Great experience here. I came in thinking my oil leak was one issue, but it turned out to be something else entirely. They took the time to explain everything and worked through it with me instead of just pushing repairs. They also did a solid job getting my AC back up and running. Friendly, honest, and really understanding of my frustration throughout the process. I'd definitely come back. read more

These guys root out your problem and communicate exactly what is happening to your vehicle~! I have a small amount of aged vehicles ranging from 2003 through 2013 which all come with their proper amount of maintenance needs as they continue to age. Michael and Shane shoot straight explaining what the vehicles need, what you need to fix to continue to function, and what can be put off for later repairs as your budget allows. With any old thing in which you resolve one problem, another is likely to appear - they have no concern with discussing the repair plan if needed, or if critical, getting you right back on the racks~! These guys are our families go to mechanics~!! read more

I scheduled an appointment for my 1994 Ford Bronco. I need to replace the thermostat. I brought it in and the job was completed with to issues. They are knowledgeable, efficient and reliable. The price was fair. This is exactly what I needed. I will come back when I need anything in the future. read more

As honest and straightforward as they come. I was in town for work and my car crapped out on me. Got towed to D&R. I worked with Mike and he was great. They got everything handled so quick and pricing was exactly what I was expecting. Thanks Mike! read more

Had a coolant light come on for our 2019 Ford F150. Turns out rodents had gotten in and chewed up the wiring. Mike and Shane were awesome to work with to get it repaired quickly. Discovered post repair our insurance could cover it. The guys were great getting us the information we needed to submit a claim post repair. As a AAA certified shop, our insurer (AAA) didn't bat an eye and we were quickly reimbursed thanks to their detailed reports. Thank you guys for all your help! read more

I have a 2003 Ford F-250 diesel truck. For a diesel it seemed to be a little slow to start. A few times on the road it would drop to an idle. Pressing the accelerator wouldn't increase the rpm's. After about thirty seconds to a minute, it would start running properly again. It happened on a freeway once. Very scary when your engine drops to an idle in the number one lane and pressing the accelerator does nothing. Went from 70 miles an hour to about 45 when it started soothing again. Very pleased with the work done. They are my shop of choice now. read more

These guys are the best shop I have found. Always get great service, and they dont try to push unnecessary repairs or service. I always leave feeling I got money's worth and honest and fair pricing. read more

I have taken a couple of different vehicles here for random work to be done and each time they have been fair with pricing and honest with their assessment. I feel comfortable going to them with my issues and don't worry about walking away feeling scammed. read more

I have four vehicles, two domestic and two foreign bred. Well 3/4 have been into the shop and each one has come out running better than before. I've had to taken an older GMC Suburban in a few times but each time they're thorough and get the job done. The best part is they're straighter shooters. They tell you what your car needs and give you a heads up on issues that might arise in the future. Of course they will take care of the future issues too, but if the car part has some life in it they'll let you know. Since my Suburban came home happy, I've take two other cars in too. So far only my newest car hasn't been in yet, but might be time for a brake job soon. Shane, Mike and all of the team are ready to handle your car's needs. I've taken cars in for routine maintenance, and also for more complex exhaust and electrical issues. Every time they go above and beyond. Having to take your car in for repairs is always stressful, but when I leave my cars I know they're in good hands. read more

I was recommended this service station by a friend as I was really needing a service place for my Mazda. I could not have been more impressed with these folks. Their honesty, thoroughness, knowledge, and just overall customer concern and care was truly exceptional. They really went the extra mile in their work. They found a problem in their routine inspection with my oil change, (rats had gotten into my engine and done damage!!) They were sure to show me, explain all their work and offer options. They were candid about any and all costs, trying to do only do what was necessary, while making sure what they did was top notch quality work. I'd recommend them to anyone desiring to take the best care they can of their car, with very fair pricing. read more

I was a loyal customer and brought my truck here several times and spent thousands of dollars. Got my steering rack replaced on my truck here and D&R failed to align the front tires properly. Now the inside of my brand new tires are completely bald. I have to buy two brand new tires for the front and had to stop in the middle of a road trip to get my tires rotated so I could make it back to San Diego. They have also previously left a tool in my truck during a brake job that caused a rattling sound. read more

D & R Automotive - Bald tire - Auto Repair Near Me - Santee, California

Thank you so much to Shane and Mike from D&R!! We recently found out my little sisters' car was having issues, and seeing as she drives a VW Bug (which are notorious for being difficult and expensive to repair,) we were very nervous about the repairs. My little sister had the car towed to D&R for a diagnostic and repair, and they have been absolutely wonderful thus far. I placed a call to them this morning to ask them about the pricing, and Mike broke it down for me in a way I'd understand and then sent a digital itemized bill so that my sister and I would know exactly what we were working with and what to expect. They even took the time to explain to what the issue exactly was, how the repair was done, and that the radiator they'd be replacing was going to be a high quality one with a warranty because they (to loosely quote them,)"refused to do anything but give the best product with the best service,"... WOW! When a complication to our financial situation came and I called back, Shane answered the phone and was not only very understanding but also very helpful, and explained that he was the owner of the shop- I think it's amazing that the owner of the store is also someone actively involved in the work and customer relations! Again, WOW! Thank you so much to Mike, Shane, and everyone that will be helping with the repairs- you are so appreciated, and especially during these Covid-related hard and high-stress times. We will definitely be making D&R our future mechanic. read more

We continue to appreciate D & R under their new ownership. They always take such good care of our cars and make us feel right at home. We have chosen to not purchase a new vehicle as a result of current inflation and rising prices. We spend way less money by bringing our older vehicles in for maintenance. D & R is able to quickly assess exactly what the issues are and fix them in a timely manner, without breaking the bank. An added plus is the air conditioned waiting room which is clean tidy and they provide excellent coffee while you're waiting. Highly recommend. No complaints. read more

These guys have worked on several of my vehicles; I've had zero issues with the quality of their work! I will be returning to them in the future for my mechanical needs! read more

This was my second visit to this establishment. First was good as well, but this visit stood out above the rest. Not only are they extremely fair with pricing and time estimates, they were immensely friendly and helpful as well. The quality of work was superb also. I will be returning to them in the future, they've got a loyal customer now! read more

These guys are real honest and real professionals. They have great customer service skills and communicate with the customers very well.

DO NOT trust this business. I needed help with a difficult brake problem, trusted them to diagnose and correct the problem. After a $529 dollar parts and labor attempt my brakes still shook the steering wheel just as they had done when I took vehicle into D&R. I went back to shop, they test drove vehicle with me and acknowledged the problem and said they would order better parts. After nine (9) weeks of phone calls and demands for my money back, the shop ignored all. The brake problem is still there, the shop would not refund my cost, nor replace the parts. Brakes work just as they did when I hired them to repair problem. read more

D & R Automotive - invoice for costs incurred. - Auto Repair Near Me - Santee, California

I've been using D & R automotive and highly recommend them. Shane the new owner provides quality service and keeps the professional standards that old owner provided to their customers. I wouldn't take my vehicles anywhere else! read more

The best place ever. Shane is amazing and the work is impeccable. Won't take my vehicles anywhere else. Ever.

My family has been bringing our cars to D&R since my parents first moved to San Diego about 29 years ago. They run overall the friendliest auto shop I've ever been to. The only issue I've ever had with their work was a loose air conditioner belt. It was fine when I drove home, then started making noise the next day. I brought my car back and they fixed it immediately, no questions asked. To boot, I've never felt pressured here. In fact, the shop itself is a pretty pleasant environment (as far as auto shops go, that is). There's always coffee and cold water, it's always well air conditioned, and Ron is always there to chat while you wait. I would have no issues with sending anyone to D&R for car repairs. I'll be visiting them for as long as I stay in San Diego. read more

Easily the some of the most hard working and caring individuals. Not only did they fit me into their busy day, they got the needed repairs done quickly! I'm so pleased with the experience and will be making this my home auto shop. Thank you again guys! read more

I had these guys replace my catalytic converter on my truck. First they told me that I couldn't have it back which was a total lie. Second the weld job they did was so poor that I had to bring my truck back in two additional times to get it right. I would never take my truck back to these guys. Poor service, lied to me and bad quality. read more

Took my car here when it started to do scary things - turned out the transmission was going. Booo. :( They didn't do the work there, but referred me to a wonderful shop that took care of everything for me, and then they handled a few other things I needed done. They were very professional and friendly, and were very willing to explain what they were doing. The price they quoted was exactly what the final price came out to, and they made a stressful situation much easier on me. Great experience, I would go back again. read more

These guys are good. I had a major repair done on my truck. They kept me informed on every step.(even though I didn't want to hear it). I have had several bad experiences in Santee with other jokers. These guys know there stuff and are not out to rip you off! Thanks, keep up the good work! read more

D & R Automotive changed my water pump. They did a good job sealing it with silicone but forgot to tighten up most of the screws. When I took it to another place they asked an unusual question. "who changed my water pump"? I found it unusual because I never mentioned anything about any water pump. He said someone did not fix my water pump correctly. That is why my engine broke . They sent me videos and pictures. I don't drive the truck much so nothing happened till after the insurance was over. Little bit after 3 weeks my tuck overheated and broke. The other automotive place tried talking to them. They did not want to talk. They said "they will wait for me to sue them and see them in court ". I'm not that type of person. I don't ever look forward to go after anyone's money. So I fixed it with my own money. I am here to inform the audience. My experience with them was horrible . I spent $700 for the water pump then $2000 to fix my engine after. D&R was not helpful. I will not let anyone else go through this!!! read more

Have been taking various vehicles to D&R for years and have always been pleased with the quality of the maintenance, repairs, and customer service. Never any pressure to upsell and they've done me right many times by prioritizing repairs, with safety always first. No hesitation in recommending D&R. read more

I had to wait before I posted to make sure everything is perfect! I am very happy to say Ron & Dave went above & beyond! My car is shifting perfect & the light the I didn't even ask to be fixed ISThank you I will let others know of your GREAT service, care & prices!!! read more

Brought in my wife's 4Runner for her 30k synthetic oil change. They were prompt and price was fair. We will be coming back for all future car service needs since our warranty is now up. We highly recommend them. Btw Ron was very friendly and professional. read more

My family has been coming here for years and I have nothing but good things to say about this place. Up until recently, they were servicing all of our vehicles. We purchased a a Volvo and I guess we have to go elsewhere to take care of repairs related to that, but no problem! I've never felt intimidated or pressured into performing a service that wasn't necessary. I'll be given a print out of things that should be done and they're always more than happy to discuss what is the most urgent and absolutely necessary. I'll be coming to this place as long as they're still in business! read more

Had these guys do a used car inspection for me today. They not only did the inspection but also went out of there way to help me with information to help me in my new (used) car search. Absolutely fell in love with this place!!!! read more

I have NEVER written a Yelp review but I felt compelled after having a MAJOR service done to my old Chevy Blazer. I was referred there by a friend (which is great news to start with) and could not be happier with this shop and the folks there. Definitely the most friendly and professional auto mechanics I have ever been around, and I have been around... As another reviewer stated, I really didn't want to hear from them after dropping that thing off because I knew it would be $$$ but they were VERY fast and friendly with diagnosis. Many places insist that major repairs are done asap and pressure you to do additional "preventative" work, not Dave and Rick. They treated it like a triage advising me which things need to be done, what stuff could wait awhile, etc. I ended up scraping my clams together and taking care of everything. I have never been so happy or confident at spending $1,000.00 before. Icing on the cake? They were pretty busy so they thought it might take 4-5 days originally which would have been fine for the amount of labor this thing will take but after authorizing the work on Wednesday midday, they called my Thursday (I thought oh crap more $$) but they were calling to let me know it was done and had been test driven and was ready for pickup! Before a busy holiday weekend? AWESOME I will never go anywhere else for automotive repair. It was THAT impressive! Cheers gibby read more

I used to hate having to bring my cars into the shop, fear of getting screwed. We have been coming here with multiple vehicles for many years now. Would never go anywhere else in Santee. Honest mechanics are hard to find. Call Ron and he will take great care of you. Quality service and Quality work. read more

Sad to be writing this but my family has used their repair shop for years. Recently their experiences and mine have been poor. I bought my son a 99 Honda Civic (1st car) and took it to them as the door lock on the drivers door froze as soon as we got it home. Roped the door shut and off to D&R Friday morning for help. They decided to see if it would smog since I bought the car with no smog...I know, stupid me. Anyhow, the car failed on all 3 levels and charged me $150.00 for smog and diagnostics. They said it would be an additional $192.00 to run 2 more diagnostic tests so they could tell me really why it's not passing smog. I declined as 350.00 to just have diagnostics ran and nothing towards repairs is not in my bank account. I asked them to please fix the door however as we can not drive it with the door open. Friday came and went...carl not repaired. They called and said that they also need a new door handle but it can not be delivered to them until Monday. I called Tipton Honda again and secured the door handle to pick up as at the locking system as well Saturday morning at 9am. To expedite repairs I ran to Tipton Honda and bought the part myself and delivered it to D &b R at 9:25am Saturday morning. I asked Ron when he thought the car would be ready and he said "why, do you need it at a specific time?" I said well, I have to get other things done on the car for smog and I have someone coming to look at it and they need a time. Ron said "sorry, can't give you a time". I called at 1:30pm and he still would not give me a time. I finally said "should I expect it at the end of the day"? Ron said "yes". I'm very frustrated. They have had the car for 2 days, they know I need to pass smog to register, they know I need the car back and they don't seem to care. The fact that I coordinated getting the parts, picked them up, and delivered them had no bearing on them caring when my car was scheduled in even though the car has been sitting inside since Friday. It will cost me $350.00 for them to replace a door lock, handle, and smog fail (I already paid for the parts). Bottom line....I will not be returning and neither will my family. Poor business management. read more

Unbelievable. I usually do not give online reviews, however, after the incredible old fashioned and professional customer service we received, I felt obligated and happy to review. A dear friend recommended D&R Automotive once she heard my son was buying a car online. From Lynn, to Jeff and Dan, every single person went beyond what was expected or necessary. Even a week or so after our payment of the used car inspection, while speaking with Dan, he said lightly he would like to see the car. We brought the car in and he spent a substantial amount of time going over the car and explaining what he saw. He also spent extra time with my young-adult discussing the options with this car and others. Who does that in this day and age! So happy my son was able to experience the expertise and professionalism at D&R. And, we will be bringing all our cars there for our regular maintenance! read more

Loved how friendly the staff was. Got smogged and cert sent to DMV for me. It was an hour so that took a while, but fair price and really friendly. Need an appt so call ahead. read more

My dad started coming here in 1983 when the shop first opened and when I got my first car at 20, it was a given that this is where I would be coming. I wouldn't trust my car anywhere else. I absolutely know I can trust these guys through any recommendation. They are always thorough, courteous, and I've never once, in over a decade of bringing two different cars here, had reason to complain. read more

Very professional and polite. Did not make me feel like an idiot for ignoring critical maintenance... I will be returning with all of my cars! read more

Took in our Honda accord in to see these guys after pep boys el cajon on jamacha charged us $200.00 saying we needed a tune up when we told them we think the battery is bad, D&R correctly diagnosed our car and it was the battery. Thanks guys for the honest and quality work you guys do. Never ever using Pep boys again they ripped us off read more

They are honest, friendly, and reliable. I feel safe in my older car when I know that they have inspected and worked on it. Don't let the small little building fool you because when you walk in it's pleasant to see a Clean waiting room and if you need it, a very clean bathroom. TV and free coffee. Free Convenient Shuttle service available. They take the "extra mile" in their service! They are my lifetime family mechanics! My brother is a retired master mechanic with the county and they have his approval too! They are also AAA approved! read more

I just got my car back 2 days ago from D&R and they did a fantastic job replacing a few leaking hoses that the "other guys" at a closer auto shop missed seeing during an oil change. Two weeks ago the "other guys" gave me a list of things the car needed including that we needed new brake fluid and D&R ran a test on that and said we did NOT need to replace for much longer, thus saving us money. It is nice to know that D&R is not just out to leach money from it's customers, but gives them an honest run-down on what their car needs to operate properly. I will continue being a return customer, as I have for many, many years. read more