru Outback owner, and as I did not know where else to go for repairs on my car, I would go to Kearney Mesa Subaru. Service at Kearny Mesa was quick, and the staff was friendly, but their prices were super high and they were not willing to help me fix small issues with surface elements on my car (door handles, sub woofer covers, light gages ect) in a way that wouldn't break my bank. Instead they wanted to charge me hundreds to install a completely new component, instead of the $0.50 for the missing clip. I took my car there twice, and unless I am dragged there against my will, I will never go there again. Let me break this down in the simplest way possible. Elite Auto Services is: - Professional Certified Subaru experts = High Quality - Honest & Straight forward = These are key in my mind! - Friendly = John treats you like person, instead of an order # - Cost Effective = Car maintenance and repairs are not cheap, especially for quality work, but they are important to extend the life of your car. Elite Auto Services will fix only what is wrong with your car, with no unnecessary extras, to keep you spending as little as possible. The only downside is that Elite Auto Services is located in the El Cajon / Santee area off Magnolia Avenue, so it is a little out of the way if you live/work in the City of San Diego. But John has a special deal with the local Enterprise shop, so if you need a rental car, they come out to pick you up, and offer you their ~$19/day rate. Overall, Elite Auto Services is the only place I will take my Subaru. Even for just a routine oil change, I want to know that my car is being handled with the care and accuracy that I can not trust a dealer or Jiffy Lube to provide me. I'm stoked to be the first review for Elite Auto Services, as I'm finally proud to say that I know of a great mechanic. read more

Put my Ford Focus in for some diagnostic work for a rattling, rough running and suckky AC. Well I had a worn out engine mount, AC needed service. I had the work done, so far very happy. I felt the price was fair, work done in the time frame expected and it runs GREAT! As soon as I can I have a few more items to have John and his crew do. Is it possible I found an honest independent auto shop? So far it looks like it! read more

Thank you John at Elite Auto service for your knowledge and professionalism!! I appreciate all you're help!

Just got my a/c fixed. Blows ice cold now. Great work and they treated me the well. I will be taking all my cars here from now on.

Good shop if your dumb. They charge luxury amount for basic service. Old people beware, they will gouge you.!

Great place tells me anything that goes wrong with the car and if I can't get it all done in one shot he tells me what is needed first ...No pressure about fixing it all right then and there ...Fast friendly service been going here for yrs. I won't go anywhere else read more

I'm a fan. My car was in desperate need of an overhaul and my "previous" mechanic ran a terrible business and never answered his phone- anyway. I got referred to john by my dear friend KM. Known and trusted him for years. When he mentioned johns shop I immediately perked up because of the perfect location. I called elite auto on a Monday morning and a very kind receptionist answered the phone and informed me after a few questions that they were very busy. I asked if I could drop my ford focus off anyway as that was the only day I could do it and I have a different mode of transportation. I came by after a second phone call with John and met him when I dropped it off. I listed a plethora of things wrong with my beloved car and he was very kind and patient with me. John made sure that I was kept informed even though he was very busy that week. I was pleased to be informed of reasonable repair costs and a good turn around time. If you live in Santee or Lakeside or anywhere for that matter i suggest bringing your vehicle here. read more

this place is a rip off! If you own a Subaru find another place to do the work! i want to trust John but he will gouge you every chance he gets read more

I wanted the best service for my Subaru wrx so I thought I'd bring it here... Don't make the same mistake I made!! I went in for a tune up, leakdown test, and some other minor repairs. They had my car for almost a month and charged me $1,750 for everything they did. I picked up and drove my car on Christmas Eve night, then found out 10 minutes after driving that my whole radiator was cracked open making my entire car smoke up. Brought it back the earliest I could to them and told them what happened. They said it was coincidental that it happened and that they didn't break it. I knew they were lying because there was a major stress crack on the other side of where the top coolant hose clamps on to right in my face when I open the hood. John told me he would replace my radiator as long as I bought the parts which was around $330. I was fine with that even though my Christmas weekend was ruined because of this incident. When I received my car back with the new radiator I noticed chirping and whining coming from one of my belts. I found out that my entire timing belt cover was broken into 3 pieces just hanging on to their bolts for dear life. The cover is position just an inch or two above the bottom radiator hose and I know my old hose had to of been a struggle to get off (not a problem if done correctly). I'd understand if they broke it, told me, and offered to fix it if I bought the parts. But to let me drive off their lot with a broken timing belt cover which they knew could easily ruin my car's engine is cruel and heartless for any kind of customer respect. It only made sense when they told me that the repairs for the cover are too costly and timely of a job to do even if I had paid them to do it. They broke it and didn't want to fix it. Simple as that and now I'm left with this problem. On top of everything John specifically told me he was no longer providing me or my car service because he feels threatened by me.. I say if his techs didn't break parts on my car then he wouldn't have to feel threatened. "Don't make me your enemy" is not a threat. It's saying do your job right or I'll blow up your reviews with how horrible of a service you provided me with. Refusing service to me and asking me to take down my Yellow Page review (please read if you haven't already) are two contradicting things to ask for so here's another review for you guys and I hope everyone reads this and says, "wow.. I don't want to take my car there." So for all of you readers who just read my experience here, do your car a favor and don't bring it to these hacks. Because when you get it back, your car will coincidentally break down like how mine did both times I took it to them. read more

See all

Quoted one price for a timing belt job, hours later called for more money to replace parts he said should always be replaced....Is that known as a bait and switch? Our Subaru had a oil leak from then on.....never again. read more

Great place!!! Elite Auto Service fixed my Subaru and now it runs great. Nice clean and friendly place. Starbucks is across the street..... yeah! They fix all types of cars, and do my services...... no more dealer for me. read more

Awesome customer service! Definetly recommend John and his group of guys! Always honest and up front with what your car needs and doesn't need. Big place to relax while your car is bei g worked on as well as many food places to eat. read more

Great Auto Repair shop that is honest with great prices!!! They not only work on subaru's but all makes and models. Dealership quality without the dealership prices. John the owner is very up front and tells it like it is. read more

John runs a great shop. He has expertise most mechanics don't and he is always fair in his estimates. Plus he always goes out of his way to help. It's hard to find honest mechanics. Elite is the place to go for all your car care needs. read more

these people know what there doing!!!!!!!....very good service. just a little expensive but hay you gotta pay for quality and a trust worthy mechanic. will be continuing my business with them. read more

GREAT subaru mechanics. I just moved into the San Diego area and when I needed my 105k maintence done on my subaru I went with Subaru Elite. They're the only subaru mechanics south of LA thats not a dealership and John the owner really knows his stuff. The estimate I got was less then anywhere else and they charged me less then the orignal estimate! Plus he fixed anything that was wrong with the car free of charge!! There work is legit and there very honest. Better then any dealership I know. I went back for my clutch and was still impressed on his work and price. Thanks guys! read more

Excellent service! John is a strait shooter and saved me hundreds of dollars. Great Job, clean waiting room and the mechanics are awesome!

Elite Auto service is genuinely a great place to take your vehicle for service. Great customer service and great service techs. Good job guys.. Keep up the great work. read more

I must say I've been very pleased with the service I have received at Elite Auto Service. Very professional work at reasonable prices. Although they work on all types of vehicles, I went there because of their extensive training and certifications on Subaru. Honest work at honest prices. Recommended. read more