The most honest shop in the area, Ron the owner is a great guy and does a great job at running the shop. I've been hacked by other shops for un need repairs-maintennce Best place around hands down read more

Had a great experience with Ron when the hybrid battery in our Prius C failed. He's a down to earth, honest guy with old fashioned integrity. We were really lucky to have his help! read more

There are hardly words to express how amazing Ron and his shop is...I brought my car to 3 other shops before advanced auto and one thing after the other I felt like I was just getting scammed one after the other, literally thousands of dollars down the drain with no results whatsoever. But after leaving my car with Ron for a couple of days, who was not only quick to answer the phone, even on his break or day off, but he also spoke to me like a human, explained anything I might not have understood, but he also charged me a fair price. I think he probably put way more time in than he admitted, and all in all he is just a respectable smart person who isn't out to rip you off in the slightest, but he would rather fix your problems the best he can and yeah...I could go on but that sums it up. My car runs WAY better than it did before, and I think some things were fixed because of what he did that I didn't even expect to be fixed at all. Wow, all I can say is WOW, I highly recommend. read more

This is the most honest and trustworthy mechanic shop I've been to in California. Ron helped me assess my problem with my Honda. You can tell they truly care about taking care of car's and customers read more

Ron the owner is a stand up guy. I felt he put me the customer and my auto problem and how he could best provide the solution before any other consideration. He provided all the input I needed. Took the time to answer all my questions and made good recommendations. I feel Ron is very experienced at his craft and he will treat you fair. You can trust him. Ron won me over and he isthe go to business for my auto repair needs. Give Ron and Advances Automotive a shot at auto repair business you won't regret it. read more

Ron helped me out by doing a pre purchase inspection on a car I was considering buying and thanks to him, I saved thousands of dollars on repairs as the local dealership was dishonest about the condition of the car. He went over and beyond, and spent a good chunk of time explaining the inspection findings and recommending other more reliable car buying options. I would recommend this shop without hesitation! read more

Ron at Advanced Auto knows his stuff! My husband and I got stranded in Santa Cruz with a bad alternator and near dead batteries in his 2015 Chevy Silverado. Called up and brought it over to Advanced Auto. Ron had parts sent over from San Jose immediately- it was up and running in a few hours - canceled the rental car and went on our way. Great service! Great guy. read more

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My car was in this shop for 5 days. I was told it was my fuel pump and everything else was fine. I was told the fuel up,p had been replaced. I picked up the car after the 5 days and then it broke down on the way to San Francisco on the highway. The owner was very dismissive and claimed that he had not been around when I was told my fuel pump was replaced so he didn't want to take responsibility. I will most liKelly be taking him to small claims court. This place is crooked. read more

The best mechanic I've ever had!! He ALWAYS knows what's going on with my car and how to fix it, and is always reasonably priced. He's extremely knowledgeable about auto mechanics and honest! I highly recommend Advanced Auto!! read more

Ron is an amazing mechanic! I went to him twice for my 2014 Nissan Sentra. I had been struggling with a mass air flow sensor for a while and the check engine light was constant going on and off no matter what I did. The first time I took it in he also identified an issue with my first cylinder miss firing he replaced the spark plugs and coils and the pricing was really reasonable! The second time my car died as I was leaving my mother's in Elk Grove. I trusted this company so much that I had that car towed the 140 or so miles so that Ron could figure out the issue. One throttle body later and my car was purring like a kitten! Thank you so much for all that you do Ron!! read more

Super honest and kind mechanic at this shop. Fair and reasonable prices as well. I was able to get my car in and out within a day! Highly recommend coming here to get your car worked on read more

I just had the absolutely best possible experience at Advanced Auto. My car wouldn't start; then once it finally turned over, the engine light came on. I called Advanced Auto based on Yelp reviews, and they had me come right in. As soon as I got there, they plugged in one sensor. When it couldn't give them a reading, they pulled me in for a more sophisticated sensor reading. It turned out to be a glitch that they would not be able to service in house, but they also explained that it was likely a one-time event. They sent me off with a recommendation for who might best help if the problem happens again and without charging me a cent! Compare this to the dealer who couldn't even look at my care for over a month and who would have charged $200 just to plug-in the sensor. I only wish that Advanced Auto could be the folks who service my car! read more

I'm a solo traveler that's perceived as female and I know nothing about cars. Great combo for being taken advantage of by a mechanic. Not the case here!! They drove my car, told me it was a tire issue and recommended a spot. When I went to pay, they didn't charge. I can't tell you how much I appreciated that! He could've easily told me anything and I would've believed it and paid whatever was needed to get home again. read more

Have to give 5 stars to Advanced Auto and Ron. He was super communicative , up front and fair. I called 10 other garages to see if they could take my car same day and Ron was the only one to work to fit me in. Not only that, he tracked down a hard to find part from a local dealership and had a driver to get it and installed it same day. Advanced Auto going on speed dial after today read more

We were on a road trip from San Diego when our battery died. Called a few places that said it would be 2-4 days before we could be fit in. When we called advanced auto, Ron said he'd be able to get us in if we got there before closing. We made it with 30 minutes to spare. They diagnosed and fixed the problem super quick and we were back on our trip. Also, the cost was very fair. Since we were out of town and on a schedule, they could have taken advantage of the situation and over charged us, but they didn't! If we lived in Santa Cruz, this would be our go to auto repair! read more

They got to bottom of an electrical problem with my son's car efficiently and quickly. Price was very reasonable too. I'd highly recommend giving this place a try if you're looking for an skilled and honest mechanic read more

I cannot sing praises enough for this business. I was on a day trip to Santa Cruz and had just gotten on the road back home when my engine started blowing steam and overheating. I called AAA and began contacting the three highest rated auto rapiar shops in my google search. Advanced auto was the last one I contacted and I feel so fortunate they are the place I asked the tow to take me and my vehicle. Ron and his work wife (I forgot her name but she's a lovely person) got me in, directed me to a beautiful whole foods place within walking distance where I could sit and do my homework while they assessed my repair needs. I got a call in a few hours that the radiator needed replaced and that they had gone ahead and ordered it. The estimate they gave me was very reasonable and he got the work done swiftly so I could get on the road again. There are so many things Ron and his team did that were above and beyond in terms of customer service for me. I was back on the road and home safely the next day with a small list of things that my vehicle would need to be in top shape. He sent me with a quart of oil in case I needed it, and just a moment ago, I found he had left me a voice messege asking if I had made it home safely. Truely incredible and heartwarming. Not only was my own service beyond the pale, I was also able to watch his personal relationships with other customers and he and his teams capacity for being all-in-all good human beings. Thanks from the bottom of me heart. What could have been a major setback in my life became a huge blessing. If i lived in Santa Cruz, they would have a loyal customer for life. read more

The team here was incredibly knowledgeable and was able to resolve our concerns immediately. Advanced Auto helped save our vacation, thank you! read more

This place has good reviews so I wanted to trust them. Honesty is excellent. He admitted that he will keep an older car and do that hostage thing / not just repair what you can afford and asked for. So understand that . He is honest and referred me away so I'm grateful for that. If you are a person who wants a repair done without someone adding extra charges extra jobs and holding your car hostage - choose a different place. If you have a well maintained vehicle, maybe he doesn't do this to you. Maybe. read more

If your vehicle needs service this is your shop! Advanced Auto got us in quickly, diagnosed the problem and was very clear on the repairs necessary and the other items to be aware of in the future. The estimate was clear and they were able to get us underway in a day. Working with Ron reminds me of my home town mechanic that I worked with for years. They know what they are doing. They are honest, customer service orientated and take pride in their work! Ron explained exactly what the diagnosis was along with the repairs and parts cost and repair time. Our 2003 Subaru outback H6 that had thrown a check engine light and a gas tank that we could not fill beyond a 1/4 tank (real PIA for travel...) and a mystery knock in the front end. The problems were identified and the repairs performed. We are safely back on the road and will be return in a couple of months to have the brakes checked and serviced (Brake flush and new pads) It feels great to have found a excellent auto service resource with Advanced Auto. Give them a call and get your car serviced and repaired by a team that cares. read more

Great auto repair spot. Gave me a solid discount on the full inspection.

I have used various mechanics/shops over the years for my 2001 Toyota and this is my favorite place. Ron is great and I feel that he is competent and honest. He does not "upsell" repairs and works with me on what is needed or potential for the future. Highly recommend Advanced Auto in Santa Cruz. read more

I took my Mazda3 Hatchback here to be serviced after a check engine light turned back on. It was in the shop for 3 days, and eventually, the bill came out to ~$700. I wasn't given a quote before the repairs were done. The check engine light turned back on almost immediately after driving off the lot. I called their phone the same day, but no one picked up. I won't be taking it back, as I've lost all faith in this business. Avoid this place if possible. read more

What a professional! I had a starter break down on me at 5pm on Tuesday and Ron at Advanced Auto had my Car fixed by Wednesday at 11am. Not only did he work extremely fast, but my car runs better now and he beat the cost of the dealer. This place is as good as it gets. Really good customer service! read more

The only place in town I will send anybody to, they are super trustworthy, you can count on them to help you figure out the best, most efficient way to solve your automotive issue. They have saved me tons of money over the years. They will happily help you find the cheapest way to get your car back on the road, and they are equally happy to help you find the best long term solution. All in all I have to say I trust these guys. read more

They replaced the fuel tank float on my 97 Dodge truck and the cost was over $1200. Two days later, the gas gauge failed to register. I returned and Ron the owner was annoyed that he'd have to pull the fuel tank and fix the float again. It had only been 2 days since it was repaired! A little over a year later, it stopped working again! It originally worked for the 20 years that I owned the vehicle. Their repair lasted 13 months and cost me $1200.00!! No. I don't recommend. I do recommend Stuart Automotive. Doug does some of the work himself and does not play up the BOSS position! read more

This shop is the best! Took my car there a few years ago upon a local friend's recommendation and haven't looked back. Ron and his team have always done a great job at a fair price. In several cases they have gone above and beyond. And as someone who's not a "car guy," I appreciate that I never feel talked down to or like they're taking advantage of me. Ron and his shop are a pillar of the community, and it will be our loss if he ever closes down. 10/10, thanks Ron!! read more

My car engine failed while I driving on the high way. The tow truck dispatcher recommended Advanced Auto, saying it has high reputation helping people. Ron and his staff helped me in many ways, recommended me getting the car towed to the dealer, gave me free lift, called me after I got home offering help again. I read someone said he admitted would keep an older car and do hostage thing. It did not seem so and I spent no money while they helped me diagnose the issue with a couple of hours' work. Will visit again, Ron and staff. Keep up the great work! read more

My power steering went out when I was in the Boulder Creek mountains. Ron said bring it in and within an hour he had it replaced and I back out on the road. Great Service! Honest People! read more

These guys are awesome. I have been here twice. First time I'd ran over a deer. My car (2013 prius) looked like a murder scene. I called them, and they took the car in immediately and checked it out. Turns out I was fairly lucky--cracked bumper and some cosmetic damage. They tightening everything up, checked the wheel alignment, and removed anything that was significantly damaged/broken. They didn't advocate for any additional work. When I said I wanted to get the bumper fixed and really have the car gone over with a fine-toothed comb, they recommended me to a body shop nearby. Advanced Auto charged me $0. Second time I got a flat tire. After the tire was repaired, I could hear a grinding sound when in reverse and making a hard right. Alarming. I called Advanced Auto (I'd had the tires done in SJ). They took in the car immediately and found that there was loose plate that was hitting the tire when I turned to the right. They re-attached the plate (perhaps the bolt that had attached it was what punctured my wheel). Cost to me? $0. I've been to their shop twice for a total of a few hours, and paid nothing. They explain everything they're doing, and are happy to have me take a look at what they think is wrong. As someone who knows nothing about cars, these guys are all I could ask for. read more

Ron's honest and professional and gets the job done! Thanks for the great service highly recommend

Once again Ron and his staff have gone above and beyond for me. I took my 2004 Acura MDX in for some maintenance, brakes, oil change and other items. I had a squeaky drivers window that he just couldn't get to but he told me bring it back and I'll look at it. I had to wait a few weeks but finely had the time to take it back. He fixed it and it's great. Both my husband and I love Advanced Auto and are so thankful we have Ron to turn to. We'll never go anywhere else, Ron's the best!! read more

Needed a new battery on a tight timeline and Advanced Auto was great I terms of price and service. Ron , the born in Santa Cruz owner, was the one who took care of things. He knew we were in a rush and did the installation of the battery himself. Highly recommend Advanced Auto service. read more

This place should be called Amazing Auto - Ron and Tyler thank you so much for helping me with my two Fords and consistently making sure the smallest details aren't over looked - to even politely (and without charge) cleaning out debris from a furry critter trying to nest in my engine. The other 5 star reviews say it all - these guys are fantastic!! read more

Advanced Auto - They even threw in a wash and shine - truck never looked or ran better - thanks guys!! - Auto Repair Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Best Auto shop in town! Would not trust anyone else with my car. Not only have Tyler and Ron been super accommodating to my schedule, they have even let me borrow one of their cars when I needed my breaks replaced. Also when other shops wanted to replace both the front and the rear, Tyler told me only my front needed replacement and that my rear breaks were good to go for at least another year, saving me money!!! And earning my business! I will not take my car anywhere else and I have been suggesting Advanced Auto to everyone I know. Advanced Auto has been taking care of my car for over a year now. During this rainy winter I took it in, the floor on the passenger side of my car was soaking wet when I got in. I had no idea what was going on. The second time it happened, I stopped by the shop, and not only did they help me out the same day, they said don't worry about $$$!!! It turned out to be my door drains that were clogged and a quick fix, but seriously, who cares enough to help someone out and then say "don't worry about it, just remember us when your car needs work"?!?!? The people that work here are honest and friendly, the prices are fair and competitive, the work they do is excellent, and there is a small waiting area with couches and Wi-Fi in the front of the shop/counter where you can lean back and do some work. read more

Ron and Tyler are great guys. I brought my truck in for a diagnosis due to it stalling, sputtering, and running like total crap. I am a pretty mechanical guy and usually do my own work, but I knew this was out of my league. Tyler initially told me it would only be a day or two for a diagnoses at a very fair price. Well, it turns out the problem was much more difficult to diagnose than originally expected, the truck stayed at Advanced for a little over a week. (no big deal, as I assumed there was a major issue from the start). Ultimately it was determined, that my motor had a major mechanical failure and it would cost me a ton of $$$$$$$$ for the repair. Ron gave me a few options, and recommendations on how to move forward with this issue and was one of the few shops in town who even offered to do the repair work (I called around). Ultimately due to the trucks age,I decided to sell it as is. The repairs would have costed me about 70% of the trucks value. What really made me feel good about Advanced Auto was the fact that when it came time to pay, Ron told me to not worry about it! Wait what?? He said that with the expenses I had coming (needing to buy a new vehicle) he wanted to make it as easy as possible for me. He even gave me his opinion on what reliable trucks to buy. Ron, you have earned my business for life and I have already sent a few friends your way. Thanks again... You rock! read more

Ron was very good to work with and fixed my Nissan Frontier at a reasonable price. I would highly recommend Advanced Auto. It is located behind some buildings on Water Street but is very convenient for anyone downtown or mid-town. read more

My daughter is a student at UC Santa Cruz and had her first, "OMG, car not working moment!" It happened to just be a battery, but with her class schedule, and work, she was stressing out. Me being 400 miles away left me feeling helpless but knowing that YELP always comes to the rescue, I started yelping Santa Cruz Auto Repair. Found Advanced Auto, spoke with Tyler over the phone, within the hour car was at their shop, the fixed a couple of other minor things, honored the price they quoted even though the battery they ended up having to get was slightly more expensive. This is what customer service is all about. Thanks Guys! Now if we could just close the distance between Riverside, CA and Santa Cruz so I could bring my car to you...LOL! read more

Ron is honestly one of the most honest mechanics I've ever met. He and his team are incredibly competitive, responsive, and provide excellent service. I was in desperate need if rear brakes, pads and disks. I needed them replaced promptly. I had called 4 different shops in the área, a few didn't respond, or had appointment 1-2 weeks out. Also, some quoted double the price. Ron squeezed me in same day, and I was out driving within 3 hours. Don't hesitate to call the team. Ask for Ron. read more

Unlike my experience at the dealership service center, I was able to get a precise analysis of the 'noise' I was hearing and given an accurate estimate of the cost. I litterally had my car in the dealershop three different times and each time they were not able to detect the noise or did not identify it accurately. It only took one visit for Advanced Auto to know what the problem was (worn strutts) and once they got the parts, they took care of it the same day. Wooohoooo..no more noise and I have increased confidence that my tires or axle won't seperate from the rest of the car. What a relief. Thanks Ron and Team! read more