How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%79+43.1Reliability 24%72+17.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty98−0.2Momentum penalty77−2.3Experts Score= 79Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.79SCOREJohn's Automotive Care
San Diego, CA · Grade BLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20. · #95Position by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. of 148 auto repair shops · 4.8★ from 1,448 Google reviews
Report card
Percentile vs other auto repair shops (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired John's Automotive Care for 8 kinds of job.
John's Automotive Care for auto engine diagnostic
Clear ✕All 85 Google reviews tagged “Auto engine diagnostic” · showing 40
I can't say enough about John and his staff -- kind, friendly, funny, caring , honest, knowledgeable, and down right down to earth. My munchkin (um....young adult) lived out of state for a bit and bought a jeep with over 200K miles on it because it looked cool and was his favorite colors. Unfortunately, he took it…
Performed diagnostic review and reset of onboard computer. Conducted thorough inspection of entire vehicle and noted possible problem items.
I would 110% recommend this mechanic! My car broke down on the side of the freeway one evening, so a tow truck brought me here. The owner happened to be there when we arrived, and because it was late at night offered to give me a ride home so I wouldn’t have to wait around for an Uber. They found that the part my…
John’s is the greatest. Trustworthy and the offer complimentary transportation
Incredible mechanic shop! I have been taking my car to John’s for years, the team here is honest and hardworking. I fully trust when my vehicle is in their hands. I recently had a used car taken into their shop for inspection before purchase. They found some major issues with the vehicle, which ultimately helped me…
All of the technicians and associates at John's Automotive are great with customer service. They all worked with me to help resolve my issues with my car. Would 100% recommend to anyone who needs an easy fix for their car issues. Shoutout to Dave for working with me and being super kind and helping me work everything out with my car.
Just had another great experience @ John’s Automotive! Thanks for your care & expertise, as always!
Had a 69 Corvette "restored" to good running condition from it sitting a lot.
Arrived early for my appointment. Was greeted and told how long I could possibly be waiting. Very professional crew, they have snacks in the waiting room
2025 Still prefer John's to any other mechanic. 2024 John's Automotive is STILL my go-to first choice for repair and maintenance of my car. They continue to be friendly, supportive, very detailed. With car maintenance as expensive as it it, I deeply appreciate their clarity about what can wait a bit (but will need…
The windshield was left dirty and the temp gauge displays lo instead of temperature.
This is my go to, trusted auto shop. They did a thorough diagnostic with photos and recommendations for items that were ok, items that should be looked at, and items that required attention.
Completely satisfied. I recommend John's to anyone looking for a mechanic or just general automotive maintenance.
We bought a 2002 Firebird for my son's first car. It needs a lot of TLC and professional help. With the aid of Benjamin, our Service Rep, we put together a list of priorities to keep my son safe. No high pressure, no unnecessary repairs just solid, honest, professional service. John's was recommended to us by our…
Very satisfied, the routine service was just as promised, the inspection is always helpful and we're taking care of an existing concern on my next visit. I've always used NAPA parts and their service centers when possible, I always feel I got the right advice and reasonable solutions.
Quick, great, and courteous service. I have come to expect this from the John’s Automotive crew every time.
This would have been a 5-star rating if the tech who had to get inside my glove compartment in order to access a lever had bothered to pick up the CDs and napkin that fell out and landed on my passenger-side floor. There was nothing on the floor before he got into the glove compartment. That was sloppy. Makes me…
Great service! Very attentive and quick at getting back to you and keeping you updated. Prices are very reasonable as well.
Professional and honest
I was visiting San Diego. Car over heated and could not be driven. Of course this occurred late on a Friday. I called John’s as a recommendation from AAA and had the vehicle towed there. I tried contacting many other shops prior. They promised to look at it Saturday (one of a few open on Saturday, which was…
John's will give you a full report with pictures of the parts that they recommend fixing. They advised me on what should and shouldn't be addressed at the time. They even helped me by shuttling me home after I dropped my car off.
Great people. Mike is a top mechanic and knows his cars.
As a skeptical person by nature I am always on guard when dealing with businesses such as John’s Automotive. As hard as I try, I can’t find anything I don’t like about this business.
I took my car into John’s for a AAA inspection (for the second time) and they not just met, but exceeded my expectations. They did a thorough job, even emailing a detailed breakdown of what I found! Kudos Rick and the rest of the team!
I had a good idea that the head gasket was blown in my 2013 Lexus CT200. After a good discussion on the history, the CS rep recommended a complete engine diagnostic for about $250. This was a fair price to evaluate the condition of both the upper and lower engine. The tech called a day later and stopped the full…
Called in and they quoted me price for diagnostic. Walked in 5 minutes later and amazing customer service! They went above and beyond. Called me every step of the way. Fixed my issue and did a temporary fix on another problem of my car had. Did not charge me extra or over charge me. They listened to my rant about…
My car was super jacked up and I had no idea what was going on. Took it to John's and within 48 hours I had an email plainly detailing all the issues of my car, how severe it was, and information on the recommendations. The repairs were a bit pricey, but everything was itemized and broken down and it was priced fairly. I would definitely go to them again!
I brought my truck here and it sat for WEEKS. Their communication between offices and techs is terrible. Do not bring your truck here if you want work done in a timely fashion. Aside from the one part they sent off to be remanufactured, my truck came back in significantly worse shape.
John’s Automotive is professional and honest and I’m pleased how they handle any situation…whether good, bad or whatever! They make it right!
Went in for a routine smog check. I guess John’s automotive staff can’t help themselves! The whole interaction from greeting at the door to delivery of vehicle was next level. I’m sure they provide hundreds of what may be a very routine check in. I still felt like a valued customer and that my vehicle was the…
This place was amazing. Took my car in for some engine/spark plug issues on a Friday morning. Dave was super helpful and reached out to me in the afternoon with an update. Got a break in that they were able to quickly fix my car and get it back to me the same day.
I have been a customer for over 5 yrs and every time I have experienced the best auto service at the right price.I fully recommend John's Automotive Care!!
I'll be taking a long trip in my car and wanted to have my car checked. I just had the oil changed by the Service Department at the dealership I bought the car from and get a vehicle inspection with each oil change. I told them about my trip and asked that they do a more thorough check. I got my car back with no…
Excellent customer service, very knowledgeable technicians.
Brian over at John’s automotive classic car repair was great! straight forward in knowledge and pricing. My 1970 international scout now runs and breaks! Will definitely come back for more work that I want to do. Highly recommend this honest staff!
The people there were really friendly. My car’s engine died, and although the I wasn’t able to get repairs due to high prices, they were happy to work with me as I figured out other options. If I have future car maintenance, I’ll probably go here.
Awesome and honest place. Very personable and respectful staff. Love the place. Would recommend to everyone
Bryan and the rest of the staff were great! Bryan advised me thoroughly through the many aspects of my comprehensive build. Advised me where to invest, & especially where I can save. This is my new shop.
The team at Johns automotive car were so thorough in their inspection of my car. I appreciated all the photos and clear communication. Justin was so helpful with explaining what everything meant. I will definitely be coming back for any future car needs
One of the most professional non-dealer automotive repair shops you’ll find - but you’ll pay for it! It’s the old adage, “you get what you pay for”. So if you want to feel appreciated (treated with respect, timely updates, dedicated point of contact, clean atmosphere, complimentary refreshments, etc.) this is the…
Price
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Price verdictsGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Jobs customers hired them for
| Job | Reviews | Category typical |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change | 194 | — |
| General repairs & maintenance | 169 | — |
| Auto engine diagnostic | 84 | — |
| Vehicle Inspection | 68 | — |
| Brakes | 65 | — |
| Air & cabin filter replacement | 62 | — |
| Battery | 48 | — |
| Auto maintenance | 44 | — |
