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Check engine light
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Engine oil light diagnosis
Auto noise diagnosis
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Review Highlights
“Gibson at Automotive City drove the car, took a look under the hood and said he didn't find any obvious issues.” in 71 reviews
“Pretty much the same process when timing belt are replaced.” in 4 reviews
“You just hit 3 inch snow bank in Tahoe and your Prius with it's low base and now your bumper is loose?” in 4 reviews
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About the Business
As a full service automotive shop specializing in European automobiles, we perform all regularly scheduled factory maintenance to quality engine repair. We take pride in our company's friendly service, expert workmanship and unparalleled attention to detail. We can easily and quickly diagnose virtually any problem with your vehicle, and take pride in restoring your vehicle to like-new performance and condition. We also offer Air Conditioning recharge service.
Location & Hours
San Mateo, CA 94401
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B B.Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CA02413Jul 4, 2022During a recent Bay Area visit, my car broke down while driving along 280. While waiting for AAA to arrive, I scoured Yelp hoping to find a shop that might be open on a Saturday and was competent, affordable, and most importantly, trustworthy. It's such a vulnerable feeling to be stuck on the side of the freeway, uncertain of what fixes are ahead and wondering if the mechanic will take advantage of a traveler who is stuck and completely reliant on their repairs.
As soon as the AAA tow truck dropped me in front of Automotive City, I knew I had made the right decision. Gibson instantly put me at ease.
Even though my car was an unexpected addition to his Saturday afternoon, he made my car a priority and was able to diagnose and order parts by the end of his work day.
Gibson updated me along the way and communicated well. By the time I picked up my working car on Monday, it affirmed that he really did meet all the qualities I hoped to find: a mechanic who is competent, affordable, and absolutely trustworthy. What a relief!
I felt safe and prepared for my 300+ mile drive home and have already recommended Automotive City to Bay Area friends.
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6967983886Dec 6, 2018WHY I WENT HERE:
- on my way to work, the "Brake Lamp Bulb Fault" indicator went off in my car
- because it gets darker quicker this time of year (and nobody got time for a fix-it ticket) I looked up car mechanics that do electrical work nearby my office; Yelp took me to this establishment
THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE):
- located off of 7th Ave and Railroad Ave
- there are two entrances (one on 7th Ave and one on S Railroad Ave) that confused me, so I opted to park along the "metered parking" on S Railroad Ave
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
- I called around 9AM (Yelp states business hours start at 8AM) but there was no answer and I didn't leave a voicemail
- 30 minutes later I was pleasantly surprised to see that the business had called me back; the exchange was courteous and professional as I asked to make sure they would be able to service a brake lamp replacement (and even provided the make and model of my vehicle) and I was quoted a $20 repair and to come in whenever I was free to do so
- after parking I walked into the establishment and instantly the worker who approached me knew who I was and why I was there
- he serviced my car in its parking spot and kept his promise about the quoted service price (the invoice should have been a little over $24, but he charged me only $20)
Helpful 30Thanks 0Love this 21Oh no 0- Ashwin R.San Mateo, CA041Jan 13, 2023
Took my 2017 Mazda6 here after I had random instances of my car not responding to acceleration. Putnam Mazda gave me a $1000 service quote for spark plug replacement + fuel intake system cleaning without even opening the hood. Gibson at Automotive City drove the car, took a look under the hood and said he didn't find any obvious issues. Since the issue happened randomly, he just asked me to bring it in the next time it does happen. For now, he just did an oil change + tire rotation and charged a very reasonable price. He was straightforward throughout and answered all my questions patiently. I don't know if my acceleration issues are solved, but at least Gibson was honest about what he found and what he could do. Will be coming back!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Janine P.San Francisco, CA032Jul 12, 2022
On July 1, i found this coupon. I called and made an appointment. I showed up on July 12 and told that they don't honor the coupon. They meant to take the coupon off but haven't done so. They then quoted me $68.99 plus tax for the oil change...a classic bait and switch. Stay away from this business. They are all about your money.
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Mackenzie C.
Jul 14, 2022
Hello Janine, we apologize for your experience and want to correct for you asap! The coupon on the website is an older one & expired; however, we of course will honor it for you. The gentleman you spoke with when you came in works with Palm Avenue Motors (same location) and is not affiliated with Automotive City so full transparency he unfortunately is not a proper representative in honoring or providing pricing. Gibson is the owner of Automotive City and learned about this and will be happy to honor the coupon. Please contact him directly at (650) 458-6270 to set up an appointment if you are still interested. Once again, apologies on the miscommunication and we will make it right. Much appreciated, Janine, and hope you have a good day.
Tony T.Foster City, CA11255Feb 16, 2021There has been a string of catalytic converter thefts in Foster City/San Mateo (especially for prius). As an extra security precaution, I ordered a "cat shield" from Cat Security to help prevent my catalytic converter from being stolen. Gibson was able to take my car in the morning and have the shield installed about an hour later. He was extremely professional and offered me the best quote for the installation in the area.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0- Daniel C.San Mateo, CA072Jul 30, 2022
Brought my 2016 Prius to Automotive City for the first time to install the MillerCat shield. Gibson walked me through how he would install it, got it done within an hour as promised. The best part is he actually left the car on the lift so I can see the final installation and take pictures
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Scott N.Northern California, CA32229Jul 15, 2022Updated reviewYay Gibson. So why do I keep coming to automotive city.....simple; it's because of Gibson. Last time I was at the dealership to have my Prius serviced for a flat tire, I was told by the dealer (who will go unnamed) that my car with only 50K miles on it needed to have the CV joint replaced at a cost of $1200. Of course I told them to hold off on that work order. I went to Gibson and asked him to do a comprehensive checkup on the car as part of my next oil change and he came back and told me the CV joint was fine. Saved me from wasting $1200. I've been going to Gibson for almost 15 years and will continue to do so! Thank You Gibson!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Apr 7, 2013Previous reviewBrought my Porsche 911Strosek here to have Gibson take a look at after several other mechanics unable to diagnose reason for emission test failure. Within minutes, Gibson realized the catalytic converter was bad. Recommended I purchase the part to save money and he would do installation. Also diagnosed reason for electrical problems. Since this car was heavily modified prior to my purchasing the vehicle, it takes someone like Gibson to play detective and trace root causes of some of the mechanical issues.
Suffice to say, Gibson stepped in where other mechanics failed and delivered fantastic results at very reasonable prices. Wish I had come to him first, would have saved $1,000s in repair costs as I restore this vehicle.
Gibson is now my go-to guy!
Judd L.San Mateo, CA193Aug 11, 2018Updated reviewUpdate time: Decided to add more cars so Gibson of course always is the go to guy. Oil needed changing and thankfully he checks everything. The front brakes were due. Now! I would have busted the rotors if I went any longer. He did just finish my 2008 Acura TSX as well and I just drove it to Los Angeles. Drove like a champ.
If you need anything done, he's your guy. I wouldn't hesitate recommending him to anyone.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Jan 10, 2014Previous reviewI waited long enough for this review. Actually, I forgot. Sorry Gibson. This guy is the best mechanic I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. He's done work on my 2006 Audi A3, 2007 Civic Si and 1982 Toyota Starlet so far. Please note, I am a "car guy." It better be done right or I cry. The same way when I read romance novels. I can feel, see, smell and hear everything wrong with a car and I also went to college for Introduction in Automotive along with reading a lot of car magazines so you know I'm legit.
Gibson is perhaps the most honest mechanic you'll ever find. He will never overcharge you or lie to you. He'll tell you if it's worth it to do the work or not. He'll also tell you where the part is cheaper if what he can get is more expensive. What else can you ask for?
I referred my sister to him and she was blown away how honest he is about the work to be done and charged less than she was expecting.
First time I had Gibson work on my car was on a Saturday afternoon when my Audi decided to spit out the bracket for the exhaust. Gibson fixed it for FREE! I couldn't believe it when he told me. All he asked was come back if you need work done. He actually just worked on my Audi again when something about the fuel injectors went bad. Car came back running better than ever. No more hesitation at partial throttle that was present even before the problem presented itself for a long time. It is like a new car. Even the dealer was never able to clear that issue when I had it done there.
Anyway. If you need work on your car, ever, go see Gibson or give him a ring. He won't let you down. If you doubt me, read the first paragraph again.- Wally K.San Mateo, CA032Nov 20, 2019Updated review
Gibson 11/18/2019
I have known Gibson for over 10 years and have assisted him by holding flashlight and tools when I am just visiting the shop. You see I am retired and live nearby. I consider myself a handy person knowledgeable around cars. But my days of tinkering is over and I would much rather have the pro do it.
Gibson has always amazed me when I watch him work. The knowledge and care he puts on his work is truly remarkable. The details and care he takes when he disassembles the car and the same detail and care when he puts them back together. He makes sure things are put back the way it was or should be.
My 2001 Audi A6, 2.7T was leaking coolant. After a thorough inspection, Gibson determined it was the water pump. But the water pump is located in the middle of the engine and would need to disassemble a lot of parts to get to it. Pretty much the same process when timing belt are replaced.
One thing about Gibson is he does not skimp on parts. He would rather replace a critical parts around the problem area rather than keeping an old one that may break and cause the same damage ie: water pump, tensioner, belts, old plastic housing. I totally agree with this principle because I would rather have him replace this old piece of plastic housing, for example, than have it break a few months later. There is minimal cost on labor now than if it this $50 plastic housing should break later.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Nov 18, 2019Previous reviewGibson 11/18/2019
I have known Gibson for over 10 years and have assisted him by holding flashlight and tools when I am just visiting the shop. You see I am retired and live nearby. I consider myself a handy person knowledgeable around cars. But my days of tinkering is over and I would much rather have the pro do it.
Gibson has always amazed me when I watch him work. The knowledge and care he puts on his work is truly remarkable. The details and care he takes when he disassembles the car and the same detail and care when he puts them back together. He makes sure things are put back the way it was or should be.
My 2001 Audi A6, 2.7T was leaking coolant. After a thorough inspection, Gibson determined it was the water pump. But the water pump is located in the middle of the engine and would need to disassemble a lot of parts to get to it. Pretty much the same process when timing belt are replaced.
One thing about Gibson is he does not skimp on parts. He would rather replace a critical parts around the problem area rather than keeping an old one that may break and cause the same damage ie: water pump, tensioner, belts, old plastic housing. I totally agree with this principle because I would rather have him replace this old piece of plastic housing, for example, than have it break a few months later. There is minimal cost on labor now than if it this $50 plastic housing should break later.
I consider Gibson a friend but my comments above are very objective.Aug 25, 2010Previous reviewI first met Gibson when he was at Prestige Autowerk. Prestige Autowerk was one of those auto shop next to the railroad tracks unlike your big auto dealership. You probably seen it if you take Cal Train. I live nearby and have taken my cars to a few shops in that alley way between 5th Ave. and 9th Ave. here in San Mateo. One thing I can say about these places, they are there to provide truly good services and wants you to come back.
This goes true for Gibson. He has worked on my BMW 540 on several occasions and I have been thoroughly satisfied. He would walk me through his diagnosis, give me a few options on what is thinks is best for the car and myself. He is very good with German cars, particularly Audis and Porsche. I have taken my wife's Audi, my son's Jetta and have recommended Gibson to several of my friends and their German cars. Everybody has been happy and satisfied with his work.
Gibson has moved one block north on the same alley way under a new name "Automotive City". I highly recommend Automotive City. Check it out next time you are in the San Mateo Downtown Area. Also check out cupcake factory next door. Super delicious.
Wally
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