Insta-Tune

I completely agree with the other « Unilocalers» about Mario being a straight shooter and honest! It’s great to find an independently owned and run shop as opposed to one of the over priced chains!
My Mom and I had an issue with her car (a 2002 Nissan Altima) a while ago of it not starting while parked at the AutoZone (go figure) on Lyons & Orchard Village after only replacing windshield wipers. The AutoZone employee checked (for free) the battery and quickly determined the starter went out. We weren’t sure where to take it other than the typical Goodyear or Firestone nearby but not really wanting to. The guy at AutoZone HIGHLY recommended Insta-​Tune. I called at about 2pm and spoke with Mario about the starter and he said to bring it in and he should have time to fix it the same day. The tow truck driver arrived and quickly determined the issue was the starter as well and was even able to get it running so we could drive the car ourselves to the shop directly. Upon arriving at the shop probably around 3pm, we met Mario and his wife Maria who are both VERY friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to replace the starter and get her car running again in just a couple hours and for a great price too! Since then, my Mom has taken her car to him for other various issues and service needs and feels confident and trusting with him and also his wife Maria.
Currently, I decided to take my car to him for an estimate on repairing 2 oil leaks on my 94 BMW 325i before going to one of the 2 shops near me in West LA. I also had him give me an estimate on a new a/​c condenser since it hasn’t worked since ²⁰⁰⁸⁄₂₀₀₉ and 2 other shops told me I needed a new condenser which would be around $ 600. Lastly, I mentioned having to fill up about a ¼ of radiator fluid in my overflow about 2 or 3x a month for the past 6 months or so. Mario cleaned the undercarriage of my car to be able to pinpoint the oil leaks better since it was covered with oil. He was able to find 1 of the 2 leaks so far but suggested I drive the car for a little bit still and bring it back to see if he can find the other one now that it is clean and fix both leaks at the same time if he finds the other one. In the meantime, he told me that my a/​c condenser looks «old and ugly» BUT doesn’t look damaged and SHOULD be ok (he is also specialized in a/​c service). He was able to clean and service the condenser and get it running again for me so far! Yay!!! Very COOL! ;) He then found the small leak in the actual radiator and told me it needed to replaced. Unfortunately, it was out of warranty from the other shop that replaced it last but FORTUNATELY, Mario was able to replace it with a new after market one for a great price and lifetime warranty! He suggested I bring the car back to fix at least the 1 (if not 2) oil leaks soon but to hold off for now and since the radiator was more important at the moment. He also suggested I replace the power steering hoses that are leaking too and that I know a couple other shops recommended as well. I was able to leave my car with him for a couple days and I got it back so far running great with the new radiator and even AIR CONDITIONING again!!! :) I will definitely take my car back to him to do the other work as well as future issues/​needs!
Thanks Mario AND Maria! I really appreciate it and you! See you soon!
Brian

I used to have faith in Mario with regards to my 2 late model Japanese vehicles. But recently failed to correctly diagnose and repair a transmission fluid leak. This led to no less than 5 multi-​day excursions for our minivan. As a result, I’ll need to take it elsewhere and pay MORE for the work. WTH Mario?

Honest straight shooter.
In the car repair biz that’s pretty darn important.
Maybe for some super high performance or exotic car work Mario wouldn’t be the best choice — but for timing belts, water pumps, tune ups and the like — he’s the best.

Great friendly service at reasonable prices. This small family owned and operated business is always trustworthy. I highly recommend Instatune for your auto repair needs.

I have been taking my car to Mario for years. He is always looking out for me, only doing the necessary repairs. He never over charges me or «finds» other problem’s. My car is always done within one or two days as well. It’s hard to find a trustworthy mechanic. I’m happy that I have found one who is!

Mario is a great mechanic but most importantly he is an honest man.