This place is amazing. They were able to help my mom get a new catalytic converter on a old truck and because of their hard work, my mom's truck passed smog and we are so very thankful to this garage for going above and beyond to help my mom! read more

Marcelino is amazing. He fixed what other shops said could not be fixed. Super fair price and he is just a really nice guy.

I paid over $5000 for a new transmission and alternator for my mini van and exactly one year later needed both replaced again. They declined to replace under any type of warranty. I should've known not to bring my car here to begin with because We had previous issues with them on another one of our cars. It was sitting in their garage for months and months. We kept getting the run around and empty promises. Until one day we showed up to demand the car back with the services to be finally done only to find there was a sleeping bag inside of it, looked like someone had been sleeping inside and there was random junk all on top of our vehicle. Do yourself a favor and stay far away from this place. This has caused a lot of stress on our family. read more

See all

While installing a coil pack and plugs, the mechanic over-torqued the bolt on the intake manifold, cracking and ruining it. I took my vehicle to a different shop to be repaired, as I no longer trust Skelley's to do a good repair job. read more

Marcelino runs his shop the old fashioned way, and I mean that in a good way. He'll diagnose your car for free, recommend a repair where necessary, and quote a fair price. He keeps everything written down on pen and paper, and is an honest guy who takes his work seriously. After getting some pricey quotes from the dealer, I purchased my own parts and brought them to Skelley's. They operate efficiently and got the repairs done that same day. Highly recommend. read more

This shop is a hot mess. Very unprofessional. You should know before you use them that they'll leave your car on the public street for weeks. If you have an unregistered tag or it's left 72 hours, neighborhood watch will monitor and report to city for tow. Their shop is a total mess and they are too expensive. Use a Better option: use Henry's radiator and auto repair on El Cajon Blvd . They have a locked parking lot, they are efficient, customer service oriented, professional and inexpensive. You'll be satisfied. Stop using Skelley's. read more

Tony and his team really care about their customers and getting the job done. They are honest, trustworthy, and reliable. As a single woman, when I go to a mechanic I normally am met with someone who belittles and speaks down to me - or someone who tries to over charge me their normal prices. I was so happy to find that I was well respected here! A client of mine referred me here, and I made an appointment for them to check out the issue. The mechanic spent 30-45min test driving my car and fixing the issue (uneven tire pressure) and then didn't charge me anything! They said they did not fix anything so no charge, and wouldn't take my cash tip. Literally, I begged them to take my money and they wouldn't. Just asked me to choose them again when I have an actual problem to fix. Well, I will definitely be back (hopefully not any time soon) and recommend this mechanic to everyone - especially woman who are not looking to be overcharged and deal with the normal side remark. read more

Kelley's Garage worked great for me. I was a bit hesitant looking at the place but Marco gave me a good price to do front end brakes and said he would get it done in the same day. He did and gave me a better price than originally quoted. He has my return business from now on! read more

If you're in need of an honest & good natured mechanic, look no further. I will definitely go to Skelley's again if I have car problems

Not only is the staff friendly, they get your car done in a timely manner for an affordable price. Came here recently for a window regulator and I paid half the price that the dealer was going to charge. Highly recommend! read more

Marcelino and his team provide excellent service. They do not overcharge for any services. The got all the parts needed from the manufacturer and were transparent about the labor, all prior to working on my car. This is a family owned and operated business, supporting local is the best choice. read more

Marcelino has taken care of multiple vehicles for me personally, and has also helped family members on short notice while visiting the area. He is kind, honest and gets the job done as quickly as possible. Multiple diagnostics with no charge - fair prices when work is needed. All around honest and the guy knows cars! read more

Good service I do recommend this shop I have been coming for for a year won't be taking my truck to the dealer anymore

Excellent automotive service. I was referred to Marcelino from a long time customer and he was right. These guys are great!!!! I have a 2011 Ford Focus, came in with an oil leak, Marcelino went right to the problem finding a leaking valve cover gasket. The Ford dealer wanted $225 just to find the problem. So it was a one day service, and they cleaned my engine too. The rates were reasonable and my car runs great!!!! I will be back for regular service and maintenance. read more

Many of the reviews here are endorsing Marcelino and the team for being honest and fair. I can't speak to their experiences, but I just saved approximately $245 today by **NOT** having my car serviced here. Instead I went to N & N's down the street which did the job for 57% cheaper!!! I'm absolutely livid right now! The diagnostic test on my car came back with one of my cylinders misfiring, which calls for a simple replacement of only 1 spark and coil. Marcelino told me that I needed 2 sparks and 2 coils replaced and gave me an estimate of $430 (N & N's charged me $180). Only one of my cylinders was misfiring, so why do I need an extra spark and coil??? Oh and he even had the audacity to offer me a student discount of 10% which shaves off $43. Big whoop, that still gives him a shady net gain of $387 from me. Really?? He's going to acknowledge the fact that I'm still a student that probably can't even afford this service, yet continues to try and rip me off. The fact that many other people have been coming here for years on account of honesty, and that I just had an experience to suggest otherwise, goes to show that not all mechanics can be trusted just because a few people say so. I always tell my friends to GET SECOND OPINIONS, even thirds. Don't always trust peoples' reviews on yelp either. read more

Skelley's Garage - shady business - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been going to Skelley's Garage since 2006, it's now time to leave, and this is why: I have a new to me used 99' Chevy Astrovan. It's a replacement for my 94' Astrovan that was involved in a stolen car accident. The insurance company totalled it out, even though it ran fine, and I GAVE it to Marcelino, since the insurance company sent me more than enough money to replace it. I took the 99' into Skelley's, and gave Marcelino a list of what I wanted done to it. including replacing the windshield wipers. When I went to pick it up, Marcelino wasn't there, and Tony asked me if I wanted to pay. I said, "of course," but where's my invoice so I know how much to pay. Well, he couldn't find it, so he said, "just come in and talk to Marcelino." In addition, on the outside of the driver's side there was what looked like someone spilled a cup of coffee or soda down the side of it, and greasy fingerprints. When I got into it, I noticed that a $1 coin was missing from the dashboard, there was grease all over the driver's side floor mat (no paper mat was used), a small, hard plastic container that is kept between the seats to use to keep miscellaneous stuff in, was not only just thrown into the back of the van, but a chunk was broken out of it. I went in again, and Marcelino also couldn't find the invoice. When I addressed the above situation with him, all he said was, "really, the guy that worked on your van is in the hospital." Another customer then came in, and he left me to talk to the other customer (which he has a habit of doing). It's not the first time that he's left me in the office (waiting two hours or more to talk to him about repairs), so this time I just walked out the door, and will never return. Due to all of this, I assumed that there was no work was done to my van at all, with the exception of replacing the windshield wipers. In addition to Tony and Roman working there for a long time, he has had a succession of young guys working on vehicles, not doing a very good job, hence the work has gone downhill. No invoice, no payment. It's time to find a new mechanic, and I'm sure that there are plenty of them out there that will be more than happy to have my money, do the repair work as requested, have my van ready, repaired, and an invoice waiting for me with a total. So long Marcelino, it's time to go. read more

Three stars for taking me at the last minute when my car was broken down and finishing up very quickly and in a courteous manner. Maybe Melanie is a family friend and that was why she did not get charged for a diagnostic. My battery was dead, plain and simple, I did not need to get charged 90.00 bones, count them 90.00 folks for a diagnostic. This is the same price as a Honda Dealer would charge, also Baron's Foreign Car Service and Tom Masters, both VERY, VERY expensive auto repair shops. Here is the break down: Labor charge standard: 75.00 - you can get cheaper, around 55.00 elsewhere. Battery: 4.78 Diagnostic: 90.00 !!!! cr*p They are approximately 2.2 miles from my house. I will use them in an emergency situation only due to close proximity and Marcelino is nice. Otherwise, I will continue my search for a reasonably priced shop who does good service - I have a freakn' Honda Civic, not a Jag..should be easy. read more

Open Saturday: check and happily took my car, called when it was ready. Evaluated the problem and gave me a fix they found appropriate: check. Discussed it all with me and gave me instructions in case it happens again: check. Excellent experience. Dropping them a star for telling me to "just come in" when I called to ask them if getting a particular part in advance was a problem, "no," meant, "yes," but we worked it out. Their fix is still working, and for $13 in experimental gambling fees on a potential bill of 12x that, I'll take it. read more

I recently moved to the area and when unfamiliar sounds started from my car I was wary of finding a mechanic who wouldn't take advantage of me (I know very little about cars). I was recommended Skelley's and they took such good care of me and my Subaru! Marcelino in particular was so attentive and kind to me and helped me solve the problem that would have cost me $100 at the dealership to diagnosis without a penny! I returned later when my check engine light turned on and Marcelino remember3: me and treated me again with awesome service! He assessed the problem quickly and had me on my way for the smallest charge, I felt it necessary to pay him extra. Would recommend to anyone and I'm so happy to find such a trustworthy mechanic. read more

I can't believe that I am the first to review this place! Okay, shady-looking from the outside, but really great people work here and the owner Marcelino is a true gentleman. I always feel like I am being taken advantage of at auto repair shops. I am so grateful that my father forced me to learn basic car repairs so I know when I am being lied to/taken advantage of. I am also grateful that my uncle told me about this place. He has been taking his car here to be reparied for about 15 years, and he has nothing but great things to say about the shop and especially Marcelino. I have never been made to feel stupid or inferior here. I also know that they do great work at a great price, and they get it done fast. I brought my car in in the morning for repairs and had it back by the end of the day. If he can't fix it, he will let you know, and he's also happy to talk you through the repair process. He also won't charge you anything to diagnose a problem. I gave him a long list of things to check on, and he only charged me for the work he actually did, but not the time he spent going over my "honey do" list. Edit 5/20/2008: Okay, I apologize Patti, b/c I have seen the error of my ways. A few weeks ater taking my car in to have the breaks done, I noticed a minor squeaking that just kept getting worse when I was in first gear. I went online to find a recommendation for an auto repair shop and I stopped by Advantec (you should go there!) to have Sean give me the bad news that Skelly's used a low-grade glaze for the breaks and in order to get rid of the noise I would have to re-do the breaks! WTF???!!! Anyhoo, I still really like Marcellino, but don't go here, go visit Sean instead. read more

Everyone here is a professional. They do great work and while they work on my car I can have breakfast at cardamom or lunch at Pete's. Marcelino is a good guy and Roman is a wealth of knowledge. One time I hung out in the garage and ate carne Asada with the Saturday crew. My co-worker Phil recommended them to me and they are who will fix my cars forever. read more

I love this place. I used to live in the neighborhood and I still go there to get all my work done. The prices are very competitive and they are the nicest most honest guys I have ever encountered. I had gone to some of those other discount oil places and they always get you with an imaginary issue. You know, the ones that say, "Your Timing Belt Catheter Intake Valve is shot. If you don't get it fixed today your car will spontaneously combust killing you, your child, your husband who is 10 miles away and a school bus full of deaf children on the way to visit their grandmothers." When you take it to Skelley's they hear that, look at the issue, and reassure you that everything is okay, and they will take care of it without taking you to the cleaners. I've gotten a few different things done there, breaks, oil change, and this one time when my check engine light was on and it wouldn't pass smog, (it was a while ago, I don't remember exactly what the issue was) they fixed it for like $60 and it ran better than before. I will always take my cars here! read more

I'm new to town and was recommended to go to Skelley's due to an AC issue. Wow. What a wonderful garage with truly caring people. Genuinely some of the nicest individuals I've ever met. The service was amazing and I got my car back in a few short hours. You can tell they love what they do and they do not do it for the money. Thank you again! I will 100% be a customer again! read more

I went here for a simple oil change. I decided to try them after several "bait-and-switch" maneuvers at chains like Jiffy Lube (Oil Change- $29.95! But actually $69.95 if you want anything that's safe for your car). The guys at Skelley's gave me a top of the line synthetic oil and filter change in 20 minutes for approximately $40. They were very friendly and helpful. In short, it was good service at a good price, and without the BS that comes from so many other auto places. I will definitely come back. read more

I've been taking my car to Skelly's for the past few years. I used to live in North Park so it was really convenient. I have since moved to UTC but still bring my car here because I can trust this place. I don't know crap about cars and am sometimes worried about being taken advantage of at other places but I have never had that feeling here. As you have read in other reviews, Marcelino is the best. He does a great job of explaining the issues and there are never any problems or hidden costs when it comes to the repairs. Most often Skelly's has the cheapest prices of any place I call for quotes. Their parts are guaranteed by the garage and they actually stand by that. I had something replaced in my brakes and after a while they began wearing down and squeaking. Marcelino checked to see when I had them replaced and since they were within the time frame, he fixed them for free. I haven't any issues getting my car into get fixed and it is always done when quoted. I am very happy with the service I receive here and will continue with it! read more

I tried this place because a friend recommended it. I was told I needed to replace my radiator and front brakes. My brakes seemed fine but I followed their suggestion. The work was quick (about a day) and they even let me make two payments. However, two weeks later, my car is overheating and the "low coolant" light is flashing AND my brakes squeek like crazy. I spent nearly $800 and in the same spot I started. They said they would repair the repair but I shouldn't have to take off work and lose the use of my car. I'll wait to see what happens but I'm not too impressed. The shop is dirty and unorganized and no parking. read more

I love skelley's. I mostly go for oil changes, but last time they also fixed the hood of my car which was loose and rattling everytime I went over 50mph. They did this for free. They've also spotted me a few quarts of oil for free when I was low. I live in the neighborhood - so they're my boys. They also give honest referrals about paint (not to the guys next door), stereos, and tires, and I've had good results with all of their referrals. Sorrry to hear about the brakes situation in the first review, perhaps I'll go to Advantec too! read more

I live near Skelley's and walked over there when my car wouldn't start. they jumped my car and didn't charge because I was a neighbor. They get five stars in my book for being good neighbors. read more

Great service, reasonable prices, honest diagnosis. They do not try to upsell you on services you don't need, which I greatly appreciate and respect. Very friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Marcelina totally took care of my two flat tires and only charged me $20. Although it doesn't look like much it is always busy. Usually places that suck aren't busy and don't have 4 stars so I took a chance. The Navy Exchange garage said my tires needed to be replaced and wouldn't fix the Flats. My tires are fine so I took it to this little shop by my house. Way better experience than dealing with the NEX garage, who act like they are doing me a favor by working on my car. If you need your car fixed, these guys rock. read more

Honest, reasonable and knowledgeable: everything one wants their mechanics to be! I'm always satisfied with their work, that is conducted with integrity. They are polite and professional and explain fully whatever is wrong with one's vehicle before they do any work and they ask before picking up a tool. read more

I went in to Skelley's today with an issue on my 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4x4, I was ready to hire them if necessary, then Marcelino told me about a fix I could easily do myself, instead of paying him to do it. That seems pretty honest, and I'd say turning business away, instead of charging me unnecessarily, for the auto repair world, is probably as good as it gets. (By the way, I went to another auto shop today, too, for a 2nd opinion, with the same result, so this is the same exact message I'll leave at the other place - in case you see it and wonder why the duplicates.) read more

Oh Skelley's... You are like the great restaurant that is right around the corner from my house that everyone goes to except for me because I have some lingering resentment that I didn't find you first. And so, weeks change into months into years, and still I don't go. I proclaim loudly that other places are "just as good" until...finally...one day I go out of necessity under the cover of darkness. And I'll be damned if it's not everything they said and more. Skelley's has phenomenal word of mouth and solid reviews on here, and it is all accurate. I took in my car for brakes and a couple other things, and the work was quick. In and out in about 4 hours, and the price was easily half of what I would have paid at my old place. Marcelino, the owner, was friendly and even took time to go over what they did with me. Plus, it is a locally-owned business. So, anyway, the mockery lies solely on my shoulders for having wasted my cash at corporate, expensive mechanics for 3 years. I have done penance, made amends, and now it's good to be home again. read more

I got to say that I am very thankful for knowing Marcelino and Team. I have been taking my car with him for almost 5 years. He is one of the few guys you can trust. Don Marcelino muchas gracias por su trabajo y por la Carisma que Siempre le pone a su trabajo. Es de gran bendicion haverle conocido y tenerlo como nuestro Mecanico de confianza. Mi Esposo y familiares lo apreciamos . read more

Beware, these guys are scammers. Went here for overheating. Marcelino (the owner) tells me they have replace the radiator along with the thermostat. I suspected the problem was only the thermostat and asked what was wrong with the radiator. Was told it was old and not working well, which sounded dubious to me. I suggested just changing the thermostat and seeing how things go, could get a new radiator if there was still a problem. He tells me they don't change a thermostat only, they always change the radiator along with the thermostat. I don't know much about cars, but that sounded like BS, so I kept hesitating. Then he tells me the radiator is leaking. I ask how bad. He says 30%. That's when I knew he was lying. 30% by itself doesn't mean anything. Is it 30% a day? A week? A month? But all he said was 30%, I guess he thought I wouldn't understand how percentages work. For the sake of not making things awkward, I played dumb and just came back by saying, "Sorry, but i really just don't have money to pay for a new radiator right now. Please can you just do the thermostat?" Suddenly, when it was about not being able to pay, he was like "Okay" and could do only the thermostat. So they changed the thermostat and the car was fine. On another occasion (yes I went back, because by that time i knew that pretty much anywhere I went it would be the same scamming anyway, that's what happens when you go in as a single female) they forgot to replace the oil stick. When I went back Marcelino wanted me to pay for a new one even though they were the ones who had lost it in the first place and it's a $10 part. (I hadn't touched the oil since going in to see them and no one else had been near my car so I knew it had to be them who left it out.) I insisted on them replacing it for free and Marcelino finally said okay. Two weeks later I still hadn't heard from them so I call. Marcelino is like, "yeah, sure, come in, we got it." I get there and he pulls out a stick that is too short for my car. (How hard is it to order a correct oil stick?) I realized he was giving me a run around so I left and just kept the temporary they had given me. It was a little too long, but did the job, so whatever. On yet another occasion I went in for my car overheating again. Turns out the hose had just come loose from the radiator and they just had to re-attach it, no big deal. A couple months later, I'm driving, my car starts overheating again. I pull over to check the hose. Yes, it had come loose again... because the radiator nozzle had been severely cracked by the nozzle being re-attached way too tight. They had literally broken my radiator when they reattached the nozzle and I had to get a new radiator. Needless to say I got the new radiator at a new place. So, to conclude, if you don't know much about cars, be very careful with these guys. Marcelino, the owner, is very good at being charming, acting like your best friend, who is so honest and would never lie to you. It's all BS, he will take advantage of your ignorance, lie right to your face. read more

My sister picked up a nail in her tire on the trek from Chicago to San Diego. A local (my other sister) recommended Skelley's as a convenient, quick, affordable fix. There were several cars parked for servicing but they took us right away. They were friendly and fast, and while they patched the tire from the outside, not the inside, that worked just fine since the nail was on the tread. They also checked the air on the other tires and made sure everything was good to go. In and out in 10 minutes and $10. Sis says she's taking her car here for everything else in the future since it's basically a full-service place. read more

"If you're happy, you can kill the cancer," he said, right before lifting his shirt to reveal a deep scar that traversed the entire length of his chest and belly. I visited Marcelino at Skelley's Garage in San Diego's North Park neighborhood to have my license plate drilled into the front of my car. I have been coming here since moving to San Diego 9 1/2 years ago, and even after moving to North County nearly 3 years ago. Trust is worth the drive. Of all the stories he has told me over the years, including how he had to leave his family behind and flee Mexico to come to the U.S., this was the first time he mentioned he had cancer. Stomach, colon, and intestinal. He lost 100 pounds while in the hospital. That was 18 years ago, when he was only 38 years old. He told me how one of his employees, who was working at another garage, quit his job to return to work for him and help him with the business when he had cancer. He still works there, and will inherit the business when Marcelino retires. "He's like family," he said. I had to hold back the watering of my eyes. "It's good to have people like that in your life," I said, reflecting on my own. I don't often promote others' businesses in social media, perhaps because I'm too busy or narrow in promoting my own, but I want to give a shout out to Skelley's Garage in San Diego. Not only is the service superb and Marcelino's stories long and interesting, but because it's hard to find someone whom you can trust. People are always trying to make as much money as they can off every transaction, and oftentimes people will mislead you to get your money. Not Marcelino. I know when I bring my car to him, he will tell me the truth, even if it means less money for him. "How much do I owe you today?" I asked. "Nothing," he responded. If you live in the San Diego area, take your car there. Ask for Marcelino. Ask him why he always wears a baseball cap. He will tell you lots of stories. And he'll fix your car. read more

Marcelino does just what he says he' s gonna do. "Fix the car at a fair price" A couple of decades now, Skelly's has been our mechanic; even though my son is a mechanic now; I still use Skelly's when he's too busy. Our Corolla, Lexus, Mazda and now BMWs are doing just fine! read more

I got a van from a family member, it's very old but low miles due to sitting. Had very little maintenance done due to the low miles so we decided to get it done here. We had the water pump replaced on a different vehicle almost 10 years ago at a very reasonable cost. He also confirmed for that vehicle that no, we did not need an engine replacement or a head gasket, saving us thousands. This time around, my dad is no longer around and I have no garage so I asked Marcelino to do brakes, tune up, oil change and check a loud pulley to be sure the alternator wouldn't be killed by improper tension or something. He did all of that, replaced gaskets when he had it already open and was only a bit over the cost I was quoted by another shop for just a tune up. As soon as I pick it up, check engine light is on. He says to give it a drive cycle and if it's still on, bring it back. Turned out they had forgotten to plug back in an O2 sensor. Most shops would have used that to make more money, these guys were honest and apologetic for the mistake and made it right immediately. Friendly, quick, honest and reasonable on prices. Will definitely keep coming here. read more

Thank you for supreme customer service and helping me with my truck! You're the best !! I will continue to recommend you!!