BEWARE!!! IT'S NOT MIKE HOWE'S ANY MORE! I USED to take my car to Mike because he was the most honest mechanic I've ever known. Unfortunately, Mike Howe sold the place to a guy named Obeleo, who I learned is not as honest and upstanding as Mike Howe was. Here's what happened: I brought my car in because the engine light was on, the windshield washers stopped working and the battery was dead. I was charged $119.86 each to diagnose the three problems I brought it in for. I didn't have them fix the windshield washers. They replaced the battery and said that the new Battery took care of the Engine Light because the code was from low voltage. Total cost was $642.82. On the way home, the Engine Light is still on. I brought it back to "Mike Howe's Automotive" the next morning and complained. The new Owner, Obeleo tells me that he's going to have to tear into the thing to diagnose what the problem is. I then asked if the $119.86 I had already paid to diagnose the Engine Light would be applied to this job, he said no. He said that the Engine Code he's getting now is different than the engine code he got yesterday, so he wants me to pay the $119.86 again to diagnose the problem I already paid him to fix yesterday. The problem for Obeleo is, I have a FIXD auto diagnostic tool that shows a readout of the Engine Light error code history. The P1004 error code has been appearing since April. It shows that code also appeared when he ran the first diagnostic test. He's now claiming that code didn't appear until I took the car home. I have proof of the contrary. I will never bring my car to Mike Howe's Automotive again. It's sad these guys are dragging Mike Howe's name and reputation through the dirt. read more

Great repairs topped off with excellent service. I was having this terrible sound coming out of my front wheel. Took it in. Sue at the front desk was awesome, caring and very helpful. I did not get to Meet Mike but I saw him working hard in the garage bay. Got my truck back and it sounds awesome. I dread any problems with my car, but I feel good knowing I now have such a great place to take it if I ever have a issue. Would recommend to anyone.. read more

I went to Mike Howes recently and honestly can say If I would have used them I am sure I would have been pleased. Well what do I mean when I say that? Read along for more.... I called to see if I could get my newly acquired, used, neglected car looked at for some tuneup work, some diagnostics and a few other items. They were able to get me in the same day with the understanding I would need it 2 days later. Sue said bring it right down. When I arrived she gave me a lot of good information about my car and tips on maintaining it more efficiently. She gave me a written estimate and said they would be in touch when they knew more. I heard from her a little after they closed and was surprised to get a phone call, when they were. She stated they would have more information in the morning and just wanted to let me know the progress, which I thought nice. The next morning I heard from her and she went over in very fine detail what was going on , what needed to be done and how to prioritize things according to my budget. There were clearly items that if they were a "crooked" shop they could have said I needed and I may have been non-the-wiser. I asked numerous questions and Sue broke it all down for me and made it so I understood how the whole system worked as a whole not just what was going to happen if I didn't choose to do what they recommended. Now, I have a brother and I called him after talking to them about my car because that is just what I do. He knows about cars and he is basically a second opinion. I use him when I need car work but he is a busy family man and I do prefer to pay a shop sometimes just so I don't "over use" that privilege, that said he had some concerns about their prices. All aside that he knows about cars, he suggested that I call around to some other places to get quotes on a few things they recommended like, tranny, brake, oil and serpentine belt change. I did and the place I ended up going to saved me over $100. Now to Mike Howes credit I went to a lube job place with probably high school, video trained techs, as to where he has years of experience and probably cares about my car more than them but money it money and I had to stick within my budget. Bottom line I hope I never have to go to a mechanic again but that being probably unrealistic I know that I would go to Mike Howes. I know that may sound backwards considering I did not use their services fully but just they way I was treated there and the time they took with me for just the diagnostic fee was worth it. They truly seem to be a place where you may pay a little more but you do absolutely get what you pay for. read more

The $150 diagnostic fee was a little steep, but my Dad and I couldn't have figured it out without Mike's help. I brought in the mechanics nightmare, a car limping in. Its hard to bring a car to a mechanic kinda working and bring it out Not working. Mike showed me the the valve controller slip that was out of place, and a couple photos of the engine with the valve cover off. He was really patient to explain the evidence of a valve burn & bend situation. I already knew what the story was, I had a similar death of the same model of car a few years back, but he was ready to teach a short mechanics lesson. The valve cover was back on and everything cleaned up. I didn't have to ask for the evidence, I didn't have to ask for an explanation, I didn't carry my valve assembly home in a greasy box, it all felt included in the diagnostic. The car isn't worth a top-end rebuild so I had to make arrangements for a non-opp car. I was never hassled or asked to get it off the lot Its a nice location too. I was waiting a couple of hours for a buyer of the non-opp car off the lot. 7-11 & a restaurant are right down the street, a neighborhood to walk my dog. read more

I can't express how gratefull I am to have a mechanic that I can trust. I am slightly knowledgable about cars so I tend to be skeptical but Sue and Mike Howe explain in detail why/how/what is needed. They are extremly friendly, very knowledgable and keep our family vehicles it top order!! thanks again Sue and MIke read more

Smart, attentive, fairly priced services! Great repairs and excellent service!

I have been going to Mike Howe for three years. Recently I had a coupon for an oil change at another place in town, so I went there and asked if everything was okay with my truck since I use it for towing often. That place told me the shocks were leaking and the battery needed to be replaced immediately. I set up an appointment with Mike and Sue to get my car repaired, and instead of paying for a new battery and shocks, Sue informed me that my battery tested fine and my shocks are not leaking. I appreciate their honesty so much! There is no place else I will take my vehicles for repairs! read more

Thanks Obi for getting my car fixed quickly so I could get back on the road! I appreciate that you were able to fit me in.

I was strongly recommended to call Howe's when I asked a car buff where I should get my smog done. I happened to be passing through Atascadero at the time and decided to pop in. I was greeted with a smile and I only noticed because that seems to be rare these days. It was late in the afternoon so they couldn't get me in at that time so I scheduled an appointment for the next morning. I showed up and they immediately pulled the car in and pulled it back out in the exact amount of time they estimated. I hardly had to wait at all. The car passed and they took care of the DMV for me too. Getting a smog doesn't get any easier than that! read more

I took in my pickup for a smog check. I think every lady I know can identify with the uncomfortable feeling of going to a mechanic. I know zippo about cars, and am worried about getting taken advantage of. Well ladies, I can honestly say you can feel very confident in going to Mike Howe's Automotive. My vehicle ended up not passing the smog inspection because of a monitor issue. Rather than just scheduling the diagnostic visit ($$$) Mike went online to research if there was a known issue with this year truck and he found out there was and it was fully covered under warranty!!! His wife Sue was also so helpful, and even printed out everything I needed to take my truck to the dealership and have the work completed under warranty. I would give more than 5 stars here if I could!!!! read more

If your looking to spend $75 on a regular oil change this isn't the place you want to go. I called in for a quote on a regular oil change for a Dodge Challenger V6. The woman on the phone told me $75. I said excuse me mam did you just say $75 for a regular oil change ? And she hung up the phone on me. These people are trying to rob you. Be careful! read more

Thought we found a good repair show.....as it turned out found out they diagnosed wrong and actually lied to us about needed work.

My car was severely overheating, the new owner of the place (obi) took a look and got it fixed. He was super friendly and helpful, and made it the nicest experience I've ever had with car trouble. I highly recommend visiting. read more

Mike is the most honest reliable person I have ever met, but most importantly a real master mechanic who knows what he's doing. He may charges more than other auto mechanics but is because he works twice as hard to make sure that the job is done right the first time around, remember the saying! (you get what you paid for) well! Certainly learn that after taking my car to APS Automotive in Atascasdero. Whatever you do do not take your car to APS automotive in Atascadero! read more

Great service, on time, as promised and at the price quoted! Mike does one of the most thorough inspections I have ever had on my vehicles. I know just how everything is operating and what needs attention - before it becomes a problem. Mike & Sue have made servicing my vehicles easy. I get reminders when I need to have my oil changed and I get useful information in their newsletter. Mark S. read more

They replaced a power booster on my truck...gave me the truck back and even said the brakes were a bit mooshy. Then when I took it back in they said it was a bad master cylinder. They wanted to charge me 300 dollars more , that included labor.. If you have to take the master off to replace the boost they should have done it right the first time or not charged for EXTRA LABOR! They didn't care when I explained that to them. BAD WORK, BAD SERVICE. BEWARE!!! One star is to many! read more

the wife is the mechanic she told me during the brake and light inspection my window rolled down and all kinds of other things were wrong with my truck that have nothing to do with the inspection. They then told my father to junk the truck. Wtf the car was in a minor crash totaled because of bodywork cost. They charged me 200$ and then told me they wont do the work to fix it. Wtf these people are crooks do not have them work for you. They are scamers. Went elsewhere and had no problems passed with flying colors and costed me 60$ wtf. I repeat this place will rip you off time and time again. read more

Just went here for my first time for a smog test. The work was performed quickly at the price they quoted. No muss, no fuss. And no extra charges. Easy peasy. Me like! read more

I have received several mailings of information about this business with special offerings. I decided to make a visit when one of the headlights on my car went out. I was greeted warmly by Sue & she was thorough in asking what my needs were. I did make an appt. & had the lights replaced (this was on my Toyota Prius) as well as a lube & oil change. She also had made note of several items that would need attention in the future. I am pleased with Mike Howe Automotive & will continue to use their services. read more