Insider Pages Reviews for Griffin's Automotive Service

5 Stars: Griffin's Automotive Service is outstanding! (by max t.)

max t. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:59:00 GMT

Griffin's is amazing. Abraham and Marshall are 100% honest, 100% knowledgeable and 100% helpful. We have a Subaru with 97,000 miles and got a 90k overhaul and checkup last January. Since then, we only take our car to Griffin's. This sounds a bit cliche, but they really do 'care' about their customers and the cars. I can't say enough good things about Griffin's. Also, Sancho (the resident canine mascot) is another huge plus :)

2 Stars: Griffin's Automotive Service is Not What I would call Honest. (by Michael A.)

Michael A. — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:09:00 GMT

I went to Griffin's BECAUSE it was recommended in the San Diego Insider. My car over the past week was not cooling the air inside the car. I took it to them, I asked for a diagnosis, was it a leaking hose, a bad compressor, or perhaps a bad clutch? I definately did not come off as a Auto Noob. The Diagnosis cost $79.95, a little "steep" I thought. The tecnician came back, showed me the guilty hose that he said had pinhole leaks and gave me a written estimate. $587.60 for:
a) Suction hose $87.77
b) 24 Oz. of R134a $48.00.
c) A/C oil $14.95.
d) A/C Dye $14.95
e) O-Ring Kit $14.95
Oh, and Labor: f) $311.23

But they would credit the diagnosis fee would be credited for a final est. of $507.65. *

I thanked them, and made a quick trip to AutoZone. Suction line $48.00 (O-Rings are included!) R134a Refrigerant, with dye, and with sealant, and o-ring conditioner, $16.95. I then looked up the repair in my Chilton Manual. Hmmm, Not a Suction line, its is the High Pressure Discharge Line. Pretty sneeky, don't quote the right part so I can not do the repair myself or take the car to a competitor.
That is my biggest beef.
I paid a lot of cash up front for a diagnosis that was deliberately misleading. Luckily for me, the misleading diagnosis told me two things, It was not the compressor or the clutch, and a refill of refrigerant (with sealant) may be all I needed.
I cannot recommend this establishment.
* and I have the written estimate (Proof.)

4 Stars: Fast Service (by Ken L.)

Ken L. — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:03:00 GMT

The Air Conditioner on my car died, which usually means a complicated and expensive fix. Took it in at 9am and had a diagnosis and estimate by 11am. Car was done by 1pm. Very knowledgeable guys. My car is a heavily modified tuner and they knew exactly what they were looking at and even complemented me on specific things I have. They are friendly but like others said, don't be offended if you don't get a lot of chit-chat from them. They have that gruff, no-nonsense working men vibe and won't BS you with a lot of smooth talk. Very fair prices too.

5 Stars: Wow!!!! 50 years in Business... (by AlDaviz)

AlDaviz — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

I had just moved into Little Italy when my service light turned on. So I decided to take my 2007 Lexus in to the local repair shop. I was very impressed with how clean the WHOLE establishment is. They obviously care about what they are doing. They gave me a ride to work in a clean comfortable car. They called me with an estimate for my 30K service, which was less then the dealer. I dropped my car off at 8am and was ready by noon. They called me 4 days later to thank me for the business. I also got a thank you card in the mail. Griffins Auto Repair really shows they care about their customers. Now I see why they have been in business for 50 years. I' ve referred several of my friends and they all thank me for the referral.

5 Stars: Reliable (by Cheryl G.)

Cheryl G. — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:37:00 GMT

Had my breaks done. They rotated the tires at the same time. Quick and efficient service. Good price. I would definately recommend this shop to anyone who needs repairs done.

1 Stars: Avoid Griffin Auto in yo have a late model car!!! (by kurtisthrasher)

kurtisthrasher — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

They over promise and UNDER deliver!!!!!
If you have a new car, do NOT take it to them as they do not have the knowledge or proper computers/machines to adequately service your late model car!

They dont even know how to reset a oil or tire monitor system!!!

4 Stars: quick work (by colleen b.)

colleen b. — Thu, 17 Nov 2005 10:58:00 GMT

my cars air conditioning was not working properly and i took my car here to have it fixed. i was able to get in soon and they were very frienldy and honest. they told me that the compressor was blown out and i needed a new one. they have all the parts at good prices and i was out of there in a short time. very honest business.

5 Stars: Would definitly reccommend (by Elizabeth O.)

Elizabeth O. — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 21:36:00 GMT

They don't mess around. You bring your car in, they tell you when it will be done, and they fix it!! I brought my 1997 explorer in for a new Air conditioning system, and they put it in, on time, and it works great!!