I've brought my cars and brought friends cars here several times. They address the problem I come in for, look over the vehicle to see if there are any other problems I need to be aware of, and give me an estimate of cost and time to repair. If I can't afford it, they figure out what can be delayed, and how long it's safe to do so, to get it down to where I can afford it. .
When I needed brakes, but probably could get away with another five to seven thousand miles, they had me come by each Saturday morning to take a few minutes to check and make sure they were still safe to drive with.
After an unrelated repair, he noticed that the fan belt was making noise when I was picking it up. Looked at it, said it needed to be replaced, told me to swing back by in an hour when the belt would be there. Replaced it in ten minutes, and told me no charge. Because it was something he shouldn't have missed in the first place.
I'd just bought an old Volvo to drive up to Idaho and Oregon. Sprang a front seal oil leak the day before I was supposed to leave. Brought it in around 4pm, and he had it finished by the next morning at 9am. When I arrived he told me he'd replaced the brake pads, because he was concerned they wouldn't be adequate for the trip. For free. Charged me half of what I'd pay anywhere else, because he knew I was worried about having enough money for the trip.
My friends have all experienced similar service when I've referred them to Colonial.
I don't know what mechanic FromGoleta worked with, But definitely not the guys at this shop. Either that or he's just a complete tool, and whatever happened to his vehicle WAS actually due to his own stupidity.
Pros: Guaranteed estimate. Work within my budget. Deliver on time.
Cons: I don't live in La Jolla anymore. :(
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