Best Auto Repair Shop in San Diego (Oceanside, Escondido: to buy, university)

[ROACH]

Hi I am looking for the most respectable auto repairs service center (excluding dealers) that has high marks in quality, reasonable prices, and pretty much has a great reputation of being honest to the consumers. I know opinions vary....

[SanAntoQT]

We've taken vehicles to Bob Bowen and have been very please with their service and honesty.

[ROACH]

thank you, I was trying took for this guy, I saw his add way back in the days, but lost the website, and phone number,

[tsuyoi_racing]

anything in north county?

[j760]

Originally Posted by tsuyoi_racing

anything in north county?

I would have recommended Al's Auto Service in Escondido in a heartbeat, but they went out of business for some reason. Location had been there since 1977 so I still don't know what happened, but they shut down within the last two months. I never had any problems, they were so honest and reliable.

West Escondido Automotive is pretty good, their prices seem to be high compared to some though, but they have done a good job for me when I've went to them also.

[SanAntoQT]

Bob Bowen's number is (619) 469-1895. Hope it helps.

[ROACH]

hey thanks for the number, by the way, I just checked out their site right now they are pretty decent looking shop and pretty much the kind of mechanics that want you to buy their parts to be replaced on your vehicle, I bet it's pretty expensive and bought from the service dealers, because what i am reading right now, they pretty much recommend what should be use (bought from them, and more worried about the quality of your aftermarkets vs theirs). As for me, I would rather go shop aound for my own parts (cheaper) to bring to the repair shops, auto parts that meet or exceed the OEM brands, for ecample, I have a 94' Pontiac Trans Am LT1 (auto) and the OEM parts suck!, specially the GM Opti-spark <-distributor cap and rotor that I had to replace with the MSD Pro Opti-spark (outstanding quality) Now, I would not want any mechanic telling me I should get that replaced with the same new one, because that Opti-spark from GM is horrible and won't last long! I can tell you anyone that owns the same cars as I do, will tell you I ain't lying about that lol. Most aftermarket products are better because some, not all of these aftermarket manufacturers fine tune their products better than the OEM's. I don't care what some mechanics do say, it's all of a matter of opinion. They should just accept it and do their job for what they are getting paid to do. Well that's my rant lol I will be checking out their shop for pricing, I need to get my transmission possibly flushed or overhauled, I hope they don't charge crazy prices like aamco, pepboys, firestone, & the dealers service stations!
please feel free to list any good trustworthy auto repair shops in San Diego county for future recommendations folks. Thanks

[libbykt]

In North County, I'd recommend Bussey Automotive in Oceanside without hesitation. They've been around forever, are totally honest, and won't try to charge you for crap that you don't need.

[mewzikguy]

Cliff Brown Repair on Park Blvd. in University Heights- - ask for Barry

[SanAntoQT]

Roach:

My experience was with my brakes on my 2004 Saab. I bought this vehicle used back in August. I had noticed that my brakes were making a grinding noise and was prepared to shell out $800-$1000 at the dealer. I opted to go to Bob Bowen, after having called and getting a general estimate of less than $600 for brakes and to have rotors turned. I was told that, if it turned out that I'd need new rotors, I could either buy new ones or they would order aftermarket. I dropped off my vehicle and received a call and was told that my brake pads were fine, it was the rotors that needed to be turned. They did the work for less than $300. I was impressed by the fact that they could have told me that I needed new brake pads and new rotors and gouged me for all they could, especially because I'm female. They didn't. I find that quite admirable.