El Gato Auto Repair & Mufflers — Local services in Bakersfield

I am clueless about fixing cars. So if I go to a mechanic I expect the mechanic to be honest, knowledgeable, and thorough. Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with a local shop. I took my vehicle to a different shop because my engine light is on and my car is shaking and slowing down while driving. I needed a catalytic converter so it was replaced. The other issue of shaking/slowing down was because of my tires according to the shop (Benny’s). Fast fwd, my car is still slowing down, shaking, battery light is on and now making a horrific noise. Take it back to the same shop to get checked. They tell me I need a new engine $4,500-6,000 estimate. What?! Apparently, they turned it on, heard the noise and said I need a new engine. Benny’s shop didn’t even bother to look under the hood! Thank goodness for Eddie from El Gatos Auto Repair! He quoted me a very fair price and my car is now running without any issues. If you want an HONEST mechanic please give this shop a chance. Thank you Eddie! I was beyond stressed out and you saved my car without any unnecessary replacements. I am...

It brought my car in to get my air conditioner fixed so I had Eddie the owner install a AC condenser. At that time I told Eddie my car is very low The front bumper will crack if you're not careful. He said he understood, no worries. Job was take 1 day ended up being 5 days, Eddie calls on 5th day when shop was about to close. By the time I arrive it is dark. There was a reason Eddie took so long & waited till closing time to call. To look under my bumper you have to lay on the ground. Next day I check my front end & Eddie cracked & broken my bumper. I head over to shop not to try get my money back but just to let Eddie & his 2 other mechanics know you did me dirty. *Beware, if you get any work done here Make sure you double check before you...

Easily one of the best shops in town. You can drop it off for diagnostics or repair and not have to worry about someone trying to pull the sky down around you with tales of what needs to be repaired to get you back on the road. Been going here for a couple years now and they are the only repair place I keep saved in my phone contacts. Courteous and down to earth mechanics who are interested in repeat business and will work with you to make sure you understand the what, the why, and still quote you a cheaper...