Bad and wrong service I went here about a year ago to install dashcam on my new car (bought my own dashcam, brought in for installation). Few months ago, I just found out my rear windows weren't opening, so I went to my original dealership to get it checked. And the technician said it was because dashcam was installed on a wrong fusebox number, which they don't fix as it's outside vendor work. So I came back here to ask if he can move the connection to another fusebox number, but he started getting angry and shouting at me for why it's his fault that my windows weren't working, even when I showed him the proof from the dealership written out clearly. I then asked just to remove the connection all together which he angrily did, went back to my dealership to get the window connected again, and then my windows started working again, another proof that he indeed connected to a wrong fusebox number. Don't go here for dashcam. read more

WARNING!!!! When I installed my dash cam, it was way more expensive than other shop He said it is $150 which is $20 more than others but I said yes because i needed it .. However, he tried to scam and overcharged me $50 more.. he said $150 to confirm the total before he swiped my card and it chaged $200 on my receipt .. so i had to dispute this case to my bank after I had a huge argue with him .. such an evil Korean owner read more

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Bought a 2010 Toyota Prius from them end of last year that they help sell for their customer. 500 miles after, the ABS pump went out with thousands of dollars for repair. Let you figure it out with their honesty. read more

Dae Kim is the best mechanic and tire shop around. He's honest, inexpensive compared to others and he's a true expert. I got all 4 tires changed plus alignment and he did an excellent job. I'm so impressed with Dae, and I recommended my entire office staff to him. Thank you for the great service!!! read more

I followed our long time mechanic, Kwang K, here after he closed Stanford Arco Auto Care. I brought my car in for the 60k tune up for my Subaru. I'm happy to report that we received the same high quality service and care that we received back in Palo Alto at Stanford Arco. My entire family loves to bring our cars to Kwang K as he is so friendly and helpful. We're glad that he's found a home at Kim's Quality Automotive. read more

Mr Kwang Kim has a passion for smooth running cars that is very rare in my experience. He kept my car running without issue for fifteen years while at his old shop in Palo Alto. I was sad when I learned his business was closing down, but pleased to learn he now is practicing his art closer to where I currently live! He is the reason I have peace of mind with my car. When he swapped out my brake pads he even kept the old parts to show the wear, and why it was tricky to take them off without damaging other components. I trust Mr Kim and have never had any issues with my car under his care. For many years my car had a dent in the rear bumper. Mr Kim was so disturbed by this blemish that on one occasion, when he had a little spare time, he offered to take off the bumper and straighten out the dent, even though he really doesn't do any body work in general. I highly recommend Mr Kwang Kim, you will feel safe! read more

I love Kim's Quality Automotive! This has always been my go-to place to get an oil change. They are always able to fit me in and are always done at the promised time. Unfortunately I have moved to Oakland, so I may need to find a different provider, but I could not recommend this place enough! read more

Came here with a groupon for an oil chane and will definitely be back without. $50-55 for a full synthetic oil change and tire rotation, didn't try to upsell me on anything, told me I needed new breaks but wasn't pushy about it. Came back the following week for new breaks because I liked the place and service. It's clean and friendly with a nice waiting area. This is my new oil and breaks page! read more

Great Service, kind support. This place DOES Black Box Camera Installation and Tinting Service. Close to nVidia HQ and good location. Must try~ read more

I like to share my experience recently. My wife visited this shop due to weak A/C on Wednesday 9/7/2022 and I heard that the air compressor doesn't work and need to replace it. I allowed to replace it. Next day my wife went to pick up car and I was told that compressor works but replaced A/C expansion valve and charged A/C gas, so my wife paid $597.56 totally. The problem was happened next morning of 9/9/2022 that battery was discharged completely which I replaced in less than 2years. I jumped battery to start engine and charged battery for 20minutes. However the battery discharge issue was repeated for 2days and when I charge battery again on Sunday 9/11/2022, the black smog comes out from engine room. So I gave up charging battery and towed the car to the near auto repair shop on 9/12/2022. Engineer found right away there is no A/C gas left, and I asked them to inspect and repair the problem. After two days inspection, they found there is the bypass underneath of A/C relay switch as attached photo. That bypass had kept drains battery since A/C was working even after turn off engine and A/C gas of which color is black came out once A/C is overheated. My car doesn't have any similar this issue before visiting Kim's Quality Automotive and I don't believe that the bypass was installed before since if the bypass was there installed earlier, it should have battery dead issue earlier. Moreover I found that the cover of switch box in the engine room was open when I open the engine hood to jump battery on 9/9/2022 and also I saw a lot of the condensed water dropped more than normal condition after charging battery. I called Kim's auto shop to explain about what I found, but he deny about the bypass and insist that he didn't add anything . I am not sure 100% who had add bypass under A/C relay switch but sure thing is that no other auto shop or nobody has chance to access switch box but Kim's auto shop. I just want to descripted facts which I experienced and share with anyone who want to see reviews. The red arrow in the attached picture is the bypass found from switch box. After removing the bypass and adjusting relay switch location, A/C works well. I have to pay for recharging A/C gas and battery replacement. If engineer couldn't find the bypass, then I might lead to replace a lot of parts and lose huge money. I will not go to this shop anymore. read more

Beware this Vendor!! I brought my car in for tire change and alignment recently. Wheels had severe scrapes on all four wheels when I picked up. Wheels were not damaged when I brought in for service. They are slow to respond with resolution, owner has limitations to speaking English and they don't deem me as a priority. May have to file a complaint with the Bureau of Automotive Repairs. read more

Had such a great experience with Mr. Kim. I had to replace my brake pads and rotors and needed an oil change as well as brake fluids and firestone quoted me almost double of what I paid with Mr. Kim with the exact same brands. I've been looking for a mechanic shop that I can regularly go to and this is It! Also, he does speak little English but I have basic knowledge in cars and know how to do basic maintenance as so I didn't have any problem with communicating with him. read more

I liked this mechanic the first and second time for oil change since they have coffee and snack to munch on while waiting and oil change is cheaper but when I took my boyfriend for the first time for his car's oil change and change the battery, the owner tried to rip him off. Thank God my boyfriend bought his car from his brother's wife's dad and he is a mechanic. The car wasn't starting because the battery ran out and the owner of this shop said that he had to also change the alternator and it was going to cost total $500! My boyfriend was smart enough not to believe the owner and went to his brother's wife's dad at a Toyota dealership and ended up only changing the battery and paying almost nothing. I will NEVER go back to this shop. read more

STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE! I took my car here about a year ago to get my tires replaced and when I got my car back, my tire pressure light was broken and the tech said that he could fix it. I was reluctant so I told him that I would bring it back if it needed fixing. By the way, my tire pressure light was working fine until I brought it here.. I took my vehicle to the nissan dealership about a week later without giving them any history that I had just taken it to another service center. They told me that whoever had previously worked on my car had broken the sensor when they were replacing my tire and that my tires were not even new!! Also, the sensor could only be fixed at a Nissan dealership bc it requires a software that only they have. Dae Kim was the service tech and owner..I can't believe that he runs a business where he purposely puts others' safety at risk just to make a couple extra bucks. I truly believe that good quality, honest auto shops exist but this experience has definitely left a sour taste in my mouth. read more

Beware! Alert! Kim changed my car battery and it was not the battery type which fits my car. It is so serious that it can cause fire! I was alerted by this issue by another mechanic when he checked my car. He told me how serious this issue is. I later go to Kim shop and ask him to change to the correct batty. I am disappointed by how unprofessional he is. It is terrible to know that Kim know what the consequences of it that putting the wrong battery will cause fire ,and he doesn't apologize on this issue. I have big trouble communicate with him, as he could hardly speak english. I did came here before to change oil and get tire rotation, and thought that the service is good, and the shop is comfortable bacause it has a big waiting area. But now after this bad experience, I'll not come back anymore. read more

Kim's Quality Automotive - The battery does not fit my car model - Auto Repair Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Beware of this shifty guy who uses his lack of English to straight up lie to you. He has no regard for your time or money. Kim, the business owner, cost me a lot of time & money all do to his lies & omissions. Why would anyone want to take your car to a mechanic who can't be trusted? If I could give ZERO stars, I wood. read more

Not at all professional. I had a groupon of three oil changes.. I specifically told them that this groupon is valid for "three oil changes and tire rotation" and told them its expiring on Jan 29th, and if i get one done today (based on what i got response from groupon, i should get next two visit available.. and they can get me the coupon for next two visits). Firstly it was hard to make the mechenic explain about it, not sure if he does not understand English well on first place or what. Then he agreed to continue with it.. He did oil change, and when i asked him for tire rotation (as its part of deal), he mentioned its not required.. why should he care about that rotation required or not, i have paid money for that so he should do that.. I just thought its ok, i could get it done in next visit. Then upon asking coupon for next two visit.. he then denied completely and said its expiring on Jan 29th.. I tried convincing him about the same and told that's exactly i was explaining him for 10 mins before he started oil change and he had agreed on this., But he did not agree and i had to leave from there.. So i just ended up paying $55 for a $19 work, that too under no promotion. read more

$25 for special grade oil oil change, normal oil change $20. Mr. Kim doesn't talk a lot but seems to make room to fit my schedule. I called at noon to see if i can come in same day, he said 3pm, i said 1pm, he say ok. Drive in to garage let him take care of rest.... you sit and watch tv or use computer free wifi and potty. read more

I just came for a Tire Balance because the tire shop I went to previously did a bad job and my steering would wobble at higher speeds. I called into a few places and they were all about the same price ($10) per tire to balance. The lounge is indeed big, with some magazines to read, a computer for guest to use and wifi available. There is also a keurig for a fresh coffee which is much better than old brewed coffee just sitting there for who knows how long. 30 or 40 mins later my car was done, I handed him a $20 and drove away with no wobble. $19.99 oil change is only for 10w-30oil and up to 5 quarts. I would come back here for other services...the garage itself was clean which is a good sign for me. read more

Kim's Quality Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Santa Clara, California

On the plus side, his rate is $95 per hour, a bit lower than most. I did not get any work done here, but this was my impression on my first visit. Drove up after work seeing his shop sign from street. My car had a number of small issues. I needed a mechanic for ongoing small repairs and maintenance. Mr Kim spoke little to no English. The first thing he did without asking or being asked, is to get into the drivers side of my car, start the engine, and rev it up. Then he turned off the engine and cranked up the hand brake so hard and suddenly, I was very alarmed. Sure enough, when I drove off, the hand brake was so tightly wound up, it could have snapped! I was really upset. I am female. I did not like the pushy way this man took over my car without even asking what was wrong first. After his engine experiment, I told him it was screeching a lot when I first started it up. It could be needing a new belt. Then he marched off and disappeared without a word for 10 mins, leaving me to search for him within the cavernous interior of his garage. He was at a desk, checking out prices. No word from him, nothing. He quoted me $80 for a new engine belt and labor verbally. Did not have time to listen to other items I listed, even though it was end of day and no customer rush. Did not take me seriously, and was dismissive. No written quote, and I got the feeling he was used to dealing with men, not women. As a woman, I want to send a clear message to mechanics, that we don't like being made invisible. Don't treat us like children. We are adults. Our money is the same color as a man's money. Don't ever damage our cars and get into them without asking!!! You just lost my business with your rudeness and walking all over my dignity. read more

First time coming here, and im very satisfied with the overall service. Going to start coming here from now on. 5 stars. read more

Found this gem through Groupon. Possibility the best oil change I've given my car for the past 8 years. I forgot his name (Dae?); he was an elderly Korean gentleman who changed the oil and I was in and out of there in less than an hour. But then again, it was a Friday morning, so nobody was there. Which is weird, how could such an awesome mechanic like this place NOT have customers on a Friday morning! Anyway, his English is rusty at best. However, he WILL NOT sell you stuff like most of the American shops out there. In fact, this guy is so good, he saw was that my gasket was leaking oil and recommended that it be fixed, but he didn't push his services to me. The very best in Korean hospitality - no fills, no gimmicks, just no nonsense auto work. This man knows his stuff! Too bad I don't speak Korean... Anyway, highly recommended! read more

A few weeks after my oil change the cap had loosened and oil was spilling out from my car, huge mistake on their end to have not ensured it was screwed on tight enough. Thankfully I noticed before any real damage was done to my car otherwise I would have been really screwed. read more

I bought a groupon package to get an oil change for around $19 per trip. Once I came in, they told me they would not honor the groupon deal, and give me a discount of $19 off of $85. Just for an oil change. Really annoyed that there was no explination as to why the discounted price wasn't good. Double annoying that they advertise $19 oil changes in the shop and wouldn't give me that. read more

Very nice and clean place. I called to get information on a group on they were having. The guy I spoke to was very nice, he said I didn't need to buy the group on that he will validate it. When I came in he was very nice and helpful. The waiting area was very nice with a computer and tv for customers to use, some snacks and coffee too. Also they said from now on they will do my oil change at the same price I paid for today, the discounted group on price. My whole experience was pleasant. I highly recommend this place, I would give more stars if I had the option :) read more

I'm always skeptical when it comes to getting work done on my car! Love this place they are very reasonable with prices, great and honest!!!

The first time I came here because it's close to my day job, but now it's my go-to place for repairs. The prices are very fair and I've been happy with the work. So far brakes, timing belt, AC & heater hose leaks as well as routine maintenance, all done to my satisfaction. read more

Definitely recommend for an oil change. Ken was super nice, helpful, and helped me get the best rate for an oil change and tire rotation. He also made recommendations for what services I should keep in mind, since I'm coming up on 60,000 miles, but wasn't pushy about any of it. This is going to be my oil change place. read more

I highly recommend them for an oil change, it was extremely painless and it was a great price. It was easy to set up, I got in there fast, the waiting area was very nice with free Wi-Fi so I could goof off on the internet until they were done, which wasn't long at all. At the end, he told me about which services I should be thinking about, and printed them on my receipt but didn't try and push me to get anything done then. read more

Excellent place for an oil change. Ken was nice & helpful and offered a good deal too. Called up before buying the groupon and I was given a good deal without the Groupon itself. All set in 45mins In-&-Out. The equipment looks well maintained and workshop was cleaner than what I have seen at other establishments. The waiting area was good and clean and they offered hot tea/coffee along with refreshments. read more

What an amazing service, I stopped by needed an immediate oil change the owner immediately took care of my car did a fantastic job. I definitely recommend this place $19.95 for an oil change and it was about $40 for synthetic oil excellent service. This place is so clean and they serve coffee and cookies.. Thank you so much Paul for an excellent service. read more

Just dropped-in for oil change. I was thinking to walk back to my office after leaving my car on service shop, since this place is not far (around 2.4 miles) from my office. But only waited 30min and could drive back to office during lunch time. Great services and quick work! read more

Excellent work done here.. I have used Kim for car servicing and used car purchase and his analysis and diagnosis of car problems is excellent. Trustworthy work! I definitely recommend their work read more

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! Events: July 25, 2014: Friday evening I drop my car at Santa Clara Autocare, Inc. it's an auto body shop for repair and a neighbor of KIM'S QUALITY AUTO which is a mechanical shop. July 28, 2014: Monday shop called asking if I have a previous damage on my left front side of my car. I told them that the only damage on my car is the left front door that I did bring it in for repair. Shop told me that there are damages and they don't have any idea what happen. Dennis Soller, the owner of Santa Clara Autocare, Inc. called says that he is going to look in to it. It was already after work that he called and says that they know who is responsible for the damages. He said it happen Saturday the 26 of July 2014 around 1:30pm it's a white RV with plate# 4YWS949 CA that its being repaired at KIM'S QUALITY AUTO a mechanical shop that is one of his neighbor. Santa Clara Autocare, Inc. has a surveillance camera on his premises. July 29, 2014: Dennis says he went and talks to Dae Seong Kim owner of KIM'S QUALITY AUTO. He confronted him and says that he doesn't know anything about it. But after Dennis told him that he got it on his surveillance camera he still denied that he has nothing to do with the collision. But then he did ask if he can see the damage of my vehicle. After seeing he still denying that it wasn't him who did the damage on my vehicle even though the RV is still at his garage. Knowing that it is on surveillance video showing he did side swipe my vehicle. At this point Dennis Soller called the police to report the accident. After showing the officer the video surveillance we went to KIM'S QUALITY AUTO. Officer RJ Ottico asks him if he is aware the RV was involve in a collision with in the parking lot. Mr. Kim denied having any knowledge of the collision. Then they showed him the video on a laptop and the officer asks him again. That's when he confessed that he was the driver and he did in fact collided on my vehicle. Ask why he did not stop, informed Santa Clara Autocare, Inc. or notify the police. Dae Seong Kim did not have any explanation (LIAR!). At this point Dennis called me up and says that the officer is asking if I want him arrested and file charges. I told Dennis that I just want my vehicle to be repair. Officer Ottico gives him a police report CASE# 14-8189 for the investigation result. August 13,2014: Finally after waiting for 15 days we got the complete police report. I went straight to my body shop Santa Clara Autocare, Inc. and from there we called the insurance company of KIM'S QUALITY AUTO that was written on the police report. Farmers Insurance says that the policy # that was on the police report we are calling is for a Toyota Sienna which is one of Mr. Kim's vehicles. We know that the vehicle that sides swipe my car is a white RV plate #4YWS949 CA (I wonder who owns that RV, tsk.tsk.tsk?) I was so upset because I should have listen to Dennis and have him arrested. He has given us wrong information on the police report. Now I went personally to his shop to get the right information. At first he was saying he doesn't know anything he's playing dumb and was having some communication problem. He told us to come back in 15 minutes. We told him if he doesn't provide us that information that we're going to call the police again. That this time it's going to be a different story and I will file charges and have him arrested. Came back and that's the time he let us talk to his insurance agent and gave us all the information that we needed. After all this I should have listen to Dennis to file charges and put him jail. Come to think about it got caught on a surveillance video and doesn't want to take full responsibility. Do you still want to bring your car to KIM'S QUALITY AUTO? Honesty seems Dae Seong Kim doesn't know the meaning of it. This guy is dishonest and has communication issues. You need somebody who you can trust doing repair on your vehicle even there is no surveillance camera around. Not a good place to recommend because you're just going to lost all your good friends. read more

If there were negative stars, I would do so. I should come here and read reviews on yelp before I sent in my car for service. I have the same experience with other customers who gave this shop 1 star. My suggestion is staying away from this shop as far as possible. My conclusion is that the owner is truly a liar, ruins your car completely, is not worthy your trust. Sometime, it is hard to communicate with him. I will not come back to this place again or recommend it to anyone. Please note that they are not professional at all. I sent in my car last Friday to get the driver front brake fixed because my brake pad never released at that time. I was told that the estimation is about 450. When I picked up my vehicle on Monday. I heard some scrubbing noise from the same brake I have issue. I noticed this problem and told the owner that there is still a problem with my brake. He responded there is no problem at all and told me that the scrub noise would be gone in 2 day. After two days, the noise is still there. I brought my car back to this place. He confirmed that the brake is hotter than the other side. I requested him to check what is wrong with it. After a couple hours, he called me and said the master cylinder is bad. I am going to be charged another 350 to get it fixed. I dropped my car again to get it fixed on Wednesday and picked it up again on Thursday. I was told the same thing: the problem has been fixed. I paid them 350 and took it out for testdrive. I still can hear the scrub noise coming from the brake. I brought it back again and told the owner the problem is still there. I showed him the noise. He said that there is no noise and asked to push on gas. If the gas pedal is pushed, the noise would be covered by engine noise. Then he insists that there is no noise at all and said that the problem would be gone in 2 days and refuse to fix it for me. I felt that I was fooled by them. Why couldn't find the master cylinder is bad at my first visit? Either their first diagnostic is not correct or they damaged the master cylinder when they replaced the caliper. It is most likely that they damaged the master cylinder. I paid their service to get the problem fixed. However, they failed to do so twice. They should cover the cost for the second visit. However, they won't. I spent more than 800 on fix just one brake and the problem is still there. It is ridiculous. I really want to get my money back. read more

I'm surprised by the negative reviews. I've taken my car here for oil changes and to diagnose check engine and SRS lights and I've never had any issues. I really like the welcoming atmosphere of the place. They have a nice waiting room with TV, snacks and coffee which is all free. I only give 4 star because Kim doesn't speak any English so he has a translator with him. It's a bit annoying but it's functional. I find him honest because he could have charged me or make up some fake stuff in regards to the check engine light and SRS light but his service for those were free. How many mechanics would have use that as opportunity to prey on customers? It's hard to find honest mechanics so I'll continue to go to Kim as long as I'm in the area. read more

I came in today for oil change. I was told about the issues for water pump, front brake, hole in the tire, oil change. I was charged for about $800. I accepter the request for the repair, I came in after work to pay the bill and picked up the car. I asked the guy if he can show me what was replaced. He was very impatient to show and refused my request. Instead he only showed me the old water pump, but not the new ones he replaced with. He simply said he cant and wont do it even though i asked him to show it to me. It's the worst service I have received. i will never go there again. I dont even know if what they are saying about my brake is true because i replaced my brake not too long ago. I dont thinj i would need ro replace brake every time i have my car serviced. I would like to give zero star because my service was not even completed. The guy refused to show me the front brakes that were broken and replaced, there is something wrong here. The guy was very rude and literally said he cant show me. I really wont come back to this shady place anymore. I have never seen anything like this in any body shop I have been to. I should have read the review before I came. It's true it's a very shady business with bad customer service. read more

Awesome service! I went in for an oil change. No hassles to upsell and they were very clear and honest about what they were going to do to my car. Their waiting area is very clean with free coffee and snacks, and I was impressed with their facility. I am really anal about who I take my car to for everything, so I was very pleased with my experiences here. Will definitely go back! read more

I've been bringing all of my vehicles and friends cars here for a while now and can't find a reason to go anywhere else. Not only is Kim very professional and has an enthusiasm for cars, but he puts care into his work and environment. I can tell coming into the place with the garage space almost OCD like clean and the waiting room nicely stocked with coffee, tea and other snacks; that they take pride in their environment and want people to feel comfortable while they perform the tedious tasks you set forth for them. I've gotten oil changes and brakes done here but mI usually call asking about the wait time but usually it's pretty quick and they have free wifi to get work done if you'd like. I almost don't want to write this review because it's been a hidden gem for me but I've had good experiences with them so they deserve my opinion :) read more

man on a mission is right. first I thought , he was having a bad day. but I guess it's just the way he is. got my bimmer fixed at very reasonable price. now I have less worry about my car's maintenance. strongly recommened. read more