I haven't been to this in years as I've moved away, but I think about my experience here often, especially when comparing the service here to other shops I've been to in various parts of the US. Recently doing some maintenance myself on my car has compelled me to write a review for a service I had completed about 5 years ago because it was such a good value. I had my 2010 Malibu in for a full fluids service and repair of some front end suspension components that a Chevy dealership couldn't even properly diagnose/fix. I did a recent fluid service on the same car on my own and for what I paid here I'd just as soon let them do it. An extremely fair price for the service provided. What takes me a day to do took them a quarter of the time and cost about the same as what it cost me to do it myself considering parts, fluids, and tool purchases. All this is to say, this is easily the best shop I've encountered in any city I've lived in (I'm military so I've moved a lot). If I'm ever back in the area, this is the place for me. read more

Greg and his team are old school mechanics. They can keep an old car running for years on a budget. I've been a customer for over 10 years, never a bad visit or surprise. I won't go anywhere else. read more

Wow! Greg Donovan and his team are truly stupendous. Greg made sure he gave me very thorough service at the best price. He also provided me with a loaner car. At the time of pick up, Greg advised me how to recycle my Prius' computer info so that it would pass smog inspection. He offered to check it himself before I took it to smog, but it totally passed! Of all of the repair estimates I received from other shops, Greg quoted me a third of their prices! I have never had an actually delightful experience with auto repair until Monterey Motors. read more

Greg and his team are the absolute best!!! I cannot recommend them enough. They went above and beyond with helping me when I was in a tough spot. While driving up to Monterey from LA, my car began misfiring. I was on a bit of a time crunch to get back to LA and Greg worked diligently to make sure I was not delayed. Great communication, they walked me through the diagnosis and made sure I understood what all my options were so that I could make an informed decision that made the most sense for me. They were sweet enough to provide me with a loaner vehicle while my car was in the shop so I was still able to enjoy my trip despite the misfortune. Very fair prices, and upfront quotes so there's no surprises. They checked in afterwards to make sure I got back to LA with no issues and even helped provide insights as to how to fix a less urgent issue once I got home. Thank you Greg, Manny and Isaac!!! read more

Super super helpful team. We had some problems with our car key and battery voltage--luckily we were across the street from Greg and Isaac at Monterey Motors. They were so so incredibly helpful in running different tests to try and see what was going on. Highly recommend. :) read more

Professional, friendly and reasonably priced. Best service team! Glad I switched from my original dealership.

I recently bought a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon. When going to the breakfast place next door, I randomly spotted this business and that there were multiple vehicles out front similar to mine. I walked in for some advice and even though I wasn't previously a customer here I received great free advice on how to proceed with my car which I followed to great results. Basically, I have not been a customer of this business but if I have a problem with my car that I can't fix I know I'm coming here. read more

Greg is awesome so knowledgeable and helpful. He will take his time to get input on your car repair issue and provide honest options for repair. read more

I went to visit Monterey motors to address a problem that I have tried to solve for quite some time with a rattling in an unidentified component of my suspension (suspension repair). Having addressed this problem myself and with other mechanics shops, including a dealership for my brand of car, the problem was still unresolved, although I had narrowed down my culprits. When I arrived to Monterey Motors (I was a walk-in), I met Greg who carefully listened to my description of the problem, provided his input and took me on a test drive so that he could experience the problem I was describing. We came to the same consensus as to possible culprits, after which he gave me a fair and affordable estimate for repairs (Having recently move to California from the midwest, I expected the estimate to be much higher and was pleasantly surprised). I dropped the car off on the following Monday, while in the mean time Greg had ordered all the replacements for our possible problem parts. He called me Tuesday morning saying my car was ready for pick up. I have since driven the car around town and I could tell immediately that the problem was fixed. My problem which has lasted for more than a year was solved in one day. When I picked the car up, he described the condition of the old parts that were replaced and why, as well as updated me on the condition of several other components to include my brakes, rotors, brake fluid lines, brake fluid conditions, and transmission fluid conditions (all these were checked for free), as well as rotated my tires (also for free!). He also provided me with suggestions for preventative maintenance on these areas and when I could expect the need for replacement or repair to arise. My repairs and bill were almost exactly what had been estimated. Overall this was a fantastic, fast, painless and affordable experience. I would definitely use Monterey Motors again; it was probably the best experience I've ever had with a mechanics shop. read more

My check engine light came on, so glad I found Monterey Motors! With 270,000+ miles on my car, plenty that could be repaired, but Greg and Manny were both GREAT about prioritizing what was urgently needed, and what could wait. Really appreciate their honesty and integrity. Thoroughly explained everything and even showed me everything on my car. They know high mileage cars, as well as newer cars, and I really appreciate their guidance in steering me to just the critical items first. With their help, I hope to get 300,000+ on my car! Will definitely be back! Friendly, courteous, efficient and dependable, I highly recommend Monterey Motors! read more

Best mechanic I have ever had the pleasure meeting. Greg is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He and his staff are professional, thorough, and fair. We took our Prius in and he took care of us like family. We can't recommend him enough. read more

waiting in my car on Oceanview in that awkward amount of time between Sunday school drop off and pickup, I dozed off to the sounds of the waves with my headlights accidentally left on in the PG fog, so the man parked next to me heard me exclaiming through my open windows, "Oh, no! RATS!" when I woke to the cell-phone alarm and realized that my car wouldn't start. Manny from Monterey Motors happened to be that man, so before I coils call my dad to help me pick up my son and give me a jump start, Manny jumpstarted my car and tightened the bolts holding the battery in place, so I managed to drive around the rest of the shore and arrive early for Sunday school pickup. Thank you, Manny! read more

These folks are wonderful. Full explanations before and after the work, recommendations for other good things to watch for, reliable work, genuine parts. I've been taking vehicles to them for years and will continue to do so. Today they replaced the alternator in my Subaru wagon. They made other tests and adjustments for free while they did the work. I recommend this place very highly. read more

After living on the peninsula for 3 years and bouncing from auto repair place to auto repair place I've finally found "the one". I tried it on the recommendation of some of my coworkers that have been going there FOREVER. They said the owner, Greg, is the kindest, most honest repair guy you could find. Now I totally agree with them. When I called to make my first appointment, it was almost like making an appointment with a therapist! He wanted to hear about my car, what my goals were, and talked about working out a budget friendly plan to get my car back in shape. When it turned out there were some complications with the repairs he was doing and realized he'd totally underestimated the cost, he apologized profusely, and then asked if it would be okay to charge me for another hour or two of labor because it'd ended up taking way more hours than he original though. Asked me, seriously! I'd also originally said to do an oil change because I was near needing one, but he pointed out that if it wasn't actually due yet, I might as well save some money and do it later. Awesome. When I went to pick up my car, he took the time to explain everything they did and everything that he was recommending for the future. He even let me see the busted pieces that had caused them so much trouble. Great place. read more

I agree with other reviews that they are polite, but definitely shady. It took them 3 days to tell me they may or may not be able to fix my car. For the work they needed to do, labor costs, etc it was extremely over priced especially since they didn't even know if they could fix the problem. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, but here's what really made this experience the worst I've had at a mechanics. 1) I was charged $150 to be told they might or might not be able to fix it. 2) the loaner car we were given would not go over 40 mph, I live off HWY 1.... It is a highway. Driving an unsafe car, that smells bad, that I had to pay for was some bull s***. 3) Greg called us into town to 'discuss something about the car'. We drive into town and were told we could not use the loaner car because this would take over a week to POSSIBLY fix it. So we were forced to give up the car even though we lived in Big Sur and call every one for rides back home. The friend I had come with me was 4 hours late for work because we couldn't get back to Big Sur quick enough. I felt his actions were childish for not being upfront in the first place about the repairs or using a junk car as loaner, then stranding us in town. If we would have let me know what was going on I could have arranged a ride back home, and also arranged to have the car towed away from there to go some place that wouldn't nickel and dime me to death I would not go here, I would not recommend going here. Maybe for something basic as changing your oil, but I'd hate to recommend them to a friend because of their passive aggressive behavior. As for repairs go anywhere else but here. read more

I walked in without an appointment, and immediately the owner wants to drive around the block to feel the problem! Super awesome. Didn't end up being able to re-create the problem, but was immediately referred to five other businesses in the area, the first of which ended up being fantastic. Customer service and willingness to help gets the five star rating. read more

We received above and beyond service from Greg and his team on several jobs they have performed for us. First on our Cobalt which is part of a Chevy recall. Monterey Motors took it in and made me feel not only that the car is safe, but that they did everything they could to get all the details taken care of. In addition to that experience, we took in an older car that was on the edge of being scrapped and the team in this instance helped us with sound advice on what best to do with the car. We have consistently received op notch service and respect from Monterey Motors. Wish all businesses ran with such integrity. 5 stars all the way. Thanks guys!! read more

You can't go wrong with Greg from Monterey Motors. He is everything you could want from a mechanic . . . honest and fair. I have been bringing both our family cars to Monterey Motors for years and trust him completely. Plus he's one of the nicest people I know. Don't hesitate to bring your vehicles to Greg, he's the best!!!! read more

Sadly and expensively, it was time to change the timing belt on my 2007 Acura TL. Was quoted a wide range of prices. Talked to Greg and he said they'd go through everything and only change what really needed to be changed due to wear / safety / difficulty of replacement if it fails, etc. They also did a full inspection of the car. In the end, it all got done with quality parts for a lower price than I expected. MM is my new go-to service center for my Acura and my wife's CRV. read more

my car broke down while visiting monterey area. greg donovan's monterey motors were very kind and helped me figure out what the problem was and helped me get back on the road. thank you greg and the guys at monterey motirs you da best.. paul and nancy read more

Awesome service. Much cheaper than taking it to a dealership. You quickly realize that the people who often give bad reviews are usually the people that beat the hell out of their vehicle, then can't understand why it costs so much to fix their problem. What's great about this place is I quickly realized they weren't just trying to make a buck. I felt I could trust them. Things I wanted to get done to the vehicle they would recommend against it, because it wasn't needed yet for the vehicle. Rarely do you find this honesty in a shop. I will be back. -Stephen read more

Greg & Eladio, it was a pleasure to work with you today on this somewhat difficult problem. The previous owner of my car had installed an aftermarket pulley on the engine and these guys put it all back to stock for me. Now the car runs great!! Have been to MM several other times and am always happy with the results. They take the time to explain everything to your satisfaction. Thanks, will see you for my next scheduled oil & filter change - Kevin read more

Pros: Friendly staff. Cons: WAAAAAY overpriced. They charged me 110 dollars for a 40 dollar ignition coil, and then they tacked on 10 dollars for gas that they "claimed" they put in my car, but that's not what my fuel tank showed, and then they somehow managed to add another 170 dollars for "labor". If you've ever seen an ignition coil, you'd know that it is NOT a difficult task. They gave me a loaner car, but forgot to give me the registration. I tried to go back and get it once I realized it, but they had closed, so I was driving around without a registration! Then they thought I would be stupid enough to let them give me a standard tune up for another $350! I'm not great with cars, but I know a rip off when I see one, and this place will not be seeing my business any time soon. read more

My '92 Lexus coupe is sadly near the end of its useful life as an everyday car. Greg helped me assess the situation with it, which is complicated, and gave me some options. He's extremely kind, communicative, and wants to help you. I don't feel like I'm getting BS'ed like at other shops. Highly recommended! read more

I never post reviews of businesses, but I felt compelled to this time. I had just arrived by car in Pacific Grove after a 2-hour drive. My husband called me to tell me that he discovered what he thought were oil puddles in our garage where my car was parked. I frantically drove to the closest car mechanic, which happened to be Monterey Motors. They were extraordinarily kind and responsive. They checked my fluids on the spot, right away, and explained clearly what was the issue with my car. Thank you, Greg and co.! read more

Greg Donovan and his mechanic, Manny do superb work. They have worked on my Dodge Caravan and Hyundai Elantra as well as my son's Toyota Camry. They take the time to listen to you and explain, in detail, all in information you will need. They go above and beyond with their customer service. Their prices for work done seem reasonable and the work is done in a timely manner. I use them as my go to mechanics and feel comfortable asking questions anytime. read more

I've been taking all my vehicles to Greg and Manny since 2018. I love how they are both honest and will give you their honest opinion on what your car needs and doesn't really need right now but could use it in the future. It's hard to find genuine mechanic's like this. I will continue taking my vehicles to Monterey Motors as long as I live in the area. read more

If your not local be careful with this place. My daughter's car battery went bad on a visit to Monterey, and just happened to be close to this place. She was driving a 2012 KIA Forte, and they charged her $166.70. for a new battery. They would not install it for free and said there would be a labor charge. My daughter decided to install it herself and asked to borrow a wrench. They charged her for $5.00 for the wrench! I checked other stores for the price of the same battery, and nobody was higher than $127.00. Obviously taking advantage of a young lady from out of town. read more

Amazing! My tire went flat near this place and this man swoops in and helps me out! His place was very clean and he had customers amongst all of his help with my situation! If I ever need automotive repairs I will definitely be here! I could only imagine! read more

Took a car to Monterey Motors for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection and was blown away at how thorough and helpful Greg and his staff were. Greg went line by line with me to discuss every detail of his report. Outstanding customer service! read more

Good service, great repairs, but SUPER EXPENSIVE and TIME CONSUMING. I had Greg and his team do two repairs on my Ford Freestyle (alternator replacement and 120,000 mile transmission service) and both repairs cost me several hundred dollars more than the average price for the same repairs in the 93940 zip code. Yes, Greg was gracious enough to offer loaner vehicles and he thoroughly explained everything that his team was doing. However, unless you're willing to pay top dollar for repairs on your vehicle, I'd try to find another shop that will do a similar job in less time and for much less $$$. read more

We were on the road, far from our "home" mechanic in Tempe, AZ. Engine light decided to illuminate on our 2003 Honda. Given the 700 miles yet to drive, we needed someone to help us out. Found Monterey Motors on Yelp, drove over around noon, met Greg, who had us pull into the garage for a quick (and free) diagnostic. He quickly found that there was a catalytic converter issue, but immediately checked other engine data and assured us that it would be something that could wait for review back in Tempe. Free, honest consult. Thanks Greg and Monterey Motors. You are tops in my book. read more

New favorite mechanic for the area...Greg Donovan doesn't beat around the bush! Was recommended by Barry Hartzel to come over here and I have to say was my best experience with getting my car fixed. They got to me first thing in the morning and found my problem right away. Greg and Eladio took a look at my car and instead of telling me to get a new rack and pinion like another unnamed shop said, they tightened some loose steering rack bolts and recommended a change in tires and to get an alignment. Did both and my Mustang rolls great now. Greg sat down with me and discussed some things we could do to get my car back in top shape and I will be coming back to him from now on. Highly recommend these guys. Legit people read more

I really want to like this place since the owners are so nice, BUT I have had sub quality work on the car ever since I started going there last year. The most egregious error was the mangling of a simple oil change. Within 48 hours of driving it out of the shop, the oil light came on and since I was en route to SF I had no choice but to keep going. I stopped into a Jiffy Lube and they said the car was low on oil. There was no leak; the MRY Motors guy just forgot to add enough oil. My confidence level in MRY Motors dipped ever since. The latest debacle occured in Dec 2012 when I went in for a timing belt change which was estimated at $2k. I was advised that the axle and power steering pump needed replacing. Fine, I said. $5k later I left thinking that was the end of it. But no. Within 2 days of driving it out of the shop, I couldn't make a sharp left turn without severe noise and vibration. Last week I took it back in and discovered they installed a defective axle. They replaced it free of charge which was the least they could do. Last night, I discovered a crunching noise where the axle meets the left front tire. I will be bringing the car back in AGAIN tomorrow. I explained to the owner that I'm wasting so much of my precious time taking the car in for repairs that should be done right in the first place. I feel like I'm being ripped off and point blankly asked the owner if his mechanics were deliberately sabbotaging my car in order to "fix" more items. Proceed with caution with this shop. I'm one step away from reporting them to the Better Business Bureau if they can't get to the bottom of this latest issue. read more

Greg and Manny are terrific guys and skillful mechanics. They take the time to explain the service they recommend, attempt to minimize cost whenever possible and have kept my 2002 Honda running smoothly for years. read more

Very good people - competent, timely, and professional. Needed a serpentine belt replaced on an '03 Toyota and got the car in and out with very little downtime and didn't empty my wallet. Thanks, Greg! read more

Greg is very honest and have always had him fix my Toyotas. Will be back to get a check-up.

We've been taking our family cars to Greg and Joe for the past six years. I have always found them to be honest, reasonable with costs and I trust their work. After getting ripped off for years at the Toyota Dealership I won't take my car anywhere else but Monterey Motors. I have never had a bad experience there. read more

I took my car to Greg for a couple of years. He helped me in the beginning but it went downhill from there. Just this year he fired all of his good and longtime mechanics because he felt they made to much. During this time I had to take my car in for a head replacement. I felt confident since he always did good work in the past but was I surprised when I learned his old mechanics were gone and he had hired a new young man to replace them. I went ahead with the head job and THREE weeks later I received my car back. I called Greg right away because the engine would make this very loud and rattling noise. He said it should be just fine and not to worry about it. My car continued to make this awful noise when I took back to him to get it smogged. He told me that he "couldn't" help me pass the smog test and was quite curt about it. Needless to say I left. I have since passed the smog test with the help of other mechanics in the area but they still are trying to get the timing for the engine correct. They state it was caused by the head job and it is costing me dearly to have taken my car to Monterey Motors Monterey Motors is great for the easy cheap fixes but be AWARE if it's something that takes a good mechanic to fix it. Pacific Motors can't!!!!!! read more

These guys are trustworthy, skilled, and quick. My car wasn't starting up consistently so I brought my car into the shop and Rick looked at it right away. He figured out issue (cracked drive belts) and replaced them same day. Fair prices. Monterey Motors will be my go-to shop from now on! read more