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Cen Cal Automotive

5.0
(252 reviews)

Overview

Categories

Auto repair shop, Auto air conditioning service, Auto tune up service

Appointments

Book appointment

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

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Services
Lexus oil and filter change
Oil Changes
Routine Maintenance
Braking System
Subaru turbocharger repair
Japanese vehicle safety inspections
Transmission replacement
Toyota hybrid service experts
Subaru all-wheel-drive system service
A/C installation & repair
Your Brake Repair
Roadside Assistance
Brake Pads
Repair Specials
Auto Repair Job
Toyota AC Repair
Brake Repair
Air conditioning
Transmission repair and replacement
Timing belt replacement
Wheel alignment
Brakes Repair
Vehicle & Service Information
R-134a AC recharge
Electrical Issue
Brake Repair Specialists
State Inspection
Diagnostic / Check Engine Light
Spark plug replacement
Acura suspension repair
Affordable Lexus repair service
Oil Change And Lube
Honda engine repair
Honda air conditioning repair
Auto A/C recharge
Tire Rotations
Fluid Levels
Vehicle Maintenance
Steering and alignment services
Auto battery replacement
Toyota timing belt replacement
Suspension Work
Honda Repair
Transmission repair
Subaru cooling system service
Acura engine repair
Lexus Repair
Toyota Repair
Preventative maintenance for Japanese vehicles
Japanese Auto Repair

Reviews (33)

Feb 06, 2025

Great work and customer service! Fair & honest company. I will be back.


Feb 04, 2025

I go here for the fair price and great service. My low tire pressure light was on and I came into the shop. They investigated it was a nail in my tire and filled up my tires to a higher psi so I could make my way to Costco for my warranty, I didn’t have to pay anything. I could always rely on them without worrying about any stinky charges. They are kind to their customers.


Feb 02, 2025

I got an oil change a few months ago and they let me know I needed some extensive work on my Honda. At first I was nervous about the estimate but after researching around I saw the prices were reasonable for what was being done. Making an appointment online was super easy and they got it fixed within a day. Thank you guys for your work. I will be coming to you guys for all my Honda needs from now on!


Jan 23, 2025

They were friendly and efficient. They Fixed the issue in a timely manner.


Jan 16, 2025

Great communication. They informed me of the proposed work confirmed that they completed all the work and they kept me updated about the progress.


Jan 16, 2025

Prompt, professional, friendly. Would recommend to any family/friends! (update) Had to take my car in for another issue, and they were just as quick and professional as last time. Car issues can be so stressful and Cen Cal Automotive makes everything so easy! Thank you!


Jan 09, 2025

I was driving from Seattle to San Diego over the holidays and noticed my car was making a weird sound when we pulled into Santa Cruz. After doing a little research I found Cen Cal Automotive had one of the highest reviews. I called and David got me on the schedule for the next morning. I was very happy that I went with Cen Cal. Steven was super nice and had me on the road that afternoon.


Jan 06, 2025

A great shop very professional. They knew i was on a budget and got my car back to me fast . I'm definitely going back !


Jan 06, 2025

Cen Cal Automotive is the best! Customer Service and repair service is guallity unsurpassed.


Jan 06, 2025

Cen cal is great! I took my Honda in bc my key fob stopped working ( even after new battery) at beginning of December 24. Steven helped he out. He is knowledgeable, direct and honest.


Jan 06, 2025

I called in the afternoon and they had my car in the next morning. They did an inspection and texted me a list of what their mechanics saw needed servicing with pictures and costs of parts and labor for each service, along with a checklist for what services I wanted to get done. My car got rear struts, front and back brakes, tune up, oil change, led bulb replacement and headlight housing restoration and had the car ready the following morning. I liked the transparent breakdown of services, cost and service option checklist texted to me, as well as the pricing and fast work. I’m very happy and will recommend this place to my friends or anyone looking for a good shop for Japanese cars.


Jan 06, 2025

I give this place 5 stars! My car recently broke down and this shop and mechanic steven was reccommened to me. I contacted then and he was there to help instantly! Told me whats wrong and prices and hes VERY reasonable. This was my first time with an experience with a mechanic and i do not regret it. I will defenitly be going back for any future repairs or oil changes on my car.


Jan 06, 2025

I had an easy, pleasant experience working with Cen Cal Automotive to repair the head gasket on my Honda Element. They provide excellent customer service by communicating clearly and professionally. I would trust them with my vehicle again!


Jan 06, 2025

These guys are great !! I was in a pinch and they got me in and out and back on the road in a few hours. I will return and I'm spreading the word !!


Jan 06, 2025

These guys are rad, super friendly and knowledgeable. Went the extra mile to figure out a wiring issue I was having. Would recommend 10 times out of 10.


Dec 06, 2024

Great job getting my car back on the road! Thanks again!


Dec 06, 2024

Professional quick and easy.


Dec 06, 2024

They are the best! Quick repairs, reliable and great communication


Dec 06, 2024

Excellent service for my Acura RDX. Steven is very knowledgeable and helpful. He even provided me with a free loaner car which very few shops offer. Reasonable prices. Clean shop. I definitely will be using Cen Cal in the future.


Dec 06, 2024

I showed up without an appointment, needing a tail light bulb replaced. The owner came out and did it for me on the spot in 10 minutes...at no charge! Now that's customer service! I will definitely return.


Dec 06, 2024

Incredibly quick service and fair pricing. David was super helpful and this was the only shop that could help me out during the holiday season. Called thursday at 3 pm and car was ready to be picked up friday at 9 am.


Dec 06, 2024

Just switched to Cen Cal as my new local mechanics and so far I am very pleased with their professionalism, friendliness, better prices and great communication. 😊👍


Dec 06, 2024

My go to shop! Thank you for the great service you always provide.


Dec 06, 2024

Our mechanic retired so we were looking for a replacement. After reading all the positive reviews we thought we should give Cen Cal a try and we are so glad we did!! We are now committed clients! They diagnosed our problems quickly, fixed them and at a very reasonable price. Both David and Steven are very knowledgeable and honest!


Dec 06, 2024

They help me with three different vehicles and always doing an amazing job. Take a lot of care in pride and what they do.


Dec 06, 2024

Very professional and excellent quality! Definitely will be back with my next car- can't beat the price!


Nov 06, 2024

Best shop in Santa Cruz county


Nov 06, 2024

Great guys giving great service! They're friendly, knowledgeable and very considerate. Highly recommend!


Nov 06, 2024

I took my car to Cen Cal Autoshop for a check engine light diagnosis, and while the staff were friendly and quick, their lack of expertise led to a frustrating and ultimately dangerous experience. On October 21st, I paid $330 to replace the VVT solenoid in my Subaru Outback, which they identified as the issue. However, just a few minutes after picking up my car, the check engine light came back on. When I returned on October 22nd, they admitted they had replaced the wrong part, even though the code clearly indicated it was a passenger-side issue. They switched the part to the other side, but the light reappeared moments later. After a fourth visit, they attempted to replace an oil switch (a much cheaper part I had suggested from the beginning), but once again, the check engine light returned shortly after leaving. In total, I visited the shop four times in just two days, costing me over eight hours of missed work. Although they eventually refunded their labor after I repeatedly followed up, I was not compensated for the work hours I lost. Even more concerning, Cen Cal assured me that my car was safe to drive. However, when I took it to another shop, they quickly diagnosed the actual issue, which turned out to be extremely dangerous to drive on. This second shop resolved the problem for half the price Cen Cal charged. Given their repeated misdiagnoses, lack of expertise, and inadequate handling of my time and refund, I cannot recommend Cen Cal Autoshop.


Nov 06, 2024

I was out of town and my car wouldn't start right away. My friend found Cen Cal Automotive online and they had great reviews. They did not disappoint! They were able to replace my starter and battery the same day. They even diagnosed a loose drive belt and fixed that for me at no additional charge. I highly recommend them!


Nov 06, 2024

Knowledgeable and Profesional mechanics.


Nov 06, 2024

Needed to find a new mechanic for several large repairs and was recommended to go to CenCal. These guys are awesome. They did a great job on the work, communicated well, and treated me very fair.


Nov 06, 2024

Very professional and very fast service. Cen Cal Automotive was extremely helpful with my car problem and was able to provide me the best rate to fix the problem. I will be happy to use their services in the future. I reccomend them to anyone!