I recommend Barry Hartzel enthusiastically. He has deep integrity, I trust him fundamentally. And the quality of work at his shop appears to be excellent. And he's a really nice guy to boot. It's such a pleasure to work with Barry, all the more so since it's such a contrast with many other car mechanics, especially at dealership service departments. read more

Only regret is I didn't find out about Hartzel 15 years ago. Fantastic service, very professional, fixed a window I didn't even know wasn't working properly and fixed it for free. Car ready when he said it would be and price was not only fair but much, much lower than the dealer. I have at last found an honest and competent Subaru mechanic. read more

Barry responded in a timely manner to the request for Service. Although I did not bring my car for Service, I would recommrecommend his shop. (Nothing negative as to why I didn't use his shop) read more

Had a truly fine experience here. Our vintage car had a cascading engine failure, pretty serious, and my local mechanic recommended Hartzel. I called them Thursday mid-day, the tow truck dropped the car that afternoon, Hartzel took a look at it on Friday and gave me an estimate. Complete valve job, remill cylinder heads, lots of other work. By Wednesday all the work was completed, and the cost was within the original estimate. Highly professional work, really congenial, and they give me a 24 month warranty on the repairs. For serious engine work, I highly recommend this shop. it was a fantastic experience. read more

I went to Hartzel Automotive to have some work done on a new-to-me Subaru Forester Sport based on the great reviews on Yelp and Google. I called the shop, spoke with Barry, the owner and made an appointment. I dropped my car off for work that was likely overdue on the car. Barry had previously informed me about the costs associated with the spark plugs and CVT fluid change and clearly explained the process and needs for both services. He called me about two hours later to let me know that the work was done but having done a check on the brakes, found the rear disc brakes were worn basically down to the metal and that a lug nut was missing on one of the wheels. Because I had told him I was planning a cross country trip with the car, he asked if I wanted the brakes to be done and explained the costs and why the rear brakes were worn so much more than the front brakes. I agreed to have the work done and about an hour later I got my car back all caught up with much needed service. I am so grateful to Barry and his team and for his fair pricing and spot on making sure my car was not only safe but properly serviced. If you have a Subaru, you won't go wrong taking your car to Hartzel Automotive. Thank you Barry! read more

I can't say enough about Barry and his crew, they worked on my outback. You can just tell walkin in his shop, the cleanliness and organization, he is a consummate professional who knows his stuff. They fixed an issue I was having with my sunroof, since then I've texted Barry with questions regarding my car and subaru's that my friends own. He has always responded and been willing to give me advice and help. Which I feel most shops would not do, he definitely goes above and beyond. He's reasonably priced for shop time and honest and upfront about what estimates and time frames. If you own a Subie on the Monterey Peninsula there's no point taking it anywhere, would reccomend them 100% of the time over the local dealership. read more

My mother took her 1972 240Z years ago here and just recently after purchasing a used Mazda Pick Up truck, I experienced firsthand the diligence and fairness of Hartzel Automotive. I was told by a local auto shop that I needed a $2000 head gasket job after this mechanic located a leak. No further testing, just an iPhone picture of the leak. I take the truck to Hartzel; the owner explains to me the process that will be taken along with the possible outcomes and what they would entail. After a test that informs the mechanic of the type of leak; internal vs. external. He further explained the fix we would employ based on the results of test. Now, 300 miles later I have had no issue whatsoever with the truck. Of course, I didn't want to spend thousands, but I am and was more willing to have that expense with an organization I have complete confidence in. My repair bill was less than 20% of the original $2000! Once again Mr. Hartzel proves why his ratings are great and owners trust their classics and everyday runners alike to him and no other mechanic! read more

I was visiting from out of town doing a road trip in my 2021 Miata. The night before we were supposed to drive home, I had some weird issue & was not able to drive the car at all. Got in contact with them the next morning & they were able to get me in. They diagnosed it, fixed it & gave amazing advice. You can't go wrong with these guys, amazing people to talk to & super intellegent. So thankful for Hartzel for getting me home safely. read more

Left a voice message for a service I needed done, they were not able to fit me in before I left on a trip, but I really appreciate the fact that they took the time to message me and offer an alternate suggestion in the area to try. A business that does that little bit of extra work, just for the customer's benefit and not for any profit on their own, is one that takes that extra step to make them extraordinary! read more

I did not have any work done by Berry, but did purchase a car whom Berry installed a Flyin' Miata turbo kit. I am really impressed by the installation job. He definitely went above and beyond. The install was clean and neat. Over the course of 4 years since the install, there are no issues. Berry answered various questions I had about the car despite knowing the fact that I am located too far from his shop for any potential work. I can tell he takes pride in his work. He would definitely be my go-to mechanic for any work I do not want to do myself. read more

We've been customers of Hartzel Automotive for many years. Barry and his staff are always thorough, efficient honest and courteous. They give us great confidence that our car is in excellent condition. We wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Very good, attentive service. I had been taking my car to the dealership for routine service but the service was lacking and expensive. Barry went over what would be done and approximately how long it would take. Will be taking my Subaru here for the life of the car. read more

I was looking for someone to fix the transmission on my 2017 WRX and saw that Hartzel Automotive worked on Subarus. (I just didn't feel comfortable taking it into a dealership for work.) We went back and forth via email where he gave me my options and a rough estimate. When I decided to take my car to Barry he looked over my car and suggested I buy a used tranny rather than spending extra money and time trying to see what the issue was. He was able to find a company online and I was able to have it shipped straight to his shop. Once the tranny arrived I dropped off my car and he was able to get it done the same day. After test driving the car he was notified by one of his mechanics that my clutch was going out. He ended up installing a new clutch without charging me extra! This was something I didn't expect and just shows what kind of business he runs. This is the type of business I will continue to support and even suggest to people who are looking for an honest shop who you don't have to worry will rip you off. If my car ever needs work Hartzel Automotive will be my first stop. Thanks again Barry and staff for the work you did on my car. read more

Great customer service. Super passionate and knowledgeable owner. We took our neglected Subaru Impreza in for a head gasket repair and to be made road-ready after sitting for quite some time. Barry estimated the costs - highs and lows along with areas that may need attention along the way. They had our vehicle for 1 week and most week days I received updates and PICS of the repairs and progress. I ended up needing not only the head gasket, timing belt and water pump but a clutch and some brake and bearing work. I was very pleased with my interactions with Barry, both online and in person. Also, I've come away from this repair with info about how I can better serve my vehicle in the long run. I am very pleased and my car runs great once again as well. read more

Finding an automotive repair shop which does good work and is honest about pricing is really, really rare. Barry Hartzel runs a superlative shop. Period. I live in San Mateo and have my Mazda Miata towed 100 miles to Barry's shop for one reason. I know Barry will get the job done right. The first time. For those of you who may not know Mr. Hartzel is a driving legend and is the Director of Driver Education at NASA. You are in good hands when you take your car here. read more

Rare honesty! Unsure of the issue, they referred me to another mechanic - I've never had a mechanic do that in all my years of car ownership; potentially cost himself business for the sake of honesty. Bodes well for the things he can help with! read more

I'm a fanatic about my car. After a series of horrific experiences with the local Jaguar dealer, I was driving to the Jaguar dealer in San Francisco for service. I knew I needed to find someone local that I could trust with my car (2006 Jaguar). Thankfully, I found Barry Hartzel. He's knowledgeable, honest and does quality work. As a former Jaguar tech and service manager, he actually understands what's going on with your car, and, unlike the dealer service departments, he's more than happy to answer questions and discuss options with you. You can actually have a meaningful discussion with him about your car. I'll be going back, and I would strongly recommend him to any Jaguar owner. read more

Very reputable and fair car repair place that services Jaguars, Landroavers and SAABs - no Mercedes (they do not have the equipment or computer) and no BMW's. If you need a Mercedes Benz serviced see "Greg Bean Auto" in Pacific Grove, CA. If you need your BMW serviced, see Bay Auto in Seaside, CA. read more

I was impressed by the service that they gave me when my 83 Saab broke down while traveling. They worked me in at short notice and got me going again the next day. A little pricey but they obviously knew what they were doing and did just what they said they would with some free advice thrown in. I'd go back if they were closer to my home. read more

Recommend highly for alignment. I took my 2004 Lexus RX 330 in for alignment and in my opinion they did a thorough and good job. Mr. Hartzel has many years of experience and it showed. They are the only ones I will allow to work on alignment of my Lexus and Honda because of their knowledge, experience in doing alignments, and my experience as their customer. read more

My older (but awesome) Suburu Legacy was having an occasional issue dying when I would come to a stop or slow down. Barry and the fellas at Hartzel paid their due diligence in figuring out the problem. Most of the time finding an honest, reliable mechanic for an import can be difficult, but no longer a problem for me. These guys will be the only I (and my Subaru) deal with from now on! Thanks again Barry! read more

Outstanding workmanship on my 20 year old Lexus. Solved a problem no mechanic or dealer could fix for years! New brakes are quiet! Very fair pricing. read more

New to the area, I needed a service on our Mazda CX7. NextDoor and one of my friends, who is a keen car guy and MG enthusiast, recommended Barry Hartzel. What a great find!!!! Barry booked us in within a few days of our call...listened to what we needed looking at...did a super service and checked and cleared code problems..explaining how they had happened and whether they would need to be acted on in the near term or monitor for a while. So helpful, honest, professional and friendly.....and a wealth of knowledge. Jobs finished on time and under estimate. He definitely will have all our future business. read more

They say the definition of idiocy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. With Hartzel Automotive the same thing over and over is quality comprehensive auto repair done by a caring super knowledgeable owner and well trained staff. Ive been there three times and they have 15 Stars by me. I may be an idiot for buying a somewhat high maintenance luxury car, but having Barry and his shop ease the pain and let me enjoy it with confidence and trust make it fun and an escape during these unprecedented times. Barry THANK YOU and i will see you for the next service on my Jaguar (no more door locks issues I promise) read more

I own a SAAB 9-5 model which is kind of difficult to find an auto-repair shop for. Not only does Hartzel Automotive accept SAAB models, they specialize in European Cars! And not only that, but the business owner in all my dealings has been extremely fair and honest in price quotes. I am deeply satisfied with the service I have recieved here! read more

If Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers were still around, they'd sing Barry's praises. I certainly do. If yours is a car he and his staff can work on (Saab, Volvo, Subaru, Jaguar, Mazda or Infinity), take your car to him. Honest, reasonably priced and thorough. We are moving from the area shortly, and Barry's shop is one of the places we will miss. It's been great working with him. read more

I have worked with Barry Hartzel on and off for 10 years. He is an expert with my Miata, and has been a wealth to help enjoy the miata experience. I use his transmissions in my race miata and they have worked great. read more

Really thorough explanations of all work they are doing. Reasonable wait times. Reasonable prices. I trust that they are only doing the work necessary for my car instead of trying to tack on other things. I've been here a few times and will continue to go back. read more

Very professional and reputable shop! I live in San Jose and I took a 80mi drive there to get the alignment done on my Miata race car. I was very impress with their work and it is well worth the time spent. I highly recommend to anyone who drive a Miata! read more

My wife and I were far from our home in the East Bay recently and my transmission started to malfunction and warning lights on my dashboard lit up and were flashing an impending doom. On the recommendation of another auto repair business, I took my 2000 Volvo V40 to Hartzel Automotive and was prepared to hear that I needed a new transmission but I was amazed to meet a clever and generous soul named Barry Hartzel instead. Barry quickly hooked up a diagnostic device, wisely discerned the problem, did a quick "mechanic's tune-up," turned off the warning lights, and then refused my attempts to pay him for his almost half-hour of work! Barry's largess and skill not only allowed us to continue our vacation down the coast but he also gave us proof that there are still altruistic people doing good things for others. Now we have a good excuse to go to Monterey Bay area again; we'll just schedule (and insist on paying for) an oil change at Hartzel's! Thanks again Barry, Dave and Clara read more

I recently took my Mazda Miata to Barry Hartzel of Hartzel Automotive with a Check Engine error message indicating that my precatalytic converter had gone bad. Since I live in California, that meant the only legal solution was to have a CARB-certified converter installed at a cost well over $700. Instead of replacing the converter, however, Barry suggested that I try a particular fuel additive that he had success with in resolving the p0421 error. And it worked!!! How many mechanics would offer a $20 solution in place of one that would bring them hundreds of dollars more? I went into Barry's fully expecting to pay nearly $1,000 only to have him solve my problem for nearly free (relatively speaking). Although it's certainly the most dramatic example of Barry's integrity and expertise in my experience, it's not the only one since he began working on my car. Barry and his team know Miatas and they fix them at reasonable prices. If you are looking for a Miata shop in or near Monterey that combines honesty, expertise, and fair pricing, you'll find it at Hartzel Automotive. Just to be clear, I have no business connection or other relationship, other than that of an extremely satisfied customer, with Hartzel Automotive. read more

I have a 1985 convertible VW Cabriolet with only 35k miles. I had a starting issue regarding cold/warm regulation (or something like that)...the type of problem only a seasoned mechanic would know how to solve. Barry was extremely familiar with the technical design of this car and accurately diagnosed the problem as a fuel tank failure with severe corrosion. He fixed the problem for a very fair price. I'm happy! bill read more

Really impressed with the service that I received. I called them after finding that they service Mazda's among several European makes. Turns out that I was dealing the owner, who is a very accomplished racer himself. They got me in for service the next day and finished the repair in just a few hours. Their prices were a little higher than the dealer, but I'd rather eat dirt than deal with the hassle of the dealership experience. I ended up talking with the owner about racing and motorsports for about 30 minutes after picking up my car. I wouldn't hesitate to take my car to them again for service. read more

I took my care here for years when I had a '91 Mazda Protege. I was fresh out of college and didn't have a lot of money. They always fixed my car well and I never felt like I was being taken advantage of or sold repairs I didn't need (because I was a woman and maybe didn't know any better). They often would do minor fixes for free while working on something else, too. They would also tell me if they didn't think a problem needed to be fixed right away. I recommend anyone to go here if their car can be serviced by this mechanic. read more

"As good as it gets." Guess that says it about right. I've been taking my Mazda Miata to Hartzel Automotive since 2008 and I always get professional, knowledgeable, and courteous service. Wouldn't want to take it anywhere else! read more

I've been taking my older Subaru to Hartzel Automotive for the last several years and wouldn't think of going elsewhere. Barry is honest and doesn't talk down to me like I have experienced at other shops. He lets me know which repairs should be done and which ones aren't worth the time and money given the age and mileage of my car. I trust him fully with my car and highly recommend Hartzel Automotive to anyone that asks. Just wish he would work on my boyfriend's Cadillac as well! He also teaches auto classes at the local community college. read more

Great, Honest people! The owner is super nice and knows what he is talking about when it comes to foreign cars! They specialize in Jaguar, but they are masters when it comes to Miata. The assistant, Brian, is a Miata fanatic and will answer any question you have! I brought my Miata in and the service was quick. read more

Professional, honest and does great work. I've been taking my Subaru to Barry Hartzel since I moved to CA. Only thing I wish is he serviced more brands! read more

I've been taking my '05 Subaru Outback to Barry at Hartzel Automotive for a couple of years and his knowledge and experience are what you want in your mechanic. He recently fixed an abstract problem with my throttle sensor (potential for a very dangerous situation). He had the new part ordered ahead of time and then replaced in one hour! (Other mechanics could've easily charged for 3 hrs+, no questions asked). His honest rates can't be measured in only dollars, but more in trusting that I'm getting great work and not nickel & dime'd. Thanks Barry for another great job! read more

I brought in a 2000 XJR with computer issues. Complex diagnostics requiring deep electrical knowledge. In the past the dealership was never able to fix, only bandaid for 3X the price each visit. Barry & team dug into it, came up with creative solutions, and my car is better than ever. If you have a late model Jaguar, this is the place to go! Barry is a great guy, highly knowledgeable and very fair. read more