A woman walks into an auto shop for an oil change, tire rotation, filter and fluid check. Machinic says, "You got it, and I'll find some other things that need fixing, too." Instead, I get an honest guy who shows the car filter to me and says, "Well looks like it might wait until the next visit because the dirt isn't that bad. Here, you look." I did, I looked and I saw an honest person who was helping another honest person. Not something you're going to find in every auto shop, but they are out there. Yes, honest, hard-working, happy people. That is adactyly what I found when I visited the Family Auto Service in Santee, just good people, doing a good job. When André showed me the condition of my filters, why, I could hardly believe it. Santee air is cleaner than some parts of the country! This could have easily gone bad for me, as I gave my approval of filter change when I first got there, you know, years of living in the country, you just get used to the dirt. I had a great experience with the two professionals from Family Auto Service. Micah got the paperwork started, then André came in and did the work on my car. Micah and I had a nice conversation while my car was being serviced, and I found him to be educated, well-mannered with a positive attitude. I would gladly refer this company to anyone wanting their car serviced. As a matter of fact, I plan on visiting them again when my car needs attention. The service was outstanding, the people were professional and a very reasonable price. This company gets an A++ from me. Thanks guys, for all you do, and see you next time around. Sabrina read more

The service techs are amazing I was quoted a certain price over the phone from their phone sales provider and when I came to the shop I was quoted a different price once I told them what I was quoted for they apologized for the confusion and gave me the quoted price with no hassle Made my experience much more pleasant I would come here again no problem read more

June of 2025 I took my vehicle in for preventative maintenance. They found a couple of other things that I agreed to fix including a leaky water pump. 3k later, my car ran fine until 11 months and 13k miles later when the new water pump started to leak. I took it back to Family Auto Santee. The service writer tried to get me for $900, claiming their 2 year warranty on the previous work didn't cover labor. After pointing out their own policy, he said he was going to call me back. Management wasn't available to give him an answer, but the service writer agreed to "waive" the charges and instead stick me with a $180 coolant flush that technically may not have been covered by their warranty. I didn't want to argue further. When I picked up my car 3 days later, I mentioned I had never heard of a water pump going out that quickly. The response....it happens. This place is overpriced and probably use cheap parts or poor workmanship. I do not recommend this shop. read more

Took 2 cars there today for oil changes and couldn't be happier. Got some great advice and ended up doing alignment on both cars at an amazing price. We will always take our cars here! Highly recommend read more

BEYOND IMPRESSED! From making an appt for my Jaguar F-Pace to get an oil change to the amazing price to the amazing service! Best price by far and not just oil but full check in on breaks, tires (plus rotation) alignment, filter, fluids all within an hr. The gentleman I spoke to was also lovely! I could not recommend more! read more

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!!! I reached out two weeks ago about swapping wheels and tires on a set of custom wheels. Yesterday my mechanic confirmed that they COULD AND WOULD swap my wheels and tires. Today I bring my wheels and tires and the manager on duty today was Mike. When we dropped the wheels off at 1400 we confirmed with him that the wheels and tires needed to be swapped. Mike said he couldn't put used tires on used rims after we confirmed not once but twice. Mike then agreed after we alerted him that we had confirmation that they could do it. Mike then said he would have the wheel done today. I come back two hours later in which he said could I could back tomorrow AFTER HE AGREED EARLIER to have my wheel and tires swapped. Mike then said he would have the wheels done just give him sometime. Mike called back in 30 mins to inform me that they couldn't swap wheels and tires without damaging my new wheels. (Which means I will damage your new wheels if you want me to swap wheels and tires). This experience was very unprofessional being that we planned and confirmed this over two weeks ago. I don't not recommend anyone take the vehicle to the small family business! read more

Do not go here.! They will take advantage of you. Over priced and extras that are not needed. read more

On Wednesday April 30th, 2025 I dropped off my 2020 Subaru Outback for a routine oil change at Family Auto Service on Mission Gorge Rd in Santee. After picking up the vehicle and driving home my car began smoking from the engine and leaking oil all over my driveway and garage. I returned to the shop on May 1st at opening at 7:30 am. The manager Junior denied the shop had done anything wrong, treating my wife and I disrespectfully. I insisted that the vehicle had no issues prior to the service performed at his shop and that they were obligated to correct the issue. Junior begrudgingly agreed after my insistence to evaluate the vehicle and remedy the issue. Four hours later I received a phone call stating my vehicle was ready. Upon arrival Junior did not speak to me, but rather sent his associate out to give me the key and apologize. I was informed that the mechanic spilled oil on the manifold and failed to clean up the dangerous situation he had created. I was applauded at the lack of customer service and complete lack of professionalism I experienced at Family Auto Service in Santee. I also witnessed Junior interacting with another customer, a young lady who experienced a service issue and had returned her vehicle. I witnessed Junior, the manager "Mansplaining" to her that the shop had nothing to do with the issues with her vehicle, exactly as he attempted to do to me. Do not allow this business the treat you as they do me! Do not let a mechanic pour oil on the manifold of your vehicle and risk a vehicular fire! Do not tolerate the Manager Junior "Mansplaining" to you why the shop is not at fault when they absolutely were! Do not tolerate the Manager Junior send out his young associate to apologize for him, instead of being a professional and stepping up to take responsibility for the mistake made at his shop. I will not be back sir. read more

Please read all of this review. It will SAVE you and your loved ones LIVES. I came to this shop to get an alignment done. After 2 weeks I noticed the car started veering to the right really bad no matter what speed I went; and it was driving very off. I know my car and felt extremely unsafe in it. I called and explained this to Brad or Brandon can't remember which it was and he told me it made perfect sense and that he forgot to do something with the caliper. I asked when I can make an appointment and and said to go in at my earliest convenience. So, I go in two hours later after work and the guy at the front could not find my warranty. He said the system dated back up to two months. So there was no reason he should not have been able to find it. I had the receipt via photo but since he swore with a bloody passion he couldn't find it, I had my sister bring in the physical copy. Anyways, the thing that bugged me was not only were they clearly annoyed but no one explained to me what was going on. The guy literally just told me to take my car around back and I just stood there for about 10 minutes waiting for someone to tell me what was going on. Finally a guy walks up to me and just points at the car without saying a word and then drives it on the thing they put it on to look under it. After about another 5 minutes of standing there like an idiot I just went inside. The guy finally comes in about 20 minutes later and says he checked everything and that the problem had nothing to do with the alignment. He said it was a rack and pinion issue. Then quotes me $1,800 to fix it. My brother in law asked how this was possible as my car was in mint condition before we took it to this place. And the asshol* had the audacity to say that the alignment could have "exposed" the issue. This isn't my first alignment with this car for one. Two, he said the part itself was around $600. I found one new and OEM for under $200! Not just that, so $1,000 for labor? They are on some serious crack! It gets worse. I KNOW my car. I may be a woman and not know about how to fix it, but I know parts and I know how my baby runs. So I took it to another place and low and behold, they told me there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with my car and it was just a loose screw and whoever did the alignment did not tighten it up. I am DISGUSTED at these people. I drive around my 10 year old daughter. I drive around my 8 year old nephew and 3/4 year old brothers! I cannot believe that these guys would be willing to put CHILDREN in danger to make more money. Not just that, regardless, I am someone's mother, daughter, friend, loved one. There is zero excuse to put someone's life in danger to make money. I can't tell you how many times I almost veered off the road just driving it to this place and the 2nd place. Shame on this place! I am writing a review on any and every platform possible and I am reporting them to the BBB. read more

See all

Junior, the store manager, quoted me $3000 for spark plugs, coils and a sensor. Took it to another place and they quoted me $1000 with same parts and (much less) labor. He said he would include photos and details on all issues found in addition to the ones above as part of the diagnostic fee. That was not completed. Junior was also super pushy and applied a lot of pressure to me to decide over the phone when I kept saying I needed to discuss with my spouse. When I returned to get my car none of the diagnostic images or details were available, so they (someone other than Junior) did not charge me for the diagnosis because they thought it was unreasonable. Never to return. read more

Paid 120 for "diagnostics" just for the dude (Junior) to tell me he doesn't know what it is. I love that for me.

Ive always taken my cars to the dealership to get serviced, but started going to Family Auto Service because it was closer to my house with good reviews. Honestly, I never looked back. I always have such great service here and they never push unnecessary repairs, which is the best part for me. I took my car in today for an oil change and the service advisor there, Percy, was extremely friendly, honest, and helpful. I definitely recommend this shop if your looking for honest pricing and great service. read more

Don't bring your car here if you value your sanity. I had my car checked out for a CEL. They bought and installed new parts and the CEL went away. At the same time, the service advisor pushed spark plugs on me three times. When I called for an update, when they called to get me to pick up the car, and on my way out when I was paying for the services done. 3 weeks later a spark plug shoots out of the head and I had to get it rebuilt. The shop I went for the rebuild said the plug was mismatched from the rest. Not once did Family Auto mention I had a mismatch spark plug. They said it was old and needed to be replaced. I bought a new set of plugs in January 2024. The district manager at Family Auto said because spark plugs was not a service I purchased from them, there was no way it could've been done at their shop. I had no idea how that relates whatsoever to my situation. He repeated it three times for me. I was that confused. He was trying to tell me their shop couldn't have done it because I didn't buy the spark plug service. He's trying to argue with me that this shop, that provides spark plug changes as a service, did not happen to have any used spark plugs laying around. I felt like I was talking to a pre recorded message, an absolute brick wall to deal with. I thought talking to the service advisor was bad enough. Please, do not give these people any of your hard earned money. Edit: its become painfully obvious to me that upper management has never worked on a car. They don't know that spark plugs is a 10 minute job for this car. Furthermore, the parts needed to fix my CEL was never installed. It required a secondary air pump and the part in the car is still the same unit its always had. Thieves, liars, and morons run this place. I paid $1k just so they can joy ride my car and not do a single thing to it. Please PLEASE do not go here. I've had tires mounted, coolant changed, and brake booster replaced here on different cars and it was always an easy experience. I have no idea why they decided to shaft me this time. read more

My check engine light and maintenance required light were both on, so I called on a Wednesday for an appt the following day on Thursday. While dropping off my car, I met the new manager, Junior, and we talked about what could possibly be setting off my check engine light. My car unfortunately was due for it's 100,000 mile service, which meant extensive work had to be done. I spoke with Junior and expressed that I was on a budget, having just had a baby 3 weeks prior. He was willing to work within my budget to get ALL of the required maintenance, oil change and servicing done that my car needed! My whole family has been going to Family Auto since our extended maintenance packages through Toyota expired and we have always been happy with the experience. I just wanna shout out Junior for taking care of everything my car needed within my budget, it was much appreciated! read more

After getting a quote for brakes at TireChoice for $1500, I drove down the street to Family Auto and worked with Annie who was amazing. The same work was out the door for $350 and she even offered to let me bring my own parts which is an honest way of doing business. TireChoice bumped their parts costs by over 400% and are just a rip off. Thank you to Annie and family Auto for being honest and accommodating. Highly recommend this business read more

I believe it was Josh and Mike who helped me. I came in needing knew brakes and they showed me what had happened to my pads and rotors before doing the work. They did see my axle had grease coming out and showed me that as well so I understood what needed to be fixed and why. They accepted an online coupon for my brakes and were great through the entire process. I really appreciated the personable customer service and their knowledge. We will come back again. read more

First & last time. Called about the wait for an oil change and Percy said it was no wait if I got there soon. Couldn't get there right away, was there in a little more than an hour and was told it would be about 3 hours to do the oil and rotate the tires. Percy said they had a coupon for the service he'd hook me up with. No problem, left the car and called for a ride. 2 hours later they called to say it was ready for pick up. Percy said during the service they noticed the tread on the two front tires was low and recommended they be replaced soon. Also, one of the spark plugs was bad and they recomended replacement. I had another stop down the street and noticed the tires had not been rotated. Went back and Percy explained that when the tire tread is below a certain mark, it is unsafe to rotate the tires and they will not do it. Since the full service wasn't done, I asked why I didn't get the on-line coupon rate for the oil change and he said it was because I didn't ask for it. He 'hooked me up' with the $15 coupon to make it $75 instead of the oil change coupon for $40 they have on their website. read more

I tried posting yesterday, but it didn't take. February 24, I went to this establishment for a oil change. I had previously made an appointment. I got into town early so I called to see if I could come in early. They told me yes and that there was only one car ahead of me so I went right over. After about an hour, I was getting frustrated that my car was still sitting in the parking lot. There were two other people in the waiting room with me who were apparently getting more extensive work done than an oil change. One more hour passed, and my car was still in the parking lot. I tried to get the attention of the people behind the desk, but they ignored me. Finally, someone came out and said we're having a problem with a rotary on another car. By then my car was rolled into a bay, but nobody was doing anything with it. A little while later they brought me my cabin filter and said it needed to be replaced soon. I told her I would do it myself. After three hours my oil change apparently was completed. One of the gentleman that was left in the waiting room with me was surprised that it took three hours to get my oil changed. They didn't apologize or say anything about how long I had to sit there, which I found to be very bad customer service. I did make a couple comments about why was I told I could come in early?? Yesterday, I worked on both my cabin filter, which they had shown me and my engine filter. I had already noticed that when they had taken the cabin filter out so they could try and sell me that service at what I'm sure would've been a high price, there was debris all over the floor in front of the passenger seat that they didn't bother to clean up. What was worse though, is that my filter had been installed upside down. Had my air conditioner been used between then and now I probably would've had tons of debris blowing in through my vents. This is extremely unprofessional that they can't even install a filter back into the car appropriately. I would not recommend this place, they have poor customer service and don't care how long you were sitting there waiting even though they told me I could come in early. I was not going to post a review after my three hour long way, but when I saw my cabin filter was it put in upside down that was a game breaker. read more

Had a few issues that were minor on my work van. I was happy that they were open on Saturdays so I didn't have to take time off work to have my van worked on. Come to find out the small issues on the van were only able to be fixed at the dealership (computer issues).They called me to pick up my van and told me that it was going to be free of charge because they were unable to fix the problem even though they worked on the vehicle for a couple hours. I will be bringing my personal vehicle and my work vehicle into this establishment from now on. read more

Friend was caught in Alpine while driving for Lyft with a flat tire. I referred him to FA and while on the phone the lady Who answered was Absolutely rude, and couldn't Guarantee a simple tire change by closing (which was in 4 hours). The price was exorbitant And she did nothing to provide good customer service. read more

MAAAAASSIVELY over priced!!!!!!!!!!! Charged me $137.50 just to bring my car in, added an unnecessary tire pressure check charge and quoted a price for a new catalytic converter of $1750, for just the part. You read that right folks not 2 but 1. Shopped around and found that factory part for $820 !!! Will never take another vehicle to them and most definitely would not recommend this place! read more

Brandon, Sinan, Roberto were amazing. They fixed my car in the time they said they would. Price was actually cheaper than the initial quote. They are out to serve the community with the value of fixing the customers car so the customer feels safe and has a reliable working vehicle to get around in. read more

I came here to get my battery changed and they were super helpful and had great customers service. They did the job quickly and we're very nice while I waited. read more

This week was my first time visiting family auto service, I was recommended here by a friend and I am so glad I have found my new mechanics for life, I really appreciated Brandon's honesty and customer service and I highly recommend this place! read more

Definitely somewhere you can take your vehicle and get great service! Walked in the office and was greeted by Chris he was very friendly and so helpful! I needed to get a headlight replaced and I was able to get service and taken care of efficiently :) I absolutely recommend this place! read more

Had my truck serviced at this location for a brake issue and to troubleshoot noise coming from back end. I asked for a tire rotation and they did not even rotate my tires. Also I had to remind them to return my lug nut key to which the lady at the desk couldn't find, left my glove box disheveled and was asked if I could return for my lug key to which was eventually found outside on the ground. Was quoted for new parts for the front end to which was causing the mysterious noise in the back, come to find out it was a loose rear strut that I was able to find. The positive thing is they were able to service my vehicle on short notice. read more

Honest and trustworthy shop. They always take care of my Jeep. They do a thorough inspection and never try to upsell you on stuff you don't need. The service advisor Joreal is extra awesome here. Great customer service! read more

Brandon went far and beyond my expectations. Trust worthy guy, and he took good care of my car for me.

Family Auto is the best! They are accommodating, kind and do a great job! A hugeeeeeee shout out to Jess! I will be back because of her!

Wow! This place was so quick and efficient! I popped on over for an oil change and ended up having to have some little work done. Brandon explained the whole thing to me and put me at ease knowing I'd be back on the road in no time with just a little dent in my wallet VS going to the Jeep dealership where I was I'll informed AND payed what felt like a down payment for a house on fixing my car. I will be back soon with my husbands clunker. Thanks so much Brandon for all your hard work and making me feel at home at my new favorite auto shop. read more

So please to be serviced by this garage. The manager, Brandon was exceptional as were the technicians. I was served in a timely and professional manner. Family Auto Service - my new go to and will recommend to everyone who needs auto service. read more

They are honest, very communicative and have a great turn around time. I have been lucky enough to have my old clunker with them for several repair scenarios. For as much as I dread taking my car in for repairs they have been wonderful. They have always outlined my options and effectively communicated the break down of repair priorities. In no way do I want to get a new car right now and they have kept my car safe to drive and still kicking. I highly recommend Family Auto Services in Santee. Can't recommend them enough.... Thank you!!! read more

Doubt if they do good work, my experience didn't get that far, Dropped it off to inspect my motor mounts. was told 2-3 hours max. after 4 hours I called and was told no more than one hour. when I arrived I seen my vehicle had not even moved, I went into the office to just pick it up and leave. the woman who told me 2- 3 hours sees me come into the office and she exits. I wait to speak with anyone and I'm totally ignored. I look outside and she was hurriedly moving my vehicle into the shop. I already wanted to just leave but they still wanted to get at that $89 diagnostic fee. when discussing this with her she lied to me(not the only time) and said that she didn't see me. she looked right at me and then exited the office! she offered tons of BS excuses and even claimed that she had called me to let me know it would be late. feeling disrespected and disgusted by the deluge of lies, I showed her the call log on my phone which was already in my hand and received a giant eye roll back! she did not appreciate proof of hers lies delivered in real time. she also left garbage in my vehicle(pages of another invoice from another customer with their personal info on it!) she gave me an estimate that was created before they even looked at my vehicle, parts listed looked to be priced double dealer prices! and the labor was also double from the verbal estimate given to me the day before. Is this is what you get for trying to support a local business? they don't even deserve any stars! I wasn't even gonna write a review until I was sent a text by them requesting one read more

Went and got my oil change done, extremely quick and amazing service. Jesie is the person to talk to! Always polite!

They found and fixed all my issues in a timely manner making it easy and getting it out of the way

I came in to get my oil changed & as soon as I arrived I was greeted by Brandon - he was super efficient, he helped me figure out exactly what I needed, took care of it in a super timely manner & had a smile on while he did it! What a great personality! While I was waiting I noticed how clean your office is & how quick & professional Brandon was. I'll definitely be back for my next oil change! Thank you Brandon! read more

My husband went to Family Auto Service a couple of weeks ago for an oil change and was really impressed with the customer service so I took my car for an oil change and tire rotation. Robert was so pleasant and efficient, didn't try to upsell me and was very polite and quick. I walked home and they called me when it was ready and I went to pick it up. Randy checked me out and was so pleasant to talk to. I highly recommend this place for any car services. Not often people are so pleasant and polite to deal with. I was very impressed. read more

I am a new customer to family auto service and I must say I was quite impressed on how professional friendly and quick the service was especially since it was last minute on my end. They definitely gained a new customer and I highly recommend them!!!! read more

This place is fine for oil changes. But anything else besides that, they try to squeeze as much money they can with unnecessary charges. I don't recommend this place. If you wanna get ripped off, this is the place! read more

Brian was amazing. Shared with me a lot of valuable information about my truck. Re-set the check engine light at NO CHARGE, and with a big, genuine smile and handshake. His co-worker was also very friendly. Will be back! Semper Fi! read more