TriStar Auto Body & Paint

Had some damage on my front bumper. Walked in and spoke with Sonny Choi and he examined the damage and gave a very professional assessment.
He was able to show me what the damage was and explained clearly what they were going to resolve the issue.
The work was done very quickly and in an area that was very visible, so that I could see what was being done.
Mr. Choi was very kind and his staff were helpful and professional. The price was more than reasonable for the work done, and he even gave some helpful hints of some body work that I could do myself without taking it to a shop.
I was recommended to this shop and would definitely go back.

Several months ago, I had a car accident and the left front headlight was badly damaged. I took my car (Lexus LS400, yr 2000 model) to TriStar. The owner of the shop explained that perhaps the insurance company might treat it as total loss becaus at least 4 different parts were affected and Lexus parts are so expensive.
He allowed me to park my car in his parking lot for several days and helped me by calling my insurance agent to speed up the process. While I was in his office, he gave me very helpful tips about what to do in case the insurance company approves the repair and also in case they treat it as total loss. It turned out that I had to accept the insurance company’s offer for total loss.
During the meeting with the staff members of the TriStar, I found out that they were very professional in dealing with their customers and try their best to help them. When I asked for information about used car dealers nearby, the owner took time to give me a list of dealers and helpful tips about buying a used car.

This review is about a year old as I’m just getting around to it so it’s pretty much for Lawrence and the team he had behind him at the time at Tri-​star. I don’t know if they are still there or if they went with to his new shop but he’s worth following in my book. I came here like it seems everyone else has because of the reviews for Lawrence. He exceeded my expectations and I can’t say enough good things. His attention to detail and customer service is impeccable. Not to mention the quality of work was flawless.
I came in for an estimate and brought my car back the next day to have the work done. No time was wasted. The side of my Lexus F-​sport 350 was backed in to and aside from the fender repairs, smashed door I had a pearlescent paint job that apparently needs to be feathered and much care in blending the damaged area to match the rest of the car. As mentioned it was flawless and I’m a detailed oriented person. Insurance companies usually make body shops use whatever parts they can to save money and Lawrence was able to get me original parts for the same price when I know other shops would have used the cheapest material to make the most money. Lawrence is a smart biz person and the kind I like dealing with as he works for the big/​long term picture and not the quick bucks. I’m also a huge fan of great customer care and this all went off without a hitch, no stress and even involving my insurance company which is rare. Taking what is a bummer and stressful situation and making it completely painless… who could ask for anything better? Never thought I would enjoy having my car hit.
I had referred this place to a friend recently ³⁄₁₅ and found that Lawrence had left but happy to see some reviews that he is somewhere to be found as he’s a guy to keep in your automotive roledex. I’m hoping I don’t have to see him that often (in a car accident only sort of way) LOL, but when I’m in need next, he is worth the few extra miles I will have to travel. I’m sorry for the guys left behind at tri-​star (as your work was perfect) but you are behind the scenes and it’s the customer service that drives your excellent workmanship. I’m assuming Lawrence will have another spectacular team behind him!

Took my car here for some body work they said it would take about 10 days to complete the job, well it them over 3 weeks and did a terrible job!
When I returned they were very rude then finally redone the job. I should have taken it to a nother body shop.

My Porsche Boxster had a scrap on the lower front fender. Sonny did a fantastic job and charged less than half of the dealer’s quote. Great job, many thanks.

I came by looking for Lawrence after reading all the great reviews but they told me he had left and has his own shop in Orange now.
Signature Autobody
975 N. Batavia St. Unit D
Orange, CA 92 867

I came here mid last year after reading Unilocal reviews to try and find a place that would fix the giant scrape I gouged into a rental car. I only had a few days to fix the damage that was pretty extensive before I had to return it. There were deep scrapes about two feet long that went down to the metal. Lawrence was professional, courteous, overall these guys did a great job. I paid out of pocket so I can’t speak for insurance companies covering the work, but for what they did, it was a good price.
The work was amazing. AMAZING. I felt so sorry that it was a rental car I was paying to fix because the work looked better than before. Brand new, seamless, smooth, paint matched p-​e-​r-​fectly. The damage ran over the quarter panel, back door, and the passenger side door handle. The paint was slightly pearlescent too so that match had to be good and they got it spot-​on.
Too many people only leave reviews when a place is bad or gives bad service… I give credit where it’s due and these guys get a whole lot from me.
Excellent work AND excellent customer service. I just wish I could afford to bring my own car here for some custom work.

Lawrence the owner is a great guy it’s not about money with him. He does a great job and is honest about everything.
Lawrence keep up the great work, I appreciate all that you did for my son’s car!
Blanca

Browsing through the reviews of others for TriStar as I write my review speaks volumes for the sediments that I hold for them, particularly for Lawrence.
Lawrence is highly recommended for a reason: his work, his character, and his integrity is above par in every capacity.
From the very first moment I talked with Lawrence, his knowledge became evident through his thorough and intelligent assessment of my vehicles damage.
When I came in, I was immediately greeted and helped without any delays.
As my vehicle was being repaired, Lawrence took the time to answer my many questions about himself, his work, the processes that he implements, the history of his business and the family that has run it since the early 80’s.
It was clear from that conversation that Lawrence is someone who holds the utmost respect and care for both his work and the people he works for and with.
This not only impressed me a rare quality amongst the many businesses and people that I’ve worked with over the lifetime of my driving, but made me realize that Lawrence is someone that I can trust to be fair, genuine, kind, skillful, generous, and above all, honest in his words and actions.
The culmination of this was proved through the work completed on my car, and the ways in which it was done. I couldn’t be more satisfied than I am now with Lawrence and his work, and will not hesitate to come back, and recommend others.
Thank you Lawrence.

Found this place here on Unilocal,decided to bring it here after seeing all the good reviews. However they are not a Mercury authorized repair center. After speaking with Lawrence, I new I wanted to bring my BMW here. After waiting 2 weeks, due to the dealer not having a fender, I finally got my car back. Paint blend was good, but had over spray all over car and a couple chips in the new paint. Took it back and they said they would take out the over spray and re-​due the paint chips. Picked it up 2 days later, paint was fixed and when I felt the upper paint work, it felt ok. Next day when I went to wash it, noticed they didnt remove any of the over spray on the lower half of car, GOD DAMMIT!!! Well Instead of going back for a 3^rd time, I took it to a detail shop and paid 220.00 to polish out the over spray and wax it… I WAS OVER IT!!!
Will

TriStar is the place to go for excellent service and auto body work. I needed to replace the cracked and unsightly driver’s side mirror on my Solara. In order to save money on the part, I purchased an OEM mirror which was black, so I needed it painted to match my car’s cosmic blue metallic finish. I found TriStar on Unilocal,and I’m really glad I did. They painted the part for a reasonable price, and it was finished the next day. They installed the mirror and it looks better than new. I am very pleased. Lawrence was very helpful, as was Sonny. It’s a no frills office, but they offer great customer service and reasonable pricing.

This place is the absolute BEST when it comes to service and quality of work. Lawrence knows what he is talking about, honest and can give you a quote in in a timely fashion. Whether your auto body repair is small or big, I would highly recommend this shop.

Tri-​Star is highly rated for a reason… these guys are honest and professional. I choose to have my damaged vehicle towed to Tri-​Star because of their favorable rating. They were responsive and treated me with professionalism at every step. Please don’t hesitate to trust them with your repair!

Just like everyone else can not say thank you so much Lawrence!!! I had brought my girlfriend and her car here after seeing feedback on Unilocal,and Lawrence was honest and took time to explain everything and all the steps that would go through with insurance and shop. We felt so comfortable with him and seeing how he took care of everything and car looked great when finished. Do not be fooled by appearance of shop it is the quality, speed, and communication that matters and this shop does all that correct.
Now I will be visiting shop again for my own car and repairs needed to it.

Brought my vehicle in for a minor paint job on my front bumper. A friend recommended this place and I could not be any more happier with the results. Lawrence is a car enthusiast and knows how it feels to have a damaged vehicle. Lawrence took great care of me and did a fantastic job restoring my bumper. This place will be my go-​to place for any future paint jobs or body work.
Thanks again Lawrence and team!

I am impressed by Sonny He is very professional and knowledgable.
He gave me a good quote for fixing my car.
I still have not decided to bring in my cay yet, BUT I am very comfortable with Sonny’s suggested service.
I will definitely recommend this place to my friends.

If you’re looking for a reliable, attentive, and trustworthy place to get high quality work done on your car, this is DEFINITELY the place to go. I recently got into an accident and my insurance company recommended me to one of their preferred shops. However, I was truly disappointed with their customer service and decided I wanted to find a better place. So I looked on Unilocal,found Tri-​Star, and decided to check them out because of their excellent reviews.
As a female, it’s very hard for me to know who to trust when it comes to cars because I know very little about them and I’m not sure if people are really trying to help me out or take my money. From the reviews, Lawrence seemed like a trustworthy guy so I contacted him and explained my car situation. Not only was everyone right about Lawrence as he was extremely helpful and patient, he was also very thorough and explained everything to me so I could understand all my options, the entire process from start to finish, and the various costs. I felt like I could trust him so I decided to leave my car with Tri-​Star. Not only was the service great, but I was extremely happy with their work because when I picked up my car, it was IMMACULATE. I actually think it looked better than before my accident! I even got a discount on my deductible, so I was super happy about that :)
Thanks Lawrence and Tri-​Star! I feel great knowing that I have a trustworthy place to go to for all my auto body needs in the future!

Normally I do not write reviews unless I feel the need to make sure others know about a place. Lawrence was the most amazing person I have dealt with in a long time.
My truck for keyed /​scratched pretty bad, Lawrence proceeded to put down his lunch and come out and talk to me. He gave me a couple options he explained to me that if I wanted it to look perfect it would cost 600+ because the panel needed to be re-​painted, but if I wanted he would try and polish and touch it up as best he could for a fantastic rate.
In about 10 minutes the scratch was basically gone, and Lawrence was the man!
If I ever need paint and body work Tri-​Star is the place to go no questions asked. If you are looking for a place that is honest and the guys have integrity and know what they are doing look no further!

Honest good people.
I called inquiring about a full body paint job. I have been researching for hours! The man on the phone recommended I call back in a half hour when Lawrence returned.
I called back, and thank god I did!
Lawrence, I can’t thank you enough! Although they do not normally do full body work (as it is extremely labor intensive), Lawrence did say they COULD, but it would be a costly job. Lawrence gave me a full run down of my options (both at his place and others). He explained the common procedures of a good body shop vs. a bad one. He listed a few brands I should ask for when calling around, which would be a good reason as to why the prices may be higher since they are higher quality paints.
He even referred me to another guy in the area, but warned that it would be expensive because it is GOOD QUALITY WORK…
I understand now. :) He was so patient and generous with his knowledge, despite the fact that I had so many questions for him to answer. He didn’t seem to mind one bit, and just seemed honest and down to earth.
Unfortunately, I cannot afford to get my baby hooked up by the incredible Lawrence, as my vehicle is hardly worth as much as the job would cost.
However, this business deserves a full 5 star rating for exceptional customer service. Lawrence, you are a good man. I cannot thank you enough for your insight you’ve shared with me. Thank you!
If you are thinking of coming here for minor body work, let me just say, I don’t know of any other business I would trust more. Without question, I would definitely come back here if I’m ever in need of minor body repair. :)

In addition to Tri-​Star I took my car to two other body shops to get some comparisons – the first gave me a slightly higher quote, and the second gave me DOUBLE the quote! Needless to say, I returned to Tri-​Star and have used their services several times since. Lawrence is always very up-​front and personable, and is willing to offer helpful suggestions if you’re on a budget, as well. Highly recommend!
EDIT ¹²⁄₂₀₁₄ — I recently found out that Lawrence has moved on from his position at this business. Bummer!