I had Ray's do some engine work and radiator replacement on a newly-purchased (with a heavy discount due to known issues) 2002 Santa Fe a while ago, and was totally pleased with the outcome. They even took care of having the smog certificate issued and smoothed the way for me to get the vehicle registered. I've had two later occasions to have them look at a couple of unrelated issues (hood wouldn't release and rear glass hinge was crooked), and they fixed the issues in 10 minutes while I waited and refused to charge me for the labor. The business gets my highest rating for quality work and friendly service at very reasonable rates. I'd go higher than five stars if I could! read more

Ray fixed my truck window. They also worked with my warranty company. Thanks for a great fast job. read more

Ray's Old Town Auto & Muffler - Auto Repair Near Me - Eureka, California

We are moving to just north of Eureka in 4 months, and we as much more confident about doing so now that we have found a mechanic as caring and honest as Ray! We have been a full-time RV family for 4 years now, and the truck pulling our travel trailer home MUST stay in great working order, so when a CHECK ENGINE light comes on when we are traveling, we don't hesitate to take it in. This time it happened on our last day of travel, right before we were scheduled to head back to home back 1500 miles away to get our boys back to school. What was beginning to be a very anxious experience quickly because a FANTASTIC one, as I met Ray, described our situation, he listened thoughtfully, and immediately took care of me HIMSELF, first by talking to me calmly and rationally, and then by checking the computer code, clearing the code, seeing it didn't come back on, then describing in detail why the light came on and how a fix of several hundred dollars COULD be explored, but wasn't necessary for me and my family's safety. He even was going to get us up on the rack and fixed THAT morning, but we decided to wait, and felt comfortable doing so. I have met mechanics who would have done much of the same as Ray, but pushed for us to get the repair to get the sale, not hearing or not caring that money was tight for us at the moment, and waiting would be better for us. Some wouldn't have made time so quickly at all, and some just wouldn't be as kind and considerate. Oh! And Ray didn't charge us for the information and time! I joked early on that finding a good mechanics and a good pizza place are the two essentials when moving to a new town. Instead of charging, Ray said to just make him our new mechanic when we move there in June. We ABSOLUTELY are going to do so. THANKS, RAY!!!! read more

I am long time overdue in writing our review for Ray's Old Town Auto & Muffler in Eureka. We feel so blessed to have found Ray when our truck broke down just a short distance north of Eureka, CA this past September (2024). We HIGHLY recommend Ray's shop to anyone looking for a really, really great Auto Repair shop!!! Here's our wordy 'Back story': We had just started out on our much planned and highly anticipated several week vacation to Oregon & Washington, making the trip basically staying on 101 for most of our trip. However, we had to make some adjustments to our carefully planned trip when on the morning of Day 3, just 341 miles from our home, our 2008 Chevy 2500HD Duramax Diesel 4WD Crew Cab broke down about 24 miles north of Eureka. After calling AAA and then getting several numbers for auto repair places around the Eureka area, I started calling around. Most all the shops were fully booked but a couple did tell me that they could 'POSSIBLY look at it' the following week. (This was on a Thursday.) Luckily, I then realized that I had accidently drawn through my notation of Ray's Old Town Auto when I was crossing off one of the other shops. It was the last number I had to call. I called there and Ray was the one who answered and he said he could look at it the next day and he was pretty certain of the tow company AAA would send out (and he was right, it was "Buddy's) and that by the time they got to us, his shop would be closed, but that the tow guys would lock our truck in their yard and then drop it at Ray's the next day. The next morning, Ray called us to let us know what he found the problem was ... the brand-new Napa Steering Box that had just been replaced a few weeks before we left on our trip (by our now former auto repair shop in Grass Valley) had totally failed. (We weren't surprised as by then it literally was pouring out steering fluid as quickly as my husband put it in.) Ray was awesome!!! He told us the issue and said he could replace it with another Napa Steering Box if we wanted, BUT, while they were fine for the 1500 trucks, he had come to realized that they often do not last in the 2500's and above. He recommended a different one but it would have to be ordered from Portland, so if we opted for that one, it likely wouldn't be installed in our truck until Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week at the earliest. Since the Napa one that had just been installed a few weeks prior had failed with less than 500 miles on it, and the prior Napa one installed by the same shop in Grass Valley had only lasted 7,136 miles, we opted for the one Ray recommended even though it would delay us getting back on the road a few days. Thankfully, the part came in quickly from Portland and Ray was able to get it installed and the truck fully checked out and ready for us to pick up by Tuesday afternoon and we were able to get back on the road to continue on our trip the following morning. Granted, I did have to cancel a few of our reservations and find new campground bookings to speed our trip along a bit in order to make our reservation for the Port Townsend Ferry to get us to Whidbey Island in Washington, but Ray's immediate willingness to work our truck into his schedule to get us back on the road as quickly as possible sure helped to keep our planned trip a reality. We HIGHLY recommend his shop as Ray went out of his way to help us and he truly knows his stuff! (By reviews on Google, it looks like he has assisted many a stranded traveler!) He is very knowledgeable, tells you like it is and is a truly honest and trustworthy business owner. Turns out he is the Duramax Pro in his shop and has worked on them for many, many years. (He has similar quality guys who specialize with the Dodges, Fords and such that come into his shops.) Ray even went way and beyond when he offered his assistance with getting our trailer moved out of the Holiday Inn parking lot (where we were parked for 2 nights) and moved up to the Emerald Forest Cabins & RV park in Trinidad. Thank you Ray!! We only wish we lived closer to him as we would love to have him as our new GO-TO guy to keep our awesome truck in great shape! Actually, If we have things we want or need done on our truck that we can plan ahead for, we may just decide to tow our trailer over there to camp again and leave our truck in Ray's very capable and honest hands! NOTE: If you need a tow while in the area, we also highly recommend Buddy's Auto Care (AAA sent them out to us). They sent a flatbed for our truck and a second truck to take our trailer, our dog, and the two of us to the Holiday Inn in Eureka, who had graciously agreed to let us have it parked in their parking lot. read more

Ray's Old Town Auto & Muffler - Auto Repair Near Me - Eureka, California

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Ray solved it! We were typical travelers in need, dead battery, etc. far from home. Needed a voltage check and a small things. Ray came out personally and heard my "tale of woe" and said: "Pop the Hood!" 10 minutes later we were on the way again and Ray wouldn't take a dime!! Friendly, quick, efficient. A couple of his team came over to help get us on our way. If I lived in Eureka, Ray would be my "go to" guy! Thanks again Ray! read more

Eureka was the land of friendly but busy mechanics for us. But Ray came through for us - even though he owns two garages and was in the phone trouble shooting other jobs while attending to us. Our van has been vibrating on the road - we are headed North traveling from Mexico to Canada and we didn't have a day to wait for other mechanics to look at it. We called Ray the day before we expected to be in Eureka and he was the only one who gave us an appointment. It use to be mechanics would help you if they knew you were living on the road traveling - regardless of they were busy. Thank goodness Ray still cares! He took the time to test run the van with me unexpectedly in the back. Scared the crap out of him when he jumped in to test drive LOL He took good care of us and our van and sent us on our way. A very skilled, reliable and knowledgeable mechanic. read more

What a GREAT organization. We drive a large motorhome and had a exhaust issue. Ray and his team got us in and made the repairs in a timely fashion and at a reasonable price! I would strongly recommend this shop for your service needs. read more

After I thought I could trust this place, I found out otherwise. My car dome lights never shut off automatically like they always had before, after getting different things fixed here in early 2023. I was very upset but was unable to deal with this issue on top of many other things going on. So, I turned the dome lights off and forgot about them. Later in 2023, I drove to Marin County for a death in the family. When packing up to leave for home at 5 a.m. it was still dark, and I remembered the dome light had not come on automatically since I got a few things fixed at Ray's Old Town Auto, including a new battery installed. I called Rays Old Town Auto and told them again that the dome lights never shut off automatically after the battery was installed. They said bring in it and they will take a look. At the front desk, I specifically said this has not worked since I had my car here but had turned the dome lights off and forgot about it. I added that if it was an easy fix at no charge to me, that would be good. After waiting and seeing nobody was working on my car, and then seeing that my car was being pulled into a garage after more than a half hour. For what, I did not know. Then, they finally came to the office and had the audacity to tell me they did a diagnostic (without my consent) and that I would have to pay for that, when I had specifically said NOT to do anything without my consent. Plus, they did not find the problem. In addition, they said that it would cost ME more money to find the problem. When I said again, I did not authorize any charge and that I had asked the front guy at the desk to be told if there was going to be any charge the other guy said: "ALWAYS EXPECT A CHARGE WHENEVER YOU BRING YOUR CAR IN!" Oh, I thought to myself, one must pay even to fix something that was working before I brought my car here to fix a few things? Well, I wanted to scream at both of them but just left, never to return again. Needless to say, I turned the dome light back off and will turn the inside dome light on if I ever need it as in having to load my car again when it is dark, then turn the dome lights back off. My stare of anger I gave him due to this poor treatment of me could be cut with a knife. read more

I want to thank Ray and his team for helping me with my Camaro. I had driven up to visit my daughter in Eureka from L.A. County. Within a couple of days of arriving, I had an issue with my car. I called Ray's Old Town Auto the next morning. I spoke to Ray and he was able to check out my car and diagnose the problem that afternoon. He went above and beyond to help an out-of-towner. I was able to drive home with peace of mind. Thanks again to Ray and his team! read more

Willing to go the extra mile to try and understand a problem and devise a solution for me. That means a lot.

If you're looking for an honest, reasonably priced mechanic, look elsewhere. Because this place is a rip off. I took my Subaru there for alignment and tire rotation. The car ended up needing only minor adjustments to the alignment. They charged me $145 because it's all-wheel drive. I've been driving all-wheel drive vehicles my entire life, and no mechanic has ever charged me this much. I typically payed $75. On top of that, they charged me $10 for the tire rotation (when they barely had to align my car!). This service is typically included with the alignment. I'm never taking my car here again. And I'm certainly never referring anyone here. read more

I was having issues with my car. Didn't have an appointment but when I showed up, Ray and his team took care of me right away. They have excellent service and quality work. read more

My car has been there for almost three years. Now it is scratched.I would never recommend contis

We were traveling through Eureka to SF when our water pump went out. Ray agreed to look at our van (after probably 5 or 6 other places we called said they couldn't help us) and he fixed everything quickly and professionally. Thank you! read more

Zero stars, I had shitty service and had waited for an Appointment that I made last week and was told it should only take an hour and a half. But when I came back to check on my car after an hour and 15 minutes is still hadn't even been touched. Not to mention the employee doesn't even wear a mask during Covid. I hadn't received a phone call or anything despite them knowing I had to be at work soon they hadn't even called me to tell me they hadn't touched my car. Shitty service and treatment overall. I would not recommend. read more

These guys are the best! Twice I was stranded with my RV breaking down and they problem-solved with great expertise, made repairs quickly (even though they were super busy, they knew I needed to get back on the road so they made time for me!), and charged a fair price. I live in L.A., and I just wish I had someone closer to home with as much skill as these guys. Couldn't be happier with the customer service and quality of work! Nice family business as well. Thank you guys! read more

charged me over three hundred dollars to do a patch of welding on my muffler...a patch the size of a wrist watch. I know a welder, it doesn't take that long or cost that much! such a freaking rip off! never again! read more

What a guy! Stopped near here and discovered problem with our Santa Fe but everyone in town was booked. He was swamped too, taking care of five things at a time but still test drove the vehicle, diagnosed it, and called ahead somewhere else for them to expect us! read more

My husband broke down last night in Eureka, 12 hours from home and towing our 5th wheel on his way to a job in Oregon. After a phone call to me in the middle of the night, I gave him a few contacts. Unfortunately, they were not able to help but referred him to Ray's. Ray's assessed the problem immediately AND had the part! He was out of there in less than 3 hours and on the road with some advice to change out a few more things when he gets home but, he should be fine in the meantime. My husband works on our vehicles and has built race engines most of his adult life so, he knows what he's doing but, not when your tools are at home and inaccessible :) He could not say enough about the mechanics at Ray's ( and you would have to know him to know that does not happen offten) and I am one happy wife that he and the truck are OK and headed to their destination read more

Ray saved the day for us. We got stranded on the 101 with my wife and four kids thinking our transmission had gone. Turns out it was a clogged exhaust! I told Ray about our tough situation and he fit us in right away and got us back on the road within 2 hours. Thanks man! I really enjoyed meeting you and your charming staff read more

We had brake trouble during a road trip vacation. Ray managed to fit us in and fix our brakes in the same day. Ray and his team saved our vacation, and we're very happy with the work. Highly recommend. read more

Ray came to my rescue when I was in desperate need for a window motor/regulator repair. I am in town only a few days every few months, and the window in my pickup truck was stuck fully open. I needed a place that could and would fix this within 1-2 days. Ray's was recommended to me by a car glass shop, and I called to explain my dilemma. Ray was willing to squeeze me in for the next morning, even though they were fully booked. When I got there, he personally got to work on it, and he already had the correct replacement part in hand by the time I arrived. After a couple of hours, it was all done and worked great. I do not know what I would have done without Ray. I got one of his T-shirts and happily wear it to advertise his helpful service. I will always go there with my truck going forward. read more

The best mechanic experience I've ever had. It's so frustrating when something goes wrong with your vehicle, but Rays made it manageable. I busted out my oil pan and tore something else out of the undercarriage. They got the job done and did it well. Also the customer service is exceptional, always felt like I was being treated fairly and compassionately. If I lived in California, I would go back there every time! Thank you guys for making things so Wonderful! :) read more

Good guy's stopped by with my 1954 Chevrolet Truck and it needs a new exhaust system and they said no problem they can replace the old one , Just need one day to work on it , And I'd be back on the road Thank you so much , Friendly employees read more

I had the fuel pump go out on my car and it wouldn't start. I had it towed to Old Town Auto and Muffler and Ray called me saying no one in Eureka had the part and would have to order through some company down south that may take three days to get here. Once I told him to get the part coming, he told me he'd have the part the next day and the work was done by noon the next day. When I got my bill, I looked up the part number online and found that he had charged me more than twice what the part was worth and that the part was a part O'Reilly's could get in 24 hours. He may be timely and have fair/good labor prices, but watch out for how much he charges on parts. read more

I had some exhaust work done on my Toyota a few months ago and when I got it back I noticed they had put the wrong size pipe on due to a miscommunication. When I finally brought it back to Ray a few months later he put the correct size on. He even did a few other things free of charge to make up for the mistake. I will definitely be coming here for exhaust work from now on. read more

This review is tardy, but these guys saved my bacon a couple years ago. We were headed home after a weekend visit in Eureka when the radiator blew going up Lord Ellis. Ray's got us in first thing on a Monday morning and replaced the radiator at a fair price and got us back on the road. Thanks. read more

So disappointed... I paid $1400 for exhaust and a fuel pump. When I picked up my car there was a huge dent in the door the paint chipping was fresh and Ray tried to say it was like that..BS this is an 89 camero it would have rusted within two days this was so obviously a fresh dent.. So two days later all my gas leaked out.. More like dumped out!!! I was stranded!!! They wanted me to pay for a tow truck... I made them pay for it this was not my fault!!! Later they called that my car was done I want to get it and I asked about replacing the full tank of gas since it was there mistake .... The didn't tight a fuel line to the filter.. I was handed $5 and a gas can and told to walk to the gas station!!!! After spending $1400 cash a dent in my door and missing work, stranded on the highway... I have never met a worse mechanics shop... Absolutely horrible service read more

He changed all of the coolant hoses on my car. He even replaced those little plastic clips that hold the hoses in place. My other mechanic didn't do that. He charged a bit of money but, the work was solid and it was completed in a timely manner. I would go back here again. read more

I had a problem with my serpentine belt squealing. It was last-minute, but my hunny stopped by Ray's to see if they could fix it that day. They were busy that day, but I was able to get in the next day. The staff was very friendly and they did not take long to replace the belt. Ray even explained what the staff did and if any future problems arise. Reasonable prices, too. You betcha bottom dollar I will give Ray and his staff my business again. I don't trust anyone with my vehicle, but Ray's Old Town is the exception to the rule. Five Stars. read more

When I called I was quoted one price from custom exhaust system of $650 to $800 and was told my job would be completed within 1 day. So, I made my appointment over a week in advance and was set to go in. However, when I dropped off my vehicle the price was suddenly doubled to $1,100 and the time estimate was doubled as well. They even used rusty parts, when I protested the used rusty parts they argued with me and eventually corrected the parts. However the price was then increased yet again to over $1,300. The owner is not trust worthy and buyer please beware. Please don't let them take advantage of you like they did me. WORST SERVICE EVER!! read more

We had an exhaust leak. Ray was able to fabricate a repair on our Odyssey for us at a fraction of what it would have cost us at a dealer. He was able to fit us in quickly too. I will definitely use him for future repairs. Thanks for a great job! read more

A few weeks ago, I brought my truck to them due to an ignition wiring issue. They got back to me via phone in good time with the issue at hand. Ray even spoke with me personally on the phone. What was impressed upon me the most was the extra work they did to save me money. Six months previous I had my wiring issue tended to at another shop. Well, Ray's Auto called and spoke with this shop and found out where my part was bought. He then spoke with that auto part place and got my replacement part under warranty. I have not, up until this point, ever had a shop go out of their way to save me money. Ray's did though. And then he went in there and fixed the part the right way, as opposed to rewiring it incorrectly again. Then today I noticed something else he did. I went to a tire shop (that shall also remain nameless) in town about 6-8 months ago and had my tires rotated. The rotation was successful but they did not screw all my lug nuts back on properly and 2 lugs came off of the same wheel. Today, I did a walk around my truck and noticed that two lugs had been put back on my wheel, where they were previously missing. Ray is the only one that has done anything with my truck since the last time I looked at my missing lug dilemma. He never mentioned that he fixed that for me... he never even charged me. He just did it because, well... he's amazing like that. Anyway, I am so grateful for his honest work and for going above and beyond what a "normal" business would do. His work ethic is unlike anything I have ever experienced in the world of auto repair. I will definitely be a repeat offender with his shop and any of my auto repair needs. read more