I know this is my second 5 star review but honestly I wish I could give more stars! Thank You Danny and the entire team for your help in keeping my 2011 car running so well. If anyone out there is looking for an outstanding team to take care of your auto needs, a team you trust and have confidence in, then go to South Coast Auto first! read more

I've been going to these guys in Costa Mesa for the past 12 years. They're the most honest mechanics on the planet. They literally try to save me money when I need to get any repairs done. They're highly skilled, won't try to upsell you, and always do a fantastic job on time. Ask for the owners: Sal or Sam, won't be disappointed. read more

Very happy with the service. Shop sourced machining of head gasket and replaced the cooling system. Car runs a dream. Highly recommend for any serious repair. Thank you! read more

I've taken my car here twice for two different reasons during two different times of the year and they've taken care of me each time without hesitation. Before taking my car here I've gone to "low-cost" auto shops that had me returning very often. Ever since I've taken my car to South Coast I can confidently say, my car experience has improved significantly. I haven't gone back to an auto shop in MONTHS. read more

did not catch the name of people who helped me, but i was squeezed In, in short notice, they helped me out so much when I was only able to provide a small amount of information. And very affordabl. great service definitely recommend read more

I needed a battery replaced & they did it in less than 24 hours with great service. Would recommend

They get the job done promptly. They don't up charge their services. You can tell they enjoy their work. Updates on vehicle are timely. I will always take my vehicles to them. read more

Great doesn't even begin to describe South Coast Auto Clinic. I have been going there for over 20 years even after I moved further away from them. Sal and Sam (the owners) are honest and simply the best. Being a woman I have been taken advantage from other shops more than once. One time in particular a shop told me I needed $3,000.00 worth of repairs. Thankfully I said no and went to SC whom informed me it did not need to be done. I drove that car another 100,000 miles before donating it. I trust my car with them 100% and will never take it anywhere else. Did I mention their prices are great also --- read more

I've been coming here for over 12 years. They're honest and have fair pricing. I've brought my Toyotas and Lexus here. They only recommend what needs to be fixed or serviced. Even if they don't normally do a service, they will try to help. They're quick to communicate before they perform any service. This is the way cars should be maintained. Amazing people and amazing business. I won't be going anywhere else. read more

This used to be my go to place but the overall quality of the work has declined. 2022 will be the last time I recommend or take any vehicle to this place. It's become a huge inconvenience of repeating repairs. Everything was fine before the pandemic for the most part. I guess the best mechanics moved on, I don't know the owners are nice guys. I agree with the cons thats been posted. I've moved on and found a new shop and put them to the test. I didn't have to return to complain about any repair issues less than a week later. Money well spent and my family is SAFE. read more

I took my car in for inspection in the morning, and was out by noon. Josh worked on my cars valve cover gasket, and I couldn't be happier! Does not leak under 27psi of Booost! Thanks guys @ Auto Clinic! read more

South Coast Auto Clinic - Thanks again! - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Sam was really kind and helpful when I had a problem with my car and he fixed everything for a fair price! Would recommend my friends and family to here. read more

PROS: Sal and Sam are both friendly and honest guys. CONS: Failed to thoroughly and/or properly diagnose the issue with our cars on several occasions the past few years. This has resulted in unnecessary costly repairs on top of having to leave our cars there for several days. OVERALL: Still the same nice guys up front, however it seems like the quality of service is no longer there. Not sure if they lost some of their mechanics but the service we paid top dollar for in the past appears to now be on par with the cheaper mechanic shops. read more

I brought my car in 10 minutes before closing time. The problem? I, the ultimate genius when it comes to car troubles, didn't want to deal with the aggravation of getting a fix-it ticket if I ended up driving around with my girlfriends tonight. DUH! Who wants that?! I walked in and Sam and Steve offered to take a look at the problem right away, no questions asked. I didn't get the disgruntled "Nah, we're closing in a few minutes, bring it back tomorrow". That would have broken my heart, seriously. Now girls, y'all know this feeling. (insert Halleluia music here...) What a relief, right?! Steve made it look so easy, popped the trunk open, disassembled the brake light housing and popped a new one in! Looked like outpatient surgery to me so hey, indulge me. This thing's been bugging me now for a week. Told ya I was a genius! I feel so much better now knowing my car's brake lights work like a charm. Ladies, I found a GEM! They're so nice and friendly! Great location too, it's right next to a motorcycle store. You can't miss it from Red Hill. Look for Steve! He's the one with the sense of humor that will make you snort while you laugh. Tell him I sent you, will ya? It's so rare to find exceptional customer service nowadays, and people like him deserve our business. read more

I initially came in kinda nervous but my cousin reassured me that they were nice people and she was totally right! Super sweet and helped me with my car issue so quickly. Would definitely continue coming here :) read more

Sallll is the best! Had warned me about things that would happen to my car and lo and behold it did lol. Nonetheless, he's honest and trustworthy and that matters when it comes to service especially your car! read more

VERY SLOPPY WORKMANSHIP! You MUST question everything they tell you! First of all, I'm using my wife's Yelp account since I don't have one. Do not go here if you have even the slightest care about your car. I've now gone here four times and the last two will be my final two. I take a lot of pride in both of our cars and have always kept them in top shape. I've typically taken my wife's Lexus to the dealer for service but since it only needed an oil change I figured SCAC could handle it. I received a call shortly after dropping it off for a few additional "recommended" services in addition to the oil change (spark plug replacement, rear diff fluid change, brake fluid flush, and transmission fluid change). I agreed to all but the spark plug replacement. After reading the owners manual of my car, it clearly states that this has a "closed transmission system and therefore the transmission fluid does not need replacement"...ever! I'm not sure how they replaced it on a closed system or why they would recommend something that the owners manual clearly says not to do? You must question everything they recommend! Now on to my last experience. My alternator was going bad on my FJ Cruiser, which I had personally tested and confirmed before I brought it in. I am mechanically inclined and could have done it myself, but quite honestly didn't feel like it and was willing to pay someone else +/- $150 in labor to do it. They quoted the cost of the new alternator at $360.00! When I asked why it was so expensive, there was no valid explanation. I had already shopped for one the day before and let SCAC know that Tustin Toyota had them in stock for $244.00 for the exact same spec alternator. I also found the same spec alternator (OEM Denso) online for $170.00. They said they would check with another supplier and call me back. Within one minute I received a return call that they could get the same spec alternator from a different supplier for $255.00, which I agreed to (still pricey but not worth arguing anymore). They replaced the alternator that same day. After picking up my car and driving home, my Check Engine Light came on after about 10 miles so I decided to take it back to SCAC the next morning. Upon my return, I showed them the CEL and also that the mechanic failed to reinstall the plastic cap that covers the main power wire from the alternator (I knew it was there when I brought it in since I just saw it the day before). He said he would check with the mechanic to see if they could locate the missing cap, but to this date I never heard back that they found it or replaced it (nor have they offered to buy me a new one). This forced me to buy one myself from Tustin Toyota. It's concerning when a mechanic fails to reinstall all of the parts you had on your car to begin with! If it broke or was lost during the process, I get it, just tell me that you broke it and need to order a new one! I also noticed they failed to reinstall the in-line fuse holder back in the mount when they disconnected the battery. That's not a big deal but just shows sloppy workmanship. As for the CEL, they plugged in their computer and saw some error codes, but rather than offer to diagnose the code they said they would clear them in the computer to see if that solves the problem...nope! After leaving and driving about 10 more miles, the CEL light was back on. Rather than take it back it back to a place where my trust was diminishing, I decided to find the problem myself. I hooked up my own OBD2 scanner and retrieved the error codes and was able to research possible causes and narrowed it down to a problem with the Purge VSV valve. I was prepared to buy the $60.00 VSV valve and replace it myself, but wanted to do a visual inspection first. Wouldn't you know that the vacuum hose that connects to the VSV valve was completely removed which is what triggered the CEL from the beginning!. This VSV valve is located directly above the alternator, so it was most certainly pulled off during the alternator replacement, but never reinstalled (they are held on by clamps so there's no chance of it falling off by itself). Thank god I didn't spend hundreds of dollars more with them to try and diagnose their own poor workmanship! On a final note, they don't use any protection over your fenders when working on your car, so there was grease and dirt all over my drivers side fender when I picked it up (and I just waxed it 2 days prior) I don't expect them to wash my car, but at least protect the car when you work on it! Between the missing parts, very sloppy installation, and lack of response to these open issues, I will not be returning here again. To those people who believe this is a "fair", "honest", "trustworthy" repair shop, think again, you are being fooled. read more

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I just cannot say enough about Sam and Sal! I was having a horrible day yesterday and not knowing very many people in orange county I asked for recommendations on Facebook for a place that could repair my brakes. Lo and behold two of my clients referred me to: South Coast auto clinic. When I first called and spoke to Sam not only was he kind but he also beat the other two quotes I had received. Took my truck in this morning by 9 AM and I was out the door by 10:30 AM. Cannot recommend these guys enough and they now have a lifelong customer... Thx You Thx You.. P.s they were even dog friendly..:-) read more

South Coast Auto Clinic - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I had my car repaired here once years ago and still have fond memories of the experience. I had my car towed here by an outside company and asked for the tow charge to be added to my total bill. They pointed out how the tow truck tried to overcharge me $10 and made sure I didn't have to pay that. I explained my problem with the car and, while they couldn't replicate it, they had a pretty good idea of what was wrong since they've seen it happen in cars like mine. I haven't had that problem since so they definitely knew what they were talking about! I also lived outside their courtesy car drive zone but the lady made an exception and dropped me off. Wonderful place and excellent service. read more

I called South Coast auto clinic needing an emergency repair and they were so kind to take my car that morning and look at it and fix it that day. Of course there are some problems that require more days to fix to order parts but all in all these guys are highly recommended. I will be bringing my car here from now on to be repaired and looked at and taken care of. I am so happy with South Coast auto clinic. The guys at work. They are great to talk to friendly and funny they're just easy-going so I do recommend customer service is fantastic. read more

I've been servicing my precious 2007 Honda S2000 here for 17 years. Needless to say, I highly recommend these folks. Sam and Sal have been fantastic. The quality of the work is impeccable, and they have been able to source Honda OEM parts for me consistently which is something I very much appreciate. On a couple of occasions, vexing problems with the car presented themselves and these guys went the extra mile to track down the source of the problem and solve it. The car runs like new today in no small part because of their consistent and expert care. read more

Had my 1994 GMC Safari here. It was running a little rough. Sal and his team listen to me when I explained the issues, they took the time to thoroughly check out the car, and they made her run better than she'd ever run before. Unfortunately, van was totaled shortly after. Bought another van, took it straight to South Coast to have them take care of the issues with my new to me van. Communication was great. Value was great. I trust their opinion. Will bring my cars back here. read more

The BEST SERVICE and CUSTOMER CARE we have ever experienced. The staff is courteous, knowledgeable and the cost of repairs are AFFORDABLE! We sincerely appreciate Sal & the crew at South Coast Auto Clinic! M.P. read more

I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. My guys car finally took a dump on him earlier this week. They were kind enough to tow his car and take a good look at it. Instead of feeding us any BS, they simply told us they couldn't fix it. We appreciated their honesty and will make sure to bring our other vehicles here for future repairs. read more

I have been coming to this place for last 2 years and the service has been incredible. Fair price and they do a great job and be upfront with the issues and what it takes to fix. read more

So far, my experience with South Coast Auto Clinic has been nothing but positive! Sam and everyone else I've spoken to provide a great customer experience. The auto mechanic is like the Dentist for me.... Need to go but man I really dread it. But since I have been coming here for my maintenance and car problems, I don't have that feeling of dread of going in because I know that they shoot straight with me and really only tell me what I need to have done. Sure, they make recommendations, but they aren't pushy about it and that's what I love about them! The front desk even offer water, soda, or candy for you! They're located in a non-descript location off Redhill so it is easy to miss. So you know that they must be all through word of mouth or now Yelp (the ratings are pretty impressive). My friend introduced me here and I am really glad he did! read more

Love these guys! Very helpful and honest auto mechanics. I've taken several of my cars here from Honda's, Toyota vans, old Toyota cars, and Nissans and they have always done a great job and charged me a fair price. They explain things so I can understand what they're doing and I appreciate that. They never pressured me to complete service there and always give me options on what is most urgent to repair. Give them a try! read more

10+ years loyal customer (review long over due). After 5 years of going to the local car dealership for my '05 Corolla servicing, I was over it with the high costs, feeling of price gauging and just overall trust. This crew is legit, run a great honest local business where you feel they really have your best interest at heart as if they were in your shoes and that's all you can ask for. They do all types of cars, new, old and very old. Many of the mechanics have been there for years and that says something. Couldn't recommend them enough! Sal, Aaron, Sam and Co. are awesome! Rooting for them to expand to spread their goodness further! TY SCAC! read more

One of our cars are very very old (20 years old) We like to wear them out to the very end because you know those Japanese cars last forever. We've visited multiple times and have been happy with every experience. It is such a nice feeling when you find the auto place that you can trust. They do not up sell you with unnecessary things and are always extremely conscientious. One of our cars had an engine belt issue last year, it was so busy at the shop but they still took my car and quickly assessed it. Aaron let me know that they couldn't take care of it but recommended me to a great place to get the problem resolved. Today, our other car was having starting issues. Luckily it still mustered up enough power for my drive to and from the gym and to the auto shop. Aaron was there to take my car in. Every step of the way they called and updated me. First my battery was drained and then second after some testing for a period of time they told me my alternator needed replacing. He took so much time trying to explain what the problem was to me and was so patient to try and help me understand. I told him I needed to speak to my husband about it. My initial thought was try it out for awhile if it starts doing weird things just bring the car back in. My husband ended up calling back - because he can actually hold a conversation about what is going on with the car. They answered the questions again for him. My husbands thought was he doesn't want me to be stranded anywhere and my safety was of the upmost importance. When I arrived to pick up my car this tiny detail finally pushed me to write this review. Aaron brought me my keys without me saying anything, referred to my husband by name and said that he thought my husband would like to see all the stats printed to see the difference it made to change the alternator. Before battery change, after battery change and after alternator change. Both my husband and I truly appreciate the time and energy Aaron put into putting us at ease and helping us understand what is happening with our car. You want a place you can trust? Go here! read more

My car broke down on the highway and I had to get towed somewhere. A friend recommended this place and I was able to drop it off and slip my keys in a box for the next day. They were kind and repaired exactly what needed fixing. Thank you! read more

They didn't have the battery in stock for a Honda Fit so the guy, Aaron, offered to get one from Honda for me. No alignments here but rotations are a go. Labor runs 47 a half hour but they had a lot of customers when I went in friday morning so seems legit. There's a soda machine by the front desk that has drinks for customers. It looks like it's for sale but it's not. Tip: mention the offer on their website for 10% off read more

South Coast Auto Clinic - Their promos are nail sanders? - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Honest Auto Shop. My brakes were squeaking and I brought it into the shop. He said I still had 50% life left and it's normal. It was no charge at all! I know other places would have just replaced the brakes to make money, but not this place. There's free water. They accept credit cards (Amex Included). I will be coming back if I need anything done! read more

Nice, genuine, honest repair shop. Their prices are fair & they take the time to explain what they recommend. The best option is to plan to leave your car with them while you're at work during the day so you don't have to wait. Thankful for this convenient spot! read more

I forgot to mention that they changed my oil for free when I took it in for the maintenance check. Never go to a lube shop again! The OC Weekly rated this the best auto mechanic shop in Orange County. read more

This place is great! If you are looking for honesty and good mechanics, at least for the Costa Mesa area. Sal and Sammy, the owners always stands by their work. Most auto repair shops will take you for a ride, not this place. They will give you sound HONEST advice and let you decide. Some times they even tell you not to change things unless you really want to. What I mean by that is I tend to be anal about my vehicles and want to unnecessarily change things or fix things when they don't need to be, Sal and Sammy alway stops me from doing that even though they know they could make more money from me. One other service they offer that makes life a little easier is their drop off service. They'll give you a ride back to your work or home if you can't get a ride to drop off your vehicle. read more

I've been taking my cars here for over 10 years. The owners and staff are friendly and most importantly honest. They never push for a service to be done on your car. They carefully inspect your vehicle and provide an honest assessment of what needs to be done on the vehicle. There's no pressure to get anything done and the prices are very reasonable. I always recommend my friends and family to take their cars here and no one has ever had a bad experience. read more

My car was just shutting off while driving it, typically while I was at a stop. Nothing else seemed to be wrong but I wanted to take it in to get looked at. This is what happened. I took it in around 10 am maybe a little earlier then that. The guy at the desk said they would take a look at it and they would contact me as soon as they find out whats going on. I called around 3:25 since I didn't hear anything from them...which is fine, I've had this problem with mechanics before and its typically busy so I understand. He said that the guy took it out three times and he noticed the issue the first two rounds, but he tinkered with it and the third time he took it out it didn't have a problem. They mentioned my battery was low and I may want to change it out. He said it's probably an electronic issue and that they don't do that sort of thing. Which was fine. My boyfriend went here before and there was an issue with his electricity and recommend a really good place to take it to and took care of it. This is why we came here. Hopefully one day if I do need something fixed, it will be something they can do so I can pay them for their kind service. read more

Very friendly and helpful employees here! They do a great job and answer all my questions. This is my go to mechanic!

It's time for me to move on from South Coast Auto Clinic. They are still honest, nice, and trustworthy mechanics. They problem is that they aren't thorough enough. Perhaps a major issue is lack of communication. I didn't know that they don't rotate your tires unless you specifically ask them to do so. I always ask them to check everything out when I bring it in for my regularly scheduled oil changes. I also could have sworn that they used to rotate the tires automatically during these check-ups. I was never told anything about it until I noticed that my front tires were looking worn yet the back ones looked new. If you aren't even going to tell me that my tires are wearing unevenly when doing a safety check of my car, why am I spending the extra money and effort to come here instead of bringing it to some cheapo oil change place closer to home? It was incredibly frustrating to have to replace my tires so much sooner because of the uneven wear when I had believed that they were taking care of this for me all along. If it's not your policy, fine. But you need to be clear with the customer so at least they know. The final deal breaker for me was that after bringing my car in several times this year and complaining of increasing tire noise, I was told that it was just because my car is old, it's road noise, etc. The noise kept getting louder and louder, and I kept mentioning it but I never got a straight answer. It was so loud at that point that it didn't feel safe driving my car. After changing my tires and hearing the noise continue, I finally took my car to a different mechanic who immediately diagnosed it as a damaged wheel bearing and fixed it for me within a few hours. If you know a lot about cars and maintenance, you'll be fine here because they are honest. But if you're looking for someone to really be on top of what your car needs (and isn't that why you bring your car in?), I can't recommend them anymore unfortunately. read more

Thank you fellow Yelpers for recommending this place!!! I've taken mine and my girlfriend's car here a few times and they've been great! Every time they tell me what's wrong with my car, I don't feel like I'm being wallet is being completely raped! These guys are honest mechanics and are very knowledgeable in their profession. I'll definitely be returning to SCAC when my vehicle needs service again. A++ read more