We're a family of 6 from out of state on our way from Oceanside to Anaheim for a funfilled day at Disney. Unfortunately, instead we found ourselves broken down on the 5. Thankfully we could drive our van enough to get off at the next exit. After a quick Google search we found that we were only .2 miles from an auto shop but they didn't open for an hour. We pulled up anyway ready to kill some time until they opened. Just after a few minutes they saw we were there and came over to see what they could do for us. They not only opened early for us but also prioritized us and even offered to let us use a loaner car free of charge to continue on to Disneyland. We didn't go that route because they were so quick at diagnosing and fixing the problem. They were super thorough and insanely competent when diagnosing and fixing the issue. They knew what was wrong in record time and knew they could fix it and that was super comforting to us. They treated us like family from the very first moment we arrived. Everyone there was kind and made sure we were comfortable as we waited. We were back on our way in 2 hours. They literally saved our vacation! And we are truly grateful for their "old school" service. It's not every day you find such a treasure. We were super lucky we broke down where we did and had such a smooth experience that could have easily been a nightmare. Wish we had a mechanic/auto shop like them where we lived. Everyone needs a San Clemente Auto Shop in their lives. read more

Honest, Skilled, and Reliable -- The Best Mechanics in Town! I can't say enough good things about Tom and his team at San Clemente Auto Service. It's rare these days to find a shop that checks every box: expertise, clear communication, transparency, and genuine care for their customers, but these guys absolutely do. From the moment I brought my car in, Tom took the time to explain everything in detail, breaking down what needed immediate attention and what could wait. There was never any pressure, just honest advice and clear explanations that made me feel confident in every decision. Their technical knowledge is top-notch. My car runs smoother than it has in years, and they diagnosed an issue that two other shops couldn't figure out. Beyond that, their pricing is fair and transparent -- no hidden fees, no surprises. What really stands out, though, is their integrity. You can tell Tom genuinely cares about his customers and takes pride in doing things the right way. It's refreshing to find a mechanic you can truly trust. If you're looking for expert service, open communication, and people who actually have your best interests at heart, San Clemente Auto Service is the place to go. Thanks again, Tom and team -- you've got a lifelong customer here! read more

I brought my 2016 Hyundai Hybrid in for a bad coil. I had previously had a bad coil replaced through Jiffy Lube. This being the second coil in just a few months, I asked Tom to go ahead and switch out the remaining 3 coils and spark plugs so I didn't run into this same problem in a few months. He ordered my parts right away and was happy to change them out while my dog and I waited. During that process, he noticed a cap missing on my radiator overflow, which was misplaced during an oil change at the dealer. When I pointed out the missing cap to the dealer, they denied losing it and wanted $104 to replace it. I repaired it myself with a plastic bag and rubber band. Tom had one of his guys run to the auto parts store and get me one for 6 bucks. What a good guy. All done at a really reasonable rate. Will use this service center for all my auto repair needs. Thanks so much for a good job that wasn't overpriced. Sherie read more

I took my Jaguar in because a filter that regulated the temperature on the catalytic converter was bad and wouldn't pass the smog test. Took it here on a recommendation. Tom said my water pump was cracked. I didn't notice anything but he took a pic and texted it. He replaced the water pump and filter. $1,500 later, passed the smog test and the check engine light was off. A week later. The light came on again. So I took it to a mechanic down the street. The filter that had been installed was an aftermarket part and had already lost its connection. A couple weeks later, there was steam coming from under the hood when I drove for a bit. I took it to a Jaguar specialist. There was a loose gasket to the water pump which was, of course, an aftermarket pump. Now I have several leaks and it's a $2,200 fix. If I'd have avoided this place, it would have saved me a few thousand dollars. read more

I highly recommend San Clemente Auto Service. I was driving through town and my skid plate ripped off my 2018 Audi. I did a shotty patch job to make it to my house and called them in the morning, hoping they would take a quick look. I had already called Audi and 2 other shops, all said they couldn't estimate the costs for a diagnostics and suggested I call someone else. The team at San Clemente Auto told me to head over and they would take a look for free. They helped me secure the skid plate for the rest of my roadtrip, told me what I need to do to fix it myself (and save a ton of $$) and gave me all the peace of mind needed to get back on the road. They did this all for free. 5 guys were looking at my car, a 360 check, all for free. I truly appreciate their help and highly recommend using them for their services. read more

I feel so lucky that I found Tom and the San Clemente Auto Service shop!!! Every time I go by for something, Tom immediately helps me. He is so kind, generous, friendly and trustworthy. I've been screwed by plenty of mechanics over the years, and it feels amazing to have finally found someone who just wants to help, quickly and efficiently without adding on any more unnecessary work just for an extra buck. He has double checked work that I did by myself on my car, he has helped me to pass a smog test, and to top it off- he is always in a good mood! It is quite refreshing to find such a great mechanic. Highly recommend Tom to anyone with car issues!! He is my go-to man for anything that comes up. Thanks Tom! read more

My Lexus started having an issue with no power, flooring it got me just over 20 mph! That was on a Sunday of course, so 1st thing Monday I called Tom at San Clemente Auto, described the problem & he said I could bring it in immediately & they would run a diagnostic. Found it was the sensor for the gas throttle. They ordered the part, replaced, & we found that it started doing the same thing. There is a 2nd sensor, which they had ordered but hoped wouldn't be needed. They replaced that one, didn't charge me for added labor & had my car back to me later that day. They are very professional, courteous, & considerate of my time & cost of maintaining an older car. Thank you so much for the great work! read more

This business is the most service oriented auto center I have ever visited... Tom will go out of his way to help you. I was stranded on my way to baja for a camping vacation. The culprit was a faulty drivetrain... Tom did not have the proper equipment to service my vehicle since it was a huge camper but he went out of his way to get me help. Something I don't believe to many auto service shops would do. As soon as these later outfits would realize that their is no real business for them, I believe, these outfits would just tell you that you are out of luck... Not Tom, he arranged help for me that took time and effort eventually getting me out of a truly bad situation.... What a guy!!!! read more

I have nothing but praise for Tom and the rest of the team at San Clemente Auto Service. Briefly, I got stuck on the freeway and was towed to San Clemente Auto Service. They kindly took care of my car, gave me bad news about it, and gave me a break on their service. I was so impressed with their diagnosis, service, fair prices and kindness. I would recommend them for any and all auto services needed. I only wish I lived in San Clemente so that I could use them all the time. (I am an hour away.) I feel fortunate that they were the closest tow to where I had been stuck. Thank you Tom and your staff. read more

Yesterday I had an emergency tire blow out on a drive back to LA from San Diego. Luckily, when I pulled off the freeway, San Clemente Auto Service was right in front of me. Tom (the owner) was super nice. He helped me figure out the issue with the my tire. Newer cars only have run flat tires and no spares (my destination was too far away to test it on the run flat). He didn't have the tire I needed in stock, but helped me find the closest location of a shop that could service the car and get me back on the road. Very thankful that nice people like Tom still exist in this world! read more

I met Craig and his pitty bulldog mix at the dog park in dana. i was in search of a new mechanic. about a month later my car shit out on me. took it to them and every single guy there art, tom, craig, and ai met another guy but they were all very honest and nice. and as a woman i feel like it's hard to find a mechanics that don't try to finesse you. but these men were all very genuine and honest, and communicative. tom is the owner and the loveliest experience i've ever had with a mechanic. go here !!!! i have a grand jeep cherokee btw and they were able to work on it. read more

On the morning of our wedding, we noticed our tire pressure was dangerously low. We stopped by this shop hoping for a quick fix--and they completely saved the day! The team was incredibly kind, efficient, and welcoming. They fixed our tires right away, had us back on the road within minutes, and didn't even charge us. We were blown away by their generosity. It's rare to find service this genuine. These are honest, hard-working people who truly care. We'll never forget their kindness on such an important day. Highly, highly recommend! read more

A Good Samaritan: Tom, the owner of San Clemente Auto Service, was kind enough to let us in only 20 minutes from closing, and although he works on a different make of cars than ours. He fixed our car in a matter of minutes and got us back on the road in no time. Tom did not want us to pay the bill, although until the last minute he treated us like any paying customer, with utmost respect and professionalism. I recomend the services of this kind gentleman on the basis of fast service, technical competence and a rare kind heart! read more

I am new to the area and needed to get my front brakes replaced on my Lexus CT 200h. I called and spoke with Tom the owner and was pleasantly surprised to find Tom very responsive and he was able to get me in right away. Once there I found him and his staff to be super very friendly and quick! It is extremely rare now a days to find excellent customer service but I found it with San Clemente Auto Service! I will definitely be a repeat customer and I will be recommending Tom's Business to all my Friends! read more

After finding Tom and his company San Clemente Auto Service. He is the only one that I will go to when I need help with my automobiles. Tom is very knowledgeable, kind, generous and most importantly trustworthy. The service that Tom provides is very efficient and done quickly! If you are looking for the best in auto service, someone that you can trust, and that provides amazing customer service. I highly recommend Tom and his team at San Clemente Auto Service! Thank you Tom! read more

I was having trouble with my battery and needed a new one. I called at closing time and told them my situation and they told me to come right in to asses the the battery. As soon as I got there, I was immediately greeted with assistance. They all went above and beyond to help me and changed out my battery for me right then and there even though it was closing time! I am so thankful for their kindness! read more

Best experience! This team was so wonderful, they took the time out of their busy day to talk with me about what was going on with my car, went above and beyond fixing it and literally turned it around THAT same morning I called and brought it in. Tom was so personable and funny too, great jokes thank you San Clemente Auto for bringing my car back to life and making the experience enjoyable and easy! read more

Left the oil cap off when I left San Diego and stopped in San Clemente and stumbled upon these guys. Asked them if they had a cap in stock and three extremely helpful and knowledgeable guys helped find my cap inside my engine, checked my oil and fluids and didn't give me a hard time about my mistake. Tried to tip them and they politely declined, so to those super nice guys, thank you! read more

I was on my way home to Los Angeles and my front end shield underneath was destroyed and dragging from something I ran over. I pulled off the freeway and I'm so thankful I did! Tom and his staff were so incredibly kind and so nice to offer to fix it for me. They all stopped what they were doing to help me. I'm so grateful for their kindness and I highly recommend them! read more