My transmission recently started making noise when first getting into gear. We are a one car retired family and having had work done here previously that I was very happy with it was a no brainer to go back. I went in first thing in the morning spoke with Nico about when and how often I heard the noise. We went for a test drive for about 5 minutes and returned to the shop. He wanted to put it on the lift to confirm what was causing the noise. The transmission mount insulator molding was cracked. This part is support for the transmission mount. He had to order the part to be delivered on the following day. I dropped off the our car the following morning prior to the delivery and his team broke it down ready for the part arrival. It was finished just around 2. NO NOISE! The price was more than reasonable. I highly recommend them. read more

OMG! What a great experience working with Nico on my engine replacement. I usually took my car to the Kia dealership for repairs, but I was 60 mi away from home, and actually this was the best service I have ever received from any mechanic! The cost was reasonable, and I was given a loaner car to drive while repairs were being done. Heck, I will drive 60 miles every time to get my car serviced now! Nico is very knowledgeable and explained every step of the service being done. Thank you Nico! See you in 5,000 mi! Denise read more

Huge thank you to Nico and the team! I've had a pretty annoying electrical issue with my car for the last month. Had spent a lot of money and time trying to resolve it with another shop. After bringing it in, Nico and the team were able to not only identify the issue, but fix it within a few hours. Huge sigh of relief! Thank you guys! read more

Cornerstone has always provided a great service . Nico takes the time to explain in detail repairs needed .

Don't do business with these guys!. I did , and after 3 vehicles that had to be redone by a reputable auto shop. I sued them in small claims to recoup my money. I won with the bureau of automotive repair backing up my claims. After a mediation , Amir (the owner) agreed to a 8 month payment payback. They defaulted in the first month . I have received 2 payments in a year and a half. These guys will not back up their services. Do yourself a favor. Run away from these guys. They are your worst nightmare. Mark Anderson Oceanside read more

This is a great local shop! Total professionals! I had an older car that needed some repairs and these guys gave an honest estimate, no BS and took on the job. Fast and honest service is what I received here. It's not easy to find an honest auto shop, but that's what you get here. My experience at this shop was great. Nico and Amir are straight forward and personable. They treat their clients with respect. Both are highly knowledgeable about the auto repair process have the ability to explain what needs to be done with your car and at the same time help you understand why. I highly recommend this auto shop. These guys are great! Ignore the negative reviews. They definitely do not reflect the positive experience I had with Nico and Amir. read more

I am seriously offended by this place, angry, insulted & at a loss with my VERY QUICK experience there today... I went in there today (per Auto zone's employee recommendation) to see if NICO (who was suggested) could install ONE break light bulb in my small 4cyl Vehicle, since AutoZone next door was way too busy at the time to help me install it for free since they were short staffed after I purchased it. I went over and it was empty inside, and I asked for Nico (who was the only employee there so saw) if he could help me install it ONLY as I had already just purchased the bulb next door at auto zone and that's all I would need is just the (1) bulb replaced. I told him I was happy to pay him to install iy because I know auto zone does it for free usually, but I was still respectful of his business and time so I suggested it of course..... Well, I was then SHOCKED, when Nico quoted me SIXTY DOLLARS to install (1) Bulb that I already had just purchased next door with me! .. I immediately told him I just needed it installed not the parts and it was only (1) bulb, & he said "yea sorry, that's what we charge"... .. I will happily admit I unfortunately am not too savvy with Car Knowledge (clearly), but even I knew he was charging me insanely too much, & I believe was also trying to swindle me & take advantage of my not knowing & need! I started to walk out and he then shouted "okay then $45" (like that was so much better?) .. I said no & left very upset! It's places like this that make it hard to find a good mechanic! It's sad when people take Advantage of you like that! I even called 2 of my guy friends after (who unfortunately live outta state or woulda helped me) and told them and they said he was trying to rip me off too, & that was crazy! ... $20-$25 bucks MAX I woulda paid, as with my car he wouldn't have even needed tools to replace it (I researched online after!) but that was LUDACRIS! It takes a lot for me to post a bad review on a business, let alone a specific "someone" because I always wanna see the good in people, but this guy and place is a place I will NEVER again return to for anything, & I'll be telling the nice people at auto zone they should stop referring people there too! Yuck! Do better Nico! read more

DON'T GO TO CORNERSTONE AUTOMOTIVE IN OCEANSIDE!!!. I bought new tires for my car and immediately took it to Cornerstone for a wheel alignment. The tires were warrantied for 75,000 miles of use, but within 12,000 miles, the front tires were totally ruined, with the tread on the inner part of the tires completely worn through and the steel belts showing (pics below). Cornerstone took zero responsibility for this--they claimed my tires were worn because my suspension was "totally shot." I took the car to another (reputable) mechanic who told me my suspension was just fine. In other words, Cornerstone lied to me to cover their sorry asses. Cornerstone used to be a great business when it was owned by Bruce Kropp but the new owner, Amir, and his snarky son Nico, give small businesses a bad name. I'm suing them in small claims court and it won't be the first time a dissatisfied customer has done this. read more

Cornerstone Automotive - Front tires ruined within 12,000 miles of use. - Auto Repair Near Me - Oceanside, California

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The worst experience I have ever had with an automotive mechanic. Didn't check the vehicle for the reason that I brought it in. Out $560 for repairs that I didn't initially want to have done but was conned into doing. The initial problem that I initially brought the vehicle in for still remains. The person running the front desk is a dishonest liar very unprofessional. Don't use these people. read more

Professional, honest and you're well taken cared of. The staff gets the job done. Highly recommend getting your car checked/fixed.

If you want to be treated like a complete dummy, this is the place you want to go! Amazing service if you want to be lied to and taken advantage of. I came in to do a safety inspection and make sure that my car is in good shape for a long trip that I have coming up And this child at the front desk looks at me and sees that I'm a woman and takes the very uneducated guess and thinks that A. I don't know anything about cars and B. would not double check his quotes and recommendations. Dear child at the front desk, you made a really bad bet. When someone comes to you saying that they have a long trip ahead of them and wants to make sure that their car is running properly, You don't write up over $4600 worth of estimates and work for them when their car is barely worth that amount. To clarify, photos attached of the 5 different work estimates pages that they recommended. Out of the 6 things they recommended doing, I only actually needed the water pump replaced. Maybe it was a mistake and you have a bad mechanic working for you, but a scratch on my stabilizer bar, does not make for the NEED for replacement. So maybe it's bad eyesight, in which case you might need to retire as a mechanic. But not only did I personally check my brakes and rotors but I got FOUR OTHER mechanics to double check all of the estimates and car overall and I did not need new brakes and rotors OR a new timing chain or a gasket cover that would amount to $1262.22 worth of work(!?!??!????) The brakes are practically brand new and I'll say your quote is overpriced by more $200 more than I've EVER paid for brakes and rotors, in the 7 YEARS that I've owned the car. What an Absolutely absurd, and shady way to try to run a business. You should be ashamed of yourselves. For anyone reading this, make sure you get a second opinion before ever having these robbers touch your car. I wasted $80, my time and stress on their professional expertise. Never again. read more

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** TOTAL SCAM & RIP OFF *** ***BEWARE(****First off I would never go there again. I've spent $2000 in two different times to get the clutch system re-done, and then they said my transmission was bad, and then he started talking about his cars that he has for sale. Then it was missing at least 1 bolt on the transmission, and I couldn't even get him to put one in, I had to do it myself.!, and now 2 days after getting my car back the second time, guess what ??, it's broke again with no clutch pedal. All of this in a 5 month period !!!​ read more

Very dishonest! Nico will not do anything he says he is going to do! All we wanted was the information about the title and registration we needed on a car they sold my 89 year old dad. It has been 3 months and we still cannot get and info. from Nico or Amir. We have decided to file a complaint with the BBB. My dad cannot drive the vehicle until he receives the title, tags and registration on the car. Very poor customer service! read more

Cornerstone has been by far the best experience I've ever had at an automotive shop. Nico and staff are incredibly friendly and professional. It's the middle of summer and my ac went out. After shopping around cornerstone was the most affordable option around my area and Nico also made me feel confident that they would figure it out. Not only did the diagnostic is the most cost effective the amount also went towards the actual repair. Within hours I knew what the issues were. I opted on taking my parts. Once they had my parts in hand they were able to have my car done the same day working better than ever! Super cold! I definitely recommend these guys! read more

Nothing but a waste of time and $ still, my brakes are not working. After going here 3 times.

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE and this location is now under UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. They have inexperienced mechanics working there. I checked in on a Saturday with my Lexus but it was my Cayenne that needed an oil change. Asked if they had time for me today. The employee said yes. Told him make and model and told live 5 minutes away. I cancelled my salon appointment, ran home and exchanged cars. When I got back there less than 15 minutes later, a different young kid told me they were closing and take their last car 20 minutes ago. I told him I was just here and the other employee told me you could take me. This young guy said sorry brushed it off. I asked to speak to the other employee he refused to get him. No wonder the place was empty. read more

My daughter car needed battery and tires excellent service, and very good prices I highly recommended

I have a 2012 Dodge Avenger. It's been good to me. Cornerstone Automotive messed up car. They replaced the radiator, hoses, thermostats, and it was running "fine". I looked under the hood before I took my car back and the hose they bought was too long, so it kinked a bit and was touching the belt on the engine. Plus the fact that it was kinked means that it was not delivering the proper amount of coolant at the right rate. I asked them to cut it and they said it would be fine. My dumbass relented when I shouldn't have. About two months later, I had them cut the hose so it can stop putting pressure on the belt, but it was too late. So now, on 07/18/2022, my car stopped turning on, three fluids(coolant, power steering, and brake fluid) started almost over flow. It over heated a tiny bit and then my car stopped working, the fluids went back down to normal levels after it stopped working. I'm going back to them tomorrow and having them look at it right then and there. With the type of car I have, it might be a clog somewhere or the thermostats having busted. I didn't want to have to go back to them, especially after I had them cut the hose to fit properly. Now I HAVE to go back. The parts should still be covered by the warranty, so hopefully I won't have to pay for anything, but the hose they cut. Another thing, when I went back to get the hose trimmed, the Technician that led the Mechanics on my car repair ended up getting fired and they never told me why. Sketch as fuck. He wasn't working there anymore when I came back. So now my car won't start, but it's not the battery since my lights still turn on. If anyone has any advice on what I should do, it would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading. Don't fucking go to this shop under any circumstances to get your car fixed. It is literally not worth it. read more

This place was recommended to me by my extended warranty from CarMax. It is a RepairPal referred auto repair shop. I am going to let them know what a horrible experience I had there. First the owner took my trip meter mileage and entered it wrong and now the CARFAX report for my vehicle is incorrect and I can't correct it. I don't even know if there are real certified mechanics that work there because they had to use Google to try and find out what was wrong with my car. The price that they tell you is different each time, get everything in writing for this reason. I was told that what I paid for the diagnostic cost would be applied to any work, that was not true. Then I was told it would only be 50% applied to any work. After so much confusion and them still not finding out what was wrong with my car I said no more after spending over $1000. Time to cut my losses and take it to CarMax. My advice is to run as fast as you can away from this place and don't let them touch your car. I mean how do you enter in the wrong mileage from the start? The odometer specifically says miles and is above the trip meter. Two different numbers there..... I say again- Run!!!! read more

I had an engine problem and my car needed a new working engine. I came to Cornerstone Automotive. Casey was helpful and helped me out with everything. Their estimate was better than the other places I went to. They replaced my old engine with an engine that came from Japan with 60k miles on it and the car runs smoothly. They make sure you leave happy and satisfy. I got nothing to complain about this shop. I would definitely be back for other auto services in the future. read more

I had a really good relationship with Casey at the place. Long story short 4K later of repairs for a truck I got pre inspected by them saying gtg sounds like a crazy set up. I would recommend these guys 24/7 but once I was called a liar you can fuck yourself!! Good relation gone sour over your dollar!! Anyone have recommendations for a mechanic with INTEGRITY??? I can pay what's owed and more. Lmk read more

Do not bring your car here! Horrible customer service, downright rude and disrespectful! They make it seem as though they are very knowledgeable and will get the job done quickly for a fair price. DO NOT FALL FOR IT! I do not recommend them at all. read more

Update: fact checking is in order... I was surprised to see someone mention in one of two vague, short, negative reviews below that they were offered a smog. That's VERY strange, since Cornerstone Automotive doesn't even perform Smog checks. A shop down the street DOES perform Smog checks, and they're not known for their trust factor, but the review specifically claimed Cornerstone offered an overpriced service they don't even perform. I've been a consistent patron because I know they don't pressure anyone into an unnecessary service, let alone one they're not equipped for. Bruce won't brag about it, but I know he's fixed vehicles for local nonprofits whose clients have experienced significant trauma and financial hardship...for free. That's the kind of integrity that Bruce and his team have - a "Cornerstone" of our local community. A bad experience is one thing. Misrepresenting an experience is just wrong. Cornerstone is consistently clear when explaining services they can perform, and always provide a quote when they can provide a service. My hope is that the person simply gave the wrong shop a rating, due to their proximity. A month ago, my car wouldn't turn over. I noticed my battery was dated "2011." Battery life's around 5-7 years, but 7 is a LONG time! AutoZone pressured me to buy the most expensive battery they carried for my car, My older son installed that battery for me in their parking lot (so much for the promise they'll remove/install a battery you buy from them!) Th e salesman also tried to say we needed a new starter. Huh? We stopped at Cornerstone on our way home. Bruce examined it and said that the starter was NOT going bad, as the "professional" at Auto Zone tried to tell us. My son is a 21-year-old autistic man who is trying to find his career path and after feeling proud of himself for changing out the battery, he wondered if he might be a good mechanic. I asked Bruce if he had time to speak with him about the requirements become a mechanic. Not only did Bruce take time out of his schedule to sit and talk with my son...patiently and thoroughly answering every single one of my son's questions, but he also gave him some very solid advice on how to go about becoming a mechanic. He explained the different levels (Bruce is a "master mechanic," as he has continued his education and has achieved a level in his profession that takes many years to get to.) He told my son realistically, after a lot of hard work and decent education/experience under his belt, he would be able to make a nice income once he reached the Journeyman level. His entire staff were also chiming in with tips and advice too.It was a very nice thing for him to do for my son. A few weeks ago the DMV sent me a notice that I needed to have a Smog check on my car for this year's registration. I stopped by Cornerstone to see if they performed Smog checks, and Bruce informed me that they don't. They aren't equipped to perform Smog checks...it takes specialized equipment to perform a Smog. That's when he offered to hook his computer up to the car before I went to the guy down the road to to get my smog test (I found a Groupon!), so I wouldn't fall prey to any "surprise fixes" that might be required of me...OR if the machine indicated there really was an issue, I wouldn't be flagged by the state. Bruce made sure with a free five minute diagnostic check that I wouldn't walk into a possible financial trap. My brakes went out the following week (yay!)...and Bruce told me to immediately bring it in when I explained what was happening. He said my front brake pads needed to be replaced, and the rotors needed machining (which was expected...it was metal on metal when I brought it in). He said there was still some good life left in the rear, and he didn't see the need to charge me for new ones all the way around. He also performed an oil change...and had my vehicle ready within less than 4 hours, so I could get my young son from school. No rush charge. There are enough people who have reported their positive experiences consistently that I have faith a person reading these reviews will realize there will always be people trying to drag a good man down. I just find it unfortunate that it has to be someone who is so clearly dedicated to his customers and community. Cornerstone Automotive will have my family's business for as long as we live here. That's a statement you can believe! Bruce needs to give me a hi five next time I see him. I reported one and got that removed! read more

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I've been bringing my 2005 Trailblazer here for all my maintenance and repairs since I bought it in March 2020. Always helpful, responsive, and they send coupons frequently enough that I am able to plan my maintenance around them. read more

After a wrong diagnoses that resulted in an additional $1700, and almost a month of excuses for not getting the job done, the truck is finally running. Over $3000 spent at this shop, and all I can do is warn anyone who reads this to stay away. The owner and his son are in way over their heads and don't know how to communicate effectively with customers. I will continue to spread the word about avoiding this business. The website if full of misinformation and false claims about who works their and what kind of experience they have. Honest is not the cornerstone of this business. They had no extra workers after their only tech was out sick and the whole place ground to a halt. Even the guys they brought in to rescue them admitted it's a total mess of an opporation right now. I hope they get their act together in the future and no one else goes through what I did. read more

I brought them a torn apart nissan 350z engine and asked if they could bore it out and put all the forged internal parts I had on it for $10,000. They tried charging me to take the engine apart(which it already was when i brought it to them) along with charging me multiple times for the same part and said parts were spread out on the 4 page receipt. They also put stock connecting rod bearings on my race engine that I told them multiple times CANNOT be stock because they won't be able to handle the engine and i had brought th some bearings but they said they wouldnt work and they were going to have to custom order the bearings because of the size and they guaranteed me they would get race bearings and told me they were but i just got them tested and they were stock, i guess they couldn't wait for the race bearings. But now 6k miles on an engine built for about 900hp lost a bearing when it was making about 280hp on the way to move to tennessee and i got stranded in arizona for a week and had to get a hotel and pay to have my car trailered all the way to tennessee, which was about $2,000 and now i have to take the engine completely apart by myself and rebuild it because I refuse to let a shop touch my car again. I also found out last week from Z1 motorsports(the big 350z racing company) that they dont gap piston rings for those engines EVER and the mechanic there gapped them "for nitrous". They are not helping at all, they told me to kick rocks. They know exactly who I am, I considered them friends and hung out at the shop a decent amount but apparently that means nothing to them read more

Cornerstone Automotive - Oil with shreds of connecting rod bearing - Auto Repair Near Me - Oceanside, California

I've been a customer of Cornerstone for several years now and I won't take my BMW anywhere else. It's an older vehicle so I need a reliable and fair priced mechanic. Casey and Nikko (their service writers) go above and beyond for me each and every time I have an issue. They are super honest and the service comes with a smile. They are good about communicating, calling a couple times just in case I missed a message from them and that is HUGE in this day and age when technology glitches. The mechanics do great work and offer to stay to finish the job so I get my car back as soon as possible. That matters! I'm not sure how these guys could even get a bad review unless the person giving them is either lying or completely unreasonable to please. I'm telling you: trust these guys with your car. You won't be sorry!! read more

They do unauthorized repairs and botch the job. cv joint replaced (unauthorized) and car has not driven the same since, makes loud clanging sounds when hitting a bump or any sort of uneven road. complete new engine put in due to over heating, get it back 42 days later and have to bring it back after having it for 1 week and it over heats again, so they replaced the engine fan. Have it back for one month and the transmission completely fails.... They ruined my car to the point of junkyard and having to buy a new one. Avoid this place at all cost. read more

No upsell and totally honest. Great place; I bring all of my cars here. Yes, it is under new ownership, but they sold to some really nice folks who don't rake you over the coals like the dealers are apt to do. read more

Took car to cornerstone and didn't get it back until 2 days after the projected time. Work performed was good but the guy at the front desk is shaky. Make sure that you double check everything thing he says reason being he told me that my charge to check the vehicle to see what was wrong would be deducted from the work if I get the work done there. When the work was finished he tried to say that wasn't the case so beware and check your receipt to make sure he keep his word. read more

My car was making an annoying humming sound. Sounded like a motor boat. I didn't want to take my car to Toyota service center since it's super pricey. My dad recommended to take it to Bruce if I wanted it fixed right the first time since I always have trouble finding a good mechanic that will charge me once for Labor. But he warned me it would be pricey, but Bruce is an honest man and will do a good job. I got it fixed, and I haven't had an issues with it the last 3 weeks. But hey! It better be worth it! As long as it's fixed correctly, I'm happy. read more

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My wife brought her car in for a simple repair (leaky drain plug) while it didn't cost us a lot of money it did cost in time and frustration and the repair was never successful. Now we find ourselves at another repair facility trying to resolve a simple problem that has turned into a big expense. I cannot recommend Cornerstone. read more

Another fantastic customer service experience from start to finish. My car broke down and I had it towed to the shop. I called ahead so they were expecting it. Upon arrival, Nico took immediate action. He called me 2 hours later to provide the scope of work. I picked up my car today. Again, Nico kept me apprised throughout the process and was professional and courteous at all times. The quality of work, professional staff, and quick turnaround makes this auto repair shop my Number 1 in Oceanside Thanks for all your hard work and effort. read more

I was extremely impressed with the customer service I received at Cornerstone auto! I was referred to them from not only a family member but a friend as well. From the beginning as soon as I walked in the door I was made top priority. They offer quality service for a very fair price and when I have to choose a repair shop for future repairs, no matter where I'm living I will return to Cornerstone auto for them. It's not often I choose to give reviews, it's either when service is outstanding or extremely poor do I review. Please consider this a five star service shop worthy of a review! read more

I have been to Cornerstone 3 times in 6 months for various service. I left the dealerships because they were not trust worthy. I have found Bruce (the owner) to be honest and caring. I purchased the shops Car Care program which is a great value. This is a great benefit to consumers as you pay $90.00 to save hundreds. It is amazing that there are 1 star reviews and 5 star reviews. Clearly opinions vary. I recommend friends and family to Cornerstone and have personally experienced excellent service. read more

Bruce and his crew have brought my old truck back from the dead. She had multiple oil leaks along with other issues which caused her to not pass smog but they got the job done. They made me feel confident that the job was done correctly and was fully warrantied. He's also done inspections and repairs for my mother in law and we plan to continue to use him for all of our vehicles in our family. Thanks Cornerstone! read more

Thrilled to find a local mechanic that we can trust to do the work we need right the first time and not push questionable expensive add-ons (I'm looking at you, dealerships!). I take my beloved 2009 Prius to Bruce and he's always done a great job. He recently diagnosed & fixed a worrisome problem with the front end and voluntarily gave me a discount on the labor without me even asking for it. I really appreciate his skill, work ethics, and honesty. Helen, on the front desk, is as nice as can be too. I've recommended Cornerstone to everyone I hear needs a solid, honest mechanic in Oceanside. We're lucky to have him here and I hope he stays in business forever. read more

Straight up estimate over the phone. No drama. Very forthcoming once true repair requirements were known. Same day service on a substantial job. I was truly impressed with Casey and his team. These folks will continue to get my business and I will recommend family and friends to this shop! read more

I was in a bind because my check engine light came on and the car was telling me to turn the engine off. The place I usually go was booking 6 weeks out, so I searched and found cornerstone. Im so glad I did! Casey was very pleasant to work with and called me first thing in the morning informing me that they identified the problem and it was likely under warranty. He recommended I take it to the dealership. He certainly didn't have to tell me that. I really appreciate his honesty. Do yourself a favor and go see Casey at Cornerstone automotive! read more

took my 04 Crown Vic in because it was misfiring. I had just had major work done on it at a different shop, who went out of business shortly afterward and good residence to them. My Intake manifold had gone bad and dumped my coolant. I got a new manifold installed and spark plugs replaced. They test drove it, said they couldn't replicate the problem and changed out an ignition coil for $200 and said it was fixed. Still felt odd on the way home. Two days later it was misfiring again. I took it back in and asked them to look it over. They said my ignition coils were going out and all of them needed replacing. Something didn't feel right. I took it in for a second opinion at another shop a friend recommended. The coils were part of the problem. The big problem was that my manifold had not been installed correctly and was still leaking. How Cornerstone managed to miss this in their testing, I do not know. and $200 for an ignition coil is ridiculous. I had a a friend, ex-marine auto-pool, fix it, parts and labor $500. Working great now. I do not trust the service and knowledge of this establishment. Congratulations to those of you who had a better experience than I did. I give two stars for not charging me for the second trip and the free towing. read more