Warning: Scam Alert Rocky Murphy, former owner of Miatomotive, scammed me out of $3,000 deposit to start an engine rebuild that never happened. While Miatomotive is no longer in business, I've heard he plans to reopen elsewhere. If so, I hope potential customers will read this review and think twice before trusting him with their business. In July 2022, I dropped off my Miata for an engine rebuild to address a persistent knocking issue. Over the next 16 months, Rocky repeatedly lied to me about the status of the work. Each month, I called for updates, only to receive excuses and false progress reports. He claimed the engine had been removed, sent to another shop, rebuilt, and returned--only awaiting installation. Yet, month after month, he delayed, citing one excuse after another. The truth became clear in December 2023, when I called and discovered a voicemail stating that Miatomotive had shut down. I was given just a few weeks to retrieve my car before it would be towed as an abandoned vehicle. Upon picking it up, I found that the engine had never been removed. My car had been sitting outside the entire time, exposed to the elements, with the paint severely oxidized as a result. To add insult to injury, I was not alone. Judging by the number of vehicles still sitting at his closed shop--nearly 40 according to Google Maps--many others suffered a similar fate. Rocky took my money with no intention of doing the work he promised. Instead of being honest about his backlog or limitations, he led me on with false promises and outright lies. Had he been upfront, I could have taken my car elsewhere. Instead, I was left with a ruined vehicle and thousands of dollars lost. I wish I had lived closer to monitor the situation, but I was dealing with personal medical challenges that made it difficult to follow up in person. Unfortunately, my trust and patience were completely exploited. People like Rocky Murphy need to be held accountable for their actions. His lack of ethics and deceit left me with no car, no money, and no resolution. I hope my experience serves as a warning to others. Rocky Murphy you're a disgrace to the Miata community.... read more

Rocky's Miatomotive - Rocky'a Miatomotive, Jan 2024 - Auto Repair Near Me - Chula Vista, California

We had a leaking rear main seal on our Miata and we heard that Rocky's was the place to take your Miata, so we gave him a call. William (Rocky) answered and informed us that it would be about 6 weeks before we could even drop the car off. We understood and agreed to bring it in on 08/27/22. I arrived at his shop in National City, met with him, provided my contact information and handed over the keys. After a few weeks went by, I called to inquire about the status to which Rocky informed me that he hadn't got to it yet. I respectfully acknowledged and we disconnected the call. I called again another three weeks after that and he informed me he still had yet to get to it, but had intentions of doing so the following week. (This conversation took place toward the end of the week, and although I cannot recall exactly which day, if I really wanted to I could check phone records.) Toward the end of the seventh week, he called me but I couldn't answer. He left me a voicemail and sounded a bit frantic as he requested I return his call as soon as possible. He also emailed me very shortly thereafter. I returned the call some minutes later and he proceeded to tell me that someone had attempted to steal the car, damaging the drivers side door, rear fender, drivers side mirror, lower trim on the same side as well as the front right portion of the front bumper. I asked him to explain in detail what happened. He proceed to explain that he left the keys in the ignition with the door unlocked, that someone had cut his chain link fence on one side of the facility near the railroad tracks and tried to get it up past a small storm drain inlet / outlet and across or adjacent to the tracks. I asked why he left the keys in the ignition with the door unlocked to which he did not have a real answer. He said he would "take care of it all" and fix my failed rear main seal for free when this was all over. I asked him when he planned on having his insurance company out to evaluate to which he replied hopefully soon. A day or so passed and I followed up with him. He then asked if we could settle it directly without the involvement of the insurance company. Knowing that there was a chance they would total it out, I agreed and connected to him a reputable body shop that I have done business with in the past. The immediately following weekend I went to his shop to retrieve the car and assess the damages. At this time Rocky showed me how the thieves tried to steal the car, that he was moving cars around in the lot, returned to where mine was and noticed it was gone. This is where things get unclear... Was the theft attempt at night? Was it during the day. Did the thieves run? I never quite got an answer to this. I delivered the car to the body shop, they negotiated with Rocky (who I was told provided a down payment for the repairs) and got to work a day or so later. After a few days, the body shop owner called me and informed me that Rocky was unable to proved the remainder of the payment due to losing his wallet and his credit cards getting stolen and being used; that Willian (Rocky) had to go to the DMV to get his license replaced and so on. The body shop owner asked him if he had a company check to which Rocky replied he did not. At this point I contacted Rocky but he didn't answer so I left a voicemail requesting a call back. He did not call me, but proceeded to email me instead with the same explanation he gave the body shop owner, assuring me that he would pay the owner the following week. He did pay him the following week. I then proceeded to inform Rocky that when I picked up the car, I noticed he left it outside in the elements (and obviously susceptible to theft, especially with the keys in the ignition and the door unlocked) when we keep it garaged (as he could clearly see when I delivered in in fine condition). I asked him if he could please schedule a date for me to deliver it again when he can get to it immediately. This was on 11/03/22 to which he replied "I'll let you know probably a couple weeks". I replied with "Ok. Is there any way we can schedule something? I would hate to wait two weeks and find out that the wait continues to remain." He didn't reply, so I followed up on 11/05/22 with "Hey, Rocky. Any idea when we can bring the car back and have work commence same day?" His reply came two days later and consisted of "I'll let you know". That was 11/07/22. It is now 11/30/22. Beware of this individual and his organization. I'll allow you to make your own assessment but I think if you read this entire review, there's a chance it shaped your perception already. read more

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Rocky is the most knowledgeable and honest person I've met in the auto repair business. Bonus- he's right next door to Good-Win-Racing which has pretty much everything you need and they just walk your parts over to Rocky! read more

THE place to take your Miata/Fiat 124 Spider for service. Rocky is the man! I've used him several times for my old NB Miata (RIP) and now for my 124 Spider Abarth. Rocky is honest, does great work and has always charged me very fairly. Very knowledgeable as well. Right away, you'll notice this shop is awesome because there are Miatas EVERYWHERE! Very cool if you're a fan of the cars, whether you like Miata track cars or weekend cruisers. He's also right next to Goodwin Racing who supplies a lot of great Miata/Fiat parts. Today I was having problems with an exhaust install and he was able to get me in same day to solve my problem. Saved me a ton of headache with a broken bolt and a system I was having trouble aligning. Awesome! Anything from an oil change to an engine rebuild, I would trust Rocky's. Look no further. read more

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Rocky's Miatomotive is the best! My lady's 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata finally got put together the right way after Victorville Mazda did a terrible job. Rocky is an outstanding master mechanic with great knowledge and very valuable automotive skills! Thanks to his time and dedication to the Miata's, we are now able to drive and feel safe in the 1991 Mazda Miata 1.6 L. 5 stars customer service and gets the job done right, at the right price! Thank you so much and we definitely recommend his shop! Very respectfully, Miguel read more

I took my latest of three Miatas I've owned to Rocky's for the very first time today. My only regret is not having taken my other Miatas there. Outstanding customer service, exceptional workmanship, and integrity. Rocky's nearly mythical reputation is well earned - thank you! read more

Rocky is such a life saver. He was so decent to me. Makes me realize there are still superior business owners that have true integrity. He got my car running after being out of commission for 5 months with no hope to fix it after already dropping thousands on it due to a hit and run. This man saved me over 1,000 dollars. I would recommend him to anyone, I guarantee you will be in good hands. Thanks again Rocky! My wheels and tires have me on the road again. read more

I started taking my 2012 Miata to Rocky five years ago after getting fed up with John Hine Mazda in Mission Valley. After the first visit I knew I would have no reason to go anywhere else. Fortunately, in eight years I've never needed anything more than routine maintenance and brakes. Rocky has NEVER tried to sell me something the car didn't need. He saves me $$$ by not even rotating the tires if he thinks it's not necessary. His prices couldn't be more reasonable. Since moving to Chula Vista from PB his shop is now considerably farther from me but I gladly make the drive. Now if he would only work on my Mini Cooper also. . . read more

Rocky's Miatomotive - Waiting on the grid at Buttonwillow 2013 - Auto Repair Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Rocky has been the man since I got my first Miata in 2017. It is now a fully tracked prepped ride thanks to him. Always happy with the work and Rocky is a great guy to boot. Can't recommend this place highly enough read more

Rocky has done it, again... My Miata was in need of new shocks all around, a fog light was out, and don't even speak of that meager horn which is stock. Rocky recommended the shocks, the horn, with all tires off replaced the fog lights. In and out as scheduled with A+ results. The drive is now like night and day, so smooth with the new shocks, and no one is going to try to veer off in to my lane again... If you have a Miata, don't even bother to find out how disappointed you will be anywhere else, just go to Rocky. read more

If you have a Miata look no further! You have just stumbled upon the best Miata shop in the state and possibly the country. A lot of enthusiast shops are run by individuals who skimp on the customer service because they know they do tremendous work. Not Rocky! He's incredibly accommodating and provides service to his customers as well as any 5-star hotel. The shop truly is phenomenal. Rocky also does pre-purchase inspections, which if you've been eyeing a Miata or two like me, really is a life saver. The shop is associated with Goodwin Racing so I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the shop is absolutely top-tier. read more

Rocky is amazing! If you have a Miata, do not go anywhere else. His prices are VERY reasonable and he explains every single step. My Miata will only be going to see Rocky -- even for a simple oil change! Thank you for everything Rocky! read more

Rocky Rocks! He kept my '91 Miata alive on a budget until I sold her at 240,000 miles. A+ service, honesty and communication.

Took my car here to be checked for compression, compression test did not match my results or the results of a mechanic I go to. Upon reassembling my coil packs to the top of my engine one of the mechanics backed a stud out of my valve cover while i was standing there. I would never recommend taking a car there, especially a German one. It seems they specialize in Miatas. When I mentioned that the compression test results didn't match mine, "Rocky" snapped, "I've been doing this for 30 years." As if to note that MY opinion didn't matter, even though it was MY car his hands were on. Overall my experience with Rocky's Miatomotive was lack luster and made me feel cheap. read more

Heard many great things of Rocky, so when my clients car needed a new clutch I brought it there. Nice friendly and knowledgeable guy

Larry and Rocky are the best and most honest mechanics I have ever had. I own a Miata and both Larry and Rocky are members of the Miata club also so they know the car. About 40% of their business is Miatas and Mazdas. They have installed a hitch on the back of my car, worked on my supercharger, clutch, etc. They are reasonable but mostly they are competent and know their stuff. Larry is a long time racer so he can help you with that also. They can work on all different cars too. They do their best to satisfy you and always do a great job. read more

These guys are really nice. Rocky & Larry definitely took good care of me. A really laid back environment. I went in there for a pre-sale inspection for my car (a MazdaSpeed3... they said it'd be about $75 but then only charged $40. Rocky has a Miata so he's a Mazda guy, which is nice. There was another guy that came in after I did with a Mazda 3... so I get the feeling this is a favorite place for Mazda drivers. I'd definitely come here again. I trust them. They're nice honest guys. read more

Initial Visit Date: 05/04/13 Follow-up Visit Date: 05/11/13 After reading the rave reviews on Yelp regarding this repair show, I sent Rocky an email to see if he might be able to assist me. I had a piece of door trim from my 2005 Mazda 3 sp23 special edition hatchback came loose when I went through the Costco car wash (I know - shame on me!) and it fell off while driving before I could get it into a shop to be fixed. I didn't want to face dealership costs to replace it so I was hoping by going to a shop that specializes in Mazdas I might be able to get it fixed at a more reasonable rate. Rocky suggested I come down on a Friday so he could take a look at the situation, so I was trying to figure out what time he could see me as I would need to take time off of work since coming from home (Carmel Valley) or work (Poway) would be challenging on a Friday. He then shared that even though he is closed to the public on the weekends, he would be working on a car on Saturday so I could stop by so it would make it easier for me to get there (very accommodating!) He looked at my car, called his connection for parts and quoted me a fair price for the part and labor. He told me he would call me when the part came in. Unfortunately when it came in, it was the wrong piece and when he called the parts place back, he learned they no longer make the piece that I needed - - that will teach me about buying a "special edition" car again in the future! He told me to stop by the next Saturday and he would help me at least plug up the holes where the plastic clips came out that were holding the trim in place so that we could make it look better and prevent water from getting inside the door. He took time out of his day to do this and did not want to charge me anything. Luckily I came prepared - I saw that he enjoys peanut butter and chocolate so I paid him for his kindness with a variety of Reese's goodies! That seemed to work for Rocky. :) If I lived closer I would take my Mazda here all the time. I love that Rocky is so down-to-earth, helpful, passionate about Mazdas and is someone you feel you can trust (especially for someone like me who doesn't know enough about car repairs!) I highly recommend his shop and if I ever have the need for major work on my car, will consider making the drive down again. Thanks, Rocky! read more

Thank you Rocky for your great service and great repair I would recommend Rocky to anybody very honest very knowledgeable

There aren't enough stars to give Rocky. I've been going to Rocky's/Dennstedts for years. I've taken all of my cars there (not just MX-5's) and have always been treated exceptionally well and been very satisfied with the work. If Rocky can't do it then he recommends an awesome specialist. The only problem is that he's so good that everyone wants to take their car to him. Thanks Rocky, you're the best. read more

I brought my 2016 ND here because I didn't trust the local Mazda dealers. My trust was well placed and I am now on a regular oil change schedule with Rocky. It's nice to come here as you get to meet other Miata owners and enjoy the local community of Miata Owners. read more

Rocky's Miatomotive - Early morning oil change. Get here early, they are busy! - Auto Repair Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I've been messing with cars since I've had actual income (and a little before that) and Rocky is one of the most professional mechanics I've seen in awhile. He just exudes knowledge. If you have an issue with your Miata chances are he's seen it before. He actually had a car in the shop for the same issue that I had. If you live in San Diego and drive a mazda he'd be on my very short list of places to go because 1) He's honest. He called before doing any work and my bill in the end came out to be 100 less than he quoted. I realize this probably isn't normal but at least you know he's not going to rip you off. 2) He's very fair in terms of pricing. I had a few things fixed, including a timing belt replacement. I've been to another "miata expert" in the past and he charged 300 more than Rocky did for JUST a timing belt replacement. the other service I had done wasn't exactly little stuff too. 3) He knows what he's doing. Talk to him for 5 minutes and you'll see. If the miata.net/miata club guys (by far one of the more anal retentive car groups I've seen in 10 years of car enthusiast-ing) go to his shop for tech days then you know your car is in good hands. Also Brian Goodwin sends his cars here (if you know miatas then you know Brian Goodwin lol). Enough said. Quick tips: He doesn't have a lot of mechanics so call in and make an appointment before showing up and get a ride ready because there isn't much to do there. read more

Dear Rocky, Thank you so much for helping me put a spare for my tire after it popped off Garnet even though it wasn't a Miata car. Including the fact that you aired my tire, you checked it, you helped me in a quick jiffy with a good spare, directed me where Costco was and was on your way with your lemonade. Hope the tip I gave you as thanks compensated for your lemonade that day! read more

I'm a first owner on a 1999 Mazda Miata, I've had it forever. I've taken it to the dealer and a few other places. The dealer was not able to fix a rear emergency brake issue. Rocky could. Rocky has fixed everything that broke on my car, from the engine mounts to the gas pump. The result is that my car is still a daily driver. Thanks Rocky. read more

Dennstedt's is AWESOME They are Miata experts and they really care about their clientele. Fairly Priced and a wealth full of knowledge. They know OEM as well as aftermarket parts. Don't bother going anywhere else. ^^ read more

So happy to have Rocky as my mechanic! He takes such good care of my Miata, always keeps me updated about what's going on, and doesn't sell me products / services he doesn't think I really need without asking me about it first. He and his staff are all so friendly, kind and helpful. San Diego is blessed to have Rocky's Miatomotive in the area! Thank you for everything! read more

This is my third year of Miata ownership and service with Rocky. He is very knowledgeable and professional and has done many services and upgrades on my car over these years. Highly recommend! read more

By far the best place to bring your Miata for any kind of service. Rocky the one person I will trust to tell me what's needed and how it should be done. He knows every single bolt and nut on these cars and does outstanding job. I've had my clutch replaced there, new master and slave cylinders, clutch line, etc. Friendliest, most knowledgeable Miata mechanic and just fun person. Seriously - this place does live up to the reputation and reviews. read more

Love Rocky.. My late husband told me to always go to Rocky and I always will. He just put a new top on my Miata and it's beautiful..looks like a new car. He puts up with my calls and questions and never seems to mind . It feels so good to have someone I can trust in an area I'm not very familiar with. I can breathe easy because I have someone to go to when I need any help with my cars. read more

This guy is so good with miatas, you'd think he invented them. Larry cares for my car as if it were his own...AND he's honest! He doesn't try to sell you stuff you don't need. An honest mechanic- that's why i drive down to san diego when i need work done on my car. read more

Rocky continues to run a great shop. He is very knowledgeable and explains required repairs and maintenance. The shop has three lifts and lots more room than the old Dennstedt's plus a waiting room. Rocky's specialty is Miata's but he'll work on other cars like my Mazda 3. He shares the space with Goodwin Racine a great source for performance Mazda parts. read more

I found Rocky's Miatamotive through the San Diego Miata Club. My Mazda had a problem passing smog and I wanted someone who is familiar with Mazdas to work on it. Although I didn't own a Miata, he was more than happy to work on my 2003 Protege5 Sport wagon. We set a date to drop off the car the week of Thanksgiving. He gave me an initial quote and would advise me on the phone once the diagnostics had been done. He phone that afternoon, told me the problem and was quoted a figure that I agreed upon. He had to order a part and being the holiday, I didn't expect to get my car back until the following week. To my surprise he phoned me on that Saturday to inform me my car was ready to pick up and the amount was exactly as he had quoted. He referred me to another shop to run my smog test again and it passed with flying colors. Thanks to him, I was able to register my car. He was a life saver. The shop was wonderful to work with. They always kept in touch with me every step of the way and he stayed on budget without gouging me with unnecessary repairs like some shops I have dealt with in the past. Very honest and trustworthy. Rocky's Miatamotive will be the only place I will take my car to. I highly recommend this shop to anyone and will refer other Mazda owners her as well. read more

Rocky's Miatomotive absolutely rocks!!! I moved to SD from NY in the fall after just buying a used Acura in mint condition. When I arrived to Cali, I went directly to the local Acura dealer for an oil change and they gave me a list of all the repairs my car "needed". Now that I'm temporarily heading back to NY I wanted to take care of whatever the car needed to make it across the country. I was suspicious with Acura's list of needed fixes as the car was in great condition before my arrival. Anyhow, a friend suggested I take it to Rocky for a second opinion. So glad I did. Acura was completely full of crap, just trying to scam me out of my money. All I needed was an oil change and my tires rotated. It's nice to know there are still honest auto repair businesses around. I'm sending everyone who needs your services directly to you. THANK YOU ROCKY!!! read more

We always are looking for an excellent repair facility to work on our automobiles. We have had the occasions several times to have Rocky's Miatomotive work on our 1999 MX5 Miata. On each occasion, though the repairs seemed a bit expensive, Rocky came through and did a thoroughlly expert job of repairing our Miata. Finally, I would like to say that at Miatomotive you get what you paid for and in the end it was well worth it to know everything was done right. We also know that in addition to the needed work, Rocky himself checked out our car thoroughly in all other aspects as well. We highly recommend Miatomotive for any Miata enthusiast that wants their car repaired correctly and in a very professional manner................MrG read more

I know Rocky's specialty is Miata's but I trust him with all my cars. In particular I have a 1964 Bonneville Convertible that I inherited from my grandmother. I was recommended by another friend who restores old cars and Rocky has been a god send. I know nothing about cars so it's important to me to have someone I trust. Rocky always takes the time to explain what's wrong and show me the parts that he's replaced. He'll usually give an initial estimate, and then call when he's sure of how much it will be. I also have a 1999 Subaru outback I use as my daily driver. It was having a problem with the lights and another shop told me it'd be 300 to replace the turn signal. I took it into Rocky and he remembered a hidden switch that fixed it right away, no charge, and without making me feel like an idiot. Besides their great work, Rocky's also has an online tracking system that alerts me when I need to get serviced etc but also tracks all the work they've done on the car. Especially with my classic car I try to keep track of everything that goes on with it but this way Rocky just enters the info directly to the computer and I can access the account online. I love using my I-phone to monitor maintenance on my '64 Bonneville. read more

Had some trouble with my car - Mazda but not a Miata -a while back and took it in after checking by phone if that would be okay- did a very good job and had I evaluated them then it would have been 4 or maybe even 5 stars. Guy seemed nice, paid him, and thanked him. So here several months later car starts acting up with clearly different problem. Called but went to voicemail, so mentioned how pleased I was before and what car seemed to be doing and could I bring it in? No response. Called again second time after waiting about 9 days since for all I know, they're on vacation but AGAIN no response. Finally on Monday - at least 10 days since my SECOND call - probably 3 weeks since my first, I'm over off Hotel Circle having breakfast and within a mile of the restaurant thought the car was going to stop on me - so while my friend is ordering, I step outside and this time leave a message where I say I've called twice before - was really pleased with first repair, haven't heard back but now car is REALLY worrying me and would someone PLEASE just call me back and let me know if they could see my car again for the type of 'symptoms' it was showing? 4 days later - again NOTHING. If you can't take two minutes time to call back an established customer, who complimented you, paid you immediately for your prior work, and who clearly wants to use you again - then WTF? But here's the good part - I only waited these 4 days just to see if I got a response to my third more desperate message before posting this review. That morning I knew I couldn't wait to get the car fixed unless I wanted to find myself stranded somewhere. I really tried Rocky's originally because they are so close to my home, and had great reviews here on Yelp, but that morning 4 days ago on Hotel Circle South while I'm NOT enjoying breakfast while worrying what to do, it occurs to me how close Hine Mazda is - so go take a look at THAT review.... read more

Larry and Rocky took care of my Miata for many years. They were very honest about their work and always made sure I was happy with their service. I did everything from oil changes to an engine installation and I wouldn't hesitate to go back. read more

Rocky is great. I set up an appointment to install my coilovers on my new Miata and the install went by without a hitch. Suspension work always takes a while, but Rocky got done in a reasonable time. He is also very knowledgeable in all things Miata. He showed me the ins and outs of installing the suspension in my car and the little tricks to ensure a smoother installation. Rocky is a great guy and easy to talk to. I wouldn't trust anyone else in the world with my car except for Rocky. If you own a Miata or a Mazda, you owe it to yourself to take your car to him for repairs or installs. read more

Rocky not only knows and fixes miatas better than anybody I ever heard of but he will also guide and help you fix your own if that is your hobby. More than a few times I have stopped by his shop and he has taken time to explain or show me how or what to do for my mazda. I recommend him whenever i can and will use him when a job on my miata is a bit to big for my skills. Rocky thank you so much. Nino read more

Rocky is a car Guru and nice guy. Miata master and I see other cars like Midgets, kit cars, or your 4 door daily driver. If you want to make your car a little more fun, next door to Goodwin Racing with lots of goodies or if you just have to fix something this is the place. Get your car fixed here and head down to the beach afterwards. read more