Went to Encinitas Automotive for an oil and filter change because I like to support small family businesses like this. I had a very specific "ultra" premium oil I wanted and made sure that was conveyed clearly. Got to the appointment first thing in the morning and sat for 30 minutes waiting for the oil to arrive because the owner Peter said he never orders the oil until the customer shows up, even if they have an appointment. Eventually the oil shows up and I ask to see it to make sure its the right stuff and it turns out it isn't. Honest mistake, not a problem. So they check with their suppliers and can't source it, so I said go ahead with the oil they got. I paid and left. When I checked the invoice later I noticed they charged me $14 a quart for the "ultra" premium oil I originally requested which is about $5 more per quart than the oil that was actually used, and my truck takes 7 quarts, so $35 more than it should have been. Not a huge deal, an honest mistake surely, but enough for me to drive a few blocks to sort it out. So I figured, I'll go chat with Peter and let him know. This didn't go as expected. When I showed him the invoice he immediately got defensive and instead of investigating the issue blurted out "I paid $12 per quart for your oil, we need to mark it up a little to make some money". I am absolutely in support of a business making money of parts and materials sold, but his claim of him paying $12 a quart is either not honest or he got ripped off by his supplier which I told him he should look into because maybe he did get gouged because I could get the oil at any auto parts place for $7.50 a quart. But he wasn't interested in looking into it. By that point he was convinced I was a jerk just trying to get money out of him. It got tense and I just told him I was going to leave but I wasn't happy about the interaction. All I want is a mechanic I can trust and have a conversation with and by that point I knew this wasn't gonna be the shop I was hoping for. As I was leaving he walks over to my truck and says "What do you want ten bucks or something? You want money, here take everything in my wallet" and he empties his wallet of some bills and dumps them in my front seat after I said that is not what I want. I had to walk back into the shop to give the money back while getting some unfriendly looks from the staff. It is a real bummer because Peter seems like a cool guy and I just think he acted reflexively instead of investigating the problem with me. Running a shop is never easy, and it pains me to be someone not leaving a perfect review, but figured my story should be shared. It wasn't ever about the money for me but entirely about having a relationship with someone I can trust and communicate with, without having an incident like this. read more

Peter is absolutely wonderful. I was having car issues, my battery kept dying even after getting a brand new one, and know very little about cars, after taking it to several different places and getting super taken advantage of by terrible people in the industry I am SO HAPPY I finally found my way to Peter, he is so warm, genuine, and honest! He made me feel taken care of and safe, did an amazing job on my car for a really low price and saved the day!!! I will be sending everyone to him from now on! He is a genuinely good human and I wish there were more like him! Thanks Peter, you're the best! read more

We bought a used 2002 Ford Ranger and wanted to get it inspected and Peter was great! We got a appointment within 2 days and he did a thorough inspection. Luckily, only one small issue was found which we could deal with. We now have appointments to bring in two other cars for brakes. We highly recommend them...great service! read more

I can not say enough great things about Encinitas Automotive. I had a headlight nightmare with O'Reilly's down the road before stopping here by chance. The man who helped me was incredibly gracious and had my car in and out in 5 min. I will definitely be back! read more

I stumbled upon this place since I was next door getting a smog with a different company. Unfortunately, I did not pass the smog because my battery cable was lose and I lost power so Encinitas Automotive helped me out without even charging me anything. I will definitely go back when I am in need of services they offer simply because they helped me with no intention. Thank you for saving me today guys. See you soon read more

I brought in my car for an oil change and diagnostics because I thought the breaks might need replacement. Prices are very competitive and both Peter and Marcelo had great customer service. They are very trustworthy and I felt well-taken care of. I recommend to anyone in the area looking for auto service! read more

Peter expertly diagnosed my ford f150 and got me back on the road. I will definitely visit him the next time I have car troubles.

Nice guys... efficient, fast and good work. These guys look honest and really professional. I recommend at 200%

My husband and I take both of our cars here whenever they need maintenance. Recently stopped in and they fixed my burned out tail light on the spot for free. They're always fast and friendly and super nice to my son as well. read more

Repairs look great, fair price, and constant communication from the owner. Highly recommend and will differently go back (sure hope I don't have too!) read more

I've been bringing my car to Peter for years, and have always had good service. Last week I needed an oil change and the earliest they could fit me in was 5 days out. I ended up needing it sooner than that so I took it to another shop, where they sent me home with a 13-point list of things that needed work, with an estimate of over $1,000. I came back to Peter and Alex and asked them for a second opinion on every point. They took my car, lifted it up, and did a full inspection--no work needed today! There is normal wear on my car because it is driven often, but none of the items on the list I was given will change the way my car is running currently. Peter charged me nothing for the inspection and Alex was nice enough to step away during his lunch break to explain in more detail why they didn't see the need to do any work today-my car will need routine maintenance, but probably not for another 20,000 miles. I don't know anything about cars, so I am grateful to have found a mechanic who won't upsell maintenance, and who will be honest with me about how my car is running. Like I said before, I've always had good service here, but today's experience really stood out. I'll be back at 100k miles for my next maintenance check! read more

Good: Fast and on time. Bad : Mark up on parts seems a tad high.. read more

I've never had such a positive experience with a mechanic, nor have I felt such confidence that he was providing honest, informed and thoughtful advice. I took my Prius V in for a service, with the assurance I could pick it up that afternoon. Marcello called when he said he would (this never happens with my car repairs) and when I returned for the car he gave me a comprehensive break-down of it's condition--what was needed and when. He made suggestions but did not insist on further maintenance (and more money) until a later date. My car is running great now. Most of all, Marcello and his father were so friendly, so knowledgeable and so kind. I am relieved to find a place I can trust with my car. read more

Awesome service, super friendly staff and great results. Would HIGLY recommend!

My car broke down and Triple A recommended I take my car to this shop. They were honest and very nice and got me back on the road the next day. I'd highly recommend them. read more

Straightforward work. They find what's wrong, don't try to fix what's not and don't charge too much. I appreciate when they tell me there's nothing wrong with the hula-mobile even when I complain ("lady, it's 8 years old, it's gonna make noises"). They look for the problem behind my vague descriptions and make it all better! I can make the drive up I-5 with confidence after having these guys check out the minivan. read more

My car recently had the check engine light turn on so I was looking for a place to get my car fixed. I am new to the Encinitas area after transplanting from the east coast so I decided to give this place a try. I was very fortunate to find this place since the mechanic, Peter was more than helpful. He is very honest and I would highly recommend him to everyone. Personally, I am very happy to find a new honest mechanic near my new hometown. If my car runs into any other issues, I know exactly where to take it. read more

Had a horrible experience with another shop that I would use when I didn't have time to do the work myself. Checked on yelp and liked the reviews I saw. Arrived first thing this morning when they opened and had the pleasure of meeting Alex. He got my wifes car in right away and the total came in below what he originally estimated. Would gladly use them again read more

Peter and Alex are wonderful. They are kind, timely & always do an amazing job on my car. HIGHLY recommend! They are the best car repair shop in Encinitas! read more

Alex and the guys are the most trustworthy, reliable auto mechanics I have ever met. There have been multiple times where I have brought the car in, and they fix something minor for no charge at all. When there are bigger problems, they offer me a competitive price, or explain where I can get the parts elsewhere for cheaper. I don't usually write yelp reviews, but there guys deserve it read more

Encinitas Automotive Repair is exactly what you want in an auto repair shop. I have brought my car here multiple times and each time they are clear with communication, give a fair price, and are quick with their repairs. After having gone to not as great shops in the past it is so refreshing to know that my car will be taken care of quickly and easily. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else again. read more

I cannot appreciate Peter and his son Marcelo enough for helping me out today. I hadn't gotten a routine maintenance check in a while and was seriously overdue. Marcelo was efficient and thorough in inspecting my vehicle and made sure to inform me on everything he found. They replaced all my old filters and worn down gaskets and made sure I was aware of a few other issues with my engine. By the end of my appointment I felt really confident in my maintenance and didn't feel pressured to get any unnecessary work done. After everything was said and done they were even kind enough to help me find some products (scratch concealer) that they didn't carry in store. These guys are absolutely genuine in the way they run their business and I will definitely be coming back. Thank you! read more

They are open on the weekend, just call and confirm. I went to get a diagnostic test done since there was a light on my car. They told me it was on because I hadn't put the gas cap correctly. They taught me how to do it and they did not charge me. I will definitely be going back if anything comes up in my car again. read more

I moved to the area in 2009 and was looking for an honest mechanic who preformed quality work. I was recommended to Alex at Encinitas Automotive. I use him regularly now. The work was done properly and the price was very fair. I would highly recommend Encinitas Automotive for anyone looking for a quality mechanic. NO surprises, just good communication and quality work at a fair price. read more

GREAT SERVICE!!!! I worked closely with Peter at Encinitas Automotive Repair. He first helped me determine what kind of vehicle would be good to purchase with a higher mileage based on reliability. He was so kind and spoke to me for at least 20 mins. We ended buying a Ford Expedition that had a mechanical issue. When I brought Peter the vehicle to check out, he found that the engine needed new coils and did not charge us for the inspection. They got the coils replaced in less than a day and the charge was LESSS than the estimate. AMAZING! Our Ford Expedition runs perfectly now and I feel like Peter is the most fair and honest repair shop owner I have ever worked with. My mom has also been going to him for awhile as well as a few neighbors and coworkers. They all say Encinitas Automotive Repair is the best place they have been! read more

Update I received a call from the manager of the shop asking to bring my truck back in. They passed the truck for smog and replaced the vacuum line at no charge. If nothing else their follow up customer service is great. At this point I would recommend this shop. Failed my truck for visual. Said I had a collapsed vacuum hose which was not collapsed. Couldn't show me where it was collapsed. I came home took the hose off and no signs of collapsing it's a high pressure hose. Only offered to give approximately $10 off for a resmog. I feel they only wanted money for a repair. Now I understand why they weren't busy. Got me once but never again. BEWARE is all I can say. read more

I had some problems with my Mazda in September and it got towed to their shop. They were great to work with. They fixed the problem and they also did everything in a timely manner. I was also happy that I was able to get a discount with my AAA card. I would highly recommend them, now they are my go to place for all of my cars needs! read more

I come here for my smog checks and oil changes, usually by Marcelo, and I will never go anywhere else!! Not only are they fast and efficient, but their prices are the best I've seen in my area. They are also AAA approved! As a female it's hard to find people in this industry who won't take advantage of you, but they sit you down and go over all the pricing with you. I've never felt pressured to make a purchase I was unsure of. Definitely a friendly and trustworthy company read more

SCAM SHOP ALERT!!! This is NOT the same Encinitas Auto... The new person running the place seems more interested in scheming & scamming than doing good. He speaks in vague, unrelated terms and avoids acknowledging the actual problem you bring the vehicle in for. Even the hyper-inflated invoice you are feed (if you want your vehicle back) is loaded with 'customer requested' clutter in an attempt to avoid lawsuits, plus he'll even put in line items such as 'such-and-such fluid, quantity 23, $10 each, $230". Seriously. 23 what? teaspoons? $10 each? AVOID THIS SCAMMER read more

My car was towed to their shop when my timing belt broke. Alex, was great..his estimate was on the money and the car was done when promised. Thank you guys read more

Have been coming to Encinitas Automotive Place for almost Two years, every time I visit is a wonderful experience with such Amazing team. Nice Attitude very Honest, Professional and warm welcoming. I give Them a 100% for being such caring and wonderful people. Thank you Peter Alex and Marcelo. read more

Very good service and so honest. I highly recommend this place. Price is very fair and the ​staff is wonderful.

I am very happy with the work that Alex and his team did on my car recently. It overheated and I had a feeling I was in for an expensive repair. He was hundreds less than the dealer, did a great job explaining exactly what I needed and repaired it the same day. I love the fact that you get to deal with someone that actually works on the car and has tons of knowledge. I used to only take my cars to the dealer but I am going to make Encinitas Automotive my preferred stop. read more

Been here 4 times but for 3 different cars over the past year. So far so good. They are so fast! And I felt like they aren't trying to rip you off. The guy insisted I look at the rotors he had to replace because I think he thought I didn't believe him or he was just that thorough on his transparency with the customer. I'll be back!! read more

Don't you just love when your mechanic calls you and says "Good news! Absolutely nothing is wrong with your car!". This happened to me last week with Peter @ Encinitas Automotive. My check engine light was on. I had just gotten an oil change and usually that fixed the light bc my car is only 3 years old. So mucho props to my man Peter for checks no out the problem, finding nothing, turning light off & charging me nothing! My husband and I have been taking our cars to him for the last decade and have found fair prices and quick service every time. read more

HORRIFYING experience with Smog Test! This company is crocked and smog guy isn't even an employee. They charge full price to retest and when they fail you that want to charge to diagnose the small problem they told you. Triple A was referring this company however complaints to Triple A hopefully they will be pulled off as a referral. DO NOT get smog done at Encinitas Automotive...FIC Smog in Encinitas, owner Brian does the work and he is honest and helpful! December 2013 read more

DO NOT GO HERE! RIP-OFF! These con artists tried to charge me $400 for a $100 part...NOT including labor! 500 yards away is Pep Boys and they did my work (parts and labor) for under $300. DO NOT GO HERE...this guy Peter is a con artist... ripping off unsuspecting women ( and some men)! read more

Service with a smile. These guys are very friendly and knowledgeable. They get the job done in a timely manner. No wonder they are always busy. Call ahead to set up an appointment. I highly recommend taking your car for repair or maintenance to this 2+ century old automotive repair shop. read more

Needed my blinker fixed in a hurry today. They were very quick and prompt with their service. I highly recommend them. They were very courteous and well priced. read more

I just finished my car smog check but didn't get the service to send my pass test report to DMV. It's my first to here. I won't come again.