Charlie’s Foreign Car

Specialties

Charlies Foreign Car Service has been working on mainly German automobiles since 1978. Vehicles have changed a lot since we’ve been working on them, but we have always stayed ahead of the curve with supplying all of our employees the proper tools for the job. Whether the tool is a new diagnostic computer or a simple hand tool we have what it takes to work on your car. Charlie’s Foreign Car Service specializes in BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche, Audi, Volkwagen as well as Japanese automobiles, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi and many more. We have a courteous staff that will help you with all of your auto repair and auto servicing questions.

History

Established in 1978.

Since its inception on Valentine’s Day 1978, Charlie’s Foreign Car Service has grown to become an award-​winning cornerstone of the downtown Encinitas business district. Encinitas native Charlie Sougias turned his passion for foreign cars into a career soon after graduating from San Dieguito High School, where he was the auto mechanic of choice for several of his teachers. At age 20, he opened Charlie’s Foreign Car Service on the corner of H and Second streets, formerly Vern Painter’s Garage.

Meet the Business Owner

Charlie F.

Business Owner

Charlie’s commitment to excellence and personalized customer service earned him a loyal customer base that grew steadily, and led to his first expansion in 1988. Charlie and his wife Shelly, who began assisting with daily operations, purchased property a few blocks north of the original location and built a state-​of-​the-​art 13,000-square-foot repair facility. According to Charlie, «It was a huge commitment, and it set us back financially, but we wanted to invest in the future of downtown.»