I recently needed an engine replacement and was blown away by the service at Noram Auto. James is an extremely knowledgeable, skilled, trustworthy, and honest mechanic. He got to the bottom of the issue and took the time to answer all of my questions and explain everything clearly, giving his expert advice. My stressful situation was made easy, and I also felt like I was getting a way better price value here than anywhere else. I was comforted to know my car was in great hands and I will be using James in the future whenever needed! I highly recommend! read more

Knows what he's doing, quick and efficient. I requested a pre purchase inspection and it was worth the value

Our Expedition's transmission gave out on a Saturday afternoon while we were on vacation in Capitola. With my son in a wheelchair, breakdowns like this can become overwhelming, but James at Noram jumped into action immediately. He coordinated the tow, lined up the right repair path, and even brought in help from other vendors to make sure my whole family could get home safely. He treated the situation like it was his own, and it genuinely felt like we had a friend looking out for us. James went way above and beyond, and I can't thank him enough. Noram is the shop you want in your corner. read more

James did a great job and had a great turnaround he was able to get my car fixed the day of and order a new part the day of service, alot of auto shops were already booked and it was great to get my car fixed so quickly and will good value. read more

Noram Auto Repair Services has been a staple in our community and in the auto-mechanic field ensuring all our vehicles are 100% safe and ready to go with optimal performance. read more

We were on a road trip and had an issue with our rear backup plate. We dropped in with no appointment and he took the time to look at it. He fixed it in 5 minutes. Very friendly. read more

Jim has been my mechanic for the past 10 years. I go to see him for all of my car repairs. As a person, he is friendly, honest, and trustworthy. As a mechanic, he is very skilled and knowledgeable. I feel very comfortable knowing that Jim is taking care of my car. He never takes advantage. Any time he checks and diagnoses my car, he always clearly explains what is wrong and what steps he will take to repair it. He never does other work that is unnecessary, and always calls me to ask if he should proceed before doing a repair. After the work is completed, the invoices he gives me only show the exact parts and labor that we agreed to. There are never any additional fees or surprises. Also, his prices are very affordable, compared to other auto shops. For example, I went to an oil change place where they said I needed my transmission fluid flushed and replaced and they would charge me $165. Jim performed the same job for me and charged $75 less, so I saved money! I am very grateful to have a mechanic who I completely trust, and know that he always has my best interests in mind. Thank you, Jim! read more

Jim is awesome! He is friendly and honest. He stayed true to his quote which was half of what the dealer wanted for a water pump for our 2006 Toyota RAV4 V6. He uses OEM parts. I highly recommend him for anyone with a Toyota. read more

Outstanding service and trustworthy character. I got a phone quote at 1/2 the dealer price and he was true to his word. I'm going back without any question. read more

I have been going to Jim for a couple of years now. Always great honest service. Highly recommended.

Front brakes needed work (squealing). He stated he was sure it was likely only pads. What about the rotors I asked. "Nah, likely next pad change. These cars are pretty predictable." Jim stated. Went to pick it up and that's all it was. He could have easily milked me and didn't. I also had a clutch I felt slipping a bit. He took it out and stated that yes, it was starting to slip but wasn't too bad and I should be able to get quite a few more miles out of it; I should just keep in mind it will be due within a few thousand miles, gave me a price, and sent me on my way for free. An honest mechanic that charges a fair rate. What a rare bird. Nothing else needs to be said. The only place I take my Nissan. read more

Jim at Norham was a real find! What a true gentleman and knowledgeable mechanic. I took him a 25 year old Toyota that needed a starter (but had other issues), and he confirmed within 2 minutes that the head gasket was starting to go. He should me proof in the crankcase cap to confirm, and ultimately helped me by buying and applying a head gasket sealer product that had helped other clients of his. He also left the investment of a new starter--on a dying car--up to me, and I decided to do the starter and the sealant product and hope for the best. As Jim said, it could buy me a few more months of life from the car. Very honest and overwhelmingly helpful, I cannot recommend Jim and his Norham repair enough! ___________________________________ UPDATE--9/05/17: The head gasket sealant really worked, and my ailing car is still running fairly well ! Jim is doing brake pads today, and was impressed with how well his sealant recommendation has worked out. Highest kudos to Jim and his knowledge and caring (far too rare in modern auto mechanics!) read more

I thought I had reviewed Jim years ago (5 stars of course) but apparently not. Well, just when I thought it couldn't be better, it got even better. I was a client of Jim's for probably 15-20 years and though he wasn't a VW mechanic, did work on mine for awhile. He referred me to D&K, who also ROCK - but that's another review. Jim is reasonably priced, superbly knowledgeable, excellent mechanic and HONEST. He would never give advice or suggest extra work to make an extra buck. I've had new Hondas for the last 6 years so still going to the dealership. Recently I paid off my car and the warranty is up so the issue of an extended warranty came up. I wasn't sure if I wanted to lay out the $1500 for 5 years of coverage so I asked Jim's advice. He said he thought it was a good idea and even for just peace of mind, a fair price. I know he would do a killer job of replacing any one of the covered items and do it for far less than the dealership, but it's all electronic and it's pricey to fix. I agree with Patty W in that the only problem with giving great businesses 5 stars is that they get so popular they hardly have time for everyone. But if they deserve it, what can you do? Now if I can just find a doctor and a handyman half as good I'll be a happy camper. read more

Recently my car seized up and I didn't have any idea of who to call. Based on the reviews of Jim on Yelp I called him. He is everything the reviews claimed him to be He was kind, calming and very knowledgeable and honest about my options with my car. Unfortunately my engine was blown and I had to tow it away but he left such a good impression that I will be sure to call him first if I have an auto issue again. read more

Jim is an honest and kind man, won't try and get you to pay for more than you need. Great work and prices ,I would suggest him to anyone!! Thanks Jim!! read more

Fantastic! quick, honest, affordable auto repair. I thought I was going to have to turn my car over, and was so happy with the repair that Jim did! He charged me considerably less for the repair than I had been quoted by another shop, did twice the work on my vehicle, and now I have a completely reliable ride! Not only have my vehicle back, but so much peace of mind to have found such a gem of a mechanic. This is a service that is rare to find anymore. I'm sold, and won't go to anyone else! Marilyn M. read more

This is just never said about auto mechanics... Jim is very friendly, knowledgeable, fairly priced, HONEST, and HELPFUL. My car broke down and a friend of mine referred me to Jim. Jim did everything he could to assure me that everything will be taken care of in a timely manner, safely and to my satisfaction. He was right on about the issue. He did not try to oversell anything. He showed me the parts he replaced (hole in radiator). I asked him to check out anything that might need to be replaced/repaired in the future---and this would normally be where the mechanic tells you everything under the sun needs to be fixed--- he informed me that I need new tires asap and that my transmission fluid should be flushed in the future. That's it. Tires that he won't make money on and a simple flush of transmission fluid. This is a guy you can trust!! I'm so happy to have found my forever mechanic!!! My car is a 2004 Mazda with 135k miles. I will need him! I've been putting off doing maintenance and repairs because I simply haven't found a good, trustworthy mechanic. I NOW HAVE! Thank you Jim for making me feel safe again! read more

Drove over today to get a second opinion on a steering issue with my car. Jim dropped what he was doing when I showed up and drove around in my car with me to diagnose the issue. After a thorough inspection and explanation Jim assured me that the previous diagnoses was correct and explained why. Great Service! read more

Jim is a conscientious, skillful, efficient mechanic with lots of knowledge and experience. He saw that our old Volvo needed an engine mount and replaced it while he was working on the clutch. He showed me the old parts, charged the original amount plus new parts, and pronounced it drivable for another year! We will definitely return when we need a mechanic. read more

Jim is the best. Absolute integrity and expertise. I never hesitated to recommend Noram to family, friends and acquaintances. He has been servicing our cars for probably 10-15 years. read more

I started taking my cars to Jim over ten years ago after two dealerships charged me over $200 to tell me that they couldn't find out why the coolant in my auto was leaking. On the recommendation from a friend I drove it to Noram Auto and he found the problem within five minutes. He replaced the water pump and radiator core for less than it cost me to find out that the dealerships were clueless, (and much more expensive). I live in San Francisco now and still drive to Soquel to have him work on my cars. I know I can completely trust him and his rates are more than competitive. Jim's completely hooked up on the net to all of the software systems which allows him to find the parts he needs and get the job done quickly. read more

Jim is thee best! My now ex introduced me to Jim, I have been bring all my different cars to him because I trust this man! Even though I am no longer with the dude that introduced me to Jim, I will always go to Noram Auto, for all my auto needs! You rule, Jim! read more

I ONLY use Jim Noram Auto. He saves me at least $100 per job. I have a Honda and the dealer is practically across the street. He is like a hidden jewel! It's not just about price point. He always goes above and beyond and is very honest at how some things can be fixed on my own or over time (as opposed to making me feel like I need to spend another $500 like other places). I have recommended him to anyone even mentioning car problems. read more

Another FIVE for Jim Keeler of Noram Auto. What a guy, honest and smart. He has fixed my '66 Morris Minor, '99 Lincoln Town Car and '07 Forester all with good work and a fair price. Definitely a local treasure!! read more

Our family has taken our cars to Jim over the years. He is honest and does a thorough job quickly. His rates are super reasonable, and we've actually had him tell us cheaper ways to get a job done rather than charge us for him doing. Quality community asset- a great mechanic! read more

Wheel works told me I needed my brakes replaced. Noram told me I had 15,000 miles or more left before replacing! Thanks Noram! He was recommended as a guy who really knows Toyotas. read more

I'm hesitant to write a review because I don't want him to get too busy for me! ;) Actually, I recommend Jim whenever I can and would rate him 6 stars if I could. He's been my mechanic for 15 years and is honest, reasonable and GOOD! He's the mechanic you want to have. read more

Honest, reliable, trustworthy and cost effective! One of the best mechanics I have ever had. My husband and I just moved to Santa Cruz a few years ago and Jim came highly recommended. He has repeatedly given us the lowest and MOST HONEST estimate for work on our two older model cars. Last week, an expensive auto shop quoted me over $1000 for a new clutch. Jim said I didn't need a new clutch, I just needed new hydraulics for it: we were out the door under $400. Phew! I am so grateful to have found Jim and we can't wait to spread the word about his amazing, caring, high quality, individualized service. read more

I highly recommend Jim as an auto mechanic. His prices are very reasonable & he guarantees any work that he has done. When it comes to doctors, dentists, & car mechanics, it is always good to find someone you can trust wholeheartedly. Jim is that guy. read more

After "throwing darts" at the map of auto svc locations I found what I'd hoped for - a small shop with a long history of operation and only positive reviews. After discussing my problems with Jim, he did a quick intellectual and physical assessment of the situation and surprised me with simpler, less expensive probabilities. His diagnoses proved correct and costs were definitely reasonable. He kept me informed by phone of my options, repair timeline and itemized costs. He is willing to discuss your problems before you commit to his service - no bait and switch here. read more

I left Jim at Noram for a few years for a bigger place that always had coupons and was closer to my home. I wish I'd never left. I got tired of never knowing for sure who was working on my car, and being overcharged despite coupons. Jim is wonderful. He's does good work, is thorough, has reason rates and is just a good, honest man. A co-worker recommended him to me maybe 15 or more years ago, and I've recommended him to others over the years. I first went to him after another repair shop told me it would be over $4000 to get my recently purchased used car up to snuff. Jim told me half of what they had recommended was unnecessary or just wrong. He turned out to be right about that and did the necessary work for much, much less. A good man and a good business. I wish him the best. read more

I lucked into Jim's shop after making several calls for repair on my Jeep. He was one of the few who I found would work on Jeeps so went. I never regretted it and kept going back and sent all my friends there too! Jim is honest, trusting, willing to work with you on many fronts and just a great guy! You will not be disappointed! I'm not in Santa Cruz anymore but slept peacefully knowing I had a great mechanic when I was there! He serviced my Jeep one last time before my drive to NY and I made it without a hitch...an '89 Jeep mind you! Thanks for everything Jim and all the best! read more

Fast, affordable, quality auto service. I highly recommended Jim of Noram Auto! He's the kind of mechanic you keep going back to for all your auto needs. read more

Jim is a great mechanic and an extremely fair businessperson. Everyone is looking for an honest and trustworthy mechanic and Jim EXCEEDS these standards. I'd highly recommend him. read more

Jim is honest and a great mechanic. He kept my 13 year old Toyota Sienna running beautifully. I would highly recommend him and the prices are reasonable. read more

Jim's services were recommended to me by a friend and for this I feel blessed . Jim has exceeded my expectations: for routine maintenance and repairs; for advice on what car to get; to diagnose in an expert fashion parts that had to be replaced on my latest used car purchased from someone else. His advice has always been right on. I know that Jim has the best interests of his clients at heart ; I have recommended him to my friends, and I will continue to do so. read more