Paw Automotive Service Center
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Paw Automotive Service Center
At PAW Automotive Service Center we know your vehicle is of the utmost importance to you, your family, and your company's bottom line. We take pride in offering services that compete with OEM dealerships as well as offering competitively priced repairs with the least amount of downtime possible. We aim to remedy the issues that are a concern to you.

We also educate and inform you by showing the condition of potential hazards with your vehicle before they become a severe issue. PAW Automotive Service Center has been providing top quality service to San Diego County since 1996. We treat our customers like family. The Car Care Club is a great opportunity to save money on your auto repair services!
Services
Owner John Cafiero and his friendly staff have provided high quality automotive services for San Diego County since 1996. In 2018, PAW Automotive Service Center moved it's operations from La Mesa California, to their new home in Santee California. PAW Automotive Service Center is your complete auto repair service shop.
At PAW Automotive Service Center, we strive to be San Diego County's most trusted 'one stop shop' for any and all automotive services. With honesty, integrity, and compassion as our cornerstones, we aim to create lifelong relationships with every repair.

We aim to continue our growth by providing the most reliable service to every customer, becoming a reputable name among other companies for our fleet services, offering our services at additional locations throughout San Diego County, and by demonstrating the PAW difference to each and every customer.Here at PAW we offer the same quality repair services as any dealership without the high dealership costs.
As a Certified Auto Repair facility we agree to provide knowledgeable ASE Certified Technicians, offer all of our customers a priced out estimate for any work proposed, obtain all authorization prior repairs, supply an itemized invoice for parts and service, recommend regular maintenance and corrective repairs to our customers, treat our customer's property with care while it is being serviced, honor all Manufacturer's Warranties on all parts we install, and maintain high professional standards and deal honestly and fairly with all of our customers.
Here at PAW Automotive Service Center, we provide top of the line fleet services. We work with multiple fleet service management companies such as Enterprise, Element, and WEX. We understand the need for your fleet vehicles to be running in top shape and understand the inconvenience and financial implications on your business due to downtime.
Our automotive services include 30k, 60k, & 90k services as well as lube, oil, & filter changes every 3k or 5k. Maintenance by mileage is the best way to keep your vehicle running at its best throughout the years. We install and repair tires. Suspension, shocks, struts, alignment, and other steering components could damage your tires significantly requiring replacement sooner than later.
Reviews (21)
MaryCarol Yarbrough
MaryCarol Yarbrough
Aug 29, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism
PAW service center is the best I have ever used over the years. They are honest, friendly, professional and efficient. They do not perform any service that is not necessary. I would not consider going anywhere else!
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Tires
Jenilee T.
Jenilee T.
Aug 08, 2021
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I have been going to Paw Automotive for a few years now for multiple vehicles. John, owner of Paw automotive, is very accommodating, easy to work with ,and provides exceptional service and his entire staff!!!!! John has been working on cars personally for over 40 years! There is no one else I would trust as my mechanic with my vehicles. They send you a link to your phone or email, of what work needs to be done, where your levels are at, any work completed so you can have your service records on hand! Thank you John & Paw Automotive , you guys are the best!
Ethan Huelsebusch
Ethan Huelsebusch
Jul 15, 2021
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These guys are awesome. I am a small one man Pest control company and do not have a spare truck. My check engine light came on this morning on the way to a job. I ran over and they had me in and out in no time and back on the road. The ladies in the office are great and take the time to break down my bill and let me know they will take care of my truck. Kevin does a great job of explaining to me what he did and makes any recommendations he deems necessary. Every minute im off the road costs me money and these guys know that. Really appreciate everything they do.
Robert Norton
Robert Norton
Feb 14, 2021
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Helped me out today with a quick body fix and no charge. That was kind of them.
Laura Steffen
Laura Steffen
Dec 31, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I have been taking all of my cars to this shop for several years now I just left the family field. They take pride in what they do and their prices are fair. The stuff is wonderful as well definitely two thumbs up.
Services: Air conditioning, Air & Cabin Filter, Body & Trim, Electrical repair, Battery, Wheel alignment, A/c installation & repair, Steering / Suspension, Replace side window, Painting, Check engine light diagnostic, General repairs & maintenance, Exhaust, Tires, Tuning, Engine repair, Repair power window
Roger L.
Roger L.
May 22, 2020
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I drive a Mercedes Benz and a dash light displayed saying the brakes needed service along with a check engine light. I called a local Benz dealer, but they wouldn't be able to see my car until next week. I met John Cafiero through a mutual friend and he runs an automotive repair shop in Santee. It's barely 15-minutes drive from Mission Valley so I gave him a call. He gave me an estimate and after my approval ordered the parts and took me in the following day.

John's auto repair shop is clean and organized. He has a large waiting area, for easy social distancing, with a TV and free
Nicole B.
Nicole B.
Feb 20, 2020
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I have to update my review based on my last experience. Took my car for the 90k mile maintenance, I had been here a couple of times
For simple things such as oil changes, and battery replacement. Figured I should stick to one place to build a trusting relationship which came crashing down on Monday, 2/17.
90k mile inspection complete, nothing major that would be unexpected but brake pads all around and rear rotors are due for replacement. Not knowing much about that even I was surprised that the rotors (rear no less) had to be replaced. Okay, what's the number?? Wait for it.....$823! needless
GuerrillaJuice
GuerrillaJuice
Dec 05, 2019
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These guys are legit. Hand's down, bharnone great service , customer support and detail oriented. Highly recommended!
Scott M.
Scott M.
Apr 10, 2019
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PAW is a all service facility to be trusted 100%. I have been taking my cars here since 1996 and have always had honest work done on them. I moved to Tucson AZ a while back and took my car in for an oil change they said that they found an additional 5 things wrong with the car. Drove back to San Diego took the same car into PAW and guess what I needed an oil change and nothing else. I will never use any other service center. When you go there ( you are daft not to go ) join their Car Care Club you will save $$$ on any repair necessary.
Kerry C.
Kerry C.
Mar 14, 2019
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PAW did an amazing job on my oil change but a few days later one of the seals (drain plug) that was torqued to spec. had an issue with a little bit of oil leakage, I took my car into PAW with in minutes I was taken care of and had a nice cup of coffee. A few minutes goes by and I'm giving the solution, I offer to pay for the mechanics time, oil or the seal. And she tells me nope it's all taken care of, and were glad I brought it in right away before anything severe happened.

Be honest, get honest results.
David Q.
David Q.
Feb 15, 2019
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I needed my car fixed and I was on a budget. I took it to PAW. I got a friendly and efficient welcome. They diagnosed the problem in a reasonable time and called me with an estimate. They told me they were confident they had found the problem and gave me the prices for the repair. I asked what happens if I pay you and you're wrong? They said they'd make it right. They were wrong. They did fix a problem, but it wasn't the cause they were looking for. Now what? They ordered what they needed and stayed after closing to finish the job. At no extra cost! Unbelievable. They really did
Sheila C.
Sheila C.
Oct 23, 2018
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Great place, friendly people and good service. John and his staff really outdid any other place I've taken my car. They took great care of me and my car. It's the little things that make a place great and they delivered. This is definitely my new go-to place for car service.
Rodney T.
Rodney T.
Jul 26, 2018
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Very sisipointed in their sevice. They diagnosed the reason my car failed smog and $800.00 later it failed again.went back and the wanted to charge me $69.95 to re diagnoce the problem even the smog shop owner is mad
Simone T.
Simone T.
Jan 11, 2018
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These guys are great! I discovered clutch and dome light sensor issues on my way to the gym which happens to be their business neighbor. I got there at 4:45pm in the pouring rain. Couldn't let the dome light drain the battery durning training, so my coach recommended PAW. I went over to see if they could take a look. John and Kevin were extremely welcoming and eager to help despite them closing in 15 min. They diagnosed the problems and gave me an estimate. I left it overnight, got the truck back today, and everything is sound. I cant thank them enough for their friendliness and willingness
Stacy D.
Stacy D.
Sep 14, 2017
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The customer service here gives me such a small town feel! Everyone treats you so great and takes care of your car like it was their own. I haven't gone anywhere else in the past 5 years because no place compares. Mark and John and everyone who works their is so knowledgeable and honest! I recommend this place to everyone!
Gabe Mathews
Gabe Mathews
Jun 16, 2017
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These guys just saved my Thanksgiving! My car wouldn't start this morning and we're suppose to driving out of town for Thanksgiving. I was able to get my car jump started and drove it to these guys cause they were close. They were able to get a new alternator in my car same day, and saved me a big headache! Thanks guys
E. B.
E. B.
Feb 27, 2017
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Great place to have your vehicle repaired or get the required vehicle maintenance.
After having routine maintenance completed at the dealership I always leave with a list of additional maintenance feeling unsure if these things are suggestions or recommendations.
I went and saw John at PAW. His shop can provide all the required maintenance plus any needed repair. They are knowledgeable about all types of vehicles and have great customer service. I have returned to use this shop for service many times because I always leave knowing what needed to be done and why. The prices are fair, the
Loretta W.
Loretta W.
Oct 24, 2016
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Last Saturday I had my car serviced which I attempted all week to take my car in for service and with weekend hours, completely helped me meet a task I needed to get accomplished!!!

PAW Owner & team are wonderful and always willing to go the extra mile to assist anyway they can. HUGE fan of this auto service center.
Heather H.
Heather H.
Oct 12, 2016
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I love this place! Being a woman I am always very weary of auto mechanics because unfortunately I feel like they can take advantage of my lack of knowledge when I comes to cars and servicing. After a bad visit to a couple others I decided I would just stick with one for ALL my car needs including oil changes. I'm so glad I did. You can tell that John the owner knows his stuff and treats his staff well. All the guys are always so helpful and always tell me like it is and don't try to upsell me on things I don't need. Even Maribel at the front desk always greets everyone with a smile
Erin J.
Erin J.
Jul 30, 2016
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I was referred to PAW by a friend and was not disappointed. I stopped in a week ago to see if they would able to fix my air conditioner. I had no appointment but they welcomed me and had the estimate for me within the hour. John and his team's friendly, no pressure service was refreshing; I felt like I had been taking my car there for years. I picked up my car that evening. (I'm pretty sure they stayed late to finish the work.) I will definitely be taking my car back to PAW Service Center!
Hill P.
Hill P.
Sep 03, 2015
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I decided to take my `98 Land Cruiser to PAW to have it aligned. I dropped it off when they asked, they called me and told me they needed to have it overnight. I obliged. When I got it back the next day, it wasn't completely within spec, they charged me $40 more than they quoted ($100 total) and it still drifted slightly.

So a week passes and my alignment gets progressively worse. I decide to take it back to them to fix. I drop it off at 10AM and I didn't get it back until 5:30PM. They report to me it's the best they can do and that they spent a total (both days) of 4 hours on