Brake Stop & Auto Repair - Escondido

Avoid this place at all costs whatsoever. Around this time last year, the flywheel went out on my Porsche 944 turbo (951). Unable to find any mechanic whatsoever in a 45 miles radius who would work on the car, I decided to take a gamble on eddy and boys here. At first they looked like an honest small mechanic shop, however that couldn’t be further from the truth. After doing a full inspection on the vehicle, I was quoted for around $15,000 in various repairs. These included -new clutch kit -new engine mounts -new water pump -new timing belt -new fuel pump -new cam housing gasket -new alternator and power steering belts Now most of this list seemed correct as regular maintenance for this vehicle every decade or so and was all soon to be due anyway. Nothing raised any alarms at all. However when I received the vehicle back after 3 weeks that’s when the nightmare truly began. After testing the vehicle, I could immediately tell the timing was off, so I brought it back to be adjusted immediately. Eddy informed me that everything seemed correct and the parts simply needed to break in. I was told to drive the vehicle 500 miles or so then bring it back. After driving 500 miles without pushing the car at all, it still seemed incredibly off. I would end up bringing the vehicle back numerous times to solve this initial problem. After my third time receiving the car back, I noticed a significant loss of compression and really bad overheating. This final time I brought the vehicle in and the car was transferred to the San Marcos location to be inspected, at this point I was informed that my second cylinder had a crack in it. I was quoted for an additional $12,000 to replace the engine. Frustrated, I declined any further work and purchased a new vehicle. The length of Brake stop and autos incompetence was only revealed to me after I took the car to a reputable Porsche mechanic. It was discovered that the clutch kit was poorly installed, and the car had a blown head gasket caused by you guessed it, incorrect timing!!!! Additionally the engine mounts that were installed were incorrect for the specific year and model of my car, which is something I also pointed out to eddy as the engine sat unusually high compared to the previous mounts (and no it wasn’t fully bc the engine mounts were collapsed eddy). After connecting with brake stop and auto and confronting them about this news, asking for them to simply repair the damages their faulty work caused or full financial compensation, they completely changed their story and told me they never said there was a crack in the second cylinder and they would give me a super amazing deal and recondition the engine for $6,000. I never brought it back to them. I did look into legal action regarding the damages caused by incompetence however came to the conclusion it was too expensive and not worth my time, and left the situation as it is. Another thing I later discovered, was the prices they quoted me for parts were heavily inflated compared to what they actually cost, and no that is not including the service fee. They lied about how much go payed for the parts to further squeeze money out of me. Ultimately Eddy has proved to me he is fully willing to take advantage of customers and lie and cheat his way to every dime. I heard nothing but constant excuses from him the entire him. I was an 18 year old college student at the time who simply wanted to have the car my deceased grandfather gifted to me repaired. If you are reading the google repairs considering this shop, please steer clear. DO NOT make the same mistake many of us leaving reviews have.

Nov 01, 2024 · Toby Roth

I made a mistake by not reading reviews of this place before coming. Terrible experience. Waited over an hour to do a smog check. I paid $60 for them to read a code which I already read myself. Go to other places, they're cheaper and they will honor free re-tests. They were also no help, they would not provide any info on why the car failed. I need to pay them to do a full diagnostic test and if I pay them to do the work only then will they give you a free re-test. What did I pay for? What does inspection mean anymore? Also the place is terrible. The waiting room smells terrible and no doubt there is mold hiding around there, they have fast food laying around all over the desk. The people that work there are rude and unhygienic. The bearded guy at the counter started raising his voice and talking over me when I was just trying to get some clarity about why it failed. Don't go here. Save time, save money, save your health.

Sep 07, 2024 · James Dalton

WORST PLACE EVER. I paid 600$ for JUST my break pads and an oil change. He didn’t change my rotors cause he said they were “still to standard” I didn’t know . It’s been 3 months my rotors are bad and sqeeking so I’m going to a friend. Friend said we need to get new break pads as well . So I paid them 600 FOR WHATTT??????? NOTHING. they’re just lazy .

Aug 11, 2024 · Gabriela Torres

My car and my parking spot has always been clean. Now I have leaks. I went back myself and also with AAA, more leaks. The oil plug had to be re-done. He said "Not sure what the liquid is, I'll have to do a ninty dollar diagnostic first ". He lied about it being ok to use two coupons and didn't honor the brake coupon. Needs a diagnostic first". I'm getting my car to a real auto technician and she'll be fine. I just noticed how long it's been, she's still happily driving and three leaks? I still don't have any!

Nov 03, 2024 · Cindy Kopoian

I luv this place to get Oil Changes. They let you know of repairs that need to be addressed without asking. Very good prices.

Oct 22, 2024 · linda ehlig

Beware don't leave your car here unattended they will do what ever it takes to up sale you. They intentionally failed my trucks smog and state reffed just to try and sell me a new catalytic converter. They claimed I tempered with it even tho I have all paper work in glovebox!!! Don't trust them with your business they couldn't even fix my brakes right and tried to over charge me! Terrible place

Mar 17, 2025 · Fernando Vargas

Avoid this place. "Mechanics" are not able to move, slow and at speed like slugs. Overprice, which does not match the quality of their services. 3 hours to perform safety inspection. Go there only if you want to spend your day and money nowhere. The worst and slowest service I've ever received.

Feb 22, 2025 · Alex P

10/10 service. I always bring my car in for an oil change and when my car has a problem. They do an excellent job every time.

Feb 26, 2025 · Yesenia