I've brought two of my cars here and both times the service was excellent. The staff went above and beyond. Not only did they do great work on my cars, but they even offered me a shuttle ride home and back when my car was ready since I live nearby. That kind of thoughtfulness really stood out. What I appreciate most is the honesty and the family-like atmosphere. I've had bad experiences at other shops in the past where I felt like I was being taken advantage of or quoted higher prices. They were straightforward, fair with pricing, and I genuinely felt like they cared about me as a customer rather than just making a quick sale. It's rare to find a shop that makes you feel comfortable and respected while also delivering great work, but this place truly does. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone, and I'll definitely keep bringing my cars back. read more

Smashing outfit. Maybe it's the name, but you can feel and experience the honesty in the service. Quality people ... great value.

I asked the people at honest when I care to check my brakes because they were squealing. I needed an oil change. My brakes looked at and whatever else they thought I might need. To my delight, they told me my engine was looking good, and my brakes did not need anything. They still have life in them, however, my tires were in a world of hurt, and I needed to attend to getting new tires immediately, so I did so overall my experience with honest one was a really good experience. And I would recommend them for auto repair anytime! read more

They really are honest ones. Been here 3 times and I never feel that I am being sold on services. They have always given me an honest assessment t of what my car needs. Fair prices and nice staff. read more

Could not have asked for a better experience!! Did not have a trusted mechanic prior to this so I scoured yelp and came across Honest-1. And as their name implies, they were actually honest in the services they were able to provide me. Brad and his team were beyond helpful when I found myself in an unfortunate situation with my 2014 Mazda. They were always quick to respond and gave me their honest recommendations on what my options were with fixing my car. Will definitely be back for my routine checkups!! read more

i am so happy with my 2 experiences at Honest-1 Auto Care! i have left a review and now I will add another one I took my car in when it flunked the smog checkup. I called Honest -A -1 and was given a very quick appointment..... I'm grateful to have been able to get my problem fixed quickly for a wonderful price! This shop and the people that work there are fabulous!! read more

I have nothing but good things to say about these guys. I towed my car in a couple days ago, in distress. As a girl who is completely air-headed about what it takes to maintain a vehicle, mechanics are kind of intimidating. I was greeted by Brad and Kurt upon arrival and they both made me feel right at home. My dog, Gunner, really loved them too. (However it might have just been the treats Brad gave him LOL) They definitely lived up to their namesake. Super honest guys who told it to me straight. I did end up having to take my car to the dealership, but with the information they gave me, and the transparency that they had in telling me what they could and couldn't do for me, I had so much more confidence to deal with my car trouble pragmatically. Thank you so much you guys for your integrity as a business!! read more

Honest-1 Auto Care - Gunner waiting for his treat - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Top quality! Amazing customer service! So glad to be working with them. Thank you guys for all you do

Brought my 2014 Outback in for vibrations at highway speed about a month ago. Techs made a quick diagnosis of the problem, and we're able to replace an axle by end of the same day! I have friends who have been coming here for years and I finally got in myself. The whole team was super courteous and knowledgeable. They had great communications including text and phone. Very happy, indeed. read more

Brad is the best! I've been going to this place for years and every time the service is top notch. The thing about mechanics is that there is a lot of mistrust around the industry, compounded by the fact that Joe Shmoe can't repair their own engine even if they tried. Trust the process! These guys aren't trying to put you together, they offer great prices, reliable service, and quality work. I'll always recommend Honest-1 to anyone that asks. Just make sure to make an appointment, these guys are always packed! read more

Overdue review! A friend recommended I go here because I was having issues with my steering and oil consumption. They were super helpful and honest, which I appreciate very much. Special place in my heart for Kurt, I spoke with him the most and he was keeping me up to date, giving me options, and honest feedback on how to proceed. Car is running beautifully and I will be coming back! read more

I just got new tires & needed a place to get an alignment that didn't charge an arm & a leg. I found this little family owned gem on the internet so I gave them a call. For an alignment check, it would only cost $20. If I needed a 2 wheel alignment, it would be an extra $40, if I needed a 4 wheel alignment, it would be an extra $60. That's a pretty awesome deal! Kurt set up my appointment over the phone. We were greeted by Brad (the owner) and Kurt. These guys have an awesome sense of humor & I really appreciate their honesty! Their prices & warranty services are very fair. My car was in & out for an alignment in less than half an hour!! They provide complimentary wi-fi, refreshments & candy in their super clean lobby. There's a nice TV with super cool air conditioning! I love how the work area is absolutely clean & they are eco-friendly! We will be coming back in the future for more services for our cars! read more

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I was referred to Honest 1 through a friend and I'm glad I took them up on that. Since then, I have gone to Honest 1 for all of my car needs over the past couple of years. Kurt and Brad give me that "Dad" type of feeling and are always so great and personable while ensuring my car/cars are taken care of. They have never steered me in the wrong direction in terms of car issues and I will continue to use them as my go-to and my, now recommendation for others in need of car services! read more

PROS: *Did a great job on the work we had done on our vehicle. *Excellent communication. Kept me informed throughout the process. CONS: *Way over-priced! Prices were 2x what other quality mechanics in area charge. OVERALL: Honest-1 is indeed an honest and friendly mechanic, but you will likely be charged twice the amount as other auto shops in the area. read more

On May 9, 2023, I went to your location to get an oil change. I presented the online coupon that I had printed out, which clearly states that it expires on May 23, 2023. However, the employee at the counter refused to honor the coupon, stating that the business had changed its prices and was no longer honoring online coupons. I am very disappointed with this experience. I understand that businesses have the right to change their prices, but I believe that they should honor coupons that were issued before the price change. In addition, the employee at the counter was very rude and dismissive. I felt like my concerns were not taken seriously. read more

Honest-1 Auto Care - it clearly states that it expires 5/23/23 - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Being an out of town Dad I did some research and based on their reviews sent my daughter to Honest-1 Auto Care for some routine maintenance on her 2013 Prius. They were quick, efficient and didn't try to upsell her on unneeded maintenance (as opposed to the Dealer). Very polite and helpful. Will be using them again. read more

I've been going here for several years now and I cannot emphasize how much I value Honest-1. Brad and Kurt are always beyond friendly and always provide the best of customer service. The crew always does excellent work on my car. While I might not be an expert, I do have an understanding of cars and have always felt like I can trust Honest-1 will provide excellent service and if something comes up, offer several options with my wallet in mind. As long as I live in the area, I will not take my car anywhere else! read more

This was my first visit here and Kurt was super nice, friendly and informative. He did pressure me in to spending more money. I actually paid less than what I was quoted. The pricing was fair and the service was awesome!' Thank you Kurt! read more

I am bummed to be writing this review as I have been a loyal customer of this Honest-1 Auto Care location for the past ~5 years. They have serviced my vehicle many times for regular oil change and I always felt like they were reliable, kind and fairly priced. Most recently, I took my vehicle in as I discovered that I had a blown head gasket (less than 5 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee). They gave me a quote and after assessing my options with other shops I decided to have them do the job. I got my vehicle towed there on March 2nd. I knew they would not be able to start working on my car for about a week (they communicated that) but OVER FIVE WEEKS LATER they had not even touched it. Each time that I called (weekly) there was a new excuse/reason. I found myself feeling extremely frustrated and disappointed as time went on as they were 1) not able to clearly communicate or commit to a timeline and 2) they were not proactively communicating with me. I understand things happen (worker availability, personal situations, etc.) but I feel that my vehicle was not important to them nor was my time. After 5 weeks with no movement I had my vehicle towed to a shop nearby and with 5-stars across the board and I am feeling more hopeful. Honest-1 has sadly lost my trust and my business. read more

Took car in because my car was acting like it was going to die at times was happening a lot off and on and I had an oil leak. Over $3000 later they tell me it was my transmission. Don't be fooled by the name. Unless you know cars there are no honest mechanics anywhere!!! read more

This place could have easily ripped us off. And yet they didn't. That's a huge endorsement of any independent auto shop. My dad, bless his heart, tried to replace the timing belt in our old Camry himself. I arrived to find a car in a state of dismantlement and a puzzled work on my pops face. I chose these guys arbitrarily. They did a fantastic job - on time, at a very fair price, and without a single whiff of the bait and switch strategies that you often get from places like this. I've generally worked on my cars myself, but I would come back to these guys in a heartbeat. read more

I was looking for a good car repair, and I saw all the favorable reviews online for Honest-1. I called and was pleased that they could fit me in during the time I requested due to my work schedule. I was very impressed with the courteous and professional manner of the staff. They fit my car in immediately, and my car was done within the hour. I was so grateful as they not only fixed my issues, but I was charged less than what I've experienced at other car repair shops. I definitely will go to them for all my future car repairs, and I highly recommend them without any reservations whatsoever. read more

They don't wear masks for covid, so big yikes there. Not why it's a 1 star review though. My biggest problem with this place is that they TOLD me a cabin air filter change would cost $20 and subsequently charged me $45. The replacement is like a 2 min effort and the filter is around $10 retail, so I'm not sure how they justify these sky high prices. They also wanted to charge me $35 for an engine oil filter. I went somewhere else and paid $10. Lastly, they recommended some major pricey repairs/replacements I knew I didn't need. I politely declined. Other auto shops will print you a price estimate for the services to be rendered, but they don't do that here. I only got one after I paid. Probably to hide their price-gouging practices. They're friendly people, but their business model seems to prey on the unaware customer. Would not recommend. Would rather drive 40 minutes to visit my old mechanic. read more

I am going to write this review with as little emotion, and as many facts as I can. It's important that I share my story with all you Yelpers so you don't have the same problems I did. Two stars because expectations were not met. I ultimately left as an unhappy customer ... surprised because my experience didn't match the reviews on this page. I took my 2011 Jeep Patriot into Honest-1 about a year ago when I was experiencing problems upon start-up. After diagnosis, Honest-1 told me my Alternator wasn't functioning properly anymore and needed replacement. After shopping around a bit, I decided to go with Honest-1 who was willing to do the work for the best price. They completed the job in about 1-2 days. I also put in a new battery myself at the same time to make sure everything was top-notch. Fast forward about 6-8 months, and I start to have the same problems upon start-up. I thought this was odd, so I decided to take my Jeep back into Honest-1. They diagnosed that my Alternator was defective, and replaced it with another Alternator under warranty, at no cost. When I went to pick up my car, H-1 surprisingly told me they still had some trouble starting it, even after they just replaced the Alternator; they assumed it was the battery permanently malfunctioning as a result of the first wonky Alternator. At this point, I was a little bummed, but understanding, and decided to replace the battery myself once again, since that was also under warranty. No harm, no foul. After putting in the second, brand-new battery myself, in addition to the second, brand-new alternator from Honest-1, I should not have experienced any problems right? WRONG. My Jeep still wasn't starting after now TWICE going to Honest-1 and having work done, and twice replacing my battery within a year. Upon calling with my issue, Honest-1 was telling me that my starter would need to be replaced and saying essentially, "we don't know exactly why your car won't start, maybe it's your starter, that's going to be another $XXX dollar job!" Can you believe it? I begrudgingly decided to take my Jeep into the actual Jeep dealership instead, since Honest-1 clearly was missing something. Now twice I was having issues with their work. I had to pay a hefty $165 diagnostic fee to get the real answers from Jeep. * TURNS OUT, JEEP DIAGNOSED IN 2 SECONDS THAT HONEST-1 PUT THE WRONG AMPERAGE ALTERNATOR IN MY CAR! * Instead of a 120 amp Alternator (at minimum, can go up to 140 amp) they put in a 110 amp Alternator. This caused voltage problems that manifested into the powering of the vehicle and battery. Basically did a lot of damage that was avoidable. After taking my vehicle to Jeep and paying the $165 dollars for them to tell me it's been Honest-1's fault all along (not to mention the gas and energy I spent replacing two batteries that I wouldn't have needed to replace), Honest-1 was able to order the correct amperage Alternator, and replaced it for third time. Now, here's where things get worse. After replacing the Alternator with the correct one, my car was STILL having trouble starting. Turns out, putting the wrong amperage in will fry a battery (again), so that needed replacement. However, H-1 said the battery wasn't fried and just needed a trickle charge overnight. Their readings were showing the output level to be "within normal limits," the next day after the trickle charge and sent me on my way. Like the real class act this place is though, they conveniently showed me where my starter was in case I ran into further issues, and told me to "tap on it with something metal" to start my car. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Three jobs with honest-1 and they're showing me where my starter is to "tap it" if it doesn't start?!? Like WTH?!? Should be working pristinely. Come to find out, Honest-1 was wrong yet again. The battery. Remember the one they trickle charged?! Yeah, well sadly that was fried too. I had to use my AAA tow miles to literally tow my vehicle BACK to the Jeep dealership for them to tell me I needed a new battery! Can you imagine? So, for a third time I trekked my now unhappy butt to replace the fried battery. And guess what ... car is starting now! Didn't need to replace my starter for $400+ bucks like Honest-1 said. So, if you're still following, if I had never gone to Jeep dealership, I would have constantly had problems with my Jeep at Honest-1, and paid more money to fix an issue that was completely Honest-1's fault. I wish I paid the extra money to go to the actual Jeep dealership; I would have never had to pay an additional $165 to diagnose a problem that would have never been there. I also wouldn't have wasted the time, energy, and gas replacing 3 batteries that would have never fried out. I really think I should have been offered a $165 credit to Honest-1 for the money I had to waste for my Jeep dealership diagnostic. They may not have lost a good customer. read more

Next level customer service & honesty! My 24 y/o niece has a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle that was lurching and had issues with her brakes. This happened Friday night. Saturday morning we called over 10 local mechanics and only Brad had the kind and open energy. He made no promises but was able to fit her in! They were prompt in their timeline and very reasonably priced. Thorough in their diagnostics and even took it for one more test drive to ensure it was safe to drive. 10/10 do recommend and will use again! read more

Worst customer service I will never return to this place They are over priced Don't waste your time on this place read more

I take my care to have the ac fix The look in to and quoted me 2600 and l say ok fix it So after 2 day I got the car the ac was working fine for 24 hours then stop working I call and the response was that the car needed to have changed another part and that they don't have the time to look in too. This is what the guy literally say i have a Mercedes that needs to change the oil witch is more important that your Honda! I don't know what is honest about this shop NOT RECOMMEND LOOK AT WHERE YOU WASTE YOUR MONEY THIS PLACE IS NOT NOT GOOD read more

Great auto care at great prices! Friendly and knowledgeable! Always willing to help They are honest and straight forward! read more

I went back Thursday morning no appointment, but I talked to the old guy to the left at the counter. He said just come and will get it done. I go to drop off my car the guy I always talk to is on the phone. The old guy on the right says you need appointment , I thought the guy who told me to come back was going to say something, he did not. I felt the guy on the right was rude . The guy that told me to come in said nothing, I won't be going back read more

Omg I am so grateful we found this place! Got a weird light in our car and had to find a place to quickly stop in and check it out. They were SO kind and helpful and got us in and out super fast. I wish I lived closer because I would take my car here for everything! read more

These guys are awesome to work with. The name does say it all. Justin and the Brad took the time to thoroughly explain everything to me. I didn't feel pressured but were very honest to let me know that my car was ok to travel to a trip I had planned and it made me feel at ease. I will be coming back afterwards to complete some needed maintenance but go check them out as they are super awesome to work with. Ps. Make an appointment ahead of time to get your spot in as they are popular and in high demand. read more

Brad is awesome! Honest (literally) and straight to the point! Very happy and pleasant experience, although my problem couldn't be fixed here Brad gave me the best options to save me time and money read more

Of course I would discover the best auto shop I've ever been to right as I'm about to move. I have to say Brad and everyone at the shop was so friendly and accommodating, and I wish I had learned about them sooner! Thank you for taking great care of me today, you guys are fantastic! read more

Honest-1 Auto Care - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Brought my car in for a no start diagnoses to Brad at Honest-1 auto care on 8/31. Diagnosed the key fob was not working. I approved further work of a reprogramming of the key fob. He brought in an unknown third party. Somewhere between honest-1 and the third party used my key fob was damaged beyond repair. I left the shop before I noticed the damage. That was before labor day which means the shop was closed. I came back in on 9/3 to try and resolve with Brad and the shop. I asked what he and his third party guy did while they had my car. He called his third party in front of me and couldn't even get a straight answer. He doesn't know what his third party guy did. Also, we opened up the key fob and there wasn't even batteries in it. I brought it in with batteries and no damages. Now he's refusing to cover the damages to my fob or replace it. In the customer repair notes, it does not say that they attempted to reprogram the key fob. The repair notes are literally only two sentences. Here are the repair notes: "Technician found the security light flashing. Recommend to replace the key fob batteries and retest. If still not starting recommend replacement key and possible re-programming." On the invoice I was billed 192.31 dollars for a re-program key. I approved work for a reprogram of my key fob, it was not reprogrammed and it was damaged in the process. read more

Honest-1 Auto Care - This is my now damaged key fob - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is one of those businesses that just feel right when you walk in the door. I originally came here to fix a tire. The office was clean and the lounge was comfortable. The staff were busy in the phones but made time to say hi and greet me. The work was done and I was on my way. A few months later I needed a smog check and although they didn't perform this service they referred me to Your Neighborhood Auto Service who were professional and took good care of me. Support small independent businesses like this. read more

The name of the business explains it all!!! Honest!!!! My family just moved to OC and I was looking for a Auto Mechanic place to go. I was driving around and I saw this place Honest-1 Auto Care. I went and check out the place and all I can say is..... Staff very professional and Brad M gave me a Honest education about oil change. They are not a kind of Auto Service that just want to get your money. They will explain to you what service you need and what service that can wait. That speaks something for a business like this. They even offer me a coupon on my first visit. Nice waiting area while you wait, they even offer me to be drop off and pick up to my house. Excellent service and I finally found my trusted Auto service in our area. Highly recommended and will refer to all my family and friends. And when I picked up my car, there some goodys included!!!! read more

Honest-1 Auto Care - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is my second review and every time I go to Honest 1 in Costa Mesa, I get pleasantly surprised by the honesty that is so foreign to me in that industry! Brad is genuine, cares about customers, and unlike many others doesn't sell you a lemon. I highly encourage you to try this place. I did and I will never go to another car service place! Ferial M. read more

Been going to them for years, Kurt & Brad are the best. I'm not super knowledgeable about cars & they've always gone out of their way to explain why something is recommended, why some work is not necessary, & which route to go (ie: I came in for a service & they told me I can go a different route instead (which was smarter for my specific vehicle & saved me 50% of my money). That's pretty rare to find a place that won't just take your money but that actually has the best interest in your vehicle. I've since moved 40 miles away from Costa Mesa & still do my best to get my vehicle serviced by them read more

Wish I could give them zero starts. I wouldn't recommend anyone to use honest 1. Thought these guys knew what they were doing but they have nooooo idea. Recently They charged me $200 to do a "thorough" inspection of my car to try to find out why it is shaking and a cylinder 6 misfire was happening. They said I need a new engine. A piston isn't getting any compression. So I happily paid...terrible to hear the news but it is what it is. !!!What I'm livid about is....!!! My boyfriend gets back in town checks out my car realizes THEY DID NOT REPLUG IN SPARK PLUGS so my car was RUNNING WORSE and on ONLY 3 CYLINDERS opposed to 6!! It broke down 2 times on way to my house...... I don't think the owner would be happy if one of his kids left a shop, and their car was breaking down because of the shops doing and got hurt or injured. Hopefully they will reconsider because I don't know how you can be so insensitive that when you realize your company was in the wrong and you don't offer any type of partial refund or full refund anything for the risk level! Etc etc also causing more damage to my car..absolutely shocked and disappointed. I am working on contacting the bureau to report this or work out a way to prove that this was absolutely terrible dangerous etc. All I want is my money back because they messed up. Or trying to file something in order to put them on the radar for having license being taken away or just put on the radar. Or getting the word out do not use them. I called back calmly and asked for my money back or at least a portion. I could have been seriously injured or if I got in an accident it would be largely due to them! My car hadn't broken down just ran rough until I was leaving from there And they told me "well sorry I'll have to talk to our technician" and a sarcastic not sorry "o no" And told me we will not be refunding you any money. I get it you did an inspection and I was paying for that. But after forgetting to do this basic thing that could have put me in a terrible situation you aren't going to help bridge that gap .. absolutely terrible. Also any average joe that doesn't have car guys in their life's WOULD HAVE TO HAD TO TOW iT BACK TO A SHOP NOT KNOWING HOW TO REPLUG THEM BACK IN. And they really didn't care. My boyfriend was surprised it made it home. These guys act like they know what they are talking about but they don't read more

Honest-1 Auto Care - Boyfriend having to replug spark plugs. Would have needed a tow. Would have cost me time and a tow etc - Auto Repair Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I took my car in to get my air conditioner fix. From the second I walked in, I knew it was going to be a great experience. The location is clean, the team was very friendly, and the work was completely quickly. I paid less that what I had anticipated and my air conditioner is working perfectly. I would highly recommend Honest-1 and will definitely be returning for future auto repair needs. read more