Please help! I am a single woman in her 50's who knows very little about car repair. I had been
going to the dealership for routine services and such, but I got tired of being yanked around by the
credit card-so to speak, and I am looking for a good repair service company here in Santa Barbara
that I can trust.
COMMENT 329246
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2012-10-08 11:17 AM |
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Hi OP, what kind of car do you have? Going to a shop that knows your kind of car is better than going to one that's a "jack of all trades (master of none)".
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COMMENT 329247
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2012-10-08 11:17 AM |
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If you have a Volvo, there's few better than Dave Scholl.
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DILLYDALLY
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2012-10-08 11:24 AM |
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For non luxury brands Airport Motors has always treated my family and our cars well.
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COMMENT 329252
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2012-10-08 11:25 AM |
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Airport motors in Goleta.
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COMMENT 329254
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2012-10-08 11:26 AM |
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Tony's on Anacapa Street - worked with him for decades. 100% great.
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COMMENT 329255P
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2012-10-08 11:27 AM |
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If you are out near the airport, then Advanced Automotive is terrific. Miller, the owner, has dealt with our cars for years and has always been reasonable and honest. He even deals with getting my cars smoged for me. Really knowledgeable nice guy.
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COMMENT 329256P
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2012-10-08 11:28 AM |
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Richard's Accurate, 962-1741.
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COMMENT 329258P
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2012-10-08 11:33 AM |
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I like Top Shop in Goleta (off of Patterson, next to Sumida Nursery). They keep our family's fleet of Toyotas on the road.
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COMMENT 329263P
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2012-10-08 11:36 AM |
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fairview motors in goleta.
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COMMENT 329264
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2012-10-08 11:36 AM |
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For Hondas, Munoz Automotive on Salinas or DiMauro's in Goleta
For Toyotas, John Howe West in Goleta They are maybe not the cheapest but they are honest and you know the work will be done right and with good parts. For some things, Munoz was less than other shops I checked.
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COMMENT 329267
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2012-10-08 11:43 AM |
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Fairview Motors gets my vote too!
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COMMENT 329268P
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2012-10-08 11:43 AM |
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Airport Motors has been very competent and fair in maintaining our '94 Jeep Cherokee and '91 MR2 for the last several years.
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COMMENT 329269
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2012-10-08 11:45 AM |
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If you're downtown, go to John Hurley Automotive on Por La Mar Cir. The number is 962-2404 I've known him and brought him my vehicles for repair and maintenence for 35 yrs. He's honest and fair.
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COMMENT 329272
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2012-10-08 11:50 AM |
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If you have a GM product this guy is great!
National Motors-cartalk recommended
Carl Needham 23 S Fairview
Goleta, CA 93117 805-96seven-9seven25 For a Subaru, Airport Motors
681-seven29seven If you have something else, check out the CarTalk web site and find the "Mechanics Files" link
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COMMENT 329275
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2012-10-08 11:56 AM |
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Ken Symer Automotive, 421 N. Nopal St.
Been going there for years. Totally honest, reliable, reasonably priced. Buncha nice guys too.
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COMMENT 329277
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2012-10-08 11:59 AM |
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They are all crooks. You must know some friend or family member who has a son who knows his way around a wrench. Anyone who can remember "lefty-loosey, rightie-tighty" and owns the correct Chilton's manual for your car ($20) can handle 98% of auto repairs.
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COMMENT 329280
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2012-10-08 12:01 PM |
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John Howe West on Daley St. in Goleta, 683-4364. They've been around for near 30 years and do excellent work. I own a Toyota Tundra that needs a new clutch. I got a quote from Toyota of Oxnard of $1700. for clutch replacement. The same job @ John Howe West was quoted @ a bit less that $900. I've been taking my auto to him for more than 20 years and have never had any call backs.
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COMMENT 329282P
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2012-10-08 12:04 PM |
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DiMauro's Automotive in Goleta is where I've been taking my Hondas since the mid-90s. Won't go anywhere else. (I'm a single female in my 60s.)
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COMMENT 329283P
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2012-10-08 12:14 PM |
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I recently (three services ago) switched to Kiwi Repair on Yanonali for my Toyota pickup as a result of recommendations here. I've gone to a lot of places (and am female, over 50) and have found them to be very reliable with no indication of being taken. One thing I liked was that they checked through all safety issue potentials, including those having nothing in it for them, for instance, pointing out to me that I should seriously consider replacing the tires because of the tread, which I did at CostCo.
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COMMENT 329284
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2012-10-08 12:18 PM |
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I like Swedemasters on Salsipuedes for Volvo myself. GM Auto & Smog on Alamar are great for any GM product (GM, Chevy, Buick, Olds, etc.) I won't take my car to Ayers. I brought my car there for a pre-sale inspection on the buyer's dime. They made all the typical, high-cost jiffy lube recommendations: power steering fluid, transmission fluid (non-serviceable), battery (battery had just been replaced a year earlier). And, ever since then, they've spammed me with their flyers.
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COMMENT 329286
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2012-10-08 12:22 PM |
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Jess' Union on Milpas was always very good to me - HONEST!! Drove by last week and looks like they have closed up shop. I know Jess Sr. was having some health issues.
Hope all is well with Jess, Roger and Jess Jr.
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COMMENT 329292
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2012-10-08 12:33 PM |
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D & G Automotive.
5970 Daley Street Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 683-1558 Taken good care of my parent's cars, and my cars.
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COMMENT 329295P
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2012-10-08 12:40 PM |
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For more recommendations, click on the Referrals tab near the top of this page, then click on the link to cars.
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COMMENT 329306P
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2012-10-08 01:00 PM |
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We've taken our Hondas to Dave Munoz for years. Always honest, always discusses cost and options up front, and I've never had a bad experience with him. Half of the reason I keep buying Hondas is so that I can keep him as my mechanic.
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COMMENT 329309
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2012-10-08 01:09 PM |
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Totally agree #306P. Also, they are the very nice and pleasant to deal with.
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COMMENT 329312P
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2012-10-08 01:12 PM |
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From many years of experience, I agree that Hondas should go to DiMauro's Automotive in Goleta and Toyotas to John Howe West. I am a widow and and we are often taken advantage of by guys who know they can get away with it.
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COMMENT 329316
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2012-10-08 01:16 PM |
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I don't have a recommendation for a mechanic but I suggest you take a basic auto repair course at SBCC. I did that [mumble-mumble-mumble] years ago and it was very informative. All theory and lecture, no tools or grease. The idea wasn't to become a mechanic but to build up a BS detector.
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REXOFSB
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2012-10-08 01:17 PM |
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Jon at Meineke Motors at State & Calle Real, across the street from the Five Points Center, is one of three local mechanics I trust completely. (The other two are Tim Kitt at Swedemasters for Volvos and Saabs, and John Hurley Automotive). Our local Meineke will not bankrupt you and they stand behind their service 100%.
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CAPTAIN HALEY
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2012-10-08 01:23 PM |
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I see Mike at Kennedy's Automotive, where Milpas meets Anapamu.
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COMMENT 329319
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2012-10-08 01:26 PM |
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Since you're in the prime edhat age demographic, I'd recommend avoiding Ayers...they seem to pride themselves on taking advantage of the elderly. I have heard good things about Airport and ATG in Goleta.
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COMMENT 329325
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2012-10-08 01:35 PM |
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50's is elderly? I like Powell Garage on De La Vina. They're one of the oldest auto repair shops in town (perhaps the oldest). Some years back, the original owners retired and sold to a longtime employee. They do good work and their shop is always clean ... that's an additional sign of good mechanics.
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COMMENT 329327P
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2012-10-08 01:44 PM |
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I'm surprised no one mentioned "Motor, Brake & Wheel" (on De La Guerra, between Chapala and De La Vina Sts. "Barry" is the ultimate stand-up guy. They won't overcharge you, the repairs are top-notch. Work is done and car is ready to go, in a timely manner. As an older, single female, I was treated with respect and given lots of little "freebies" over the years; nothing major, but all helpful. They helped me keep my old car going long past its prime.
Great bunch of guys. Honest and dependable. Best tip: for carburetor and electrical issues, the only game is town is "Carburetor & Electric" and is located on De La Guerra, just west of Motor, Brake & Wheel. Love their work.
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COMMENT 329329
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2012-10-08 01:53 PM |
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Powell Garage is an honest auto repair shop that I have used.
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COMMENT 329346
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2012-10-08 02:31 PM |
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Rick Huff at SwedeMasters. Really great guy and mechanic, to boot.
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COMMENT 329350
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2012-10-08 02:38 PM |
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Would only trust C&S automotive located the intersection at 154 and state/hollister. Mark is a great guy, and has a lot of knowledge in the automotive repair industry. I do most of the work on my car myself, but if its anything out of my ability or requiring special tooling, they are the only shop I would go to.
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REDTOP
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2012-10-08 02:41 PM |
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I would also like to endorse Powell Garage, 1327 De La Vina St. Phone: 962-6163. Very competent folks who listen and explain things. They are honest, straight-forward and run a clean shop. We've been going to them for years with a Honda and a Dodge Sprinter with a Mercedes Diesel engine. Good people.
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COMMENT 329367P
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2012-10-08 03:10 PM |
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OP Here. Sorry that I neglected to mention my car is a 2004 Buick. I'm getting good reports from you all. Thanks and please feel free to add more to the list. One of the big things right now is the air conditioning and wouldn't you know we've hot a hot spell!
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COMMENT 329369
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2012-10-08 03:14 PM |
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A second for Powell's and Motor Brake & Wheel
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COMMENT 329379
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2012-10-08 03:30 PM |
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Tom Watts in Carpinteria is a good place. Honest, fast, and within walking distance to the beach.
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COMMENT 329386
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2012-10-08 03:38 PM |
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Easy decision - Mark at C&S Automotive on Upper State.
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COMMENT 329388
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2012-10-08 03:42 PM |
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Bob's Mobile Automotive
805-452-9600 Myself and many friends use him for everything. Very Very honest and he comes to your residence to do the work.
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COMMENT 329399
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2012-10-08 03:58 PM |
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I'm going to second the suggestion that you take an auto repair course at City College and learn to repair your own car. While you're at it maybe you should take some premed classes so you can be your own doctor.
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COMMENT 329401
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2012-10-08 04:04 PM |
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I second TOP SHOP on Patterson. 964-6554
Honest dependable great guys and they are reasonable in prices. They have been "local" for many years . Next to La Sumida
( We have a 12 year old Honda, a 10 year old Jetta and a small truck---all have been cared for by Top Shop and have never left us stranded/broke down!
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COMMENT 329404
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2012-10-08 04:07 PM |
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Have taken my car to Bowman's Auto Repair forever. They specialize in BMW Volvo and SAAB but he does a lot of other cars too. Reasonable and always nice.
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COMMENT 329417
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2012-10-08 04:18 PM |
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Go to Bowmans. Steve is the best. Stay away from Advanced in Goleta. Miller is incompetent unless all you need is an oil change or air in your tires.
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COMMENT 329419
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2012-10-08 04:24 PM |
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Another vote for D&G Automotive. Mark has been taking care of my cars for years.
5970 Daley
805-683-1558
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COMMENT 329421P
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2012-10-08 04:29 PM |
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OP Here. Sorry that I neglected to mention my car is a 2004 Buick. I'm getting good reports from you all. Thanks and please feel free to add more to the list. One of the big things right now is the air conditioning and wouldn't you know we've hot a hot spell!
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COMMENT 329427P
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2012-10-08 04:35 PM |
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Oops! Posted twice a few minutes apart.
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COMMENT 329488
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2012-10-08 08:36 PM |
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you should come by SBCC at around 2:30 this tues or thursday to the auto shop. there's an air conditioning class that meets at that time. Its a two part class and the A/C portion ends this thursday so if you dont come by this week it will probably be too late. they have all the equipment and tools to properly do the job. might be worth a shot
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COMMENT 329496P
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2012-10-08 09:53 PM |
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how about recommendations for Mazdas??
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COMMENT 329501P
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2012-10-09 12:30 AM |
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Why all thie comments about attending a SBCC automotive class? The lady just wants to have her car serviced, and I doubt she wants to do it herself. Yeah, it's all well and good to take such a class if you're genuinely interested in knowing how your car runs, but 99% of us don't care--we just want someone to keep it running and fix it when it breaks. My plasma TV stopped working. I guess I better take an electronics course to find out what's wrong with it. What? There are people who can fix it? How cool is that?
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COMMENT 329506
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2012-10-09 07:02 AM |
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No one mentioned Ayers?
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PETERSB
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2012-10-09 07:07 AM |
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Fairview Motors All makes, have used them for several years, courteous and reliable, fair pricing. Also Demauro in Goleta for Honda and Acura. 664 S Fairview Ave
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 964-1167
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COMMENT 329518
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2012-10-09 07:26 AM |
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Ken Symer is the best and most honest car repair in town. Check their Yelp reviews.
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COMMENT 329519
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2012-10-09 07:29 AM |
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C&S Automotive!
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COMMENT 329532
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2012-10-09 08:01 AM |
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C&S is great! Fixed my truck for 20% of what the dealer estimated - and the dealer misdiagnosed most of it. C&S got it right the first time, didn't add on and are really good and correctly diagnosing problems. 692-2618
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COMMENT 329533P
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2012-10-09 08:02 AM |
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I agree with a NO for Ayers and a YES for Motor Brake and Wheel. I'm a senior female and trust Barry completely as he doesn't try to sell things you don't need, but warns you that next time you might need something.
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COMMENT 329538
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2012-10-09 08:13 AM |
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If you have a Honda/Accura there is no one better, more honest, more trustworthy than Munoz Auto Repair on Salinas Street.
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COMMENT 329540
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2012-10-09 08:16 AM |
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Ken Symer. Nopal St. Very trust worthy and dependable.
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COMMENT 329554P
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2012-10-09 08:48 AM |
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Martin at Muller and Goss. Been using him for about 15 years on 5 or 6 different cars. He's honest....and even comes in under estimate at times! P.S. I am a single woman too.
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COMMENT 329555
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2012-10-09 08:49 AM |
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496: For ANY make or model, C&S.
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COMMENT 329560
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2012-10-09 09:06 AM |
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garcia's in goleta at the end of kellogg by the old drive in theater, honest and does really good work, I had a few really bad experiences,, be careful of places that do more than one thing, like if they sell tires,, ok, but dont go to them for repair,,,
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COMMENT 329563
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2012-10-09 09:14 AM |
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Carburetor & Electric on De La Guerra St.
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COMMENT 329565
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2012-10-09 09:23 AM |
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Yes to Carburetor & Electric, and Ken Symer. Powell Garage is $$$$. Whatever you do, avoid Ayers.
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COMMENT 329569
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2012-10-09 09:32 AM |
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Meineke Motors at State & Calle Real, ask for my brohter Joe, He's the best mechanic there! (besides Jon of course)
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COMMENT 329575
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2012-10-09 09:59 AM |
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I personally know Mark Russell at D&G Automotive. He does a great job. I wouldn't call him either really expensive or really inexpensive. Right in the middle. If you want your car fixed right and you want to pay WAY more than average then go to Mahneke Motors on Thornwood in Goleta.
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SB FAN
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2012-10-09 10:05 AM |
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Santa Barbara Autoworks at Mason and Quarantina is great: http://www.sbautoworks.com/Auto_Truck_Fleet_Repair/Hom
e.html
I've taken my car there for about 20 years, and the owner, Danny, is indeed honest, dependable and reasonable (as he says on his website). He's an excellent mechanic, plus he's a very nice person as well.
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COMMENT 329581
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2012-10-09 10:27 AM |
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Top Shop Automotive in Goleta. Great work, very ethical.
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COMMENT 329592
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2012-10-09 10:44 AM |
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Fred and Paul at Powell Garage on De La Vina St. a little pricey, but honest as all get out.
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COMMENT 329595
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2012-10-09 10:57 AM |
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Don't let any of these miscreants near your vehicles or anything else. ( May 26th, 2010 Separate meth raids bring a dozen arrests in Santa Barbara ) Their self promotion is malarkey and they have peeps that appear to be on the straight and narrow who make bogus recommendations. Don't purchase anything from the chop shop either. The public needs to be warned.
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COMMENT 329599
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2012-10-09 11:13 AM |
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Tim at Top Cat Motors on Hollister next to the Dutch Gardens does really good work, very responsive and responsible.
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COMMENT 329608
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2012-10-09 11:32 AM |
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Ruiz automotive in Downtown Goleta but don't go there yet. I need a smog and an oil change and I want him all to myself!
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COMMENT 329761P
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2012-10-09 05:10 PM |
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Richard's Accurate diagnosed a problem D&G couldn't figure out - a leak around a gasket on a Nissan.
Consequently, we're big fans of the very professional and fair Richard's Accurate!
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COMMENT 329762P
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2012-10-09 05:12 PM |
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Ken Symer's! Ken and Co. have seen it all, fixed it all, know honest people and take your car over themselves, if you want, for specialty things like smogging, etc. Nice nice guys too. Good reasonable prices.
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COMMENT 329823
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2012-10-09 08:04 PM |
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Rick Huff. He will be kind, patient and fair with you. Swedemasters on Salsipuedes.
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COMMENT 330029
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2012-10-10 01:15 PM |
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Dan with Precision Auto on Gutierrez. He's had plenty of chances to rip us off (pretty clueless) and we are always amazed and thankful that it didn't happen. Good luck.
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