Philip Thearle’s Autowerks

So, the guy that had helped me with my car called me yesterday yelling and acting like an idiot and complaining on why I gave them a bad review. So here’s how the conversation went:
First thing he said is that I specifically asked him to try not to salvage my car at any possible cost. This is a completely disgusting lie, maybe to cover his ass from his superiors. Besides, I don’t see why I would make such a request, at least I would have gotten the value of my car had it gotten salvaged.
Secondly, he asked why I didn’t bring the car back before I posted the Unilocal review, my answer to that was that the car looks perfectly normal on the outside, and cosmetically, the care looks perfect, it’s the welding that they did that seems to be the problem, and if I were to bring the car back, they wouldn’t have anything to fix, they just screwed up on the method they used to fix the car. His response was that they did what they had to do to fix the car. I told him that since they are certified by BMW they should’ve complied with BMW standards on how they fixed the car, his response was that if the car has less than 36K miles they would have fixed it according to BMW standards, they would have replaced a part and bonded the parts instead of welding them. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You don’t just fix a car your way, and take shortcuts just based on the milage of the car. When I bring my car to a BMW certified collision center (which he claimed that they are), I am expecting BMW quality, PERIOD.
Throughout this whole conversation, he was literally yelling and telling me that he has only worked for the shop for about a year. I simply told him that if he had used a different approach when he called me, and was nice, and used proper customer service etiquette. I would have gladly CONSIDERED updating my review to a more positive one. He got more pissed and started threatening me that he was gonna reply to my review and claim that I am a liar and then he hung up the phone on my face. Simply put, this whole conversation was utterly disgusting. I would NEVER go back to this place nor I would recommend anyone I know to go there. And I am not done with this kid, I am gonna call Phil (the owner) and see what he thinks of the people that work at his shop, I met him in 2013 when I had my car repaired the 1^st timed and he seemed very nice, and I would expect him to be more professional than the kid that called me.

The customer service here is exceptional! A contractor working in my complex managed to smear dry wall putty along the passenger side of my CRV. I tried several methods to get this mess off my car to no avail. I called PT Autowerks to see if they might be able to help me. The girl that answered the phone was very friendly and said to bring my car in after work and they would see what they could do. I came in about 3pm and even though the lobby was full, they were able to take my car right away. I took a seat in the lobby and within 10 minutes they had brought my car back around and I was good to go! When I asked how much I owed, I was told NOTHING! They fixed me up free of charge! I insisted on giving the tech that worked on it a 10 dollar tip for his time. I couldn’t believe they did that for me for free! I will definitely be using and recommending Phillip Thearle’s Autowerks!

I have been to Philip Thearle’s Autowerks twice, the first time a grocery cart was pushed into my car. The damage was minor but the bumper needed to be replaced. Chad was wonderful and answered all my questions. He even took me on a tour of the shop and gave me some insight as to what cars hold up best in an accident.
A few weeks ago, I was in an accident and immediately, took my car to Chad. He was so kind! After taking a look at the damage, he gave me an estimate as to when he might have parts and be able to start working on it. The two women in the office had such gentle demeanors. They checked my car in, had me sign paperwork and explained they would update me via text/​email on the progress. There was an Enterprise located in the shop and I was able to get a car without having to wait. Joe from Enterprise was wonderful and made sure I felt comfortable in the rental. Within an hour and half of my accident, I was back on the road and my damaged car was at the best body shop in San Diego!
Today I picked my car up and once again was greeted by the friendly office staff. I wish I had their names but everyone at this body shop is so customer service oriented. They treat you like family and not just the owner of a car. Chad showed me pictures of the damage prior to my car being fixed and walked me out to my car. Most of the damage was underneath so all I noticed was the new bumper and shiny paint.
I would recommend Philip Thearle’s Autowerks to anyone who owns a car. The welcoming office will greet you and Chad will come check out your car. They will explain everything and make sure you leave knowing what to expect. When you return to pick up your car, you will be greeted like family and leave hoping to see them again. When you realize it would take an accident or damage to your now perfect car, you just smile knowing that if something unforeseen does happen, you know where to go!

This is our second time coming to Philip Thearle’s Autowerks. I can honestly say I would not go anywhere else. Our first visit was when my husbands 2014 BMW was t-​boned at an intersection. We called BMW of El Cajon and asked where we should bring the car. They told us absolutely without a doubt, Philip Thearle’s was the place to go. My husbands accident was on 11/​17/​2015. We picked up his car on 12/​30/​2015. We couldn’t have been happier with their work. Mark was amazing. He gave us step by step photos and updates of the car as repairs went along. Over $ 23,000 worth of damage done to our car, but it looks and feels brand new. Everyone kept telling us how it was a bummer State Farm didn’t total the car, but in all honesty, I’m glad they didn’t. The repairs are so good you would never know how bad of an accident he had been in. We are so grateful. Our second visit was this week. We have a 2016 Land Rover Discovery we needed a little help making changes to, and Mark once again was amazing. We even hit a little speed bump, but they were quick to fix and remedy the situation. All of the staff has been beyond helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone, and will continue to come back. Thank you Mark for showing us what Customer Service is all about.

I had them replace my rear bumper they did a good job on that, But the tail light they replaced it with was total junk. It constantly gets water in it. After the first time going there i thought they were decent so i went back to try to get them to work on another problem, but said my car was now too old for them to work on it even though I was there just two years ago. Find a better car shop these people are snobs.

I took my car here after taking my previous Bmw here and having a good experience. My car has been getting worked on for two months and was supposed to be ready dec 31 originally

Over a year ago, we hit a sandstorm on our drive to Las Vegas. After returning home from our trip, it was evident that we needed a new windshield. But after talking with our insurance, they recommended we take it in to a body shop for further inspection.
We had nothing but a smooth, painless experience from the time we dropped our vehicle off for inspection at Philip Thearle’s until repairs were complete. Chad F was incredible by keeping in touch with us during the process… and even took us on a quick tour of the shop showing us the different steps our car would go through!
All in all we were without our car for about 3 weeks. Multiple panels of glass had to be replaced along with various trim pieces (all factory parts), and paint job that covered ²⁄₃ — ¾ of the car. There was no structural damage.
Because there’s a Hertz car rental there at Phil Thearle’s we were able to drop our vehicle off for repair, sign the necessary paperwork, and drive away in our rental car.
After almost a year and half since repairs have been done we are still completely satisfied with the work done at Phil Thearle’s. You would never know that we hit the sandstorm if we didn’t have the pictures to prove it!

Very happy to have my Excursion back! I was a little frustrated at first trying to just get an appointment for an estimate and was worried it would be the same with the repair. So glad I stuck with them. Very thorough and complete. Their communication was great. Couldn’t be happier with how everything to turned out! I wouldn’t hesitate to return again and we will definitely recommend to friends and family. Thanks for the great work and excellent customer service!

A rearend accident landed me here at Thearle. After some Unilocal research I felt it would be a good choice considering both insurance companies involved, AAA + Wawanesa, were accepted here.
The place looks like money and they had well over 100 cars on the property. You walk in to the fancy, vaulted lobby and are greeted by friendly faces ready to help. Everyone I dealt with from counter girls to adjusters were very nice and professional.
My rearended SUV looks better than when I bought it and Im perfectly satisfied with the work done. My truck has pearl white paint that was matched almost perfectly also, which was nice and not so easy. It turned out good and they gave me the truck back washed with tire dressing. A nice touch.
The negative here was the wait time. They had my truck for 3 weeks and I later found out they didnt even touch it until over a week of sitting. For the damage repaired I dont see it taking more than HALF that time on a slow week. This, in turn, caused my rental bill to soar which did offset some of the positive they are working so hard for there.
In the end Id go back, no doubt. They didnt get that fancy shop by coincidence I dont think. Im betting there is a LOT of happy customers money put into that place. which is cool. They put it back into the business and share it with the customers. I can dig it.

Not a good place. Communication with them is horrible. They do not explain things well. Also there was a lot of issues with them communicating with my insurance person. You have to make appointments for everything and they often cancel. My accident happened over 6 weeks ago. Still not repaired.

After a mishap involving a fire extinguisher box and my side panel, I was referred by my Toyota Service Advisor that Phillip Thearle’s Autowerks had the best craftsmanship he’s seen.
From the get-​go, the service was impeccable. I was contacted for an appointment for an estimate, which was nicely expedited.
My drop off appointment was very smooth and quick, which was great so I could get to work on time.
Don, my advisor, was great! He was detailed through the entire process, yet was attentive of my time. He checked in with me regularly on the progress of the work and was able to complete repairs in just 10 days!
When I picked up my vehicle, the service again was excellent. My vehicle came out under the canopy and looked amazing! They delivered it clean, went over the repairs, and Don made sure I was completely satisfied. He also made sure that if I needed anything at all to call him. I was also contacted by Cheri in the office several times to ask me how my experience was and to ensure everything was perfect. Thank you, Don and Cheri!
I highly recommend Phillip Thearle’s work, the staff and the service, it’s seriously top notch!

I was referred by AAA to Philip Thearle’s autoworks when I was hit by another car. I was concerned about repair to a new Mercedes Benz and quality of work. Chad was my rep and I must say this company is truly the best. They kept me well informed by text and communicated changes by phone. My car was delivered on time and the quality of work was outstanding. I read their reviews before taking my car into the shop and felt from the reviews I was in good hands. They truly stand by what they say.
Very professional and exceptional quality.

Love this place ! Great service and My car looks perfect. Everyone was so nice and I got my car back in 2 days !!

By far the best experience I could have had with any body shop, nothing short of amazing.
2 days after I bringing a brand new BMW M3 home, I’m rear ended at a stop light. After a call to USAA and BMW El Cajon, the recommendation from both is to head to Philip Thearle’s and I’m glad I did.
The staff at Philip Thearle’s was upfront, and extremely helpful. Within minutes of walking in on Monday, I was greeted by Donald who walked me through the process and answered all of my questions. I was quoted an estimated price, based on the visible damage before he was able to take the rear bumper off, and took the car that day. Fortunately there is an enterprise rent-​a-​car station inside the lobby of the building, which made life a breeze. Donald called and texted (with permission) throughout the process and ultimately I received the car back that Friday (4 days ahead of schedule). He even texted me about the status of my claim the day of and that I didn’t have to pay the deductible.
I arrived 30 minutes prior to the time they said it would be finished. Donald grabbed me in the lobby, apologized for being late with the car (I was early), and offered to take me on a tour of their facility and how they operate the body shop while I waited. Naturally I accepted, and they have a heck of an operation. The shop was by all definitions professional. From $ 80,000 Land Rovers to $ 140,000 Porsche’s, I learned how they would repair each car, and how the technicians are specifically certified in each brand to provide the best service. Soooo… finally they drive the car out to me 10 minutes later, washed and waxed, and it looked identical to when it was on the showroom floor, can’t get better than that.
O.K. Nuff’ said, so summary:
Awesome staff, extremely helpful, flawless work, no B.S.
If you’re a service member with USAA, just go there, it’s worth it.
Highly recommend to anyone who needs body work and needs it done right!

I, can’t believe that the wind noise I lived with for 9+ years could be fixed. I have had the noise complaint about my
Mega Cab since it was new. The original dealer couldn’t fix it.
So much extra care was taken on my truck. Seldom can you find craftsmen that can do and will take the time to do work of this high quality. My truck looks better than new. Thank you Thank you, Roy Orem

Excellent customer service. Mark kept me informed throughout the entire process. If I had any questions, he was easy to get a hold of. My car was finished and completed the day I was promised that it would be. I’m very happy with the outcome! Thank you Autowerks!

My experience with Chad and Phil Thearle has been nothing short of amazing and convenient. I came here after I rear ended someone on the freeway in my Lexus, resulting in my whole front bumper, grill, and hood being damaged. I gave Elite service center, which does great service with Lexus’s, a call and they recommended me here.
It was an easy time going through the whole adjustor and repair process since they are partnered with AAA, my insurance. Not to mention they have an enterprise on site.
They managed to get my car fixed in a week, and did a beautiful paint and repair job. Chad, the adjustor, was amazing throughout the entire process. When I initially took my car in, I was pretty shaken from the whole accident and the potential damage to my car, but he took the time to explain to me everything they would be doing and answered all my questions. I was also not sure about taking my Lexus into a place that specializes in BMW but from others reviews, who had Lexus’s, I decided that it was still a high end vehicle shop. Turns out they order the parts from the el Cajon lexus dealership which gets it to them very quickly, making my whole repair fast and simple.
The end result looks absolutely fantastic and no one would’ve even guessed I had my whole front bumper, grill, and hood replaced from the fantastic paint job they did. Not to mention the ladies at the front desk were completely approachable and friendly.
*they also have a option to receive texts about what stage your car is at in the repair process, to give you peace of mind and a heads up ETA.*
Thanks Chad and the team at Phil Thearle!

I am currently having my car fixed here after someone backed into my car at work. Thus far my experience has been great!
Philip Thearle’s went to bat for me when the other insurance company tried to put used parts on my car. Mark has been really great to work with and I have been happy with his communication throughout the entire process. He text me with updates as the information becomes available (you can choose to opt in/​out of this). It was also very convenient for me that they have Enterprise rental car on site making things that much easier.
Thanks peoples!

Ahhhh… I’m so happy to get my car back.
So some kid rear-​ended me a couple weeks ago and my dear friends over at Elite Service Center (check them out if you got a Lexus you love) referred me to Philip Thearle’s for body repair. Even better because the person who hit me was insured by AAA and this place is on their list! Whoohoo. So I ended up working with Chad throughout this entire process.
I must start off by saying that every time I called in for something, the front desk girls were very very nice and helpful… in person as well. That’s a nice plus. Chad is very personable… and was quick and honest in my estimate. He also maintained excellent communication with me via phone and email throughout the process.
They have Enterprise on site, so that was very convenient for me to get my car rental stuff taken care of. It didn’t even take a full week to finish replacing my bumper and getting it all shiny again. It looks fabulous. The warranty on their work is supposed to be top notch (hopefully won’t need to return for anything. but its nice to know its there).
Even without insurance, I think the pricing would have been reasonable for the repair that was done to my car. I mean, it was a Lexus bumper with parking sensors, etc… So I expected it to more… but its good to know I could have paid for something like that out of pocket if I ever bang up my car myself somehow (knock on wood).

October of this year I was hit by another vehicle making an illegal U-​Turn in front of me. I was sent to the hospital and my car was towed by police.
Next day I called my insurance company and they recommended this place.
Philip Thearle arraigned the tow from the tow yard to their facility which was nice.
The positives:
1. The staff here was very friendly, especially the ladies working at the front counter.
2. having the rental car place in the building was nice as far as returning my rental.
3. The fact that they text you updates was awesome.
4. the paint match looks really good, my Acura looks like it was never hit.
5. The body work is good quality.
Here are the few negative things I have to say
1. It took forever, my accident was 10/​19, they got the car a few days later, and the car was not ready until 11/​22, over a month. I only had rental car coverage for a month, but in their defense they did pay for the few days of extra rental car.
2. Every time I requested an ETA for completion I was told «next week» or «still waiting on parts» or «the wrong parts got sent».
3. I was drinking coffee at the time of my accident and this coffee spilled all over the interior. Now my interior was immaculate before the accident, and part of the estimate was for a professional detail. When I got my car back there where obvious coffee stains still present, as well as a hole in my leather seats that wasn’t there before. They did charge my insurance company well over $ 100 for this detail and I think it wasn’t much better then your $ 12 machine wash place. FAIL. And the hole is permanent now, prob from using some harsh chemicals to clean the interior.
4. I was hit in the passenger side front. After I got my car back i noticed the front HID headlight was now foggy and had interior moisture which was not present before the crash. I called Steve the adjuster and he said «this is normal for any car». If it was normal then why is only the side I got hit on doing it and why was it not present before? In his defense he did call my insurance company and asked AFTER the fact if he could replace the headlight, well after the original estimate was in.
Overall, I am satisfied with the work done and in the end thats all that matters. But for close to $ 10K in damages paid I was expecting closer attention to detail.