Advanced Import Auto Repair, Inc.

Reviews 5

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John Musarra

I grew up in a family of mechanics and spent years wrenching on cars, including my own, from the time I was a teenager. That was before on-board computers, wireless ignition, autonomous braking and collision avoidance systems, and countless other technological improvements that have made modern automobiles safer, more reliable, more efficient…and far more complicated than the massive land boats that I grew up with and loved. I started taking my cars to Tim Padget at Advanced Import Auto Repair in 1989. His first job for me was a broken timing belt and two bent valves on my 1984 Honda Civic 1500-S hatchback. Another shop, which was right on the corner where the car broke down, told my wife that the engine was seized and quoted her a staggering price to replace it. I was “skeptical”. Having just moved to California only two years earlier, I didn’t know who else to take it to. I had been driving past Advanced Import Auto Repair on the way to work every day since moving to Riverside, so I suggested to my wife that she give them a call and have it towed there. It was just a few blocks from home and I had nothing to lose. Tim correctly diagnosed the problem within a few minutes and repaired the damage within a few days for a fraction of what the other shop had quoted. That’s when I started taking my cars to Tim for any work that I couldn’t do by myself in my driveway. Over time, and with the emergence of more sophisticated automotive technology, that became just about everything. Since then Tim, and now his son, David, have done everything from oil changes and brake jobs to engine and transmission rebuilds, front end and suspension overhauls and fuel injection systems on our cars ranging from Chevy Astro vans to Camrys, Mazdas, and Corollas. They perform expert diagnostics, provide accurate no-nonsense estimates, and deliver excellent repairs and service using high quality parts and materials at honest and reasonable prices. Best of all, they stand behind their work. Having grown up among honest mechanics, and having also dealt with some of the “other” kind, I know the real thing when I see it. Advanced Import Auto is the real deal. It’s a family business that has been serving our community for three decades with a strong reputation for honesty, integrity, and quality service. They are experts in all major automotive system diagnostics and repairs, and they are straight shooters. No baloney, no padded estimates, and no scare tactics. Just the straight dope on what your car needs to provide you with safe and reliable performance. And lots of free expert advice and tips on how to keep it running and in good shape that will save you money and help you avoid the need for future repairs. If you need an honest, expert mechanic in a hurry, call Tim and David at Advanced Import Auto Repair. And don’t be fooled by the name. They also specialize in your favorite late model and classic domestic vehicles. You won’t be disappointed.

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Nick Blas

If you own a Honda and are looking for quality repair work on par with a 5-star dealership -- AT HALF THE PRICE -- Advanced Import Auto Repair is the absolute best choice. Tim and the staff are absolutely superb. He will take all the time you need to fully explain the problem(s) and illustrates the solution(s) in easy to understand terms in an upfront and honest fashion. If money is tight, as it often is, Tim will tell you the bare minimum repair work that is needed to at least maintain your safety on the road in the short term so that you can save up for the remaining work in a few months. Its this level of integrity that makes the difference. Ive had about half a dozen various repair jobs done on my wifes 98 Honda Civic LX at Tims shop. Each time I was paranoid that the cost would be prohibitive based on comparable information online for similar work -- and every single time I would breathe a huge sigh of relief when Tims wife would present the invoice and it was always half the price of what I expected. The parts are always OEM quality and the workmanship is superb. I have never had to take the car back due to problems with the work done or the parts; unlike my prior bad experiences with dealerships who practically commit grand larceny fixing your problem only to discover the problem isnt fully fixed. You wont have to worry about that kind of subversive nonsense with Tim and his crew at Advanced Import Auto Repair!

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Bev Grafflin

Ive been a single woman for a long time and was able to do a lot of my own small repairs or maintenance. But I couldnt do everything in my driveway, so I asked friends for recommendations and my pastor and others suggested Tim, commending him for his honesty. That was huge as Id already had a couple experiences where a mechanic sees a woman coming and ethics left by the back door. So I started going to Tim about 30 years ago. In the early years, I was driving my used cars into the ground because I couldnt afford better. He managed to help me get the last life out of all those cars. Hes heard me try to explain some of the strangest automotive sounds Ive heard, and he diagnosed the problems pretty amazingly. I could always expect an honest appraisal including a few "Nah! you dont need that for a while yet" over the years. Now Im seeing him less often, driving newer cars with fewer problems, but I just came from there a couple days ago after a brake job on my Corolla. Dave is doing the same great work as his dad, Tim. I cant say enough good things about this repair shop.

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CH

Christian Zanudo

I LOVE THIS SHOP...the honesty and quick service can not be beat I bring my car here, my wifes car, I recommend this place to everyone that I know...I even blast it on Facebook... I love this shop, I have always hated taking my vehicles to automotive shops due to that many times the mechanics are just trying to get more and more money out of you. I may know a little about cars but not to the extent that would categorize me as home mechanic, because of that knowing that both Tim and David are straight forward and honest, I recommend this facility to everyone. Especially ladies, unfortunately women majority of the time have the worst luck with automotive shops due to being seen as a prey. Thank you Tim and David for doing what you do, for taking care of us the customers in the manner that you do... God Bless

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LA

Lamont Lewis

It is with a great sense of relief and finality that I can say I have fast, reliable, auto repair service with dependable results for practically all of my automotive needs. In automotive service and repair, no accolades can top that feeling. I take my car to Advanced Import Auto Repair because I get everything one expects from an auto repair and service provider. It is the level of efficiency that sets AIAR apart from the franchise auto services as well as other independent service providers. What should be routine service is precisely that. Expeditious, straight forward, and routine: No anxiety or uncertainty to contend with; My need for fast, reliable auto service has been fulfilled. And, I know my mechanic by his first name. My autos finally are in good hands.

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