Searching for an experienced, trustworthy mechanic? Look no further than the team of certified auto technicians at Gary's Auto Service in Santee. Our family and veteran-owned automotive repair shop has been serving East County San Diego since 2000. From oil changes and routine maintenance to brake repairs and engine replacements - our experts can handle all major and minor automotive repairs with ease.
In addition to a full range of foreign and domestic automotive services, we offer a wide variety of top brand tires at fair prices. Active and veteran military can save even more money with our military DISCOUNT.
In addition to a full range of foreign and domestic automotive services, we offer a wide variety of top brand tires at fair prices. Active and veteran military can save even more money with our military DISCOUNT.
Services
Is your vehicle refusing to start or running rough? Contact the personable and professional team of auto experts at Gary's Auto Service to schedule service now. Our family and veteran-owned shop has been serving the East County San Diego Area since 2000. Our ASE Certified technicians can handle a variety of automotive services and routine maintenance.
If you have concerns about your brakes, you need to schedule a brake inspection immediately with an experienced professional. Our ASE Certified Technicians will accurately diagnose and repair your brake systems. We understand how important your brake system is for the safety of you and your loved ones.
Every vehicle make and model has different wheel alignment requirements. Over time, one or more wheels will lose alignment due to road and driving conditions - stop-and-go traffic, potholes or an occasional run in with a curb. Signs that your car, truck or SUV are out of alignment include pulling to the right or left, premature tire wear and tear and poor suspension.
Driving with a damaged airconditioner can be really frustrating and uncomfortable, especially during the scorching summers or chilly winters. Why bear the inconvenience when the prompt and skilled technicians at Gary's Auto Service are here to assist you. Our team has the tools and know-how to accurately diagnose the problem and provide you with necessary heating or cooling system repairs and services.
Extend the life of your vehicle by keeping the engine in top condition. If your vehicle's engine is not functioning as efficiently as it should, reach out to Gary's Auto Service. We'll conduct a thorough diagnosis of your engine and provide you with effective repairs or engine replacements if needed.
Reviews (17)
M. Dawn S.
Dec 21, 2021
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Donny R.
Dec 15, 2021
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I have used Gary for a couple years now for multiple services. He and his crew are awesome and have completed several repairs from easy to complicated on two of my vehicles. Gary is no nonsense and will tell you exactly what you do and don't need. I recently asked him about doing a service on my car. Instead of charging me a bunch of money for an easy job he told me I could do it myself in a short amount of time and just save the money for another service I actually needed. I really appreciated his honesty and assistance. I'll recommend this shop hands down. Great service, honest guy
Justin A.
Oct 11, 2021
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Amy Y.
Jul 13, 2021
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Been taking our vehicles here for ten years. Gary is honest and a great mechanic.
He worked at a Honda dealership as a certified mechanic for years before opening his own shop.
Always good prices and always fixed right the first time.
Being a one man shop means he's not the fastest... Being excellent and well priced makes it worth the wait.
He worked at a Honda dealership as a certified mechanic for years before opening his own shop.
Always good prices and always fixed right the first time.
Being a one man shop means he's not the fastest... Being excellent and well priced makes it worth the wait.
Chris S.
Mar 30, 2021
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**Updated**Long story short I had asked him to replace 3 ignition coils in the back of my engine due to the amount of work required to replace them even though only one was broken (let it be known that at an earlier time he had recommended/agreed that we should replace all three) After all that when he returned the car to me he said he had only replace one and didn't bother replacing the others, even though I specifically stated that I wanted to replace all three. He also did some other work: replacing motor mounts, replacing power steering return line, as it was leaking, replacing valve cover
Jennifer H.
Mar 28, 2021
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I love this place. As a woman who knows absolutely nothing about cars I often worry that I'm being taken advantage of when I take my car somewhere. After being here multiple times now I feel like they are always being completely honest and giving me fair good prices unlike other places I've been to in the past. I'm very happy I found this place and will be taking my car here for everything.
Rebecca F.
Mar 07, 2021
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Changed review to one star, due to complete lack of responsibility. Previous paint damage yes, but bumper was not completely hanging off on sides when brought into this shop. Nor was it split down the middle. I guess what we're saying now is that a bumper can have a one inch gap from fender, hanging from screws and crack down the middle- just because it decided to.
Cindy G.
Jan 23, 2021
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UPDATE: after i posted my original review, Gary reached out to me and offered to refund the brake and rotor replacement. I very much appreciated his taking this step to remedy a bad experience!
Do not bring your luxury car here for any sort of repairs or service! I have a fairly new Lexus RC350 that needed new front brakes. Gary assured my husband he could do the work so we brought the car to him. He replaced them but within three days, the brakes were screeching and squealing like metal on metal. I took it back to Gary's as he said he would replace them again. Exact same thing happened
Do not bring your luxury car here for any sort of repairs or service! I have a fairly new Lexus RC350 that needed new front brakes. Gary assured my husband he could do the work so we brought the car to him. He replaced them but within three days, the brakes were screeching and squealing like metal on metal. I took it back to Gary's as he said he would replace them again. Exact same thing happened
Amanda W.
Jan 06, 2021
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Gary is amazing! I found his shop about a year ago when I was new to Santee. He has helped me with everything from transmission issues, brakes, a broken water pump, and even putting on my new windshield wipers that I couldn't figure out myself. I have been weary about going to the dealership but I know that I can trust Gary. Thank you for all that you have done for me and my Ford Fiesta!
Jonah W.
Dec 10, 2020
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I hate going to the mechanic. I don't know anybody who says "i just love going to the mechanic" because that just means there is always something wrong with your car. I know nothing about cars and most mechanics I've been to know this and proceed to charge me way too much money for too little results. Gary's auto service is not like that. The few times I've been there, Gary was very friendly, very efficient, and explained what was wrong with my car in terms I can understand (think simple English). Prices are reasonable as well for the work I received on my car. I always
Mike J.
Dec 08, 2020
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This is long overdue. I brought my old Honda Civic to Gary not knowing what to expect. He pointed out a few things that could wait and others that needed to be taken care of for safety reasons. I had him replace the brakes and shocks and do an oil change. The work was done in a day and with fair pricing. I have told my family and friends about him so hopefully he will get more work. It was a pleasure going here. I will definitely be back. Thanks again for a great job Gary! This should be your only shop to rely on.
Cori G.
Nov 10, 2020
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This place recently hired a new mechanic named Chris and I'd like to warn the public to make sure this man does NOT touch your vehicle. Chris lost his business (Dabberts) and has left multiple projects sitting at a sober living complex in lakeside. My family is in the hole $2000 and the vehicle is literally in pieces. Chris is non-responsive and uses excuses that incorrect parts got ordered, he's waiting for a credit to order new parts, etc. We have assumptions he used the money for his own needs and now doesn't have the funds to actually order the parts. Why else would the car
Gabriel O.
Sep 09, 2020
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Was looking for a place to get the mufflers on my Charger replaced with some aftermarket ones. Found Gary's on Yelp and I can see now why this place is rated so highly.
I explained what I needed done and he said it wouldn't be a problem and to come in. Went in the next day and he outlined what would need to be done to the car before they could install the new mufflers, which I knew. Was there for about maybe 2 hours which was more than reasonable. Worked out great and the car sounds absolutely fantastic!
His price for labor and parts (needed some small custom pipe extensions) was
I explained what I needed done and he said it wouldn't be a problem and to come in. Went in the next day and he outlined what would need to be done to the car before they could install the new mufflers, which I knew. Was there for about maybe 2 hours which was more than reasonable. Worked out great and the car sounds absolutely fantastic!
His price for labor and parts (needed some small custom pipe extensions) was
Alex L.
Jul 20, 2020
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Very pleasant to work with. Gary was very upfront and even went so far as to print out documents and have me take them to the Ford dealership as the fix would be covered under warranty. Came back for wheel alignment + oil change and very reasonably priced. I will use Gary's auto for all my future needs.
Aaron S.
Jun 07, 2020
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Johny C.
Jan 29, 2020
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Bronte D.
Jan 19, 2020
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I have been taking my SUV to Gary's Auto Service for almost 2 years now. I could not be more grateful that I found a mechanic I can trust! Gary has always communicated with me regarding how long it will take to get my car back, his prices are fair, and most importantly he is an expert at what he does.
I have a 2008 Toyota Rav4 with 130,000 miles on it. My vehicle is in wonderful shape because of Gary. I have so much peace of mind when it comes to taking my car in because I know Gary will be honest with me and I do not need to worry about being taken advantage of. I highly recommend using
I have a 2008 Toyota Rav4 with 130,000 miles on it. My vehicle is in wonderful shape because of Gary. I have so much peace of mind when it comes to taking my car in because I know Gary will be honest with me and I do not need to worry about being taken advantage of. I highly recommend using
