I've dealt with the proprietor Tuan starting after my usual mechanic moved his shop out of O.B. (and then suffered some catastrophic medical events) in July of 2023 suffering with my jinxed Hyundai which I finally gave to family in Tijuana where its problems were acceptable. In December of 2023, I purchased an used Prius hybrid from him and he has steered me through my transition and the repairs and service which it has needed. All cars have idiosyncrasies and the make has its own along with a lot of blessings. An hybrid car owner needs knowledgeable mechanics and I found that with Tuan and his employees (though I get some of the simpler work done in Tijuana where I also live). We've had a lot of fun trashing Teslas, too. read more

Brought a RAV 4 my teen sons had been using and abusing in for repair. Tuan gave a super fair and honest quote. The repairs were done quickly and the staff was incredibly kind and friendly, keeping me in the loop when parts were ordered, received, work started and when to come pick up. 100% satisfied customer. read more

Excellent service. Maxoto went above and beyond to honor my original quote for services, parts, and labor. I appreciate the pricing transparency and that the owner credit me a refund the same day. Repeat customer for life read more

I've taken my car to Tuan and he is truly one of the best! He works very hard and you can tell he genuinely tries to help people as much as he possibly can. His prices are very reasonable and he is always kind and honest. It's hard to find another shop this trustworthy and hard-working --highly recommend. This is from Anastasia with Honda Odyssey and a mystery problem you kindly solved! read more

I live nearby and was ready to bring my car in. Called to ask about body work and a paint job on a compact sedan. I don't know if this man just heard a woman's voice and got up on a pedestal or what, but he was laughing at me for having done touch ups. He doubled down when I asked why that was funny. Apparently, HIS customers are above that. Super weird, condescending, and rude. Even if you have an opinion on something that normal, keep it to yourself. They lost my $5K of business. I went to Zook's at Sports Arena. They had stellar communication and repainted my car. read more

I needed a new catalytic converter. Maxoto hooked me up with a good deal. Great service, and everyone is really friendly. After the catalytic converter was installed, they checked to see if my car would pass smog. No codes popped up. My car passed smog. I highly recommend Maxoto. read more

Maxoto is a quality shop. The team took my car in the day of and helped bring it back to life. They're honest and trustworthy.I highly recommend this shop read more

Great service! Super recommend. Everyone is super friendly and explained everything so i could understand.

Maxoto of Ocean Beach, California, is without a doubt, the BEST and the MOST AFFORDABLE car repair shop in San Diego !!! I have been taking my fleet to Maxoto for many years. It doesn't matter whether it's a 1935 Ford or a 1978 Vette or a 2003 Tundra or a 2002 Gulf Stream, Maxoto has fixed all of them with exceptional attention to detail. Let me give you an example: I had some problems with my 1935 Ford and needed a whole bunch of work done before I took it on a long road trip. Maxoto's team of certified technicians were able to fix everything I needed to get back on the road safely. I had the confidence of knowing I was good to go and of course, I completed my trip with no issues. Saving money is kinda my thing. I don't want to be up-sold a batch of unnecessary repairs or invest more money than a vehicle is worth. I know when I take my car to Maxoto of Ocean Beach, my vehicle will be diagnosed accurately and fixed within the budget agreed upon. The real secret ingredient to Maxoto is the owner/operator, Mr. Tuan Nugyen (pronounced "win.") Tuan is a hands-on owner, overseeing all the operations of the shop. He's phenomenal. He'll work with you to ensure ONLY the most necessary repairs are performed. Cars aren't cheap, especially classic cars. You have to maintain any vehicle in order to have the confidence of knowing it'll be reliable. When one of my babies has a cold, I know which doctor's office I want to take my car to in order to get better: Maxoto !!! Mr. Nguyen has a certified and highly skilled staff to perform the repairs. They can figure out how to fix things literally with bailing wire and gum, if that's all you can afford. But they'll give you a full, detailed explanation why bailing wire and gum won't hold for long. Mr. Nguyen has been active in the Ocean Beach small business owners' organization and contributes to local charities. The guy is pure gold. There ARE a lot of auto repair shops to choose from in San Diego. The Maxoto difference is their integrity. I will never take my vehicles anywhere else in San Diego for repairs. Maxoto is by far the best auto repair shop I've encountered and I'll continue to be a loyal customer. Why would you want to go anywhere else? read more

Maxoto Auto Service - 1935 Ford maintained and repaired ONLY by Maxoto !!! - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

This is our second experience with Maxoto and we couldn't be happier. We knew it was going to be expensive but they walked us through every detail and explained every cost. Tuan and his team are top-notch and we are loyal customers! read more

I would definitely like to shout out to the best mechanic I've had in years! It seems like every mechanic these days are just out to overcharge and underperform, except for Tuan and his team. I've known Tuan for almost a year and since then my car has had multiple problems ranging from a gasket leak, air intake problems, and just recently a key ignition issue. Yes, the repair is a bit costly but nothing beats having a mechanic passionate enough to consistently text you (with pictures) with updates on your car and even explain every step of the way. I have no regrets ever coming to visit Tuan at Maxoto Auto Service in Ocean Beach. Looking for a trustworthy mechanic? Look no further, he is the man! Special shout out to Alex, Tuan told me you're the genius who's been working endlessly on my 2006 Volkswagen Jetta! You truly are a gifted mechanic, thankful in every way! read more

Maxoto Auto Service - Best mechanic around! Moxoto, definitely works with European! - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Honest. Reasonable. Warm personality. Professional -- explains things clearly. WONDERFUL SHOP. Delightful owner. RECOMMENDED!!! read more

Its important to have a reliable and honest car guy, and lucky for ocean beach,there is Tuan at Maxoto. He has been easy to work with for several repairs i have had done to 3 separate cars of mine. I cant emphasize how great it is to get a good deal and great work from a local guy! read more

Good service when I came for an oil change for my Volkswagen. Super close to everything in OB so it's very conveniently located.

This place is an absolute MUST!!! Tuan and his crew have won my trust, no question or doubt about it! They are not pushy at all when it comes to the maintenance of your vehicle. They truly and honestly just want to take care of your car while respecting your budget! They won't hand out freebee's, but they are absolutely honest and trustworthy. I will only come to Maxoto for any and all of my vehicle service needs! read more

Maxoto Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

Tuan and his team are professional, courteous, and true OBceans! They work hard to meet YOUR needs whether that means top of the line, after market, or used parts. Finding a mechanic you like and trust can be very difficult, but look no further than Tuan and the guys at Maxoto! read more

While I haven't known many mechanics, Tuan is the nicest and most generous one I've met so far. He helped diagnose what was wrong with my car and gave me some recommendations and peace of mind. I'll be happy and comfortable to continue going to his shop and would recommend his service to anybody. read more

I live up the street and needed an oil change ASAP before a road trip. They squeezed me in and took great care of my Jeep Wrangler. Will be back! read more

I met Tuan through a friend and he repaired my wife's car after a hit and run. It looks fantastic, and my wife is super stoked as her car looks so much better than before. Tuan and his staff are true professionals, and I love the fact he is in OB, so much easier than a shop we used to use in North Park, a five star company in my book. read more

Maxoto Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

Made an appointment with Tuan for a check engine light and brake check on a Scion FRS. Great no hassle service in a convenient location in Ocean Beach. He followed up with a text message after the service was complete to make sure there were no issues after the service was complete. read more

I found out about Maxoto because my car broke down and it was the closest shop to my house but now 4 years later I'm still going because I was so impressed by the quality of their work and their honesty. Check them out they can fix pretty much anything. read more

This place is great! I just got my brake pads replaced. The price, service and turn-around time was impressive. I will recommend Maxoto to everyone in OB and surrounding areas. Thanks Tuan! read more

My wife and I have both used Tuan at Maxoto to fix our vehicles. I feel they are trustworthy, reliable and won't recommend extra stuff that doesn't need fixing.I appreciate how Tuan gives you options on what to fix and what can wait. He gives it to you straight with No BS. I don't have any complaints and his prices are in line with everyone else on the area. read more

Was in desperate need of my car getting an oil change. I did a little research around my area and was surprised to see how much everyone was charging for a basic change. Luckily I happened to have received the Penny Saver ads and found a coupon for an oil change at Maxoto for $9.99!! That's cheaper than buying the stuff and doing it at home! I took my Honda in on a Saturday morning and it was done in 30 minutes. They had a few suggestions for me to have done with the car----she is getting on the older side :) They didn't pressure me at all and although I didn't have those things done that day, I'll be back to get the work done in a few weeks. Plus, they gave me a 10% off coupon for my next service----and they'll match prices from any competitors! read more

I experienced a very DANGEROUS situation after taking my car in for a regular oil chage at Maxoto today. Santos, the mechanic who serviced my oil change, also checked my brakes but failed to secure my tire bolts after he removed the right rear tire. I drove away thinking my car was OK until it started making noises as the tires rotated. At first I thought I was being paranoid but the noises got louder and my car started to shake when I stepped on the brakes. Fortunately I was on surface streets and not going too far, just running errands. But I felt like I was about to lose control of my car as I made my way back to the shop. When I got there, an older guy, who appeared to be related to the owner called out the problem immediately after looking at the tire and shouted "It's loose!" The owner knelt down and tightened the tire bolts with his fingers! Unbelieveable!!!! If I didn't have other errands to run that day, I would have driven home and would have discovered the loose tire on the freeway on my way to work Monday morning. The owner said he was "sorry" and that the tire wasn't tightened because "Santos' pressure gun failed and it still makes the noise so there was no way for him to know it didn't work." I doubt that's true and believe the tire was never fastened. The worst part about it is I was the only person at the shop around 12:30 p.m. If they are this careless when they only have one customer to serve, how careful will they be when the shop is busy? They may have low prices but being careless and having BS explanations for their mistakes is not worth the price. If you decide to use their service, pay attention to your car when you drive away, it's worth double checking! read more

Came here today and just walked right up and they helped me right away. I got an oil change and they were very prompt and helping. They did a full check up as well and let me know of somethings I may need to service soon. I will def be back. read more

Love the guys at Maxoto, especially Tuan! I've never had a Mechanic shop be so caring and thorough. I've been going to this LOCAL OB business every since we got our almost new Honda and Tuan had helped us keep it in top shape. He never pressures us to do anything, instead, he guides us and helps us to make the best decisions. We've also started bringing our older vehicles for some of Tuan and the crew's TLC. read more

This place is the best! I've been going here for years. Always honest with me and have been flexible with my needs. I've never felt ripped off, ever! I only take my car here and I highly suggest anyone else to do the same!! 5 stars! read more

These guys are great. Good people who do good work for fair prices. Exactly what you want on a mechanic. Go there now!

Very friendly service =) I felt like the mechanics were genuine. Look online for coupons they have sometimes. Location is prime! Close enough to walk to the beach while you wait for your car. Ladies, there is a closet right across the street for some quick bargain shopping. I loved that they didn't try to hustle me into any extra services that I wasn't there for originally. They pointed out concerns, let me know their estimates and how long I could go on for without it becoming a real problem so that if I wanted to come back at a later time no big deal. Overall great. read more

Definitely recommend this place for oil changes. Cheapest BY FAR in the area. I need synthetic oil changes and it is always a hard pill to swallow when you hear $78 (jiffy lube) or something similar for an oil change I'm used to paying $20 for (regular). Maxoto is around $40 for synthetic, they are fast and don't haggle you. I'd recommend bringing some magazines, since they don't have much in the way of entertainment and you may want to call ahead just to check the wait time. Yesterday I was in and out in 30 minutes. Can't beat that! read more

Very quick service, in and out with plenty of things to walk to while you wait. I came in for an oil change and they also gave me a break down of what I might want to fix or keep an eye on in the near future. Friendly and efficient! read more

Great auto shop! After reviewing records I decided to change my review to a 4 star. Since the owner reached out, I appreciated his effort to communicate my concerns. read more

Maxoto Auto repair Ocean Beach has treated me well, and provided timely service and good prices for me over the past 3 plus years. The manager Tuan has shown extraordinary understanding in working with me, during the periods when money has been tight. I recommend Maxoto Ocean Beach to anyone who needs their car or truck repaired. Dave Chase read more

Can't beat the $9.95 oil change special (coupon in SDReader). Get there when they open, and you are in and out in 30 minutes tops. I used to use synthetic oil in our Infiniti, but now I just change it more often with Maxoto's prices. I can change my oil with them at 2000 miles, and still save money and time over my own synthetic oil change at home. What's the catch? Hell you are walking distance from Newport Avenue........ read more

I took my van there to get the front brakes done. I bought the brakes and rotors at Oreilys because it was cheaper that way. Manny installed them. Cool kid with a good attitude. All Good! I'd definitely go back read more

I live right around the corner and take my Miata and Gfs Rav4 there alot and William (Asian Owner) has been very helpful and fair about all repairs. I have had multiple oil changes and had them change out belts, flushed fluids etc done and all of it has been a very affordable and fair price. That and he is open Saturdays which is a great thing as I work M-F 9-6. 5 stars very trust worthy and you will not get jipped or scammed at this Shop. read more

Maxato in OB is killer. I've taken my Subaru Forester there numerous times ever since moving to CA, and couldn't be happier with the quality of work and the customer service received. Like other reviewers have said, it's nice to have a local place you trust to do whats best for your vehicle and you when it's time to take it in for a repair or maintenance. read more

I always said I will write a review for them because of the great service but I always forgot. But anyway I better do this now. We been to a lot of auto/car shops around San Diego County and we are so thankful to tried MAXOTO. This place is simply the best, the customer service is great the price is fair and very friendly people. My husband brought our Jaguar XJ8 to about 3 jaguar specialists around San Diego and ended up wasting our money for services that didn't really help. Think about only about 2 months same problem again and again and I was really mad to my husband already wasting too much money for the car. Until he tried MAXOTO and maxoto found out that the other shops just actually made the problem worst and that wasn't even the problem. It's been about a year now and so far our Jag is still running smooth and I also brought my car here for gas pump last month and for that they gave us free oil change for our other car and even change the front bulb for free too. I definitely recommend maxoto in PB and by SDSU, great place, price and service! read more

Great place, awesome people! The workers made sure that they explained everything to me so that I understood what was wrong, what was priority, and what I needed to do in the future to take care of my car. The prices are super reasonable and they made sure I understood the prices before they started anything on my car. They even told me if I came in anytime they'd check my oil and other fluids for me. I will definitely be returning! The only car shop around here I've found that I feel like I can trust. read more