Sam’s Auto

Sorry, Sam, but I do not trust you. I took my car to Sam, because some of the reviews looked good and he is near my home. After spending a couple of hours looking at it, he told me I needed to replace the main computer in my car and some other items, totaled at over $ 1800. I asked him what was wrong with the computer and he replied, «If I replace the computer, everything will work fine, I guarantee.» But he would not tell me what the problem was with the computer. But if I am spending $ 1800, I want to know why I am spending it. After asking several times for him to explain what the computer was doing wrong, he finally just said, «Take your car, I do not want to do this work now.» I left, went straight to another mechanic, who found the real problem, for less than ¼ the price and far less work. I asked the next guy if he saw anything wrong with the computer and they told me it works perfectly. Looks like Sam was either trying to fool me for a high price tag, or he just did not know what he was doing. Either way, it is a good reason for me to avoid gong back.

I’ve been going here for about two and a half years. They always give me the straight up price, they tell me when things can wait, and how long are going to last if I wait. I’ve been to other auto mechanics they always try to add stuff, tell me I need something that I don’t. We’ll never get that here. Amazing and honest people.

I love these guys!
It’s been a few weeks since my visit, and I wanted to finally write my review. I came to get my clutch master and slave cylinder replaced, and it came out to saving way more money than how much Irvine mechanics are charging me. Very affordable especially when you are a student. My car is going strong and shifting better than before.
Sam Jr. is also very helpful and answered my questions prior to going to the shop. He’s also a pretty awesome dancer! Who couldn’t turn down a dancer and mechanic?
All in all, I definitely would recommend this auto repair shop to other fellow anteaters, locals, and everybody else! Cheers :)

I have been coming here for a few months now and every time, i get the best service. I don’t ever have to wait long. Friendly and great work.

I came into the shop one Friday morning to get my oil changed and was not greeted by anyone at all. I parked my car next to one of the cars on the lot and when I got into the waiting area, the owner finally came and told me to drive my car towards the back. Now, the lot was already full of cars so I was confused and I was like ‘how am I supposed to drive it to the back?’, and the owner just said ‘just try however’… I was shocked and frustrated because normally all I have to do is park my car, and the workers at the shop usually just take my keys and take care of the rest. So eventually I got the car to the back and gave my keys to the owner.
After waiting for 2 hours, the owner came back to show me a problem with my car: the Boots at the CV joints had been torn and need replacement. I knew that already, and he gave me a quote of $ 290 for both axles in the front. He said it was a ‘special discount’. Well, not really. I didn’t seem to trust him so I took my car to another shop that did it for $ 240, both front axles. So, dishonest pricing right here.
2 hours for an oil change and a pricey quote? I’m not coming back, not even for an oil change.

I have been going to Sam’s Auto for over a year now for my oil change and fix work on my Mercedes Station Wagon. Last year he fixed my fuel pump when my car stopped working. It was not a cheap fix. Recently had problems with the fuel pump again but this time he fixed the fuel pump for free with his personal warranty. I respect that he takes care of his people and I highly recommend his service because of his honesty and loyalty to his customers.

Love this place, they even let me borrow their car since I was car-​less for a couple of hours… Very friendly and efficient. Def bringing my car back for all my needs. Thank you guys.

Found these guys on Unilocal and was NOT disappointed. Parked my car and immediately was greeted by David, who was very helpful and friendly. He sorted out the oil situation with my car and as I mentioned how many times the car had failed, he had a quick look under the hood and pointed out other areas where I may need work in the future. I like that he didn’t just tell me what I needed, but he showed me what different things looked like and why that was a problem! For example he checked the coolant and explained how I could check it in the future, as well as the transmission and the belt. I really appreciated the quality of service David provided and I will absolutely go back when the rest of my car fails!

Sam’s great. I go here for everything car-​related. I’ve been here for an oil change and a starting motor replacement.
There was one instance where Sam Jr. was extremely helpful – he picked up my phone call on a Sunday night at 1am when my starting motor gave out, and let me know to drop it off at his place for him to work on first thing in the morning. I got my car back on Monday (quick turnaround!), just like they promised. On top of that, he saved me a lot of money on a good price for a remanufactured motor.
Sam also gives further suggestions on what to keep an eye out for your car in the future.
Will continue to come back for further car maintenance!

Came here for an oil change with two kids I was nannying ages 6 and 9. Needless to say they were a handful but luckily this place had space and a TV. They were so patient and very quick and thorough with the whole process and on top of that it was $ 20 and allowed the use of a debit card. Mentioning this bc usually places don’t if they’re Asian places that already have cheap prices. I was out within 20 minutes and they gave my kids candy. Great local small business, next time my car needs some TLC I will def be back.

Was recommended here by my dad. The service was great. They were really polite and informative. Came here for an alignment, didn’t take long. Will come back for other car service!

I’ve been coming here for years and the owner always has the best prices and service. Give him a chance to earn your business

Best price in town. Not only they have good pricing but right on time. They said it will take them 35 minutes, but got done in 25 minutes and took the car around the block for a test drive. By the time he got back it was exactly 35 minutes. Unlike other places they didn’t try to sell me anything else. Love them.

I go to Sam’s shop for everything. Initially, I would come here for oil changes. But really, as I look at all the work I’ve gotten done here, I’ve realized that I pretty much come here for anything and everything so long as it’s car related. They’ve done countless work for me and they’ve always kept me in the loop of what needs work, how long it will last if I don’t take care of it at the moment, and when I should start attending to certain issues .
I believe as of now, I’ve had them to oil changes, brake changes, light repairs, and wheel bearings. Though, I know they’ve done a ton of work on my boyfriend’s car. Sam and Sam Jr. are the best– super friendly, super informative, no hidden costs. They work so hard and you could really tell how authentic they are and how much they look out for their customers. If you’re looking for a mechanic relationship with people you can trust– I would say this shop would be a good one.

There are very few HONEST people let alone mechanics! Sam is both ! He does great work at a very fair price. He is really there to help you the customer not himself! Highly recommended!

Sam’s Auto is where I go for my auto needs.
Sam has been able to advise me on what to do for my car in future maintenance and help expedite my current maintenance as I’m a pretty busy guy.
I’ve been able to recommend Sam to a few of my friends as well!
Pros —
1. Competitive pricing
2. Knowledgeable and service orientated
3. Friendly guys!
Cons–
1. Difficult to spot from the street
2. Front office area bit messy

I take my 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 gt to Sam every time i need a service. I was recommended to Sam’s Auto from a friend and now I am recommending them to everyone I know! From oil changes to changing my wheel bearing Sam can do it all. Not only will they be completely honest and timely but they are also extremely reasonable with their prices. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR? Even though getting your car fixed can be a hassle Sam’s auto makes the experience nice and easy. I feel like I am part of the family when I go here too. THANK YOU SAM! FIVE STARS!

I am very grateful for this place. Saturdays are usually busy for autoshops and my go to shop was full and open half day. Luckily I remembered this place that my friend referred me to.
Quick Notables:
–Waiting lounge (Simple fundamentals: Free Wi-​Fi, Seating, Bathroom, Coffee, TV,)
–Excellent customer service
–Cheap prices
–Honest work

Coming back from a family dinner, my mother noticed that there was something odd about her tires. Worried, we pulled over and realized that she was getting a flat tire. Without my father being there, she was especially nervous about being swindled by a mechanic. It was about 7PM on a Sunday night and no mechanic in sight was open or would be willing to help us out. Miraculously, we drove past Sam’s Auto and saw that Sam was still there. Desperate, we pulled in hoping that he would help us, despite the fact that he wasn’t open. Little did we know, the grand opening of his business wouldn’t be for another day or two, but he was still happy to help my mother out anyway. Not only did he solve our tire problem, he was happy to do it for free and refused any type of payment from us. Touched, we insisted on giving him a generous tip anyway, despite his protest.
Driving up, you will always see the smiling, warm, and trustworthy face of Sam or that of his son, Sam Jr. Talk about a family business! By just looking at them, you can tell that they are very hardworking and earnest. As a female, I’m very wary of getting swindled at the mechanics’, but all of my worries disappeared all thanks to Sam. It’s safe to say that Sam is super trustworthy and careful; His prices are significantly lower than that of the nearby competitors and he’s always looking out for ways to save my family money whenever we come in. Since then, my whole family goes to Sam’s whenever any of our cars need any attention because we trust that he will always do his best to help us out and save our money. Not only do we see Sam as our trustworthy mechanic but also as just a genuine family friend. Heck, we even asked him about the used car that I got when I first began driving!
I would recommend anyone to Sam’s Auto because Sam earnestly cares about his customers; You really won’t have to worry about being cheated here. For something as important as taking care of your car, I can’t imagine another place that I would go. I definitely plan on coming back to Sam’s Auto for anything car related for a reeallly really long time.

My Subaru really needed a new alignment after getting my new tires. I kept passing by this place on the way to work and seen that an Alignment is only $ 40, legit! Came in and met the nicest person. Really polite and took care of me while I waited. Has a full snack and wait area, even offers Wi Fi!
Although I waited a bit, it was only because there were like 4 cars ahead of me. I wasn’t surprised considering how reasonable the price is here. Since I was there, I figured I get an Oil Change while I’m at it. He charged me $ 40, for Synthetic oil! He even uses my favorite Mobile 1 brand. I know places usually charge like $ 60 for synthetic oil change. I personally prefer doing my own oil change, but just felt reasonable enough to purchase the service here.
Really nice service, good service and reasonable pricing. Just beware since it is a small location, wait time might be an issue so come with time and CASH ONLY!!! What Asian owned business would it be without cash only haha.