I called this company at 8 am after my van showed check engine light and ran rough as I drove from Central Massachusetts to Annapolis Md. I was driving at night, got off exit at 2am and had to sleep in my van in 0 degree temperatures. Chris invited me to come to his shop and let me jump to the front of the line on his very busy day. I was in by 8:10 am. He got my van diagnosed, parts delivered and I was back on the road after lunchtime. I am so grateful to him to help me get back on the road. I am a dog/house sitter and I was expected in Annapolis that night. The homeowner had already left the country for a trip. Chris and his team were not only professional but generous in their efforts to help me. I was told where I could get lunch and I was able to sit in his waiting area for hours, have bathroom access and even had a fireplace turned on because I was cold. His office manager was so gracious and helpful to me. Thank you Chris and his team: wonderful people. read more

Chris was amazing. They are all easy to talk with, friendly, personal, competitive pricing, and most important, you will be very happy when you pick up your vehicle. I won't hesitate to go back. read more

Cerrito's Auto Sales - What was a very dented fender, is back to like "new"!!! - Car Dealers Near Me - Wallingford, Connecticut

I've been taking my car to Cerrito's for a few years now and won't take it anywhere else (unless it's a recall repair which the dealership has to do). I'd always heard good things about Cerrito's, but I liked to have the dealership do all the work. Until a squirrel chewed through some critical wires and the dealership wanted to charge me $2700 and two weeks to fix it. I couldn't afford the time or money, so in desperation and with trepidation, I took it to Cerrito's. Chris's team found a replacement harness in a junk yard and had it fixed in 3 hours for a tiny fraction of the price. That was 3+ years ago, and I never had a problem with the repair. It probably took another 6-8 months before I fully switched to Cerrito's for all of the maintenance and repair. I'm going to be fully honest here about why it took me a bit to switch over and why I won't go back to the dealership unless I have to. Until the $2700/2 week fiasco, my experience at the dealership at always been great. They were friendly, the mechanics would sometimes fix small things without charging, there was a large waiting room with comfy chairs, snacks, bathrooms, etc. It was very professional and polished. Cerrito's is professional but not what I would call "polished". There is a very tiny lobby, and I don't believe their bathroom is open to the public, but I've never asked. There are no snacks. You may not get a big smile and hello when you walk in. You're probably not going to hang out there while your car is being worked on. The lack of "polish" is just surface level, though, and it took me a few interactions to realize that. Cerrito's staff is friendly. I talk to them with a friendly respect and they treat me with a friendly respect. They have treated every customer with respect that I have seen. But Cerrito's staff goes beyond friendly. They have been very helpful to me with an issue with the dealership, telling me how things work behind the scenes and what to say. They've gone above and beyond in fixing issues with my car (there have only been a couple). All of their maintenance is spot on, as far as I can tell. My car is 100k+ miles, and it works great. I only have praise for the work they've done. As a woman trying to maintain a car, I definitely get the feeling in some places that the mechanics (can't ever remember a female mechanic) talk down to me and try to get me to agree to repairs that are on the horizon but aren't needed yet. But I've never ever felt that way at Cerrito's. Between the squirrel event and the time when I fully switched to Cerrito's, I came to see that my dealership was not treating me in the way I would want. The dealership was slow, expensive, and pushed for 5-star reviews (and I quote "Anything under a 5-star is a failure"). Cerrito's is quick, fair, honest, and they do excellent work. read more

Dont come here if you are black. Who ever works at in the front office had their racism showing. My dad and myself came in and were waiting for over a 45 minutes to even be acknowledged. People who came in after us were acknowledged and helped before we were. We had to speak up and ask if we could be helped in order to receive service from anyone. Once we were finally helped the guy was short and rude with us and acted as if we were bothering him and couldn't afford anything. His tone was very clear the vibe that he was giving off. We left quitely and vowed never to go back. I felt the need to write a review and share my experience hoping that this would not happen to another person of color. I hope they read this and change. read more

I have been going to Cerrito's for years now and so does my daughter. We both has used cars with high mileage. Honestly I can't say enough nice things about Chris and his staff. Everyone is really helpful. Cerrito's is very honest and fair. It is always best to make an appointment but if you have an issue that needs immediate assistance I have never been turned away. If you are looking for a reputable auto dealer, in every way, go to Cerritos. Thank you Chris to you and your entire staff! Jackie Dube read more

Rating is for the service department not sales. Cerritos gets 5 stars from me for flexibility, price and quality. I needed my brakes done immediately and the dealership wanted to charge me more than my mortgage for the month so I started looking for another mechanic. Cerritos fit me in last minute and quoted me a muchhhh more reasonable price! I even got more stuff done because the prices were reasonable. Also everyone was super friendly! Being a new customer and a demanding one at that I was so happy with the friendliness. I dropped my car off at 730am and they worked on it. I picked it up that evening and was happy with the work done and the bill. Only reason I docked 1 star is because I had to call for an update. Maybe I'm just spoiled by the dealers and their constant updates but when I hadn't heard by 3:30 I had to call. Then I called back at 6 to make sure it be ready that evening. Overall I found my new mechanic and very pleased with this business. read more

Went to have my power steering pump replaced on one car and a repair for an oil leak on another. Mechanic forgot to reattach the power steering pump hose well and it leaked all over the place. Cerritos couldn't get in me in soon, so I paid a different mechanic $100 to diagnose the problem and attach the hose correctly. The oil leak was a valve cover gasket. I've done this repair half a dozen times already, but was renting at the time and didn't have a garage, so I let them do it. Mechanic used orange make-a-gasket, instead of a real gasket for the outside, and didn't bother to replace the o-rings on the inside. One of the o-ring was still leaking into the spark plug well (because they are supposed to be replaced with the outer gasket). Went back to complain. Chris said the outer gasket was real and the orange make-a-gasket was just extra , when I showed him the injector coil covered with oil from the leaky o-ring, he put black goop (black make-a-gasket?) inside the spark plug well as a "fix" and sent me on my way. Also found a piece of the plastic shield that should be attached under my car on top of the fuse box under the hood. So now... All the o-rings that should have been replaced have failed and oil is leaking into the spark plug wells. I'll need to open the engine, but there is make-a-gasket all around the cover, so that might fall into my engine and ruin it. When I replace my spark plugs the make-a-gasket that was put into my spark plug wells might fall into the engine for problems there. If I leave it alone, the oil in the wells will eventually cause the spark plugs to foul - causing a cylinder misfire which will leave me with a flashing check engine light and abandoning my car on the side of the road until I get it fixed. So it needs to be replaced ASAP. The power steering pump is replaced, but do I trust that the mechanic filled it with the correct fluid? In my car, it should be filled with transmission fluid ... I know, weird but true. Filling it with generic power steering fluid will cause the pump to fail - it's the reason it failed to begin with. So the answer is no, based on the all the other crappy work done, I don't trust that the correct fluid was added. So I'll need to flush it again with the proper fluid just in case. Cheaper than having to replace the pump again. Chris suggested that he would fire that mechanic, which is great for future customers, but I'm still stuck with a faulty valve cover gasket and questionable power steering fluid. Super sucky. read more

Wonderful staff!! The best & most honest garage I've ever been too! #1 in Wallingford that's for sure!! I originally brought my vehicle to the dealership down the road for a recall. They said I desperately needed braKes both in the front and the back! It would cost roughly $1500 I brought the cAr to Cerritos for a 2nd opinion they gave me a rough estimate of $650 because it was heavy duty parts. I said if it's more then a $1000 let me know otherwise you have my approval to do the work. They called me a couple of hours later, after I told them your approved to do the job. They said it willl be $348 your back brakes are fine. We're going to lube them up and replace the front!!! That's amazing!!! They could have really taken advantage but they didn't not even a little. Very honest people - great prices- meticulous work! Thank you Cerritos!! I'll always bring my vehicles to you! read more

honest people, great work, highly recommend their body shop. they match paint incredibly well

I've been going to Cerritos for several years. They are truly upstanding people who know their stuff. I had an instance where I had my car at the dealership for a recall when they told me I needed to fix the suspension and replace my brakes. I immediately called Chris and told him the problem. He said to me not to do anything until he checks my car out first. Sure enough I needed brakes which I planned on Cerritos doing, but there was nothing wrong with the suspension. Like the dealership, they could have taken advantage of me because I'm gullible yet I know the thought never crossed their minds. Chris really looks out for his clients and I will always be grateful to him. By the way, Tony who worked on my car, was A1. read more

Just took my Nissan Versa in for an oil change . Great service . Very honest Auto Service . The price was great. Stay away from getting your auto if out of warranty serviced at the dealership. I recommend going here . Just friendly excellent service in Wallingford. read more

I can't say enough positive things about Chris and everyone at Cerrito's. In 2005, I purchased a used car from them (a 1997 Toyota Corolla). The car was impeccable, the price was fair, and the service I have encountered from them ever since has been phenomenal. Not only do they run a good, honest business, but I've found they consistently go above and beyond when it comes to servicing my car. This past spring, some idiot slammed into me while driving the wrong way up an exit ramp, and I thought for sure my car would be totaled. Chris said, "Don't worry, we can fix it," and sure enough, my car came back looking and driving like brand new. As someone who commutes to school, work, and back every day, being able to drive is vital. These guys have bent over backwards to keep my car on the road and in great shape, and I can't thank them enough. read more

When it comes to auto mechanics and sales, I know trivially little. If someone is ripping me off, I can only pretend to be vaguely aware. And unfortunately, it's not "masculine" to keep crying until I get my way, so that avenue is out. When I moved to the Greater New Haven area, I had to find a new auto shop. A mechanically-inclined coworker of mine recommended Chris and everybody at Cerrito's, and I have not been disappointed. Every time I bring my car in, they tell me exactly what they think is wrong, how they think it could be fixed, approximately how much it'll cost, if it's worth fixing, etc. One time I had a weird idling problem and after the first fix didn't work, they took it in again and took another look for no charge. They took responsibility for not knowing what it was the first time, and I appreciate the honesty. They really do a good job of taking care of the customer and I continue to recommend them to my friends in the area. I appreciate the effort of explaining what's wrong and letting me make my own decisions without trying to sell me on what's a better solution for them. They also sell older used cars (especially Toyotas) but I haven't had the pleasure of buying with them, but if their selling is anything like their auto work, I'm sure it'd be a wise choice. read more

My husband & I have been going to Cerritos forever. Chris & his team are top notch at what they do! He runs an honest & reasonably priced business. We have recommended Chris to everyone we know because we believe he is the best in his field! Every car we've bought has been a great deal & has lasted for years. We intend on going to Cerritos until Chris retires, which will probably be never! He will be 80, working on cars, ponytail & all!! read more

We were on our way to NYC from Boston when our car started rattling. Pulled into a couple other places that had no availability. At Cerrito's Chris immediately was there to help us. He took the car for a drive to hear the rattling for himself and was able to fix it within 15 minutes even though they were already busy. Highly recommend!! read more

Great shop! Fixed the brakes on my truck and the cost was more than reasonable. I would recommend them to anyone.

My car broke down just off 91 and I happened upon Cerrito's because I needed a tow and they were who popped up on the iPhone. Chris came within 10 minutes, got us to his shop, fixed the car at a very fair price in less than an hour (even though there were many other cars before mine - he said that he felt bad for us since we were stranded far from home), and did everything with the absolutely nicest manner. He and everyone else there were super nice. I feel very lucky to have broken down where I did! If I didn't live so far, I would take my car only to them. read more

Due to slippery road conditions, a driver in the opposite traffic, accidentally dented the front of my car. I went to Cerritos to receive an estimate and I actually had a better experience than I was expecting for an auto sales. Inside, the waiting room is clean, spacious, and comfortable. The receptionists were polite and very helpful. Chris, who is the owner, is great! Not only did he provide an honest estimate and take the time to explain the different aspects of the car that were being fixed, he also did not mind listening and answering the questions I had as a fairly new driver. In addition to everything I like about this place, Cerritos is very flexible, accommodating, and honest. Anyone can tell, that whether it is the receptionist, employees, or the owner, they genuinely provide the best service they can. read more

Been taking my car there ever since I broke down at work and Chris came out quickly even though I had never used Cerritos before. Never had anything but great service there. Recommend them for women & seniors too. Trustworthy! read more

Cerrito's is the BEST used car dealer/service center available anywhere PERIOD (coming from someone who has been in the automotive business and is still a classic car hobbyist). I tend to do most of my own maintenance on my daily driver, but there are times when special tools, lift and professional expertise just makes more sense. I have been fortunate in my past for having someone I trusted in the business. When my man retired, I was without a clue as to where to turn for car service. Many folks I talked with raved about Cerritos and told me they would go nowhere else. I decided to stop in and give them a try (GLAD I did). I had a front wheel bearing issue with my van and stopped by Cerrito's to make an appointment to get it in for repair. I ran into Chris Cerrito's who was very helpful and literally said "you bring it... I'll fixed it". I had it there the next morning and by $1:00pm I got the call it was all set! Not even a day downtime and I was back on the road. The repair cost was reasonable and they brought the van right to the door of the showroom for me (red carpet service). To make the story even better... about a half year later, I head a bearing noise coming from the front again. I figured it was the other bearing wearing due to the age and mileage. I returned to Cerrito to have it repaired. Once again, Chris was able to get it in the very next day and I got the 1:00 call that it was all set. I was BLOWN AWAY when I was told there was no-charge! The bearing that was previously repaired failed and Chris got the manufacturer to flip for the part and he stood behind his work. Unreal!!! If that is not enough to earn my trust... I like his attitude and advice regarding repairs. I asked about having all the wheel bearings replaced as a safety measure, but he advised against throwing money unnecessarily at an old vehicle. "When it breaks... fix it. If everything checks out good and its running fine, drive it!" GOOD ADVICE! I tend to go overboard with vehicle maintenance and the last time I threw a bunch of money into an old vehicle, the transmission went a week later and I sent a lot of new parts to the junkyard. It's not every day that a car repair place will advise against doing service work that is just not needed. Cerritos runs their business on good old fashion honesty and integrity. I will go nowhere else! read more

Went to Cerrito`s Auto today after the car being repaired I feel good that Chris provides great service at honest affordable pricing. I have been here a few other times too and Chris always helps me out with what I need, he always goes the extra distance to help me in what ever service situation as to provide the best service or decision at the best price, we work well together to make a plan to repair so as a customer I can afford it, I thank Chris for being able to do that for this customers. This is rare and should be explained to new customers. thank you Chris. read more

This should say it all, I'm 70 years old and this is the only garage/auto store that I have ever dealt with that is "truly" HONEST and FAIR. I have total faith and trust in these guys. read more

I was Looking for auto body shop to fix the bumper on my Hyundai Sonata. Cerrito's came highly recommended by a good friend of mine. So I gave them a try. Chris and his staff were amazing. They helped with all the insurance claims and made the process so much easier. The work of their mechanics and auto body shop were amazing. The bumper looks brand new. I will be using them if I need any kind of work done to my car. read more

I work right next door to these guys and they were very helpful to me. I was dealing with a car issues for months with my ex mechanic so I walked into Cerritos. Thank god I did. Chris told me to leave me car for a half day and they'll check it out. I was in shock they diagnosed what was wrong in a half day compared to the numerous visits to the other mechanic. Needless to say I'm going here from now on :) read more

I've known Chris for a few years as we had some dealing together and I knew his reputation for quality work, especially Toyotas. When I needed to have some repairs done on my 1996 RAV4, he was my only choice. All my requested work and some I needed but forgot about was all taken care of professionally and with courtesy. My car drives better than it has, like a new vehicle now. And he didn't break my bank, I was pleasantly surprised and very pleased. Without a doubt, I can recommended Chris and his crew, no matter what car you drive and if you are looking for a quality used car, go check out his selection. read more

My son had bought his first car from Chris earlier this year. Loved it!! Unfortunately, on December 26, a deer hit the driver's side of the car, taking out the two doors, and front fender. We brought it to Chris and he was wonderful with my son, explaining how insurance works and to just let him handle everything from working with adjuster to the finished product. Six days later the phone rings and the car is done, looking better than new!! Thank you Chris for making it a calming process for him. We look forward to working with Cerrito's in the future. read more

I cannot say enough positive things about Chris and the folks at Cerrito's. I first learned about them several years ago when my son needed his first car. After buying something from another dealer who then didn't deliver, we needed to find a car in less than 24 hours and in a snow storm. I went to some new car dealers and they recommended Cerrito's. It was love at first sight as he had a lot full of Geo Prizms-my favorite car. My son picked up a sweet corrolla and has been driving it relentlessly since then. They stand buy what they sell. Since that time I have had them fix several of my cars, even a RollsRoyce. He will give you the straight story. I totally trust them and drive 1/2 hour to get to their shop even when there are lots of local places. They've done small body work, simple, routine repairs all the way up to complete systems. All affordable. If my second child needs a car, i will send her there. read more