After the mechanic my family had gone to for years retired, I flailed around trying to find a new guy. My search ended here. The prices are reasonable and I feel that I am getting honest advice and great service. I can't recommend enough. read more

My 2022 Kia Telluride was due for the 60,000 mile major maintenance service. Dealership wanted to charge over $1,000 to get everything done so I decided to hit up Tony at Independent Car Specialists for a comparable quote. I ended up doing all the necessary service items without any of the markups or additional add-ons that the dealership wanted me to do. The price was super reasonable and competitive. My car runs great now and rides better than before the maintenance. I will certainly recommend this shop for your car's maintenance needed. Cheers! read more

Honest inspection. Rather than try to bill us, they suggested we take our car back to the dealer. Thank you!

Our car engine light was on and we call to few repair places and take them for a while to return our call. But with Independent Car Specialists we got the answer right away and we were able to bring the car in for check out. The process was promptly effective and the price was good. We feel we trust their service and will take our car back to Independent Car Specialist when necessary. read more

Quality, honesty & service is exceptional. You won't be disappointed! Tony and his team are the best! We have been taking our cars to them since early 90's. They don't over charge, they won't do unecessary work just to get a buck. They tell it like it is. There is no deception. Thank you Tony and team! read more

Been going to them for years, amazing & honest. Tony the owner is great! His staff Heather and Jeff are also rockstars! Would highly recommend!! read more

I had an urgent problem and couldn't turn my car off without it stalling. They were responsive and provided service that same day. The owner checked my car when I arrived, diagnosed the problem and had his team fix it. I drove my car home and it's working perfectly. read more

I can't say enough Great things about this shop! Most trustworthy guys- will do whatever they can to fix your car and even under crazy time constraints. Tony is my main guy and I trust him and his advice with anything he recommends for my car. I even only have him doing my tires now too. I feel so lucky to have a trustworthy shop for all of my vehicles especially being a woman. 10 stars if I could! Heather up front is the best also! So thankful for ICS! read more

I brought my Pathfinder in for a 100,000 mile service. The work done was excellent and prompt. We left the shop noticing our car was running and operating better. I've never had results like this in the past from any other shop. read more

I went to ICS for the first time for a Transmission pan leak and regular service maintenance. The job done was excellent and all the crew were so nice and very professional. I feel like I'm taking to a friend when they explain the issue to me. I really felt their honesty especially Bennett, Heather and the mechanic Jorge. I would highly recommend ICS to everyone. They did an excellent job on my 2006 BMW 325i. read more

I can't recommend this mechanic shop enough. Unbelievably personable, fast, honest, and amazing quality of service. Tony is a man who truly takes pride in the work him and his technicians do. I would never hesitate to get my car serviced here. Backstory: I shot a piston through my 2013 Mercedes engine at 2:30am and had to have it towed to Tony's shop. Oil dripping onto their parking lot. complete disarray. Heather called me the following day, soothed me down, put the shop Owner Tony on and he walked me through all of my options. Tony told it to me straight, and even did some research on what engines were avaliable and their cost would be. I was going to need a full engine replacement. Tony gave me an unbelievably fair quote for parts and labor. this is not a job for an inexperienced shop. Tony purchased and shipped the engine then got working on the car within the week despite his shop being packed. From start to finish of getting the car to his shop and him handing me over the keys was 17 days. 17 days for a whole engine replacement is unheard of. I am not a car person I told him "do whatever needs to be done." basically told him to write a blank check. He truly only did what needed to be done and no more. Despite Having to replace parts that were destroyed by a piston shooting through my engine bay he managed to land in the range of the original estimate he quoted which I found astonishing as most shops would see that and try to take advantage of you, and Tony didn't do that. My engine bay came back in immaculate condition despite being coated in oil when I dropped it off. they even replaced A dead daily running light, on top of everything else. My car came back in better condition than when I bought it used. If anything I feel like he underquoted me and over delivered which is a feeling I've never had servicing my German cars. If you are looking for an honest straight shooter mechanic this is the place I would go. I have 100% conference that you will get only what you need, and it will be done quickly. Tony will even personally call you with updates on your car's progress. This is my new go-to mechanic. I'd recommend you do the same. read more

Very responsive , friendly, good value and reassuring. Highly recommended for your auto repair needs. read more

I've been using a mechanic for years not near my home and decided to take a change. Well, I hate to say that my oldest son was right but "Mom find someone closer to where you live. I'm blown away how happy I am. My car runs like brand new (2010 Honda Civic 160,). I went in for a oil change and I knew something with the front brakes wasn't supposed to making that sound. OH my goodness. The best part was how nice every one was and a loaner car who does that anymore! On and they said it should be done by 3, 3 it was. Thank you, Bridget from Long Beach read more

I was referred by a family member to Independent Car Specialists. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Tony was so kind and helpful. I appreciate his honesty and the service was great. I especially appreciated that they didn't charge me to look at my car. If anyone is reading this please go to independent car specialists as they will help you with what you need. read more

Got my oil change here and they were really fast and professional about it. Price is also reasonable.

Tony at Independent Car Specialists is simply the best! Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable about all things car-related, but he's also honest, giving advice you can truly trust. His warm and friendly personality makes every visit a pleasure. Tony recently fixed my BMW brakes (and within one year warranty, he helped me again), and the price was much more reasonable compared to what the BMW service center quoted me. He has been our go-to mechanic for years, helping not just me but our entire family. We always know our cars are in good hands with him. If you're looking for someone reliable, fair, and an absolute pro, I can't recommend Tony enough! Thank you Tony! - Selinda and Evan read more

This place is the best! The other 5 star reviews say it all. Heather, at the front desk, is great, and you feel comfortable right away - there's no "chaos" like there is in a lot of auto shops - they actually listen to what you're saying. Tony is very personable and kind. I wish I would have known about this place decades ago. I'm so appreciative and happy to have found them! read more

Our extended family trusts all five of our vehicles (3 Siennas, 1 Camry, 1 Ram 1500 truck) to Tony and crew at Independent Car Specialists. Tony and Heather are always professional, courteous, and fair whenever we have occasion to need vehicle service, from a simple oil change to more extensive services. They are trustworthy in the diagnosis and recommendations of our vehicles. I recommend ICS without reservation. read more

Personalize Service and you know who's working on your car all the time. Very , trustworthy, kind and dependable owner. See Henry for expert service. read more

I would like to say that my experience with ICS was nothing short of excellent, Tony made me feel comfortable about the process and service going into the work I needed done to my car I called to ask for a quote and the help attendant asked for my info and service required, she told me she would have someone call me back and give me a run down of pricing and work required to complete what I was looking for Eventually Tony gave me a call and told me what it would cost to do the lift kit I was lookin go to do for my Jeep I brought my Jeep to the shop next day and the work was completed as scheduled without an issue, ICS was very professional and took care of my needs as requested I'm going to make ICS my go to place for all mechanical needs for all my cars Thank you ICS for the work and service you provided, it was excellent and above all expectations read more

Great service, good people. Made me feel welcomed and they were thorough and attentive.

Tony always does exactly what's needed and doesn't push anything you don't need. Only suggestions for upcoming things he sees might need to be done in the near future. Always great work for a low price and straight forward service. read more

Great service, friendly staff and quick brake change. Took me back to show me the issues.

Very good place for car service. tried it at the suggestion of a neighbor. Long story short my neighbor suggest them. My car is 10 years old and I had always still gone to the dealer. a requirementEd repair at the dealer was $428 roughly. ICS did it with an additional battery terminal repair and steam cleaned the engine for about $100 less. Plus the car was ready at the time promised. They'll be my go to place for future work. On a minor side note the repair area is spic and span and totally organized. Thats the sign of a great shop that takes care of busines. read more

Took my car in because it was making a noise, they did a thorough exam and ranked everything that could be done according to urgency and advised me to go to the dealership for certain elements because they would have a better price for me. Never in my life have I seen a mechanic be that honest and refer out business instead of charging me. Everyone was so kind. Will be coming back again and again read more

Took my car to Tony for the very first time last week. I told him I needed a bunch of work done underneath my car because a local tire store told me I needed all this work. Tony gave me his opinion. He said there is nothing wrong with the suspension or anything else. So, instead of agreeing with the tire store that tried to do unnecessary work, Tony told me the truth. I was ready to spend thousands. He could have told me anything and I would have spent the money. Instead he told me the truth. Then I asked him to go through my whole car and fixed whatever was needed. I had to give this man my business. I had to pay him something for his honesty. I will always take my car here for as long as he is in business. read more

New to the area and came in for the $29.95 oil change & filter special. Tony and his officemates were so friendly and accommodating. It was a super hot 90 degree day in April and they didn't flinch when I asked if I could bring my dog in to wait with me (they even went out of their way to meet him and pet him). Tony was done in a flash. No upsells, no hidden gimmicks. They even sent me a thank you for my business card after. FYI: his building is located a few steps away from Starbucks (you can walk there as you wait) and Costco is close by. I told all of my neighbors about him. Will definitely be back to ICS! read more

Independent Car Specialists - Tony and team sent a card thanking me for my business after my appointment. - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Alamitos, California

I live in Encinitas and bring my 1993 Miata to Independent Car Specialists for service. Although this auto repair shop is over an hour away from where I live, I feel secure in knowing that Tony and his staff will provide excellent service at a fair price. I originally found out about this business when I learned that my prior auto mechanic, Mark DiBella, closed his own shop and was working for Tony and Independent Car Specialists. Mark kept my old Miata alive for many years and I now have 250,000 miles on it. I am very thankful that I know my Miata and I will continue to be in good hands with Tony and Independent Car Specialists. read more

I like to support small business owners and quite often in this industry I feel they're more efficient and honest than the big car dealerships. I've been coming here for years when Sue and John were here and now the new owners keep the same reliability with honest and trustworthy workmanship. I've also shopped around to be sure the cost is fair, and I've always found the prices competitive with other small shops in town. I recently had my rear brakes replaced. I knew my brakes were wearing down. I could hear the indication! So when they told me I needed to replace them, I knew the suggestion was authentic.. Sergio even showed me the old brake pads so I could see how worn down they were. By showing me I knew that there's nothing to hide, and that adds to the trust and good customer service. read more

After reading the reviews, I came here for a routine oil change, top off the fluids, check the tire pressure. The work was done in a timely fashion, no upsell, I'm happy with them so far. read more

Although everyone was friendly and I didn't have to wait long there are 2 problems that affected my low rating for this business: 1. None of the employees were wearing masks. COVID-19 is still a problem and it was disturbing that they were not wearing them--especially since it is mandated by the state for all business right now (January 2022). This alone was enough for me to not ever considering being a repeat customer. 2. Prices are too high. $70 for an oil change is way over priced. read more

They were great! Needed a door latch fixed on my old '96 SUV and they were able to help, no problem. Heather at the front was kind and courteous. Tony the mechanic was funny, knowledgeable, and personable. Definitely going to bring my vehicles back here. They made me feel confident and didn't charge me an arm and a leg like another shop was going to. read more

First time getting service at this location for an oil change. When you get work done on your car, no one wants the vibes that you're getting jerked around. Pricing was fair with great service, clean and comfortable place & overall vibe was great. Will return. read more

Independent Car Specialists - Where I take my whip matters.. - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Alamitos, California

We truly appreciate a car repair shop we can trust that are experts and are reliable. We had a repair shop we used for years but then the owner retired. We were referred to Independent and have been thrilled with their knowledge and service. We found our shop for life! We've also referred others to them and they're now customers too! If you're looking for a great place to take your cars, please try Independent Car Specialists! read more

The best service I've received. Was just in the area for a birthday party, looked up from Yelp. For sure , will come back and refer to family and friends. Took me in on a same day appointment. Actually last hour before they close. Excellent service!!!!! read more

I took my car here as AC wasn't working properly. They said it was the compressor which would cost $1,500. Thank God I am auto savvy and sense when I'm about to be ripped off. I asked if the Freon was empty. They said it was full which was a lie. I took it elsewhere and the Freon was empty. 60$ later my air conditioning is running perfectly. Either these people are not honest or they know nothing about repairing cars air conditioning and should have stated. They also charged me for an unnecessary part which I should have been refunded. Take your car elsewhere! read more

Awesome place, timely, clean and nice. Been there with both cars now an am very pleased, will return..

Tony was great. I came in for a simple oil change, and he was quick. He told me he will be done in about 45 min, and he kept is word. The price was reasonable (none of, you need to change every single filters every time you come in talk). His attitude was always kept professional. read more

Great people, great business. They were very kind and took the time to explain everything. It was a pleasure working with ICS.

First time customer, no regrets. Quality service at a very fair price. Just feels right that you're not getting ripped off! Thank you! read more