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    ExperTec Automotive

    4.6 (423 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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      Are you taking care of your car??
      Lilly G.

      Located steps from 19th St on the northbound side of Newport Blvd, you cannot miss the ExperTec Automotive building in blue. My car registered was due and I saw a great deal on an ExperTec mailer for a smog check for under $54 with electronic certificate to the DMV. Since I had such a wonderful experience with the ExperTec in HB for my mom's 1989 Toyota Camry, I decided to give CM a chance. My appointment call was always answered by Jose. He was professional, informative & took all three of my calls either making/moving my smog appointments. He was accommodating and patient with my schedule changes, which I appreciated. This time, I was 20 mins late right before lunch so I asked if I could just leave my car. He said it was fine. The parking lot was full when I arrived which is a testament of how busy the shop is. I was able to grab a spot as a customer left. I was immediately greeted by Mike who was impressed with my reverse parking skills. He also super sweet to my dog, Finn. The waiting room is large and clean. It has a nice peaceful feeling with a nice sofa, coffee table, refreshments such as coffee, bottled water & Keurig coffee. They even offer popcorn with a variety of popcorn salt. Today, Jose checked me in. Not sure if it was those schedule changes, but he wasn't as friendly. He was definitely accommodating so I honestly cannot complain. I was late & he was professional all the way through. Mike offered courtesy shuttle for drop off/pickup, but I wanted to enjoy the sun and get some exercise with my dog. I left my car and was called back within an impressive 80 minutes. Did the mechanics take a lunch? That was so fast! My dog Finn and I walked back to the shop. We waited a bit before being attended to by Gary. He had an awesome upbeat energy as he checked me out. He let me know the smog certificate was already electronically transmitted to the DMV. I noticed there was a steady stream of customers, so this shop seemed to be well loved and I can see why. The value of this smog check is unbeatable with that Value-Pak coupon. Highly recommended for Smog Checks.

      The state of the lugnut after ExperTec's Failed Removal.

      Neither Expert, Nor Tec. On November3,2025, I brought my 2010 Toyota Prius to ExperTec Automotive to remove a spinning lug nut on the driver's front wheel. After spending approximately four hours on the job, the shop was unable to remove the lug nut. They charged me $222.18 for labor despite the fact that the issue was not resolved. The invoice clearly states: "One lug is spinning on the driver front. Spent 4 hours on it trying to remove it. Customer was informed that he could pay additional labor to keep at it, or pay for time already and pick it up." When I asked what it would take for completion the sales person said it could be $600-$800 more. After retrieving my vehicle, I was forced to solve the issue myself. Following advice to use cobalt drill bits, I was able to remove the lug nut completely in under 20 minutes. This proves that the shop's failure and exorbitant time spent was due to improper tooling and technique, not the inherent difficulty of the job. The mechanic, a nice young man named Scott, acknowledged to me that his bits were dull and that new cobalt bits would have made the job successful. I felt for him and gave him the cobalt drill bits I bought wishing him future success. Details of Interaction with Management: After completing the repair myself, I returned to ExperTec to request a refund. The front‑office staff initially attempted to process one but their POS system failed. I then spoke with GaryMcMann, the General Manager. Mr.McMann stated that he had to pay his mechanic for the three hours worked and that "the progress [his mechanic] made was what made it possible for you to drill through in 19minutes." He went on further to say that they "had to get my car off their rack, it was taking too much time." I disagreed with that assertion -- their work did not help me. The lug nut issue was completely unresolved when I began. My own work and tooling, not theirs, achieved the result. Mr.McMann offered a 50% refund ($111.09) as a compromise. I declined, as I believe paying any amount for an uncompleted and improperly executed repair is unjust. Basis of Complaint I was charged for non‑performance -- the service I paid for (removal of the lug nut) was not completed. ExperTec failed to use appropriate tools or techniques and the mechanic admitted their drill bits were too dull. No value was provided; I had to research the problem, purchase the correct tools (cobalt drill bits), spend my own time, and complete the job myself. The manager's justification ("I have to pay my mechanic") is not a valid reason to bill the customer for a failed attempt. No written disclosure or estimate was provided stating that I would be charged full labor for an unsuccessful repair attempt. Desired Resolution I am requesting a full refund of $222.18 for non‑performance of work. Alternatively, I request that the BAR review this shop's billing and repair practices to ensure compliance with California's standards of competent workmanship and fair dealing.

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      8 years ago

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      8 years ago

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      9 years ago

      Sometimes this kind of service issues happen, but the store offered a full refund. I have adjusted my rating to 3 stars. Thanks.

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      4 years ago

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      8 years ago

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      10 years ago

      Nice office, fixed my tires as fast as 2 minutes. Good people and good price. I do recommend this place hardly.

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      Matthew M.

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      8 years ago

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      Matthew M.

      Thank you Tracey for your kind words

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      10 years ago

      Really nice guys, great service. Nick patched my tire and I was out in about 10 minutes. I'll be back for car help for sure!

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      9 years ago

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      Page 11 of 11

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      Review Highlights - ExperTec Automotive

      Gary, the manager, personally added oil and had a lovely young man who was, of course, sweating, added air to my tires.

      Mentioned in 82 reviews

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