Carlsbad Automotive Technology

My 2013 Subaru had an issue where the window washer stopped working. I suspected rats had eaten a hose. Bob Baker Subaru checked it out and said they could fix it for approximately $210 by replacing a $17 hose assembly with a lot of labor, apparently. I thought this was a bit high for a hose replacement so I got the affected part number from Subaru and went down to see Dennis at Carlsbad Automotive Technology. Dennis looked under my hood and was able to find where the hose had been chewed through (I had missed it when I looked earlier). In about 5-10 minutes Dennis found a piece of scrap hose of the same type and made a totally workable long term patch. It works like a champ now. When I offered to pay, Dennis waived me off and said to come back again - which I definitely will. Dennis is a creative master of his craft and very honest. In two weeks, he will be an Eagle Scout dad. What a stud. Thank you Dennis!!

Feb 18, 2016 · Jeff Schafer

I have been having my RAV 4 serviced by Dennis and his team for 3 years now. This is a wonderful, family owned shop that is honestly run and reasonably priced. And they are extremely generous with their time. Once I came in because one of my dash lights (check oil? check engine?) was on. Turns out I had not tightened the gas tank cover tightly enough---and Dennis did not charge me. Another time, I was hearing something I could not identify from the back of the car. I mentioned that as a came in for a regularly scheduled service. My bike rack needed to be reassembled, and guess what? No charge for that either. As long as I live in San Diego County, I will never get my car serviced anywhere else.

Apr 30, 2015 · Miriam Cisternas

Dennis is the most honest guy around. I believe you will not find a better mechanic in San Diego county. I have been taking my car here for a few years now and I will not go anywhere else. Recently my check engine light came on and it did not cost me a thing because it was caused by a part that he had replaced a year before and it was still under warranty. He could have charged me and I would not have known the difference. Most places charge you just to diagnose the issue. I made the mistake of taking my car to get an oil change some place else just because it was out of convenience at the time and I was told I needed certain things done that would cost around $500 but when I asked Dennis about these things he said I did not need any of those things done. He and his wife are people of great integrity. Most women are hesitant trusting mechanics because some can be upselling stuff you do not need. You will never have to worry about that with Dennis.

Sep 05, 2014 · Lcy Lars

VERY honest and helpful mechanic! I was traveling through Carlsbad, and Dennis helped trouble shoot, and repair a major oil leak and only charged me a nominal fee. He was excellent to deal with and I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone looking for experienced, quality, honest, and affordable auto work.

Aug 25, 2013 · Pat Crowley

OVER DUE ACCOLADES! I have waited 3 months to thoroughly test and evaluate the repair result to my 1999 Mercury Gran Marquis. For over a year I was having horrendous electrical problems draining battery after battery rendering my vehicle inoperable more times then I could count. After literally 4 different auto repair shops and roughly $3,800.00 I was at wits end. Other than the electrical problem the car is in great shape and has less than 55,000.00 miles on it so new car payments or buying used with possibly worse headaches was not an option. Even though I was disgusted and tired of being ripped off I took a last ditch ploy with Carlsbad Automotive Technology. I have to admit I was very apprehensive when quoted the $80 an hour thinking to myself here we go again. But Dennis (Owner/Technician) does not park your car and bill those creative accounting fantasy hours I had experienced in the past. He spent hour upon hours diagnosing and searching diligently until he found the problem all the others could not. A disconnected loose wire in the door panel jiggling around shorting out the system. (Actually disconnected and done by one of the same NIMROD outfits that burned me) He fixed it and guaranteed his fix for a year! WOW! Unlike his unethical, greedy, competition he only charged a flat rate diagnose fee and the 80 an hour only for the repair time. He also replaced and fixed a bad door lock inclusive in the meager repair bill. I was overwhelmed. Finally an honest, fair, RELIABLE repair. His Mother-in-law Elaine in the office was also very nice as well and even went out of her way to pick up my spouse to pick up my car as I was incapacitated with a bad infection in my lower leg. I highly recommend Carlsbad Automotive Technology for all your automotive repairs. They have sure proven themselves to me!

Apr 11, 2013 · Harry Pachinski