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Advanced Auto

5

4

3

2

1

4.7
(74 reviews)
Review highlights

"Professional, knowledgeable, and courteous service"

"Fair, quality work and great service!"

"Owner is constantly stressed and afraid you're tryna rip him off."


Overview

Categories

Auto repair shop


Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

Closed


Services
Radiator Flush
Oil Change & Lube Service
Auto Oil Change
Check Engine Light
Electrical Systems Repair
Exhaust Manifold
Gasket Replaced
Transmission Services
Air & cabin filter replacement
Vehicle Detailing
Heater Cores
Emission And Exhaust System
Electrical
Auto A/C And Heating
Auto A/C recharge
Air And Gas
Vehicle Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance
Shocks And Struts Repairs
Brakes ,Oil Change
Auto Electrical Systems
Timing Belt
Brake Job
Auto Repair And Maintenance
Repair Process
Tire Rotation
Auto A/C replacement
Auto brake repair
Auto Tune Ups
Oxygen Sensors
Water Pumps Repair
Cooling System Maintenance & Repair
Brakes
Full Service Auto Repair
Auto exhaust system replacement
Catalytic Converter
Auto Brake Repair Services
Steering, Suspension
Courtesy Shuttle
Complete Automotive Repair And Service
Engine Cooling System
Diagnostics & Repair
Auto water leak repair
Tune Ups
Exhaust Repairs
Auto Mechanic
Used Car
Auto Cooling System
Auto maintenance
Auto exhaust system repair

Reviews (32)

Jan 23, 2025

Ron is a gem! He helped me identify and fix my problem in a matter of minutes, and earlier I called and he gave me sound advice as well. 10/10, will definitely be coming again! Thank you Advanced Auto!!


Jan 06, 2025

If you want to be treated fairly and honestly when you need auto repair services, then see Ron the owner of Advanced Automotive on Water Street in Santa Cruz. I did and now you can count me as a regular customer.


Dec 06, 2024

Ron helped me out by doing a pre purchase inspection on a car I was considering buying and thanks to him, I saved thousands of dollars on repairs as the local dealership was dishonest about the condition of the car. He went over and beyond, and spent a good chunk of time explaining the inspection findings and recommending other more reliable car buying options. I would recommend this shop without hesitation!


Sep 06, 2024

The people who run this place are very good people, probably the most honest mechanic I’ve ever been to I recommend them to everyone I know.


Aug 06, 2024

Loved my experience. Went in and came out within 15 minutes, no appointment. 10/10 I would rate it more stare if i could. definitely recommend


Jul 06, 2024

My car was in the shop for 5 days. I was told the problem was fixed, it was not. I broke down and the owner wanted to take no responsibility. This is grounds for a lawsuit.


Jun 06, 2024

The team here was incredibly knowledgeable and was able to resolve our concerns immediately. Advanced Auto helped save our vacation, thank you!


May 06, 2024

Very good


Feb 06, 2024

Always amazing service!


Feb 06, 2024

Excellent service from Ron and Francisco, They take good care of your car and are honest with you. thanks a lot I recommend this place 100%.


Feb 06, 2024

Fair prices, and great work!! They always do an excellent job fixing my car!! Very happy with Advanced Auto, it's the only place I bring my vehicles. *I just wanted to add that Ron ALWAYS knows what's wrong with my vehicle as soon as he looks at it! I've never met anyone as knowledgeable as he is when it comes to auto care! Exceptional service! And I've had many different cars throughout the years, from Toyotas, GMCs, Volkswagens, now I have a 2013 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor - and he's always able to figure out what's going on and how to fix it in the quickest, most reasonably priced way possible!! I can't say enough about Advanced Auto... I wouldn't bring my car anywhere else! If you want to avoid shady mechanics trying to gouge you on prices or unneeded services just to make an extra buck, this is the place to go!!


Feb 06, 2024

Good experience, had a routine brake pad installation. Nothing major just time for new pads. I would recommend this shop for all your auto care needs.


Feb 06, 2024

Great job


Feb 06, 2024

Highly recommend! Stopped in with an engine light warning and Ron helped me right away. Took diagnostic, looked under the hood. We noticed the engine hose was loose. He fixed it on the spot in less than 5 min!! Incredible service, highly recommend


Feb 06, 2024

I took my Mazda3 Hatchback here to be serviced after a check engine light turned back on. It was in the shop for 3 days, and eventually, the bill came out to ~$700. I wasn't given a quote before the repairs were done. The check engine light turned back on almost immediately after driving off the lot. I called their phone the same day, but no one picked up. I won't be taking it back, as I've lost all faith in this business. Avoid this place if possible.


Feb 06, 2024

My family has been taking all of our vehicles here for many years. The service has been consistently good and fair the entire time.


Feb 06, 2024

Professional, knowledgeable, and courteous service


Feb 06, 2024

Subaru, Honda, Toyota... Ron and his crew got you covered like old friends.


Feb 06, 2024

This has been my "go to" place for years. Ron is always stressed over getting the repairs done quickly and correctly. I have a 2000 4Runner, a 2011 Toyota Sequoia, and a 2021 Mercedes. He knows them inside and out from changing an ignition key to a cracked head gasket and a bunch of mysterious problems in between. I trust him to get that 4Runner to 500,000 miles. On 275,000 now. Already past the moon.


Feb 06, 2024

We took our 2014 Kia Optima to Ron to get a second opinion/price quote after the Kia Dealership quoted us $6000 for a repair! Ron was very thorough looking up parts and then having 2 Welders look at our issue. One of the welders decided the issue could be fixed by simply welding the crack instead of replacing that part! After 1 day in the shop our total bill was $230 out the door and our little one even got a antique toy car!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Ron and his amazing stuff for any car related issues!


Feb 06, 2023

Ron and his team are the best. They’re really busy, but that’s to be expected from such quality service! Kind, honest, and hardworking, I would recommend Ron’s shop to anyone!


Feb 06, 2023

Ron is the man!! New to the area and I had a pretty urgent large vacuum hose leak & he got me in under three days from calling. Small, local, honest shop. Will be my new local mechanic


Feb 06, 2022

Exceptional operation these fellas are running here. Ron is an extremely helpful man who seems to value service more than the cash money. His mechanics are all very friendly and seemingly happy to be doing their work... Not to mention top tier PROFESSIONALS. A rare gem in the industry of auto technicians.


Feb 06, 2022

Great service!


Feb 06, 2022

Ron and his team took care of my complicated car issue for an incredibly fair price (literally saved me hundreds of dollars).


Feb 06, 2022

Ron at Advanced Auto has been my mechanic for over 20 years now. Fair, quality work and great service!


Feb 06, 2022

Simply the best


Feb 06, 2022

The team here rocks. I will definitely be taking my car back here for all future repairs in Santa Cruz


Feb 06, 2021

Been going here for years. no BS, honest work.


Feb 06, 2021

Been sending my trucks to them for Always very satisfied


Feb 06, 2021

Honest & affordable. Best in town. You won't go wrong having work done at Advanced auto! Most honest!


Feb 06, 2021

New customer at Advanced Auto so happy to find Ron and his team, great people, great service, great work so stoked!