This is actually my first review on Yelp. I've been a member for a bit, but have never felt compelled to review something before today. Auto service is an odd conundrum. There's a bit of smoke and mirrors involved (we can't really see what they're doing back there in the service bay), a bit of trust (that they're doing what they said they would and being honest), a bit of inconvenience (typically sitting in a repair shop for hours), and almost always, a bit more expense than we guesstimated (it is never fun to have hundreds of dollars, sometimes thousands, slip through your fingers). I have had many, many vehicles, and have had many, many auto service shops work on them. Many of the issues above have been highlighted by poor quality service shops. For example, not much trust at some, and unusual costs that were not upfront. When any of the items in the paragraph above are "suspicious" or unusual I typically do not return. Having said that, A+ Autocare in Poway is the finest auto service shop I have come across. Many dealer service areas are as competent, fast, and professional, however you will pay a premium for that. In the realm of private, non-dealer service shops A+ Autocare is the one to beat. While I NEVER enjoy parting with lots of my hard earned money, there is no other auto service place that I have found that allows me to do so with so much trust, so little inconvenience, and so much assurance that the work performed was done competently, by skilled mechanics. The waiting room is clean, has toys for kids, soda, coffee, etc. Dave who manages the front desk area has been my primary contact for the last couple years and he has always been pleasant, courteous, and professional. Every time that I have brought in my cars, I have been notified of additional issues that I may want to address. I am always given the option of deferring, and Dave has many times given me a short list of priorities to tackle first. I never feel like I am being forced into a repair, or rail-roaded into spending more for service than I should. I also have comparison shopped them from time to time, and always find that their prices are very, very competitive. If you live in the Scripps/Poway area, there is no better choice for auto service. Strongly recommended! read more

Just took my car in for a new catalytic converter... took less than 2 hrs. AMAZING!!! LOVE THESE GUYS.. They are the best....very affordable. Dee read more

Only one word can be used to describe my experience here...AWESOME !!!! I am new to the area, and A+ was recommended. I came in first thing in the morning to figure out why my engine light was on. They looked my car over, hooked her up and figured out right away what was wrong! Fixed the problem that day, and the cost was surprisingly good for what was wrong...(a bad catalytic converter). Will definitely go back! It's hard to find a competent, honest auto shop...but this is it. A+ is definitely A+! read more

After moving back into the San Diego area earlier this year, I was concerned about who I would find to trust for work on my baby - an 84 Jeep Scrambler resto-mod. That person will be Mike Matthews at A+. He knows classic Jeeps, and when you have a discussion with him it becomes clear the guy is 'real'... he's going to listen, he's going to make recommendations based on reality, and he's NOT going to BS you. He's going to care. That builds trust, and trust gets customer loyalty. read more

Professional team, service, and Owner. Well known for their iconic A+ auto care license plate frame! Awesome place to go worth the money spent. No waiting as Al gives you call on what is being done on the vehicle and a free car wash as well! Andy puts his customers first hands down a great mechanic shop! read more

Leaning toward outrageously expensive, but quality of work is good and Dave is incredibly polite and thorough. Kept in great touch through the whole process and was upfront with options and information. read more

My family has been bringing our cars to A+ Autocare for the last 7 or 8 years. I believe the pricing is reasonable. I have always been able to have clear communication with the front desk staff ( Dave and Al ) and I have never felt patronized. They have always done a great job and they're honest guys doing honest work. I couldn't be happier with this place! read more

Took my VW Eurovan here after it died on me during a light rain and was towed in by a AAA-friendly tow company. Turned out to be a cracked distributor cap. Recommended a general tune up plus also a fuel system cleaning, throttle body cleaning, power steering flush (dirty fluid), and a new battery (my battery was at least 7 years old and I knew it was weak and I probably really killed it when trying to restart the dead car). All of these items I thought to be reasonable. I didn't find anything in the list that I felt was unnecessary. Some things could have waited, or at the very least all I needed was a new distributor cap and, but none struck me as entirely unnecessary, even if not all were urgent nor related to the immediate issue at hand. They were able to get to my car in a reasonable amount of time (I used their shuttle to get to work in the industrial park up the hill) and were reasonably friendly to talk with. When all was said and done, the immediate issue was fixed (car is running again) and this other maintenance also done. The main "gotcha" was I didn't notice on my receipt that on the tuneup, I was charged for spark plugs twice. I went back the next day and inquired and they did agree it was a mistake. For reasons I don't understand fully, they are not able to refund my credit card for the difference or void and re-run the transaction after 24 hours but put a note on my account that I have a credit with them that I can use for my next visit. Overall I would say the experience was good although just not perfect due to the billing issue and inablity to credit my CC for the overcharging. So this is why I will give 4 stars (better than most) but not 5. I did leave with a positive impression overall and would recommend them so far to anyone. Just make sure that you check your receipt carefully and don't whiz over it (something one should always do at any repair place...make sure you understand the charges in detail and ask questions). read more

Auto Club recommended them and I had my car towed there after having it slogged. The smog check screwed up the computer and they were able to get it rebooted in minimal time. They were also able to get me a reduced price rental while I waited for the full diagnostics to be done. Helpful and thorough. read more

After 55 years of dealing wilh numerous repair shops and dealers, most of which were less than satisfactory, I had my 1995 Jeep Cherokee with almost 200,000 miles on it towed to A+Autocare. The Auto Club recommended them and I was pleasantly surprised. Professional, courteous and friendly service at a good price! They got that car running again so that it was safe and dependable enough for me to give it to my grandson. Then I took in my 2004 Mercedes Benz with 130,000 miles and a cooling problem. When they finished it was like driving a new car. No price gouging. No upselling. Just darn good service with dependable Napa Parts and a friendly smile at very reasonable prices. (Actually, the smiles are free!) Wallace D. read more

I woke up to replace two tires and had a couple of critical issues to do to my car John, Chad and Gary are world class act they help me and provided excellent service.I will always trust and employ this shop service to me and family read more

So I went back to support a local business and I am now done with A+ Autocare. I apparently "won" an exterior detail but of course, it was not going to happen unless I left my car overnight. Fine, I'll skip it. They agreed to wash it, except it came back dirtier than I left it, with smear marks all across my windshield. But that's not the reason for the poor review. Like most mechanics, they took me for a sucker. I went in for an oil change and got "the call" saying I needed new brakes, a brake flush, blah blah blah. Thank goodness I didn't go for it. When I took it to Evan's the next day, he said I had about 70-80% left on my brakes. I do not appreciate being lied to. When my husband checked my oil a few days later we found it was not a bright clear golden as new oil usually is. We don't even think they replaced the oil! Moving on from this company. I hope they treat others better than they treated me. read more

would recommend courteous fast responce and courteous staff will return in the future

I have been going to A+ for over 20 years. I drive a 2001 Toyota Solara that they have kept running like a top. Not only do they provide free shuttle service and wash my car for free every time I bring it in for service, they also give me a free rental if they need to keep my car to do needed repairs. Every one who works there is extremely professional and friendly. Going there is like going to a dealership without the exorbitant prices. I cannot recommend them highly enough. A+ Auto gets an A Plus!!! read more

The customer service here is amazing! Although their prices are a little on the high side, I would bring my car here no questions asked. All of the servicemen are honest and are very thorough in their craft. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone needing car repair stop at Poway. read more

Thank you Alan and your entire crew at A+ Autocare for the work on my 1967 Camaro. You guys did such a nise job on my other car, a 1967 Nova, I knew you were the right spot for my Camaro maintenance. Many of your mechanics have worked on muscle cars or owned them at one time or another and understand the difficulty each custom car brings to the table. Your communication to me was great and the follow-up was a very nice surprise. No question that I will be back. read more

I have taken all of my cars here for service. Dave and his team always take good care of me and have reasonable pricing. I have recommended their services to many people over the years because they do great work. Thanks A+ Autocare, you guys rock!! :) read more

Great shop! They always go the extra mile to make sure I'm satisfied. They'll even wash your car after servicing it!

I have been taking my "fleet" of cars to A+ for years and have always fixed issues in a timely manner and a friendly smile. I recommend them highly! read more

A+ Auto is a great shop! I've been taking my cars to them for years. They are honest and straightforward, and don't talk down to me because I'm female. I trust them completely. They'll let you kno how to prioritize what needs to be done, and they won't push you to do anything that isn't really necessary just to make a buck. The car is ready when they say it will be, and the shuttle driver is a nice, normal guy, unlike some of the more scarey ones I've come across. I'd recommend A+ auto to anyone. read more

Over 10 years ago, I took my ugly old Aerostar van here because my usual mechanic didnt want to mess with whining differential gears. They opened the diff to find the gear teeth thin as knife-blades and ready to break. My jaw dropped when they told me that it would cost a couple thousand to install a new rear end differential. I said that there has to be another solution and they said they would call around for a junkyard part because sometimes those can be had for a few 100 bucks with lots of life left. I got out of there for a little over $800 parts & labor, which was all I could afford since I had a new mortgage to pay. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that I've only got this one experience with A+ to use as my basis read more

Superior customer service! I had Dave work on my car last week and he was very helpful and called me promptly, as soon as it was ready. I also received a follow up call inquiring how my car was doing after the repairs, which is rare for auto repair industry! I called yesterday because my car was making funny noises and they responded to the issue immediately telling me to come in this morning before work, to have my car checked. I probably waited about less than 5 minutes and Ryan was there to come along with me for a test drive to hear and assess the strange noise from my car. They addressed the minor problem, immediately, with no charge! And to my surprise, I made it in to work on time. These workers are very honest, helpful and thoughtful about their customers' time. Best car repair service I have ever received! Very pleased! read more

We have been going to A+ for many years. They have been keeping my wife's aging Hyundai Elantra in amazing condition. It is always a pleasure to see Al and Dave. A recent visit, although expensive, resulted in the 2005 Elantra riding as new. Once again money well spent. Our thanks to Ryan the mechanic who ensured it will remain a safe ride for many years. read more

I have been looking for an"honest" auto repair shop since I arrived in San Diego 20 Years ago. Through the Auto Club I found A+AUTOCARE. I have been treated fairly and honestly. They have serviced three cars since I found them 8 years ago. I trust them completely. read more

I've been going to A+ for years for my 2001 Subaru. Without their diligent care, my car wouldn't be happily approaching 200k miles. Thanks, guys! read more

wanted to say how much I appreciate Allan and Dave and their patience with me...My vehicle IS my business and they always fit me in, even at the last minute...not to mention the mechanic geniuses who diagnosis potential problems before they occur..ie brake issues or tire issues...thank you all! Been with you guys for 25 years and you've always taken good care of my vehicles.. read more

They over charge and abuse customer vehicles. I paid the same as the quotes from the dealer. I now have gotten quotes on work A+ said I needed and the dealer quote was hundreds less. While my truck was there they used 46 miles off my distance until empty, leaving me with a gas light. Then dropped my avg from 10.4 to 10.1. I have driven this truck for months. Weather it's a road trip to Vegas, pedaling it out or mountain driving it hasn't budged from 10.4. Someone there hot lapped my truck. They doubled my original quote and my truck was there for 3 days when it was supposed to be 1. DO NOT BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO THIS PLACE. read more

Wanted to get my Lexus detailed when I saw their advertising near their door for $30 discount on the detail package. The business doesn't have the staff to support more than two vehicles per day. I understand how long it takes to detail vehicles. Takes a while. I am in the military and will not be around next week, just unfortunate that the local business cannot support more than 2 per day. I think if the company hired more staff they could increase their leverage and do more detailing in Poway. I'll call a mobile detail service for now. read more

Had driven from Lake Tahoe to visit daughter in San Diego, when the clutch went out on our 3500 Dodge truck. Took it to A+ and they replaced the clutch. Driving truck from their shop, the drive shaft fell out into the street. Yes, they bolted it back together, but refused any rebate. Had to take it to another shop when we got back home. read more

We have 3 cars with over 100,000 miles. After years of trying different shops, several AAA recommended, we finally found A+. The service is wonderful and I have never felt like they're trying to sell me more work. They're excellent at ranking the service that needs to be done on our cars, so that we get the work done that is necessary and know what kind of service is coming up. They really take care of us. read more

I needed a new battery in an "emergency" situation. I was told to go to A Plus Autocare. $373.00 later I had a new battery and an oil change. I know I could have gone somewhere else and paid half that price. Although the people there were friendly, I feel like I was taken advantage of and I don't plan to return for any further services. read more

Dave and Alan are great to work with. They have reasonable prices and deliver as promised.

Took car in for AAA inspection. They determined brakes needed to be fixed. Since car was torn apart had work done. Asked for written estimate for the verbal $600 (less AAA discount.. Told they would email one. Never received. Picked up car expecting AAA discount. Gave $30 - $10= $20) discount on over $667 in repairs. Advertise that car wash is free but we were charged $10 and they said we didn't pay for it because it was part of the AAA discount credit they gave us. So, if they will CHEAT on a car wash, I wouldn't trust them. Not sure now if we even needed all the brake repairs. read more

Suberb & spotless facility! Free shuttle service & car wash. The most reliable auto repair shop around. The guys at A+ Autocare have been repairing and maintaining my car for years. I would never go anywhere else! Everyone is so helpful and friendly, I highly recommend A+ Autocare. read more

Looking for an honest mechanic? Keep looking. First they replaced our timing chain incorrectly....right before we were about to take a 2000 mile trip. Had to take it to another mechanic in Reno who had the car for the first three days we were on vacation. Then they were unable to diagnose a brake problem on our truck. They replaced a brake line which didn't resolve the problem(never offered to reduce the price)....then told us we needed new pads and rotors. Again that didn't resolve the issue. Luckily found someone who knew what they were talking about. I also found Dave to be rude which prompted me to write this review. read more

They properly diagnosed an oil leak for me at a very reasonable price. They also gave me a ride to work and back while they were doing it. I ended up fixing the oil leak myself after I got the diagnosis, but they were exactly right about what was causing it. Very rare to find outstanding customer service like this at an auto shop. read more

My son pulled up with his Toyota Camry that redline overheating, was in there parking lot with his hood up, no one came out to see if they could help, so I came and we went in the store, we could here them talking and waited and waited for some help, no one came, but when a cute blonde pulled up in the driveway she got immediate help, walked right by us to help her, so when I finally got there attention it was obvious we were waiting in the lobby they said they couldn't help me today and asked I take my car to another shop, funny though they were able to take her car in. The shop they recomended Intermountain Radiator and Air Conditioning repair, was just as bad terrible service, A plus Autocare recomended a shop that missed diagnosed my car problem terribly by thousands of dollars, I didn't trust them so I took it to Richardson Buick/GMC who teated me good and fair, diagnosed there was actually nothing wrong with my car. I gave two stars to A+ because they didn't actually look at our car, but there recomedation was no better. Go somewhere else and don't trust there recomedations. read more

My truck went dead and was towed by AAA to this garage. Although they were swamped with business they got my car written up with a promise of a diagnosis the next day. Their diagnosis was that it was failed fuel pump as I had also guessed. They gave me an honest quote for repairs on the second day and was repaired and washed on the 3rd day. Overall a great establishment with educated people. read more

My battery was dead, and I got a jump start to get somewhere to buy a new one. I went to my dealership first, and they said I would have to wait 2.5 hours, because I didn't have an appointment. I left there with no help at all and stopped at A+ Auto Care. They did not have the battery I needed, but took the time to call and find out who did have that battery, and sent me there. I don't know what I would have done without the kind, professional service they provided at A+. I would highly recommend this facility. Many, many thanks to A+. read more

These guys are fantastic!! They have been in business since 1987 and they really know their stuff. They have been keeping my Infiniti in tip top shape for many years and I just received the 90k service. They were having a sale on their detail service, so I asked them to throw that in, and the car came back looking like and driving like a brand new car. Their prices are always reasonable and I have never felt ripped off or oversold, as has happened more than once at the Infiniti dealer. I have dealt with both Dave and Andy, and both are extremely professional, helpful, and accommodating of my needs. Their customer service is outstanding. On shorter jobs, I have hung out in their lounge, which is very pleasant, with free coffee and TV. Their restroom is one of the nicest I've ever seen---extremely clean and looks like it was professionally decorated. On longer jobs, they drive me back home and pick me up when the job is done. On multi-day jobs, they arrange for a rental car at the Enterprise Rent-a-Car down the street. Their name---A+---says it all. I would give them 10 stars if I could. And I will continue to take my car there for service and repairs for many years to come. read more