Performance Automotive of San Diego

The BEST! No Comment!
Worth a driving up north. honest mechanic/​owner
They will tell you about everything whats good and whats bad!

This is a great place to get your car worked on they will go above and beyond to help you!!!
Jose, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING ME OUT WITH MY BRAKES!!! You really looked out for me and I appreciate that! And because of that I will always go to you if I ever need work done on my car!!! I always heard, if you ever find a honest mechanic KEEP HIM! Because they are hard to find… And you sir are the definition of a honest mechanic! And a good man at heart!
BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR CAR FIXED UP! THE OWNER AND HIS WIFE ARE THE MOST FRIENDLY HONEST PEOPLE!!!

This is the only Shop I will take my car to from now on. My breaks were soooo bad. I pushed them to far trying to wait until after the Holidays to get them done. When I was set to start looking around for a shop, unexpected expenses came up and at that point I knew I would have to end up replacing my rotors as well. The dealership wanted $ 1200+ so I started looking for a shop on Unilocal.My husband found Performance Automotive, and saw that they had a few different financing options. (These are thru independent company’s and not in-​shop) After being approved from one of the company’s, we brought in our car. Jose checked all the breaks (for free, they do not charge for ANY diagnosis at their shop) and confirmed all the rotors and pads needed to be replaced. Jose and his wife are a God send. They showed us all the options and prices, from the super el cheapo to the dealership made. They did not pressure us to just get the most expensive, and was willing to put on the super cheap ones but did warn that they would likely squeak within about a month. I’ve always wondered why this happened after getting my breaks serviced at other places before. The only downside was the finance company that I chose was a little difficult to deal with, but Jose and his wife called them directly and helped us work everything out. They are a blessing, and I am so glad we found them. I don’t even get the bad reviews a couple of people put up on here. They were honest, kind, and went above and beyond, all for someone that jacked their brakes up. I will always recommend them to everyone I know. My breaks are on, and perfect.
* I ended up going with the mid grade parts, everything was very reasonably priced, and a better deal for what I got than any other shop I’ve been to.

Everyone was super nice and helpful. They took care of me and got my car running again in no time at an insanely cheap price. I plan on coming back for any future service.

This place is a joke. I called to get details about an oil change. They told me the best time to come in is early. I got there before they opened. When they showed up they told me they aren’t doing oil changes until next week. I wish you would have told me that over the phone. He denied ever talking to me. I drove all the way over there for nothing. Bad way of doing business. This was a major inconvenience because I made arrangements around this oil change.
I emailed the owner of the company and he sent me a reply saying «We reserve the right to not serve people like you» Wtf is that suppose to mean? You don’t like tall people?! If ANYBODY wants me to forward them a copy of this email I will GLADLY do it as proof! send me a message!
**Update**
The reply he posted below is just more lies on top of lies. Only a moron would show up to an auto repair shop and start cursing at the staff. I was extremely nice and professional but you weren’t. You are just mad because you are exposed and in denial and trying to shift the blame towards me. If anybody else wants to see the email he sent me send me a message.

A co-​worker recommend that I go to Performance Auto because I did not have a good BMW mechanic after my warranty was done. I have been going here now for more than 4 years. Being a woman, I am obviously skeptical that I will be taken advantage of since I am not that savvy when it comes to car repairs. I have had numerous jobs completed here, and they been more than satisfactory. Jose, the owner, is very knowledgeable and the manager, Andy, has also been in the business for many years. They have fixed oil leaks, radiator repairs, done 100k maintenance and now I am having them replace my transmission on a 2006 BMW. Another nice option is that if you need to rent a car, they have a «deal» with the local Hertz on Miramar Rd for $ 23/​day which is very helpful. I am writing this review because an expensive transmission job now needs to be completed, and Jose called to explain all of the options, not to get me to do the work there, but to understand that BMW’s are really sensitive cars (to the wallet…) in how they should be fixed and maintained, and he just wants to make sure I understand– what it means to go with a rebuilt or remanufactured one, whether I do the job there or not. I will likely give my car to my granddaughter when she starts to drive in 2 years, so keeping it healthy for another few years is very important. They are a small shop, but always busy, so yes best to call for an appointment.

I have had very bad experiences with many mechanics dealing with my mazda 626 trying to fix, just made me expend my money for no good results, and very frustating experiences with them, until a very good friend of mine recomend them to me, he said very proffesional, and good work, now I spent 1,350.00 but my crooked car is now a good car running good, I would recomend them if you want a rapid and good work, it is really a very good place, my new mechanic for years to come, I’d hope. I will put my pics

No extra car at home. Nobody around to give me a ride, I was headed to my Nissan dealer when my AAA driver suggested a much closer and less expensive alternative.
I dealt with the owner, Jose Maldonado, who made himself readily accessible by cell phone and was extremely accommodating. We were dealing with an electrical problem on a high mileage 2005 car, and at first, the solution wasn’t completely obvious. Ultimately, Jose voluntarily called my dealership and through some impressive deductive reasoning, he eliminated certain causes and narrowed down the likely problem. He proposed a final solution and guaranteed his results. And it worked!
The service was very fast. They are located three blocks from a parts place which makes their turn around time very fast. They took me to and from my house four miles away. It was a delight to work with intelligent professionals! Also, they will assess your car for free. The dealer was going to charge me $ 95, but Performance Automotive wants you to walk away feeling good about your time with them.
They are a little tricky to spot because they are way in the back of an automotive strip center, but if you turn into the center before the railroad tracks on Carroll Road, and head to the right and then all the way back, you will see their place. They are within walking distance of Dixieline and the Pyramid off Miramar Road. Its a convenient location in general. Thank you to every one at Performance Automotive for my positive experience!

There was one guy in front of me, but I was still in and out in 15 minutes. Price was great (less than twenty for my big truck), and the guy didn’t even want to take a tip. Fast and friendly, a really good experience overall.

Saw their banner advertising oil change for $ 8.99 for 4 quarts of oil and they will charge you extra if your car needs more than 4 quarts. What a great deal! They were very nice and did not try to sell me other services or anything like that. Just straight up oil change. Total came out to be around $ 15 after taxes and the extra oil I needed. Great!

I was first introduced to Performance Automotive from triple A. They were able to get my 2003 Honda Odyssey back on the road and in great shape. Jose and his wife are honest and will work with you to get the right repair done for a fair cost, and work with your budget. This is now my regular shop. They know my car and keep it (and me) happy.

I had my car towed here after finding it would not start. They said they would replace the starter while I waited and would do their best to get it done before I had to pick up my son. Sadly we discovered that my alternator was bad too but Jose was amazing and arranged a rental car really fast and I was able to get my son on time. My overall experience was here was great. Everybody was extremely nice and helpful.

Every time I come here, I’m treated great and so is my car. Even when they are busy, I still get great customer service. I have a Saab 9 – 3, which is a relatively rare car in San diego and I’ve run in to many mechanics that didn’t know how to properly deal with my car, by no fault of their own. But the owner of this shop knows Saabs well enough to have gained my trust for my precious Swedish transport. Always greeted kindly here, and I will tame a day off of work and drive over an hour, just so that these guys will work on my car.

This is a review more of their customer service. I came here after seeing their sign for a $ 8.99 oil change. Great deal right?! Well I called ahead a few hours to see if they had openings and they said they don’t take appointments, I asked about how long it might take if I brought it in this afternoon around lunch. «20−30 mins depending in if there is a bay open». Ok cool. Got there and said they said not today, there are 3 cars waiting. Well 3 cars for repairs in the last 2 hours, they must not be hurting for business. A heads up in the phone would have been nice. But Nice ads to try and get you in the door. I’ll be getting my done down the street at synfast instead of trying to catch them when they «happen» to have an opening.

While they may be a bit slow in doing the repairs, they saved me $ 4,000.00. My previous mechanic of 8 years told me that my engine was gone and so was my transmission, to go shop for a new car as it would cost $ 7,000 to get a new engine and fix transmission. By chance I found Performance Automotive and they offered a free diagnostic on my car, which my other mechanic charged me $ 104.00 to do. To make a long story short, my car is running great now and I’m so happy I didn’t have to buy another car. Will definitely return for all my future car needs.

This is my favorite mechanic in San Diego, and I have been all over the city for various services at the lowest prices.
Ask to speak to the owner, Jose. There are no upsales here, they perform the requested service in a timely fashion. Any time I’ve ever come here I get the job finished the same day, usually immediately, even with a line of other cars, which is impressive with a small number of employees. They also have 3 month no interest financing.
Anyway, their business model is to keep your car running at the lowest price possible, so they rely on return customers, which is why I come here all the way from
Ocean beach even if its just for an oil change (to be fair, it costs 8.99, which you won’t find anywhere else in SD).
My favorite work I’ve had done here (I’ve had a lot) was getting my rack and pinion replaced. They quoted me for new parts and labor which was more than I was willing to pay, and I asked if I could bring the used parts and pay for labor instead. They offered to find it for me, which I accepted, and the final cost was a little more than half of what I expected to pay before I brought it in.
They are fast, but they will take enough time to ensure they are performing quality work, and they hope to sell you new, high quality parts if you’re able to afford it. The bottom line is that I trust this place with my car and my wallet for the remainder of my time in San Diego.
Anothee thing I’m impressed with is that he always answers the phone well after their working hours and he never seems bothered by it. They are always there to help, even with simple questions I could probably just google.
Best mechanic in sd.

I can’t speak highly enough about the crew at Performance Automotive. I drive some older cars and finding an honest, competent mechanic is almost impossible. Their $ 8.99 oil change sign caught my eye and since it’s literally a mile from my office, I gave it a shot. Unbelievable. Not only did I get a great oil change at an amazing price, but Jose has done a number of repair services for me. Price is great and the work is high quality. Here’s a great story. My van’s wipers stopped working. I figured it was the motor. He ordered a motor and I took it in for repair. Turns out, it wasn’t the motor, but rather a corroded wire. He repaired the wire and didn’t charge me for the repair.
I’ve done brakes, engine light, engine sensor, valve covers and more here. I’ve recommended them to my co-​workers and will definitely continue using them. You should too.

What a great shop. Jose helped me for the first time about a year and a half ago. Everytime I visit he saves me on average $ 100.00. All their mechanics are awesome, everyone is courteous. Being a single mom with three kids I really need a shop that I can trust. These guys are exactly that. Also they always can get my car in right away and they get it back so quick!!! Also they offered me a ride home! Thanks to them we’re safely on the road!

My «Perform Service» indicator had gone off a couple weeks ago politely reminding me that I needed to get my oil change. Three days a week I pass by a sign that says 8.99 for an oil change. I was reluctant at first to stop by, I’m pretty leery of taking my car anywhere new since my check engine light was on I was worried that it would be an invitation for an upsell.
The shop itself is nothing fancy but after about 45 minutes I was able to drive away with an $ 18 oil change (it was extra for each quart over 4 and disposal fee). I was given some recommendations for service but never felt any pressure or the «you should get this done right here right now or your car will explode and you could die!» spiel.
All in all I recommend this place for the quickie oil change. The manager I spoke with seemed nice and was very helpful.

Owner is really cool and and the price is right. You can’t go wrong with $ 8.99 for an oil change (yes, its really just 8.99). They don’t use recycled oil or anything like that.
I was surprised that he didn’t try to get me to change my fluids or get any work done either. Usually places that lead with a low price make their money on the back end with repairs. I sent my girlfriend to get her oil changed here too and she also had a good experience.
The waiting area is a really small room with one TV, but you can’t expect a lavish waiting room at a place like this. Anyway, great place to get your oil change.