Finally a good Mechanic! I found Steve's autoshop on yelp and I am extremely happy that I did. I took my '99 Subaru in to him thinking I was going to pay atleast 500 for tune up and walked away with the exact quote that he handed me, $100. He even fixed my rear view wiper for free when an alternative mechanic said it would be atleast 900 to fix. Nice, honest and I am looking forward to bringing my car into his shop for the rest of my time in Novato. read more

I first took my car to Steve a few months ago for a transmission fluid leak. Even though he mostly works on Japanese cars, my Geo Prizm was essentially a Toyota. He diagnosed the problem quickly and charged a great rate. Then, last Monday, the white smoke billowing out of my car signalled something ominous. No we did not have a new pope... The only good part about my car breaking down and dying completely on the 101 was that I at least knew it was being towed to the nicest and most trustworthy mechanic in Marin. He knew it was bad when the little blue carcass was dragged to his shop. He kindly told me he would look at it anyway, and he called with the diagnosis. He waited an hour to make the call because he hated to deliver such a rotten assessment. After breaking the bad news to me (the Geo had of course overheated and was DOA) he even called a salvage lot for me in case I was unable to sell it for parts elsewhere. I was able to sell the car on my own and get a brand new Corolla S. I will definitely be taking her to Steve for all maintenance. His integrity in helping me through the loss of my car earned him a loyal customer. P.S. He offers a gas credit for all referrals, so be sure to grab some business cards from him. read more

Steve is a knowledgeable, honest mechanic who offers fair prices and provides excellent service. Who knew that this type of auto mechanic actually existed? I went to Steve based on the other Yelp reviews and I was not disappointed. Steve explains exactly what the problem is in understandable terms and does not up sell you. He completed my work order on time and for a fair price. He then advised me about future work that I may want/should have done for safety reasons. He then saved me a lot of money. Almost immediately after my service visit with him the check engine light turned on. Oh no! I stopped by Marin Honda while I was near their location and they told me that I needed to replace the catalytic converter, at a significant cost, so I called Steve again. Steve told me to bring my Odyssey right in and his computer also confirmed that there was an emission fault reading. BUT, instead of trying to sell me new equipment, he told me that the Honda Odyssey's computer was notoriously finicky when it came to reading emissions and that the catalytic converter did not need replacement. Instead, Steve made a few adjustments to the "system", told me to drive my vehicle for 20 miles and then have it inspected immediately, before the light went back on. It passed the Smog Test with flying colors, in fact the emissions were very low, and so it is a computer programming sensitivity issue. Now that is "expert knowledge." Thank you Steve! read more

You can all check my reviews. I DO NOT give 5 stars to ANYONE. PERIOD. But Steve deserves it. He is honest, detailed and goes the extra mile for you. If you have a Japanese car, don't go anywhere else. read more

My car had an intermittent problem where it would shut off as I was driving it down the freeway. It was not an easy problem to diagnose, but Steve said he would try to find the issue. I dropped my car off and later that afternoon before he was about to go home my car shut off on him and he was able to figure out what was causing the issue. He called me and told me he would start working on it the next day. Steve fixed the issue quickly and provided the best experience I've ever had with a mechanic. He was quick and thoroughly discussed the issue my car was having along with explaining to me other issues my car may have in the future because of the age and amount of miles on the vehicle. It's been about 2-weeks now and the car runs great. After I picked up the car, Steve called me a couple days later to make sure it was running smoothly. I was really impressed by the fact he called. His follow-up service was wonderful and definitely sold me on all of my future auto care needs! Thanks Steve! read more

Any of us that own a car do it. We seek the unicorn of mechanics - honest, reasonable costs and skilled. Did I mention honest? Those of you that own Japanese cars (other brands too but you will have to check with Steve), which is a great many people in Marin County, I personally believe I have found that unicorn. Quick, thorough, informative and honest...a true stand up guy, which we all know in our times is very rare. For example - My check engine light was on and this was due to a vacuum valve or leak issue. The staff member that worked on my car thought it could possibly be a third party gas cap so they replaced it. When the service was complete, Steve told me about this and I let him know that it couldn't be as I had just purchased an OEM gas cap to try and resolve the "check fuel cap" message I was getting. Steve looked into it, agreed with me, and when I came to pick up my car, gave me the cost of the cap back IN CASH and, when next I needed a service, or the check engine light came on again, he said he would do a vacuum check for free. The car ran great after the service and the attention, fairness and obvious honesty I received has earned my well deserved patronage. Thank you Steve, so grateful! read more

Wow I thought I found a good shop when I read these reviews then I went in today and was even more pleased Steve is honest and exact about his work I drove 35 miles just to use this shop and I'd drive 3 times that distance for the service Steve gives he quoted me the best price in all the north Bay for my 10k mile service and it ended up being even cheaper then he said I gave him a tip we didn't discuss and he called me after to tell me I gave him to much this guy is super honest and best of all he did all the work in less than 45 minutes I'm never taking my car anywhere else and if you're taking your car anywhere else you're a fool Thanks again Steve I'll see you next time read more

We've been bringing our vehicles to Steve for years and his shop is the best of any around by far!! RELIABLE, HONEST, AFFORDABLE! Good people!! We are so fortunate to have someone we can really trust to keep our vehicles running smoothly. read more

Steve rocks! He's a great guy and runs a great garage. I've been bringing my two cars to him since...I don't even know how long it's been, but it's been 6-7 years I think, and one of my cars is a '99 4Runner, so it's getting long in the tooth. It needs TLC sometimes, and Steve has always steered me right. Because he knows I don't drive it a lot, he's even recommended maintenance that I NOT get at different times, because it would be unnecessary, which has saved me quite a few bucks. Taking your car to Steve's would be the smartest thing you could do for your car this year. I've taken my cars to him at least 15 times over the years, and I've never left disappointed or upset. Just do it. You won't regret it. read more

These reviews are so right on! Steve is honest and really knows about cars!! I had a weird sound coming out of my car and I took it to two people before Steve looked at it and no one really knew what the problem. One person said that they needed to go into my engine and find out the problem and that was gonna cost me a lot just to take it apart. When I took it to Steve he just looked at my engine, figured what the problem was, and fix it for super cheap!! He was even more considerate to look at my radiator tube thing (ya, I forgot what it was called) and saw that it was rusting and changed for me! HANDS DOWN THE BEST MECHANIC IN MARIN COUNTY! read more

Very nice and helpful. Steve didn't actually fix anything on my car, but he did a quick and free evaluation and discovered that it was something to do with my exhaust so he simply referred me to Jay's Kustom Exhaust & Mufflers.(My experience at Jay's the next day was great.) Steve seemed like a very honest, very straight up nice guy. I told him I'd bring my car in next time I needed an oil change in 3,000 miles, and he advised me that since I do a lot of highway driving (I commute from SF to Novato) that I didn't need to bring it to him until 5,000 miles. He said that 3,000 is sort of what the oil change places tell you as a general rule, but in my case I'd be wasting my $. That's a sign of an honest mechanic. When he tells you to wait to bring in your car longer than you at first offer. Definitely will go back whenever I need any mechanical services. read more

Steve's extremely helpful, always ready to dispense advice and suggestions before you get on the hook for $$$. Quite knowledgeable and often tries to figure out the least expensive and troublesome path to resolving your issue. He'll also let you know right away if someone else is better suited to doing a particular type of work! How many repairmen do that? He was very helpful with my girlfriend's car on a couple of occasions and assisted in determining a problem with my Mazda Tribute recently (turned out to be a simple matter). If you want honest, direct and no-nonsense help with your car servicing needs, Steve's Auto Care should be at the top of your list. read more

Steve has bailed me out time and time again. He always fits me in, his prices are fantastic, his service is impeccable and thorough. I have a Honda with 250K miles on it and it still runs because of him I wish more customer experiences were like this. K from Novato read more

Steve is great! We had a Honda that was stalling sporadically - of course never when Steve looked at it. No problem, he actually kept the car for a week and drove it to and from work so that he would be able to figure it out when/if the stall happened again. I'd say that goes way above the call of duty! He is very honest, dependable and reasonably priced. He even gives roses to the ladies, which may be a bit cheesy, but super sweet all the same! read more

Is there such thing as an honest mechanic left in this world? Yes. Right here. Lets just say that I won't be taking my car anywhere else for a long time for any reason. Steve was amazing. He was prompt, very helpful and helped me with my car. Simply awesome!!!!! read more

My experience with Steve was professional and courteous, and his assessment and repair work were spot-on. He was up front about having a busy day, but was still able to squeeze in my car for repair. My friend has been going to Steve for over 25 years! A trustworthy mechanic, I will be using Steve's Auto Care for years to come! read more

It was my first and only time at Steve's when I had a very strange problem with my 2003 Civic. Steve knew exactly what it was from the get go as he'd worked on 4 cars that had it. I was worried because the transmission light was on. That's never good. But Steve knew it was the cam shaft sensor. A potentially massive bill was tolerable. And he got me out of there in a day. All the staff was great. Upon coming back to Steve's I was once again impressed with the service. What I thought was going to be a $200 bill was $50. Service was fast and effective. What's not to love? This is the place for Honda repair in Novato. I'd send my own mother to Steve. read more

Very helpful to me when I brought my car in to Steve's Auto care. I have been there several times. It is so refreshing to find a nice and honest mechanic because everywhere you go someone is is trying to rip you off. I will differently bring my car in again to someone who genuinely pleasant . His quoted price are what he says they are. read more

Steve quickly discovered my problem was with my catalytic converters and it was something that he needed to refer out. He went above and beyond what any typical mechanic would have done! He called someone he trusted to do the best work, negotiated a deal, drove the car over for me, picked it up when it was done and even payed him in advance for me (I was working). Steve called me through every step of the way. What a GREAT guy!!! I can't thank him enough. I will be back and am referring everyone I know w/ a foreign car. I loved him so much I "tipped" him $50 today. He is too kind and didn't even want to charge me. I think not! He deserved every penny and more for being a fantastic middle man! :) Thanks Steve!!!!!!!! read more

Not only is Steve a fantastic mechanic, but an amazing person as well who goes way above and beyond what is expected of him. Five stars is nowhere near enough in rating Steve and his business. I cannot rave enough and, in the future, will never buy anything other than a Japanese car. read more

My local Honda dealer had diagnosed more CR-V as needed a great deal of work, from flushing the transmission, brake and power steering fluids to swapping out my tires, battery and rear brake pads. The prices quoted reflected the oversize infrastructure they needed to support. Steve was recommended to me; I called him and he very kindly fit me on a day when he already had a full schedule. Not only is he very friendly and willing to spend time explaining issues in clear language, he thoroughly checked my car, carefully explained where Honda had misdiagnosed several expensive areas, and charged me significantly less than Honda would have for the work he performed. Thank you, Steve. You have a new dedicated customer. read more

Steve is very competent and honest. He does not recommend work that is not needed. I have taken both my Japanese cars to him. He stands behind his work. He takes the time to explain the work that needs to be done before he does it, so you have a chance to agree with his proposal or not. His work is completed on time and on budget. I took my Nissan Maxima to Steve after another garage said I had a number of items that needed attention. Steve looked over the car and said that everything was in good shape and no work was required except for topping-off the engine coolant and he did not want to charge me for the coolant or the inspection. I insisted and gave him $20 for his trouble. He saved me a lot more than $20! read more

I have never, in all my years, experienced the incredibly excellent service I received at Steve's this week. More importantly, is the amazing level of caring and sensitivity Steve displayed. He went way above and beyond the norm to help me and get my car working again. I wish I could give more than 5 stars! read more

Okay, you might wonder why an auto mechanic is getting 5 stars. It's no mistake folks, Steve's Auto Care (Mr. Steve Lite) is the real deal. No only will you get excellent service to your vehicle, you will get a honest explanation for work performed on your car. He is fair, competent, and fast! Steve and his lovely wife are diamonds in the rough! You will walk away feeling blessed that you found such a wonderful business to work on your vehicles. read more

I have been going to Steve for about 5 years for service and repairs to my old Lexus SUV. I TOTALLY TRUST STEVE AND ALWAYS FIND HIS ANALYSIS AND JUDGMENT "SPOT ON". Recently I heard a grinding noise from the rear and feared the worst i.e. differential. Steve thought it might be brake linings etc. and he was right. He is the best and I will always go to him as long as we live in the North Bay. read more

Steve was absolutely wonderful when we contacted him about a random battery drain in our Acura. He fixed the the drain issue (a rogue Bluetooth system) and had our battery replaced as it was also old & needed replacing, and only charged us the cost of the battery. FAST FORWARD A YEAR: Our battery started to do the same thing- would be dead every morning when we went to start it and we contacted him & he saw our car within the hour at no charge. He couldn't find a cause for the drain so he replaced the battery and returned the old one on warranty, again, at no charge to us. On top of all of this, he contacted us a week later to make sure it was fixed and we weren't experiencing any more drain issues (we hadn't. It was perfect again!) and said to call if we have any further issues. He stands behind his work and offers amazing service. I highly recommend! read more

Steve is fantastic! Very reasonable pricing and he was super flexible with my schedule. I was in the process of changing my name after marriage so my week was crazy. Steve was always very nice and able to tend to my time. Novato Toyota was going to charge me $150 just to clear the blockage in my a/c drain which was causing my passenger floor mat to soak up. Steve only charged me $20 and got me out of there within 10 minutes. I was supposed to get my fender well installed for my driver's underside of the car as well. I was worried that Toyota would try to over-price me, and I trusted Steve after my first visit so I had him install it. Came out to a reasonable price with the service fee and price of the fender well. I would definitely recommend Steve. His wife Miriam is also a very sweet lady! Now I know where to go locally for any car issues I may have! Thanks a million! :) read more

Big fan of Steve. Thorough but also always looking for ways to save me money. Recommend!

This review is long overdue. Steve's Auto Care is the place in Novato to go for HONEST and affordable car maintenance and repair. Steve has done required maintenance on all our vehicles for several years. He has also done brake jobs and other periodic repairs for us. When I am looking for an honest assessment of what work needs to be done and in what priority, I can ALWAYS rely on Steve to give me the right answer. He wants what is best for my vehicle which translates to what is best for me. Give him a try, I bet you won't be disappointed! read more

I called twice to make sure they specialized in subarus and the answer was YES! I wanted an expert. When I went in for the oil change, I was waiting in the parking lot. Steve came to ask me if I wanted synthetic oil or the cheaper regular oil. I said I wanted what the car required. He said "some people don't care" After a simple oil change, my car started getting 6mpg LESS. I reached out to Steve to talk about it and investigate. He was hostile and rude out of the gate, yelling at me: "you were standing in the parking lot the whole time, you saw what we did!" I'm sorry, but standing 20 feet outside a garage does not give me privilege as to what exactly was done. Well then my oil light came on. . . . so he agreed to look at it today. Again insisting it was nothing they did, topped off my car with oil and gave me my money back for the oil change so I could find a new mechanic. He now says he hates subarus and does not know how to work on them and that the only reason he gave me money back is so I would not write a bad review. I did not agree to not write this honest and very dissappointing review. DON'T GO HERE! read more

I came across Steve when I killed my battery outside my daughter's dance class. I walked over and asked if he could give me a jump. No problem. Jumped my car and refused to take payment. The next time I needed an oil change I brought my Honda over to Steve. I was prepared to pay more than I usually do at the 10 minute places. Not only did I not pay more, I paid less! The best part.... I wasn't upsold on things I did not need. I have been taking my car to Steve's ever since! Completely honest, knowledgeable and a great demeanor. read more

If it weren't for Steve's Auto Care I don't know where I'd take my Subaru Forrester to get it fixed. At Steve's every customer is treated like family. I'd recommend coming here as long as you have a Japanese car, or a Hyundai. I can vouch that your expectations will always be met or exceeded. read more

Everyone is really wonderful and very kind. Steve is really accommodating and always really good with his quote. If the price changes, he calls ahead so that you don't have to come in and waste time if it doesn't work with your budget. Overall, I'm so glad I found this place. read more

I have been taking my cars to Steve to service and repair for several years. I first knew that Steve not only provided the most excellent car service but was more than fair in his estimates of my car repair needs when he told me that I didn't need to do an extensive repair that I thought I should have. He has done an excellent job of keeping our older but beloved cars running in the most reasonable manner. There's no mechanic that I would trust or recommend more. read more

I can't say enough good things about my experience here at Steve's Auto Care. I took my car in for a routine oil change and Steve alerted me to a potential problem with my transmission. I was still under warranty and was able to saves thousands of dollars on a new transmission. He is thorough and cares about quality service. I have returned for more maintenance and again was very happy with the service I was given. They are honest, friendly and knowledgable. I'm so happy to have found them. Steve's wife works at the front desk and she adds a charming and friendly face to this already wonderful establishment. You will not be disappointed in the care you receive. read more

Best mechanic and totally honest! Greatest combination you could ever hope for in anybody, and especially in a mechanic. I would recommend Steve to anybody with a Japanese auto... Thank you for your many years of work on our cars! Hopefully many more. read more

A truly great shop especially, but not only, for Japanese cars. Can highly recommend Steve based on over a decade of reliable, dedicated service and attention to detail. He's taken great care of vehicles owned by myself, family, and friends. Have shopped his quotes around and can confirm he is always fair priced and provides very comprehensive options, and tech info upon request, including when to wait because the service interval isn't up yet. read more

Took my car to my regular mechanic who kept it for 1/2 day and couldn't find my gas vapor leak. Talked to another mechanic who wouldn't even touch it. He sent me to Steve. Talked to Steve on the phone and explained the problem. He asked a number of questions and then told me not to bring it in but to go buy a new gas cap for $30. I did. Guess what? Problem solved. I'm impressed. And he's obviously high integrity too. I liked his wife on the phone too. Very nice enthusiastic person. read more

Steve is a great mechanic I have been using him since I arrived in the north bay 8 years ago. He was recommended to me by friends as well as satisfied customers. He has maintained my vehicles flawlessly. He offers affordable rates and service that beats the competition hands down. Last time I was in I noticed he had a crew and his lovely wife a very welcoming and great addition to the team. I was a little hesitant about leaving him a Yelp review only because I'm afraid to let everybody know about my great mechanic. But he deserves the shout out. "Steve you're the best!" read more

Excellent honest service. Steve keeps my Honda Pilot well maintained for over 7 years. I appreciate all his expert advice and ability to get my car in for service in a timely manner. read more