Karsten Imports

I love Karsten’s Imports! How can you love a garage, right? When the mechanic/​owner is a stand up guy like Mats Heinstedt — honest, does wonderful, dependable work at a really fair price, gets your car done on time, never recommends something that doesn’t need to be done but will really let you know if you have a safety issue that needs to be taken care of NOW.
This is a garage that you will take your car to forever because you can trust them to treat you and your car right.

These guys are awesome, especially Motts. He always explains everything so well, and takes the time to answer all of your questions. They charge a fair price for parts and labor and don’t try to sell you unnecessary parts. Motts even told me how to fix something myself instead jumping at the sale. They’re honest and dependable, and I’d highly recommend Karston Imports.

Reliable, fair pricing and finished exactly when they said they would. Will definitely use again.

The service was genuine, reliable, and affordable. The gentleman was very helpful and got my car done in one day without ripping my wallet apart. Under $ 400 for my repairs versus a quote I was given for $ 1000 at a different place.

Where to begin…
My experience at Karsten Imports was above and beyond the five stars I give it. I spoke with Mats by phone first after finding the shop’s 5 star rating on Unilocal.I was just shopping prices for a 15,000 mile service on my 2013 Honda Fit. A local dealer quoted me $ 281 for this service and I thought, «there has to be a better price out there». Karsten was the first place I called. After a 15 minute phone conversation with Mats, I knew this is where I’ll be taking my cars for a long time. He quoted me a price OVER THE PHONE of $ 130 for the same service. I made an appointment before I got off the phone. A few minutes ago I picked my car up, and skipped the air filter for now. My bill came in at just over $ 99, and I could not be more impressed. They kept me aware of timeframes and made sure my car would be done before afternoon appointments. They even pointed out that my brakes needed service, but I was NEVER pressured to complete this work. Only advised that I do it within a couple weeks to a month. Again, I cannot say enough about Mats and my brief conversations getting to know him. It’s clear that he is a man of integrity and honesty that wants to run his shop with the same qualities. I would give this shop 6 stars if I could. The icing on the cake was that I got into my Honda to drive away and they vacuumed the floors both front and back for me. This is apparently part of their service that I overlooked.
I definitely recommend Karsten Imports to anyone reading this. I’d send my mother to this guy. Great experience!

Great place with an honest mechanic. Gained a customer for life. He even works every other Saturday which really helps for people who can’t be without a car during the week.

My 80 + year old parents thought they would give Karsten imports a try. They were extremely honest and reasonable. I have gotten used to dealers trying to overcharge older citizens but not the case with this place. I gave them 5 Stars.

I’ve been a customer at Karsten Imports for 15 years. When car shopping, I only buy car brands that Karsten will service. If I move from this area I will consider the driving distance from Karsten Imports.

Mats was absolutely professional and honest. He gave me clear pricing quotes, a realistic time frame for when my car could be dropped off & returned, extremely handy cold-​weather car care tips for my move, and even called next day to see how my car was doing and if I was happy with the service. I came in thinking my Accord was needing a set of expensive fixes completely different from what it actually required, and he could have taken me for a fool – but that’s not the kind of guy he is. He even knocked off a fee that I know I’ve paid with other mechanics because my repair made itself plain during the basic servicing process. Karsten’s is just a genuine gem in the Valley & if I ever need car repairs again, or if family/​friends do, I will refer them to Mats without hesitation.

Mats was straight forward and a delight to work with. I truly felt my car was in good hands. Keep up the great service and we’ll be customers for life!
Thank you!!!

I have been taking my car (2005 Toyota RAV4) to Mats (pronounced «Mots») at Karsten Imports since purchasing it in 2007.
In all my years of owning cars (and there have been many), I have never felt so confident and well-​cared for as I do at Karsten. Mats has never attempted to up-​sell me on anything and when I inquire about a particular item or service, he patiently explains how something works and/​or when it might need to be replaced.
I work as a consultant, frequently driving to San Diego, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo and, like all of us, need to feel safe behind the wheel.
Mats’ honesty, helpfulness and access to quality resources, along with routine maintenance, helps to make sure my car (and I) stay safe on the road. Plus, he is just such a pleasure to talk to!
If/​when I ever need to replace my vehicle (hoping that will not be anytime soon), I would most likely stay with vehicle brands that Karsten specializes in, just so I don’t have to go through the trouble (and disappointment) of searching for a trustworthy mechanic again.
I can’t say enough good things about my experiences with Karsten Imports. Do yourself (and your car) a favor and try them out for yourself. You’ll be happy you did!

I hate taking my car into the mechanic. It is stressful because I never know what is actually wrong with the car or if I am being over charged for the services that are recommended. I turned to Unilocal to help find the highest rated mechanic around and I was not let down.
I made an appointment, dropped off my car and chatted a bit with the gentleman working in the office. A few customers who heard I was new to this shop stopped to tell me how amazing Karsten was and how I would not be disappointed. After I explained the weird noises and concerns about my car I walked home. I did over hear some one else asking for a ride home which they did… I however needed some exercise.
I got a call a few hours later letting me know that the car would be ready for pickup after 5. I went to pick it up and was very happy to hear that it needed less work then the previous mechanic had told me. The other mechanic had mentioned needing new motor mounts and quoted me a ridiculous price… Karsten said there was absolutely nothing wrong with the motor mounts. Funny how that works.
To sum it up… I appreciate the honesty. If you want a mechanic you can trust, this is the place to go. Prices are fair… you definitely get what you pay for. This will be my new mechanic.

Karsten is our regular mechanic. We have been coming here for 3 years now for our 2 cars (one luxury and one sports car). Although they are a little pricey, they do a thorough job of our routine car services. They are not a budget place. They are a pay a little more but get it done right. Mats is a great guy who is super friendly and always tells us honestly what we need to take care of. They really car about quality and safety.

I find Mats to be extremely personable and honest. Definitely lays it out, but has super reasonable prices, and much more trustworthy than any of the other options (dealership, jiffylube, etc)

Karsten’s has been my family’s mechanic since it was actually run by Karsten! Thorough, conscientious service with no bull. Mats now runs the shop and has preserved the great tradition that Karsten began. Save yourself the trouble and take your car to get serviced here.

Mechanics have the reputation of being crooks for the most part, coming from a long lineage of HONEST TRUSTWORTHY mechanics I have a high standard of repair shops. I’ve heard and have seen so many people get their car ruined because of grimy crooked mechanics. The list is endless on the amount of unethical practice I’ve seen. I personally know how to do most of the work on my cars but I absolutely hate doing it. With that being said … KARSTEN auto surpasses trustworthy. This place has very reasonable prices excellent customer service A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE, and no BS ! Very clean shop and honest !

if you want a straight answer, quickly, good service, and a fair price, this seems to be the place. luckily I live a few doors down so i can drop my car off and walk home, but even if I didn’t, I’d drive a half hour to come see these guys. Mats has on more than one occasion let me know that the other guys were not quite honest, or hadn’t really investigated what was the real problem. über recommended!

I’ve had several experiences with Mats. One for my mother-in-law’s Honda and for my Toyota Rav 4. The service has been great. Mats is friendly and takes the time to explain just what’s needed or what’s been done. Keyes Toyota wanted $ 400 to fix an issue that Mats told me how to fix for FREE, and it worked.

Just got my Honda 04 engine with an oil leak serviced and Mats was completely helpful throughout the entire process, recommending me to other specific stores in the area.
After a lengthy conversation in which he taught me more about my engine than anyone ever has owning the car 10 years in terms of where certain parts are in my car opposed to when Honda made the switch on the civic in 05, I made the decision to bring it in, which ultimately was the right one.
Long story short, we will see where this fix goes, but extremely satisfied customer who will be going back for other minor recommendations. Thank you Unilocal

Simply put, one of a kind! The owner Mats is one of the the most trustworthy mechanic I have ever met. Forget the mechanic part. The most trust worthy man I ever shook hands with. This review is a wake up call to those who have car problems. I don’t know this guy from a hole in a wall. I am telling you all Unilocalers from now on. My family will be taking all our cars here!
Here is my story and I’ll try to make it quick.
Wife’s Volvo is making a lot of grinding noise towards the front of the vehicle. I leave it and Mats calls me a few hours later. Says it needs a lot of work. Car was in an accident years ago and now starting to show lots of issues. Long story short.
Mats suggested to ditch it and not put any more money into it. Any other mechanic would have seen me coming. I am truly grateful for your honesty, Thank you Mats!