Went to John's Automotive in Escondido--my go-to place once my warranty expires. They consistently go the extra mile, are always honest, and communicate clearly throughout the entire process. In a time when good service and transparency are hard to come by, they really stand out. Highly recommend! 2022 Ford F150 read more

John's Automotive - New Fox 2.0 Coilovers - Auto Repair Near Me - Escondido, California

In response to the owner comment. Yes, they were willing to give the senior citizen discount and military. They also gave it on the initial inspection to for 10% off which I appreciated. Reply back from CalWest Auto that fixed our car: Freon was low causing AC compressor not to turn on. No obvious leaks and passed a 20 min vacuum test. Serviced with leak dye. We have a Freon sniffer and checked in the vents and found nothing so it has been filled up and works great and is warranted for a year. I always recommend returning in a month or so for an inspection on all seals since the new compressor oil has leak dye in it and you can get a very slow leak from the seals. --------------- Super disappointed by this place. Went to get my dads A/C looked at and they said that they had to take the dash out, fix a leak in the coils, had to call to get the replacements. The total cost? $1,900. Then on the appointed time, (a week and a half later) their mechanic couldn't make it due to family emergency. Something seemed off. We went to another place to get it looked at and it was NOT what they had said. I'm upset because I didn't think places like this existed where they just try to scam you out of your money. I'm sure this place does great for other things but be weary. If you need the cost estimate they sent to us versus the new place (go to Cal West Auto in San Marcos btw) I'll send the paperwork your way. Trust that you should not go here. read more

A few days ago i was trying to get a quote on engine work and got disconnected without a word said. I recieved a timely response saying they do not hang up on people. Fair enough. Then the response continued about how the shop does not work on anything older than model year 2000. Look at their pictures there is a pre 1980 engine they said that is being swapped out. ... not to split hairs but in my opinion someone hit a foul ball. read more

They were helpful when I brought cars in the first few times. I have no idea what went on the final time. I brought it in some time ago for what I thought was an engine issue, but it turned out what I thought was a service light was just the tire pressure alert. I unfortunately found this out days after the appointment. I understand I should responsibly know how to read my own car's symbols, and will take better care to do that in the future. But I can't fathom that a team of professionals didn't notice or mention it! I feel like I wasted a lot of money. Even the itemized bill they sent me home with had some meandering explanations of what they thought was going on, advising me to come back if the problem wasn't actually fixed. Despite the hundred dollar diagnostic. And the symbol. Real letdown. It's going to be a pain finding another mechanic. read more

Being in the Automotive Business for Thirty Plus Years, I found it hard to Trust many shops. To many times i have found that poor trouble shooting and Diagnostics lead to sub-standard and expensive repairs. Not the case at John's Automotive, I appreciate the honesty and clear communication I receive during each visit. They are up front and honest with me and have always provided me with Quality information and repairs. It's been about three years since the last review I wrote about John's Automotive and I'm still very happy with their repairs and their customer service. I recommend them to anyone that asks me for an automotive reference. Great Job Guys, I appreciate you! read more

Love John's Automotive. I've been there twice now, and will be back again. They are very honest and get the job done quickly with a fair price. keep up the good work. read more

Great honest service. I don't have a desire to study car handbooks to make sure I am getting good honest service. That is what I have found at John's! I never feel they have taken advantage of my lack of knowledge when it comes to cars! Thank you for making me feel safe and comfortable! read more

Great honest people, they will give you the best advice and you feel like you're talking to another human being, not a money hungry individual. They provide excellent service and do not half-ass their work. Every person working in this shop is amazingly helpful and friendly. I will recommend this place to everybody and anybody! read more

I was in a bit of a bind and got a recommendation reagarding John's Automotive from the nephew of one of the guys that works here to see about taking it in. I left a message Saturday morning, early, to see if they could indeed fix the issue. I had to get my car towed from Palm Springs and I had nowhere that was open who could take it. This place called me back about 45 minutes later on a Saturday morning and made me feel like they could and would have no problem fixing my car, that I could drop it off and put my key in the night box and they'd call me first thing Monday morning with an idea of what they would need to do and what it would cost. Sure enough, first thing Monday morning they called me, asked me a few questions, gave me a quote and said they would have it first thing the next day as long as everything went smoothly. If anything came up, they would let me know a.s.a.p. Sure enough it was ready first thing the next day and cost exactly what they quoted. This was probably the most seamless, friendly and clear experience with an auto shop in my 20+ years of dropping my car problems off to a mechanic. Highly, highly recommend this place. If they weren't so far from my house, I would 100% make them my go to mechanic Thanks a ton, gents! read more

I brought my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee to John's Automotive and I can't be happier with the service. It's rare to find an honest shop and Ben fixed my Jeep with original Mopar parts for thousands less than the dealership quoted. The mechanic Matt, is thorough and inspected my vehicle with detail. He found things I didn't know needed replacing, and the things that I thought I needed to replace, were recommended that I not fix them yet as they had more life and worked well. Any other shop would have just raked me over the coals. Thanks, Ben, Matt and John's Automotive for the incredible service!!! I highly recommend them! read more

My Tundra needed its 100k checkup and Ben was more than helpful!!! He broke down the work that was needed and done for me and even got me a discount. The truck runs like she is brand new! Loved the service I received and will definitely take my cars back here. read more

Had to take my business elsewhere. If you're in need of basic repair like breaks or a muffler maybe this place will work for you. New cars and anything complex seems to place a large burden on the owner. The final straw (generic version to protect my identity) Long-story-short I brought my car in for basic service. After the service was complete I casually asked the mechanic about an idling issue I was experiencing.. He said he knew what the problem was, looked on his computer and quoted me a price.. 300 bucks...later research proved this to be the correct diagnosis and price. I decided not get it fixed at this time, and paid him for the original servicing. *Two years later* I have another service, and before he started the work I mentioned the idling issue again. I even mentioned the recommend fix that he gave me two year previously. He scratched his head and said he'll have to look inside to get an accurate diagnosis. This seemed really odd and I asked him "are you sure?". I don't think he cared for that. So I said okay...I didn't think it was that big of a deal because he was already going to be under the hood for the servicing. WRONG When I pick my car the mechanic said "oh by the way" I think I figured out the idling issue, but it took me almost three hours to figure it out..ZING, I was charged almost three hours of labor JUST TO RESEARCH the issue. The same damn thing it took him five minutes to diagnose before takes three hours NOW. Worse yet, he said he couldn't get the part right away but if i went to the auto wrecker I could find the part and he'd install it. LAZY F*CK! Enough was enough with this clown. Oh and the guy that recommened this place to me also found a new mechanic. Pacific Utd automotive off of Metcalf seems to good. These guys can fix anything included new cars and foreign cars. read more

GO TO THIS SHOP! Ben and Matt took very good care of me. They explain everything in detail, but dumb it down enough for me to understand the lingo! They gave me the best price and made it really easy to feel comfortable trusting them and their word. Not to mention, they will get you a ride home and back to the shop for free. I am so happy to have found them! Definitely come here. read more

I was referred by a mechanic friend who had heard very good things about John's Automotive. This is saying a lot in itself. My experience was that from the drop off of my car, the estimate and explanation of why the repair was needed, completion of repairs, and a thorough invoice, I was completely informed. This is how every business should operate. read more

Thank you guys for always taking amazing care of my car!!!! Ben always answers all of my questions and never sells me things that I don't need Customer for life!!!!! read more

Hands down best mechanics in town. Always friendly, responsive and looking out for your best interest! Ben is an all time guy and is one of the reasons why I bring my car back to get worked on. Never had a bad experience, always doing what's best for you and your wallet. I've been to many mechanics over the years and nobody has impressed me like John's. read more

I had a problem with a dead battery and a bad starter, called them yesterday to get a price estimate and to see if they had an opening. Not even four hours later I got my car back with problems fixed! Definitely will go back if I need more work done! read more

This is one of the rare places you can find thorough and honest workers. There was a loud squeaky noise that my car had been making. I took it to several different automotive repair places over A few months time and everyone bloomed it on my brakes, but I had just had my brakes replaced. Thanks to John and his team's relentless motivation to find out what actually was causing the noise: it was the hood of my car that was rubbing against something that was causing the noise and fixed it within a few hours. I would recommend coming here if you want honest and great service. My car has never run better! read more

First time using John's Automotive but when needed in the future will be back! Honest place and staff is professional and knows what they are doing. I did not feel like I was being upsold on fixing my truck. They inspected my vehicle thoroughly and let me know what needed to be fixed. Hard to find a mechanic you can trust, therefore; when the time comes I will be back. read more

John's Automotive was recommended to me by a work colleague in 2002, and we have been using them ever since. The owner, Rick, has always given me excellent service at a fair price. He has never over charged or done unnecessary work. They have serviced all 5 of our cars for the last 12 years, and I would not think of going to any other shop. They are a wonderful, friendly family owned and run business, and I always recommend them when asked. read more

We just moved from Colorado Springs to San Marcos two weeks ago and the brakes on my Toyota 4Runner were getting very noisy. After looking at Yelp, I found John's Automotive and gave them a call. The reviews are true - they are amazing. Matt took my call, told me to bring my vehicle in and he replaced the brake pads and rotor on my 4Runner in record time. Great service and we'll definitely be back for any future issues! read more

Great results with John's Automotive. Brought my 2007 Duramax diesel in for a water pump. Clean looking shop with intelligent customer service by Ben. Matt changed the pump (not easy on that block) and had it ready the next day. The work looks clean and tight, I checked. Try this shop out. read more

Great shop and great staff they dont cut corners like other places do they want to do the job right the first time.

My engine overheated on my way home and I was recommended to Johns Automotive from an Escondido local. Ben and Art were so pleasent and took care of me quickly. They have over 20 years of exsperience and definitely knew exactly how to handle my car issues. I recomend to anyone who lives in escondido. read more

Hands down the BEST autobody shop you can go to! Not only are Ben and his coworkers friendly, but they give you a quote and actually stick to it. They don't try to rip you off, they want to ensure your vehicle is safe and they run everything by you first. Being a young women who doesn't know much about cars they were more then willing to explain everything to me and there was not one instance I felt like they were trying to sell me something I didn't need. I dropped off my car and Ben even ordered a lyft for me to go to a coffee shop so I could wait for my car. When I came back to get my car, Ben mentioned that I was in need of new tires (had 2012 tires and it was 2019 so definitely needed them) and with my lack of knowledge of what type of tires to get, he helped me try to find tires that were suitable for my car. Two hours later of talking to tire shops and finding good tires at a fair price, he made an appointment for me the next day to get my tires on and then to get them aligned. Ben went above and beyond and because of that I will only go back to this place (even though I live in downtown San Diego) and will be recommending everyone to go to John's Automotive! Oh and he also called the next day to make sure all my appointments went smoothly. You can't make this shit up people! All I can say is GO HERE! read more

The Best service ever! I dont know what the other yelper was talking about. All of my friends and family get their cars serviced here now and its because the owner, Rick is honest and tells you that you dont need something if you dont! go figure. Honesty goes along way with me and who is in a good mood when they take their car in for service, but they help me every time and are very friendly. Take your car here, you will be relieved that you did. read more

This is the best auto shop experience I've ever had hands down. I don't live in the area any longer but these guys are the best ever!

Talk about a mechanic that you can TRUST! Bringing our cars into John's Automotive feels like asking my brother to fix my car, lol. They are all so nice there and make me feel like family. I trust them and feel safe knowing that a) they would never even consider ripping me off and b) that my cars will be fixed the right way the first time. They are excellent mechanics and their prices are very reasonable too. Some people dread bringing their cars in for work but I like going to John's Automotive!!! read more

Thanks to Ben, and all the guys at the shop for a wonderful shop experience. They worked around my crazy schedule and got me in and out with good fair service. I definitely recommend this shop to my friends and family. Thanks again guys! read more

If I could give this shop 10 stars I would. Ben couldn't have been more helpful! Not only did he find the problem with my car but he called the dealership to see if it was under warranty to help me save money. Mind you, he was able to solve a problem in 2 hours that 3 other mechanics AND THE DEALERSHIP couldn't figure out. I so appreciate companies who actually care about their clients and the people at John's Automotive do just that. Thank you again and again and I will be back!!!! read more

I've been dealing with this company for 10 years and all I can say is these guys are honest mechanics.

Rick Bakerink is a boy scout! He has been taking care of my family cars for forty years and I sure hope I die before he does. I have recommended him to every one who will listen. I can't say enough good things about him and his business. Do yourself a favor and have him work on your vehicle(s). Curt Bruce Escondido read more

Ben is wonderful to work with, and he really cares about fixing a problem properly. I trust him so much that I send my elderly mother in to see him whenever her car needs care. This is a great shop, and I highly suggest taking your car there. read more

Have taken my three different automobiles in to be serviced at John's Automotive for the past couple years. Have been nothing but honest and reliable, with a quick turn around. Stoked to have trustworthy mechanics. read more

Today was my first time servicing my car at John's automotive and I have to say I'm definitely coming back. Ben was super chill and very informative. Took the time to tell me what they had done to my vehicle and what it might need in the near future. Very happy with my service. Thanks Ben and crew! read more

5 stars all the way. If I could give them 10 stars I would. Ben makes the experience of taking you vehicle in a for maintenance a breeze. He is up front and honest with everything. I went in for new break pads for my front and rear on my dodge 2500 and the experience couldn't have been any easier. It's hard to find honest and trustworthy people in this industry and I'm relived I found Ben at Johns Auto. I will be taking my truck to John's Auto for all my service needs. Give them a call, they do it all. read more

Good service. Friendly and honest, came recommended to me. Came for regular maintenance inspection and oil change. They didn't try to upsell anything or push for unnecessary repairs. Price was absolutely reasonable. Comparable to quick lube shops without the headache or sales push. read more

I've taken my Jeep to John's 3 times so far and Rick and his crew have earned my business. First experience was this horrible grinding from my brakes that 2 shops couldnt figure out after hours of "diagnostics". Rick figured out the issue with the caliper and had it fixed for a fair price and within a day. Good, honest service has been my experience and I definitely recomend. read more

Best mechanic shop ever! Rick, Maria, and Art are wonderful. Very reasonable prices. Always accommodating. I completely trust Rick. I've recommended John's Automotive to several friends, and all of them have been very happy. read more