I just had a great experience at Phil's Automotive. My girlfriend and I moved to Big Bear Lake almost 3 years ago, and Phil's has been working on our three vehicles anytime we've needed repairs. Recently, a check engine light came on in one of our cars. I took it to AutoZone to have a diagnostic check run. They said I needed a new alternator and a few other parts serviced or replaced. I took it to Phil's. They thoroughly checked the car and ran their own diagnostics, and it turns out it wasn't the alternator. This isn't a ridicule ​or slam of the folks at AutoZone. It's just a vote of ​confidence and appreciation, knowing that there's an honest mechanic here in Big Bear Lake; they could've easily taken advantage of us. Needless to say, ​the crew ​at Phil's will be servicing our cars as long as we live in the BBL -- read more

Too busy to care! Driving up to Big Bear, I got a low-coolant red alert and noticed a few drips collecting on top of the lower engine shield. I stopped by Phil's on a Friday hoping for a quick visual, but the lady in the front office showed little concern -- just flipped through the appointment book and said the soonest appointment was Wednesday. I understand they were booked and I didn't have an appointment for my emergency. With the courtesy of a quick look they might have told me not to drive at all and to have it towed, or said it could be managed temporarily by topping off and monitoring coolant. Or someone might have looked and said, "we can see it's leaking, but we can't pinpoint without further inspection, but unfortunately we can't do that today." Even that would have been greatly appreciated. (ICYDK: A red alert indicator generally signals a serious or critical fault -- meaning you should pull over immediately and not continue driving until it's resolved.) I ended up going to OC Rovers. They were busy too, but once I popped the hood it took only a moment for their mechanic to see coolant was leaking from the water pump. Phil's could have taken two seconds to do the same, but refused. Complete bummer and very disappointing. As a part-time Big Bear resident, I was hoping to find a go-to shop on the mountain. Other reviews mention Phil's saving the day in emergencies, but that wasn't my experience. On the positive side, their shop did look clean, well organized, and equipped with modern tools. read more

They are honest and caring about your vehicle and what you need. In the three years I have been going to them they have always been nice and caring. read more

Was charged 169 for a rock that was stuck in the brake. They got the rock out right at the hour mark when they had said it could be a 30 minute charge if it was just one rock or up to an hour if it was several rocks. Couldn't show me the rock for whatever reason. Shady behavior. Price gouging and overpriced. read more

Excellent service. Had car issues while visiting BigBear, and locals recommended Phil's. Jon and his mechanics diagnosed the problem and explained every detail. They even urged us to call them before we went back down the mountain to make sure the vehicle was operating properly. I wish they had places like this at home! read more

All ways helpful and honest on estimated service times. I take my personal and company vehicles to Phil's. I trust them to give me the proper service needed at a fair price. read more

Excellent experience! Fast, great price and awesome customer service! Will definitely use again!

Love this place. It is ran by true professionals and you can be at ease with your car in their hands. No funny business, no short cuts, no up sells. Just quality work, delivered on time, every time. There are a few options for auto repair on the mountain, but most don't answer their phone, or keep some random (sometimes open) hours. Stop wasting your time and just use Phil's for whatever you got going on. read more

Phil's Automotive - Tune-up before car show!!! - Auto Repair Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Window switch on car broke causing window to stay down. Although they were only able to get the window up, they were not able to get it fixed due to unavailability of parts. Unfortunately, it was at a cost of a steep $176, which we found out later was more than the actual cost of parts, replacement and repair at other automotive window glass places in San Bernardino. Sadly, this is the price you pay when you go to a city that makes their money off of tourists. read more

I was referred to Phil's Automotive by AAA after our vehicle had to be towed going up to Big Bear due a snow cable issue. John and Franklin later identified the issues with our vehicle and was able to fix all the issues in the same day in a timely manner. John was very communicative and thorough -- he took into consideration that we were from out of town and needed to get home soon and safely. Pricing for parts and labor were actually very fair considering all the issues that were identified. I wished the shop was open on weekends, but other than that, it was a good experience. Our family got home safely and that's what is most important. Thank you. read more

This place was absolutely awesome. We were in Big Bear this past week and needed chains. We had purchased chains back home but they were the wrong size. We were in dire straits 'cause we had ro leave the following day. We called around and no one was willing to help or assist with chains. Finally, we called Phil's. They were friendly and didn't make us feel like morons for not having the correct chains. We were in n out in about 20 minutes. The chains were installed properly and we felt safe on the crazy and stormy drive down the mountain. Phil's gets our vote for best and friendliest auto mechanic in Big Bear. read more

Phil's Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

I wish I could give 10 stars!!!! Phil's Automotive helped me when my family and I needed it. For being up the hill, Phil's had great prices and extremely good customer service. I think the owner's name was Wendy. She was absolutely amazing. Any time we need service when we're up the hill, I will go to Phil's. So nice to find a small business that truly cares about their customers. Highly highly recommend!!! read more

Was extremely rude and unhelpful. We came in with no car experience and the front desk was very condescending, which made it a super stressful experience. We parked right outside their front office with a tire problem but weren't sure exactly if it was a flat or some other issue since it wasn't obvious. The lady/mechanics wouldn't even just take a quick look and tell us if it was a flat or not. To the business reply: you're acknowledging the wrong customer since I did none of those things and I don't even have a son. None of those things were mentioned to me either. We just left after you said you couldn't help - didn't complain, ask to be prioritized, or cause any trouble. read more

Very professional and friendly. Work very good. I would use them again Staff very nice

Absolutely the WORSTTTTTT!!!! NOT EVEN 1 STAR I took my car here to buy new chains for my two front tires, they also put them as well. I thought I was paying QUALITY money since I spent OVER $200.00 to have this done!!!!!! I figured safety was very important while going down the mountain. The Rim of my car is COMPLETELY scratched up!!!! I called to speak with an associate and I was explaining the situation to her she had the audacity to say "AND?" As I was explaining to her that their assembling of chains ruined my front rim's. The receipt does note that potential damage would happen HOWEVER I would NEVER dare put those chains on my car again!!!!!!! So I spent 200.00 on chains I can never use again?!?!?!?! I visit big bear at least twice a year!! I have experience with putti chains on my car on the past and NEVERRRRR in my life have I seen this before in the past!!!!!! The customer service is bare minimum here, when I explained how unhappy I was and how they potentially put them on incorrectly they could care less. They only want your money, rather than a returning customer!!!! LIKE I SAID... I had any problems with my rim being distorted due to putting rims on my car. They fact that they think they aren't responsible for any damage is a joke!!!!!! You serviced my car, you sold me a product, you are 100% responsible!!!! No ownership for destroying someone else's property is the WORST customer service I've seen in a long time!!!!! SEE PHOTO ATTACHED. read more

Phil's Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Phils advertises as open Monday through Friday so we towed our car there and dropped the key in their drop box. Now it's Friday evening and no one has answered or been at Phil's and we can't get our keys back. Can we please have someone from Phil's contact us asap??? We really need our keys back or we are going to be stuck in big bear read more

We had first came in to adjust my alignment for my 4runner. Since our car couldn't make it down the mountain safely without the alignment, we had to give Phil's automotive a visit. When we first came in, the costumer service was not up to par, felt like they didn't want to help us. But when we then set our card up, they were happy to start being nicer. In the end, we had our alignment done for $120 and it safely got us down the mountain, which is all we wanted. Thank you for your Tony and your team for your help. I just wish we would have had a better walk in experience. read more

We found this business through AAA. We were in Moonridge for the weekend and unable to drive our truck down due to the snow fall and road conditions. Luckily AAA found us a towing company that towed us down to this business. Upon arrival the staff was fully understanding of our situation. They were able to use the chains we had already previously purchased. They were able to install them within 10-15 minutes! We were able to get on the road and make our 2.5 hr. drive home safely. Thank you to everyone at Phil's automotive for a great experience during a stressful moment for us city people. read more

Broke lower shock mount in my Jeep. Brought into Phil's and they re- welded the support right away and got me on the road. read more

Phil's Automotive - Just airing up my tires in the parking lot with my built in Rock or Road system from Madeforrocks@gmail.com. - Auto Repair Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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The team at Phil's is not only knowledgeable, accommodating and kind - they go above and beyond. We have a home here in Big Bear Lake and we wouldn't even think of going anywhere else. They have a deep understanding of how to service, equip and maintain cars, vans and 4x4s at altitude. Phil's is a local favorite that is very close to the overflow parking lot for skiers - and if that's you, please understand that Phil's does not stock low profile tires as those are not practical here. So please be kind and patient when visiting, I am sure they will do everything they can to get you back on the road asap. Also, special shout-out to Frank for helping us smog our '05 Jeep Wrangler - we are so appreciative!! So to wrap it up, the team at Phil's is awesome! read more

Experience and communication was great throughout my entire experience. Crashed into a huge rock driving down the 38 HWY. Had to get the radiator, condenser, radiator support and a few more things fixed. Car is running great now. Thank you so much for helping! read more

Thank you for being so nice to your customers. They do great work. They get the work done same day and it's a good value. I recommend this business for all your auto repair needs. Thank you Wendy for the ride home, that was above and beyond!!! read more

I was stuck on the mountain with a truck that wouldn't stay running. They knew what it was and had me back on the road in a short time. They even told me how to avoid my diesel fuel from gelling next time. They were very nice and the price was fair. read more

Just had an awesome experience at Phil's Automotive! Came to Big Bear to enjoy the beautiful snow fall, but unfortunately discovered that my snow chains didn't fit! No one in town had the size I needed, except Phil's!! I spoke to Jon over the phone, who quickly helped me find the correct cable chains and told me they would help me put them on! Sure enough, I arrived and Franklin got them on in less than 10 min, and also graciously put air in my tires. He was knowledgeable and kind and I would 100% recommend Phil's!! read more

This is THE best place I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with, no exaggeration. I had a very tricky and weird situation with my car, and everyone at Phil's handled it like absolute PROS. Especially John, who took such amazing care of the issue and the car. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would give it 20. I cannot stress enough how helpful, understanding, patient, and supportive they have been with me. I would seriously urge anyone to never take their car anywhere else. THANK YOU SO MUCH JOHN! read more

Came up to bear during a snowstorm and got a pebble stuck between the calipers. Our model y was making a horrible noise, we pulled up and they assessed and fixed it up in 30 mins. Awesome service, nice guys, definitely recommend if you need auto repair! read more

price gouging, rip off Tourist. last week I was in big bear and decided to get chains installed in my car before coming down As storms were forecasted.They charged me 228$ for snow chains !!! the same chains Cost 100$ in Autozone, I am writing to BBB. Price gouging read more

These guys have terrible customer service, they almost seem annoyed to have to help you which tells me they dont want my business (maybe because I'm Mexican) , they make everything harder for you at every step offering no help whatsoever, and they charge more for a failed smog check than most places do for a passed smog check. I used to come here when I needed help working on my truck but not anymore. read more

Love Phil's. I'm in the process of settling my moms estate in Big Bear. She had a 1979 Camaro that she purchased new. I had plans on driving it down the hill to Covina for a smog check on a Friday, but to my surprise, brakes were horrid. I'm a low lander but my parents had made Big Bear their home for over 30 years. My dad had used Phil's in the past, so I took it there. I got a reasonable estimate from Sherry (?) for a complete brake job, sight unseen. Monday I get a call from John who tells me the brakes are fine, but the rears needed to be adjusted and the brake fluid had to go. He called again the next day and let me know we needed a new master cylinder. Phil's could have done a complete brake job (how would I know what it really needed), but they only performed the service I needed. I also asked for an oil change and a tune-up. He agreed to the oil change but suggested I drive down the hill for the tune-up before a smog check, as that's where it was going to be driven most of the time. Then he asked if I was going to drive it down the hill or tow it, as the tires were 18 years old!! John suggested I have it towed. I decided to purchase new tires instead. They had everything done by the following Friday, when I was coming back up the hill. I ended up having AAA tow it to Covina anyway. We found them to be reasonably priced, professional, accommodating, friendly, yet business like at the same time. I will recommend them again and again. Thanks to everyone at Phil's! I may be back, still trying to sell their home.. read more

Very nice person. Prompt, and explained everything to me. Was done in no time at all. Price was right on with what he said it was and even gave me a discount. I will use him every time I need a smog check. read more

My Cadillac Escalade needed new brakes and my shocks were worn down too. Franklin fixed my car in a day and suggested replacements for my brakes, wheel spacers and shocks and I am so beyond thrilled! My car has NEVER driven this well before and Franklin took the time to explain what I needed and why! I am so happy with the work done on my car and I will definitely be coming back for all my car needs!! Look no further for a reliable and trustworthy mechanic!! Franklin is your guy!! read more

I had a "Squeal" coming from my front end as I drove up the hill. Took it to Phil's as the noise had become so loud and constant, I did not feel comfortable driving down the hill. When I described the issue, Franklin thought it might be the wheel bearings. The shop was very busy but still checked out the vehicle right away. After fifteen minutes, my vehicle was returned without the squeal. He asked if I had recently had my brakes done (I had). He had to correct what the other shop failed to do and got me on my way! The cost, well let's say it was less then an oil change! I appreciate the shops promptness, knowledge and honesty! THANK YOU!! read more

John, Sandy, and Tony saved Christmas! We hit a big rock on our way up the mountain and they not only fixed our car but stayed late to help us put chains on! Excellent customer service, cozy waiting room with coffee and a fireplace. And best yet, they fixed the car quickly and affordably! Thank you! read more

Phil's Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

John and all the guys at Phil's auto are very helpful and kind!!! I hate having to deal with car problems and usually have a terrible experience but everyone at Phil's made me feel like everything was going to be okay and were so nice :) if you're in Big Bear this is the shop to go to for all your car needs, you will be well taken care of! read more

My truck broke down on our way up the mountain. I was able to maneuver to our cabin but then it completely died. AAA towed it to Phil's Automotive and I was rapidly "on the road again." The folks there are professional, courteous, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. I will not hesitate to go to Phil's if I ever need vehicle service again !! THANX ALOT !! read more

Great Experience. Phils is very professional, friendly, helpful, explained everything, and really fast on the job.

So your telling me CarMax mechanists more qualified then you to work on My car! Just rude. If you won't work On That kind of car why would you even let me make the appointment. Better be a good old boy or no one to bring with you. It's really disappointing to be treated with such disrespect. I haven't had any one mansplain me like that In Awhile made an appointment for my car telling them the problem as they scoffed at me about my knowledge about my car. Regardless I brought the car in and after diagnosis which is what I said it was. they told me they wouldn't work on my kind of car. That no one in town would. That I'm better off taking it to CarMax when I need repairs . So your telling me CarMax mechanists more qualified then you to work on My car! Just rude. If you won't work On That kind of car why would you even let me make the appointment So the person who responded to this was not who I talked to and yes your people absolutely said that!!!! How dare you try to make my comment illegitimate. Who ever this is answering comments is not involved in the business in any way!!!!!! Also pay attention to who they say the owner is! In many comments it's a different person who conveniently is not available to message read more

Phil's Automotive does honest reliable work, and we could not be happier with the service received. My husband and I have older vehicles, approaching 20 years, and have recently encountered many issues all of which was fixed quickly and for a reasonable price. Phil's Automotive even fixed the lights on my old horse trailer. Highly recommend this shop!! read more

These guys have been servicing my 2017 Cherokee Trailhawk for four years. Recently I developed a slow leak in the passenger front tire. I brought it to them w/o notice on two separate occasions. They fit me in immediately and searched for the leak to no avail both times, even changed the valve stem just in case. With 62,000 miles on the original mfr tire, the technician told me I probably should consider replacing the tire. I went in to discuss my options with John, the manager. He took one look at the tire and said that it was still in good shape and I shouldn't need to replace it. He asked me to leave the truck with them for the day and HE would find the leak. And find it he did! Thank you John! You already had my business and now you have my loyalty! read more

My car broke down unexpectedly and of course, panic ensued as I didn't want to get stuck in Big Bear with an impending storm approaching. John understood my situation and rushed to take a look at my car, despite his overload of pending work orders. He was super thorough and detailed in diagnosing my issues and advising the next steps. I would highly recommend Phil's Auto for anyone needing service and you can trust he will get the job done right! read more