John's Automotive Care — Attraction in La Mesa

I had two issues with my BMW when I took it to this shop. I'll admit both issues were very odd and did not affect drivability.

Problem #1: check engine light related to engine knock that only occurred between 500-700 miles after resetting the code. This an issue I've dealt with for about 3 years. Constantly just resetting the code each time the code popped up. Initially (first time I saw the code), I replaced the knock sensor. That never fixed the problem. Finally taking it to this shop, they felt strongly after troubleshooting that the knock sensor was the problem. Instead of paying $1100 for replacement, I felt that troubleshooting was incorrect and elected to not repair. After a solid day of research, the problem ended being a Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) Sensor. I replaced that $90 part immediately. It's been about 2000 miles and I have yet to encounter the check engine light identifying engine knock which is a miracle.

Problem#2: right rear brake lamp malfunction. This was simply a dash light warning as the taillight functions normally with all the required lighting. After paying for 3 hours of troubleshooting, this shop determined the taillight housing was malfunctioning and required replacement. I struggled to believe this as well because I've already swapped out two separate new tail light housing assemblies. Again I elected to not pay for the replacement part or installation. Since then, I've bought two different manufactured housing assemblies and that did not fix the problem. After researching extensively and using an Autel scanner, I discovered the computer identied the FRM (footrest) module to be faulty. This is a unique part/circuit card to BMW and a well known issue among these vehicles.

I gave this shop 2 stars because they're generally a really good shop with exceptional customer service. Unfortunately I've spent $600+ for troubleshooting and Uber Rides which yielded zero results AND my lack of confidence in their ability to properly troubleshoot. And if I elected to have this shop conduct these repairs, probably close to $2000 or more, both problems would still exist. It was incredibly disappointing but my lesson is that BMW and other foreign Makes should probably go to specialty shops who understand these...

I needed a starter for my 1997 Perry Pathfinder, But didn’t want to have it towed to the Nissan dealer. I found John’s Automotive through the AAA affiliated repair shops. John’s was close enough to my house where I could take a very long walk to get home, but they had shuttle service. When I called to get an appointment, I was fortunate to talk to Brian, the service manager who told me I could have my car towed to his shop right then & their shuttle driver Juan would shuttle me back-& forth so I didn’t have to walk or ride in the tow truck. Amazingly, Brian called me & gave me the option with pricing of a new starter or a rebuilt one, both with warranties. Brian called that my car was serviced and ready to go That same day & Shuttle driver, Juan could pick me up. I’ve never had the quick and excellent service I received from John’s automotive. When I picked up my car, Brian noticed my volunteer Feral Cat Coalition t-shirt & inquired about donation. Next day, I received a text from John of John’s Automotive, a real life person, proprietor of three John’s Automotive locations. Not only did I receive great service from John’s automotive, I am pleased to say that John and Brian are very civic minded. John’s Automotive is now my go to repair shop for the remainder of my vehicles’ lives. BTW, Brian has the best friendly customer service voice over the phone and in person & he likes cats and...

Tried telling me it was a7000 dollars job for a exhaust leak. Had to have a bunch of things he pointed out and it wouldn't be touched unless I payed that. He would fix what I asked to have done. Brian wouldn't even talk to me and have me. He walked away and was telling be this. What a joke of a place it made it look like. He should be fired, he lost business. I went to a different place and they fixed it in less than a day I had my car back and paid $250 dollars. I have them a $200 tip. If never recommend that place to anyone. Thank you Brian for showing me what a bag person you are and how you think of women. Iam not a fool. Might be he was. After giving this so a bad review I want to say the manager had read my review and called me. He said he wanted to make things right and explained to me it was not what should have happened. He asked me to meet him at the shop in the area and have my car looked at with it a charge for the evaluation. I really seen he was honest with what he was saying to me. The guy that I had seen as rude was not explaining things to me with any kind of help with me filling he was telling me with any kind of chance may car was going to fixed with the problem I addressed. I have to say it's not a bad place just not handled correctly by the technician I spoke with . I'll let you know the end results after I meet them at a different shop they have in a different...