My previous mechanic, on the other side of town, was nowhere to be found. I asked a buddy in Culver…read moreCity where he takes his vehicles whenever issues come up and my friend mentions Kartek. I was tied up at work, however, I managed to give Kartek Automotive in Culver City, a call, about 6 minutes before they close, on a Thursday. My car had not started that morning, which forced me to pay for a ride to work that day.
I was very impressed when someone actually answered the phone, right before their business hours ended. A friendly, understanding, and professional gentleman, identifying himself as Carlos, took my call and answered my questions. I gave him the make and model of my vehicle, then Carlos gave me some pricing of what I thought the problem might be pertaining to my fuel pump.
Carlos stated that no work would be done on my car until a complete and thorough inspection was performed first, in order to identify the actual issue. I told him I appreciated that. I asked for pricing about a few additional services. Carlos put me on a brief hold, as he ran the numbers and came back with the cost. It sounded reasonable over the phone.
I had my car towed to Kartek Automotive at 5879 Washington Bl. Culver City, CA 90232 Friday morning. I arrived early because I had to drop off my car and then catch a ride to work again. Kartek was still closed. I waited until I saw someone approach their office's front door. The official business hours had not started yet, so I did not want to intrude on their morning routine. I walked over and introduced myself to the gentleman that was opening for the day. I found out it was Carlos. The same person that took my call the night before.
Carlos said he was ready to help. He remembered our previous conversation and understood that I would need to leave for work as soon as possible. He collected some information from me and I gave him a list of maintenance services I was interested in receiving if I could afford it all. I left him my car key and $1700 cash deposit. I was informed that I would receive a phone call in a couple of hours, after my car received a complete and thorough inspection/diagnostics, before any work was done.
Nearly two hours later, on the dot, I received a call from Carlos. He explained that it was not my fuel pump. It turns out it was my starter and a bad battery. He gave me pricing for the repairs. Not cheap, however, reasonable for auto repairs. I asked about the other services I had inquired about and he was already way ahead of me. He had my quotes ready and also disclosed some essential performance and safety repairs that I should consider also. Again, pricing was reasonable. Cars are not cheap to run and maintain. My car is fourteen years old. It is cheaper to keep her. I have a 4-cylinder Civic that saves me a ton of money on gas and insurance. Repairs and scheduled maintenance are just part of the responsibility.
This was my first experience with Kartek so I did not know how this would turn out. I put all of my eggs in one basket, just on the intuitive idea that Carlos was an actual professional, that wanted the best care for my car as much as I did. My gamble paid off and I got my wheels back Saturday and paid my balance. My car runs the best it's ever run before! A shit-ton of work was done, all in the matter of just over one day's time. It's damn near beyond belief! OUTSTANDING TECHNICIANS and top notch customer service every step of the way!!!
They are a cash or Zelle only run business. Expect heavy processing fees if you choose to use anything else. You should know that going in. This place knows what they are doing and they do it all in a timely fashion. If you like prime rib, you go to Lawry's. If you like incredible sushi, you go to Nobu. If you like the best surf & turf you go to Mastro's. You get what you pay for.
If you have a fast-food budget, maybe Kartek is not for you. They use only the best ingredients/components for your car's best possible outcome. The technicians are skilled craftspeople. Kartek is all about detail, quality, service, understanding, and professionalism. True value is worth paying for. Integrity is difficult to find these days. Kartek is truly priceless. Thank you Carlos and EVERYONE that touched my car. THANK YOU KARTEK CULVER CITY!!!!!!!!!!!!