Didn't check their work on my van, didn't assemble the van for operation or safety, and were dishonest along the way. I brought my 1983 Vanagon to TNT with a leaky transaxle and engine plus needing some front end work and a $1,710 / 4-day quote. I explained I was driving down from Central California and needed the timing locked in. I drove out 19 days and ~$3,000 later with a still-leaking transaxle and engine, plus new problems: an oil filter leak, two coolant leaks at hose clamps, a vacuum leak, a disconnected ground, and exhaust leaks everywhere. On day 4, Nicholas (the owner) asked to extend the job to 6 days and $1,910. On day 5, the work still wasn't done and he said he needed more time and would re-quote. A few days later, he said the total would be around $3,000, forcing me to shuffle flights to retrieve the van. Within a few miles of driving off, I noticed engine oil and transaxle fluid leaks, which told me the work was not checked or test-driven. I then inspected the exhaust and found major leaks. Old exhaust gaskets were reused, and one gasket was missing entirely. This should never be done, especially on ports sealed with RTV and exhaust. Nicholas claimed he reassembled what was there and that the missing gasket was never installed."Thats not true, I did the exhaust work myself before bringing the van in and confirmed all gaskets were present. I later found the old gasket wedged into the pushrod tube cover, apparently dropped and missed during reassembly. I continued checking the vehicle and found a disconnected ground, a loose vacuum hose, and two coolant hoses either loosened or not tightened. There was also a new oil leak at the filter. Nicholas told me he removed the pushrod tube covers to inspect for leaks, but later said he did not remove the exhaust headers, which is not possible on this engine. On top of it all I supplied extra oil that wasnt returned haha. Nicholas was polite over the phone, but the work was unacceptable and not checked. The van was returned unsafe to drive, and I regret bringing it in and am less confident in now observing this work and not knowing what I may have missed. After I pointed out the overcharges and issues, he refunded $500. Some work was completed successfully i think, but dont know how to check (brakes, ball joints, clutch, engine mounts). This was quoted by others around $1,600, meaning I still paid roughly $900 for failed leak repairs and multiple new problems. I get how quotes and timeframes rise, especially on old cars, but in the end they didn't check their work on my van, didn't assemble the van to standards required for operation or safety, and were dishonest along the way. read more

I have owned vw vanagons; those with the old air cooled engines to waterboxers and now a 1991 Syncro camper van. The front heater control valve needed to be replaced so I ordered an upgraded model from GoWesty. I replace one in an earlier Vanagon so I know the procedure etc. The thing is not hard to get at, one just lowers the spare tire in the front to expose the whole setup but I got lazy and decided to have a mechanic do it. I have seen a range of workmanship and knowledge levels demonstrated by several local mechanics over the years. I called a well known local shop and was surprised that they had now knowledge of the thing let alone how to replace it. Then I called TNT. Nick was very aware of the procedure needed to do it right, (after replacing it one has to raise the front end, run the engine while bleeding air out of the cooling system). A good job, well done by a fine gentleman. Best in the greater Long Beach area for my money. read more

I can't say enough good things about TNT! After dealing with a less reliable mechanic who left my VW in worse shape than when I brought it in, I was hesitant to trust another shop. But from the moment I walked into TNT, I knew I was in the right place. Nick and his team are incredible. Nick is not only super cool but also extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He took the time to understand the issues my car was facing and explained everything clearly. You can tell that he and his staff genuinely care about the work they do and the customers they serve. They fixed all the major problems that had been plaguing my VW, and they did it quickly, efficiently, and at an extremely reasonable rate. I finally feel like my car is in great hands, and it's running better than ever. If you're looking for a trustworthy and skilled VW mechanic, TNT is the place to go. I highly recommend them--Nick and his team are the best! read more

I am grateful TNT Auto got my 1970 Ghia running after it sat up for over 15 years. They got it fixed pretty quick and rinsed off the dust. However, be sure to pay with cash to avoid additional service charges when using a credit card. I neglected to ask prior to the charge going through which I didn't notice until later on that day. The total from the itemized invoice was less than the receipt print out for the credit card . read more

Great place I have a 68 mustang but I'm not a mechanic by any means!! The owner Nick was cool didn't make me feel stupid for asking questions. Great service honest dude m. Cars been running like a champ read more

TNT Automotive - 1968 mustang - Auto Repair Near Me - Long Beach, California

So happy with Nick and TNT my very low mileage VW had a bad rear main seal, and no one wanted to work on it, or they wanted silly $$. VW only wanted to put the same crap part back on, but Nick installed an aftermarket billet seal for a very fair price. Will keep using and recommending TNT. read more

Nick and his crew did an amazing job on replacing my lower control arms for the front wheels on my BMW I would definitely come back to service my car he hook it up with an alignment to come check him out ! read more

Nicholas & the TNT crew are great. TNT installed front disc brakes, seat belts, & front/rear safari windows for my 1964 Volkswagen bus. Highly recommend TNT! read more

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highly recommended by the filipino american association of camarillo. honest, reliable and quality service. and community oriented business. tnt has been our sponsor in our major events!!! thank you, mr. todd! read more

My car battery was dead (not purchased through TNT), and still under warranty. Even though this wasn't going to make them much money at all, they were extremely helpful, and quick. I really appreciate the care they provided. read more

I bring my VW GTI here for every big and little thing it needs. Nic is the nicest, most honest mechanic I've ever gone to. He tells me what my car needs, what I don't need to waste money on, and where to go if I need something he doesn't do (like upholstery). He charges less than he should, and he does more than he has to. If I ever sell my VW and get something non-Euro I'll still bring it to him and beg him to work on it! read more

Don't wast your $'s . He will crap it and run $385 for a battery lasted a month when brought it back said I need a Receipt, I bought it from him. Don't you think he would have a receipt. All I have to say I wouldn't having a service my bug. read more

So far so good. I've got two vans that have been sitting for three years. Needed some love and I was able to get in quickly. Met Nick and he seems very knowledgeable. I will update things as we move along but his shop was a bit like a candy store and Nick talked me through the plan. So stoked this place is right by my house. read more

So my trusted Vw mechanic of 11 years is fired. ‍ I Took my 66 beetle to TNT for an oil leak, turned out to be bad oil cooler seals or something...idk...but, anyway. Nick was so professional, cool and laid back called me with a quote for the work, tune up and oil change and now my Vw sounds so beautiful...I've never heard her sound like that, she use to sound like she was straining or having a hard time holding idle. For 11 years my oil pressure light has been coming on at stop lights... Nick fixed it. My original mechanic never made my car sound anywhere near this good and told me it was normal for the oil pressure lights to come on at idle . Nick even fixed my broken suicide knob for free. DAMN GOOD service, I will mos-definitely be back as TNT has adopted another beetle into the family!! read more

Nicholas was very knowledgeable of what my VW Bus needed and he presented options for repairing rust holes in my floor board. He also made a repair I didn't ask for for free! Looking forward to having TNT keeping my bus running and looking good! read more

Post small claims update: Honest?? Hell NO!!! I took Nick to small claims and was awarded $3200 of the $4000 I asked for. In court he said that restoration work is not his focus and is "back burner" work. So if your considering him fo Resto work be aware because that is how he treats it. BTW, his website says "we have all the knowledge and expertise for your Resto job" that's not what he said in court! Not honest, not nice, not quality work. If you've had problems and feel ripped off, take him the court. Don't let him get away with this way of doing business. read more

They really understand vintage VWs to include Vanagon. Reasonable prices, great service and fast service. I have tried other vanagon mechanics and most of them are$$$$$. I'll stick with TNT Automotive read more

I finally got past the $hit job and high price Nick charged and found a highly reputable restoration shop in my new location. While redoing the work that TNT did we have found many, many, new problems. Some that made the 75 BUS very unsafe. And more parts have come up missing beyond my early note. Upon digging in the body work that looked good proved to be misaligned and basically a poor job. Nick has his brother in-law doing the body work in San Diego, in a word it is so "poor". Here are just a few of the comments on the work needed to get TNT "fix" corrected: - "We will be connecting the evap system as the line that comes from the tank was just open unplugged, dumping fuel fumes into the engine compartment. To connect it to a aftermarket carb system we have to add a connector" (Safety Issue) remember TNT took the Original Fuel Injection System and did not return it to me as asked. - "I don't know what to say, the more we dig the worse it gets. For one, the top 2 bolts are missing on the engine. There are only four! And we haven't looked yet at the bottom! (lucky the engine didn't crack) -The clutch cable is to long -there are packs of nuts on it as spacers -He probably ran out of threads and couldn't adjust it anymore. I have a new one on the shelf we will install it right ." - On accelerator cable that was spliced together "Don't know what He did or why but fixed it" /Users/rjj4920/Desktop/IMG_9356.JPG - On wiring "The concern is you have wires hooked up to the positive cable that go nowhere and in our mind unprotected wires lead to a fire concern? I am going to have Matt cut the tape off the positive cable and find out what is going on -some is correct some is not. We will remove what is not." (SAFETY CONCERN) The list goes on and on but you get the idea. Many pictures on short cuts and poor workmanship. read more

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Nick is awesome!!! Always makes sure that I feel like his number one priority! while at the same time keeping in mind that I'm not made of money. I was looking for a trustworthy mechanic and Nick did not disappoint. Thank you for always making sure I am driving a safe vehicle:-) Gail Powers read more

I gave them a list of things I needed done, they quoted a price. Later I asked how much for flush and fill of the radiator, they gave me a price, I said no, perhaps I would do it later. I picked up the car, he had done everything and the radiator and only changed $20. No muss, or fuss. read more

Hands down the "go-to" auto shop for VWs and older cars (or pretty much any foreign cars). I don't trust anyone but Nick and his crew with my Bug. I've been going to him for years. Quickly diagnoses and fixes any kind of problem. I don't know how he does it, but he quickly finds and installs obscure parts. AND, his prices are soooo reasonable. I love walking around his shop because he has a lot of CW inventory. Solid all day long. I'm going to keep going back. read more

Nick was great he got to us during New Years, who does that aNd was a great help thank you for being there

I ve got to know Nick through a friend of mine, I have used his shop on two occasions and all I can say is that shop is THE BEST mechanic shop I ve ever dealt with, Nick is very knowledgeable and professional moreover so honest, today he had my Beemer that I had it checked at BMW dealer service who gave me an estimate of 2000$ to fix an oil leak issue and he got it fixed for 40$ !!!!!! Thanks a lot man read more

NO NO NO...wish I didnt have to even give 1 star! Thought Id go to to get my brakes fixed. Owner is nice, but the QUALITY work is just not there..and who wants to pay big $$ for nice. Not me! Sadly it would seem hes all about the $$. While I was there they were kinda ignoring people (customers) Felt uncomportable..he doubted everything I told him about my vehicle. Had the "I know what Im talking about" attitude. And he never fixed my vehicle PROPERLY. Thats sad because I REALLY wanted them to be THE go to shop for me. Ive got several other cars and friends looking for a good shop. THIS ISNT IT. __ UPDATE: Had my front brakes checked by another mechanic today 12/22, they were sqeeking again. Mechanic replaced them and showed me what he removed. METAL ON METAL. He said that the TNT Did NOT replace them. I repeat USE TNT AT YOUR OWN RISK :( read more

The first thing you need to know about me is that I am very critical. I especially don't trust people who work on my cars. When I found TNT - I had already been to the dealership that sold me the car and to an Audi specialist. The dealership couldn't even tell me what was wrong and the specialist wanted $5200.00 - minimum - to fix it. Having just moved to Long Beach and being completely unsatisfied with the two previous options, I decided to try and find a third opinion. Nic (the owner of TNT) drove to my house. Rummaged through the trunk of my car to look at the engine (which was in a box) and diagnosed the problem in a matter of minutes. Two weeks later and for thousands of dollars less - he had it fixed. I have never met an honest, hardworking, straight shooting mechanic - until now. And while I'm not saying that I can now trust ALL mechanics... I am saying, is that you can trust this one. read more

Took my car in to Nicholas yesterday (3/20/12) to see if he could kind of diagnose what was going on with my car. So basically I told him what I was experiencing and then he just asked if I had time to take him on a ride. He jumped in and we went around the block, I left my car there and he told me within an hour what the issue was. My passenger axle was done! I liked that he actually showed me instead of told me the things I needed; just that stigma of mechanics trying to hose you for all your money had me worried. Since I didn't have time to have the work done yesterday I said I would take it to him today.. Dropped it off at 10a and was rolling around by 3p. Not only did he replace the axle he went ahead and readjusted my intake system, cleaned and oiled my filter, and showed me physically the motor mount that was not working on the engine. All done for less than half of the $770 the dealer quoted me at which was for only the axle work. PROS: Fast service, Low pressure, not so busy crazy that your car will get pushed to the side. CONS: ....none read more

Nick was amazing to work with. I was purchasing a 1965 VW westy sight unseen from out of state. The seller dropped off the bus at a repair shop of my choosing and m=boy am I glad that I chose TNT. Nick thoroughly inspected the bus. Sent me tons of photos and recommendations. He also arranged for vehicle transport when the transaction was complete. I highly suggest giving Nick and his team your business. read more

TNT Automotive - Nick sent me this photo on shipping day! - Auto Repair Near Me - Long Beach, California

Nicholas specializes in mostly European cars. But he was very welcome to helping me and my Toyota out. I told him about some problems I had been having with my vehicle and mechanic. Nicholas was so cool and chill in telling me he recommends a new mechanic. LOL. It was disheartening to realize that I've probably been fished or that this mechanic just doesn't know his stuff... Thanks Nicholas for your service! You're awesome. :) read more

So I had been looking for a VW bus for about a year until a little gem popped up online at a suuuuper cheap price. Only downside was no motor. Nick the owner of the bus and of TNT Automotive was the seller, and he DID have a totally tricked out motor I could buy but it was out of my price range. I bought the bus regardless of no motor. So you'd think a seller would say whatever I got my money I'm done. and the buyer doesn't wanna buy my motor then whatever hes on his own. WRONG. The very next day he called me with a motor he found online that was practically being given away! Note: he didn't have to do anything for me, the sale was done. So I got the motor from some guy in SD, brought it to Nick and he had it installed within 2 days. He even rounded up a few parts i was missing for an extremely reasonable price. Ive been back to him a few times and hes nothing but a straight shooter. He tells you what you need and sends you on your way, no BS. I highly recommend this guy. Hey I drive from LA to LB (with no AC in the bus) for anything and everything mechanical related. He knows his stuff. read more

Nick is an honest and trustworthy mechanic!!! My partner and I had been looking into buying an old school beetle to cruise around town with; a fun weekend/NO project car. We new of a VW Specialist shop near our place in Signal Hill and decided to go in and meet Nick, the shop owner. Being that we're not bug experts we basically asked him for some guidance as far as what to look for while, "Bug Hunting." We spent about two months looking around (Craigslist and around town), but nothing really convinced us. Found a lot of shadiness out there, actually. Many times we'd stop by Nick's shop to ask him questions about some of the beetles (and their issues) we'd seen out there. He always patiently answered all our questions, giving us his personal & professional feedback and explained everything to us-considering we're not very mechanically inclined. Finally, about a month ago we finally found our beetle. A couple from San Bern. had been wanting to sell their 1970 "Auto-Stick" VW Beetle and were willing to drive it to Nick's shop for "approval." Nick took his time checking all parts of the beetle and when he was done he tossed me the keys saying, "It's a great car!" He mentioned it's a 41 y/o car and of course it'll occasionally have hiccups, but nothing that can't be easily fixed and more importantly...won't cost to much to fix. Since then, we've been really enjoying cruisin our family (both adults and kids luv this bug) and friends down Ocean Blvd and PCH. We get soooo many compliments on the car...it's really a sweet car-I'll try to add pics. Glad Nick approved of our "Howie" (car was prenamed). :) Rod and Efren read more

always the best quality and friendly service. I highly recommend this shop for your automotive needs.

A breath of fresh air...VW old school mechanic...at a young age! I received a perfect recommendation to take my bus to Nick! First of all his new shop (moved from Signal Hill) is located at 3940 E. 10th Street in LB~ Walking into a highly organized, and comfortable kick back styling place to hang...Nick and his staff are fully knowledgeable, helpful and quite pleasing to work with! Nick also let me feel at home...being able to walk around, under and even watch over his shoulder while he worked. I was able to get to know my bus better... that makes me feel great. For sure our new mechanic... Thank you~ read more

Excellent service- these guys are true enthusiasts- brought my porsche here for some work-all was completed in 1 day + they came and picked me up in a sweet vintage 911 read more

TNT Automotive - Auto Repair Near Me - Long Beach, California

Nick is the man. I have a 71 Super Beetle and it recently had a valve drop. My previous go-to mechanic (very reputable and known in Long Beach) painted this as the worst thing to happen besides a blown engine. I was told that it'd be $1,500 just to get in there and try to rebuild one of the heads. And if I wanted to be fully back-on-the-road, it was going to cost me up to $3,000! I quickly pulled my Beetle outta there and searched for a different mechanic as I could smell that I was getting hosed. (Punch to the stomach, since I'd given them so much business previously). Then I found Nicholas at TNT! Gave him the rundown of my issues and asked for a quote. His was a third of the price of the other place, included 2 BRAND NEW HEADS for my long block, oil and spark plug change and a complete engine and cylinder re-seal!!! I was absolutely shocked by how inexpensive this was and Nick asked "Why, what'd the other place quote you?" When I told him he just said "Wow." Nick literally took care of EVERYTHING and she now purrs and growls if I want her to! Drives like a champ. My previous mechanic had given me a bologna laundry list of repairs which were "necessary." It's funny, I picked up the car and I asked Nick what I needed to have serviced next. He responded with "This car doesn't need anything now. It runs great." Thanks Nick for being fair, getting me back on the road quick and for being HONEST AS HELL. This guy is truly passionate about air-cooled engines and VW culture. You got our business from now on, brother! read more

I can confidently say I have found a mechanic in which I TRUST, Nicholas at TNT. It is nice to know that there still are people in this money hungry society that know how to do business and sincerely care about others. TNT took the time to thoroughly repair my car and knowing what a bad experience I recently had with another mechanic, they were patient and very understanding with me. I had to leave my car with TNT for about a week and did not know how I was going to be able to get to and from school since I was in a financial rut at the time. Nicholas offered to have Enterprise Rental pick me up which I appreciated but after finding out I had to leave a $300.00 deposit I became more frustrated. Knowing my situation and frustration Nicholas rented the car for me, I could not believe it. I wish there were more people in the business world like Nicholas, he is AWSOME. Thank You TNT!!! read more

It's 2018 and we still bring all of our cars to Nick. Nick is one of the few honest mechanics out there. He will let you exactly what you need to get your car running again, no BS, no ridiculous fees. He is a good mechanic and a good trustworthy person. read more

I have been going to TNT for about three and a half years now. I have had the worst luck with my car and Nick, the owner, is always there to save me. They are all respectful, friendly and professional. Being a girl and knowing nothing about cars I get nervous that auto places are going to overcharge me; however, I totally trust Nick. I have never paid anything that I felt was too much. He always calls to tell me exactly what needs to be fixed with the quote before he starts anything. They are very convenient, I always take my car in with out calling and my car is done by the end of the day. I would highly recommend TNT. Plus they have an adorable dog. read more

Wow! Awesome customer service. I have been coming to TNT Auto to get my bus serviced for the past year. These guys do a good job and provide good advice on my vehicle. What wowed me was that I lost my keys to my VW bus and needed a whole new ignition switch. Nick came to the rescue and actually came to my house and started up my vehicle bringing the bus to the shop. All this for one awsome price. read more

I've never written a Yelp review. Ever. But my experience with TNT has motivated me... I'm a big fan of TNT Auto. I want to point out they specialize in foreign vehicles but they've done great work with '51 Chevy and '40 Olds. Nick and his team have been, by far, my best experience in dealing with mechanics regarding my classic cars. Great customer service and cool guys. Don't hesitate to give them a call... read more

Met nick through the original owner of the shop and very happy that I did. Nick is a great mechanic and very easy to deal with. Whenever I have an issue with my golf (currently 2004, past: 98 and 96), I call him up and he has me bring her in. Usually prompt communication with what is going on. He helped me also take a look at my current vehicle before I bought it to make sure it was a good purchase. It's nice to have a mechanic I can trust instead of always wondering where I should go for this or that. read more