Elmer Sweetwood & Sons Auto

Nice team! Sam and the guys did a great job on my Suburban on Tuesday. Taking it back today for electric motor repair on my window. Prompt service, and they do what needs to be done. My parents used the shop back in the 60’s and 70’s. Now I know why…

I have been receiving very nice color brochures from this business so I decided to give their service a try. I have been looking for a reliable mechanic for my auto service. So I made an appointment for 8am for an oil change and I arrive for my appointment and the garage was locked tight. There was a mechanic there waiting for the business to open also. So when there was not anyone there sometime after 8am I decided that this is not a reliable mechanic.

I was referred to Elmer Sweetwood by a friend who does regular business with them. They were extremely helpful, quick and affordable. I will be a regular customer. They noticed my back brake light went out and he fixed it for me as well. The one thing I noticed is they don’t take advantage of females. I observed an older woman come in needing some minor things fixed (some cosmetic) and they took the time to go out and buy a special part and didn’t charge her for it. They were really sweet and helpful to her. She was also very appreciative and had a lot of nice things to say about them. It reassured me that I was at the right place. Thank you Ray and Sammy.

We began using Sweetwood and Sons after moving to the area 6 years ago. Initially, it was the great coupon prices that got our attention. Before too long, however, it was the caring staff and the honesty with which we were treated that kept us coming back. The fellows know us by name and we have come to feel like family. Sam, the manager, and Brian, who no longer works there, saved us on so many occasions. Raymond, who works the front desk, Mike, Mikey, Dale, and the other technicians who have worked on our vehicles, are caring and conscientious in their work. I only know that Sweetwood and Sons will continue to get our business! I highly recommend this repair shop!

Amazing customer service!!! Thank you Raymond and Sammy. Always on point with what needs to be done. My car and I thank you for all that you do!!!

My husband’s truck needed a new starter and these guys did a fantastic job. They not only did the job quickly and did a great and careful job, but they charged considerably less than the dealer. Sam is the manager and we will recommend him and this business to all our friends. Excellent experience. thank you!

The worst auto mechanic. They cheated me out of my money. I went in for a simple oil change, brought in my own oil, they charged me more money than advertised and said that it cost them more if I bring in my own oil? I argued with a very large man that has a beard that works there. I said don’t you make more money if I bring in the oil? he said no it cost him more and charge me $ 50 more for the oil change. He also charged me way too much than he had said he was going to charge me on some other items. MoveOn/​beware/​don’t go to Elmer sweetwood & son on sunshine in El Cajon

I came in here for a pre purchase inspection and the staff was more than helpful. Very fast work and great price for the inspection that covered many details. The inspection helped me lower the price on the truck I bought which in the long run saved me more money.

Excellent alternative to dealer services. Been taking my Ford Ranger there for a few years. Very satisfied with the service. The building looks old but that tells you there is a long running success story here. Recommend for all of your automotive and truck needs.

Dan has been going to Elmer Sweetwoods for at least 30 years. I’ve only been going to them for 8 years. They have always done a fantastic job on our three cars. Great service and friendly people. Never had a problem!

I had always taken my car to the dealer before I found Sweetwood and son. These guys are professional and more personal. They are up to date on things. I drive a diesel and they were so familiar with things. I say give them a try, save money and support a local small business.

I came here for a smog check on my lunch break. They took care of my car immediately and I was out of there in no time. The person who helped me at the front desk was very nice and had great customer service. I was out of there for just over $ 50. I didn’t have a coupon, but I found out they do mail out offers to El Cajon residents. I would definitely come back.

I love this place! The customer service is always amazing and the prices are fair. The technicians do a great job at explaining to you what needs to be repaired in layman’s terms and provide you with cost effective choices. They are honest and work with your budget! I never feel like I’m getting ripped off when I go to this place! Thanks Elmer sweet wood!

Great people! Always busy, which is both a good and a bad thing. Wish they had free/​discounted re-​test for smog though.

THIS IS NOT HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE…
So my mother in law buys oil changes in advance from Elmer Sweetwood and Sons, many years ago. She loves this place and has been taking her vehicle here for longer than I can remember. We have even tried to talk her into other places closer, but she always insists to visit her favorite shop.
Keep in mind that these pre-​purchased oil changes are now several years old. My sister in law attempted to use one of these prepaid oil changes last week. This person who was on duty refused the oil change. That is bad enough, but he actually tossed the coupon back at her.
This employee should not be dealing with customers. There is a better way to handle the situation of someone presenting a voucher that you do not know how to handle. It is a prepaid oil change, with no expiration date. It should be still valid in 2020 if we so feel like it.
So she was charged $ 20 for the oil change. After years and years of dedication, we were charged for an oil change that was paid for years ago. I can only hope that this was a fluke. I am certain that Elmer Sweetwood does not need $ 20 to piss off a loyal customer of many years.
I hope the owner will see this and right the wrong…

I was provided with excellent service at your garage, and I truly appreciate it. I am pleased with the professional manner in which your mechanics performed my brake service. You have definitely gained a new customer.

I wouldn’t take my car anywhere else… PERIOD!
I love these Guys!

I received a a brochure for this company in the mail. It was easy to make an appointment. When I walked in the man on the brochure was the man who helped me! He even signed my coupon. Honest, reliable, knowledgeable and very personable. I will service my car here again. The price is right and the service is wonderful!

Sorry, but I think the two one star reviews are from whiners… just my opinion. Over the years I have gone to many shops and this is by far my favorite. My timing belt broke and my mom had actually received a flyer/​coupon thing from them in the mail and she told me to take my car here. They have free towing on major services which was extremely convenient and they offer credit free financing. David is a very nice, honest, straight up guy. My mom and I went in and we never got the feeling that any of the men working were chauvinist pigs. I’m really not looking forward to having any major issues with my car, but if I do, I’m not dreading finding a mechanic to go to because hands down, it would be this shop.
So…“do yourself a favor” and stop wasting your money elsewhere. Buuuuut, if you’re a dingbat and know absolutely nothing about cars and want to blame them for your incompetence, go elsewhere. I’m sure they don’t need your money that bad.

Been going there for years, and refer all family and friends. They are the type of family owned and operated business that does things the right way.