Central Automotive Service Center

I was in with my new (used) Highlander for a 60K service. The guys at CASC turned the work around promptly and also alerted me to a potential issue I may be dealing with down the road. They didn’t try to scam me into spending a lot of money on something that didn’t exist, like all too many shops will try to do these days, and they even said the dealership might be the best alternative when it comes time to have it taken care of. I was happy to find CASC when I still had my trusty Explorer, and the combination of experience, honesty, and value these guys provide keeps me coming back.

6 stars if I could. Brought my 2004 Saturn VUE in with an intermittent problem with my starter that I could not even recreate on site. But it had stranded me on the road a few times — so Rob pulled the software back end, poured over common problems with my make/​model/​vin lot, looked up manufacturer announcements, etc.
— They figured it out, fixed it, and even got the dealer to fix one part for free.
— They also communicated my options and costs clearly through out the process.
— And suggested a few issues I could/​should watch for in the future based on some things they saw wearing and tearing.
Customer for life!

Highly ethical and honest owners, workers. My car’s problems were quickly diagnosed and all expected repairs were clearly and understandably explained to me. I have been bringing my Subaru here for many years: routine service and for any unexpected issues w/​my car. I’ve always been happy and satisfied with the work performed and with the superior, professional, courteous customer service.

Central Automotive, Rob and the Staff were amazing. I truly appreciate the courteous service, the excellent communication and the high-​level of automotive knowledge. My ’67 Sunbeam Tiger needed parts that were difficult to find, and Rob went above the «call of duty» to locate some for us. I would highly recommend Central Automotive for all your Automotive needs!

Awesome shop, took care of my dad’s car too!

Knowledgeable and honest. I will bring my Cadillac here for everything, including oil changes :) Thank you for the great service.

Great pricing and on time work. 1000.00 less than 3 other bids!

As always, excellent service! I was referred to Central Automotive and have been going there for several years. Their knowledge and professionalism keep me coming back.

I’d give six stars if that were possible. Central Automotive always goes well above and beyond. Excellent mechanics, prompt and reasonably-​priced service, and a facility that shows they care about their work and customers. I wouldn’t even consider going elsewhere.

Excellent and timely service. Rob and the crew is very knowledgable and provide great service at prices that are better than their competitors.

Unprofessional to the bone.
Yesterday, I called to make an appointment for an oil change in my car. They said they were busy but to drop it off in the morning today. Later yesterday, someone from Central called to verify the make, year and model of my car to be sure to order the right oil filter. I thought that was a good move on their part.
We planned to leave the car there, so I had my wife tail me there today in the rush traffic that plagues Walnut Creek only to be turned away at the front desk by the grinning (not sure why) man at the counter. «I don’t want to waste your time… but they don’t want to wok on a Jaguar.» He said, still grinning. Not getting the the joke, I told him they had already wasted my time and left. A simple phone call yesterday or this morning would have been disappointing, but much more professional.
I’ve used these guys on and off for years and one thing was clear: they like to cherry pick the easy stuff, even though they always have old and classic cars parked in the garage. For example, they kept my 1974 Mercury Capri there for weeks and were still not able to fix a rattle in the rack and pinion steering. *It took one day to get it fixed at Discount Tire in Concord, by the way.
I’m not sure what’s up with these guys but today made it clear that I need to find another mechanic for non-​dealer work. And I’m not sure what the guy at the counter thought was so amusing about this situation, but perhaps he’ll not smile so much when they’re out of business and he’s working the parts counter at NAPA.

Rob, Brian, and the crew was excellent. They provided the best service I’ve experienced at a car service center. The initial diagnostic test for all service/​maintenance issues was excellent. Then, Rob gave me a budgeted and prioritized list of everything that needed to be completed on my 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee that recently hit 60,000 miles. Rob was open and honest about his opinions of the vehicle, cost estimates, and overall perception of the vehicle and the value in completing the work.
The best part is that when they were actually completing all of the work, the team noticed that one out of two of the tire pressure monitors we thought needed to be replaced didn’t need to be replaced; rather, it was just not configured correctly. So, they corrected that and saved the $ 150 required to completely replace it when it didn’t actually need to be replaced. Some other shops I have used would never have done that; they would have just replaced it and charged me. Then, there were some fluid levels that didn’t need to be replaced as much, which saved additional money. Bottom line: they gave me an acceptable budget and then were OK to not complete work that didn’t need to be completed. When most places quote $ 2,500 in work, they will find a way to get there even if it should only cost $ 2,200. This does not happen at Central Automotive. If they can save money, they will, while still delivering top tier service, repair, maintenance, and guidance.
Overall, my experience at Central Automotive was excellent and I will return for any and all repairs I need for my vehicle.

I have been dealing with Central Automotive for more than 10 years. It is great to have a repair center that you can trust completely! They are easy to communicate with and there never have been any surprises. Their work is fairly priced and always dependable. I recommend them HIGHLY.

We’ve been using Central for about 12 years for service to Toyota Corolla and Honda CR-​V. In my experience the Central team is efficient at diagnosing problems, and repairs are always done well. In the one instance I can recall when a recently-​repaired issue required additional attention sooner than expected, Central paid for the labor and I paid for parts, which I felt was fair. Repair prices are reasonable. We’ve also appreciated the available shuttle, and the fact that communications are a priority at Central — updates on repair days are done by phone, and appointments can be made online or by e-​mail.

Been going to Central Automotive for years. Now my kids use them.
Agree with all the other positive reviews. Trust them implicitly. Very fair prices compared to the dealerships. Their shop floor is so clean you could eat off it!

Reliable, helpful, personable and dependable. We’ve been using Central Automotive for over 20 years for all our vehicles. Reasonably priced. Recommended by a friend years ago. We have never been disappointed, nor has anyone we’ve referred to them.

I’ve been a customer since 1984. The customer service and attention to detail is second none. Every repair or service is thoroughly and explained in detail.
The tipping point is how the front office works with my wife and teenage daughter. They are always treated with courtesy and brushed off as female customers are in other garages. I also have Central inspect any used car before I buy it. This is a garage with integrity.

They are one of the few shops allowed to work on my truck. Why? They are very through, pay close attention to detail, and do excellent work. Everything I want when having my my truck worked on. Highly recommended!!!

This is a great shop. My car died and the tow truck operator took me hear. I only had 5 miles of towing with AAA. I was wary of a new car repair shop outside my neighborhood. Good, honest repair shops are few and far between. Needless to say, Rob and Chuck were great. They quickly found the problem and gave me a choice of solutions. I walked out of the shop happy. I would recommend this shop looking for a fair and honest repair.

I take both my car and my son’s car to Central Automotive. They are honest, half the price of the dealership, and my repairs are done in a timely manner and always done when promised. I can’t recommend Central Automotive highly enough.