I chose this shop because they were a AAA-approved facility. I trusted that AAA approval meant I would be dealing with a reputable business that would be honest and transparent. Unfortunately, my experience was the complete opposite. Before my vehicle was ever brought to the shop, I clearly explained that my battery had been dead for a couple of weeks. This was not a surprise and was documented on my paperwork. I was upfront from the very beginning about the condition of my vehicle. After they received my car, I was told that because the vehicle was "dead on arrival," they could not perform diagnostics without installing a new battery first. The problem is that I was still charged a diagnostic fee even though no actual diagnostic testing could be completed. Elizabeth let her mechanic bully me by saying, "your not taking your car off my lot without paying for diagnostics" mind u no official paperwork or machine was hooked up for this "diagnostic".I was essentially told that determining that the vehicle needed a battery counted as a diagnostic. If I had been told beforehand, "Because your battery has been dead, you will still be charged a diagnostic fee even if we cannot complete testing," I could have made an informed decision. That information was not clearly communicated before I was charged. I even asked if AAA could install a battery so the vehicle could be properly tested(since it was hella cheaper), and I was specifically told, "Not on my lot your not. Instead, I was pushed toward purchasing a battery through the shop, which I felt was significantly overpriced. What made this even more frustrating is that after paying for the battery and the diagnostic charge, my vehicle later went back into limp mode again in about 2 days. The entire reason I brought my vehicle in was to figure out what was wrong, and after spending money on a battery and diagnostics, I was still dealing with the original issue. At that point, I felt like the service I paid for did not actually solve the problem. I contacted AAA because I felt the situation was not acceptable. AAA initially instructed me to try resolving it directly with the shop. I did, but the resolution they offered was another diagnostic...lol yeah right. I went back to aaa and the shop wanted to only refund the diagnostic fee while refusing to include my AAA discount. I was told I would not receive the $50 AAA discount back. I felt this was unfair, especially given the circumstances. I continued to push the issue because I did not feel the resolution addressed the full situation. After further involvement from AAA, the shop agreed to include the AAA discount in the refund because they had no choice. Even the refund process became unnecessarily stressful. I was told the check would be mailed, but then I was informed there was an issue with my address. The address information had been entered incorrectly on the shops end, with the numbers switched around, and I was told I had to pick up the check in person instead. After everything that had happened, I did not feel comfortable going alone and brought my dad with me. Elizabeth didn't even look me in the face handed her mechanic the letter of refund and just felt so angry and unwelcoming. The communication during the refund process felt unprofessional and hostile, which added even more stress to an already frustrating situation. I am sharing this because I do not want another customer to go through the same experience. Which i see in the reviews no that they did the same thing to another person and tried to charge 500 for a battery. I was honest and transparent from the beginning about my vehicle's condition. My expectation was simple: clear communication, fair pricing, and honest service. Unfortunately, that was not what I experienced at all. I chose this shop because of the AAA approval, but after my experience i realized that that doesnt mean ANYTHING, I would strongly encourage others to ask detailed questions about what they are actually being charged for before authorizing any work or else they will threaten to keep your car. read more

Mastertech Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Arroyo Grande, California

Honest, professional service at reasonable prices. I feel I am getting the right services needed not sold extras.

Recently bought a CM truck body from Jimmy and Mike. I was very pleased with their work. Called a few days ahead and planned it all out with Jimmy. Total only took them 1 days to install and wire. Small shop but very pleasant to work with. Love supporting mom and pop shops! Thanks guys keep up the good work. I will enjoy my new bed for years to come! Oscar-Napa read more

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Oh Mastertech, where do I start? Gave this place a shot after some recommendations by friends and decent online reviews. Went in for a smog check. Right off bat, the fellow at the front desk was incredibly rude, to both me and to other customers. While I waited for him to get to me, three other customers came in to pick up their vehicles. He turned them all away because their cars weren't done yet. Clearly he's giving out time estimates that the shop just can't keep up with. The poor people were turned away as if it was their fault. I was there for a simple smog check. Dropped the keys off, came back in an hour. He says my car failed smog. There's no reason it should fail smog. When I asked why, he clearly didn't understand how anything worked so had to go ask a tech, then just parroted back what the tech yelled to him. Almost immediately, though, he "came to my rescue," telling me he could fix the issues and re-smog it. Immediately gave me a $350 quote for something I could fix in my garage in 15 minutes. AND they charge for re-smogs. Took it to another shop. Car passed with no issue (as I expected) - so either their equipment is off or their techs aren't correctly trained. All for the upsell. I won't be back. And it's a shame, because I've heard that the owner is nice. I don't think the front desk guy was the owner based on what I've heard. If the Mastertech owner is reading this, reconsider your front-of-house guy. He's costing you business. And consider working with your customers if they fail smog instead of trying to wring them dry for pointless repair upsells. Customer beware. read more

Man at the desk by the name of Mike is incredibly rude and disrespectful. I took my mazda in to be evaluated when it wouldn't turn over one afternoon (after never having any issues) this man curtly said my battery was toast and wanted $500 for a new battery. Immediately no.. we took my car down to auto zone, they tested my battery, charged my battery for free, and helped us put it back in. Saved me $500. Love a good scam! Do not give your business to these people. read more

I came in for a smog and they took me right away and it was done before they said it would be. Happy with the cost and service so I came back another day for a different issue on another one of my vehicles and also did a great job fixing it and in the same day was done. read more

I got a flat tire in Arroyo Grande near Mastertech Automotive, and I happened to pull into the nearest parking lot at the liquor store next to the auto shop. My tire was completely flat because I hit a nail in the road! I'm a woman and I don't know much about changing a tire or putting on my spare. My friends and I were having trouble. I walked over to Mastertech Automotive and I asked Mike, who was working in the shop at the time, if he could help me . He was so kind and came over to help my friends and I right away. He invested his time to help us replace my tire and put on my spare tire, and he even gave us advice and showed us how to do it. He even filled our spare tire up with air to ensure it was safe to drive home. We asked him if we could give him anything for the service, and he politely declined . He said, " who are we if we can't be kind and help out someone who needs it ". It was so awesome to encounter such a company and staff so willing to stop and help a stranger. I would fully recommend coming to get service from Mastertech Automotive where I know their staff are genuine and kind. You don't see that very often nowadays . 6 stars if I could ! read more

Took my car in after this place was recommended by a friend. Fixed my problem and the owner was very helpful and easy to work with

What went well? Everything went well. I brought the pros at Master Tech a problem. More like a pile up bolts, I thought no one could figure out. These guys handled it, affordably for the tremendous amount of work to be done, and in a timely manner. Everything was super professional super stoked with the results. This was a project that no other local shop could complete and these guys did it. 10 stars if I could! read more

While traveling pulling a travel trailer, our truck would not start. I called all around and everyone was too busy to help me, except Mike at Mastertech. Even though he also was too busy he had me tow my truck in. By the next day he found the problem and repaired it so I could be on my way. read more

Thank you Mike. Had an issue with my alternator . Called around a few places everyone was booked til next week . I'm from out of town called Mike he took me in right away and fixed it in a very timely manner . Prices were good . Highly recommend this place. Thank you read more

Mike at Master tech saved the day. Had a weird noise coming from our jeep, never a good feeling. Masterech was able to diagnose the issue quickly and provide a low cost solution and fix within hours. We will definitely keep his card on our fridge for whenever we have automotive issues on the central coast.! read more

A great family owned business! The husband and wife were both on site and since we were there on a summer weekend their polite, young kids were there as well. We showed up here at the last minute without an appointment to get our car smogged. Left the car in their care and walked to take our kids to the movie theater down the street. When we got out of the movie the car was finished and it took about two minutes to pay and get our keys. They didn't try to sell us any extras or make the whole experience take three times longer. The price did not fluctuate from the quote and at no time was I made to feel like I was being taken advantage of. We will definitely be using this shop in the future when we need it. read more

Mastertech Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Arroyo Grande, California

Super happy with the service I received from Mastertech. They got my Ford Edge in without and appointment, kept me updated on the diagnostics, quoted me a fair price for the repairs, and I had my vehicle back the next day. Very responsive and professional to deal with...two thumbs up! read more

Loved this place when the owners were running it. Now it's like I'm going to a used car salesman. Slickery is the word that comes to mind. Got taken for 800.oo expensive lesson read more

I brought in my 1994 GMC Jimmy for a front end alignment and it turned out it needed lower ball joints and an idler arm. While the price of nearly $1000 seemed high, it was not until the work was done that I realized they added $300 to the retail cost of the parts. The work appeared to have been done well but adding $100 to a $36 ball joint (X2) and another $100 to a $25 idler arm seems excessive to me. Perhaps this is normal for this area, but I consider it to be dishonest and unethical. IOW as always, buyer beware. read more

They were completely dishonest. At first they told me it was 100 to get my starter replaced then they told me it was 600. I was very disappointed. They overcharged like crazy!! Do not go here!!! read more

Took my car in for a gas smell paid for the diagnostics an hour and half later they call and say the filter was dirty and needed to be replaced they said there was no gas smell or leaks. So I went ahead and replaced the air filter. They never actually diagnosed the gas smell so here I am -105$ for an unsuccessful diagnostics and a replaced air filter which is not bad but not the problem I went in for. I was pleased that they discounted 50$ for replacing the filter so it was only 50$ for that to be done that was about the best part of this visit... will still need to spend another $100-$200 for it to be diagnosed again but clearly through a different mechanic read more

Excellent Service , Fair prices and I can highly recommend them. The owner Jimmy Durham is friendly, honest and highly qualified to work on all your cars or trucks. Our Hardy Team 1966 Ford Mustang has been serviced by Jimmy and it runs like new. Thank You Jimmy!! read more

I wanted to do an update review. It's been a month now and my PT Cruiser is running perfect. Hell better than when I got it. 1000 miles since the repairs and running awesome. If you offer oil change specials I'll be there. read more

So I was on the market for a wrangler and thank God I brought it here first. Seller was trying to convince me a new cat is only 500 which I already new was not true. Asides from that turns out it was an 87 not a 91, thanks Mike! read more

If you want a shop to go out of there way to not pass your vehicle for a SMOG inspection this is the place.

My son's Hyundai Tucson had his timing belt break, which then resulted in every valve needing to be replaced. Jimmy, the mechanic there, was very knowledgeable about the issue & told us in advance how it might all turn out - the best scenario vs. the worst. Unfortunately it was the worst, but lesson learned about getting your timing belt replaced at 120,000. The Tucson runs great after the repairs were done. I only gave 4 stars because of how long it took (almost 3 weeks, which was perhaps due to the machine shop time for the valves) and the fact that it seemed to be an expensive fix. I will admit that I didn't shop around for a better price, as AAA had already towed it there.) Otherwise...they do good work. Would not hesitate to recommend these guys. read more

Overcharged. I told them the engine light was not on anymore it had been cleared by another mechanic. They told me to leave the car and they would take a look. They charged 52$ to tell me they couldn't do anything. They knew they could not fix without a code, they should have just told me to leave and come back when it was on. Simply wasted my time and my money. read more

This shop has the most ethical, hard working husband and wife owners running a talented mechanic team. The owner is a great mechanic, and also a genuine nice guy. His wife is the service writer. She is down to earth, and is great with customer service. Their prices are very fair, and you can depend on them to handle what you need done to your vehicle. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Smog charge is best I have found, and they handle it quick! Come here for your vehicle needs you will be glad you did. If there is a wait to get in, trust me it's worth the wait! There is a good reason they are busy! Reputation travels fast! read more

Thank you to Jimmy and the Mastertech team. I was stuck With a dead battery and the need to get back home 3 1/2 hours away. Not only did he put down his lunch to replace it, but did so without having to deal with getting my handicapped sister out of the car. Highly recommend Mastertech and Jimmy! read more

They took a whole day just to START my car and what I really needed to be fixed didn't. They put my spare tire on cause one of the tires was flat and put the flat tire where the spare was but messed up everything I had in the trunk and left it messy. read more

This unassuming looking shop, tucked in behind a liquor store/mart, has excellent service at a reasonable price. We have lived in the area for a couple years and have had two oil check/tire rotations, a smog check, and a maintenance light issue that they resolved with only a minor charge. In all cases, the service was timely and friendly. read more

I had a very low battery that needed to be replaced today. I called Mastertech, they had my battery in stock and told me to come right in. They had me in and out of their shop within 30 minutes. Fast, friendly and convienent! Thanks so much Mastertech team. read more

While on our way from Los Angeles to Cambria for the first vacation in 2+ years, a load noise was coming from the front of our SUV at high speeds. My husband had looked under the car & saw that a flap in the front wheel well had come loose and hoped that was the only source of the noise. At the time that we pulled into Mastertech Auto in Pizmo they were super busy. The gentleman that greeted us said that the wait time to even look at our car would be at least 45 minutes but we had no choice but to do so. My husband accompanied him into the office to sign paperwork to authorize the work but unfortunately, their printer/payment system wasn't working. Quite some time went by but they were still unable to fix it and couldn't proceed to write the work order. As the 1 hour mark approached, the gentleman said that they might have to close for the day since they weren't able to fix the office problem but in the meantime, he send out a mechanic to look at our car. The mechanic got under the car & drilled in a few screws to secure the flap. We asked how much we owed and since the printer/system was still not fixed we offered to mail them a check since we didn't have any cash. They told us not to worry about it but I still offered to send the money. Again, they said it was an easy fix, have a good vacation. Once back on the road, the noise disappeared. We highly recommend Mastertech Automotive and are very grateful for their help, honesty, & courtesy. Thank you SO much for saving our vacation!!!! read more

I was referred to Master Tech by the Arroyo Grande Chevrolet dealer. My suburban needed a new water pump, thermostat and belts. Master Tech completed the work as requested. They even came to pick me up after the work was completed. read more

Awesome , dependable, fast service .. Family owned and operated. I trust them 100% with my vehicles. I won't go anywhere else...

Absolutely the best and most honest mechanic on the Central Coast. Jimmy and his wife make getting your vehicle fixed stress free and enjoyable because you know they will get it done right the first time. If a mechanic tells you something and you feel uncomfortable go to Mastertech and get to the bottom of it. I can not express how grateful I am for these guy's. Keep up the good work! read more

Stopped by for a quick smog check and that's exactly what I got. Thanks for the quick turnaround!

Recently I was refered to Mastertech Auto by friend to install a leveling kit on my 2015 Chevy 4x4 2500HD Duramax. Though this shop is 30 miles away from me I decided to give them a try, and I am very HAPPY I did Jimmy the shop owner has been very accommodating ,very courteous and willing to explain things every step of the way. I don't know about you but when I bring a $60,000 vehicle to some one to work on this is what I expect! I am very pleased thank you Jimmy and the folks at mastertech Auto! read more

I gave a glowing review, but the next day (a Saturday when that are closed) the darn truck didn't start again! My poor husband had to crawl under the truck and managed to wake up the starter with a hammer. We are camping in Oceano Memorial Park and have to move to Morro Bay tomorrow. Hope we can limp up there and then bring the truck back to Jimmy on Monday. Really Sucks! The previous day we were thrilled because we went to get fuel at Chevron at noon. Truck wouldn't start. We called AAA. They said it was the Starter. Ford dealership was backed up and recommended Master Tech. Jimmy and Elizabeth are angels . We got a new starter, and all done in a couple hours! We are camping in the area and can't believe our good fortune. Honest, professional, and good folks! Thank you! read more

My car broke down on the highway while on a road trip far from home. It was towed to Mastertech after hours. I had no idea where my car was and if I'd ever see it again but I called them first thing in the morning and they were ready to help. Because it was a Friday, I was told they probably wouldn't get the parts in time and it would have to wait until the following week. I begged and explained my situation and they jumped through hoops, worked way past closing that night and got my car fixed and ready to get me back home! They saved me a huge headache and expense trying to get back there the next week to get my car. I can't thank them enough for helping me! read more

Excellent service!! Everyone was so nice and took time to explain everything to me. They got my SUV done quicker than expected and I am very happy with how my SUV runs now! read more

The staff and owners are very helpful in getting my car fixed. They were every knowledgeable about the issues with my car and got my car running great very quickly. The one great thing is that they are very affordable and don't try to swindle you into buying things you don't need like some other places in that area. I recommend this repair shop to everyone. read more

moved here from barstow a couple of years ago and was looking for a service garage i could rely on and trust. i have found just that guy in jimmy, he runs the kind of shop you can hand him your vehicle and a blank check and pick it up later, serviced or repaired in a timely manner at a fair price. we own a nisson and i think he knows as much, or more as the dealers i have been to. he is just good people. read more