Auto repair shop · Chico, CA · reviewed since 2012
iHow 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%94+51.3Reliability 24%94+22.8Value 14%94+13.3Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Experts Score= 94Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.94SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#5 of 50 oil change servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 92%
4.9★★★★★151 Google reviews · 23 photos
95%five-star reviews
4.94★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Spencer Auto Repair Shop 4.9 out of 5 based on 151 reviews, noting the owner replies to 99% of feedback. Customers frequently cite honest communication, reasonable pricing, and timely service for repairs, oil changes, and diagnostics. They appreciate the staff’s willingness to explain issues clearly and provide accurate quotes without unnecessary upsells. One low-star review describes an interaction as condescending, suggesting a rare instance of poor customer service attitude during a diagnostic process.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 151 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 151 Google reviews (117 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 21, 2026.
Service: Oil Change Service serving Chico, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other oil change services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach 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: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: value.
Spencer Auto Repair ShopOil Change Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Spencer Auto Repair Shop: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
94
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Spencer Auto Repair Shop: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 76.A
94
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Spencer Auto Repair Shop: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
94
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Spencer Auto Repair Shop: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Spencer Auto Repair Shop: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
151 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars14395%
4 stars75%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 117 written reviews
97%praise
Praise24397%
Complaints73%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price436%
Reasonable764%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Honesty & trust5723%
Staff & attitude5622%
Price & value4016%
Quality & results3213%
Speed & response2510%
Would recommend2410%
Communication166%
What customers talk about
We read 117 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“My delivery truck is the life blood of my business so I don't just trust it to anyone.”
“If you're a kind and honest person, you'll appreciate the Spencer way of running a business.”
“They're talented, reasonable, and they have integrity.”
“Always super friendly and they don’t over charge you for things that aren’t needed.”
“They resolved it, as wall as a problem with the cooling system found during the process.”
“…to were kind and respectful without any bs, the work was done super fast, and my car is running great.…”
“…them after shopping around because they gave a great quote, but the 5 stars is because the mechanics i talked to were kind and respectful without any…”
“I cannot recommend them enough.”
“Called Spencer’s thinking that I had an actual problem, the person on the phone walked me through how to reset the light myself!”
People customers mention
Automotive12 reviews
John4 reviews
Audi4 reviews
Don4 reviews
Subaru3 reviews
Randy3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Spencer Auto Repair Shop for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Harper8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
I have never had better service than at Spencer Automotive. Fast, friendly, and very knowledgable. He not only does regular maintanance and repair for my wifes car but now this shop has won my regular oil changes and maintanance for my business truck. My delivery truck is the life blood of my business so I don't…
Kyana2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
customer service goes above and beyond. i really trust my car with them whether it’s for a basic oil change appt or something serious. when i had an unfortunate transmission issue, Austin gave me updates about the diagnostic process each step. i’ll always recommend this shop
Great priceTransmissionAuto battery replacementGeneral repairs & maintenance
JennyLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I have only had great experiences here. They're talented, reasonable, and they have integrity. I cannot recommend them enough.
JenniferLocal Guide · 77 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
They were polite, didn't overcharge. I will go back for any car issues I might have
Reasonable priceEmissions testing
Elizabeth4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Best car Mechanics in town. They are very honest and knowledgeable! Highly recommend.
DrewLocal Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Spencer Auto Repair Shop has been my mechanic for the better part of a decade. They are honest, reliable and fair. John and Darby are gentlemen and scholars (very intelligent men) and if you're good to them, they'll be good to you. If you're a kind and honest person, you'll appreciate the Spencer way of running a business.
I have never had better service than at Spencer Automotive. Fast, friendly, and very knowledgable. He not only does regular maintanance and repair for my wifes car but now this shop has won my regular oil changes and maintanance for my business truck. My delivery truck is the life blood of my business so I don't just trust it to anyone. Chico's best kept secret!
Response from the owner · 6 years ago
Mike, thanks for the encouraging words. We really appreciate it and will pass on to the guys in the shop as well. Don
Kyana Hatch2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kyana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
customer service goes above and beyond. i really trust my car with them whether it’s for a basic oil change appt or something serious. when i had an unfortunate transmission issue, Austin gave me updates about the diagnostic process each step. i’ll always recommend this shop
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Transmission, Auto battery replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection, Smog certification, Wiper blade installation, Brake service & repair, Oil change
Response from the owner · a month ago
Kyana,
thank you so much for trusting us. We are so blessed.
And thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us as well! it means so much to have the feedback of our clients. I hope you have a wonderful day!
– Don Spencer
Jenny RaeLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jenny has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have only had great experiences here. They're talented, reasonable, and they have integrity. I cannot recommend them enough.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Jenny,
Thanks for the vote of confidence! We SO appreciate your taking the time to stop by and give us a shout out. It means more to us than you can imagine.
~Don Spencer
Forrest AdamsLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Forrest has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Forrest, you are too kind. I hope your day is great today. Thanks for the review and the business :)
~Don Spencer
Jennifer CastanedaLocal Guide · 77 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jennifer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Spencer Auto Repair Shop has been my mechanic for the better part of a decade. They are honest, reliable and fair. John and Darby are gentlemen and scholars (very intelligent men) and if you're good to them, they'll be good to you. If you're a kind and honest person, you'll appreciate the Spencer way of running a business.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Oil change
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Drew,
Thank you so much! Your words are encouraging and kind. We appreciate the business as well :)
Don Spencer
Jade Dorfman7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jade has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had a bunch of maintenance work i wanted done. I initially chose them after shopping around because they gave a great quote, but the 5 stars is because the mechanics i talked to were kind and respectful without any bs, the work was done super fast, and my car is running great. I drove it about 85 miles today and it was running perfect as ever. They seem like a very honest and legit shop and I'll definitely return for future services my car needs.
Jade, thanks so much for giving us a shot! I appreciate the kind review and look forward to seeing you next time there's a need. Have a wonderful day.
~Don Spencer
Lisa HigbeeLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Got my oil changed (at a different place) and they didn’t reset the maintenance light. Called Spencer’s thinking that I had an actual problem, the person on the phone walked me through how to reset the light myself! Friendly, kind, patient, and seemed genuinely happy to help me solve the problem myself over the phone. I’m always worried that I’ll be taken advantage of with car repairs because I know very little about cars and am a woman. This 5 minute phone call has converted me to their shop for any future car repairs!!!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Such kind and encouraging words... thank you Lisa!
~Don Spencer
Kiana HuginsLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kiana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Responsive and transparent. I took my old car in for a diagnostic and they quickly confirmed the issue I was having; quotes for repair were the most reasonable I’d been given. When I decided to get a new car instead of fixing the old one, they were able to provide advice for receiving protection measures on it.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Kiana, thank you so much for trusting us. And thanks for the kind affirmation :) Have a great day! ~Don Spencer
