Excellent and honest service at a reasonable price. Aloha was recommended to me by Performance Edge Automotive (another highly recommended shop) to fix a very specific issue with my Toyota Tacoma; a malfunctioning knock sensor that was damaged by rodents. They fixed it in 2 days, at a third of the cost that Toyota of Escondido would have charged me. I not only appreciated their excellent pricing but also their transparency and recommendations on how to prevent this kind of damage in the future. Thanks for the great work! Give your business to awesome shops like this, they deserve it! read more

I've been a loyal, having spent thousand dollars at this shop, so it's disappointing to be writing this. My most recent visit left me feeling dismissed and uneasy. I brought my vehicle in after a serious incident where the gas pedal got stuck to the floor while my wife was driving. She narrowly avoided a major accident. I explained the urgency and asked them to check the throttle issue, inspect the brakes, and replace the serpentine belt. When I picked up the vehicle, the cable had been replaced, but the original damage around where it enters the firewall was left untouched -- jagged and exposed, with no seal or grommet. No one mentioned it until I pointed it out, at which point it was brushed off as "fine" and supposedly not worth addressing. The serpentine belt and brakes were also supposedly checked, but neither was mentioned anywhere on the invoice. To make matters worse, when I arrived, the person at the counter was drinking a beer. He was the same one who, when I asked if he'd let his own family ride in a car that had experienced a stuck throttle and had an exposed cable routed through a sharp opening, replied, "I wouldn't let them in that car, period," which his co-worker found quite amusing. His tone was condescending and dismissive throughout. I returned the next day hoping to speak to someone one-on-one before leaving a review -- but the shop was already closed more than an hour before their posted closing time. I'm not leaving this review out of spite, but because I believe customers deserve clear communication, attention to detail, and professionalism -- especially when it comes to safety-related repairs. Unfortunately, I didn't get that this time, and I won't be coming back. While Doug was very helpful and respectful as he usually is, the help at the front desk was very disappointing. I came in to have my wife's car professionally repaired, not be chastised and laughed at by the employees. To add insult to injury, I was told that I didn't need a new belt. The only reason I told them to replace it was because the last two times I had the vehicle in their shop for service, they mentioned I needed a serpentine belt and that it's critical. Fast forward to when I pick up the car and the tell me "the belt is fine." So are they lying about the belt and never inspected it, or were they lying previously and just trying to upsell me at the time? The first 2 photos show the damage at the firewall at the time my wife's accelerator stuck to the floor. The second 2 photos show how the firewall was STILL damaged, despite having replaced the cable. The 5th and photo shows the "fix." The last photo shows the invoice. They told me they couldn't find a replacement throttle cable online, so they pulled a used one from another Hyundai and charged me $75, calling it a "new used cable." I really wanted this to be my go-to mechanic. Every other experience was amazing. I was shocked at how I was treated this recent visit. read more

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These guys are TOYOTA MASTERS. I had a nightmare situation with my 2015 4Runner...rodents got into the engine and chewed up the wiring to the knock sensors. And apparently to get that fixed is a super labor intensive process and gets ridiculously expensive. Pep Boys quoted me 4500... Toyota quoted me around 5500 (insane), but Aloha fixed it for almost a THIRD of that and they did it less than two days! They came highly recommended by Allen's Wrench down the street who told me "nobody knows Toyota better than these guys in the area." They were right. Special shoutout to Chris there...super knowledgeable, straight-up, and cool dude. He took the time to explain everything, didn't try to upsell me on unnecessary work, and made sure I got my car back fast. Can't recommend Aloha enough! read more

Doug and his crew have always gone above and beyond and my recent service experience was exceptional. I trust them immensely and their personalized customer service attention and communication always makes me feel like me and my car are special. Thanks Guys!! read more

Aloha's mechanics are trustworthy, skilled, and honest. I drive all the way from downtown San Diego to San Marcos because they take such good care of my car. They don't try to sell me services that are not worth the money. I've tried other mechanics, but none of them are as good as Aloha. read more

I had my car "repaired" by a shyster in Escondido. He took $1,600 from me and didn't repair the car. The owner of the place told me that he couldn't fix my car and to go to another shop. He refused to give me a refund. A guy from the Bureau of Auto Repair is on it. I started looking around for another shop. Allen's Wrench referred me to Aloha. He said that Doug was really good at repairing cars like mine. I called on a Tuesday and Doug said that I wouldn't be able to get my car in until the next Tuesday. I figured it was worth the wait since I am a senior citizen and retired. As the day approached, I called Aloha because I hadn't gotten a quote for a diagnostic. No one answered the phone, even though the shop was supposed to be open. On Tuesday, I went to get in my car and it wouldn't start. I called at least three times within the hour, wanting to let Doug know that my car wouldn't start and to ask if I could have it towed there. No one answered the phone, even though I checked and the shop was supposed to be open. Finally, I had it towed to a shop in Escondido. I have no idea whether it is good or bad. I'd like to thank Doug personally for adding to the sh** in my life. I didn't have nearly enough. read more

Doug, Dan, and the crew treat you like an actual human rather than a wallet to extract cash from. The guys are super helpful and genuine people who want you back on the road in a safe and reliable vehicle. They specialize in Toyota repair and maintenance, but can handle regular maintenance on other makes with ease. Give them a try in the San Marcos area and you'll be surprised at the difference this crew makes. read more

Great service , explanation to customer is very detailed. I would highly recommend aloha

The owner Doug is a very pleasant person, something very hard to find in the automotive business. He really knows cars of all kinds and does a great job at diagnosing the "actual" problem. He even works on post 2000 cars and does an excellent job repairing them. He lets you make appointments rather than just show up and get in line and works quickly and efficiently so the repair is done in a timely manner. The costs are extremely fair and he has very skilled mechanics to assist him... who are also very pleasant. THANK YOU ALL for the Great service!! :) read more

Long story short, I needed a quick fix to get back on the road. I'm from out of town. Just needed 5 minutes of a mechanics time. Doug and Dan helped me out right away and I was back on the road. I just wish they were in my town because mechanics like this are hard to come by. read more

Aloha Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - San Marcos, California

Do not call on a Saturday. They will be threatening and very insulting. This was after them having my car for a week, I was just calling to see how long I needed to extend my rental car. I guess Saturday is a sacred day for grumpy mechanics? I would avoid Dan and this shop. read more

This team is incredible. They work fast, make time to accommodate you, and are honest!! I had my brakes inspected and they told me they were not going to sell me anything I didn't need. They easily could have sold me unnecessary expenses, and they didn't. I will be coming back here again! read more

Doug was such a great help man and very knowledgeable on older Toyota models. I had an issue with a check engine light for lean fuel system bank 1 on my 1996 Toyota 4Runner. My previous mechanic told me to not worry about it even tho it seemed suspicious it's been coming back for months. I called Aloha to get a second opinion which Doug made room to fit me in same day on a busy Friday morning to help me locate the issue. He ran a couple tests and had me look with him on what he was seeing. As soon as he found the issue he showed me step by step how to fix it myself or gave me the option to have him fix it. ONLY TOOK LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. After today Aloha is the place i'll be going to for any issues! Thanks again Doug for the help read more

I brought my trailer with out an appointment later in the evening when there at there busiest time and they still got my trailer inspection done quick and easy read more

Aloha helped me with a tricky repair on my older Sienna. I'm so grateful for their expertise and kindness.

I won't go back. Dan the front desk clerk isn't honest. I hope this review saves others from wasting their time and money. They charge for things they don't fix. Dan will lie to cover up for work they didn't do or work they didn't know how to do right. Aloha automotive stole about 1,000 dollars from me. They were paid. My car wasn't fixed. Absolutely ridiculous. read more

I've gone here twice, initially on the recommendation of a co-worker and wasn't disappointed. The service writer and mechanic were a good team, they estimated the job would take 2 days, the work was done w/o surprises and old parts returned/made available. (catalytic converter, transmission flush, R/R rear air bags, height sensor). BTW, they KEPT my old cat, worth over $100 right now. A year later, the other converter failed and I needed timing belt/water pump, oil change, and please look at the exhaust leak that happened days after the last job of putting the left cat on last year and a vibration noise. They wrote the estimate up for this. I ask how long will all of this take, 1 DAY! was the answer and I'm scratching my head but take it in anyway. Of course at the end of the day he calls saying it's not ready, find another way to get home 26 miles away and another way to get to work the next day. In the middle of the job he tells my my front brakes are really bad. Initially I say forget it but then think "brakes are cheap, go ahead". This added $500 to the bill. He showed me the old brakes, they were grooved but had THOUSANDS of miles left on them and the pads were about 1/3 gone. Finally time to pick up the car. Get there to find the exhaust leak and vibration is still there, "We checked the tightness of the manifold bolts" and the rattle at 1500 rpm is still there. Basically, they over promised and under delivered to the point that it became a rush job for the two days they had it and they ran out of time to do the job correctly yet still charged me for what they didn't finish that was way over the initial estimate and I didn't get everything fixed from the initial write up yet paid for it. To their credit, they did change a fan bearing not initially asked for that is failure prone but it doesn't justify what I paid versus what they did. I waited a few weeks before writing this review and also talked to the guy that initially recommended me (he's also recommended others) and he had similar tales. It's not the same place it was last year, it seems to be all about the $$ now and they don't seem to care at all about the customer experience. I won't be back. read more

WOW, this is the most honest & caring company I have ever come across. For the best personal care and the best price you can get for auto repairs, I highly recommend Aloha! I actually live down in (Normal Heights) San Diego and have all of my company and personal vehicles taken up to San Marcos. Thank you guys for always dropping everything and letting us drop in unannounced, lol you guys rock! The Grout Medic Team read more

Friendly and honest service. Fair pricing. Overall great experience! The only tough part is their location is tricky to find but once you find it, you're golden! It feels like a family atmosphere and like they aren't trying to gouge customers. They've saved me hundreds of dollars compared to going to the dealership or the place down the street from them. read more

My 70 year old mother dropped her truck off with the part on her 2017 f150 -speed turbine sensor. All they did was add transmissuin fluid and charged her $100.00 dollars without even fixing the issue. Dan is a crook and takes advantage of the elderly. Do not take your vehicle there!! read more

A+ for price, quality and effort. They did solid work on my car for a reasonable price. Thanks again guys.

Great mechanic shop. Very nice people, honest, good work. Would not hesitate to recommend them.

These guys know their business AND have the years of experience for me to TRUST with my Lexus! If you want to take it to the dealer - go ahead pay the price - I'm over it! Their service is superb and top notch all the way!! read more

I have been a customer for about 10 years I think. They are honest and fair in price and really decent people. It's not big but they are awesome. If you meed any help with your auto and want an honest and fair opinion and excellent service call Aloha! I am moving and I am sorry to lose them! read more

Doug is super cool. Explains everything in lamens terms, and is super helpful. I needed my A/C recharged several times because of a leak, and he only charged me for the first time. They are as good as it gets. read more

I know how difficult it can be to find someone trustworthy to work on cars, especially since I perform a lot of my own vehicle maintenance and worked on aircraft for ten years. I've taken two of my vehicles to Doug on a few different occasions (never for faulty maintenance), and I'm very confident handing them over to him and his techs. Their knowledge of Toyotas is extremely valuable to me, and I learn more about them every time I come here. I've also had an engine delivered here from another state for a project vehicle of mine, and they inspected potential problem areas, checked the valves, and delivered it to a friend's house for free. Needless to say, I'll continue to be a customer in the future. read more

This place is tucked back off the beaten path but like any jewel its worth hunting down. They are HONEST & HAVE VERY REASONABLE PRICES. They know cars and fix it right the first time. I read some other reviews complaining its messy.Dah, it's a busy automotive shop. You want fancy dancy and lattes, go to your dealer and pay thru the nose. As for me I will drive out of the way for great honest work and fair price's. KD read more

I've had my Toyota 4Runner at several other shops. I put myself through college working on cars. These guys are fantastic! They sorted out my issue (broken timing chain) and gave me a very fair price. I picked up the truck after closing because they did me a favor and made it about a mile before it died. One of the guys saw me on his way home, went and picked up Doug, and came and took my truck back to the shop for me. The issue was 100% unrelated to their work. I wish I could bring them all my cars and my motorcycles too!! I truly thought this level of customer care and service was dead. I felt I was at the shop that paid my way through college. Try these guys. They're fair, honest, and will take care of you. read more

I'd almost like to keep this place a secret, because they've gotten so busy lately. Yes, it's true, Doug the owner of Aloha Automotive is awesome. He is honest and fair, explains all parts of the cost of repairs, and what exactly is happening. I used to feel really uncomfortable about my car having to go to the shop, but not since I've been taking it to Aloha. read more

When I noticed my 98 4Runner was burning coolant, I took it Doug at Aloha to have him check it out. After he ran a diagnostic, he let me know that it was either a cracked head or a blown head gasket, and that he couldn't know for sure unless he pulled the heads, but his best guess was a cracked head (pretty much the worst outcome.) He was right and it turned out it was a cracked head at cylinder #3. Doug talked to me for almost 30 mins while I was asking questions about my next move. His recommendation was a JDM motor. I pulled the trigger on it and I'm just so stoked to have my truck back on the road. It runs like new. He was spot on with the estimate and got the whole thing done in a week and a half! When I went to pick it up, he even brought me into the shop and showed me my old block, showed me the crack at cylinder 3, the wear on the cylinder, everything. He also noticed that my AC condenser was rubbing against my radiator and fixed that for me. He showed me the timing belt another mechanic installed less than two years ago, and it was already cracking since it wasn't OEM and wasn't the best replacement. I won't trust my 4Runner to any other shop. He answered my questions and took me through the whole process, stayed true to the estimate, and found other gremlins that he fixed in the process. Can't say enough good things about this place. Thanks guys! read more

Doug and crew are the best! We have been taking all of our cars (4) to them for years now and we have never been disappointed with the quality of their work. They are professional, honest, they do the work that they say they will do and all at a fair price. Thank you Aloha for taking care of our family - you ROCK! read more

I was referred by a friend to take my 4Runner to Doug @ Aloha. I must admit they did an amazing job. Doug was very informative on what needed to be done and more importantly what needed to be done but could wait. I have never on my life had a mechanic tell me that something needed to be repaired but not now. I have definitely found my new mechanic and would recommend them to anyone. read more

Same experience as most of the reviews posted, however....although seemingly honest about repairs and certainly reasonable on price I nevertheless feel I am bothering their days flow just to sneak an inquiry or question. Understanding Doug and crew are super busy, perhaps they take on more work than they can reasonably finish in a timely manner. I'm certain most folks can and will prepare to be without their vehicle for a couple of days.. But when it turns into 3 or more and the vehicle has only been diagnosed, I find fault in that. Other than not being able to express a true statement on timeliness for the repairs needed, I have been super pleased with the work and prices Doug charges. P.S. Because he is honest about both price estimates and their abilities to diagnose and fix the problems desired, I strongly suggest when they are finished tjat you tip these fellas. At least buy them a 12 pack or lunch! Shows respect, kindness and appreciation for the rarity they offer in this day of rip off mechanics. Thx Doug. Dont change. Its the right path and an example for others to follow, which is the most important thing a person can do to improve humanity. read more

Last of the " Mom & Pop" shops! Yes this hard to find gem is worth the search. Affordable, honest & you can actually talk to the tech who works on your vehicle. Aloha Automotive can also in most cases offer their customers factory new parts, aftermarket parts & warranted used parts. Just don't get options at most places. read more

UNBELIEVABLE SERVICE. I took my Corvette to these guys in bad shape. They delayed their trip out of town, stayed late and fixed EVERYTHING, were so reasonable with the price and were so nice after quite an ordeal ! I STRONGLY SUGGEST USING THEM !!! read more

I have had work done on my 2007 CRV Honda a few times now. Several of my friends also come here. They are honest, know what they are doing, customer oriented, and have reasonable prices. They go out of their way to make sure that you are taken care of. The other day I failed my smog test because a control system reset from work I had done on the car. The resolution was to drive for 10 minutes at 55 mph so the control module could reset. NOT EASY in San Diego traffic!! Jonathan set up the hand monitor so I could drive and see when it had reset. WORKED PERFECTLY! Smog Passed. Highly recommend. Thanks Jonathan! read more

Doug and Russ are Awesome. We take all our cars to them and have had great service every time. Doug explains everything to you and his prices are fair. read more

You are lucky if you find Doug @ Aloha...honest, great prices and only what you need on time done right. You will not be disappointed, Congrats! We take our Camry '04 there, and recommend all our friends. Julie n Rich read more

Great Experience! Doug was friendly and talked me through every process. Called that morning and got everything done within 3 hours. Very helpful and very stress-free process. I am very pleased and will return. read more

Highly recommend this shop. Doug and crew installed an aftermarket tank in my Chevy Duramax. It was done on time and everything came out great. Jonathan kept me up-to-date on the progress throughout. Thanks Aloha! read more