Guan’s Auto Service

Just moved to Toronto and found this business through Unilocal.I am very picky when it comes to auto shops and many other service businesses, as many get a bad reputation. I did my research and I had a great experience so far.
Day 1: Made an appointment and my car was looked at during the allotted time. Derek explained and showed me everything he thought it could be — oiled up some parts that may be a concern. Price was GREAT — $ 41.99 for a diagnostic rather than an hour rate like many other shops charge. He was friendly and explained things and was personable.
Waited a few weeks and the sound seemed worse. He gave me a quote on parts and labour and I was pleased with the prices. The parts were much more affordable than other shops and they were the same quality and brand — he doesn’t over charge for the parts — you pay what he pays. ie. other place, 2 of the same parts were $ 300 each, where here I got 3 parts (there’s 3 arms for the tires, I wanted to change all 3), for $ 475 total.
Waited again to make sure, then the noise got even worse and had to just change the 3 parts. Called on a Saturday, made an appointment for Monday. Went in, he ordered the parts. I left to drive the car and try to activate the noise (my noise wasn’t constant, only showed up after a while of driving). Came back in about 2 hours and the parts were already there. His supplier is local and sends them over asap. I left my car there around 12noon and by 4pm (same day) I was able to go back and pick up my car.
Only 1 – 2 days to fix my issue at a reasonable price and with great service. He explained in detail what he did with my car and showed me my old parts so I knew what the issue was. He also wanted to make sure the right parts were changed and he wasn’t doing any unnecessary part changes unless they were needed.
This is a smaller shop so they only take on what they can handle — they don’t overbook their customers like many other shops do. (If you want to see what shop not to go to, check out my profile).

When I first called, Derek asked me about what was happening with my car over the phone before telling me to head in. I had redone head gasket and timing belt, but the car wouldn’t start. Turned out it was something small, that I hadn’t primed the fuel since it had been disconnected for a while in the middle of winter. He was patient and very helpful. He’s supportive of DIY work especially since he took the time to explain what was wrong and I learned something new.

Was having trouble with my brakes in October. Now I usually have my car serviced in Kingston, but was not going to drive there with bad brakes, so I took to Unilocal,found this well reviewed place close to where I live, and decided to give it a try. Called them up to make an appointment and after hearing what the issue was, they offered to get me in the same day! Instead, I dropped it off the next morning. The owner called me midday to tell me what needed to be done, and give me a quote, which I felt was quite reasonable. He also gave me a couple of different alternatives re: parts, and told me what he personally recommended (the cheaper option). The following morning I picked up my car. The work was all done, was shown all the old parts, and the price was exactly what I was quoted. All in all, an excellent first experience and I will definitely go back for future service!

Don’t want to give him a 5 star review because I’m afraid that people will flock to my mechanic Derek and then he won’t have time for me. But he is the most awesome mechanic, hands down. The Only mechanic I know of that will guarantee his work and give you a warranty !!!

Rarely write reviews, but i basically needed an oil change +safety test done + investigating my check engine light. I checked a couple of places near by and all the prices were very high. I found Derek on Unilocal and read the reviews and everything else was history! Great person, his workers are very nice and the price and the quality is top notch. He’s my mechanic from here on out!

Called in for some advice we received regarding importing our car to the US. Very friendly and helpful service and genuinely interested in helping out.

Took my employers car in for service and a lock issues. Had new locking mechanism installed and way under what I thought it would cost, based on 10 years working as a used car sales person and having seen anything and everything be fixed. I have never met a more honest mechanic then Derek, and the shop is in great repair, the other people that work there seem very happy. Location is great. Service out of this world! Very impressed.

Derek will let you know what you should prioritize. He makes sure that the job is done right and always priced right!

I’m searching for a new mechanic so based on the good reviews I thought I’d try Guan’s. Simple job– belts slipping, need tightening. When I dropped in, he said he could get it in in about 45 min, which was fine, so I left it. He called about 75 min later to say the vehicle was ready. Excellent! When I went back and checked, the belts were very tight, so far so good. Then I saw all the cutesy «Thank you» messages on his whiteboard– looking great. Then he says, «I’ll only charge you 90 bucks,» says it like he’s doing me a favour. This is a 20 min. job.
When I said, OK, you can charge me that, but I won’t be back, he started saying that the mechanic took almost an hour. As we talked, that moved up to «over an hour.» (Note the time line above.)
So I’ll keep looking for my new mechanic.

Derek is a really good guy. If you have any car troubles, take your car directly to Guan’s Auto Service!
He takes the time to show you what’s wrong with your car and is honest and reliable. Plus, when you take your car in for a routine oil change, his guys do a safety check on the car, each and every time. He can often do same-​day appointments if you call his shop.
People often say it’s hard to find an honest mechanic, but it looks like I found the needle in the haystack!

Honest shop, reasonable prices, and fast turnaround time. Derek has also not charged me for small things here and there, for example checking why my engine light was on and resetting it when it was just a computer error. My only gripe is that he will sometimes do other things and then add them to your bill without asking you, and then tell you over the phone after the fact when he calls for you to pick up your car. The cost is minor but they are usually minor things that I would just rather do myself. He’s done this with things like replacing light bulb, topping up windshield wiper fluid, etc.

As new residents of Toronto, we tried Guan’s Auto Service based on how close it is to our house. I can’t say enough good things — they are thorough, honest, and excellent at explaining what might be wrong and fixing it.

Fast, friendly, informative, and affordable! Derek always explains all options for repairs. Great location as well!

I brought my daughter’s Toyota Sienna there to have the car service. It was fast and reliable. The owner explained what was done and the price was very reasonable.

Fast, honest and helpful!
I’m usually cautious about auto repair shops because I’m a girl, and short, so usually people try to hustle/​mislead me. Annoying to deal with a lack of trust when you’re just trying to get your precious car fixed.
Guan’s was really fast — I pulled up and was able to be out of there easily within 15~20 minutes. I had gone to another place that speculated it might be a problem with brakes — but Guan’s was honest and let me know it was just a damn plastic bag stuck to my exhaust.
Folks were friendly and amenable. I appreciated being explained the process and what was wrong, even being encouraged to take pictures so I could document what happen!
They even diagnosed an issue with my tires that I hadn’t gone in there for or been aware of!
Glad to finally have a good auto service place close to home. Absolutely would recommend!

I recommend this garage. Derek will determine the problem and make sure you understand your options. And once the work is done he’ll even show you the old parts. Very good garage. I almost don’t feel bad having spent $ 1,600 today!
Thanks,

Its a joke and they are lazy. I wouldnt trust my car there, better mechanics for cheaper downtown.

Honest. Reliable. Guans is the place to go to fix your car. Out whole family goes there now.