The receptionist is pretty rude, he slammed the ground just because I entered at wrong location.

I was recommended this place by a friend, and I'm so grateful. Paul was kind, knowledgeable, straightforward without being pushy or condescending, and took care of all my cars needs. The price was reasonable and he made sure not to add any services my car didn't need. I'll definitely be coming back, thank you Paul! read more

Paul is absolutely amazing!! We were traveling through the Bay Area from Sac. Over 4th of July. He got our car in asap and worked the weekend to get it done. We drove the car home and had an issue on the way and when we got home. I called Paul and explained the issue. He drove to Sacramento and took our car back to Campbell and left his personal car for our use. Unbelievable professionalism and quality of work. He went over and above to make sure our car was running well. Would take all of my cars there. read more

When my long time mechanic retired I was afraid I'd never find anyone I could trust. Thankfully, a neighbor suggested I contact Paul at El Gato. He was thorough and fair and recommended against doing expensive work that may not be worth it for my older car. When he was uncertain about something pertaining to my hybrid, he called a friend who specializes to check it out. Needing your car serviced is like going to the dentist - no one wants to be there, but with the right person doing the work, it can be a lot less painful read more

Paul is an awesome mechanic I trust no one else with my car. If you want somebody that's going to do the job and do it right the first time he's the one to take it to he might be a little more expensive but you know you're going to get the job done right? read more

Sharing for anyone looking for a reliable, honest, and quality auto shop nearby. We've brought our cars to El Gato Automotive for years. Paul always takes good care of us (and our cars), whether an oil change or major service. His pricing is fair and he backs his work. Clean, spacious lounge with WiFi. Exceptional small business in the Cambrian/Campbell/Los Gatos area! read more

Just picked up my Chevy Avalanche from El Gato Automotive. Last night getting off the freeway my truck was stalling and driving funny. Pulled over and had my truck towed to Paul. Paul recommended not driving it because my check light was flashing. Dropped off my truck at night and by 9am the next morning Paul called with his recommendation, I was back on the road by noon! This is the third time I take my vehicle to him. I'll be taking all my vehicles to him even for the simple oil change. I trust his recommendations and his work. I took extra business cards because I will be referring him to my friends and family. Thank you Paul for making this whole process so smooth and easy! read more

El Gato Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Campbell, California

I don't usually write yelp reviews but the owner is just such a nice guy and he does a really great job. I called at 12 to schedule a service and I was able to bring it in at 1. The time between me getting out of the car to getting back in was probably less 30 minutes. My dad is very picky about who he gives his business to and he only lets us bring our cars here. Overall, great! read more

*Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with El Gato, just a happy walk-in customer. Service: 2015 Jeep lift kit. Struts. Tire. Oil. I have to say, Paul and his team are the last honest automotive advisors in the state. Paul treats you with such kindness and respect. Extremely affordable service and fast. They talk you through the issues and always recommend the correct plan of attack EVEN if they tell you to go back to the dealer to get a covered service under your warranty. So honest. I'm so thankful to know I have a mechanic for life. Thank you, team. read more

I have been back to El Gato Automotive about 6 different times for various reasons. Some, because I don't have the time, others because I don;t have the specialty tool required. Each time I feel Paul and Lynn did a spectacular job, had great communication and were very accommodating. I've dropped off my truck and was given a ride home to get another car, set a Sat. appointment, had a teenager's car inspected before purchase and had extensive Ford 6.0 work done. I can honestly say I trust these guys. That is hard for me to write. Paul gives the quotes, calls if there is unforeseen issues and advises before completing work if there is scope or cost creep. What more can you ask for. I now go buy just to say hi because when I don't need mechanical work done, I miss these guys. If you have a 6.0 Ford Diesel and it is giving you issues, skip the dealer and let Paul do it cheaper. If you have a classic car with a carburetor, bring it here... a lot of others do. If you need a shop that will make you feel at home, not swindle you and provide clear communication... then look no further. I REFUSE to go anywhere else. read more

Paul is an excellent owner. He prices his services fairly and goes out of his way to deal with emergencies quickly. He even loaned me a car when I was in a particularly bad spot and needed a car for the day. read more

Paul knows cars. In fact, he is the car whisperer. I came in with a rattling, clunking sound that seemed to be coming from everywhere. He started it up, opened the hood, and placed his hand on the engine. After a brief telepathic moment with my sedan, he turned to me and said, "It's your motor mount." Sure enough, it was all bent out of shape. Paul even went the extra mile to find out why it wore out so fast and discovered some bolts that were ready for replacing. He showed me where these parts live in my car and even drew a diagram so I could understand better. I've been bringing my car to El Gato since I bought it, and I've had a good amount of quality work done there. The El Gato folks are very friendly, thanks a million guys! read more

Paul -- who is basically El Gato Auto -- has proven to us time and again that he is a competent first-class mechanic and an honest and fair man. We were directed to El Gato Auto in late 2017 by a friend. Since then Paul has demonstrated his extraordinary automotive repair skills on three of our vehicles and thousands of $$$$ of repairs. I still have no idea how Paul is able to assess and identify the problem(s), order parts and make repairs so quickly. I have owned several dozen auto's over the last 50+ years. As a bit of a 'gearhead' myself, I've turned enough wrenches to know that serious repairs need to be handled by real pro's. Paul is one of the most professional automobile mechanics that I have ever used. I highly recommend El Gato Auto to anyone in need of honest and professional auto services at a fair price. read more

El Gato has been taking care of my cars for several years and they are the BEST. Quality work, deliver on time, no extra costs. If something does not need to be done... they won't do it. I HIGHLY recommend El Gato Automotive! read more

WOW what can I say. I took my 2006 Trailblazer in to have Paul check why my check engine light was on. He troubleshot the issue and found that it was my vapor recovery module. He replaced it and the light didn't reset. Long story short he had to re-flash my computer and change out another solenoid. Well this took the project into another day and he loaned me his car to get back to work and then home. Paul is a standup guy. Will be bringing him all my car issues. read more

Paul is a nice dude. Diagnosed my stupid Corolla issue without charging me. All I ask for from a mechanic is to not get screwed. Mission accomplished at El Gato Automotive. read more

If you are an inquisitive person and like to ask questions so your basis are covered this is not the shop for you. If you like to be lead by the nose then I think you will be fine, because the price is fair and work is good but there is no customer service to speak of. If you ask, "what's the guarantee on you work and the warranty of the parts", you might be considered insulting and untrustworthy to Paul. So be a good boy, get your car from them on time and don't ask a single question. Because if you do, your keys and receipt will be left on the counter when you pick up your car and no one will speak to you and answer your questions. read more

On the recommendation of a family friend I took a newly purchased (used) Ram 2500 to El Gato as the clutch was toast and slipping in all gears except first. My truck was an "unknown" as I purchased it with some serious upgrades so unfortunately I couldn't tell Paul (owner) much about the history of my truck. So based on the info I did provide Paul gave me a honest quote. As Paul dug deeper into the truck he discovered I had a racing clutch and the transmission had been re-shafted previous to me owning it. Needless to say this lengthened the anticipated repair time until answers could be found as to what was done to the truck previously. Here is where I am blown away, Paul felt bad that my truck wouldn't be completed in a timely fashion so he loaned me his personal Ford Excursion until my truck was done I had never met Paul prior to me bringing my truck down so I was floored by this offer! To make a long story short, the repair cost more than the original quote because the only clutch that would work cost over twice what a stock clutch would have cost. This of course wasn't Paul's fault. Paul also charged me less in labor than what he put into the repair of my truck and leg work he did on sourcing the clutch and answers to the trucks history via previous NorCal diesel shops that had worked on it. Thanks Paul, you have made a loyal customer out of me. read more

I needed some work done on my 2004 Dodge diesel. El Gato took my truck without an appointment and I was in a position to leave it with them for a day. I offered it, they did not ask. I had a check engine light that could have been anything. I got a call from Paul the following day. He told me the repairs needed were minor. The final bill was so fair that I felt a bit guilty but he refused to take anything more. I say this because he could have said it was something more wrong with the vehicle and I would not know better. This shop is fair fast and super friendly. Word of caution, do not park in front of the adjacent garage. It is a different business and the owner came out screaming g and I thought he as going to get physical that was not a great experience in my day. read more

I'm been wrenching on cars for close to 40 years, but as a self employed contractor I don't always have time to affect my own repairs. About twelve years ago, someone recommended Lynn (El Gato) - they've been my go-to guys every since. I recently tried another "good deal" mechanic - HUGE mistake! Thanks Lynn and Paul. read more

Paul has fixed my Subaru several times. The final cost often ends up being less than his quote, which can be a happy surprise. He always calls with updates and verifies what exactly I want done before starting. El Gato is trustworthy, friendly and reasonably priced! read more

If you are looking for a mechanic who is honest, knowledgable and compassionate, look no further! I have had two experiences with fairly extensive circumstances and Paul has gone way above and beyond his obligation, to make things right and within budget. I seriously feel I have not paid enough for what he's done for us. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt that way after having work done on a vehicle! The peace of mind he has given me for myself and my family is worth many times what I've paid. Sorry I didn't find him sooner but he has a customer for life! read more

Paul has been taking care of my vehicle for several years. I appreciate that I can ask what is necessary immediately to address any safety issues and what repairs can be put off in order to save for them if they're cosmetic or non-critical. This is huge, and the respect I'm shown to decide and prioritize repairs, as well as stay on top of any safety issues. My family has started using his shop as well and we've been delighted to have such a great relationship with Paul. No one wants to need a car repair, but I'm glad to have him to call when I do. read more

I've been going to El Gato automotive for years. Several years ago my friend recommended Paul and his prices were so reasonable along with his service being fantastic, that we just kept going every time our cars had issues. Now our whole neighborhood is using him! I'm a little afraid to post this and he'll become too busy to fit me in! Lol! He's fair and honest and just the nicest guy. You really should try him. read more

I took my 1991 Acura to Paul the owner of El Gato Automotive on whiteoaks in campbell. This is a man who knows cars and is honest. Wow what a concept. We had taken our cars to MIJ for years. Dave sold the biz and the service went south. I asked a triple A driver for a couple of auto repair shops that were good. El Gato is located between bascom & the 85 just south of camden. Paul is fair, well priced, triple a approved and he knows cars. It is a clean shop and I am taking my Toyota for the Fuel injector service next month. The Acura Runs like a dream!! Paul went above and beyond. He knew it was a common issue in that year of acura that made it run rough. He did a full service at half what a dealer wanted!!! He also serviced my friends 1991 300zx a few months ago. It had intermittent problems and sometimes would not start. Paul correctly diagnosed the problem and replaced the part for under $100.00!! After MIJ couldnt find the problem and my friend spent several hundred dollars on repairs that were unnecessary. Paul (his family also works in the office) are great to deal with!! It is a relief to have a dependable place to take my cars and send my friends with confidence. I had never heard of this shop before a few months ago. I will be a customer as long as Paul owns this shop!! Kiki read more

We have been using Paul ever since the warranty on my first BMW ran out. He is honest can very skilled, and he has saved us a bundle over the years. Quite refreshing to find such an honest, hardworking mechanic. read more

Paul has been servicing my family cars for many years. I have one vehicle as old as 1970 and as new as 2008. He works on all of them. The service is incredible and they are so friendly. It is difficult to find a mechanic that you trust. I am very happy to have Paul as my mechanic. read more

El Gato Automotive was referred to me several years ago and I've been taking my car there since. As the other review points out, Paul goes above and beyond to determine the root of the problem instead of charging to make patch repairs to a car. I recently experienced severe problems with my vehicle and Paul and his team worked diligently to figure out what the problem was. This type of honest service is especially important as a woman who knows nearly nothing about cars. I would definitely recommend El Gato Automotive!! read more

On Monday, in the middle of a rainstorm, my passenger side window decided it had had enough. It would roll down, but no more rolling up. A large plastic bag was a temporary fix, but it wouldnt keep somebody from stealing my car. I knew I had to get it fixed ASAP. I got two quotes, both around $340. I was told that I had to have the motor and regulator replaced. I asked if maybe it would be something simple that wouldnt require a new part, but was told by both shops that they had to replace it. They were sure of this without having even seen my car. I called El Gato, and was able to get an appt. first thing Tuesday morning. I dropped off the car about 9:30. At 11:00 I returned. Paul (One of the owners) was working on my car when I got there. He told me that while diagnosing the problem, he cleaned the part and connections, and when he reconnected it, everything was working fine. He tried to make it fail, to see if it was an intermittent problem. As he could not get it to fail, he said he couldn't justify putting in a new part. This is the exact type of situation where a dishonest mechanic could have charged me for a part he didn't replace. I would have never known the difference. Instead, Paul charged me only for labor, and offered a discount if I had to return to replace the part. I saved over $200, well worth the hour drive. I will definately be returning to El Gato Automotive for any service and repair needs. I HIGHLY recommend them. read more