I called Jim because I desperately needed a tire replacement. Called and came in on a walk-in and he was able to accommodate me on a VERY difficult tire to get. Had it done for me quickly, professionally and with a smile. Highly recommend. Excellent and polite customer service like this should be the norm. Jim at Arroyo Auto Center makes it so! :) read more

Jim is awesome. He changed my oil and inspected my car and let me know he thought everything was in good shape and nothing extra was necessary! He even asked me to sit down and share his delicious meal. I can tell he is an honest man with a passion not just for cars but for making owners feel like they are in good hands. Will definitely be going back to his business. read more

I had a nail in my tire and he wanted $50 dollars to get it out and patch!! That's ridiculous. I went somewhere else for $20

Met Jim & Mke. Very professional, knowledgeable and patient. Will make them my go to place for repairs

I have to honestly say that it was the best customer service I have ever received. We arrived in a tow truck as Jim was leaving (it was after hours) and rather than say "come back tomorrow," he stayed and fixed my car - one and a half hours after closing time! I am beyond grateful and recommend him to anyone who is looking for honest and outstanding car repair. Thank you so, so much!!! read more

This review is loooong overdue. Experience was fantastic. Jim is awesome. He listened to my concerns, gave his assessment and recommendation and fixed the problem. No muss, no fuss. Great pricing. He even took the time to give me some tips about my car, in a helpful way (not in a what is he going to try and convince me to do now way). Seems like a really trustworthy and honest mechanic. Will be my go-to from now on. read more

Jim and Mike were amazing! They changed my oil and recharged my AC in 30 minutes! Thank you!!

I had almost the exact experience as Nora and Grace. In my case I had the car towed to Him under an emergency situation. I had read the good reviews and had prior phone conversations with him so when the emergency happened I had the car towed. At first he seemed ok. He came by and gave me a ride to the garage and showed me all that needed to be done. Rather than a formal estimate he wrote some of the separate jobs on little white cards. Replace the gear handle, and two more parts that needed replacement. These were all estimated separately. Then when it came to the rest of the repairs, like redo oil pan and transmission leaks that a prior garage (Mission Auto) did not do properly, he lumped them all together into a $1,500.00 charge. When I questioned as to what the remainder of the $1,500.00 included other than the redo leaks and a valve adjust, he said "everything, everything, everything." He started the jobs and then he disappeared for over three weeks. He would not pick up the phone, return phone calls or texts. I was stuck at home with noone to bring me to the garage. I'm disabled and have no help. I became progressively concerned and upset. Than someone volunteered to call and miraculously he answered. He lied to her that he just texted me, was working on the invoice and would contact me to pick me up that day. All lies. He never texted or called me. This went on another week or longer. Finally he called and left a message. By this time I had to be taken by paramedics to emergency. I called him back and said I was not well and would get back to him to make arrangements to pick up the car. Finally, on a Saturday afternoon he was to deliver my car but waited for the last moment late afternoon to deliver it. This entire time I kept mentioning that I wanted a detailed separate receipt for the separate jobs as written on his little white cards and a separate one describing the work performed on the $1,500.00 job. He dropped off the car around 5:30 pm on a Saturday and when I asked for the invoices, he acted like he had brought the wrong invoices. He said that he would go back to the garage and work on the invoices and bring them back. I called him with my totals based on the original white cards. At the very last minute with no prior consent, he added an additional charge of $371.00 and claimed it was for wires and spark plugs. I told him that if he needed to add more parts, I would have paid him. I asked what the charge was for besides spark plugs, he said a tune up. I was burned out and confused by now. Not only confused about the additional charge but confused by his behavior as well. i proceeded with my VISA payment even though I became very uncomfortable at this point. My mistake to pay. After paying this guy I realized he was never honest and was weaving a way to cheat me. Next Monday I called and brought up the issue of the additional overcharge of $371.00 and that he had no informed consent etc. and he hung up on me. Looking back on this entire fiasco, the red flags were there all along. It started what seemed he was behaving honestly in spite of his bragging and it turned into a nightmare. This guy's pattern is similar to the treatment the prior reviews shared. It seems like he starts as an honest professional conducting business and then totally changes character and becomes a different personality. It is really frightening. I don't wish this on anyone. Beware! He is not to be trusted. He says one thing than turns on you. He obviously picks on women especially vulnerable ones. Obviously he has no compassion, for if he did he would not be such a bottom feeder trickster. Stay away and don't fall for his posturing as an honest man. I also don't think that I will trust all the positive reviews that show up on Yelp. I came back to edit my post and I am not able to pull up one of the two ladies that exposed him. I was being overcharged on the $1,500 bundle because I consulted with a reputable mechanic I was subsequently referred to and it does not cost $1,500.00 to adjust valves and do a transmission leak and oil leak job. There were other minor issues that I asked him check out and those were not addressed plus he lied to me about replacing the alternator belts. He did not. This payment was an expensive mistake. I got ripped off by at least several hundreds of dollars. The car would not start after five days and I had to get it towed again to yet another shop for diagnostics as to why the battery was not keeping the charge. Another several days without a car, and this time A Auto Tow Service in Pasadena damaged my classic car. Lots of body work will be needed. The nightmare continues. I'm not certain that a particular rubber piece which was damaged is available for my car. I am heartbroken. read more

I'll say it again, this place is THE place to go to get your car taken car of. My 2001 Honda Civic is my workhorse. As a student in graduate school I need reliable transportation and can't afford a new car payment. This car MUST work for me. My baby needed a lot of work: new motor mounts, timing belt, water pump, cam/crank seal, oil pump seal, new tensioners, fan belts, struts, and so on... I got the best deal in town. I am certain of it. The man in charge, Jim, really cares about his customers. He remembers you, takes personal interest in you, and really listens when you speak (and cares about what you say!). I am so very appreciative. He even let me vent when the rental car company guy had me in a real huff. Honesty, truly giving you the best deal possible, going above and beyond, and providing quality work is the hallmark of Jim and of Arroyo Auto Center. Also want to give a shout out to Bryan and whoever the gal was when I picked up my car today. Both are friendly and hard working. Tickled to see a gal working in an auto shop today. Love it! Take your car here, you won't be disappointed. THANK YOU, ARROYO AUTO CENTER!!! read more

Woke up with a screw in my rear passenger tire. Called the shop, Jim picked up, agreed on cost, was there within 5 minutes. Met Jim - the nicest guy ever, btw - he looked it over, fixed it within 5 minutes. Very impressed with the level of technical knowledge and goodwill. Will definitely take my truck there for the next tune up, alignment and repairs there. Stay well, Jim! read more

Arroyo Auto Center - #dontbeanevilb - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

Really helpful service and super nice staff! Jim got my mass air flow sensor part ordered and replaced within a few hours.

Mike changed my BMW X3's brake pads and did a wonderful job. After driving the car for a week there has been no issues whatsoever. Mike and Jim are very friendly and they charge write reasonably. Truly enjoyed getting to know them. Thanks read more

See all

Jim was extremely helpful. I had really loud, squeaky brakes, and he had them fixed for me in no time. He called me to give me an estimate and called me to update on his progress. He walked me through the problem and gave me good advice. He was extremely friendly and fair. It's been several months since I took it to his shop, and I've no problems with my brakes at all. I would highly recommend him! read more

These guys are awesome! I came to stop by and get an oil change during the day. They were super funny and kind. My oil change was done super fast & the price was incredible. They are a family owned business so you really do feel like you have a great experience! Definitely telling my own family to start coming by here from now on! :) read more

Jim is absolutely the most genuine man I have ever met! It was 25 minutes before Jim was closing and saved my life by repairing one of my tires that had a screw! Not only he fixed my tire he checked all my tires to see if they were good too! I told him "awww Jim you didn't have to do that?!" Jim said, " It's my job to give you the best of the best service!" I will definitely come back to him again! What a gem and a sweetheart! read more

I literally created a Yelp account just for the purpose of writing this review on Arroyo Auto Center. I have never experienced such incredible customer service in my entire life! I had received a quote from Firestone of all sorts of things wrong with my car for a super high price. When I brought it to Jim, he told me there was so much more wrong with my car that they didn't even address or quote me for that was much more urgent to take care of, on top of them having quoted me a much higher price than necessary. Big corporations like Firestone are just trying to get as much money out of you as possible, but this place is different. They actually care. Jim brought me under my car and showed me firsthand what was wrong with it, wrote out every detail of what needed to get fixed and the pricing for the parts, labor and taxation. No extra miscellaneous or unexplained costs like you'd find other places (like Firestone). He even majorly discounted me for the amount of work being done. Beyond the logistics, Jim was super sweet and friendly, talking about his family, life, and passions, getting to know me and building a personal relationship with me as his customer. He genuinely cared about my life beyond just doing business with him. Jim made sure I was well taken care of and that I'll be safe in my sweet old car. Now I have no doubt that she'll be able to take me to 300,000+ miles, no problem! I moved here in June all the way from Colorado, and didn't have somewhere I knew I could go/trust before this. I definitely consider them my go-to mechanic now. read more

I haven't had any complaints with this shop at all . Have been bringing my wife's, dads and my own car to this shop ever since I met Jim and his brother. I highly recommend them with any auto needs. I always go for an oil change and Jim goes above and beyond by checking tire air pressure, coolant, and anything else. read more

Brought in a 2012 328i for "an oil change" and I knew it needs a good amount of maintenance and had a good idea for what, but since we are looking for a new auto guy, I wanted him to tell me what he found if he bothered to. And he did. He inspected what needed to be done in a timely matter for reasonable pricing. I'm a car enthusiast and somewhat knowledgeable about certain things. This guy made good points, wasn't condescending and he knows the driveability standard of what the car should be at and makes fair evaluations based on that. Pricing is fair and he was available last minute. Other places need a week in advance for appointments and I needed this ASAP. Based on my first impression, he's a good guy and so is his team . For any last minute things, I would trust the guy to do the work right and give a fair evaluation and price. read more

Jim is one of the few reliable mechanics. Helped me on my wife's car and was super patient. I also take my car in for oil changes since he's one of few mechanics I trust. I highly recommend! read more

Went in for my first servicing on my Infiniti QX 50 and had oil changed, tire pressure checked and a/c cleaned and checked. I am thoroughly satisfied with the service, friendliness, price and honesty. Highly recommend for your auto needs and I'll be a repeat customer. read more

Really helped me out in a bind when my wife's car car suddenly lost all power across the street and was blocking traffic. It was a critical battery lead failure. They took care of my wife and kids to make sure they're safe, then changed out the battery on the spot before I even got there, as my wife went grocery shopping across the street. Like it never happened! Good, honest people, exemplary model of how to run a family business. Will return for sure to support them. read more

I called to get a quote and he suggested to come in to look at the damage on my brakes and to be able to give me and exact price if I would like to move forward with the job . Amazing customer service !!! He explained the extent on the damage and what I would need to be able to be back on the road safely !!! He gave me an estimate time for the job to be completed. I in the meantime wonder off to Starbucks to redeem my points and the. To petco to see the beautiful kittiessssss !!! I spend most of my time with the babiesss playing lol and close by also a Marshall's you can wonder off too . By far a great experience ! Great job on my car !! I will definitely recommend to friends and family : ) read more

I was told by the dealership that I had a nail in my tire and needed a patch. My low tire pressure light came on and I went to see Jim at Arroyo Auto. 20 minutes later, it turns out there was no nail found on any of my tires!! He filled the low air in my tire for free! Covid precautions were kept and it was fast, efficient and generous service! Will definitely keep coming back to Jim in the future! Added plus- Trader Joe's is right across the street and I was able to get some quick grocery shopping in while I waited! 5 stars all the way read more

Jim at Arroyo is amazing! He is so honest and communicative, he made my car breaking down as easy as it could be to handle. I greatly appreciate the customer service I got here! I HIGHLY recommend Arroyo Auto Center!!! read more

Jim the owner is the most honest reliable and best presentation I've had in years. He saved me in a pinch and I am forever grateful.

Arroyo Auto Center deserves all of the five-star kudos it receives! I went there today needing an oil change and although it was 5 p.m., an hour before closing with other cars still being worked on, Jim warmly greeted me and assured me he could take care of my car. Which he did at a reasonable price -- $75 for a Honda Accord, synthetic oil, which was a bit higher than the $60 my usual Alhambra place charges but cheaper than the $95 quote from a nearby Honda dealer. And unlike the Alhambra place, Arroyo Auto Center had a place to sit and wait, offered me a bottle of water and had me out of there in 45 minutes. AND Jim installed at no charge some new window wipers that I'd been carrying around in my trunk for several months because I didn't know how to put them on myself. He is a wonderful man who told me about how much he loves his customers and feels blessed by the Pasadena community to support him during his 26 years with his business. Incredible customer service. I am officially making Jim and Arroyo Auto Center my new go-to service center. read more

Jim is VERY helpful and a really nice person. He finished the job extremely quickly and gave a very fair price. Reasonable price, good work, amazing customer service. Definitely coming back here again and recommending him to everyone! read more

What a pleasurable experience. The tire pressure warning light went off in my car and sure enough I had a tire leaking air. I pulled into Arroyo Auto Center and the owner immediately greeted me and he and his mechanic examined the car. Of course it was a nail, the mechanic fixed the tire. The inspection and repair was completed in fifteen minutes. The owner was friendly and the price was reasonable and fair. I will return to this place as needed. read more

Great service all the way around! Customer service was very polite and informant. I got alot of needed work done on my high milage Toyota Corolla. My car is running solid and smooth now. Lowest price I could find in Pasadena and the total was what I was quoted. I will definitly go back, and I do recommend. Great quality. read more

Jim and Mike were able to identify and fix my car issues - they did a great job and price was reasonable. The dealership was going to charge me an arm and leg to just run diagnostic test but Mike was able to tell me within 5 minutes and tell me what exactly needed to be fix. They used all original factory parts as well. Will come back again! read more

Don't bother with other mechanics in the area! This shop and the two brothers who run it (Mike and Jim) are there to answer all of your questions and get the fix right the first time. First started taking my Honda here after I went to another shop and got over charged on a major oil leak with no results. These guys found out the problem right away and got the job done quick and painlessly. Now I take it here for EVERYTHING. They also take the time to let you know/ show you whats wrong. Definitely love and trust this place read more

I went to have my 2008 Miata washed and notice the auto center advertising their A/C special of $49.98. Jim was super helpful and so pleasant. My car is comfortably cooler I can now enjoy summer in my air conditioned car! Thanks again!! read more

I've take my car here a few times and found that they provide great service. My car rides and perform better . I'll be taking it back for routine maintenance. read more

Thank goodness for honest, reliable, and wonderfully priced mechanics like, Jim & Mike. Within one day of calling for a quote, my husband's vehicle was fixed, and ready to go, the very next day. They fixed his air conditioner, brakes, and replaced his tires, for a beautiful price. The dealership tried to charge an arm and a leg, but this great Auto Shop did a fantastic job, and saved us money. read more

They're pushy when getting you to pay and don't explain what they did to the car. Rushed - pointing at the paper while on the phone "sign here sign here". Wait what did you do to the car? Explain me? Nah ok. I'm just another customer. read more

I just took my prius in to have the oil change which Jim did very quickly and at a super reasonable price. He was very helpful and hospitable and gave me a lot of useful information. Would come here again! read more

Highly recommend! As a car guy and after trying other auto services in the Pasadena area, Jim and his team are at the top of the list when it comes to professional and timely automotive services! After five visits for general maintenance over the past three years, what I appreciate most is the attention to detail and accurate recommendations. Thanks Jim and team and keep up the great work! read more

Arroyo Auto Center saved my life! Me and my girlfriend got into a really bad car accident back in May of this year and let me tell you...the accident was so bad that my car was almost titled salvaged, not until I found Jim and his awesome team. Jim was able to save my new car from being salvaged by fixing it up with the brand new parts, a whole new front bumper and new hood. Jim is a really caring guy and makes sure that you are taken care of, defiantly trust every word he says. The only thing I learned from this mistake was patience because Jim really took his time on the car to perfection. Thank you Jim so much for taking my car in and saving it's life. Forever grateful. read more

Arroyo Auto Center - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

best service I've ever gotten. I took my car to a lot of different shops and this one treated me the best. I had my engine harness fixed, battery changed, suspension fixed, and oil changed over only 2 days :) read more

happy to recommend the guys at Arroyo Auto Center to all comers, especially owners of European models. I've been coming here for service on a long line of BMW 3 Series I've owned over the past 15 years and the service is always prompt, as priced and transparent. Pro Tip: bring a vehicle you're considering buying used to Arroyo for a thorough scoping for future trouble spots read more