RAE An Automotive Service Co Inc.

Ramona, United States

3.7

Closed now

10 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 760-788-4913
Website:
www.r-a-e.com
Address:
415 9th St, Ramona, CA, 92065
Categories:
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Today

Today 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Closed now
Local time (Ramona) 11:27 PM Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

AAA Facility since 1997, Smog Checks, Smog Repairs, Computer diagnostics, Electrical diagnosing & repair, Tires, Wheels, Brakes, Alignments, Factory Scheduled Maintenance, Engines, Transmissions, Differentials, Timing Belts, Water Pumps, Performance, Custom Fabrication, Air Conditioning, Tune ups, Drivability problems, Diesels, Oil Changes, Custom Exhaust.

History

Established in 1996.

Randy Waitman looking to provide Ramona with the very best in automotive repair & maintenance, founded RAE in 1996. Bringing with him over 30 years of automotive experience. A current ASE Master Technician & Master Machinist Randy brings a wide range of skills to bear on the maintenance and repair of your vehicles. Having created a maintenance & repair program for a local company, after growing to over 150 vehicles and equipment that operated on a daily basis. Maintaining a strict budget and records Randy learned how to make the most of every repair that not only kept the vehicles on the road but also maintained a very impressive safety record.

Meet the Business Owner

Randy W.

Business Owner

Randy Waitman looking to provide Ramona with the very best in automotive repair & maintenance, founded RAE in 1996. Bringing with him over 30 years of automotive experience. A current ASE Master Technician & Master Machinist Randy brings a wide range of skills to bear on the maintenance and repair of your vehicles. Having created a maintenance & repair program for a local company, after growing to over 150 vehicles and equipment that operated on a daily basis. Maintaining a strict budget and records Randy learned how to make the most of every repair that not only kept the vehicles on the road but also maintained a very impressive safety record.

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10 reviews of RAE An Automotive Service Co Inc.

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Place rating: 5
Lakeside, CA
This place is the bomb. Excellent customer service, great computer system to track your car’s history, nice people, great coffee, super friendly staff, and — they fix stuff right the first time. At RAE — customers will feel confidant their vehicle is properly diagnosed, inspected, maintained and fixed if necessary and ready to take on the next challenge; whether is taking the kids to a soccer game or towing your RV to parts unknown.
Thanks Travis
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I’ve lived in Ramona more than 3 decades, and I have never had luck with any mechanics in town, until RAE. I have a place down the hill I’ve taken 5 vehicles to during my life, but car troubles locally took me to RAE unexpectedly, and I’ve been a customer of theirs ever since.
My boyfriend’s car (Toyota) has had a transmission replaced, and my car (Mercury) has had spark plugs, headlamp, alignment, and now 3 oil changes. I don’t know what was behind other low star reviews in the past — but what I can tell you from my experiences is, the service is exceptional, and work has been top notch. Vicky has been super friendly at the front desk, always up front about pricing, options, and timelines — and their crew and owner, VERY clear about vehicle conditions and diagnostics. No one has ever taken the time to explain details like this to me in a way that makes sense, and has explained how some things can be delayed safely if costs are a concern.
I am sure that they are not the cheapest in town. But I know that cheap, especially in our town, is NOT what I want. I drive daily up and down the hill, and I want to feel safe and secure in my vehicle. I don’t want to second guess the work. These guys (and gal!) I trust, and I plan to keep being a customer of theirs for many years to come. I highly recommend them.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
This place is awesome! The technicians are all certified and very knowledgeable. They have great customer service and are easily located in Ramona. They are the only AAA shop in Ramona. Which makes them the best shop in town. Randy knows more about cars than anyone I have ever met. And he is one of the most honest caring man that I have ever met. Thanks for all your help! My advice would be «to go to R.A.E. first before going anywhere else»! Just ask for Randy. I guarantee you will be glad you did.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
So I was having trouble tuning up a restoration project, older chevy that had been in storage for years and I brought the car into to RAE to see if they could help. Essentially needed some diagnostic work. I did not have an appointment but they took the car in anyway. Randy helped me and he was very knowledgeable with regard to the car. Didn’t actually fix anything but he did point out all the problems, mostly vacuum leaks, and set the timing and carb. A good experience, very professional and knowledgeable. Price could have made this a 5 star review but all in all very happy with the experience.
Place rating: 1
Ramona, CA
This place is awful. They could not figure out the problem with my car and then charged me $ 300.00 for it! They were rude and unprofessional through the entire experience. Save your money and go somewhere competent.
Place rating: 5
Long Beach, CA
We were here the other day due to unforeseen circumstances. Our family was camping in nearby Palomar Mtn State park when our van barely made it down the S7 and it died. Triple A along with a wonderful CHP officer got us to RAE (27 miles from where we were). They were called ahead by the tow truck driver and told our situation. They got us in immediately upon arrival. Travis and I think her name was Vickey (front office) were so nice and sympathetic to our situation. After a quick diagnosis it was determined the alternator was bad. They were able to get the part and install in about 2 hours, maybe a little less. Price wise I think we were lucky with that as well. I was so surprised with the price of labor. Usually the labor is as much if not more than the parts. So grateful that they were open and ready to take us. We had a 2 ½ hour drive home so they knew how important it was for us to get on the road. If we lived in the area RAE would definitely be our go-​to mechanic. So Randy, Travis or Vickey, if you read this THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Place rating: 1
Ramona, CA
I had my car towed to rae for an alternator replacement while I was at work. After the car arrived they quoted me $ 680, 480 part 90 labor 90 diagnostic. I told them this was too much, that an alternator costs $ 250. they told me to pick up my (non-​starting) car.
I was charged a $ 90 fee for rae to do literally no work whatsoever. I had to jump my car and drive it down the hill with no instuments or lights.
I took the car to a mechanic down in poway and got it fixed for a total of $ 340 ($ 250 parts 90 labor).
RAE tried to charge me double what that simple job should have costed.
RAE will ripp you off with a smile. Avoid RAE like the plague.
A little over a month after the incident, I received a call from RAE. They refunded the $ 90 fee. It’s a case of too little too late I’m afraid.
Place rating: 1
Poway, CA
Made an appointment for a smog test. Showed up on time the day of the appointment and was told it would take an hour (strike one). An hour for a smog on an 05? Really… Okay I’ll wait. An hour goes by and still no word (strike two). Now approaching the 1.5 hour mark someone finally decides to tell me they can’t get the machine to work properly with my car, «there must be something wrong with your car but we haven’t the slightest clue what it could be» (strike three). We are trying to figure it out… Finally at the two hour mark they informed me that I could take my car, if I wanted and they would try to trouble shoot the issue and get back to me (you’re out). Really??? Thanks for wasting two effing hours of my life for NOTHING! I Will never take any of my vehicles to this place ever again.
Place rating: 5
Ramona, CA
This is my second experience with RAE and both were excellent. Repair prices are fair and much less than the dealership. They do diagnostics and are respectful a d courteous. Their customer service alone is worth returning for. However their repairs also stand on their own for quality and speed.
Place rating: 5
Ramona, CA
My teenage son was having a problem with his 2002 truck. He and I did some basic troubleshooting and were unable to diagnose the problem. Before making an appointment with the dealer I decided to give RAE a call. What a refreshing phone call that was! Great, friendly, informative information. From the beginning, the staff treated my son and I as if we were their top priority. We had the truck towed to their shop where the great customer service only continued. They offered a reasonable rate to diagnose the problem and offer solutions. Crystal at the front desk was straight forward throughout the process. She called both my son and myself with updates throughout the time they had the truck, (which was only two nights). They quickly found the problem to be a back pressure issue related to the catalytic converter. They understood our financial situation and worked hard to get us the best price, finding an affordable after-​market part which they were able to secure and install the next morning! The truck runs better than when we bought it last year. The invoice was thorough, not only explaining the breakdown of parts and labor, but giving a full description of diagnostics performed and the resulting findings! Crystal made the experience easy, going the extra mile to make it extremely convenient and stress-​free. I WILL be back when my other vehicles need servicing! They also have a great, informative and well designed website at