Absolutely awesome service! I went in to get my brakes checked out and Mike did a great job of explaining my repair options. After working for 20+ years in the automotive industry at car dealerships, auto repair shops and service stations, Mike Allenstein decided he had a better definition of customer service.
In 1993, he opened the doors to Golden Wrench Automotive in Vista, CA. His roster of loyal, satisfied customers has been growing over the last 26 years with customers that have grown tired of the "business as usual" method of car repairs including the commission structured, high pressure sales of most auto repair shops and dealers.
In 1993, he opened the doors to Golden Wrench Automotive in Vista, CA. His roster of loyal, satisfied customers has been growing over the last 26 years with customers that have grown tired of the "business as usual" method of car repairs including the commission structured, high pressure sales of most auto repair shops and dealers.
Services
Here at Golden Wrench, our outstanding reputation is something we are proud of. We have been servicing the North County, coastal and inland communities for over 25 years. We are dedicated to offering the best quality service at competitive rates. Our shop is equipped with state of the art equipment and an experienced, friendly staff.
When the air conditioning in your car leaves something to be desired, driving really isn't all that fun. Visit Golden Wrench Automotive for an A/C performance test and air conditioner repair in Vista at the first trace of trouble. Whether your car's A/C is blowing strange smells or hot air through the vents, you can rely on our knowledgeable technicians to get your A/C to perform the way it should.
Does your car feel like it's pulling to one side? Is the steering wheel slanted when you're driving in a straight line? Have you started to notice squealing tires or uneven tire wear? Any of these signs could mean it's time to visit Golden Wrench Automotive for a wheel alignment service. North County San Diego roads aren't always in the best condition, but that's the nature of driving.
Most drivers don't put too much thought into something they step on daily to work. Still, your braking system is an essential component that sees a lot of shoe action but not a lot of thought until something, well, breaks. At Golden Wrench Automotive, we specialize in brake repairs and services.
If your brakes are acting strange, squealing, or stopping you with apprehension instead of your car, contact our Vista, CA team for repairs at your earliest convenience.We're automotive repair experts with a penchant for putting a stop to faulty brakes. You've got questions, and we've got answers. Even if you haven't thought of the question yet, we're here to give you the low-down on the ever important braking system in your vehicle.
If your brakes are acting strange, squealing, or stopping you with apprehension instead of your car, contact our Vista, CA team for repairs at your earliest convenience.We're automotive repair experts with a penchant for putting a stop to faulty brakes. You've got questions, and we've got answers. Even if you haven't thought of the question yet, we're here to give you the low-down on the ever important braking system in your vehicle.
Is it difficult to start your car or does it take several turns of the key to start your engine? Did your car recently fail a smog check? At Golden Wrench Automotive our experienced technicians and first-class diagnostic equipment will find and solve your vehicle's problem, whatever it may be, quickly and efficiently.
Reviews (27)
Gt W.
Jan 01, 2022
Report
2 visits here and I'm extremely happy with Golden Wrench.
First, this is the auto repair shop that Costco recommends, and they almost never recommend an outside vendor. That means they really stand by Golden Wrench's work.
My first visit was for an alignment. They did a great job and the price was very reasonable.
On my second visit, I had a handful of minor issues that I wanted them to take a look at. GW broke down the various costs that would be required to fix them, but also gave me some options that I could do myself that would probably fix them for way cheaper. I thought that
First, this is the auto repair shop that Costco recommends, and they almost never recommend an outside vendor. That means they really stand by Golden Wrench's work.
My first visit was for an alignment. They did a great job and the price was very reasonable.
On my second visit, I had a handful of minor issues that I wanted them to take a look at. GW broke down the various costs that would be required to fix them, but also gave me some options that I could do myself that would probably fix them for way cheaper. I thought that
Bev Gerlitz
Dec 31, 2021
Report
Gioia Snyder
Dec 31, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Value
Mike at Golden Wrench was very professional. He was upfront about the time-line that he would be able to look at my car and exceeded my expectations. Once the issue was diagnosed he explained the situation very clearly to me. He was able to give me several options for fixing my car. Great customer service.
Mike at Golden Wrench was very professional. He was upfront about the time-line that he would be able to look at my car and exceeded my expectations. Once the issue was diagnosed he explained the situation very clearly to me. He was able to give me several options for fixing my car. Great customer service.
David Hirsch
Dec 24, 2021
Report
My battery barely started my 4-year-old Mini. I used to swap out batteries myself, but this one is behind the engine and you have to remove all kinds of stuff. I started calling local repair shops. I saw that Golden Wrench had almost 100% Five Star reviews. I called and asked for a price. It was a really good price. I asked when I could bring it in. She told me "now" would be good and I could wait for it. I went there and left with a new battery installed in under 45 minutes. Nice people, they know what they are doing and most importantly, they are Honest!
Margarita L.
Dec 22, 2021
Report
Frances D.
Dec 15, 2021
Report
This morning I called Golden Wrench Automotive Shop and I received an automated message with Jason's voice that said to leave my full name, cell phone number and a brief message and one of their employees will respond back to my phone call today.
My message said: Please cancel this Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service on my 1995 Honda Civic DX Coupe Car because I can't afford to pay the $690.00 total cost of this service and I will pick up my car this afternoon at 2 p. m. on Wednesday on December 15, 2021.
I thought that Mike was overcharging me because I looked up the price last
My message said: Please cancel this Brake Master Cylinder Replacement Service on my 1995 Honda Civic DX Coupe Car because I can't afford to pay the $690.00 total cost of this service and I will pick up my car this afternoon at 2 p. m. on Wednesday on December 15, 2021.
I thought that Mike was overcharging me because I looked up the price last
Karyn
Dec 07, 2021
Report
Everyone at Golden Wrench is very friendly, professional and the overall work is great! They are always great about getting your car in when it's most convenient for you. Had been using another mechanic who said they couldn't find the source of my check engine light so went to Golden Wrench for a second opinion. They easily found the problem AND saved my engine! It was VERY low on oil even though I'd asked my prior mechanic to check the oil and let me know if I needed an oil change! Needless to say, the folks at Golden Wrench became my go to mechanics!! Really pleased with all aspects of their
Michael
Nov 29, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism
Replaced wheel lug broken during another firm's tire change/repair. Golden Wrench completed the work in LESS time than projected (<45 min)! Very impressed with their service and commitment to excellence. I will be going back for an alignment soon.
Services: Tyres, General repairs & maintenance
Replaced wheel lug broken during another firm's tire change/repair. Golden Wrench completed the work in LESS time than projected (<45 min)! Very impressed with their service and commitment to excellence. I will be going back for an alignment soon.
Services: Tyres, General repairs & maintenance
Mike Biley
Nov 29, 2021
Report
Andrea Amezquita
Nov 26, 2021
Report
Greg T.
Nov 18, 2021
Report
Jason Windham
Nov 03, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Mike and the crew at Golden Wrench do great work, and have great communication. Most importantly, their prices are fair, and you never feel like you're being "up-sold". There's no better feeling than trusting your mechanic, and I'd recommend Golden Wrench to all my friends and family.
Service: General repairs & maintenance
Mike and the crew at Golden Wrench do great work, and have great communication. Most importantly, their prices are fair, and you never feel like you're being "up-sold". There's no better feeling than trusting your mechanic, and I'd recommend Golden Wrench to all my friends and family.
Service: General repairs & maintenance
Ted H.
Nov 01, 2021
Report
I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, which I told Mike, the owner of Golden Wrench, to give a "Zombie apocalypse" tune up; in short, fix, fill and repair anything and everything needed, whether urgent or not. He did so, flawlessly. Then, in an unrelated incident a week later, the fuel pump blew up, and blasted a bunch of metal fragments into the fuel system, essentially obliterating it and crippling the vehicle. Due to all the automotive supply chain nonsense, my vehicle sat there for over a month, awaiting parts from far-flung areas of the country. Mike set me up with a rental car
Johnny F.
Oct 25, 2021
Report
Christina Cardoza
Sep 26, 2021
Report
My original auto repair company was not answering their phones for me to make an appointment for my '07 Jeep so I searched on google and found this company. Saw all the great reviews so I scheduled an appointment and I am so glad I did. Excellent service all around, they really made me feel like a valued customer, definitely going back.
Rachel B.
Sep 17, 2021
Report
Lauren M.
Aug 07, 2021
Report
Karen W.
Aug 05, 2021
Report
I can't say enough good things about this place. Mike and Jay always take care of us for all of our cars. Their prices are reasonable and most of all they are honest and talented. I've never once had to bring my car back for the same issue. It's hard to find an honest, ethical and reasonably priced auto mechanic. I refer them to all my friends and highly suggest them to all! I wish all companies had the same standards.
Felipe M.
Jun 28, 2021
Report
They get two stars due to the weekend availability they used to have. This shop is grossly overpriced. They charged us $1,400 for a brake job on a 2006 Suburban. All other shops nearby quoted around $700, but could not take us in on a weekend.
Response to Owner's Comment:
The review stands. You should've said that you NO LONGER open on weekends. Unless there is a different Golden Wrench located at 241 N. Emerald Drive in Vista, CA, and unless there is another Mike Allenstein that works there, then I have the correct shop.
If you cannot find a record for a person with my name and vehicle
Response to Owner's Comment:
The review stands. You should've said that you NO LONGER open on weekends. Unless there is a different Golden Wrench located at 241 N. Emerald Drive in Vista, CA, and unless there is another Mike Allenstein that works there, then I have the correct shop.
If you cannot find a record for a person with my name and vehicle
Jim Moore
Jun 19, 2021
Report
The owner, Mike, responded to my weekend online appointment request within 2 hours. The repair to the tire stem was done in less than an hour. Every staff member was friendly and easy to talk with. I watched how they interacted with other customers and they all left with a smile. This is a great place to have work done on your car.
John F.
Apr 08, 2021
Report
Peggy B.
Jan 05, 2021
Report
Discount Tire recommended this place to get tire alignment. Overall, I am very pleased with the price and service. They also have a lot of other services such as maintenance checks, etc. Free and fast wifi too! They wiped my car down after the service, masks, and gloves are worn. Get your vehicles serviced here with confidence! Good folks work here!
Tim B.
Nov 21, 2020
Report
German P.
Nov 14, 2020
Report
Brought my Honda CRV here for the first time as it is nearing 90k miles and needed some service. I was on the hunt for a new mechanic shop as I am new to the area, and I could not have found one better. The service was excellent and Mike was great and very down to earth, he gave me his recommendations and he did not try to sell me anything that was not needed. I will definitely be coming here for all my car service needs and I hope my car and I are able to build a good relationship here.
Rob H.
Nov 05, 2020
Report
I got a recommendation for Golden wrench from the tire guys at Costco to help us with a flap under my car that was coming off.
The crew there was incredibly helpful and got it done for sooo much cheaper than any other quotes we received.
Staff was friendly and helpful.
Get to this place if you want the truth about your auto repairs and to meet a bunch of nice folks.
Good to see there are still some good mechanics out there!
The crew there was incredibly helpful and got it done for sooo much cheaper than any other quotes we received.
Staff was friendly and helpful.
Get to this place if you want the truth about your auto repairs and to meet a bunch of nice folks.
Good to see there are still some good mechanics out there!
D. R.
Jul 06, 2020
Report
These guys are fantastic! I *highly* recommend them. They're super honest. They're very competent. They use quality parts. They're friendly. They work fairly quickly. They do appointments and drop offs. They'll explain your options up front and in ways even non-car people can follow. They care about their customers and our community as a whole. They're even patient when I call because I'm stuck while doing a repair on my own! It doesn't get much better than Golden Wrench!
Tidbits:
Golden Wrench has made community donations and sponsored things
Tidbits:
Golden Wrench has made community donations and sponsored things
Brad S.
Mar 01, 2020
Report
I've been meaning to write a review for a while on these guys. I'm always skeptical of auto shops thinking they are gonna try and rip me off, and many out there do. Not these guys. I've taken my older Toyota pickup there several times for work and have been pleasantly surprised each time. When they quoted me a higher price(around 200$) on a clutch replacement I questioned them as to why the higher price? He took the time to explain that they replace with quality parts and not just resurfacing the old clutch and why that is a better option and after researching it they were right