I've been a client of L&M for many years. My first review and there are nothing but high marks for the entire staff. Charlie and Mike are my usual goto contacts. They are always prompt, to the point and are there to offer any information I need and the backup for decisions. Thank you L and M for the great service I get at your shop.
From the first time I walked in the door I was greeted with happy, smiling, friendly people. I have been so pleased at the customer service I get. When I leave your shop I feel confident and satisfied with the work done on my car. If you are in search for an auto repair shop or smog check station in South Orange County, L&M Automotive is here to help.
From the first time I walked in the door I was greeted with happy, smiling, friendly people. I have been so pleased at the customer service I get. When I leave your shop I feel confident and satisfied with the work done on my car. If you are in search for an auto repair shop or smog check station in South Orange County, L&M Automotive is here to help.
Services
Pay us a visit! Let us perform a simple oil change service with a complimentary multi-point inspection. You'll see why for over 26 years now, our loyal customers continue to use our auto repair shop. At L&M Auto Repair in Lake Forest, CA our commitment is to provide you outstanding customer service and help keep your vehicle running at optimal condition.
Charlie is the owner of L&M Automotive. He graduated from Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN in 1986 and became a Master Certified Auto Technician. In 1992 he moved to California and in 1994 he acquired L&M Automotive from Mike & Larry. It is with honesty and work ethics that helped make L&M Automotive a reputable and trusted auto repair shop in Lake Forest.
Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of you vehicle. Without quality brakes that are installed with care inuring proper cleaning, lubricating and proper fit, your car or truck can take longer to stop and causing the need to replace them more often, costing you money and can cause undesired excess brake dust to settle on your wheels.
As they say this is where the rubber meets the road. After a properly functioning suspension and the right brake pads for your vehicle, your tires are what makes contact with the road. The right tire infation and proper wheel alignment makes all the diffrence in your safety, cost of operatiing your car or SUV and keeping the planet green.
Your cooling system protects the engine from overheating, supplies heat to the inside when it is cold out and keeps your motor oil from breaking down. A leak or a low coolant condition in your cooling system can cost your way more than what it will to maintain it.
Old coolant will not be able to lubricate your water pump properly, increases in it's PH balance causing internal wear to components that come into contact with coolant and at an extreme it will cause your head gasket to fail casing overheating and at least a couple of thousand dollars.
Old coolant will not be able to lubricate your water pump properly, increases in it's PH balance causing internal wear to components that come into contact with coolant and at an extreme it will cause your head gasket to fail casing overheating and at least a couple of thousand dollars.
Reviews (25)
Dennis Gerbetz
Dec 20, 2021
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Julie Barnes
Dec 05, 2021
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This particular trip to L&M was for an oil change and an overall inspection to make sure they didn't see something wrong that I'd not noticed yet (they didn't). I've had my cars in to L&M over the last 25+ years and have had any number of services performed, all with excellent outcomes, keeping my car safe for me to drive and to drive my children around (now adults, who also bring their cars to L&M for service). They can utilize my extended warranty on my current car as well, should I need the service. There are mechanics much closer to home/work but I'll keep bringing my cars to L&M because I
Asha Kanuri
Dec 04, 2021
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Linda Piluso
Oct 23, 2021
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L&M Automotive absolutely earned our future business!
Communication was great and customer service was above and beyond.
Brian (service mgr) made several calls and did the research needed to assure we got what we needed, for the best value. He was sensitive to the fact that car problems are costly and typically unexpected. I feel like he did for us what he would do for a friend.
Thank you also Jillian for being so kind ~ truly an asset to the overall positive experience.
It was a pleasure doing business with you all. See you again! (Hopefully just an oil change next time 🙂)
Communication was great and customer service was above and beyond.
Brian (service mgr) made several calls and did the research needed to assure we got what we needed, for the best value. He was sensitive to the fact that car problems are costly and typically unexpected. I feel like he did for us what he would do for a friend.
Thank you also Jillian for being so kind ~ truly an asset to the overall positive experience.
It was a pleasure doing business with you all. See you again! (Hopefully just an oil change next time 🙂)
Drew P.
Sep 28, 2021
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Jamie P.
Sep 21, 2021
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I almost never leave yelp reviews but I felt I had too after the AMAZING experience I had working with Emerson and Brian today. They were incredibly informed, professional, and really took the extra time to explain and go over each symptom/complication my 2004 Honda was experiencing. Not only did they efficiently and accurately repair my vehicle, they made my car feel as though it was once again brand new straight off the lot! If there is anything I would emphasis about these two and my experience at L&M Automotive today, it's the integrity and reliability they operate with. I would HIGHLY
P. D.
Sep 11, 2021
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After reading many Yelp reviews on various auto shops, I chose L & M Automotive to diagnose the squeal of my brakes. I called the night before and was able to get in right away the next morning! I am always leery of being a female and going to auto shops and expecting to be overcharged. Not here! They showed me the exact parts that were broken and then said I had about another 10K miles to go on the brake pads. No upsell at all. They also went beyond the brakes and fixed an issue I was having with my back window that other places said much more work HAD to be done to fix. All certified
Cindy Gildersleeve
Aug 04, 2021
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I had gone to L&M before, for a smog check, as they offered a great price and everyone seemed so friendly and helpful. I used to have a maintenance package from Audi, but now that it's beyond the time/mileage of the maintenance plan, I was afraid of what the dealership would charge. I brought my 2011 Audi A5 here for basic oil change service. I was told that my car needed a brake fluid flush, cooling system flush, and air filters. Sure enough, I checked my records, and it was absolutely time to have those services. Their prices were reasonable, and they often send out coupons that give discounts
Stella W.
Jun 09, 2021
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I was able to make a last minute appointment to get an oil change on a weekday morning, which was super convenient. Everyone working here is so nice and the service was excellent! Coffee was great too. Took less than an hour and they also did a full inspection and pumped up my tires.
I had to come back a week later because my tire pressure light turned back on even though it was just pumped up. Apparently one of my tires had a huge nail in it. They fixed it in 20 minutes at no charge! They even test drove it a little to make sure there were no more issues.
Honest and friendly working people here
I had to come back a week later because my tire pressure light turned back on even though it was just pumped up. Apparently one of my tires had a huge nail in it. They fixed it in 20 minutes at no charge! They even test drove it a little to make sure there were no more issues.
Honest and friendly working people here
Tannor King
Jun 01, 2021
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Great place! All workers are extremely nice. All of my experiences have been great and they explain everything to you like it's their own car. Anything they recommend is how they would do it if it was their own vehicle and they don't try to upsell you. Extremely customer focused and just a great team!
Danyelle S.
May 26, 2021
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I found L&M on Yelp because I needed an oil change. They took my car in right away. They didn't try to upsell me on any services I did not need. Brian was the one who helped me. He noticed I needed new windshield wipers, which I did desperately, I wouldn't of thought to ask for. They have very good pricing and are very trustworthy. I highly recommend them!
Carla Winston
Apr 28, 2021
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I had such a great experience at L&M. As a new resident to the area from out of state, I was in search of a reputable, smog inspection location and after doing some research, I found L&M. From the first phone call I had with them, to scheduling an appointment, and to the day of service, every step was pleasant. The price I was given over the phone for the inspection, which was a very reasonable price, was the price I paid on the day of service; in other words, there were no surprises. And not only was the customer service I received awesome and transparent, it was also personable. As a newbie to
Gillian B.
Apr 26, 2021
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Emerson has got to be one of the most hard working, dedicated mechanics I've ever met and it shows in his work. Him and Brian have been a blessing to me to say the least. Its tough to find a good mechanic, I moved out of oc and still made the trip here because I trust these guys with my life. They won't try to steer you in any direction that won't be in your, or your pockets best interest. Customer is always a top priority in their book and any questions are answered promptly in detail.
Alli Torres
Apr 23, 2021
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Alex V.
Apr 03, 2021
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I called ahead to see if there was a wait to SMOG my vehicle due to a title transfer and the gentleman told me to head on over since there wasn't any cars currently being SMOGed. It was really quick and easy. I was out within 15-20min. At the end of the service, I received a complimentary coupon voucher. Good value! Nice wait area with coffee or tea too :) Very nice and professional. They will definitely see me again.
Adam B.
Mar 20, 2021
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Veena M.
Mar 09, 2021
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Megan Towey
Mar 07, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I went in for an oil change, but when they inspected my car for other issues, I’m so happy they found issues that needed immediate repairs. They did quick work, and kept communication open the entire time. They are very kind here, and even offered to drive me back home! I am very happy I went to L&M instead of anywhere else!
Services: Oil change, Brakes, Transmission
I went in for an oil change, but when they inspected my car for other issues, I’m so happy they found issues that needed immediate repairs. They did quick work, and kept communication open the entire time. They are very kind here, and even offered to drive me back home! I am very happy I went to L&M instead of anywhere else!
Services: Oil change, Brakes, Transmission
Eric Lee
Feb 22, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality
Both Brian and Charlie were awesome from checking in to completion. Even offered up a courtesy car as it took a bit longer to complete everything. Honest diagnosis with a very as a matter of fact attitude. Definitely will be a regular customer here on out. Being close to my work gives them a leg up as well.
Services: Oil change, Smog certification, General repairs & maintenance
Both Brian and Charlie were awesome from checking in to completion. Even offered up a courtesy car as it took a bit longer to complete everything. Honest diagnosis with a very as a matter of fact attitude. Definitely will be a regular customer here on out. Being close to my work gives them a leg up as well.
Services: Oil change, Smog certification, General repairs & maintenance
Xuan L.
Feb 17, 2021
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After having to go back and forth between the dealership, a collision center and my car insurance for over 2 months, my car was finally fixed but broke down again after 2 weeks.
Charlie, the owner of this shop came across my FB post about my car situation and offered help. He drove all the way to my house to check and inspect the car. He gave me the details and explained to me why my car is not functioning properly. He helped me getting my car over to his shop and even gave me a ride home. I've never seen any mechanic that is down to earth and wholeheartedly trying to help someone like Charlie
Charlie, the owner of this shop came across my FB post about my car situation and offered help. He drove all the way to my house to check and inspect the car. He gave me the details and explained to me why my car is not functioning properly. He helped me getting my car over to his shop and even gave me a ride home. I've never seen any mechanic that is down to earth and wholeheartedly trying to help someone like Charlie
Tina V.
May 14, 2020
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Paul Michael Vargas
Nov 20, 2019
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Services and staff are too notch. Mike is like the car whisperer and can talk your ear off about every technology in your car. to me that's huge as it shows me he's passionate about what he does! They were also cool with me doing basic repairs like oil change and radiator flush, they just said don't forget to still bring it in for rotation and… quick brake check. This is RARE with mechanics as I had one that told me that's bad cause if I do something wrong I can damage my car. for those who don't know, oil change is mostly a simple task and hard to really mess up. stopped going to him and
Carrie Kimpton Heald
Aug 08, 2019
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After a horrible experience at a local dealership I was thrilled to find L & M Automotive. The staff were all friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed. Mike went above and beyond checking on warranty and recall notices for both my cars. I typically dislike getting my car serviced but am feeling good about my next appointment at L & M!!
Scot Ross
Aug 03, 2017
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Bob Shetland
Apr 14, 2017
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Brought our 2001 Chinook Destiny for a smog cert. Also, bought a VIAIR portable compressor, that we carry in the RV when we travel. I've been having trouble safely connecting the ground wire on the compressor to the chassis battery. Emerson had a great idea of using another wire already attached to the engine compartment sidewall. He attached a hex nut and bolt to it, presto, easy ground connection for my compressor! Thanks again!
