I can't praise Bob highly enough: friendly, honest and great service. I brought in our 24-year old Volvo with a starter issue on a Friday - it was getting worse with every crank. Bob took it in right away and replaced the starter same day. But when I came to collect it the engine started perfectly but then shut itself down. Very worrying as there could have been any number of causes, but Bob worked on it through the weekend and called me first thing Monday. We couldn't have been more relieved to hear he had fixed the problem by replacing an old corroded part. So happy to drive home after a bit of a scare. Bob is not only an expert but thoroughly honourable. Although he had to put in a lot more hours to get to the bottom of things he charged me exactly the same as he first quoted. And whenever I called up, Bob and his wife couldn't have been nicer on the phone: patient and accommodating, so different from calling almost any other business. Great to discover someone so reliable in the neighbourhood. read more

Back in September, my wife and I experienced a transmission issue with our minivan. We just happened to get off the freeway and drive by Bob's. Although they were closing in a few minutes, they did all that they could to help us. They scanned for the code that was causing our car to run funny and the check engine light to come home. Thanks to their guidance, my wife and I were able to make the 2 hr drive back to LA. If they treat a passerby this kindly, I can only imagine how well they treat their clients. If you're looking for a mechanic, I would definitely recommend them. read more

Bob is reliable and very personable with his wife they make a great team for taking care of your car needs, will recommend anyone to go there 5 star read more

Friendly Bob and his wife (receptionist) helped me to fix mu Honda Civic. I did not make an appointment and Bob recognized he could do the job quickly and we'll, so he helped on the spot. I will be returning to use Bob's garage. read more

I came to Bob's Garage when I wAs in a pinch. I was driving from SLO to Anaheim when my check engine light went on in Santa Barbara. I stopped at Bob's Garage and while all at their lunch break, the woman at the front desk was very attentive and was very knowledgeable about what my issue could have been. She told me to go to O'Riely's to get my engine scanned and saved me $100. I called her twice more after I got updates and she was extremely helpful throughout this entire process. I don't know much about cars and having someone guide me through the process was extremely helpful. 10/10 would recommend this place! read more

While driving from Los Angeles area to Carpinteria on a Wed night my check engine light comes on halfway into my trip but I continue. I yelp mechanics in the city of Carpinteria. Thurs am I called and got voicemail (they were really busy) but chose to drive there anyway. Bob was able to determine I needed a battery and topped off my fluids. They usually go by appt only but he knew I was stuck. Great service and great office mgr. read more

I was having issues with my vintage car driving from Los Angeles to Santa Maria. Several years prior I met Bob while I was camping in Carpinteria Beach. I was able to make it to Bobs garage and he diagnosed the problem within 10 min. Bob ordered the parts and repaired the car quickly and reasonably. When I am passing by I always try to stop and say hello. read more

I had a great experience at Bob's. They did all they could to diagnose a transmission problem at a reasonable price. Ultimately, I had to go to the dealer to address the issue because the fix involves a computer issue and tool that only Subaru has (which Bob's tried really hard to obtain), but I felt prepared and knowledgeable because of the guidance I received at Bob's. They are my number one choice for auto repair in Carp and their reasonable prices mean I don't have to go to Ventura or Santa Barbara to address car issues. read more

Great family shop and they specialize in vintage cars and late models. Service is excellent and prices are very reasonable. You should see some oldies but goodies parked in front of the shop. read more

Bob's Garage - Auto Repair Near Me - Carpinteria, California

very nice people, it just took a very long time! there were just 1-2 mechanics working on about 6 cars at once, bouncing from one to the other. labor costs were very expensive too! read more

I was on a road trip in a 30 year old sports car (1987 Toyota MR2 Supercharged) that quit running in Carpenteria. Bob took me with no notice on a busy Friday, diagnosed the problem (insufficient ground on an ignition igniter) and had it fixed in about an hour. All the while, he allowed me to look on and explain what was custom and/or different about my car and educated me on a few things at the same time. He's a truly nice guy and a fine mechanic! Thanks, Bob! read more

Driving to SLO to a roadster run my front axle bearing went out on the 101 north. Bob got my 32 in and stayed on it till it was back on the road. Thanks again Bob read more

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I was in town visiting family when I heard a noise coming from the engine. I took it to another person in Carp who suggested it was a major repair, advising me to get a second opinion. My second opinion was Bob's Garage and coming here could not have been a better decision. I arrived believing it was a major repair in the expensive neighborhood of $2,300. Bob and Miguel were able to quickly identify the problem, which ended up being a failing water pump and $1,500 less than the original diagnosis. Money saved, and my car runs like a champ. Family and I arrived home safe and sound. Both Virginia and Bob were awesome: they've earned my trust and I will be back if I'm ever in a pinch again. read more

My Astrovan broke down on the freeway and the AAA tow truck driver recommended Bob's Garage and I must say that was a good choice. I am from LA and it was early afternoon and Bob spent literally hours on the phone trying to get the parts (wheel bearings, spindle, etc.) as quickly as possible, as I tried to get back to LA asap. When the parts came in, he did a great job. Bob is a seasoned mechanic with lots of experience and I like that he himself either does the work or supervises it. He is an honest man and did not take advantage of the fact that I was from out of town. Even though he has a busy operation, I got all the professional attention. Also, his assistant Virginia is friendly and competent. So they have a solid old-school approach and I can highly recommend them. read more

I love Bob's! He's a trustworthy mechanic and heck of a nice guy. Virginia in the office is a sweetheart and on the ball. Bob's works on vintage cars as well as taking care of your basic automotive needs. read more

Bob was incredibly wonderful and stepped out while working on several cars to help us on a sudden emergency! He was ingenius with a solution, and easily explain just what we needed with no up-sell. Done in 5 minutes flat. Will refer ALL our friends and family to see Bob's in Carp! :) read more

Our camper van started overheating as we were passing through on the highway. After the other mechanics in town told us they wouldn't be able to help us until the end of the week (4 days later), we ended up at Bob's Garage. Bob and Virginia were so honest, accommodating, and helpful. We needed major work done and they took us in next day. Bob does very skilled and thorough work - we are so lucky to have found them on the road. If you are in the Carpinteria area and need work done, take it here first! read more

I was driving from Sonoma County to LA in torrential rain just as the virus quarantine orders were starting and was having a terrible day also because of family health issues. I had been driving on the 101 for about 8 hours. I was a little more than an hour away from home and suddenly my brakes were not working right. I pulled off the freeway at the next exit, looked on Yelp for a mechanic and it turned out I was across the street from Bob's. The woman was really nice and explained I would have to leave the car overnight because it was too late to order parts. She helped me figure out how to get a rental car so I could finally get home. She called me about an hour later to say there was nothing really wrong with the brakes- the problem related to all the water on the freeway. I came back the next morning and they charged me only a small amount for rotating the tires and checking it out. I really appreciated their dealing with me and helping me out in my frazzled state. read more