I have to honestly say that the level of service at Mark's Automotive has really improved under the new management. George, the new manager, goes way above and beyond to please his customers and I love his positive attitude, which is a very nice change for the better and not at all characteristic of the former management's style, so kudos to him! And the good news is that George is totally focused on management and customer relations and supervision of his technicians, and he doesn't do any of the actual repair work himself, so he doesn't have that grumpy, overworked, and irritated attitude that you will find in so many service stations. He is super friendly and super positive and goes out of his way to help. I was struggling so hard trying to get my car smogged, and George actually took time out of his busy schedule to encourage me and advise me on that, and he even volunteered to scan my car's system periodically to assess my progress in getting my vehicle's monitors to clear. Wow. So unbelievably nice! I actually think that it was his positive attitude and his encouragement that kept me going and kept me from feeling totally defeated. And it was that infectious positive spirit which enabled me to finally succeed in passing the smog test. His guys have also voluntarily filled my tires whenever they have gotten low. They will go the extra mile for you, which is refreshing and super impressive for such a small neighborhood shop! I have always appreciated the convenience of this location, and now I can also appreciate the level of care and personal attention that you will receive at Mark's under the new management. Thank you, George! read more

This shop is the only place I'll take my cars to for the rest of my life. My car was deemed "unfixable" by Firestone in Redlands due to the frame being bent. I told George over the phone what the problem was and he was able to diagnose it over the phone. This is after my car sat there for 10 months due to me believing it wasn't fixable. George got my car back on the road in 3 days. Ever since that happened we've been coming here. They will fix your car without it being too pricey. George goes above and beyond for anyone and even gave me his personal number if I had any other issues. Highly recommend this shop. read more

We've been going to Mark's on University for years, and my whole family trusts them completely. They're honest, reliable, and always take great care of our cars. We usually work with George, but truly, everyone there is knowledgeable and kind. We just had to take my car in because the AC broke. Thankfully, they were able to help me out, especially with this heat wave that we're in. If you're looking for a trustworthy place in Redlands to service your car, this is the spot. Highly recommend! read more

Very kind workers with good customer service went in for a quick brake light change and they were able to help me out quickly!

DO NOT TRUST THIS SHOP WITH YOUR VEHICLE. I took my car for service and on Dec. 6, 2024 it was stolen from this facility. The keys were left inside and I was not notified until Dec. 9 by a police officer. The response from the staff was dismissive and lacked accountability. After several attempts the owner finally put me in contact with their insurance (Federated) which has handled the situation very poorly. Every step of the process has been frustrating, time consuming and financially draining. It's been over 5 months and my claim is still not completely resolved. This experience has been a nightmare. This facility has failed to provide security, responsibility and transparency. I would not recommend it to anybody and wanted to inform the public of the ordeal their negligence has caused me. read more

Always have had a good experience bringing my vehicles here, very accomodating with appointments and honest work. I've always been happy with the work that has been done & they communicate very well. I appreciate they check on the service the next day to ensure you are happy with everything. read more

Hello, The service of the front driver's door latch actuator would not open on the key or using the door. Mark's company is excellent quality. I will Mark's University Service if anything comes up. The value to me, they were excellent. Thanks, five stars. GREAT John R read more

Okay. So. Where to begin. 1. I had to wait almost a week to have my car looked at. When I saw the size of the lot MUS has, it made sense. They simply can't store 30 cars. 2. The day they saw me the fixed the problem. I was expecting days of work, but no, it was done the same day. (Other Yelpers below confirm similar service.) 3. I have a Buick Encore with a recurring sputtering/coil issue. It appears to be fixed but time will tell. 4. The rate was rather reasonable. 5. When I told my neighbor I dropped it off at Mark's -- she a long term resident of Redlands (unlike myself) -- she was impressed I learned about this garage so fast. (My sputtering started on moving day!) 6. It says on Yelp this is a woman owned business. Which made sense to me when dealing with the woman in the office. It was no nonsense in there. I was very impressed. 7. My only complaint is that my Google search for this business was iffy. 'University Service' so close to U of R confuses Google and finds other things. So OVERALL this garage is serious RECOMMEND. But again time will tell. I'll update if something goes south. read more

I just wanted to say how grateful I am to Luis for helping me out with a damaged engine splash shield that had been dragging on the road and making an audible noise as I drove. He was so friendly, quick, and efficient and explained to me what the guard was for. If you see this review, THANK YOU SO MUCH, LUIS!!! read more

Good service,was able to get in the next day. Car was done the same day. The price was, $1000. less than the quote from the dealership. The work was excellent. Would recommend them to anyone. Plan the take my other cars there. read more

I've had a good experience the two times I've been to this shop so far. Easy to deal with, quick but thorough, knowledgeable, and fair pricing. I would recommend to friends and family. read more

Bought a used car from a friend who recommended Mark's University Service. First visit, maintenance only - friendly, honest recommendations, and swift. 1mo later, no problems with our sedan. Will go again. Small lot. Individual attention. Good proximity to downtown Redlands and freeway. read more

Scammed me. Replaced my starter with a bad one then said my engine was bad and tried to charge me 6,000^ for a used engine

They are simply the best auto repair shop in my 45 years of owning cars. Straight forward, professional and their diagnostic skills are stellar. read more

Went to these guys because I was short of time. Encountered a very grumpy mechanic that agreed to change out my sparks plugs that I brought to him. Told me it would be done by noon. Passed by the place about an hour (10am) later and my truck was moved and completed. Came back at noon to an upset mechanic that told me the car was done but he hadn't done the paperwork. He went to the back and I can hear him complaining about me being there to another employee. He charged me over $200 to change out the plugs(with the plugs I already bought). He claimed that it took him over 2hrs to change them out which was a flat out lie since I knew my car was finished within an hour. Be warned. These guys will try to rip you off and give u service with a grumpy smirk! Go somewhere else read more

Never write a bad review, but very disappointed with this shop. Brought my Lexus in with a check engine light issue. First visit spent over 200.00 to replace a hose (no problem due to hose location), check engine light is off, a few days later, light comes back on. Go back to them 2 1/2 months later, now the bill is over 400.00! Replace the purge solonoid and of course 20 miles later the light is on again! This shows me they reset the system which does not fix the problem. Took it to another shop locally, took Mark's invoices with me, and low and behold they found the REAL problem. I know a lot of people love these guys, but unfortunately for me I could never trust this shop again. read more

I called George last Friday to see if he can install a part on my equinox because I was having issues and the autozone check engine reader said it was a certain sensor and George even though they were super busy said he would install it that day for me. After dropping off my car he called me 30 minutes later because he had his tech Dona quick diagnostic and told me they didn't think that would be the fix I needed. He recommended them doing a full diagnostic and gave me the worst price scenario and thankfully it wasn't and they fixed it and got me my family's car back that same day. They were the only place that was willing to take my family's car in that day even though they really didn't have the time. Best and most honest mechanic I have encountered yet! I will always come here for my car repairs! THANK YOU GEORGE AND THE CREW FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK! read more

I want to say thanks to the guys at Marks. Took my car in a couple weeks ago to have the ac fixed. The price I was quoted is what I paid and it was less than half the price of other local mechanics. My vehicle was fixed in a timely manner and has been working since. Thanks guys. read more

Had great service, they were honest about repairs. (That is something) Did a great job. I would take my other car in for work. Told our son and daughter-in-law to take there car here. 10 stars. Richard B read more

I have never written a Yelp review before, but the service and customer care I received from Scott at Mark's University Service was the best Experience I have ever had with a mechanic. I have a 2007 Chevy Trailblazer with about 180,000 miles on it, and it needed to have the check engine light fixed so that it could pass a smog check. I initially took it to another large auto shop in Redlands. The other shop said the code was for incorrect flow in the air injection system. They replaced the air solenoid valve and said they cleaned part of the system with a solvent. This didn't fix the problem, and the other shop recommended a valve job and rebuild of much of the engine at a cost higher than the value of the car. A friend of mine heard about my car issue and strongly recommend Mark's University service, as they were the only shop that was able to get his check engine light to go off for a smog test on an older vehicle. Based on this recommendation, I took the car in. The mechanic who worked on my car was Scott. Scott took a very methodical approach to diagnosing the problem. He first replaced a hardened gasket that was leaking air (a very cheap fix), which temporarily fixed it, but then the light came back on. Then, he tried replacing the part that had previously been replaced by the other shop, but that didn't work, so he put the old one back on and didn't charge me for the labor on this attempt. Then, he used a smoke machine and located two leaks in an air injection hose system. This fixed it initially, but the light came back in the next day when he tested it with a cold start. Next, he removed the freeze plugs and manually cleaned the air injection ports, after which he blew air through the system to clear out any particles left over from the cleaning process. This worked! The car needed to be driven for a while to reset the sensors before I could get a smog check. Because the light had previously come back on while I was doing this test drive from a previous fix, Scott drove the car himself until the sensors reset. It passed the smog test! I thought this car was a lost cause after going to the previous shop. Scott at Mark's University service never gave up. He even called GM several times to help diagnose the problem. Mark's University Service charged far less than the other shop, and they fixed the problem and got the car to pass smog. They have a new customer because of the amazing service I got from Scott. Thanks! read more

The service and trustworthiness of this garage has gone down hill . I had them work on my vehicle since the days Mark was around with no issues. But since new ownership little things kept popping up with my vehicle after it was serviced by them. I did not take my vehicle anywhere else but with Marks university. I had my AC compressor replaced by them and less than two years later it went bad . I tried to get them to replace it under their warranty but he said that it was a reconditioned compressor and that they don't use that kind of replacement part and I said to Al that you guys are the only ones that work on my vehicle but because they did not have any record of it I was SOL ! Mark was a honest man and did honest work as far as I'm concerned those days are gone with this Garage. My vehicle service needs now belong to my Ford dealership. read more

The young dude with the blue eyes is hot and he does good work. But back off ladies. He's taken.

The best Quality Honest service! For over 40 years. A place that will make it happen for you.

I don't know where to start... Ever since I moved to Redlands I've had a wonderful pleasure of only living within two minute walk from Mark's University Service. They have always went above and beyond even sometimes providing quick fixes for free. If there's nothing wrong with your car they will let you know. They don't want you wasting your money. read more

Very honest , talked me through what I did an DIDNT need to replace ... very trustworthy!

This is the best auto shop ever! Super honest and friendly. Highly recommend! A good mechanic is hard to find, these guys always give excellent service! Thank you! read more

So incredibly convenient, honest, and affordable! The dealership said my car needed to be kept overnight, Mark's did the job in one day, and even brought my car back to me when they were done! They seriously went above and beyond to help me get my car taken care of! read more

For over 30 years Mark's University Service has taken care of all of our family vehicles. Al and his team of competent technicians have provided maintenance services and special repairs when necessary. Their honesty and integrity have made us lifetime customers. I recommend Mark's without reservation. read more

Review for "service" my girlfriend received. She brought her car into the shop a little over a month ago after her power steering went out. Al was the mechanic who assisted her when she dropped off her car for the day. She went about her day as usual but called the mechanic a few hours later, asking to have an oil change done as well, since her car was already at the shop. Al said it wasn't a problem and that it would be taken care of. She returned at the end of the day to find out that oil change was $60. SIXTY DOLLARS for an oil change, where 99.99% of auto shops charge $20-$25. Al couldn't offer a reason why a simple oil change amounted to 3x what other places were charging and seemed baffled when my girlfriend told him Jiffy Lube charges $20 for an oil change. The work done on her car was almost $800, oil change included. To be fair, Al did call later and left a message to offer her a refund of $20 for the oil change, but even then, $40 for an oil change is steep. She didn't return his call. A week or two later after the repair was done, her power steering was going in and out again. She brought it back into the shop and again was assisted by Al. She was told the problem was not enough power steering fluid and that adding it would be fine and sent her on her way. Fluid was added but it still wasn't functioning. She returned with her car two weeks or so ago and left her car there for the mechanics to examine, though Al tried to get rid of her by telling her to return the next day. Again, they tell her to add fluid and sent her away. This past weekend, the car was acting up again and when she went to add more steering fluid - lo' and behold - it was already full. Clearly, steering fluid isn't the issue. I read through the reviews on here and noticed that a lot of the positive reviews revolved around Mark, so I told her to call the shop before bringing her car in to speak with him directly - after all, he is the owner. She did and was told that he would be in after 11:00AM today (11/5/2014). But when she went to the shop, she was told he wasn't going to be in at all. Al saw and recognized her and after she explained to him that the issues she initially came into the shop with were still present, he told her to bring her car back tomorrow because he "has too many cars". No apology for the inadequate work done on her car or for all the inconveniences. Avoid this place. Or I hate to say it, maybe bring a male friend with you if you're a female. I wish all the other reviews about how honest and friendly this place is towards females was true, but from what I know, it's definitely far from it. read more

Still driving my 96' Ranger and still depending on Al and Steve to solve my problems. When I have broken down I just have it towed to their garage. Today for the cost of a front brake job - I got honest answers on several problems with my old truck. You may find 30-minute brake jobs but to have an experienced technician go over your vehicle and answer questions is worth so much more. In the end, I saved over 150.00 because of their advice. Thanks, Steve. read more

Sorry as this review may be a bit of a novel, but I wanted to share my experience. This might be a semi rare occurrence seeing as there are quite a bit of great reviews, but I did not have a great experience personally. My car had been having problems with my AC, and a friend suggested I try Mark's University Service and explained that they were great when he used them. Although, it had been a few years since he had used them. I called them on a Wednesday at about 11am and explained the problem and asked if I could bring it in. The head guy, I believe it was Al, but not positive, said that he wouldn't be able to work on it until Friday if I could bring it in then. I said that would be fine and told him I would be there at 8am to drop it off. I got there at 8am and dropped off my car. There was a person before me who dropped off their car (may have had an appointment, but not sure) and a person after, who didn't have an appointment. I know this because he mentioned it. When I dropped it off he said he would call me when they figure out the issue. About 4 hours later, I called and asked about it and he said, "I am just looking at it now and I said I would call once I knew the issue." Again, I believe this was Al and the way he said it made it seem like it was a bother I was calling to ask, even though I had waited 4 hours already. I called because I worked at 1pm and needed to know if it was going to be estimated or else I would have to have someone else pick up my car because I would work past their closing time. They said I could have someone pick it up and we would discuss more after they get me the estimate. After 2 more hours, they call me back telling me it was my compressor, which is fine. They gave me a price of 1200+ for the compressor, Freon, and labor. I knew this price was a rip off, but I was nice to the mechanic who called me because he was far better at customer service then Al was and was very polite to me. I would've done it for this price if they were going to get it done that day, but they couldn't and told me I would now have to wait until Monday because they are closed on Saturday and Sunday. I had a few problems with this. First of all, I called on Wednesday to ask about a drop off and they told me Friday. What if I didn't have the decency to call on Wednesday, and just came in on the Wednesday or Thursday morning? Would they have turned me away? They didn't turn others away for not having appointments. They would've been able to figure out the problem and could've gotten the part and taken care of it on Friday, That way, I wouldn't be without an AC for one of the hottest weekends this year in SoCal. Also, what was the point in having an appointment at 8am if they weren't going to look at my car until 12pm? I understand giving car places a few hours to look at a car after the appointment, but I gave 4 hours and then for him to give me attitude over the phone about calling seemed unprofessional. Overall, if they would've communicated with me better, and planned out how many cars they could have more efficiently, then they would've got my 1200 because I was desperate for an AC. But because I had the weekend, I called around and got suggested another place by a friend that was located in downtown Redlands. I called and made an appointment for 9am. Dropped it off and told him my issue and he got back to me within 3 hours, half the time of Marks University. He also told me when I dropped off that he might have a delay looking at it because they were short mechanics. Mark's University didn't communicate to me that there might be a longer wait, so this place was already doing better. On top of that, the price this place gave me for the same work was 859. I saved 400 for just looking around. The mechanic acually said "Wow!" after I told him what Mark's University Service was going to charge me. Overall, just be very weary about this place. I think that the people who are already regulars there have a great experience there. But I think for the new people who come in who they don't know, are kind of put on the back burner. I would price check around before confirming with them doing work on your car. Again, this may have been an out of characteristic instance for Mark's University Service, but to me, it was a very bad one I wanted to share. read more

One of my door latches on my 2011 Ford Fiesta failed and after a rude phone call with the local Ford dealership, I called over to Mark's. The gentleman I spoke with was matter-of-fact but kind and I decided to take in my vehicle to see what kind of quote they could give me. As it was comparable to Ford's, I left my car with them, and I'm glad I did. They finished my car in less than 24 hours after my dropping it off, and while the repair was still expensive - this was more due to the issue and the car than the the shop. When working with things like this, I don't need people to kiss my ass, I need people to be kind and honest - and they were. For that alone, I'll keep bringing my vehicle back. read more

Pretty fast work, a little pricey but good work. The Mechcanic named Steve is great!!

Wonderful service! These mechanics really know their stuff. Professional, efficient, and at a fair price! You won't get better service any where else. I'm just so thrilled to find an honest shop. read more

I have used Marks for decades, the elder is now out of the loop there but still the same excellent service! As the saying goes you get what you pay for, and Mark's has always repaired my vehicles with spot on professionalism and great integrity service. Not one of my repaired vehicles have I had to return because of a repair fault, not one! Thank you to Al who does excellent work day in and day out! read more

After using many different mechanics throughout the Redlands area and being charged high rates, receiving rude service, having repairs needing to be redone over and over, I gave Mark's University Service a shot. I could not be happier that I did give them a try! Now for almost two years, anything that is wrong with my car, I immediately go to Mark's. All of the guys there are so nice, understanding and helpful -- including Adam, the big rottweiler! Their service is quick, it is done right the first time, and the price has always been cheaper than other mechanics and under what the original estimate was that was quoted! And as the previous poster stated, they make women feel wonderful and not like "the little lady who is just so cute and doesn't understand a thing about cars!" I would recommend, and have recommended Mark's University Service on the corner of Church and Colton Avenues to anyone who lives within driving distance! They will even drive you home & pick you up! I would also suggest getting there first thing in the morning for same-day service because they do get busy -- and rightfully so! They're super!! :-) read more

The folks at Mark's University Service are fantastic!!! I am female and these guys treat me wonderfully. I'm not very savvy when it comes to automotive repair but Mark never talks down to me and treats me with respect, like a valued customer. They have always done the job right, at a more than fair price and in a timely manner. That is something I don't see very often as a consumer! I highly recommend Mark, Al and the crew at Mark's University Service. PS - Call first for an appointment - they get busy :-) read more

Took my vehicle to another repair place in Highland yesterday for a simple tune up. When I picked it up, I was told the tune up "didn't fix the problems" I was having (I wasn't having any problems), and they recommended a series of "trial and error" tests with a "very expensive machine" to see if they could determine the issue...and I was given a very long list of at least a dozen things they thought it MIGHT be. I get into my car and guess what - NOW I've got problems - engine light is on, errors flashing, and it's misfiring. Took it to Al this morning. He pops the hood and in less than 5 seconds says "There's a hose or cap missing from right here." He caps it for me and all problems disappear. I wasn't charged anything, but you can bet that Highland place would have been several hundred dollars to "fix my problem". Great, honest place. I found my new mechanic! read more

Love this place. Very helpful. Reasonably priced. Good service. I can stop by any time if a light comes on my dash.

I've taken my wife's car to them & they are very honest & got good prices. If your looking for a good mechanics this is your place