Placentia Super Service — Local services in Placentia

Dear Mr. Cornwall, I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction with the service I received from your Super Service locations in Aliso Viejo and Placentia regarding my daughter’s 2008 Lexus RX 400h. In late February 2025, I brought the vehicle to your Aliso Viejo location after it began displaying several warning codes that appeared to be related to a failing hybrid battery. I met with Dion, your store supervisor, who conducted himself professionally and advised that the vehicle would be inspected. After approximately one week, Dion informed me that the diagnostic results indicated a faulty inverter, estimating that a new replacement would cost between $6,000 and $7,000. Given the car’s age, we agreed that sourcing a used inverter would be the most practical solution. I located a used unit on Amazon and had it shipped directly to your shop. After nearly four months, I finally received the vehicle back on June 28, 2025. Unfortunately, after only three days of driving, the same issue reoccurred—multiple warning codes appeared, and the vehicle lost all power while I was on the I-5 freeway, leaving me stranded. I had the car towed back to the Aliso Viejo shop via AAA and again spoke with Dion. Following two additional months of diagnostics, Dion informed me that the car needed to be sent to your Placentia location for further evaluation. During this time, I spoke with your district manager, Don, whose demeanor was notably unprofessional and dismissive. At one point, he remarked, “Why are you bothering my team and me?”—a statement I found both inappropriate and disrespectful. Don insisted that the inverter needed replacement once again and stated that his supplier could provide a better-quality used part than the one I had provided. Despite my concerns about repeating the same repair, I agreed to proceed, having already invested $1,100.41 in labor at Aliso Viejo and $700 for the original inverter. I emphasized that if the issue was unrelated, I would pay accordingly, but repeating the same work should not come at an additional cost. After continued delays and disagreements, the vehicle was finally returned to me on September 4, 2025—more than eight months after I first brought it in. Don charged me an additional $1,771.65 for the same type of repair work, bringing my total expenditure to $3,572.06. What is most troubling is that within 24 hours of picking up the car, the same dashboard warning lights reappeared, indicating that the issue remains unresolved. Mr. Cornwall, I find it unacceptable that after eight months, multiple repairs, and thousands of dollars spent, your shops have failed to properly diagnose and repair the problem. Equally concerning is the dismissive and condescending manner in which I was treated by your district manager. I have since reached out to Dion at the Placentia Shop without a response from your team. I am requesting a full investigation into this matter and a complete refund of the $3,572.06 I have spent to date. If this issue is not resolved promptly and satisfactorily, I will have no choice but to pursue action through Small Claims Court. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope to hear from you soon with a resolution. Sincerely, Denis...

I took it there in June because I had a very clear case of my car having a major coolant leak. They said they were going to do a diagnostic to see what else was wrong. I get back a list of 9 repairs they say the car needs. One of those is an oil leak that everywhere else I had taken it to, said was a small issue because it wasn't a bad leak. But I had the money at the time and I figured why not take care of everything wrong with it right now so I did. Car seemed fine when I got it back, but then 4 months later I take it in to them because I noticed the oil was leaking again and I checked my receipt from when I had taken it in the first time. On the receipt it said I had a warranty for 3 years on any of the repairs or 3600 miles (may have been more or less I honestly don't remember and I don't feel like getting up rn) so I took it hoping maybe it would be covered on the warranty and luckily it was. But they also told me that now I had 11 NEW problems plus the one covered by the warranty so a total of 12 issues. The first time I went in I paid $2066 and when I added up the new total it was near $8000. I told them to only take care of the warranty issue so that left me with 11 issues with the car still. Before I get to what happened and why I'm leaving a very negative review, how is it that they found 9 problems the first time only for 4 months later to have 12 "new" problems??? If it really has any of these new issues why didn't they catch them 4 months earlier??? So I take my car back home and the next day... the very next day I'm on my way to long beach and my car starts rumbling uncontrollably and smoking. I pulled into a jack and the box and had to leave it there overnight until I could come back in the morning. Honestly, I totally lost it over the phone with the staff and I know that wasn't cool, but also I don't feel bad in the slightest for anything I did say. So I took it to a place in long beach that was close they did a check on it all and told me it was an oil leak. Two that Placentia super service said I had plus the one they said they repaired... twice. Yes, one of those leaks was the one I had "fixed" a second time under warranty. The total I received from the second mechanic in Long Beach gave me a total of $1442.72 for the repair of what he said was necessary. So my big question is... did they swindle me at Placentia Super Service? I know I don't trust them. If you want to come here for all your car repairs go ahead I'm not one to keep people from someone's business but holy crap I honestly feel so swindled and believe I was taken advantage of. I cannot rationally believe that my car gained an additional 12 problems when I don't drive it that far or that...

I've never had such a positive experience at an auto mechanic shop! I've been to plenty of national chains and small business mom/pop shops alike with various cars over the years, so I'm comfortable in my frame of reference.

I had the pleasure of working with Michael who was immediately welcoming, approachable, professional, respectful, knowledgeable, easy going, and helpful. All things you expect when interacting with a business. He made me feel confident when everything was all said and done, unlike that dirty feeling some other shops leave you with suspecting you were screwed over. Thank you Michael and to your entire team!

Comparative to other shops, large or small, I did not sense an air of unprofessionalism, tension, or that male/car guy-centric atmosphere that can be intimidating to those who might not be knowledgeable of cars.

It's akin to a doctor explaining your medical health, you're not going to be judged for not attending med school. Everything will be explained in detail using understandable terms so you're fully informed.

I feel confident in saying that regardless of age, knowledge, or gender you can expect to be treated with respect and care at Placentia Super Service. You will not be pressured or feel judged on the decisions you make for your car or finances.

You can expect that what they recommend will be in your best interest regarding priority, urgency, safety, and finances.

Lastly, their facility is very clean and well taken care of. The lobby is thoughtful will plenty of complementary drink options, comfortable couches, restroom, and a space to bring your laptop and get work done while you wait.

Reading this back, I sound like a sponsored infomercial haha! Not my intention, I honestly just have high praise. You can blame me if I'm wrong based on my review, but you'll see that I'm...