Miramar Automotive

I called to get clarity on a living social deal. They called me back and at first said that it was not for synthetic oil. I thanked them and was going to leave it at that, and then the guy said well actually we can do that. I should have asked them to put it in writing. I showed up and they said they couldn’t do synthetic, it would’ve for a normal change. I decided to leave, but called as I was driving away because I was so upset for wasting my time. The guy on the phone did not seem to care. I am giving them two stars instead of one because the guy did call back fifteen minutes later to apologize and even offered me a free oil change to make up for it, by that time I was already most of the way home. Just want to give fair warning to others. If they give you a deal over the phone, better to get it in writing.
I think they suck at customer service and that is all I can speak to since I did not actually get a service preformed by them. Unfortunately I did not trust them because they told me I could switch from synthetic back to non-​synthetic and didn’t want to try their services. Free or not.

Unilocal, you led me astray this time. :(The service was marginal to poor. I dropped my car off on Friday afternoon to have my a/​c system evaluated because on long drives it would not cool properly. I was told it would need to be kept overnight, which was understandable since I brought it in late in the day. The diagnostics began on Friday but were not completed and I was told it would be evaluated ‘first thing on Saturday’. At 9:30am the next day I called because I had not yet received information on what the issue/​cost was. I was told the diagnostics were just completed and was verbally given a quote. I authorized the work and I was told my car would be ready by 2:30pm. At 2:30 I was called and told that the repair would take longer due to having to remove part of the dashboard and was requested to leave my car until Monday, which I agreed mostly because I didn’t really have a choice. On Monday at 11:20am I was informed my car was ready…15 business hours after I dropped it off… for a 4.5 hour repair
When I picked it up I noticed I was charged $ 24.95 to replace the cabin air filter and $ 13.20 for labor to replace the cabin air filter. I was NEVER informed this was part of the cost I agreed to. I refused to pay this since I could buy one and install it myself for about $ 10 – 15. John fortunately removed this charge as I refused to pay for it since it wasn’t authorized and issued me a credit for $ 30 for my vehicle being kept over 3x the expected length of time. Also, my original invoice didn’t list the schrader valve replacement which made me question if it was even done to begin with… luckily they were able to find the old parts as I requested them to be saved (a nifty trick to help avoid being scammed).
I also found out I should of been emailed an estimate, which I never was as this would of resolved the air filter pricing issue. The a/​c worked great but after getting on the freeway I noticed a horrible rattling sound when my speed reached 65mph. I turned back around and headed to the shop to find out the next flaw in my car saga. After a test drive it was identified the plugs that hold the plastic cover were ‘loose after many years of being removed and re-​installed’. They replaced those and after the test drive the rattling sound went away. I was provided with the old plugs and upon inspection I saw 2 of the 4 prongs on one was broken and 1 of the 4 prongs on the other was broken. This is something that should have been inspected prior to re-​installing it! Finally after an hour wasted of my time this evening I got to take my car home. I wish I could charge Miramar Automotive the $ 109.50 for the extra hour of my time they wasted this evening… which is the cost for 1hr of labor at their shop.
I’m just glad they have a 24 month warranty in case the a/​c repair they did was as high quality as my overall experience.

I had an emergency and got the repair done same day. The price was reasonable for the work and the staff was friendly and extremely helpful. They even offered to drive me home so i wouldn’t have to sit around and wait. I will be a repeat customer if my car has trouble again.

Quick, reliable, friendly, and easy car service. Took my 2010 Audi A5 in to get a 60K inspection plus an oil change. One place quoted me $ 165, but I walked out of here paying $ 90. I’ll be returning for my next car service

In person and on the phone they very good. Although, I call this last Saturday to make a Tuesday appointment. Showed up Tuesday with nothing on the calendar and the price of the service quoted was $ 75 more. I guess it was my fault, I had high expectations based on the reviews. I took my business elsewhere (quick oil change place). No appointment and $ 75 less.

Took the family van here to get a check engine light cleared when the dealer of all places couldn’t do it (great work, Chrysler). These guys took the time to troubleshoot it and were able to resolve the problem for a fair price. Excellent customer service on top of all that.

Convenient location, explained what needed to be done and time it would take.
They had an electric car I borrowed until my car was ready!
Great experience, will definitely bring my car here again.
Thanks guys!

I had 3 cars fixed in Automotive shop. I choose Automotive because they are close to my house.
The first infinity I brought in, they said there was a nail on it and the tires are bad. I had to replace 2 of my tires which cost me around $ 650.
The second car my Hyundai, I brought in for an oil change after that I heard some weird noises from the tires and I brought it back to check. They said the tires are almost bad that why the car made noises. But actually there was a nail on the second car that I’ve just found out. At this time, one of my tires completely ruined out.
How could I be so unlucky that my cars keep having nails on the tires? There is not much construction around my house either?
The third car my Toyota, I called in and asked to do tire rotation and oil change with a deal provided. I waited 2 hours and they didn’t do the tire rotation they just changed the oil. They said that I didn’t tell them. I sure did tell them. I was pretty upset that day.
With these 3 situations above, I decided to rate them in Unilocal so that people be-​aware if they have nails on tires and Automotive people should do better checking on customer tires and take better note so that they don’t forget to do stuff.

They saw me last min w/​out an appointment! I am willing to wait for however long it takes sense i work 7 days a week and its hard to get my car in anywhere! Wonderful wonderful service! Very informative with images and everything! They have coffee, tea, snacks EVERYTHING! Will i return? You bet! Ask for Keith. Hes the best!

I had my Oldsmobile towed to Miramar Automotive when it wouldn’t start. Al and John were both very helpful and responsive. They gave me a very fair quote to fix the tumbler. They also helped me when I asked for an assessment of the rest of the engine. (It’s a 1993 and I wasn’t sure how much more I wanted to put into the car.)

it’s nice when you can find a mechanic that you can actually trust to not rip you off or perform poor quality work. I brought my Audi in for an oil change. No pressure for additional services just simple recommendations. I mentioned some additional issues I was having with my car and instead of immediately suggesting a potentially costly diagnostic test they gave me some tips to try first to see if it would resolve the issue. I usually leave these places stressed out and worried but I left here with my car in great shape.
They waiting area is nice as there are complimentary snacks, coffee, water and Netflix to watch at your leisure. My son was happy to be able to torture us all by watching Elmo while we waited.
I will definitely be returning.

Called this business earlier asking for an estimate, can’t remember his name but he was friendly, knowledgable, and more than willing to help me with my request. Upon calling back, I spoke with a man named John. My recommendation to you would be to not speak to John. Besides him immediately cocking an attitude with me while I was explaining the situation that I had called about earlier, he proceeded to tell me he would not help in the «process of me bringing an illegal car into his state!» John didn’t ask me what I needed the estimate for, and actually confused me with another customer who was having issues with their catalytic converters. Telling me «to just bring it in to see if it has the Cats.» Seeing how this wasn’t my situation and he wouldn’t let me explain myself, he then told me that they would not take place in this «illegal act» and «thanks for the call». Maybe John was trained differently than me when it comes to customer service, but I’m pretty sure getting an attitude with someone when you don’t even understand the situation is never the answer. Hopefully John was just having a bad day and doesn’t treat all customers like this. But I will never visit this establishment or allow anyone I know to go there either. I hope you have better luck with this place than I did.

Have had multiple services done here and each have exceeded my expectations. The staff is very nice and helpful. Prices are good. Yet the best aspect is that the help you understand why the services they recommend are required or recommended. With each recommendation they show you a picture and give an explanation. Often being unfamiliar with the mechanics of cars, I feel like I have been taken advantage and milked for services. At Miramar Automotive I always feel like I am being told everything straight, and in an honest manner. I have developed a level of trust with the owners, and I am now a loyal customer for life.

Recently used MIramar Automotive this week, I live in Oceanside but work in La Jolla and of course my alternator decided to completely quit functioning while down south. I looked these guys up on Unilocal and decided to use them. I called and spoke with Greg, he gave me the number of a great tow service, stored my car for the night and took a look first thing the next morning. They were straightforward told me exactly what was wrong, they also did a look over of other recommended services that I might want to look in to. They never pressured me or tried to convince me to have extra things done. My car was finished the next day and is great condition. They also give a warranty on their labor and parts. If you need a great honest mechanic group definitely go to Miramar auto.

Great service, very friendly. Explains everything they’re doing and quality work. A bit pricey, but they back their work and are willing to fix it if not done 100% without attitude. Friendly curtesy drivers as well.

The service was good and appeared to be thorough. Unfortunately, my oil change on my lunch break ended up taking 2.5 hours. I was quoted 1.5 hours (yes I had an appointment) and came back at that time to see my car hadn’t been touched yet so I waited for another 50 minutes. I’m not sure their thorough checkpoint/​oil change service is enough to get me to come back for another 2.5 hour oil change though…

Wow! John was fabulous and knows his stuff. I drove from phx to a dealer in escondido to buy a 15 year old car that I love. Join did an inspection that was incredible thorough, and gave me all the information I needed to make an informed decision. He was very knowledgeable and provided me a report and pics of the issues he identified.
Thank you so much John for getting me in with in with little notice and out the door quickly and informed. You rock!

I’ve had the best experience at Miramar Automotive! They have so much knowledge about cars and take the time to explain everything to you!
I’m a Lyft driver so I drive a lot of miles.
Thanks! Awesome service!

This is a friendly, honest, work with you repair shop. I’ve taken my car here twice & they have been great to me. I had an appointment the first time but not the second & they were able to still take me in & work on my car the same day. I was really surprised when they knew my name when I walked in the second time. It has been over 6 months since my last visit.
What I really appreciate is the fact that if they find more than 1 thing wrong they’ll explain what’s important & what can wait. They’ll even break down the cost for everything whether you do the repair now or later. This makes it a lot less stressful when money is tight because I know I don’t need to fix everything right away. I really appreciate their honesty.
An added bonus since my last visit is they upgraded their waiting area. There’s a TV with Netflix streaming & remotes out so you can pick what you want and control the volume. They have coffee, water & snacks as well. It makes it much more comfortable to wait while repairs are being done if you can’t leave.

Great atmosphere and friendly service! It’s a little bit of a drive from where I usually go but well worth it. I’d say the only downfall is it took a little longer than I expected. However the waiting room, the coffee and snack bar, and the lack of unnecessary pressure from employees to do more work on the car was well appreciated.
I do believe I have found my new shop :-)