Honest, Skilled, and Worth the Drive -- High Octane Earned My Trust I was referred to High Octane Automotive by a shop that doesn't work on domestic vehicles--and now I know why they sent me here. As the owner of a 12-year-old Jeep, I'm very selective about where I take it for repairs. I usually stick to basic maintenance myself because I've had too many bad experiences with shops that overcharge or misdiagnose. Mostly because they see a woman come in with a Jeep and tac on extra costs and prices. But High Octane completely changed that for me. From the moment I walked in, I experienced nothing but exceptional service. Charles (the owner) and Roberta (the office manager) are straight shooters. They clearly explained what was going on with my vehicle and laid out the steps to get it fixed. There was no fluff, no pressure--just honesty and real knowledge. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process. I received timely calls and texts updating me on the status of my repair, which involved some significant work. And here's the kicker: they even applied the diagnostic fee toward the overall repair cost. That level of fairness and transparency is rare. Speaking of fairness, when I reviewed the itemized invoice, I was impressed by how reasonable and transparent the charges were. No surprise markups--just honest work for a fair price. Labor charges were completely fair given the amount of work and overall avove and beyond customer service. My Jeep's engine had shifted forward about 1-2 inches and required the engine mounts to be reset. This could've been a situation where a less ethical shop might have charged me thousands. But Charles went above and beyond, took care of it the right way, and didn't take advantage of the situation. Most impressively, after visits to two other shops that couldn't identify a strange rubber rattle from the front passenger side, High Octane found it. Problem solved--finally. Bottom line: This shop is the real deal. Trusted, honest, skilled, and kind. HIGHLY recommend. Absolutely worth the drive to get the job done right. read more

High Octane Automotive - Thank you High Octane!!! - Auto Repair Near Me - Northridge, California

I was quoted around $1,600 in repairs I did not need. I went to get a second opinion and the mechanic told me those repairs I was told to do were not necessary to fix my issue of car vibration. I resolved the issue myself and went to a welder to fix my bent rim who had me up and running in an hour. I had my alignment done as recommended by the second mechanic and vibration problems resolved. They are not up front in telling you that they don't fix bent rims. They make you wait two hours and pay $50 just look at your car so they can find ways to make money off you instead of being truthful in how to fix my issue with a simple alignment. read more

I bought a 2015 Hyundai Accent and a few issues came up that needed immediate attention. Roberta was amazing, she was very straightforward with the process and expectations and made sure everything was covered under the warranty. After I picked up the car there was an additional issue that needed attention and I brought it back two days later-again it was covered under the warranty and the entire process was hassle free. They've earned my trust and unfortunately in this industry it's hard to find a mechanic you can actually trust-this place deserves some recognition! read more

This is the second time bringing my 2003 silverado to High Octane automotive. There are several things which make High Octane absolutely AWESOME: -First time, I had taken my truck to 3 other mechanics to help resolve the issue, none of them could figure it out. They got is resolved in two days. - Roberta is freaking delightful. Just the sweetest most delightful woman to speak with on the phone. She'll even text you if you miss a call and they have an important question. - Prices are SUPER reasonable - They gave me a quoted price, and then cut it in half when they work was done because it turned out they only needed to half of the labor that they expected. I would never have known the difference, and stuff like that confirms that they are doing right by me. read more

This was my first time at the shop and from the moment you walk in, shop manager, Roberta, makes you feel welcome. She is a very nice lady and helps you understand the different procedures done to your car. The coffee is great too, by the way :) These guys at High Octane, will inspect your vehicle and let you know what your car needs and what needs to be changed now and what can wait. They are very honest and friendly. I will continue to bring my vehicles here to get repaired and maintained. read more

A few years back my auto mechanic retired and closed his shop.. I found high octane auto and called for service on my 2012 Jeep Liberty . I talked with Roberta who has been with this shop since they opened . She is truly a highlight in this shop. She knows the business and is professional and provides you with utmost courtesy.. Charles is the main mechanic and owner who repairs your vehicle . He works on most all makes of cars and trucks .. I have since taken my whole fleet of cars to him . Jeep ,Acura Chrysler and Nissan .. he has fixed them all. He knows his business and I am happy to have found this shop. Very hard to find reliable service and have trust in the shop!! This shop has my trust and I will keep returning with my vehicles when needed .. read more

I just bought a car from drivetime with a warranty. My check engine light came on three days later. My warranty referred High Octane. I would definitely refer them to anyone who needs a mechanic! They kept me up to date, honored my request, and customer service was on point. As a single mom I appreciate that because I almost lost hope in my car purchase. I'm adding them to my contacts and they shall be my permanent mechanic service for any car I have. Thanks again!!! read more

Charles at High Octane Automotive has been keeping my cars going for years. His prices are reasonable, and I appreciate the list I receive that outlines the various parts and functions checked. High Octane Automotive takes meticulous care of my car, and their service makes me feel well supported. Roberta at the front desk welcomes everyone with a smile and keeps track of my car's special oil. She is right on top of everything. I highly recommend High Octane Automotive. read more

I have known Charlie for some years now and I trust his work and his integrity. I highly recommend High Octane Automotive.

This shop was referred to me by AAA. Despite my apprehension,I had my car towed to this shop due to a failed starter and the proximity of the shop. Upon dropping my vehicle off on Thursday Dec.12th, I was pleasantly greeted by Roberta, the secretary, and told her exactly what was going on with my vehicle. Roberta told me there would be a $140 diagnostic fee (The highest fee I have ever been asked to pay for a diagnostic in my entire 40yo life), and that if I paid for the repair out of pocket, rather than going through my warranty insurance, the shop would honor my AAA discount. I opted to use my insurance, and that's where the drama began. Friday Dec.13th, Roberta said that she would contact my insurer, which she did, and get the estimate/diagnostic to them for authorization. When the insurer received the estimate, it had a repair on it that I didn't ask for, and I knew wasn't covered by insurance, i.e hood supports. My insurer requested that I upload the recent service records, which I did,Dec.17th,and upon review they would give authorization.This was days before Christmas & I had a trip planned for the holiday. I let Roberta know, and told her I would be available via phone to help work with the insurer, or I can have someone pick up the vehicle. Once my insurer received the documents, they went under review. On Friday morning, Dec.20th, I received a text message from Roberta letting me know they hadn't received authorization yet, and were having a difficult time reaching my insurer. Charles the owner texted me later that afternoon writing how unprofessional my insurer is, and how they have a bad BBB rating, and that I can pay and have them reimburse me after they complete the repairs, or try to contact them myself. This was a tad bit annoying considering my regular mechanic had no issues with collecting payment from the insurer for a rack and pinion job which was 2100$, and there were no complaints from my regular mechanic about his secretary waiting on hold with the insurer. I received another text Monday Dec 23rd asking me what I wanted to do, so I promptly contacted my insurer. The shop and I received authorization for the repairs the day after Christmas, and they completed repairs Friday Dec. 27th. I was contacted by Roberta and told that my insurance company will not not be able to pay them until the first week of January, and they will not release my vehicle with my cash deductible payment, and that I would be charged storage if I didn't pick up my vehicle that day. Now this was a first for me, because I have never been charged storage, or threatened to be charged storage the day a repair job is completed. At this point I did not want to pay any storage fees, so I told Roberta despite the insurance approval and authorization,I will pay the expense and get reimbursed by my insurance. Before I went to pick up my vehicle, I called to make sure that I would receive my AAA discount, as promised if I paid for the repairs out of pocket. I was told that that was no longer the case because they spent time contacting my insurer. Roberta told me that I could speak with Charles when I arrive, than proceeded to tell me that my radiator fluid was low, and asked me if I wanted them to check the radiator pressure, and fill it up with coolant. I was perplexed at this point, considering I was being charged $140 for a diagnostic, which should have included a radiator check, and the coolant should have been filled up considering I was dropping close to $1000 for the repair; plus my vehicle doesn't have any radiator leaks, then or now. When I arrived to pick up my vehicle, Charles reiterated the fact that they would not honor my AAA discount despite me paying out of pocket, and he said it was because Roberta spent alot of time trying to contact my insurer; huh? Isn't that the secretaries job, considering she doesn't work on cars, and sits behind a desk all day? When I drive off the lot my radiator light is on, so I immediately pull over and first thing I notice is the radiator cap isn't screwed on, hence the radiator light. I tighten cap before I fill up radiator, light goes off. I fill up the radiator, no leaks. Hmm...Once I hit the fwy, dashboard alerts light up, and car jerks the entire ride home. I contacted Charles,whom was offensive, and told him this has never happened, and the only time the lights flashed as such was the morning the starter went out, and it was quick and fast not constant. Instead of going back, I took the vehicle to my trusted mechanic at Flintridge Automotive, who identified Charles' failure to properly reconnect grounding wires, and the unnecessary removal of components during his job; indicative of someone inexperienced with working on BMW's. My mechanic properly connected the wires and digitally recalibrated my vehicle. read more

High Octane Automotive - Dashboard warning lights flashing after Starter repair. - Auto Repair Near Me - Northridge, California

Gave me an estimate before commencing work on my 2001 Cadillac El Dorado.. Drove me back to my office so did not have to arrange for a ride. Car was ready at the time promised. Everything that they said was going to be done was completed satisfactorily, and they even fixed my loose door panel which had been a problem for years at no additional charge. Remedied the "Service Engine Soon" warning light notice, repaired the left window with new power motor, changed motor oil and filter, and checked brakes and engine performance. Very happy with my decision to use them instead of dealership. Definitely would recommend them. Jack M. read more

Excellent customer service! Charles is the best ! I trust this establishment! Roberta is the sweetest!

You had me at Roberta! - The Queen of Customer Service! Charles is also Awesome and the Quality of auto repair is only superseded by the smiles and friendly communication! read more

I hate to burst your bubble, (if you have a bubble) but my experience here at High Octane was so hideous and disappointing, I can't go into it without having my therapist with me. If you are comfortable with being lied to, abused mentally and emotionally, and treated without any modicum of customer care or concern, THEN THIS IS YOUR PLACE! Plus, they screwed up every repair they did and finally refunded all my money, but not after being yanked to within an inch of my life on Uncle Fester's stretching table. (Was it Uncle Fester or Grandpa Munster?) So all I can say is STAY CLEAR OF HIGH OCTANE. (Sadistic folks excluded.) read more

I was recommended to this place by my mechanic because he doesn't fix rack & pinion leakage. I was so impressed with the customer service and how friendly and knowledgeable Roberta is. She kept me updated throughout the few days my vehicle was in the shop. I highly recommend this shop to all! read more

This is an independent repair shop that specializes in Cadillacs (and others). I have a rare 1991 Cadillac Allante Italian sports car. It is difficult at the least to repair and they did make a decent effort to repair it. But my first disappointment centers on their lack of expertise to repair this car after declaring they currently had customers with that model that they regularly serviced. Unfortunately the quality of the repairs did not reflect that. But I could have overlooked the many issues we encountered since it is a very difficult vehicle to repair if the customer service was OK, but I was further disappointed because as the problems escalated they blamed me and other service issues and finally, by demonstrating rudeness, made it clear they did not want my business anymore. Therefore, I believe the attitude I experienced, of not going the extra mile, will be a problem with most problem repairs, or similar situations where superior customer service is required. read more

Just had some service done there and so satisfied with their work. They did a great job and gave a fair price and got it done when I needed it. Will come back again when my car screws me. read more

I have been coming here for years because I completely trust the owner Charles Thomas. There are far too many shady mechanics out there, hence the stereotype. Charles has always provided me and many of my friends with excellent service at a very fair price. I drive all the way from Thousand Oaks to Northridge just so I can have a trusted mechanic work on my car. I highly recommend you trust your automotive needs to this business. read more

Roberta was amazing!! Really good customer service. Charles automotive service experience really helped. Even called me three days after to make sure everything really recommend this service! read more

Very happy indeed with High Octane Automotive! I had front brakes done my rear brakes were still at least 40% left. We also rotated the tires, replaced a really dirty cabin air filter and topped off fluids for that cost, including pick up and delivery from Simi. All under $400! Thank you Charles! read more

Charles Thomas is honest, professional, and a great mechanic. He came highly recommended to me by a close friend, and after my visit I would also highly recommend him. He was able to find and cost effectively fix the issue with only my vague description to work with. read more

I would give High Octane 10 stars, if is was possible. The team at High Octane offers the best in car maintenance and repair. They are clear and prompt in their communication, reasonable in pricing and are true to their word when it comes to timing of their work. I won't bring my car anywhere else! read more

We couldn't be more happy than the service we get an high octane automotive. The prices are great and the service is great. If you're looking for a mechanic you can trust you must go to visit Charles Thomas at high octane automotive. He is the picture of TRYST you want to have with your mechanic. He's not only saved us hundreds of dollars working on our vehicles, but he's worked on my Tahoe my husbands Chevy Express and my mothers Chrysler Pacifica. Thank you Charles for making us feel safer read more

Possibly the nicest people, always kept me informed with what's going on and even stayed later for me to get my vehicle. This place goes above and beyond to provide great work and great customer service will definitely be back. read more

Came in to get inspection done. From the beginning I parked my car I was greeted by Roberta and was super friendly and helpful. She Introduced me to the owner Charles and also welcoming and nice. Had inspection done and completed within a couple hours and with great pricing. Highly recommend this place. They aren't pushovers About getting your service done like most automotive places. Very detail about what's wrong with it and helped me understand. (I HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT CARS) Roberta was great. She was helpful and completely understood. They are there for you whenever you need them. That's the vibe and feel I got from them. People always get nervous about going to the mechanic, but they took away the nervousness and they were amazing. Great service and prices and they won't make you feel like you are getting money stolen from you like other mechanic places. Trust me that has been done to me before. This place is the place to go. Great service and team. Thank you guys for the help. 100% will come back when needed. Thank you Charles and Roberta and team!! read more

Really friendly and helpful! High Octane really helped me out with my car and was always friendly and professional in the process! My car was in and out of the shop and Roberta was extremely helpful in explaining what was wrong and how it would be fixed. She would always call with updates and was extremely patient. Will definitely be back if my car acts up again! read more

What auto mechanics and doctors do is really hard. Based on what they are told, they are faced with many different operating systems (or body parts) that can interact with each other to create problems that are not simply one thing or another. Charles has 30 years worth of experience and numerous certificates indicating his expertise. Trust your car's problems to him and he will start with the most likely cause. Even under the most complex interactions he will figure out what the issue ultimately is. This is just like what your general practitioner of medicine would do. Trust Charles and Roberta ( his front desk) with your cars problems. read more

If you hate the local dealer service centers this is the place for you. I have a Cadillac Escalade purchased new from a SilverStar Cadillac. I avoid SilverStar because they are crooks. I found High Octane and my car has never run better. They are honest here and will only perform needed work. Ask for Roberta, she is a gem. My car was in their shop for a week. She called me every day with status on the repairs. I can't rave enough about this shop. They have my business for life. read more

I always look forward to seeing Charles and his right-hand office manager, Roberta. Both are a breath of fresh air - honest, easy to work with and clear about what my car needs. Charles is sharp and I like that he keeps track of what's not a problem now but could develop into an issue in time - saves me from having to keep asking about those items. I trust Charles and look forward to a long working relationship! read more

Roberta has been taking care of my family for years. She always works with us to make sure the repairs are affordable. One of the guys (Charles I think) even gave me a ride to work. Will be back! read more

High Octane Automotive is our go-to auto care specialist. We love their professionalism and the skilled mechanics there who always fix the problem. We appreciate their genuine concern when we take our vehicles there for service or repair. Thank you High Octane for your high quality service. It restores our faith in humanity. read more

No one beats the team of Roberta and Charles! Pleasant, fair, honest and trustworthy, they get the job done!!!

We were very pleased and satisfied with the work that was done at your High Octane Automotive shop. Your work was very professional and we thank you for your service and fair pricing. You will have our return business when the time comes and we will recommend you to friends and family in the future. Thanks again for taking care of us. Sincerely, Steve Zicklin read more

Charles and Roberta of High Octane Automotive are the BEST in the Valley and in my opinion, the BEST in Los Angeles. Love this place. . . what is the first thing you think about when you are looking for someone to service your car. . . "Can I trust them?" Well this place can not only be trusted, it is welcoming, professional, the SERVICE is the BEST, and the prices are reasonable. Prior to coming to Charles, two other mechanics told me I needed head gaskets or engine replacement. I was told by those mechanics that my vehicle failed block test. I was prepared to replace head gaskets. Then I was referred to Charles by a friend. Before making any costly repair, Charles informed me that he would verify blown head gaskets. He performed 2 block tests on two different drive cycles test was negative. Did a various of other tests and did some minor repairs and after completion recommend that I drive car to see if problem reoccurred, Stated o.k at this time. Charles did hear lifter noise which would need to be repaired in the future. Charles does not disappoint. If you need your car repaired and you don't want to be taking advantage of, look no further, HIGH OCTANE AUTOMOTIVE read more

Charles and company are a pleasure to know and work with. I've known Charles for about 10 years now. Always feel I'm treated fairly and competently. His experience and hands on operation makes me feel very comfortable driving a safe vehicle. Their attention to detail goes the extra mile with Roberta even calling me in advance to remind me to keep on schedule with my maintenance. With the high costs associated with buying a vehicle it's extremely important that basic maintenance actually saves you in the long run and Charles' pricing is fair by all means at making that happen. read more

I've been coming here for years. Charles and the gang always do great work and keep me on the road. I drive back an forth to Vegas for work so I'm on the road a lot. This is the only place I trust to take care of my car. read more

The experience my husband and I received at High Octane Automotive in Northridge was beyond excellent. From the first phone call to the completion and pick-up of our car, the service was exemplary. Roberta answers the phone and is completely helpful and caring, knowing you're stressed and calling because your means of transportation is in trouble and you need help immediately. She is perfect at her job and you know she's doing her best for you when you check in and when you're leaving with a repaired car. We are most impressed with Charles Thomas, the owner, a fine mechanic who has a wealth of knowledge and experience about automotive needs. Just walking into his garage area and observing the organization and complete lack of chaos-A rare sight in many mechanic's garages- was a mind blower. What he had to do to discover the problem with the electrical system in our otherwise good running car was pretty amazing. He left no stone unturned, found the problem, fixed the whole system without adding a plethora of additional charges, and explained everything clearly. He is honest, hard working, very knowledgeable, and completely reasonably priced. Did I mention honest? For the work we had done and the entire treatment at this company, each of us went away feeling we had been treated with respect and courtesy along with receiving fine work without being scalped at the register. We will absolutely be back and will be singing this company's praises to our friends. read more

I was very happy with the service I received at High Octane. I went to another automotive auto shop and they did not fix my car and were very unprofessional. I was referred to High Octane and was very pleased with the service. My car runs perfectly now and I found that they were very reasonably priced and received exceptional work. I would recommend them to all my family and friends. read more

I just moved to the area for school, and noticed on my way back to my apt that my car was on the verge of overheating. My closest family and friends are 2 hours away so I found the closest shop to me and had my car towed there. So glad I stumbled upon high octane! Roberta eased my worries and they took great care of my car! Not only is customer service AMAZING, but they also went above and beyond to make sure my car was fixed and safe. I went in for problems with my radiator and they also noticed my brakes were not working well, so they called me and asked me if I noticed any problems with my brakes. I had taken my car to countless shops for problems with my brakes but they always seemed to say there was no problem. At high octane they actually found the problem and I am amazed how I never got into an accident prior to getting them finally taken care of. Roberta even called me a couple of days after I got my car back to make sure everything was still going well. They treated me with such respect and took great care of my car! Oh, and Students get a discount! So thankful I came across this place, they saved me!!! read more

I have old cars....they needed alot of TLC which I had avoided due to cost. When I went to High Octane and talked to the owner Charles about a course of work that needed to be done, he was clear with me as to not "car talk", but so I really understood what needed to be done. He was very honest with me that I should really think about not fixing the car and move forward with something new (Only an honest mechanic/shop owner would turn away a potential high cost repair) I explained that buying a new car was not an option so repairing had to be done. He was more than fair with the price, quick at fixing what seemed like endless work and when I had questions about some return work that needed to be done he was quick, fair, understanding of my needs of not being able to spend much more money. High Octane is about customer service, quality work, honesty with the customer and fair pricing and I will continue to refer business their way. read more