This review is a little overdue but COVID-19 landed and I got distracted but it’s important for me to write this review since I received such amazing service. I worked with Don Nguyen to have my brakes and rotors checked on March 13, 2020. As a woman I always am worried about getting ripped off at the mechanic but was pleasantly surprised that Don was very honest and candid about what my car needed and what it did not. He did not try to upsell me on stuff I didn’t ask for and explained things to me in a way that I could easily understand. One of my tail lights was out and I asked him if he could just replace both lights since I figured that the other one would burn out soon as well. He let me know the LED lights are expensive and and it’s not cost effective to replace one if not burned out. WOW! I’ve never had a mechanic be that honest with me and frank about what my car really needed. In the end I only needed a few things fixed on my car and it was turned around the same day and the price was very reasonable and lower than I had expected. I will definitely be back for all my car’s future needs. You can trust these guys to give you fast friendly and honest service. 4/13/2020
My car A/C died during the heatwave, and I discovered that my regular mechanic of the last 10 years had gone out of business permanently due to the pandemic. I checked out the local options and decided to give Auto Tec a try. Both the front desk guy Don and the technician Mario were awesome to work with. Mario went for a brief (masked!) test drive with me, explained that the hissing sound was likely low Freon levels, and Don provided an accurate and detailed estimate. They fixed it while I was there so I never had to call for a ride home. The price was reasonable and there was neither a hint of condescension for my lack of knowledge about cars nor an attempt to upsell me on other services. A couple months later, I brought my car back for an oil change and a broken turn signal. They found that my car was burning oil. Before doing any other work on it, called me, showed me, and gave me some honest recommendations about what to do next (get a new car…preferably a Toyota), and refused payment for their time. The sad part is that I did end up getting a new car with comprehensive service plans, so I will probably not be going back to Auto Tec for a while, but I will absolutely recommend them to anyone who does need a mechanic. Honest, friendly, and reliable – it doesn’t get much better than this. 10/4/2020
When I first moved to the Bay Area, I was super nervous about taking my car in somewhere for service since I had an ordeal the last time (you can read more about that experience in my past reviews). However, my car needed an oil change. So, I turned to Yelp and saw that Auto Tec was highly rated. Still skeptical, because let’s be real ratings aren’t always truthful, I took a leap of faith and scheduled an appointment with Don at Auto Tec. And, I’m so happy I did. Not only did they take care of my car, but I was also treated with respect and talked to as if I’m an intelligent being (I have my moments). Their prices are fair (I paid far more in the Midwest for similar service) and I did not feel as if I was being swindled. In short, I’d highly recommend Auto Tec! 12/10/2019
I noticed my A/C feeling weaker a few weeks ago, it was no surprise when one fine (warm) day in San Jose that…alas…my A/C had disappeared. This is my first time coming here, but after checking out Yelp, it seemed like Auto Tec and their reviews stood heads and shoulders above the rest. Intrigued, I requested an appointment via their website. After some email correspondence, I proceeded on in. Service was excellent, with a personal greeting from Don. I was welcomed in quickly and he quickly gave me an idea of what to expect, both in time and price. The diagnosis fee and process was clearly explained which put me at ease. In fact, I’d like to point out that he did not rush me, and took the time to explain how it worked at his shop, and answered my questions.
These guys are all about customer service. I had a tow hook on my SUV secured with two bolts that were impossible for me to budge. After 45 minutes of fruitless efforts to loosen the bolts, I finally broke my ratchet. In desperation, I found Auto Tec on yelp and called to see if they could help. They helped me as soon as I drove up and removed both bolts in under 30 seconds. No charge. Free. That’s right. Moreover, they were just plain friendly guys. I’d recommend them to friends in the area looking for good service. 06/24/2020
This review is a little overdue but COVID-19 landed and I got distracted but it’s important for me to write this review since I received such amazing service. I worked with Don Nguyen to have my brakes and rotars checked on March 13, 2020. As a woman I always am worried about getting ripped off at the mechanic but was pleasantly surprised that Don was very honest and candid about what my car needed and what it did not. He did not try to upsell me on stuff I didn’t ask for and explained things to me in a way that I could easily understand. One of my tail lights was out and I asked him if he could just replace both lights since I figured that the other one would burn out soon as well. He let me know the LED lights are expensive and and it’s not cost effective to replace one if not burned out. WOW! I’ve never had a mechanic be that honest with me and frank about what my car really needed. In the end I only needed a few things fixed on my car and it was turned around the same day and the price was very reasonable and lower than I had expected. I will definitely be back for all my car’s future needs. You can trust these guys to give you fast friendly and honest service. 04/13/2020
I’ve been going to Auto Tec for about 7 years now. I actually live in San Francisco , but still make the drive down because I trust Don and his professional staff. They always do a great job. 07/07/2020
I found Don and Auto Tec through Yelp and I feel very grateful for that. Don is honest, caring, and competent, a rare combination of traits. One morning my Mercury Villager’s engine started running very rough and CEL came on. I noticed that some rodent had started nesting in the engine compartment and had chewed at some cables. I called Don and emailed him a picture of the cables. He advised buying online a new set of ignition cables and how to install them myself. That fixed the problem! (Now, if I can only keep the pesky bunny away. :)) Don saved me time, money, and much anxiety. I will take all my cars to him for future work. 1/17/2018
To be honest, I’ve only recently starting going to the guys at Auto Tec. I brought 2 different cars and had wonderful experience for both. I was glad that they were straight forward about the issues I had. First one was a GMC Canyon truck that I brought in because of a brake issue. I was hearing sharp sounds at one point and was worried about the brake pad. When I took the truck to other shops, most of them were saying I need to change brake pad & roters out, which will cost nearly 1k. However, when I brought it to Auto Tec, they told me that my pads had more than 40% left and rotors were fine. It was just a rusty spot on of the parts that was making the sharp sound. I was told that they will try lubricating it and see if it helps, or else I can either just use it or change the brake pads out. As I was already in process of selling the car, I wasn’t worried much as there are no issues either way. Today, I brought in a Chrysler 300c, which I recently bought the vehicle. Although the car has very low mileage but was a rental, I wanted to bring it to a shop that I can really trust. They just got back saying the car is in good condition, with just the brake fluid needing flush. Again, thanks to all the guys at the shop, I’m glad I found a place that I can regularly take my car in for maintenance/repairs. 5/2/2018
Finding a new mechanic is tricky, especially when you have an older model car. I have be bringing my 2006 Honda Odyssey to Auto Tech for the past several years. They were by far the best price to replace my timing belt but beyond price – I have complete faith in the quality of their work. They are a neighborhood mechanic shop that watches out for its customers. Hands down would recommend them over any mechanic in the South Bay (including dealers, but that is a whole story in itself. Thank you guys for always taking good care of my Honda. Sadly she was stolen recently but I plan to purchase another and have you guys service the car. 7/24/2018
Great advice. They told me straight up I had big problems with my truck and suggested I get rid of it unless I wanted to spend big. I really like honesty… and they deliver. 4/8/2018
My experience here was so enjoyable I almost wish I had MORE car issues just so I could come back! Seriously, what I thought was going to be the usual painful trip to the mechanic turned into a fun and informative experience. Don and Ricardo showed me every step, and answered every question I had while checking my brakes. They answered all my dumb questions without treating me like an idiot (which when it comes to cars I really am). I honestly can’t imagine myself taking my Honda in to any other shop in the future. If repair shops could earn Michelin stars like restaurants, Auto Tec would be a five star restaurant with fast food prices. 3/27/2018
I had flashing check engine light and like anyone with car trouble on a Friday, I wasn’t looking forward to the circus i was gonna have to deal with to get it fixed but I was so pleasantly surprised to find Auto-Tec. Don was super friendly, informative, and helpful and got my car in and out, SAME DAY and at a great price. I would definitely recommend. 12/16/2016