I waited a few months to give this review just to see how my old car would hold up! She's a 1989 Mustang convertible and I've owned her since I drove her NEW off the lot here in SanDiego 37 years ago! Earlier this year, she'd started leaking transmission fluid and she'd already had a long time issue with keeping the cooling system going... I also knew my brakes were acting up but well...money! So for months and months it was refill the radiator and transmission and cross my fingers! Finally I did some research and decided John's was the place to go! After I dropped her off, I was given a list of other issues she had (a few belts and hoses) which didn't surprise me any given her age! lol! My chassis and internal mechanisms aren't what THEY once were either! Ha! Anyway I told them yes, to go ahead and repair the "must have fixed" issues! She was returned to me in a timely manner and for what I would call an extremely fair price (under $2500) for 3 major repairs, an oil change and even a few new belts and filters! The staff were wonderful with keeping me up to date on how things were going along the way too ...as she's nearly 40 some parts took a minute! Anyway after all these months since I took her in, she's STILL running like a top and even though I check my coolant and transmission fluid regularly, she has never even needed topping off so she's sound as a drum! I'm SO glad I found this shop with all these kind, caring, knowledgeable (and most of all FAIR!) people working away to make my old girl run like she used to! read more

John's Automotive Care La Mesa - My 37 year old car, running like NEW! - Auto Repair Near Me - La Mesa, California

When you call you get a real live person, no AI or prompts. The price of their oil change for my car was easily $60 less expensive than the dealership. I'm not going to those stay in your car oil change places anymore because I was tired of the up selling and they didn't replace my air filter lid last time they were trying to upsell. JAC had my car back to me in a prompt manner. I'll return. read more

This is just a great place to take your car for service. Frankly I like it better than the dealership.

I had reason to return today to John's Automotive Care in La Mesa for routine servicing. As I've found to be typical for this location, Brian (Service Advisor) was welcoming and friendly. Moreover, the technician (Dylan) completed all the necessary work within ~ an hour while I waited. Again, I strongly recommend you visit John's Automotive Care in La Mesa if your car or truck requires any routine servicing or necessary repairs. Brian - and his co-worker Jay (Service Advisor) - would be certain to treat you well and have your vehicle's work completed quickly with an honest appraisal and at reasonable cost. read more

I am at this location several times a year because of how much I drive. EVERY visit is exceptional. I feel whole heartedly I can trust what they tell me is needed, or not needed, at the time or in near future. I have asked them about replacing something one time and they kept advising that it was not needed and wouldn't just take my money. Any other shop would just take the money and keep quiet. I get oil changes every 2.5 months, have had AC replaced, wheel bearing, oil leak, headlight installed, and I'm sure many other things I can't remember at the moment. Their prices are reasonable and you can be sure you will get top notch quality service they fully stand behind. Lastly, Brian, Jay, and Dylan, make the positive difference as well. I could easily go to another location but you won't find the same humor as La Mesa. read more

Very reliable and honest prices. These guys are fantastic. Jay is always super helpful I always bring my cars here

Super-duper guys!! Honest with car issues. Very accommodating and friendly! Great place for your car repairs!! Upfront with all findings and great value when it comes to cost! Thank you! We will be coming back! read more

Disrespectful customer service and they will try to overcharge you. No, I don't recommend.

I don't even know where to start, Brian of johns automotive is a joke. His character shows uneasy, unreliable and poor intentions for and through his company and customers.. I know shops seem to be overprice, especially commercial ones, this shop is a AAA approved shop to take your car if you are a member, but there are no benefits from it. Maybe 10%, for what, a $4000 bill and more than 60% of it is LABOR costs. They rip you off.. Example: recently, I had brought my car in, would cost me $2400 for a coolant leak, and 12 MINOR things such as missing bolts, a bald tired, paint scratches, etc.. literally minor I could wait a week or so on.. So.. I shall add that with having to work on my radiator, he would have to take my bumper off and refuses because he believed he couldn't be able to put it back on. Wth.. Fast forward, took my car out, bought my own radiator for $300 new with warranty and got it installed for $325.. WITH my front bumper perfectly back installed..(I'll post my recommended guy that worked on my car in a review coming up)... Another story in between, my man brought his car to johns because we have AAA and that's the spot closest to us, he gets quoted the same price $2400 JUST for a coolant leak... smh He takes it to a buddy who pressurized his car to check and there's nothing majorly wrong.. smh My mama visit with Brian, the main dude, the way Brian was acting and talking was so unprofessional, acting like a bored hippy who doesn't give two krappsss about anything. And I quote his words speaking to my man "is there something you'd like to get off your chest" ... wth.. only because we were listening to his bs rundown on his car... We will never go here and never recommend anyone to do the same.. read more

Oil Change, in and out at reasonable time Vehicle inspection was done, and I truly like the way they treat the costumers. Thanks read more

These guys really helped me when I had to bring an older car of a late relative back to "life". Knew everything that had to be done up front and full explanations. Highly recommended! read more

This is your new favorite mechanic shop. I've been going to John's Automotive for 10 years. My mom found them and recommended me when I was 22. I've never been anywhere else since. I started at the Vandever location. I now go to the La Mesa Location. It's like taking your car to your friends. Beyond excellent customer service, great prices, they don't over sell, they always take care of you, it's always the same loyal employees. I've never had a bad experience. If you try this place once, you won't go anywhere else. read more

Personable, honest, and skilled. This shop is everything you want in a mechanic. They explained everything clearly, did excellent work, and never tried to upsell me. I trust them completely and will definitely be coming back. read more

I went in for an oil change for my jeep. I will definitely keep going back I loved how attentive they are.

John's Automotive is a very professional shop. They provided DETAILED diagnostics and include photos so you can see what the mechanic sees when inspecting your car. I took my Volvo XC90 in to replace transmission and differential fluids, oil change, and other tune-up work. They did an awesome job and provided a full write-up with pictures, including items I should watch/monitor & take care of in the future. The final cost was lower than I expected and even lower than their initial estimate... due to less work and fluids needed to finish the job. I highly recommend John's Automotive and will be taking all future work there. read more

These guys are professional, nice and always do a great job! You will have reliable and quality work done here... Best value for service requested! Brian and Jay are awesome read more

I love this place. John's has been the only place I've let touch my car since I stopped getting my service done @ DCH Honda of Mission Valley, where I bought the car new. I had it serviced at this dealership until my extended warranty expired. I was referred to John's Automotive Care by the dealership when I needed a STAR smog test a few years ago. The dealership did not perform STAR smog tests. Long story short, I went there, and they performed the STAR Smog test. I then started using John's Automotive Care on University as it's closer to my house. I am disabled and don't drive very often. The car is a 2013 and only has approximately 34,000 miles on it. They are honest, friendly, and perform quality work at reasonable prices. I like to keep up with the service on my baby. I will be taking my car to them on Friday to have an oil change and alignment done. Thanks to Jay for answering my numerous questions. Thanks to everyone at John's Automotive Care for taking care of my car in an honest, knowledgeable and professional way. Most important is that they are honest! Thank you! read more

My new go to spot for any car maintenance needs. I had a check engine light come on and Jay helped me figure out what it was with a quick diagnosis. We solved it and he saved me a ton of time and headache. I'll be coming back for all my future issues. read more

This is just a brief follow-up to another experience at John's Automotive Care in La Mesa. Jay was my Service Advisor and he was friendly, helpful, and efficient from my arrival until completion of what was routine maintenance on my car. I have always driven away completely satisfied and confident that the work - minimal or extensive - was top quality. I honestly don't know how I could do better re the helpfulness of folks who've provided everything from routine work to fairly extensive repairs on different cars I've brought to them, sometimes urgently. Again, I strongly recommend John's Automotive care in La Mesa if you're in need - and who isn't at some time? - of mechanical work on your auto/truck. read more

I appreciate these guys. My experience, they were very honest with a high degree of integrity, and even good humor on top. Jay & Brian are good guys. I've got a relatively crap car, so I know I was overdue and many things needed work. They lined me up for a $75 inspection, and gave me exactly what I asked for -- an assessment of how bad things are. They offered an estimate for various repairs needed, and even laid out a few options on how to go about it. They waived the inspection fee. Very classy. Recommend. read more

I feel very confident recommending John's Automotive to anyone wanting to do business with an honest and professional car repair shop. I've been using this business exclusively for the past almost five years. Fortunately my vehicle hasn't needed extensive repair; just oil changes so far. This year I will need maintenance services and I will be replying on Jay or Bryan, the service managers, to guide me in what is most urgent. I trust them completely to only recommend work that is needed. They check my tire pressure, oil, engine light when ever I ask them to without charge and they even check my windshield wipers and fix them without me asking them to! They really are the ones to go to if you want to build a strong relationship with your vehicle maintenance team . My daughter and her family bring all five of their vehicles to John's automotive. I highly recommend and sincerely recommend this business for all your automotive needs! read more

Honest and Reliable! I have reviewed John's before but my daughters recent visit to John's for her own car provided me another opportunity to sing their praises. After my own experience with John's I sent a text to my adult daughters and told them if they are looking for a place that is honest and not going to try and gouge them because they are young females, they need to go to John's. Sure enough, I was out of town for work and my daughter had car issues and got an appointment for a thorough diagnostic inspection within a few days of calling. Turns out her car had some major issues; this was the most detailed inspection I had ever seen. John's broke down the work needed and helped her prioritize what needed to be done urgently and what could wait a little bit to help her be able to come up with the money needed to fix these mechanical issues. But John's went further... They also discussed with her the feasibility based on the value of the car and the work needed. They gave her all the information needed to make an informed decision instead of just saying all this work need to be done. Ultimately my daughter decided to not get the work done and instead buy a new car. Jay and the other professionals at john's did not pressure my daughter one bit. The identified the issues and helped educate her instead of getting her to commit to costly repairs that ultimately would've been more than the value of the car. I appreciate a company that I can trust to take care of my kids when I am out of town and they are having car issues. I recommend you take John's information and send to all the people you care about. read more

John's Automotive Care La Mesa - Inspection is detailed and easy to understand. - Auto Repair Near Me - La Mesa, California

I am feeling so relieved to having my car needs being taken care of by the staff at John's Automotive Care in La Mesa. The information given when I've had my car serviced helps me to understand what is needed. Jay at the front desk, as well as the technicians that have worked on my car, have done an excellent job! I also appreciate the shuttle service when I have needed it. read more

They evaluated a car for me and were very honest and generous with their time . Hard to find !! Thank you !! read more

I've been coming to John's for the past year and I am proud to say it is my go-to auto shop. What stands out to me with this shop is that they really care about the community they serve and that is reflected in their friendly behavior, willingness to help, and prices. I never have to be worried about being nickle'd and dime'd when I go and I encourage people to give them a shot. read more

I have used John's for several years now across many vehicle, most recently the car I bought for my son's first. Every experience with them has been honest, consultative and feel like my safety and my vehicle's safety is important to them. Brian and Jay have gone out of their way to make recommendations that have saved me time and money, and recommended specific makes and models for my son to ensure reliability and safety. Cannot recommend enough if you want excellent mechanical work and honest ethical pricing and recommendations. read more

Discovered an honest, knowledgeable and clean shop! If you need repair/ service this is the place!

One of the best in the business! Been coming to John's for years. Always reliable - I recommend them to everyone I know. Both Bryan, Brian and Jay have gone above and beyond when I've had vehicle emergencies. The communication I have received by them has been exceptional. I will continue to come back to John's. read more

Great customer service and personalities Organized technologically Not sure if brake pad replacement was or wasn't done well because my brakes are squeaking Deducting stars only because when wheels were taken off there was damage to a wheel lug bolt - it looks warped I paid approx $1400 for my service (I had something else checked too) that day so it is not ideal to then leave w/a damaged item to your property To date, no follow-up on a resolution re: the wheel lug bolt or a courtesy check for that part would have been acceptable since I have since moved but it really bugged me because I reached out and this concern was not addressed read more

John's automotive is dependable, hard working, diligent and honest. There is no further need to look for a exceptional honest mechanic shop.

John and his team are absolutely amazing. Brian was so knowledgeable and helped me to understand everything that was done to my vehicle. We were in a crunch needed to drive to AZ for a trip and he really went above and beyond and got us on the road in no time. Even got the part so quickly we were shocked!! Thank you guys for everything you did for us! Plus these guys do HUGE things for the community. The app where they explain everything WITH photos/arrows is super easy to use and dummy proof. read more

We have been taking our cars here for over a year and I won't go anywhere else. Brian calls me to keep me informed of what's going on and I don't have have to worry. We have taken over 6 of our family cars here and we can trust that our cars are safe for our children. They go above and beyond every day and we will be forever customers. read more

I was having some issues with my car -- made an appointment with John's Automotive (thanks, Yelp reviewers!) and was able to get in quickly. They were SO speedy, and SO professional and SO helpful. 5 stars all the way. Shout out to Brian with an "I" for an awesome job. Will certainly be taking my car back to John's Automotive and you should too! read more

One of the best auto shops I've come across in San Diego. I did a lot of research and asking around before my neighbor recommended this place. I worked with both Jay and Brian regarding my 2007 Corolla. Because my car is older (and needed a thorough maintenance check) I was wary about which auto shop I went to because I didn't want to get unnecessary work done. Both guys were incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and realistic on what was worth getting fixed on my car, which I appreciated. I also think their prices are super reasonable. read more

Everyone here is courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable. They also have shuttle service available to take you to work or back home while they work on your car. They don't push unnecessary repairs or services. The bathroom is clean and accessible. There's a Keurig for coffee along with cold bottled water and sodas. They have a basket of snacks and a candy jar with the good stuff (Snickers, etc). Next to the basket of snacks is a multi-cord charging station for whatever kind of phone you might have. They also have a kids waiting area with toys that is situated in such a way that a parent could keep their child(ren) corralled by the placement of their chair and thereby be able to actually enjoy one of the many magazines available. read more

John's Automotive Care La Mesa - Kid's area in waiting room - Auto Repair Near Me - La Mesa, California

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My control center wouldn't turn on when I turn the car on. I took my car in around 8:45am and I got a call from Brian around 11:30am that it was done. Very professional and efficient with their work! 10/10 would recommend, and I will definitely come back with any future car problems. read more

I just wanted to add an update because this place continues to deserve to be acknowledged. Between emergency needs like my transmission having issues and continuous oil changes, I have consistently been happy with this place over the past 4 years. I now drive out of my way to come here and I'm so thankful to have a place with consistent strong customer service and wonderful car service. Brian is such a kind and fun manager and makes each visit pleasant when usually car issues are stressful. read more

Great customer service and outstanding work!! If you need anything done to your vehicle I highly suggest you give them a call and schedule an appointment. No hassle and excellent communication. A+ service all around! read more

Man! After explaining to these guys how I had recently lost my job and my business (but still needed repairs to my aging vehicle), these guys somehow interpreted this as, "let's do everything we can to rip this dude off!!!" Estimates for repairs were significantly inflated over standard and customary going rates, the repairs that I DID authorize were NOT completed to the specifications described by the shop (e.g., wrong coolant added but charged for more expensive and proper coolant, radiator hose repaired but not replaced, mechanical issues misdiagnosed). What kind of place willfully and intentionally rips off a customer who recently lost his job and business?!?! These are bad people. Don't go to these guys! read more

It all started when my 18 year old Buick over heated. In 40 years I've never picked my own mechanic, either my dad or my brother took care of my cars. I moved out here to California 6 years ago and trustworthiness has been a very rare find. I walked into John's with all of the tough girl bravado I could muster. Brian and Brian had to work really hard to earn my trust and even harder to keep my business. Oil leaks, bad struts, squeaky breaks, leaky transmissions, rusty pans, water pumps, thermostats, and so many oil changes. They are always respectful, sympathetic, straight forward, and dependable. Now that I've upgraded, I still take my car to John's. 5 isn't enough, so I'll keep giving them my business as long as they'll have me... .P.S. I hate these things, people can be so petty. Just go to John's and trust your gut! read more