Import Auto Specialists

Simple Honesty Issue
I’ve recently moved to San Diego, and was looking for a new shop to service my 2006 Subaru Forester. So I called Import Auto Specialists and talked to a service rep named Bill.
He told me my car needed an oil change every 5000 miles, BUT my owner’s manual says it should be done every 7,500 miles. When the quickie lube places pull this kind of crap, I expect it. But this is supposed to be a reputable, full-​service shop. They know better.
Needless to say, I did not take my in to them for service.

I’ve been taking my 2006 Volvo to IAS for a few years now and Charles has always taken great care of me. This time, Brian handled my service and was completely awesome! He kept me informed throughout the process and they were done on time and on budget. These guys are honest and trustworthy and i would recommend them 100%!

I did not have a pleasant experience with this company. I resisted writing this poor review for several months hoping the bad taste left in my mouth would somehow dissipate, it hasn’t, so customer beware! Charles did me wrong, probably had a bad day (we all have them), but don’t treat me like a child, Charles. I’m all grown up, now. This mess I had with them (Brian D.) lasted several days, ultimately ending with me taking my business elsewhere. The service call was dated 09/​26/​2014. I wrote a letter to the owner (B. King) on 10/​01/​2014 complaining and offering to settle the dispute I had with Charles. I never heard back from him. I write this review some 7 months later after reflection on the incident mentioned above, I feel I owe this review to warn others of this this repair shop. Bells and whistles rhetoric with a huge gap in the honesty department.

I have been taking my Boxster to Charles at import Auto Specialists for many years — just recently took it in for some brake light repairs and was amazed at the price difference between taking it here as opposed to the dealership. The quality of workmanship is always fantastic — so is the customer service. I highly recommend these guys for any type of auto repair job.

Excellent service, and just an all around good experience. These guys know what their doing and understand the art of customer service. Its always a tough pill to swallow walking into an auto repair shop. I have a 2004 BMW X5, so I always brace myself when given the bill, and any future work that needs to be done. Brian D was wonderful, and the finished work was exactly what they quoted. This is my new auto repair shop, and I would absolutely recommend.

What sets IAS apart from other auto specialists is their GREAT customer service. They’re up front and honest with what the problems are with your car. Their rates are great for the type of vehicles they work on. I trust them completely with my car and I highly recommend them!!!

Had an annoying oil leak on the garage floor. It was diagnosed as an oil filter housing gasket leak and a vanos oil line leak. Paid $ 500 to fix those problems. Brought it home and it was still leaking almost just as much on the floor. Took it back and they told me it was also an oil pan gasket leak and that would be another $ 700. I wouldn’t have fixed the leak if I knew it was going to cost me $ 1200. Asked them if they could meet me half way because of the incomplete diagnosis and serious underestimate of the job, but they refused. I have spent over $ 4800 at this place over the last 4 years, but never again. This place does not provide quality or value. You are better off at the dealer.

From the moment you walk through the door, you know that you are in the right place when it comes to auto repair on your foreign vehicle. On my first experience there, I was met by Charles, who not only provided excellent concierge skills, but he was also informative & very knowledge of all of the symptoms of my vehicle. I was there for about 3 hours, but it felt like 30 minutes, as I was constantly updated on all that was going on with the repairs, the parts that were needed and why. I was initially given a diagnostic of the vehicle and afterwards was given a prognosis on potential service issues that may arise if my vehicle was not properly cared for. My space is limited here, but I could praise this company in many more words. Thanks Charles for the rewarding experience that you and your staff provided me. Forgot to mention that the prices were definitely affordable and I even got a 10% discount with my AAA Card.

Charles and Brian were helpful and knowledgeable and overall I found IAS good with older Mercedes E320 series, price was fair and would recommend.

My car is a Volvo S80. I’ve only be here only once in 2012, because I brought my car to another shop and that shop don’t do timing belt. So these «specialists» reset the timing and put in a throttle body as I requested, and I paid 700-​ish for it. Later on the CEL came back throwing «timing over retarded» code. I went back to this place, and they refuse to fix it. They said probably it’s because I ran more boost than stock cause the timing «jumped». Later on I found another shop to fix it and the exhaust side timing was off by 3 tooth, they adjusted it, and I never had any timing issues since then. Speaking of throttle body story makes me upset. like 2 month later, the throttle body was acting up on me again, so I went to a shop to check it out. Guess what? when these guys put in my throttle body, they put it backward. There’s a teeth on my intake manifold that indicates which side of throttle body show face it. I guess they just used a impact wrench to bolted it on anyways, so that teeth actually cracked my new throttle body. Then I have to buy another one and have someone else put it in. I don’t know if they just don’t like me or this is way they work. Maybe they actually know to work on other cars, But Volvo owners beware.

I brought my Boxster here for the first time recently. It’s very easy to communicate by email to describe my issue and generate a quote. The work was done on time and for the price quoted. Two top tips: Use your AAA card for some discounts, and ask about their shuttle service if you need it. Overall, I think these guys do a fair, honest job.

I have a 2002 Audi TT that unfortunately has been to this shop about 5 times. I say that because repairing these cars isn’t cheap, but these guys are reasonable. I’m pretty «street smart» having lived on my own since 16 and I’m in my let’s say late 30’s. and I hate getting ripped off. I’ve changed alternators, radiators, lifters, rotors and brakes, but on way less complex cars that had room to work.
The Manager Brian is very good at thoroughly explaining the situation and giving an accurate quote. AND HE ANSWERS THE PHONE when you call. I usually call the dealer to get a price for the same repair and it’s usually shocking. Sure I could go to a beat up shop in my neighborhood but I’ve had bad experiences with people who don’t specifically have tons of Audi experience. I’m picky. Super picky and it even annoys me when my seat isn’t in the exact position (these guys aren’t perfect on that) but the shop and waiting areas are extremely clean. The techs are very nice and most recently took me to work and picked me up.
I don’t write reviews often, maybe 3 in my life as I don’t go on Facebook or Twitter but these guys deserve a good one. My car drives like a dream and this last time it broke down I was also sick. They fixed it the next day and I was able to move forward with my life without getting a rental car. All cars are freakin complicated these days and so it’s not always going to be easy to diagnose, but I trust these guys to fix it as well as the dealer would and for waaaay less. I have tow on my insurance and if it needs towing, I tow it to them.
If you want a consistently good shop with people who are clean and articulate and don’t want to go to the dealership and wait a week and pay a fortune, then go here.
–Kain

I have been here on two occasions. The first trip I brought my 1999 VW Jetta in to see if the car was worth the cost of the repairs that would need to be done. Brian (GM) is a straight shooter. He explained to me why the car is not worth the price of the requisite service. He did not charge for the inspection he did on the car either. He let me keep the car at his shop while I went home and posted an ad on Craigslist to sell it for parts.
The second trip was to do a 55K tune up on my Audi 2007 A4 Turbo. Admittedly the prices are higher than other auto body shops because he uses top quality parts. He completed the work in a couple days and was very professional in all his dealings. I am glad to have an auto body shop that I know and trust. While I don’t ever look forward to going to an auto body shop I am glad to have a place that I know the work will get done right the first time. Thanks Brian.

Took my Subaru in. They did a great job and had great customer service.

When I moved away for college i would go here for an oil change. Being a freshman and never having to change my own oil since my parents always took care of that i went here. It was a 30 dollar oil change with a coupon. I would have to bargain for a cheaper price to get it to 25 but after taxes and such it was back at 30.
So I would drop off my car whenever and usually it was a speedy service. However one time i dropped it off they noticed my battery was near the end of its life. Yes I knew that, Working almost full time and going to school full time i was too busy to do this, but would. I had a coupon i found for one at sears. They were really pushy and was really trying to get me let them do it. Finally i was decided to bite and ask how much. The mechanic said 120 to 160 just depending on what kind of battery i wanted. i was asked, does that include my 30 dollar oil change? he said, «no»
So I’m thinking this guy is definitely trying to rip me off. I know these guys supposedly do good work but hey, how hard is it to install a battery? I asked him how much just for the battery and he told me the same thing 120 – 160. I told him thank you but i’d rather not. he gave one more go at convincing me. i denied.
I go to pick up my car and drive home. And as i get onto the freeway i realized my cars oil temp guage needle was not moving up when my car should be warmed up already. I dont know for sure but i’m thinking a mad mechanic popped out the plastic to my dash and pulled out my oil temp needle a little because somebody didn’t want to buy an overpriced battery from him.
I have never gone back since and i have learned from many that 30 dollars for an oil change is too much especially for a little honda civic engine.
TL:DR
Over priced. Will NEVER go back.

These guys know their stuff when it comes to import and domestic repairs. I had a check engine light on and they diagnosed the issue quickly and advised me of all the options I had to make the repair. The quality of service is above every other auto repair shop I have used in the over 30 years of driving.
Besure and ask for Brian, the GM. He is knowledgeable and easy to understand. He doesn’t talk down to you and I have seen him easily explain issues no matter what the gender of the client. I have recommended IAS and Brian King to many of my friends and family. I will continue to bring my autos here whenever service is required. They stand behind their service. Great place to bring your auto for service.

Nice guys, but below average service (At least on Range Rovers).
I made an appointment over my lunch break to have my Range Rover’s oil changed, my EAS reset, and to replace one of my brake lights.
My frustrations:
— It took them 1 hour and 45 minutes to do a basic oil change and replace a bulb and wiper
— When I got it back they had moved the gear shifter into the low gear setting (the setting you would use if you were off roading, not suitable for the freeway)
— They pushed a setting that made the car beep every time i went over 20mph. I took it back right away and had to wait another 10 minutes for them to drive it around and try and figure out how to turn it off, they were unsucessfull. They said they would research it and call me back, but they never did. It turned out to be just a button, but they should have followed up.
— The main reason I took my car in for service was to reset my Electronic Air Suspension, and they were unable to do so after using 3 different reset tools. (Maybe this wasn’t their fault and my EAS has bigger issues that they couldn’t detect, I will find out when I take it to a Range Rover specialist)
It is possible they just aren’t familiar with Range Rovers, and do great service on other cars, but I will not be going back as I was very frustrated with my experience.

I needed new rear brakes for my car, and checked with a couple of dealers, then searched on-​line.
I spoke with Brian, who was very professional, and respectful of my questions.
After finding a coupon, and speaking with Brian, I decided to give this place a go.
I dropped off the car (they offered to take me home), then went home and waited for the dreaded ‘call’ to tell me of more trouble, and a bigger bill.
So the ‘call’ came later in the afternoon (I was afraid to answer), much to my pleasure, and surprise, they told me my car was ready for pick-​up. Where was the surprise? What about the nightmarishly inflated bill?
I got to the shop (still a little apprehensive), and not only was there no bad news, it was actually LESS than the original estimate, and the coupon was fully honored.
It’s actually been a couple of months (I was waiting to see if a brake was going to fall off or something), and still no surprises.
This place was GREAT, and I would recommend them to anyone.

I brought my CLK320 in, and they were very service-​oriented, and fixed my car for a bargain deal. They did an excellent job too.
My car has been running great since I started taking my car there.
I really like that they don’t overcharge, and they do a spectacular job!
They are very courteous on the phone and in person.