When you need car repair in Santa Cruz, first on the list is Advanced Auto on Water Street. Ron and Tyler rock. Top notch professional service - from start to finish. Turned out to be a couple of items - a starter motor and a battery, and I had gotten up at 7am and was dashing to the Buttery for coffee and brekkie when Oh no! Car breaks down half way there - these guys had me on the road again soon with great work and customer service, including a ride home and back while I waited a few hours. Best yet in my book. Thanks, guys. read more

Advanced Auto - Good choice. Advanced Auto in Santa Cruz. - Auto Repair Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Amazing service. Super knowledgeable. I will definitely be taking my car here for any future repairs in Santa Cruz.

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

This was the worse service I had!!! I was extremely disappointed especially reading pretty good reviews on this shop. Ron, I'm guessing is a pretty busy guy because he completely forgot about my car needing service. I went to get service on my fuel gage and once he told me he could work on it, he never called me back to get the service done. I wasn't sure if it was because I had extended warranty and he had to go through hoops to see if they accepted, which in my case they did. I had to wait 2 weeks for a response, but that was because I called. Then, I still waited because he needed my mileage, also needing to see whose parts they were going to use. It's now been a month and my car still needs the service. Now I'm stuck looking for another and hopefully better shop. read more

After bringing my car to the dealer and being overcharged for them to tell me my whole car was falling apart I brought it to Ron and he helped me figure out what was what and only made me pay for what actually needed fixing. These guys are really good at what they do and are no BS kind of people. Highly recommend. 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

"Reputable Ron" I really appreciate all that Ron does for his customers. I value his straight forward quotes, care and consideration with our families vehicles. I have been around SC a long time and Ron is really as good as it gets! read more

Trustworthy with good prices I've been in SC for many years now, and am so happy that I was referred to Ron and Advanced Auto. Car work is always a pain, and seems to hit you when you least expect it. Knowing I can come to Advanced without having to worry about getting grifted or ripped off makes this sort of issue so much less painful. Every time I've gotten work done here, someone will ask me about it, and I'll give them the price they've got. People are consistently impressed. I always recommend them. They're always slammed, and still manage to squeeze me in. They turned over a full radiator replacement and oil change for me in less than a half-day when I came in at 11:00 today. Fantastic. On top of all of this, Ron and his crew are great at helping you prioritize what to fix if you're on a limited budget. I'd highly recommend you give them a visit if you end up in a tight spot with your car! read more

I went in with one symptom, and the guys found out that my car would have been internally totaled had I not brought it in that week. They replaced my timing belt which was barely held together, my distributor (shot), and a few minor things. The service was honest, they helped me with a rental car, and the guys were all friendly. They didn't bs me and my car runs better now than it did years ago. I've had nice mechanics around town but now I've got my go-to shop. 2000 Nissan Xterra 2wd 6 cyl manual read more

I've been taking my cars to Ron and Advanced Auto for 4 years now, a refugee of a good but extremely high-priced mechanic before him. Ron and his crew consistently give me honest and thorough service and are so pleasant to work with. I usually just hang out while they do my tune-ups and use his wi-fi to get my work done while I wait -- and enjoy the steady stream of traffic coming through the office. Ron grew up in Santa Cruz and, as he puts it, everyone knows him so he can't afford to mess up -- word will get out quickly through the local network. And, far from messing up, not only do they give good service, they are extremely reasonably priced. Plus, he has the best collection of Bay Area sports bobbleheads around and is a Santa Cruz Warriors supporter. read more

Ron and the service at Advanced Auto are great. I came in with questions about a headlight replacement and they were super helpful. They told me which bulb I needed and said it would only take 5 minutes to replace. This is after other shops had quoted me $$$ for removing my bumper to replace this light. I will be going to Advanced Auto fr om now on. read more

This place is amazing! Ron (the owner) is very kind and got the job done. I knew there was a problem with my car but didn't know what it was since I don't know much about cars but Ron knew what was wrong and got the job done. He didn't make me feel stupid which I've had problems with from mechanics and auto shops in the past. His prices were amazing!!!! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone! read more

Ron did awesome helping us out while coming through Santa Cruz on a road trip!! He gave us an amazing deal and good advice, filling us in on the parts of the car we need to buy. He was also hilarious, sharing funny anecdotes while he helped out with the car. Would always recommend Advanced Auto, especially you need someone fast, reliable, and knowledgeable in his craft. Thank you so much Ron for everything, we were freaking over the noise coming from the car and you really calmed our nerves. read more

Took my car there for the first time. Ron was able to diagnose my car and have it ready in the same day. Very knowledgeable and nice, you can tell he really cares about his customers. I will definitely take my car back to him , I think I found a new mechanic Staff was nice as well Gina read more

My Chevy Malibu has some serious issues with the window controls malfunctioning. Ron and his team LITERALLY tried everything for me, without charging me. They have the best customer service, calling me when they said they would, going above and beyond to fix the situation. While he wasn't able to fix the windows, he made a personal call to the Watsonville GM dealer on my behalf, and set the appointment up. I would recommend Advanced Auto to ANYONE - extremely trustworthy, nice, genuine people who will take care of your vehicle and of you. read more

Ron provides great, speedy service. So happy to have found a trustworthy, local mechanic!

I took my car to jiffy lube (big mistake) for some work, and they made an error that could have caused thousands in damage to my transmission. Luckily, I took my car to Ron, and he not only fixed the problem and saved my car, but also dealt with the manager of Jiffy Lube (who was a big bully) so I wouldn't have to. This is an awesome, trustworthy mechanic who I have been using for 5 years now, during ownership of 3 different cars. If you have a newer Subaru and don't know where to go, this is your guy- they are excellent. I like and trust this mechanic so much that I am constantly trying to convince my parents who live in the Bay Area to bring their Subaru down for work. Highly, highly recommend. read more

I recently took my car in for some brake work - the whole experience was great! The receptionist Michelle was thorough, helpful & Ron the mechanic was efficient and honest. It's comforting to go to a shop that speaks in simple terms (I'm not a gearhead). The price was fair - I'm a customer for life! read more

I have nothing but good to say about Ron and his crew at Advanced Auto. They know their stuff and if they can find a way to save you money they will. How many mechanics can you say that about? Ron will tell you what has to be done to your car but he will also be honest and tell you that the work that he could do (which would make him money) can wait until later. They really care about making sure that your car is running safely on the road. Because of their good connections in the community, if you need other services (tires, body work, etc.) they have recommendations and can get you taken care of that way as well. If your car needs work, get quickly to Advanced Auto and you can be sure that not only will it be repaired by some of the best in Santa Cruz but you can also be sure that no shady business goes on. You're only paying for what needs to be done. read more

I just got off the phone asking a male asking 2 questions and I get a "a what, what car do you have?, we repair all cars" in a cocky manner. I said thank you and before I could say anything else the person hung up. I was going to take my car there but with that rudeness on the phone I shall find another place. read more

This Auto repair shop is great! Friendly and honest. We have a UCSC exchange student staying with us and they just helped her with a minor radiator problem free of charge. We always bring our car there! read more

Advanced Auto and Ron have saved me more than once! The service is very efficient and quick! Both times I brought my cars here when they had issues - that some could consider timely - the day before I was meant to travel home for the holidays to WA. They were able to get me in quickly and provide a good price! Definitely will keep coming back and recommend Advanced Auto to others in SC!! read more

I simply cannot say enough good things about what an incredible owner and person Ron, the owner, is. He has fixed my car on so many occasions, and he is truly the only person in Santa Cruz that I would ever trust taking my car to. I have always felt that Ron is fair and honest in the work he does, and I am continuously impressed by his knowledge and his willingness to stand behind the work that he does. As someone who is young, and a female, I deeply appreciate the respect and care that I am shown on every occasion that I arrive. Thank you for making me feel like a valued person and customer-- I am so impressed by the quality and ethics of your work! THANK YOU!!!!!! read more

Everyone here really helped us out! Our car broke down in the middle of the road, on a very rainy day. We called Ron the minute they opened in the morning and told him what happened and he didn't hesitate to tell us to get the car towed over to the shop. The girl at the front, Cali, was so nice and even gave me a ride to work! The issue was discovered fast, totally broken axle, and fixed in record time. We are so happy that we came to Advanced Auto, and I highly recommend Ron and his team to everyone with car needs. read more

My van sprung a coolant leak and Advanced Auto helped me out on pretty short notice for which I'm grateful. They were accommodating, professional, and free of BS. Fair priced too. Glad I was recommended going to them, I recommend them now too. Thanks Ron! read more

Wow I called several times and they kept giving me different prices each time and I gave them the same info. On top of that they were super rude and hung up on me. I'm definitely not trusting them. read more

I love Ron. This shop is the only place I would bring my car and the only place I would refer others to. Perfect example, was having an issue with my car overheating while driving. After bringing it a shop that charged me a couple hundred just to look and suggesting I pay a few hundred more to see if the first idea would work. Ron literally opened the hood, grabbed a pipe and said 'I know what it is', fixed it later that day. It's the way shops are meant to be. read more

It is so hard to find a good mechanic, and I had the good Fortune to find Ron right away when I moved to Santa Cruz! My old Subaru has been limping along for a while now, and I came in twice with no appointment and Ron helped me right away! And not only that, he fixed my car in the same day! I couldn't believe it! He even called and paid for an Uber so I didn't have to miss school! The man is a saint! His process are incredibly reasonable and the work he does is solid! If I could do more than 5 stars I would! read more

The brakes on my wife's Toyota Prius were very wobbly, and it was really time to fix them. She wanted to go to the dealer, but I told her to look on Yelp. Advanced Auto had great reviews, so we called them shortly after 8 AM this morning and described the problem. Ron said it was probably warped rotors, and they could get it taken care of today. We brought it in by 9, they went to work assessing the situation, and a couple hours later said it was definitely rotors but the pads were fine. We had them do the job, as well as the Toyota recommended 115K mi. service. We asked if it needed the 120K service, as the mileage was between 115 and 120, and Ron said not to worry about changing the plugs--they're fine for now. 3 PM and we were paid and out of there, and it was FAR less than the dealer would charge, not to mention that they didn't do unnecessary work to make an extra buck. If I could give Ron and Tyler more than 5 stars I would. Bravo guys! Do yourself a favor and take your car to Advanced Auto. read more

Ron and his team of mechanics are some of the rare few I would let touch any of my vehicles. They are honest and their work is always done right the first time. I nice really nice find! read more

I went to see Ron based on the other reviews--and they are right! My mechanic over the hill had told me I needed a new car because the transmission was going. That seemed a little drastic, so I looked on Yelp and found Ron. He was absolutely as reviewed on Yelp. He drove my car for 15-20 minutes the Monday after Christmas, and told me yes, the transmission was starting to go and a rebuilt one would cost $3500. He took the time with me, tho' there was likely no money in it for him. I pumped him for info on what car to buy and how to do it. He recommended Johnny Garcia to fix a dent before I traded it in. Johnny fixed it for $400--when a body shop over the hill had estimated $1900! Wonderful! I will recommend him and Johnny forever! read more

A+ for customer service. I was in town for the day and my car needed a brake job. With just a 2min phone call Ron made time In their busy schedule and took my car in for service. They did my brakes, oil change and went the extra mile and had my car detailed. Excellent customer service and auto service shop. Thanks again Ron!! read more

Finally found a great shop to bring my car! They have helped me with my car twice now and both times Ron (the owner) knew exactly what was wrong right away and fixed it very quickly and my car is running great! I've always gotten a fair price as well. They are super honest, straight to the point and very speedy with their work. I Will not be taking my car anywhere else even for my oil! read more

The best shop and mechanics EVER! Ron and his guys always go way above and beyond. As a single female with no idea about cars they have fixed whatever was needed and saved me from countless emotional and mechanical breakdowns. Fair, honest and timely... they rock!!!! read more

We broke down on the way back to San Francisco and they saved the day!! They were able to get us back on the road in less than 2 hours. For a good price too. What could have been a very stressful experience turned out to be very pleasant and really good day altogether. They were very helpful and nice and I couldn't be more greatful :~) read more

I always take my cars here for everything. They're honest, quick and very helpful! I got my back brakes done on my truck and told him I'd be willing to replace the fronts even if they weren't fully ready and he told me I had plenty of time left on them instead of taking advantage of me. Once I called when one of my cars broke down in the middle of the street and they gave me the number of a great tow truck driver and stayed open late so I could bring it to them. It's nice to find a good trustworthy mechanic in Santa Cruz. read more

Ron kills it! Sometimes he gets a little backed up but that's because he's (as far as I have found in 11 years here)- the only reputable mechanic in town. If he can't handle the job or the car isn't worth it he will give it to you straight. he finds used and refurbished parts if the car is older and they are available if you like or he will use OEM parts. read more

I've only been a car owner for nearly a year, and was referred to this auto shop by my bf who has been coming here for years. They talk straight with you about your car and don't try to upsell you at all, and will diagnose your car problems for free. Things either need fixing or they don't, which is why I like coming back here. I've only had a few repairs done here but after each one I feel like my car runs smoother. I recently had my smog check done at another shop due to convenience of location, and regretted it because those guys really tried to upsell and overcharge me, all while scaring me into thinking I had urgent issues that needed fixing (including replacing my front rotors that I had already replaced less than 6 months ago- that's when my BS meter went off!). I brought my car back to Advanced Auto for a second opinion and Ron proved them wrong, and really cemented my trust in Advanced auto. My car was totally fine, and I'm definitely going to keep coming back here. I really feel like this shop does honest work. It's priceless to be able to trust your auto repair shop! read more

Finally, after 67 years as a Santa Cruz resident, I have found my repair shop. Until arthritis consumed my 86 year-old body, I worked on my own cars, mostly Corvettes. Unfortunately, many local shops are just not honest. My problem was the fuel vapor canister would only allow about half a tank of fuel. A common problem. Was referred to Ron at Advanced Auto by a friend, and words cannot express my gratitude. Ron allowed me to provide the replacement canister. HIs tech, Curtis, replaced the vapor canister, went to a gas station to fill the tank with fuel to confirm the problem was solved. Not only did I receive courteous, professional service at a great price, but was offered a ride home from the shop, and a return ride to retrieve the car. Advanced Auto has a Water St. address, but the shop is not visible from the street. It will be worth your time to seek out this shop to solve your auto problems. I could not be more pleased to have found Advanced Auto. read more

I killed my starter late Sunday night just as I was about to head home to San Luis Obispo. I found Advanced Auto on here and was impressed by the other reviews so I decided to give them a shot. I had my car towed in bright and early Monday morning, and Ron and Tyler were friendly, knowledgeable, and got me back on the road within three hours from opening despite being absolutely slammed with other work. I wish I were local so I could take my car back here and have them give it a good inspection to look for and repair any other issues. Since I'm not local I hope I'll never need to come back, but if I do break down in town again I will absolutely give Advanced Auto my business! read more