The 5 Best Auto Shops in San Diego

Whether you’re looking for an old-school body shop or a state-of-the-art collision center, these are the best auto shops in San Diego.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Whether you need routine vehicle service or an emergency repair, there are a variety of auto shops in San Diego, California, to choose from. From Pacific Auto Service to American Tire Depot, we’ve rounded up five top-rated auto shops in the San Diego area.
Finding an auto shop suited to your needs can be trickier than you might think. While some shops are dedicated to classic cars, others offer unique collision repair, tire maintenance, and vehicle restoration services. 
If you’d like to avoid the hassle of comparing shops, services, and prices, you’ve come to the right place.
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Most affordable auto shop: Pacific Auto Service

Address: 7451 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: (858)-271-8006
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am–5:30pm; Sat 8am-2pm
Performing regular vehicle maintenance is something to be rewarded, right? Unfortunately, getting the bill from your auto shop after a service or repair can feel like just the opposite. If you’re looking for an automotive service shop that won’t leave you scraping for coins, try
Pacific Auto Service
.
At Pacific Auto, providing exceptional automotive services at affordable prices is the name of the game. Whether you need an oil and filter change, brake replacement, wheel alignment, engine diagnosis, or fluid or filter change, Pacific Auto can help. 
This family-owned business values integrity and outstanding customer service, and they’ve got the experience to back it up. With a 4.9/5 customer review rating on Google, you can trust this team of experts to provide the service you need without breaking the bank.
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Best old-school auto shop: Mission Bay Classic’s

Address: 4730 Santa Fe St, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858)-270-1937
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am–5:30pm; Sat 9:30am–1pm
When it comes to auto shops, some car owners are just as old-school as their classic vehicles. If you’re looking for a no-frills auto shop to restore your prized possession, take your car to
Mission Bay Classic's
With over 25 years of experience, you can trust the professionals at Mission Bay Classic’s to refurbish, repaint and restore your
classic car
using their advanced repair equipment. Check out their Instagram @missionbayclassics to scope out their restoration work!

Best for tires: American Tire Depot

Address: 3191 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 280-0331
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am–6pm
Looking for the best place to replace or repair your tires? Look no further than
American Tire Depot
! With praise for the shop’s reliability and unbeatable prices, customers on Google give American Tire Depot a rating of 4.8/5
Whether you're in search of all-season or winter tires, American Tire Depot offers brands including Bridgestone, Toyo Extensa, BFGoodrich, Michelin, and more! 

Best auto restoration: West Kearny Mesa Automotive & Transmission

Address: 8027 Balboa Ave Suite A, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 560-0156
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am–6pm
Whether your vehicle has been around the block a time or two or is just in need of some serious maintenance, this locally owned and operated auto repair shop is never too far away. With three locations throughout San Diego,
West Kearny Mesa Automotive & Transmission
provides reliable repair services at affordable rates.
In operation since 1993, Automotive and Transmission is backed with experience. Services provided include hybrid repair, diagnostic scanning, brake repair, oil changes, smog checks, and transmission repairs. 
It’s no surprise that this auto shop has a Customer Review Google Rating of 4.8/5.
With ASE Certified and Master Technicians, this auto shop takes customer service to the next level. By providing expert advice and maintenance education, drivers can avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of their vehicles. 
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Best collision repair: San Diego Auto Repair & Collision

Address: 3877 42nd St, San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: (619) 282-2400 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm 
If you’ve been involved in an accident, the last thing you’ll want to do is research auto repair shops in your area. Leave it to
San Diego Auto Repair & Collision
to take care of your vehicle repairs.
With over 30 years of experience and CAPA Certified Products, this family-owned and operated business is backed with the knowledge and equipment you need. Auto Repair & Collision can work with any make or model of vehicle, so you’ll never have to worry if they’re equipped to handle your car. With its team of friendly experts, Auto Repair & Collision strives to provide quality services to vehicles and customers. 
What’s more, this auto shop offers competitive financing to make it accessible for clients to receive the services they need. All you have to do is call the shop, and a team member will arrange a financing package that works for you! 

How to find a reliable auto shop in San Diego

When it comes to auto shops, not every driver has the same priorities in mind. While these San Diego auto shops are top-rated for their respective services, there are other factors to consider when searching for the right auto shop. Refer to the tips below when looking for a reliable mechanic:
  • Read reviews: While any website can boast about the quality of its service, it's the customers’ opinions that really matter. Check out any reviews on the shop you can find and watch out for red flags like fraud, poor repair jobs, and unprofessional mechanics. 
  • Ask around: Another way to find a quality auto shop? Ask your friends, coworkers, family, or neighbors for recommendations! If they own a car, they’ll likely have recommendations on where to take your car; and perhaps, more importantly, where to avoid.
  • Check for certification: Before you bring your car in for service, check if the technicians are ASE certified. If an auto shop is dedicated to high-quality service, they’ll hire certified technicians. It’s also a good idea to check out the repair shop itself to assess the equipment, the state of the shop, and the professionalism of the employees.
  • Take perks into account: Many auto shops offer perks with their services, including shuttle services, discounted rates, and repeat customer rewards. If you have the room in your budget to explore a higher-quality shop, you might be rewarded with some extra benefits. 

How to save money on car insurance in San Diego

When it comes to vehicle ownership, repairs and maintenance aren’t the only ongoing costs you’ll have to deal with. Annual car insurance, which averages $1,836 for drivers in San Diego, is the most significant vehicle-related expense for many drivers. Luckily, there are ways to reduce your rate and keep some change in your pocket.
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They’ll also reshop rates regularly to ensure you have the best rate, and they’ll even cancel your old policy for you! 
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