Guy is chill but improperly diagnosed my car and i lost $3,000 from it but whatever i guess

Came here to get my car smogged everything went fine. A couple days Later, my wife needed her car smogged too, but she ended up with some error codes, which I kind of expected. They quoted her $375 for diagnostics and repairs, so I brought her car back the next week, hoping to get the issue resolved. When I returned later that day to pick it up, they gave me another estimate -- this time for a replacement part costing $3,900. Basically an issue that could've been stated in the first place, nothing was repaired, or properly diagnosed. The same check engine light was on, and the same codes showed up when I scanned it myself at home. I essentially paid $375 just to have the car be babysat and moved around for a few hours with no progress. It felt like a sneaky business move. Just a heads-up to others -- be cautious before bringing your car here. read more

I've never written a yelp review in my life. This will be my first because I do not want anybody else to go through what I went through. Do not take your vehicle here!!! They are shady as fuck. I brought my truck in to have a simple smog check. After the tests were completed, they go and tell me that I have a leaking brake line. Mind you I drove my truck from home and to and from work this whole past week without issue. Oh and I took a road trip to Idaho for a family reunion last week. I even flushed the brakes myself prior to the trip to make sure my maintenance was up to date. I go outside to take a look and my brake line was obviously cut and of course leaking break fluid! Mind you, I changed my stock lines to steel braided brake lines which do not tear. Never coming here again. And I strongly advise anybody else not to as well!!!! read more

LB Walker Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Long Beach, California

My car was stolen two years ago so I found myself in a pinch and bought a used car in good condition. I needed an oil change and was strapped on time so I had my mother find an auto shop because she was at my place for the day and had nothing to do. I used to take my stolen car to the dealership for service like clockwork so now I had to find something new. She found this place and took the car in. She gloated about how clean the facility was, the amazing customer service and the American flags. These are all things I like. Well they did the oil change but also said the car needed about $1000 worth of repairs. Without asking me, my mother fixed it and paid for the repairs which was very nice of her. I figured it was used and there probably were some issues. Cut to six months later when it's time for another oil change. I go in person and it's my first time. My first impression was how rude Sal is. That man just looked like he hated me from the moment I walked in. I brushed it off and got the oil change. But when it came time to pay he tells me there is another round of repairs I need coming close to another $1,000. I told him I couldn't do it but would next time. Mind you, the car has ran perfectly fine the entire time I've had it. Since then I have had a few more oil changes. Every time he acts like he hates me. Every time he tells me the car needs thousands of dollars worth of work. My gut told me to stop going there long ago but yesterday was the final straw... I took it in for an oil change and told him the AC was taking a while to get cold. I asked if he would take a look at it. He told me it would be nearly $400 for the oil change and for him to do an AC service where he wouldn't even guarantee fixing the issue. So basically I'm paying close to $400 for vibes only?!?!?!? Get out of here! I'm not a mechanic but I'm aware that the AC likely would've been fixed with a little Freon. I've kept a tab of everything this man has told me of things I need to get fixed and at this point it is nearly $2,800 worth of repairs. This is all just from taking it in for routine oil changes. In this economy I'm actually surprised he's doing this to people. Between Sal's can't be bothered attitude and my gut telling me constantly that he's trying to scam me, I've had enough. The facility is clean though I will say that. read more

I'd stay away from these guys. The big dude with the glasses at the desk seemed annoyed that I was there right off the bat, like damn bro lol. Anyway I went there because I pulled my e-brake too hard and it completely stopped working. I knew it would be a simple fix like cable came loose or something. The dude wanted to charge me $180 just to inspect it. Like seriously?! Sorry pal not today lol I went to Torrance Motors and they fixed it in less than an hour. Turns out it was just a loose pin. Maybe I caught the guy on a bad day or something but judging by the other reviews it seems unlikely. Always go with your gut instinct to avoid being ripped off, cheers! read more

It was easy making an appointment and Sal is a like able and honest guy. The shop's PROFESSIONAL and PERSONAL diagnosis service ( I rode with Savino, the experienced technician. During the test drive he taught me about rpms and my motor) returned my confidence to get behind the wheel and drive my car anywhere I want to go. THANK YOU! I HIGHLY recommend and will continue going back. read more

Sal, owner, was asked to replace a left rear turn signal light. While talking to a repair employee, who had opened tail light area for replacement, Sal handed him "something", after which time he went to my cars left rear light area and quickly added an item, Probably what Sal gave him. Probably the white bulb I noticed when I got home. Within a minute, the repair person handed my keys to Sal. Sal said, "Its done!" He gave me my keys. It's a DMV requirement and a law in Calif Vehicle Code- CVC-to have no white light showing at rear of vehicle, unless a "back up light." Braking or turn signals must be Amber or A reddish tone. Walkers has been in Long Beach for decades! Automotive repair facilities must have requirements to know this. He's a "good old boy" and treats women with little respect. Honest folks do not surface regularly. Leftest influence, senior moment, wanting to show women are not important or just trying to make a quick buck- who knows. I could care less now. I am not interested in this careless business. I do not believe Sal would have pulled this on a male customer. I am a boomer and it was not a money- making repair, so he ignored any rules and quickly got me out of there. It seems he thought a boomer would just be glad it's fixed and leave. I used my emergency lights and parked in the middle of my street to move trash cans that night. I noticed a lot of bright flashing white light instead of the amber that always Illuminated the street to caution passing traffic. Auto Club referral too. These facilities just want customers- regardless if Auto Club gives referrals or a neighbor. Shame on Sal. Does he know Auto Club follows up? Does he know respecting females should be high on his customer service bullet points. Nice plaques on his walls- but he is old and senior moments are alive and well! Buyer Beware....... read more

Contrary to other reviews about this business, I had a very positive experience here at the shop. One must not judge an entire business based on a few negative reviews because most people who have a positive experience won't take the time to write about it. I recently inherited an old vehicle from my parents that had been neglected for 27k miles. The car needed every single maintenance you could think of. During these covid times, I've been trying my hardest to support the local economy as much as I can. I stumbled upon this business decided to give it a try. I made an appointment for 2 days ahead and the guy on the phone was very professional. He quoted me very reasonable prices, better than any other shop I've checked. All other shops required that I leave the car overnight but they were able to finish the work in just 4 hours. Impressive! After chatting with the owner for a little bit, I learned that they purchased the business from the previous owner 5+ years ago. Now it's just a father and son running it with a manager mechanic. I know from experience that owning and running your own business is not easy, and they've had some challenges but are doing ok now. I would say to give this shop a try. Support your local small businesses because you're helping another family keep the lights on and food on the table. When you bring your car in, you need to be very transparent about what you want and provide as much info about your car as possible. Edit: I ended up accidentally dropping my credit card inside the office and they called me to let me know. They're honest! read more

LB Walker Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Long Beach, California

Good honest mechanic was very busy but managed to get me back on the road, prices are reasonable. Seems to have returning customers which is a good sign. Not open on weekends. Definitely recommend this business. read more

Amazing service!! Honest and reliable mechanic! I recommend to everyone! I have had my sons 2007 Tacoma in there for a couple of major issues and was treated with respect and honesty! My go to mechanic! read more

Sal is a very kind man. A friend took me here for a pre purchase vehicle inspection. Luckily I dodged a major financial mistake due to Sal letting me know this was not the car for me. He was patient and explained all the reasons that despite it "looking good" there would be repairs needed that would end up costing me more than the price to purchase. He then referred me to an outstanding dealership (California Auto Resources) and told me to speak with Bill. I'm now happily driving my new/used car and most of all have 2 places I feel safe to trust with advice and repairs. It's so cool in these difficult times to find businesses that are run by honest good people who are trying to help you. Thanks Sal, much appreciation for you! :) read more

I understand times are hard during COVID and everyone has to make a living and find businesses but scamming people is not the ethical or correct way of doing this. I found this place on AAA and went in to get a complimentary 50 point inspection. Sal helped me get checked in and and the inspection itself took about 15-20 minutes. After the mechanic completed the inspection test, Sal gave me the report and started listing all the things wrong with my car.."you need to replace your air filter, you need to replace your windshield wipers, you need to replace your transmission fluid, your tires are wearing out, etc etc" Those were typical wear and tear that I was expecting since my car is pretty old. However, the biggest shock was that he said my right front axel was broken. And I was so shocked and scared because it sounded pretty serious. My car is driving just fine so I was a bit skeptical about it and questioned it. He said it's a crack in the axel and if you keep driving it, it will break down and cause bigger issues. He quoted me for the axel and I decided to take it to another spot for a second opinion. The second place I went to looked at my axel and said it is perfectly fine. There was no leak, no crack, looks good. The mechanic even test drove it to see if there was any signs/sounds the car would make to possibly think the axel was broken but NOPE! So life lesson, always get a second opinion for these type of things. I was looking forward to being a customer here since Sal seemed like a genuine guy and really took time to explain things and tried to give me a good deal but this place has lost my trust after trying to scam me out of a few hundred bucks for fixing something that does not need to be fix. Ladies, be careful! Avoid this place if you can, and if you do come here..whatever they tell you, go get a second opinion before you settle for this location's services. read more

This is my go to place for Smog Checks on my '98 Dodge Diesel Ram; Sal gets me in & taken care of promptly. A great experience

Went for a smog check for my 1987 Rolls Royce. Had an issue with them damaging the driver door during the smog check. They took care of it and repaired the door with an apology. I also had them fix the windshield since it formed a big crack and that part is hard to find. I was pleased with the job. I will most likely return again for minor car repairs to my exotic vehicle. read more

Had a very good experience with Sal and his team at LB WALKER. I had my 1972 Ford Mustang Mach I towed to them all the way from my house in Jurupa Valley (62 miles) just so they can work on it. My Mach has needed some TLC for years now. LB Walker did the entire brake system (with power booster, master cylinder, and brake lines), front end, new carburetor, belts, BFG T/A radials, buffed my aluminum wheels, oil change, trans service, rear end service, new trans mount, bearings, and a car wash. Whew!! Now my car is fun to drive again. She runs like a champ and I feel like the big shit of the neighborhood lol Looking forward to cruising this baby a lot more often. read more

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Walking into Sals office is like going to a friends house! I'll never take my mustang anywhere else. He and his mechanics are top knotch and work is always done in a day! I love his organized and clean shop and parking lot. His prices are more than fair and he goes over and above in making sure I'm happy! Sal thank you for always creating a pleasant experience when I need work on my vehicles. I'm so happy to have found you! It's nice to feel safe on the road knowing you and your guys have always done an excellent and thorough job! Mickey Aparicio read more

Wow! This place was ****Really good!**** As soon as I got there the customer service was great!! The synthetic oil change was only about $50.00 bucks with oil filter replacement, full service inspection and recommendations, and customer friendly. Absolutely recommend it!!!!!!! read more

Immediately after leaving a Toyota dealership without any computer error codes, I went here for a smog check. They said my car was not "ready" and billed me $41. I was suspicious after they upsold me on a $120 "investigation" fee. I complained but, paid the $41. That's when it got interesting. I signed the authorization to work, the credit card approval printout but, declined to sign the "terms" invoice. They went ape sheet, refused to return my car and called the police! Reminder, I PAID the bill! I informed them that it was illegal to withhold my property or file a mechanic's lien because they were paid ALL compensation due. Police told them the same. Insult to injury, owner asked me if, "I believed in America." Complete idiots. Update: I've contacted 3 random smog check places afterwards and they all said that they will Not charge their customer if their car is not ready. They simply advise them to drive a certain amount of distance, then come back to start the test. These guys are unethical. read more

Our go-to mechanic in Long Beach! Always a straight shooter and gets the job done. I never felt like I was being forced to fix things I didn't need to and his prices are fair. That alone is a rarity! A+! read more

I took my car here for an oil change and it was fantastic. Sal and Brian are so nice, they took care of me and I was out in half an hour. I will absolutely come back! read more

I was in need of a new mechanic and in need of a smog check. I communicated your needs and Sal, literally took care of me. He walked me through the process, and provided recommendations. I was very pleased w/ his open communication. I can tell he cares a lot about his costumers. He was very professional. I am super pleased w/ the work I received. Thanks Sal!! read more

Just be very careful. They are very rude . I spoke to Sal about my car . But then he has another mechanic speak to me the mechanic that denied changing my battery and many other issues but very rude I will find another place. As a business person I believe in customer service . read more

I'm leaving this business a good review because of the pleasant experience I had with Sal. I needed help with an estimate and he was patient and friendly over the phone. read more

This is great, after posting a one star review with this shop not only they took my money but now they are threatening me to sue me by exercising my freedom of speech... Add thugs to the list!!! ______________________________________________________ Brian Y. Good afternoon Sir, We had unhappy case today each other. You wrote to public we, LB Walker Automotive is unethical and lier and rip you off. Wow! We did not lie, we are not unethical and did not rip you off. I explained why and what happened. it was your misunderstanding I courteously ask you to remove these insulting expressions on your review or you might be sued. i can not keep my temper with your such a rude insulting to me and my crews. Please please remove those insulting expressions from your review asap. I will check it up couple of days later. if not I will invest my money to send atterney's letter to invite you to the court. I hope it will not happen because i am not rich man so i can save my money. Thank you read more

Took my BMW for an inspection and his honesty blew me away. Moved into the area and plan on bringing any car issues to his shop.

Sal Lombardi was unbelievable.... unbelievably kind, courteous and efficient. I had my car problem on a Friday and the towing was way late in the day, MUCH later than when I called him to advise him I was being towed there. He stayed open for me so that was a huge BONUS. Then, he worked on my vehicle quickly, and I had a particularly weird problem or rather TWO major issues. He explained everything very clearly, took photos to show the one particularly odd issue... He called promptly to update us and help us determine our course of action. it was the most any mechanic or auto repair shop has done for us. I would highly recommend this business and Sal too! read more

Sal is an ok guy and seems to genuinely wants to help but his smog guy Brian is far from helpful. Wanted to put 5 stars but again Brian is cold and unfriendly and seems to throw his hands up in defeat if problems occur on repairs. Brian might be tired and needs a reminder of what being in the service field is about Again. I think I'll stick with DON AND HAROLDS in Long Beach. read more

Noticed that my AC was no longer blowing cold air and that there may be a potential leak after noticing a lot of water on the driveway after using the system. Due to the convenience of the location of this shop and my office, I decided to stop in and give the business a try. I was told by a former co worker that he had taken his truck here before Sal purchased the business and was happy with the work they did on his vehicle. I explained to Sal that I had attempted to refill the AC with a can and that nothing was accomplished. Being that my truck is 19 years old I knew the system was probably on its last leg. I'm giving the business two generous stars based solely upon their communication and turn around time to complete the job. If your looking for additional work and cost to be created for you then you've found the spot. I appreciate mechanics being thorough, but Sal in the end created more work and cost. Keep in mind I came here for AC work, not headlight removal on the driver side which ended up completely breaking the housing. Sal did point out a wire connection repair by a former shop which I've addressed with them as they used epoxy glue and is not acceptable. My main issue was that I did not have a check engine light on when I brought my truck in and when I picked it up I noticed it was on. How do you move a vehicle out of the garage and not notice its illuminated on top of not addressing it??. I thought it possibly could have been a loose fuel cap as I had recently filled up.After two days I addressed the code PO101..my MAF was disconnected and dangling under the radiator reservoir. Seriously? I understand this may had needed to be done to perform the condenser/ hose replacing work but who doesn't do a final once over before dropping the hood down? After I diagnosed this issue I plugged the sensor cable back and the light is gone. The $1500.00 for the AC has cost me additional $200.00 for scanning and replacing the broken headlight bezel housing. I just hope the work done on the AC system last now. read more

Very pleasant experience taking my car into these guys. They gave me the most competitive quote in town after describing what I needed done. Took my car in and was completed the next day, way ahead of expectations. They are extremely knowledgable, thorough, and professional, I recommend LB Walker to everyone. read more

fair and honest - been used a lot in advertising - but it truly applies here - don't take your car to the dealer take it here - you won't be sorry - best shop in Long beach by far read more

Sal is the man! Always a pleasure talking with him. Top notch work, never been disappointed when I leave LB Walker automotive. =GO SEE SAL= read more

I've been looking for a place to take my car in for an oil change and was quotes pretty high at other places for Synthetic Blend. I decide to give this place a try as their prices are reasonable and they always look busy. Sal was great and had my car worked on right after the paperwork was done. The oil change was done in about 10-15 minutes and Sal reccomded other maintenance/require that are coming due. I saved a lot money and had a great experience with this establishment. I will bring my car back here for the next services. read more

I've been going to Walker's for a few years and I love having a local, honest, reliable and efficient auto place. Sal and his crew have always provided terrific service. I've gotten oil changes, fluids changes, smog check, new brakes, tires rotated, etc. for our family vehicles. Today, in fact, I walked in (no appointment) ... got an oil change and a new air filter and was done in less than an hour. (Unsure of the exact time as I walked around the corner to Target to complete a quick errand). I highly recommend LB Walker and do not hesitate going there for all our auto needs. Thanks, Sal! read more

LB Walker Automotive (thanks Sal! ) took care of me when I first walked through the door. They were sincere, honest and had suggestions for work I needed to have done. I really appreciate the time they took with me. It's good to know we still have mechanics and a business that cares for their customers and puts service first. Can't be more happier with the whole experience. read more

Called on a Monday morning regarding an urgent water pump issue. Spoke with Sal who was courteous and informative. Surprised that they were able to diagnose and change the water pump by lunch that same day. Sal informed me of additional maintenance items of concern and appeared to be fair about their relative urgency. Pricing seemed fair. Overall, a great experience at a fair price. We'll definitely be returning. read more

After reading the reviews on Yelp, I decided to take my cars to LB Walker for repairs. I believed that Sal could be trusted. The quote for service on my Yukon Denali was $5,700 which included replacement of 4 shock absorbers for $3,500. Sal told me that this was because there are no after market products for the Denali and that you had to purchase them from GMC. I declined to have the shocks absorbers replaced but approved the other $2,200 of work. After approving the work, I decided to check around for after market shock absorbers for the Denali. Within about 3 minutes I found a few products. One of them was the Monroe 90012 after market product. So I called Sal at Walker Automotive and asked him about the Monroe shocks, he offered to look into it and call me back. When he called back, he confirmed that they would work on my Denali and that he could offer them to me for $350.00. It turns out they are available on Amazon for $150, and at O'rielly for just under $200. I then realized that Sal was probably charging at least 2X(100% markup) for all of the parts he is putting in my car. You have to wonder why I could find a solution in 3 minutes and Sal was not able to find an economical solution. I picked up my car and paid the bill, $2,300. A copy of the bill is uploaded in the picture section so you can see it if you want. On the bill are the following charges: Hydro Booster #52-7370 Walker Price $398.00 Retail Price $200.00 Rear Rotors 121,66045 Walker Price $150.00 Retail Price $70.00 (QtY 2) Switch #SLS401 Walker Price $34.00 Retail Price $16.00 My bill from Walker had $1,440 for Parts. And I was charged a 100% markup on every part My guess is that Sal is purchasing these parts at wholesale prices so his markup would be even greater. I have no problem with Sal making a profit. However charging greater than a 100% markup on every part is not reasonable. This is not the industry standard, He is clearly ripping off unsuspecting customers. I do not trust Sal, you should not trust him. I will never use his service again. read more

LB Walker Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Long Beach, California

Walked in this morning at 9am for a oil change and my car was done in less than 45 minutes. Quality work, and was made aware of the current/future maintenance my car requires. read more

I definitely recommend this shop for good service at an affordable price. Sal & his crew really know what they're doing - they get your car running & back on the road in record time. The place is clean, the staff is friendly, and you'll leave happy. Stop by for your next service or repair & tell him that Robbie referred you! read more

A potential buyer for my car sent me to this place for a check up, guy told me a few things were wrong but nothing major. Buyer calls me later that day and says, "You're car is no where near excellent condition. It needs $4,500+ in repairs." Mind you, my car is a 2002 used vehicle with just under 82,000 miles. I'm sure my mechanic for the past 10 years wouldn't have missed the opportunity to charge me that much in repairs if it were truly needed. Come to think of it, this whole fake buyer could've been one of their employees trying to come up on my car. This place looks good, but there's a lot of crap behind the scenes. Ps, the owner needs a lesson is customer service, not even a smile. read more

If you're a senior citizen and a woman; don't bother going to this place, there's always a problem and they have poor business practices and they are very rude!! Run for your life... read more