Business Details
About
Auto Repair Shop
Coastal Car Care provides auto repair services, check engine light diagnostics, oil and filter changes, tire rotations, brake and suspension services, cooling system repair, AC and heating repair, electrical diagnosis and repair, major and minor engine repairs, timing belts and drive belts, transmission replacement, minor welding repairs, lift kits and re-gearings, classic car mechanical restorations, engine swaps, and pre-purchase inspections to the San Marcos, CA area.
Details
- Requires appointmentAvailable
- Credit cardAvailable
- DebitAvailable
- Mobile paymentsNot available
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.7
70 reviews
5 stars
63
4 stars
2
3 stars0
2 stars
3
1 star
2
- TLTom Loescher5 days ago5.0The only place I trust to work on my 24 year old T Bird. They have found and corrected issues that have plagued the car for years. Very honest and communicate car status in a timely. Great value for the service, the only thing that would make it better would be to make it free!
- ALAngel J. LopezOct 11, 20255.0Coastal Car Care is truly a gem. As a locally family-owned shop, they treat you like part of the family from the moment you walk in. They recently worked on my 1969 Chevelle and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Every detail was handled with precision and care, and it was clear they really respected the car and its history. The entire staff was friendly, professional, and always kept me updated, which gave me complete peace of mind. Their follow-up was excellent, and it showed me they really stand behind their work. If you’re looking for a shop that goes above and beyond, I can’t recommend Coastal Car Care enough.
- JCJM CaizOct 1, 20255.0Awesome!! Professional, Knowledgeable and honest.
- JJJohn JohnsenJun 19, 20245.0Costal Car Care is the only place I would send, in this case, my daughter to have her beautiful 2008 Toyota Yaris (with about a billion miles) maintained. Looking around at her options for repair in Long Beach was producing a range of estimates and guesses. Being a young woman she was getting the runaround. I asked her to drive south to North San Diego County (San Marcos) as I know we would get the straight poop on what was wrong. It ended up being new brakes and drums for the rears. The brakes were so bad they prepared us for a master cylinder replacement based on symptoms so we crossed our fingers and approved whatever needed to be done. Turns out just replacing the rear brakes was all it needed. In other words, they could have replaced the master cylinder and we would not have known the difference. That’s exactly why we brought our business to CCC. Not for good news but truth and honesty. They called later in the day and gave us the good news - only rear brakes were needed. In at 10 am, out at 3pm same day only added to our satisfaction. Nice to have a competent auto repair shop on your team and I recommend you move these guys to the top of your list! Btw, this was my second repair as I brought my 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman to CCC for brakes on all four wheels. Same great experience. Highly recommended!!!
- SAsteve armstrongJan 12, 20245.0I’ve been using coastal car care for over ten years. Best work, knowledgeable ,honest and gets work done in a timely manner… would recommend them highly and will be my go to mechanic whenever I’ve got car issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Car Care
What are your business hours?
We are open 8AM to 5PM Monday Through Friday.
What type of vehicles do you work on?
We work on all Japanese, Korean, American, foreign and domestic makes and models. More specifically: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Infinity, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn and more. We can also do maintenance and minor repairs on Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mini, Land Rover and Volkswagen. We also specialize in classic vehicles, hotrods and muscle cars. We work on every era of vehicle from the 1900's to the 21st century.
What kind of work do you do?
Anything mechanical from maintenance, minor repairs, suspension, brakes, oil changes to major heavy-line repairs, electrical issues and mechanical restorations.
What kind of work don't you do?
We do NOT do any body or paint repairs, interior work, smogs and windshield replacements.
What kind of classic car and hot-rod work do you do?
We do everything mechanical on classic vehicles from tune-ups, carburetor adjustments, timing adjustments, suspension, brakes and maintenance to full engine replacements and modern engine swaps. We can keep your older vehicle driving like it was from the factory when it was new or bring it to the 21st century with fuel injection and a modern drivetrain.
Are you ASE certified?
Yes, every single one of our technicians are ASE certified and most have their Master Technician certification.
What is included with an oil change?
Any oil change should include draining the old engine oil, filling the engine with the correct fresh oil and changing the oil filter. A professional oil change will also include a full 120 point vehicle inspection INCLUDING topping off any fluids that may be low at no extra charge.
What is a 120 point vehicle inspection and what is included in it?
The 120 point vehicle inspection is a bumper to bumper inspection with 120 different components, each individually inspected and includes the following:
Engine: fluid levels and leaks including cooling systems, the power steering system and engine oil. (20 Points)
Filters, hoses, belts and pulleys for wear or degradation. (10 points)
Exhaust systems and intake systems for leaks, cracks, rust and wear. (10 points)
Transmission: fluid condition, level and leaks. (10 Points)
Fuel system: hoses, pipes, fuel tank, injectors and pumps. (10 points)
Heater Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for proper operation. (10 points)
Brake system: Fluid, calipers, rotors, brake pads, drums & shoes (where applicable), hoses, pipes, Anti-lock Brake System components and control systems. (15 Points)
Suspension & Steering: Shocks/struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, axles, tie rods, steering column, sway bars, nuts and bolts. (20 points)
Alignment (5 points)
Electrical: Checking for any warning lights and related error codes, battery, charging system, starter, wiring and electrical connections. (10 Points)
How to look out for a bad mechanic?
When you ask them for more details and as to why these repairs are needed they may give you vague answers or descriptions. A good mechanic will always take the time to explain the issues with your vehicle in detail. Asking for pictures of the failed components can be a great way to confirm if a repair is needed although not all components that fail will look damaged. Make sure these pictures are of YOUR vehicle as well, unreliable shops may reuse generic pictures and not actually ones of your vehicle's components.
What is controlled electronically on a modern vehicle?
Just about everything you touch in a modern vehicle is electronically controlled. From the door handles to the seat and mirrors. Some vehicles have well over 40 different computers onboard controlling everything.
What are the business hours of Coastal Car Care?
Coastal Car Care is open from 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday, and closed on weekends.
Which types of vehicles does Coastal Car Care service?
They service all Japanese, Korean, American, foreign and domestic makes and models, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, and also do minor repairs on luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. They specialize in classic cars, hotrods, and muscle cars spanning from the 1900s to the 21st century.
What kinds of repairs and services does Coastal Car Care offer?
They provide mechanical work ranging from maintenance, minor repairs, suspension, brakes, oil changes to major heavy-line repairs, electrical issues, and mechanical restorations.
Are body, paint, or interior repairs available at Coastal Car Care?
No, Coastal Car Care does not provide body or paint repairs, interior work, smog checks, or windshield replacements.
Is Coastal Car Care ASE certified?
Yes, all technicians at Coastal Car Care are ASE certified, with most holding Master Technician certification.
What is included in a professional oil change at Coastal Car Care?
An oil change includes draining old engine oil, replacing with fresh oil and a new oil filter, plus a comprehensive 120-point vehicle inspection and topping off low fluids at no extra charge.
Does Coastal Car Care provide wheel alignment and brake services?
Yes, Coastal Car Care offers brake and suspension services as well as wheel alignment as part of their mechanical repair offerings.
What nearby places can I visit around Coastal Car Care?
Nearby attractions include Exos Dive for scuba diving lessons, the Invasion Laser Tag amusement park, and La Provence Bakery for delicious treats, making it convenient to enjoy local activities before or after your auto service visit.
Are there other automotive service centers near Coastal Car Care?
Yes, nearby options include Chapman’s Automotive for tire and wheel repair, The BMW Guy for auto body work, and Fast Automotive Center for general auto repair and tires, providing customers choices for specific needs.
What dining options are available near Coastal Car Care?
Nearby dining includes Tony’s Fresh Mexican Food for Latin American flavors, Arby’s for fast food, and La Provence Bakery for bakery goods and smoothies, allowing customers to grab a meal around their service appointment.