California Automotive and Mobile Mechanics

$ 50 for an oil change… And no this is not an authorized dealer or some fancy place. It’s a tiny, dirty little hole in the wall, that’s not identifiable from the street.

I started coming here because it was within walking distance to my apt and it was run by a woman. As a woman I feel we need to support one another. I keep coming here because the integrity of the staff and Rebecca’s knowledge of all things cars is unparalleled. Is this the cheapest place? Nope. But you get what you pay for. This business is line a family, and you’ll be treated like a special member after a few visits.

Rebekah provides an excellent mobile mechanic service. She helped me inspect a used vehicle I was shopping for on Craigslist. Highly recommend.

Fortunately it’s been rare that I need car repairs, but for probably 20 years I’ve taken my car to Rebekah when I’ve needed stuff done. She is super honest and kind and does a great job.

My car was immobile and they weren’t able to come to me (14mi away). I got it towed to them at was was quoted as a worst case scenario of $ 550. I called for a follow-​up after a couple hours on what the inspection determined. They had to call me back. About 3 – 4 hours since they got the car, they tell me its worse and «estimate» it being $ 2,300.
I got another referral to Ozzy, who towed and fixed the car for $ 1,480. They gave Ozzy’s tow driver the run around when picking the car and have a different business name on their shop (Jaek’s Automotive).
Ozzy’s shop is:
AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care
Add: 7012 Van Nuys Blvd, CA 91 405
Tel: (818) 989‑1440

I usually dont write reviews, however I feel that it is my civic duty to warn people about these guys. I recently took my vehicle into their shop after I was having multiple people say that my starter was messed up (I use my vehicle for work so multiple people drive it). I had never witnessed the issue but I thought it was a good idea to take it in to get it checked out.
I automatically knew that I was going to get gouged with the price when the first thing that came out of their mouth was «oh, this is going to be very expensive» (which should be their slogan because that seemed to be the only thing they could say). Over $ 1500 later, my check engine light was still on and they hadnt even touched the starter. Instead, they tip toed around repairing that and highly encouraged that I get all this other work done. They were basically playing trial and error ON MY DIME! I dont know anything about auto mechanics so I was at the mercy of them. I felt completely taken advantage of.
Only 3 days later, my vehicle breaks down again ON A JOB! AAA came and they immediately addressed the problem as (YOU GUESSED IT) my starter. The next morning I called Rebekah back up and told her my issue again and with out any sympathy she responded «well, its not going to be cheap.». She gave me a quote and as usual it seemed ridiculously high. I hung up the phone and called NAPA Auto Care off Sunset in Hollywood and they gave me a significantly cheaper quote, had 4 guys working on my vehicle, and were very accommodating. Also, they were able to tell that I had just been to a mechanic with out me even telling them due to fact that most of my fluids were leaking because California Automotive and Mobile Mechanics neglected to tighten anything down!!! WTF! Now I expect some degree of getting bent over the barrel when dealing with a mechanic, but if Im going to pay that much, they should at least know how to do their job right!
I dont know what type of kool aid everyone else has been drinking but California Automotive and Mobile Mechanics is a ripoff and will most likely do more harm than good to your car!

Overcharged, mechanic was very unsure of the work he was doing and when called about the overcharge we where told they would offer discount on next service. Why would I hire you again, very disappointed sounded like a good deal but was not. Sad when owner is given the chance to refund the money and won’t. «Forgot «to tell us they charge for drive time. After specific directions their driver got lost after very specific directions given no reason to be lost (which I paid for in drive time) when we are off a highway exit and it’s one right turn… Disappointed
Mechanic had tools, good setup, charges didn’t add up

Very friendly and honest! Rebekah and Jaek are fantastic and do good work. They are quick and their prices are reasonable. I have been coming here for years, even when I lived in Orange County.
They will show you what’s wrong with your car and be brutally honest about it. They don’t bullshit and won’t just take your money. They take the time to explain why you need what you need or why it may not be worth it. Fantastic place!

Awesome, HONEST and the BEST customer service. They were great and I’d recommend to anyone looking for a mechanic they can bring their car to and know it will be done with the utmost care and for the most reasonable price.

I’ve had a lot of work done at California Automotive.
Originally referred to Car Chick by a friend, I was immediately impressed when Rebekah offered to give me a ride home while my car was being repaired.
Perfect example of how amazing these guys are. I was interested in purchasing a new vehicle. The rate for a pre-​purchase inspection at CA Auto is $ 45. I called around and was told $ 60-​$ 120 for the same service! Crazy!
Rebekah & Jerry even stayed a little late to check out my new used car even though she was closing at 5pm, and we showed up at 4:55! On a Friday! (so rude, I know.)
This business literally goes above and beyond for their customers. You cannot expect the same level of service anywhere else.
High quality work is what you get when you bring your vehicle here. Highly recommended in my book.
Thanks again Rebekah & Jerry!

I nervously took my car in. And left feeling great. I was treated well, the work was done promptly, the cost was in the middle, but the service was on top. My wife went there a week later, and they treated her even better. it is nice to have a mechanic in the Valley you can trust and cont on. Highly recommend.

This is the only place I will take my car. Super honest, super fair. Rebekah provides the best service.

I’ve been bringing my car here for several years! Great service, great people!

What a mechanic should be. Knowledgeable, friendly and didn’t try to rip me off. They explained everything clearly, showed me diagrams in a book and gave me guidance on how to care for my VW Passat. It was repaired quickly and honestly. Thanks. You now have the whole family going to you. Much appreciated.

This is the only shop that I have full confidence and trust in. I don’t at all worry that I will get ripped off. They’ve always been very good to me as they will be honest with me and explain the problem to me and I really appreciate how, Rebekah really does care about people. She also will help educate you in case you don’t understand why something needs to be replaced. She’ll tell me if she thinks something needs to replaced because she worries and she’ll also be honest and tell me not to go ahead and replace x, y, z…
I suppose the only downsider to this place is that it’s not open 24 hours. but I guess I’m the type of person that doesn’t like to be limited ;-P
I recently, purchased a new car, and as soon as I need regular maintenace, I’ll be sure to come bring my car to Rebekah and Jerry.

Here’s the good news about this service:
They will talk your ear off about what’s wrong with your car. They will also answer any questions about what «could be» the problem with your car.
They also offer you «cash deals» that are cheaper than using a credit card. like almost $ 100 cheaper.
Here’s the bad news:
not only are they extremely overpriced, even the cash deals are a joke, and what’s worse, they really fail to address the problem of your car.
Case and point:
Had an issue with my car. its a 2004 ford. Cost me $ 600 bucks (cash only deal!) to install an $ 84 oxygen sensor and «flush the engine». Where’s the cost? The four hours (at nearly 200 an hour) to «diagnosis and fix» the issue.
A week later, my check engine came back on. Another oxygen sensor. The oh so helpful Rebecca and her right hand man, explained that my car has four sensors, and sometimes, all they go out in a row.
How convenient.
Now, I get that my situation is unique (not really!) and that «these things happen» to cars (all to often!) But when, returning, the friendly cali auto told me it would cost me nearly the same just to put another sensor in, that’s when its time to look for another one of the hundred mechanics around town.
They are friendly, and the very loud birds in their office will distract you from the true problem of this business. They take you for a ride, and tell you its a good deal.
UPDATE: 11÷15÷10:
Just got my car checked out from a AAA approved mechanic. NOT ONLY did this car shop overcharge for a repair (the AAA shop estimated at $ 298, the above shop, «california auto» charged me $ 600) they also diagnosed and «fixed» the wrong thing. It wasn’t an oxygen sensor at all, it was something completely different (and cheaper). By the way, «california auto» took FOUR HOURS to diagnose the wrong issue, and the AAA approved shop took TWO.
Most of the reviews here are for little repair or maintenance work, like an oil change, and fail to address the real point of a car repair shop, which is to not only have your car be repaired, but to repair the actual problem, and not overcharge for it.
This company does none of the above, and please take my experience as a warning, and avoid this shop at all costs.

Pros: Friendly and seemingly honest.
Cons: Prices are way too high. Rip-​Off.
Do yourself a favor. If you get your car repaired here like my wife did, CALL AROUND TO OTHER PLACES FIRST. You will be shocked at the price difference.
«Friendly» service means nothing. It’s all an act.

I still love this place for my repairs, bought a battery in Dec 09 a little bit more expensive than say auto zone but i had the original brand batt. reinstalled. The difference was only a few bucks, which isnt a big deal because I really trust this place and they had me in and out in no time.
I also had to get my rear brakes done in Jan. 2010, so of course i had them done here, fast and reliable service.

Rebekah is pure awesome. I had a great mechanic for years and then when he retired I went through a handful of hacks I couldn’t trust. I met Rebekah during a time where my finances were in shambles and my car was beginning the throes of a slow death and unable to pass a smog check. She’s been a LIFESAVER over the last year, not to mention that she should be paid extra for being my therapist.
Don’t hesitate to take your car here. She’ll hook ya up. :)

These people are really nice. They do not charge you crazy prices. I like that they will explain to you exactly what you need and why.
I am usually a person who only goes to Honda (thats what I drive) but I think that I found a better place to go.
I got a wheel alignment and it was $ 40.
I will go back for any other car repairs in a heartbeat!

Not to echo everyone here… well. okay, I guess I am going to do just that!
Rebekkah and Jerry are honest, they don’t charge an arm-​and-​a-​leg and they get the job done quickly. Check plus, check plus, check plus in my book.
They tell you what is going on with your car, they don’t try to horn-​swaggle you into any parts or service you don’t need. Both times I have been there to get my car fixed it has been fast, friendly and cheaper than any dealership I could’ve encountered.
Plus Rebekkah always has great stories and will sit and chat with you as if you were an old friend, not just a customer. I trust these folks and for a gal speaking about auto repair that says a lot.

Trust them, they are good people!
After my car stopped starting, I narrowed the problem down to 2 simple things — Alternator or the battery. I figured it was the battery only, so I took it to a local Auto Zone to have them diagnose the issue before i started throwing money around. They hooked it up to a device and immediately told me that it was the alternator — they even checked it twice. Dude was pretty darn certain.
Sooo, after that I decided to take it to car chicks, AKA California Automotive Services after having read these reviews here on Unilocal.I popped over there early Saturday morning and they immediately hooked it up to another device. They told me within 30 seconds that it was the only the battery so they sent me on my way…
long story short — I bought a battery for $ 80 and my car is driving like a champ. With that said however, California Automotive has a DEFINITE future customer… Good people + efficient service + honesty = a friend in me.