John was fantastic, was able to service my car extremely quickly! He was upfront and straightforward about my repair, didn't push me to get anything beyond what was needed - As someone new to the area I am very happy to now have a trusted mechanic only 10 minutes from my house. read more

This has become my new trusted mechanic for all of our car needs. As a woman who has driven used cars for most of her life, going to a trusted mechanic is hard to find. I used to go to mechanics in Santa Ana but was not always able to get the services I needed. Now with a new car, I was tired of getting price gouged for a simple oil change at the dealership. At Harbor Auto Service, Mike and John get the job done at an affordable price and take customer service to the next level. For example, when you have already paid and are all set, they park the car right outside for you and send you on your way. They are respectful and take the time to explain what is wrong with the car and give you plenty of options. They also have a nice waiting room with a tv, couches, and offer water as you wait. I have been here twice, and each time has been pleasant. I am already recommending them to all of my friends and family as a solid, trusted choice! read more

Harbor Auto Service Center - Entrance - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

If I could give zero stars, I would give it. Mike at Harbor Auto is a complete fraud and does what he can to steal your money. I made the mistake of taking my car back to Harbor Auto after an issue with a new battery that they installed for me a few years ago which died literally a few days later because they messed up putting things back together. Fast forward to my latest predicament. A few weeks ago, my car was dying on the freeway. Had no idea what was going on, but noticed it was not going higher than 1800 RPMs and not going higher than 2nd gear. It put itself into protective mode. I managed to get myself to an Autozone and they scanned the car and got a few codes outlining what the issue was. I said I would get it to a mechanic in the morning. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of taking it to Mike at Harbor Auto. The codes Autozone provided were: P2191 and P1326 and then some commentary about it being my PCV Valve that needed replacing too. I showed these codes/printout to Mike and he said "don't worry, we'll take a look and get it figured out". I waited nearly the whole day before I called Mike to get an update, he said he would call me back with updates "soon". He then called me about 20 mins later suggesting that it might be my catalytic converter that might need replacing. I was curious because there was no indication that my catalytic converter was an issue. I looked up prices on my own to get an idea of what the price range could look like while waiting for Mike to call me back. He calls back and confirms "its definitely your catalytic converter and I'm not sure if you're going to want to put up the $$$ to replace it." He then quotes me $3,175.00 for a a new catalytic converter. I'm floored because the research I did for my car (2011 Hyundai Sonata LE) was approx $1200 for a Hyundai converter or something between $800-1000 for a 3rd party converter. I was already pissed by this point. I just told Mike I'm taking the car back and to leave it alone. I knew he was trying to literally swindle me and I don't know why. Maybe he just didn't want to do the work on the car? Maybe he had NO idea what he was doing? Either way, this just confirmed that I would never go to Harbor Auto Service again. I spoke with my neighbor whose a mechanic as a hobby that night, told him everything that was going on and he agreed that Mike was trying to bamboozle me for the money! He gave me a great suggestion which was to get a second opinion which is exactly what I did. I then took it where he takes his cars which is literally right next door to Harbor Auto to a place called Costa Mesa Transmission. He let the owner Arturo know that I was coming. I took my car to Arturo the following morning and I gave him the same rundown of what was going on. He did some research on the codes from the scanner the other day and calls me back within 2 hours of drop off saying they can't do anything with the car BUT that there was a warranty/recall situation with Hyundai related to my scanned codes. He said I should call Hyundai service first to see if they could take a look at the car which is exactly what I did. Hyundai took the car and it was indeed covered under one of their warranties/recall notices. So everything was going to be covered by Hyundai for free. Arturo also did not charge me a dime when I went to pick it up and take it to Hyundai. THIS IS THE TYPE OF PERSON I WISH TO DO BUSINESS WITH IN THE FUTURE!!! PLEASE AVOID HARBOR AUTO SERVICE AT ALL COSTS!!! TAKE YOUR CAR NEXT DOOR TO COSTA MESA TRANSMISSION INSTEAD!!! SEE ARTURO!!! They do standard work like oil changes, etc and a lot of other work besides just transmissions. You will be saving money and grief by avoiding Harbor Auto Service. I knew from the jump that it was a mistake to take it back to Harbor, but I was desperate to find a place that opened early in the morning. When I should've literally drove my car another 20 feet in the same driveway and taken it to Costa Mesa Transmission. @Mike, I want my $160.00 you charged me back as a refund. You honestly should be ashamed of yourself for attempting to gouge your customers the way you tried with me. Absolutely shameful. read more

Harbor Auto Service Center - The ridiculous quote at nearly triple the cost it would've been for a genuine converter. This is how fraud happens. Do NOT go w/ Harbor Auto - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Several years ago I was on a quest to find a great auto shop: honest, dependable, does good work, and doesn't take advantage of customers. After finding Michael and John at Harbor Auto I haven't been anywhere else. They treat me with respect and courtesy, and they keep my 2003 Honda in great shape. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Thanks guys!! read more

I took my Toyota Camry to Harbor Auto Service after reading thru lots of reviews on Yelp. I made an appointment for 8am the next morning and from the moment I walked in I knew I was going to be pleased. Mike checked me in, called as soon as the issues were diagnosed, the price was extremely reasonable, my car is running great. I will now get my oil changes there and trust that my car is finally in good hands. My faith is renewed. Thank you, Harbor Auto Service Center. read more

Have been going to Harbor Auto for more than 20 years. They serviced our Accord, Odyssey, another Accord and a Lexus. Excellent service and knowledgeable. The first time I knew this is trustworthy place was when they told us they didn't need to do one of the 'repairs' the dealership recommended. I mean, they turned down business! They said my minivan didn't need it yet. They would tell me when it needed it. Over the years they helped us with various things including choosing our next car to checking out the used car that we wanted to get for our teenagers. Always friendly and always helpful. I trust their recommendations and their price is reasonable. Most importantly, you know you are getting good services. read more

I have taken my tacoma here for ball joints, radiator replacement, oil change, brake inspection and tire rotations. The guys here are straightforward, give you honest assessments and fair pricing for all their work. And if there are ever any mishaps, they go above and beyond to make it right. Great customer service, great work, good prices! I only wish they were open on weekends read more

I went to Harbor Auto Service based on recommendations from others and was not let down. I didn't come in in the best of moods which was not because of them, but they understood my dilemma and pardoned my negativity about something and took care of my car needs with honesty and clarity, prioritizing what needs to be done now and what can wait. I felt like they listened to me and didn't try to hit me over the head with a giant bill and Doomsday prophecies about my car. I will go to them for any car needs and will certainly recommend others do so as well. read more

Very friendly and efficient. I had my dog with me. They brought him treats and a water bowl.

There's a reason that all these excellent reviews exist. This has been my principal repair shop for my Prius for the past 15 years, and I know the guys and their work ethic pretty well. Other places can change your oil and replace your cabin air filters, but if something serious needs to be done to your car, take it to the Pavone brothers. They will treat you like a human being and tell you the truth about what needs to be done. As a convenient side effect, Harbor Auto typically comes in a few hundred dollars less than your local auto stealership. Anytime anyone recommends something expensive to be done to your car, take it to Harbor Auto and let them assess and do the work instead. read more

Great work. Competitively priced. Just went in for a transmission fluid change. But, I appreciated the service. No problems.

John was very straightforward and kind. The service was quick and the price was honest. In addition, the waiting room was a comfortable experience with snacks and a fan perfect for the summer heat. Highly recommended. read more

I have a 2010 RAV4 that has 175,000 miles on it. Benn having issues for a few weeks. Took it in and had it fixed. I forget the guys name but he was super polite, professional, explained everything and went above and beyond to make sure he could fix the problem. After telling him the issues I was having he was pretty confident he knew the problem and shouldn't have any issues fixing it. EXTREMELY reasonable price for what I needed fixing. Been running great ever since! Hope I can get plenty more mileage out of this beast I love this car. read more

Had an amazing experience with these guys! Genuine, down to earth, offered snacks and water while I waited, and super quick and affordable. You can tell these guys care and are passionate about what they do, couldn't recommend enough! read more

If I have 3 friends and family recommend this auto shop, you KNOW it's gotta be good. Located off Harbor Blvd between 19th St & Bay St. I finally had to do my 100K service on my Acura and Harbor Auto Service Center did not disappoint. Mike and the guys here are such professionals. As a woman, sometimes it's uncomfortable to go to a mechanic wondering if they'd pull a fast one. I have complete trust in Harbor Auto and their prices are very fair. My dog Finn & I always feel so welcomed. We'll be back and keep coming back! read more

I brought my car here for its 75k-mile service and new brakes. John and the team went above and beyond my expectations. John was communicative and kept me informed the entire time. He was transparent with pricing and was able to execute on everything my car needed on a short timeframe. The team here is honest and does great work. You can tell they love what they do because it's reflected in how transparent, communicative, reliable, and helpful they are in the services they offer. Will be coming here for all my car needs going forward. read more

Michael is so nice. Usually auto shop guys are rude and want you out of their face but he not only got the job done but gave me extra services for no extra charge. 10/10 would recommend. read more

These guys are amazing. My very first time visiting and they were fast, informative, and clear. Pricing was also fair. If you're looking for a reliable and trustworthy place to get your car serviced, this is the place for you. 10/10 recommended! read more

Best of the best! So trustworthy and their pricing is so fair. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else! 10/10

Highly recommend this shop!! Had a little problem with my car and they made it simple. No scams, just got the job done and were genuine. Will definitely be going back for future services needed!! read more

Highly recommend, they worked with my tight schedule, had my clockspring replaced and the nice thing is,they are just over a block from Triangle Square, so by the time the movie got out they were finished. read more

John was amazing! He was just about to close for the day when I called to ask if he could help my daughter who was driving home from Arizona when her check engine light came on. She had 7 hours to go until she reached home. As a parent, I was very worried. I called John and he said no problem, have her bring the car in. She got there as fast a she could (in major traffic) and John was able to diagnose her car -- even stayed until after closing time. We offered to pay him for his time and he said it was no problem. Turned out the car was fine and my daughter continued on her way home. It was such a peace of mind that John was able to help, he is a good man. read more

Update - less than a week after giving up on Michael I found another shop that sourced and replaced the part in 4 business days. No leak, no failed repair. They even pick up the phone every time a customer calls. John, I called you too a week before giving up on the Michael. No call back from you was also quite disappointing. read more

Great customer service - you will not feel ripped off like you may at the dealer. Will defiantly be a long time customer read more

You know how you're loyal to your favorite barber or hairstylist for life? Well, that's how I feel about Harbor Auto Service Center--this is the spot I'll always take my car to from now on! Mike and the crew were super friendly, professional, and got things done quickly. I took my Honda in because the service light was on, but I didn't want to deal with the dealership. A good friend recommended Mike and Harbor Auto, and honestly, before I even went, I'd already referred someone else to them! I couldn't be happier with how they handled everything. They kept me updated the whole time about what was going on with my car, any delays, and changes to the original estimate. My car was being a little tricky, so it took a bit longer than they expected, but I was just happy they got it done in time for my weekend plans! Plus, they're super reasonable. No upselling or trying to push services or parts I didn't need. For example, they told me I had about 30% left on my front brakes but didn't try to pressure me into replacing them immediately--something the dealership would've pushed for! Mike and the whole team were awesome, and I'm definitely bringing my car back to them for any future work. I almost don't want to tell anyone because I don't want them to get too busy, but they seriously deserve the recommendation! read more

Honest service technicians, reasonable prices and excellent quality. Definitely worth a call.

Came here from NextDoor reviews and recommendations. Mike was super nice and price for an oil change was reasonable.

Recently noticed abnormal noises from the front wheels when driving. Took the car to Harbor Auto Service Center. Michael joined me for a short road test and immediately noted it could be the bearing problem at the front left wheel. The diagnosis was correct and the repair cost was reasonable and work professionally done. Quick and courtesy. Great experience. read more

I inquired about a transmission service for my 2005 Acura TL . Spoke with Michael on the phone and he advised that he could get me in for same day service at a reasonable price compared to other shops . Received a few quotes for other repairs as well . A1 team with 100% Honest guys . read more

Harbor Auto Service Center - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Great guys! Been coming here for years. Mike and the crew are outstanding. Straight shooters with honest assessments, advice and service. Deal with confidence! read more

Harbor Auto Service Center has your back. Michael answered all of my questions and they got the work done quickly. Got a transmission, diff, and cooling system service on a my recently purchased, high mileage used Tacoma. As requested, they showed me all of the old fluids so I could see what state they were in before the service and clearly listed new fluids on the invoice so I could verify they used the right specs. The team was super nice and I enjoyed chatting with them. I definitely notice an improved drive! Don't hesitate to schedule your next service here. Prices are fair and they'll take good care of you. Thank you Michael and team, I'll be back! read more

Service and staff 15/10 experience. I've never felt inclined to leave a positive review for auto service, but Harbor Auto goes above and beyond each time. read more

Called last minute for an oil change emergency and they were able to get me in with the window I needed to go to work. Super appreciate their help and great service in getting my car safe and running for a long drive. Thank you!! read more

I live out of the area and my daughter's Hyundai Sonata froze up on her in the area. I had the car towed to the shop. It was a grim diagnosis, but the guys there were straight up about the details of their diagnostics. HONEST, FAIR and fast. They sent me on my way to the dealer with sound advice on what would happen there (which it did) AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT. They know what they're doing, and it's much appreciated. Hard to find in a shop. read more

Estimate matched work done. Fair price for the work. No issues after pickup. The Mazda cx5 soldiers on.

John and Michael know how to run a successful automotive business! It is hard to find a profession today with absolute integrity. They always treat their customers with respect, honesty and kindness. Their work is superalitive. Their prices are fair. They always do the job in a timely manner. I will only take my car to Harbor Auto Service. Thank you! Nancy L. read more

These guys are great! Honest, trustworthy and do a fantastic job on vehicles. Highly recommend.

Amazing service. Great work and very timely manner. They charged me a very good price for what got done to my car and now it runs better than ever! Great peace of mind knowing your car is in great hands! Will definitely keep this place in mind if I ever need anything else done to my car. Lifelong mechanic found! read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys! It is so hard to find an auto service center that is respectful to young women and HONEST! John and Mike are truly decent people and masters of their craft. Family friends (one of whom is a mechanic himself) who've been coming here for decades referred me to these gentlemen to do an overall checkup on my old car to make sure it was looking A-OK. I had never gone to an auto shop before, so I was nervous and didn't really know what to expect. I couldn't have been in better hands. They did an extremely thorough and efficient check-up on her and offered to apply the cost of the check-up to the total of the repairs. John and Mike answered all of my questions with the utmost patience and explained specifically what each repair meant. VERY direct quotes, no hidden B.S., and they will tell you where every single dollar and cent goes. It is such a relief to have these guys around and in business. So many car guys can be patronizing and scammy, and I am so glad that I have a SAFE and trustworthy spot at Harbor Auto :) Will be going here as long as I'm living in OC! read more

Brought my mustang here after having a water pump issue after a long road trip. They were able to schedule the service quickly, then diagnosed the issue and performed a pump replacement quickly for an eminently reasonable price. Would return again in the future! read more