J B Auto Repair

Repair quality is hit or miss. I’ve had good and bad outcomes of repairs performed by J B Auto Repair. In the past, they’ve repaired the suspension and brakes and/​or done routine maintenance on two of our vehicles and other than perpetuating certain myths common to mechanics (like «Change the oil every 3,000 miles» versus manufacturer’s recommendation and my favorite: «Only use Chevron gas because it’s better»), they have been reliable and their prices have been reasonable.
That was not the case when I brought my Ford Ranger in for oil leak (s). Initially, they were going to change the oil pan gasket (a common failure on Ford Duratec engines due to the design of the pan). Ford’s dumb design requires at least lifting the engine and in some cases, removing it entirely. After they removed the pan, they called to tell me that the rear main seal was also leaking and replacing it added $ 200 to the original $ 400 repair. I picked up the truck and drove it home and oil was still dripping off the engine and onto the catalytic converter causing a fire danger.
I brought the Ranger back and told them it was still leaking oil. I also questioned Jim on whether he had applied RTV sealer to the corners, as recommended by many mechanics, including the Ford dealer. Jim told me they didn’t because it wasn’t necessary. Later on, he called back saying the oil pan was warped and needed to be replaced. I questioned this because in my opinion, at that point JB was «shotgunning» the repair (replacing part after part to find out which one was the culprit) but told him to go ahead.
Jim called back a few hours later and said he thought they may have fixed the problem by re-​tightening the bolts for the pan and had cancelled the order of an oil pan. I again picked up the truck and drove home to find oil was still dripping on my driveway and the catalytic converter was still smoking.
At that point, I decided I’d had enough and took my Ranger to El Cajon Ford. They diagnosed the problem by cleaning the engine and adding a dye to the oil (which I doubt J B did since when I looked under the truck after both service attempts, the entire underside of the engine and much of the transmission was caked with oil and dirt). El Cajon Ford replaced the rear crankshaft main seal and the oil pan gasket (using RTV at the corners as required), and the transmission input shaft seal.
After driving the truck a couple of days, there is no evidence of any remaining oil leaks. I’m happy with the final result but disappointed that I paid JB $ 600+ with nothing to show for it except a receipt from El Cajon Ford for more than twice that amount.

I was not a customer but I was trapped in the parking lot for 20 min because their truck blocked the entrance. Thanks for making me and my friend late because their truck driver carelessly decided to block the only parking lot entrance/​exit even though there was plenty of space to the side. A line formed and we all waited. This did not look like a once only type of thing. How stupid can you be?! You can’t just block people in!

These guys are great. Very honest owner named Jim. Great auto repair shop. They repair transmissions too! Thanks guys

I have been going to Jimmy for over 20 years (apparently I buy crappy cars). I would never go to another mechanic. He is a rare breed because when he fixes things, they stay fixed. He never lies, never overcharges and never screws around. He gets things done quickly and inexpensively. He is a rare mechanic with integrity. I recommend him to everyone.

Fair, honest and friendly are not key words that you would typically use for an auto repair shop, but at JB and In-​Line auto is no other way to describe them. Wonderfully pleasant men with beautiful smiles :-)

Auto repair is usually a major headache. Is the diagnosis correct? Is the estimate reasonable? What kind of parts are they using to quote me the low price given? Will they actually install those parts? JB Auto leaves you with none of these negative feelings and questions.
At J B auto repair I have had nothing but the best service. At this family owned repair shop You get clear and careful explanations, honest help, and great prices. Carlo will make sure your well taken care of. I can’t say enough about this place!