After being a loyal customer for so many years, Scott think it's finally time to write a review and share our experience with this excellent shop. All four cars from my wife, daughter, son-in-law and myself, including both European and Japanese brands, have been serviced by this shop for more than 10 years. The repair work was done carefully and the quality was excellent. all cars look great, and everything was completed as promised. We also appreciated that they were honest about the work that was needed and did not try to add unnecessary repairs. The service was excellent, the workmanship was excellent, and the prices were always very reasonable and competitive. Austin, the owner, is incredibly kind and friendly, and the entire team is professional, welcoming, and always a pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend this auto care shop to anyone looking for quality, honest workmanship, reasonable price and good customer service. read more

I first came here a few months ago after bring referred to them because my son's car was having engine problems. From the very beginning, I was impressed by how honest they were, and I felt their prices were very reasonable. They also found a damaged part that another repair shop, where we had regularly used for general car repairs and oil changes had overlooked. They are very responsive, work quickly , and explain everything clearly and honestly. This time , when the car engine light came on in my own car, I didn't hesitate to bring it here for repairs, even though I live in Santa Cruz. Once again, I received the same great service and was very satisfied. Even though it is a bit of a drive for me, I plan to continue bringing my cars here in the future. I highly recommend them! read more

Friendly Auto Care is my go to if there is any work needed. They are knowledgeable and will get the work done quickly!

Dropped by with no appointment on a Thursday afternoon for some new brake pads and to ask about a weird noise. They took care of the brakes and found out the drive belt was the source of the noise, my car was ready by the end of the day. Austin and his techs were very easy to talk to. read more

Good customer service and quality service. Austin knows everyone individually and wants you to get proper care

Friendly auto care provider good quality car service. Owner Austin has great knowledges about cars. Austin is super professional when it comes to solving car problems, including mechanical and body problem. I recommend people I know come to Austin's shop for car problem. 5 stars read more

Close to $400.00 to replace 4 brake pads. Now will be $1k to replace master cylinder, two rotors, two calipers. Replacing because brakes are slightly dragging. Does that sound right? read more

I used to go here to get my car done. Dropped off and go the plaza across the street to shop and eat. Then go back pick my car up

I had been coming here for quite some time, years in fact. I always pegged them as honest and I always trusted them. Within the last year as we were experiencing more and more trouble with our cars, I noticed that maybe they were taking advantage of us. I don't know much about cars, but I know a little. My husband knows a little too. We would research when bringing the car in to FA, and when they would come back and tell us the price, it was WAY above what other mechanics would charge. We had an incident within the last 6 months where we brought the car for a broken belt that should have been $100 to fix (they charged $550), and THEN called and said the engine was busted and it would a few thousand to fix that. Well my husband went in and they got into an altercation (my apologies for that btw). They ended up not charging us anything and we took the car back. My point of writing this is; I'm sad it didn't work out. I really enjoyed this location and I'm sad they take advantage when they could just be cool. If you know a lot about cars then this might be the place for you. If you don't know a lot, I'd say maybe not go here. read more

Please be aware!!! Don't trust these fake online reviews. I left my car for coolant repair. Cost me $1000 and got it back with some crazy squeaking sound. Turns out they broke my radiator. Austin and his workers speak broken English, but can only bully me using foul language and refused to look into the problem. They started behaving after I decided to call the police. After this bad experience, I will take my car to another honest auto shop for further investigation. This is the worst auto shop I've ever experienced. Terrifying and worst service. Would give 0 reviews if I could. read more

I called and texted and got an appointment for the following weekend. Took my car in this past Saturday for an electrical issue. Austin did a great job telling me up front what the plan was, and then called me once he had diagnosed the issue, told me what it would cost, and that he wouldn't charge me if his solution didn't work. (But it did.) These folks are working hard and delivering on their promises. Thank you! read more

American tire rejected fixing my tire because the tread was " way too low" to even work on it. Then of course the salesman tried to sell me 4 new tires. Instead of helping me out with this one patch. No thanks. Brought my car over to Friendly Auto Care. Simply told him my tire needed a patch. He quickly went to work and had me back on the road in no time. Skillful mechanic and treated me with respect like a person and not a sale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more

Austin is very honest, reliable and stand by his word. He guarantee customer satisfaction. He is very knowledgeable about cars. I can't say enough nice things about Austin. read more

My wife and I entrust Austin and his team with both our cars. What I appreciate most is how persistent he is in troubleshooting until he finds the root cause of the problem. I had one mysterious issue with my Scion tC that took several days to fully figure out, and Austin kept investigating until everything was solved. This seems like a really honest shop, which is key to me because I'm wary of dishonest mechanics trying to extract more money from unwitting customers. Sometimes they're a little late opening up the shop in the morning, or scheduled work takes a little longer than estimated. The parking lot is shared with other auto shops, and honestly the lot is often hard to navigate safely (packed with cars, some cars double-parked, etc). I'm actually surprised I've only seen one fender bender in this lot. read more

I've entrusted FAC with my vehicles for over a decade, dating back to a time when Austin's uncle was the proprietor. It was a busy shop then and it's even busier now. Don't feel put off if you're not greeted instantaneously as everyone at FAC is nose deep in an engine bay. Austin, as I've learned over the years, is a man of his word. He stays within the estimated time windows that he puts out at the onset and stands by his work...all of this at a very reasonable price. While I'm fortunate to have not needed his services of late, I've just sent a friend of mine over to have his brakes replaced. I'm confident that my friend will also be taking his car to FAC on a forward basis. read more

I feel like everything depends on whether you speak Chinese or not. I always have my mom call in and speak Chinese (mine sucks) and they give her a great deal, and when I call it's completely different. Favoritism I say! They're very fast though, and I've found them to be more honest than many other mechanics I've gone to. read more

I came here for oil change. Even though I arrived 10 min before they closed, they still took my request as a walk-in. The staff are very FRIENDLY (lived up their name!) and the entire process took only 20 min! They also checked my tire pressure and refill my fluids. The price is very reasonable and I would definitely come back here again! read more

Friendly Auto Care - The friendly staff! - Auto Repair Near Me - San Jose, California

Our mini cooper has been taken care by Austin' team for years. Recently the car endured a damage to the oil pan. Because engine light was on, we towed the car to a garage near by and the mechanic diagnosed and declared the car need a new engine. We then decided to tow the car to Friendly auto. Austin correctly diagnosed that car need to replace the oil pan and oil pump but no need to replace the engine. The repair cost is much bless than replacing the engine. The best part was that Austin requested us to bring the car 3 weeks later to ensure the oil pan seal is good and no other issue without any additional charge. A very nice and honest service by Austin and his team! We would definitely recommend Friendly auto. The only inconvenience is that Friendly auto is a bit far from our home, but we do get peace of mind when getting our car repaired there. read more

Austin is THE MAN. It is hard to find an honest mechanic, but friendly auto is a no bs, to the point repair shop. I dont trust anyone else but austin w my cars. There have been countless times he has helped me with a problem and could have either overcharged me or taken advantage of the situation but never once has this happened. He ALWAYS makes things right and I have been taking my cars to him for the past 15 years. read more

Great affordable and honest car repair place. I've been going for years and Austin is just straight up. Quick service and off you go!

If you live in the South Bay, this should be your go-to shop for auto care. These guys really care about the relationship with their customers and it shows in the service they provide. They are friendly, professional, prompt and knowledgeable. I have brought my 2013 Honda Accord in for routine maintenance, 30k mile service and replacing a suspension component. Every time they have been very transparent and reasonable with their rates. Despite how busy they are, they never ignore you and always take the time to give you a detailed breakdown on what your problems are, what options you have, and the best course of action. In replacing the suspension component, Austin took the time to research and find the most effective and practical solution to my problem. As I had already also been told from another shop that I needed to purchase an aftermarket adjustable rear control arm (OEM rear control arms are not adjustable), Austin told me in this particular case that I would save a lot of money by buying the same part myself online instead of through his channels. After replacing the part, he performed a rear alignment as is required in these cases. However, he also performed a front alignment as a recommended practice but did not charge me for it (since I had a full alignment done just months earlier, when the suspension problem was discovered). This is just one of the many great experiences I've had doing business with them. They are outstanding, honest guys. If you need auto care, look no further! read more

I called ahead to make sure they had time to take my car for an oil change and inquire about the price. I went in, they took my car and immediately got to work. They were quick! I was out in 30 mins and the price was fair. Will definitely be back! read more

Very nice people with a great attitude. Willing to work on my old corolla as well as my xb. Reasonable with there estimates. Honest with there option about the condition of your car. read more

Great service by Austin! My Ford Escape was with weird problem that after refuel the engine cannot start, it was a hard to find problem but finally Austin figured it out and right now everything goes smoothly. Unlike other auto places, I can feel he is enjoying the problem solving problem, and he always tries his best to let you understand the problem. Highly recommended! read more

Been taking my Mini to Austin for years. He's always responsive and helpful and fair. His place is constantly packed with customers, which should tell you a lot. He and his employees are great at and passionate about what they do. We recently moved to East SJ and still won't take our cars anywhere else. read more

Best & quality service. Austin & his team treats my car like their own. I highly recommend coming during the weeksdays. Shop is closed on Sundays so Saturday is always busy. If you know that your car also need parts, I recommend calling his shop first to check if he has parts in stock, if not he will order it asap which most likely will arrive to his shop on the same day. read more

Friendly Auto Care - They got hilarious posters in the lobby - Auto Repair Near Me - San Jose, California

I actually mean to give ZERO stars. I had a check engine light turned on in my 2001 Honda civic - and I wanted the issue fixed. I chose this place because of the relatively positive reviews on yelp. When I got there, he checked the codes on my car - which took all of 1 minute, and told me that it would not be worth fixing the car. He mentioned - among other things, that the transmission coil is busted - which would cost $2000 (more than the value of my car). I tried to ask for more details about what exactly was wrong - but he didn't know - and was unwilling to check. The only thing he was willing to do was read the codes. I then went to another place - where they actually looked at my car.. and told me there was nothing serious wrong with my car. I just had to replace the gas cap, and a couple other minor tune-ups. They also told me at this second place that codes once turned on do not turn off by themselves - so the transmission coil code had been on for a few years (since I had got my transmission fixed previously). I don't understand how this Friendly Auto care place could have got such good reviews! I was amazed by how this guy was not even willing to check and see exactly what was wrong with my car!!! Moreover, he was not even willing to tell me in detail what was wrong with it :/ DEFINITELY not going back there again. read more

Terrible place. I brought in my 94 camry to fix the starter around march. They replaced the starter and I drove the car back home and was fine. Then, about 2 weeks after the car would randomly not start. I would sit in the car and keep trying to crank and crank the keys but wouldn't start. Called the shop and the guy says he will replace with another starter. Okay, so I brought it in for him to fix. Now, I'm thinking the problem is finally fixed...but NO! A week after, the car is still having problems and it is now June. The car would randomly not start and makes a very loud screeching sound when I try to crank the keys. I don't know what the problem is and the owner was not very attentive in solving the problem for me. I have a feeling he is using some crappy rebuilt starter part to replace the starter, or else why would I keep having this problem? I am completely not satisfied and would not recommend this place! Since the shop is very busy now, the owner would not take his time to carefully fix your car. Whenever business gets too busy, and you don't train your staff right....your quality of work will decline. read more

Austin saved my road trip!! Friday evening after dinner wifey smells asphalt... and it's following us... yikes the van is peeing motor oil! OMG we are going to Yosemite on a road trip for the long weekend tomorrow?! Paniced that night but fortunately we remembered a friend tell us about the shop next to Friendly Auto Care. Told the kids we may have no vacation.... and hope for the best. Next morning early we drove broken van to the next door shop hoping to be first in line. The shop next to Austin's was closed!!! (Yeah you lost a customer!) Lucky for us Austin's was not and he was super nice and friendly. Told him our story and he said he'd get it done by noon. Wow! Kids were happy and so was wifey. Saved our van with a great price and saved our long weekend tooooo!! BTW shame on Toyota for not fixing and recalling the engine oil cooler hose. read more

Brought my BMW there for some serious repair service. Austin was very knowledgeable! He fixed all the problems with very reasonable charge. Now, my car is safe to drive again. I will bring all my cars there for service from now! Highly recommend it! Wonderful service! read more

Austin saved my car!! I went to another repair shop and they messed up my car and was highly price. He took care my car very well. I knew here is a good place but I was rush and choose wrong place. You MUST go this place awesome !! read more

Austin is the man. Hands down. I changed the timing belt and various parts for my 140,000+ miles car, and they have done such an exceptional job... now my car runs so smoothly and I can really feel the difference with these new parts. Super friendly, fast, knowledgeable, HONEST! Thank you for the major service! ! read more

Friendly, efficient, honest, trustworthy. The place gets busy. Call ahead or go early. read more

Autin takes care of all my automotive needs. Honest. Fast. Reliable. What else are you looking for? Thanks!

Super friendly and thorough mechanic! We had two used cars checked out before purchasing (they told us the first one was a lemon and not to purchase) and they were efficient, well priced and extremely friendly. Will definitely be going back! read more

Meh experience. I was experiencing a shakey idle, and a lot of fuel smell on start up, as well as a check engine light. They found a failed fuel line, and replaced a spark plug. All in all, pleased that they found those problems, but my car has only declined in function, and having taken it in 3 weeks later, they found numerous problems, such as a destroyed engine mount, fuel injector problems, and a vacuum hose that was not attached. Seems like they barely gave my car a once over, rather than looking deeply into the problem. It doesn't appear they scanned the OBD system, as that should have been one of the first things they should have checked, and clued my new mechanic in to the troubles in the fuel injectors. read more

I'd say 4.5 stars, but if I have to round, they get rounded up. I can see what people mean - the cultural divide might translate their direct communication as rude, but maybe I've just been around enough types to recognize when people are actually rude, I dunno - they just struck me as efficient. They were to the point on the phone ("honda civic? you need this done? Ok this much bring it by"), and then when I came in it was 'sign the paperwork - give keys - k we'll call you' and they went off to fix the issue. I like that the owner has his mom helping him out, and he works directly with his employees. He doesn't over sell you on things, and just fixes what needs to be fixed, which is frankly refreshing when going to a mechanic. If that isn't enough, the biggest win? His prices are insanely cheap. I got my car looked at elsewhere, and they quoted me $320 for break pads, $150 for transmission fluid, without labor - these guys? Total was $240, WITH tax and labor. So, I ended up saving over 50% by going to them! Will definitely do all my fixes and oil changes here, you just can't beat the price and the work is just as good as the expensive mechanics. read more

Excellent service Quick, neat, no useless repair suggestion or recommend. Very satisfied read more

I went here because I read all the great Yelp reviews so I decided to give them a try. I called on a Thursday afternoon and spoke with Austin. I told him that I was having problems with my clutch and that I needed them replaced. He told me to come in the next morning and he would have my car done first thing Saturday morning. After dropping off my car Friday morning, he promptly checked in with me that afternoon. He let me know what he was doing, what he was ordering, and he answered all of my questions I had with regards to the repairs. Most mechanics I've dealt with in the past usually get impatient when customers ask them questions like this.-- but not Austin. The prices were great. I compared them to at least a dozen shops in the area and they were by far the most fair. I will be definitely coming here again if I have problems with my car. read more

I should have done this review LONG time ago! Austin has been helping me with my car for almost 3 years. No doubt I always go for him, no matter small issues or large. He is patient and sweet, always available and always get the job done marvelously with reasonable price. Also explain to his customers with plain understandable language about the wrong of the car and his approach plans of how to fixing it! 100% recommended to everyone. Shout out to Austin, thank you so much:) read more