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Avi's Advanced Automotive
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive Smog Check Stations Auto Repair, Smog Check Stations [Edit]
7776 Foothill BlvdSte 4
Tujunga, CA 91402
Neighborhood: Sunland
(323) 284-7922
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 5 pm
24 reviews for Avi's Advanced Automotive
24 reviews in English
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Review from Derek Z.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2011
The savior of hybrids,
Our 2003 prius completely died on us. We had the car towed to the dealer thinking it would be fixed within a couple of hours at a decent price. The dealer quoted over $7K for the repairs and manual labor. I went numb when i heard that quote. Apparently that is what they charge to replace the transaxle and inverter. They even tried to get us a used part for $4K. I found Avi thru a friend and called him. He said over the phone that he could do the job for under $2K. We got the car towed to his shop, he looked at it and said the quoted price was correct. He completely destroyed all the BS items listed on the repair list from the dealer. All the car needed was the transaxle and nothing else. Yes, he had to order the new part from Toyota which took some time and he is the only one running his shop. I'd rather wait a few days or even an extra week in order to save some cash. Avi literally saved us $5K on repairs. Avi is a special breed of car geek. He loves taking cars / engines apart to see how they run and puts them back together. We are so glad he knows the ins and out of hybrid engines. He also debunks all those required maintenance requirements from the dealers. All of those are there to make the dealers more money. He shows you ways to extend the life of your car and save some cash on repairs. I do know and understand that Avi can take his time with repairs, but he is always busy working on cars. It's just him not a freaking army or repair men. He took parts of the engine apart just to make sure it was only the transaxle that needed to be replaced. Those code readers are shit if you dont actually get into the engine to see what is wrong with it.
I fully trust Avi with our hybrid and i will be sending the rest of our family to get their hybrids worked on by Avi. I know Avi reads his reviews so, can you please email me the list of repairs so i can go after the dealer for their BS. -
Review from Angeleno S.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/9/2012
Avi: Thank you for writing a reply after so much time has elapsed from my original review and for requesting that I write the name of the business that did what you couldn't do and that did so with promptness and professionalism. Thank you also for dismissing my review, instead of addressing it and perhaps improving your service after you clearly dropped the ball with regards to your service.
Since you mentioned that I didn't say where I ended up getting my car fixed, here it goes: I went to Palmer Tire and Auto Repair near the corner of Avenue 61 and Figueroa in Highland Park where Jeff was professional, swift, and polite in getting the necessary part and fixing my car. He got the part and fixed my car and I drove it home the very next day.
I don't think you (Avi) are a bad guy, but I do wish you had owned up to the fact that you misinformed me and made me wait for more than a week, while telling me that you were searching for the necessary part (yet you never called me back). You could have at least owned up to that.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2010
I'm not sure if Avi is writing his own reviews, but his service as an auto mechanic is some of the… Read more »
Comment from Avi M. of Avi's Advanced Automotive 1/5/2012
* I Have never written a review of myself * I often offer to… More » -
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Review from Neeta S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/7/2011
After reading praise after praise about Avi on yelp, I headed straight over there to have him check out my tires - mostly because my tire pressure light way on, but partly because I needed to see if this purportedly magical man actually existed. Yeah, he does. For a very fair price, he put air in my tires, hypothesized that there was a nail in my back right tire, found hypothetical nail, removed the nail, plugged the hole, strategized with me about my out of state registration, and then asked me if I had anything actually challenging for him to work on. I was in and out in about half an hour.
Super nice guy, easy going, and trustworthy. I don't know much about mechanics, but I don't really have a reason go anywhere else from now on. -
Review from Marty C.
Glendale, CA
2/28/2011
I wrote a review previously for Avi, but somehow it disappeared. So, here we go again.
I have an Acura that needed a new catalytic converter. The only place to get one if you live in California is from Acura. Cost: $1,213!!! And that's just for the part without tax!
So, Avi turns me on to this State program that will help with my repair cost. Plus, somehow he finds another source for my catalytic converter. I looked all over the internet, called at least 5 muffler shops, Napa Auto Parts, etc., with no luck. But, where I failed, he triumphed. I guess that's why he is the professional.
Bottom line is, instead of costing me $1,300 plus dollars for the repair, I think I paid less than $30 out of pocket. Avi was also nice enough to give me a lift home in his personal vehicle after I drove mine in for repair.
Avi also went out of his way to accommodate my busy work schedule.
The only real downside to dealing with Avi is he is so busy helping customers, sometimes he can be hard to reach by phone. Other than that, he is great! He has a really good personality. -
Review from A R.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2010
I had a problem with my Prius's and I thought I really thought I messed up my car.
Within minutes of Avi looking at my car, Avi fixed the problem and even TAUGHT me how to fix the problem myself and sent me on my way. When I tried to give him a $20 bill for his help, he would NOT take it.
This shop is a class act and I highly suggest it to anyone who needs a trustworthy mechanic! -
Review from Nicole C.
La Crescenta, CA
Updated - 6/16/2010
An update already? No, can't possibly be, but yes. After the fatherly insistence by my boss to get my rear window fixed that was broken out by a damnable thief, I decided to heed this advice. I was hell-bent on fighting crime by leaving my car open to criminals to rifle through as they wished, so they wouldn't resort to breaking another window. But alas, my car was also open to the elements.
So I gave in and called to ask Avi to order a new window for me. I stopped in today, 2 days later, just as it had arrived. It was busy at the shop, but he took 20 minutes out of his day to install the fancy-pants, shiny new window right then and there. Wow, SO nice and unexpected. I still totally have a crush!!
So now, all I need to do is get a side-view mirror put on. I'll definitely be back to have that done. :)
5 stars...no, I'd give 10 stars if it were possible.Listed in: Helping a lady out...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/14/2010
Yes, I cheated. I went to another mechanic. Sorry Kay, but you were too far away for me to have my… Read more »
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Review from Nancy L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2010
I first came to Avi last summer after the Honda dealership that I had been a loyal customer to for 4 years tried to convince me that my sister's Honda Civic Hybrid (that I was driving at the time) needed a power steering fluid change when there is no power steering fluid in a hybrid! Avi told me this and saved me a bunch of money!
That incident showed me that Avi is a really honest person and cares about the customer. He doesn't care about the money but just wants to provide excellent service. Now, I only take my Prius to Avi and no one else. It also helps a lot that Avi, himself, drives a Prius and treats Pablo (my Prius) as if he was his own.
Since my last oil change (which Avi has convinced me only needs to be done every 6000 miles, not 4000 as recommended by the car manufacturers), the low tire pressure warning light has turned on twice. I took Pablo in to get the tires changed since my friends and Pep Boys said the threads were low. I also explained to Avi that my friend who had pumped my tires had commented that the left front tire was particularly low. Avi knew immediately what the problem was. He instructed me to drive the car slowly while he checked out my tire, and he found the nail in the tire! He proceeded to pull the nail out and repair the tire while the Great Rain Storm of 2010 down poured on both of us, with me futilely holding an umbrella with a duck handle. What a guy! He didn't even charge me for this service.
Avi's big thing is that he likes to "milk" things. Even though my tire threads are low, Avi is convinced that I can drive another good 5000 or so miles before the tires MUST be replaced. He was the same way when the dishonest Honda dealership told me to replace the brakes. Avi had informed me that the brakes were low but still good for several thousand miles. He's the same with the 6000 versus 4000 miles oil change.
My only complaint with Avi is that he'll never tell you how long something will take. He's a busy guy, and yes, he did once take over a day to complete an oil change. I had dropped Pablo off at 6 pm on a Thursday to show up on Friday at 5 pm only to wait until 8 pm for Avi to complete the overly thorough oil change, complete with new windshield wipers. However, I just plan my life around an expected long car service. Avi still gets 5 stars though because he gets an extra credit star for being cute. -
Review from Justin B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/14/2010 1 photo
What a guy!
I originally came in to see bill at the smog test center, but at the end of my smog test, misfortune hit me hard as my radiator blew up right in bills garage. What luck, a blown radiator -.-. Not even the type of thing I can put off for a little. Its the type of thing that when it happens it needs to be replaced or your not going anywhere.
So after my radiator blows, I'm thinking great! now im gonna have to get it towed somewhere and then pay a shit load to get it fixed, not to mention it will probably take a day or two and I'll have to spend even more money to rent a car to get back home and to work. UGH! But Bill says to me, "Hey lets go walk over an see Avi at his auto shop and see what he can do". We walk over and say hello and Bill tells him my problem. Avi takes a minute to look at the radiator and look up a new one and additional parts. To my Incredible luck (following my incredible misfortune) Avi comes back and tells me that not only can he get the radiator and tubes, and install them (for a very fair price), but he can have them here today and have my car running again in a mere 3-4 hours!
WHAT THE WHAT!?!?
I tell him its a deal and off to work he goes. The parts showed up about an hour or so later, and he was quick to work and had me out of there by 5:30 (i originally came in around 1). Not only did he do an incredible job fixing my car fast, but he even took a look at my "broken" window that didn't want to go down. He played with the switch, switched it out for another window switch and voila! it worked! He fixed my broken window in minutes that could have been $100+ to fix somewhere else!!
Avi's Advanced Auto is the only place I will take my car from now on, and I'm going to HIGHLY recommend him to everyone I know! He is the most down to earth, no haggle, stand up guy I've ever met in an auto shop (other than my dad of course lol). He really is there to help you out and not try to get you to buy things you don't need. Completely honest and totally trustworthy, hes the real deal! I feel lucky to have found such a great mechanic! Thanks Avi!Listed in: AutomoTIPS
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Review from John L.
Pasadena, CA
3/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Like some other reviewers, I first went to get a smog check at Arroyo Smog Check next door, but was directed to Avi's Advanced Automotive so that I wouldn't have to pay for an additional test if my car failed and needed repairs.
I had to wait a little bit since Avi was with another customer, but between the piano and internet terminal in the waiting room, it didn't feel like very long. Avi and I chatted a little bit after the smog check, he's a friendly and honest guy.
I can't speak directly to Avi's abilities as a mechanic, since I just got a smog check (my car passed). He has a crapton of certificates though, and talked about attending a class on how to service Toyota Priuses. Between that and the other stories here, I think it's fair to say Avi knows his stuff.
I hope I never see Avi again, because that would probably mean I have car troubles. When that inevitably happens, though, I'll head to Avi's. I'd feel comfortable leaving my car there and knowing I'll get the right work done at a fair price. -
Review from Sarah B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2010
What a wonderful place! This place is within walking distance of where I live. The other day, I was driving down the 210 when I got a flat tire, thanks to something metal in the road. I was close to my exit, thankfully, and remembered seeing the place from the many times I have driven by it and decided to stop there.
Although Avi doesn't usually do work on tires, he helped me put my spare tire on and then ordered new tires (I was in need of new tires, so I decided to change them all instead of just the one that needed it) and agreed to put them on for me when they came in.
I now have four brand new tires and he charged me a fair price. I had to wait a little longer than I probably would have if I had gone to a chain place, but it was worth the wait (as he didn't have a stash of tires). Avi is honest and reliable. Avi is the type of guy who actually wants to help you, not just sell you as much as he can to make a quick buck. I have already recommended his shop to my friends if they ever need work done. -
Review from Sage R.
Los Angeles, CA
4/20/2009
This was my first time taking my car in for a smog inspection on my own and I don't think I could of had a better experience. Avi is very knowledgeable and upfront about what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
I originally went next door to Arroyo Smog Check and Test Only Center but was referred to Avi when I needed my ignition timing adjusted. I spent my waiting time outside with plants and magazines when there was an awesome bat-cave of a waiting room waiting, for people...get it? The waiting room was waiting. Never mind.
I don't know much about cars but I know when I feel that someone is being shady and shady he is not. A wonderful service by a good competent man. -
Review from Kristina B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2010
I originally drove out to highland park to get a smog check at Arroyo Smog Check, but Bill (the owner) was kind enough to inform me that he was "test only" and if my car failed I would have to pay to get it tested again; since I was getting the test for change of ownership.
This is where Avi comes in...he is right next door and Bill arranged for him to do my smog check instead. What luck! First Bill is super nice and then Avi is super nice too! He was so laid back and easy going that it actually turned my errand into the highlight of my day +Plus it was less than I originally paid the first time I got my car tested in Hollywood. As a woman going to a Mechanic, I've had my fair share of shady dealings with people who will take advantage of a girl, but at Avi's I was only treated with respect and complete honesty. Worth the trip to go to this shop no matter where you live. -
Review from Kurtis N.
San Diego, CA
6/17/2011
Avi is the most honest and nice mechanic you'll ever meet. Complete opposite of the brusque in-a-hurry guys that talk over your head when you have a question. He loses a star because he's so nice and laid-back that he sometimes doesn't get around to everything. :) It's probably where a few customers' frustrations have come from. So you might not want to go to him if you're in a big hurry, but if you want honest clean work, this place is highly recommended. Reviewer Emily is spot-on: with an office manager, this business would be perfect!
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Review from Ben P.
Los Angeles, CA
12/29/2009
Congratulations, if you are checking out this Yelp, you have SERIOUSLY found the only mechanic you'll ever need in Los Angeles. He's a soft spoken genius who clearly has the inquisitive mind to fix your problem, and will be really nice about explaining the situation. We've all been to the jaded mechanic that either doesn't explain anything to you or tries to sell you rotors, calipers, and probably a rear axle, when all you really need is some brake pads. Avi is not this guy. I think his middle name might just be "Intergrity"! His prices were totally fair, and he's even got an upright piano in his lounge for you to help pass the time. If i could tune that dang ol' piano, i'd probably do it for free just cause he's a good guy.
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Review from Ron H.
Rohnert Park, CA
5/3/2009
Avi is a great mechanic who gives excellent service. Very honest and upfront about cost. I took my 91 toyota there to fix a coolant leak and he was able to do it for less than the price he originally quoted me.
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Review from Olexandr P.
South Pasadena, CA
3/15/2010
Avi is a great person, it was my pleasure to meet him. Knowledgeable, easy going, no sales pitch, no dime'n'nickeling you, very recommended, absolutely worth the money. Stay away of Pep-boys and similar liars, you will find a bunch of complaints about their business - why risk with your money. Instead bring your car to Avi.
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Review from Mark M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2009 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic service. Had to get my out-of-town car smog-checked. Avi was extremely helpful, informative and knowledgeable. Even got a soda out of the deal!
Price is reasonable, and Avi knows what he's doing. If you need a smog check, this is the place. -
Review from Jared R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/4/2009
The best thing about Avi's Advanced Automotive? Avi and his team know how to treat their customers with respect and will be honest with the necessary repairs, which is a lost art in the car repair world. They use quality parts and fluids, keeps you updated on the repairs and will give you many helpful tips on how to take care of your car and the best ways to taking care of the administrative things that your car needs (like signing up for AAA and having them handle your registration). Also, he has a nice waiting area in the front with free internet (which is where I'm writing this review!) and drinks waiting for your in his fridge.
Avi works in partnership with Arroyo Smog Check, which works out well if one is too busy to take care of your smog check, and Avi is your man if you need to get the necessary repairs if you didn't pass your initial check.
To sum up, Avi's Advanced Automotive has won my business for my car care needs. -
Review from Matthew F.
Los Angeles, CA
3/20/2010
Avi is great. Friendly, fast and honest. No need to go anywhere else if you live in Highland Park, Eagle Rock or Pasadena. I can't say enough good things about him.
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Review from John C.
Alhambra, CA
9/5/2009
What can I say?
To begin with - check out my review on Avi's neighbor, Arroyo Smog Check and Test Only Center.
Basically, Bill wanted to have somebody in the front who can provide the level of service that he's willing to be associated with. So it wasn't until Avi came along that he had this.
Again, most of us just want good quality advice and work when needed.
When I drove my car to Pep Boys, I didn't appreciate the tech's snickering with each other, as they tried to sell me 4 tires when I needed 2. But "you get the 4th one free.." Thanks, but no thanks!
In the future I may go back there just to get specific things done that maybe Avi doesn't have on-hand for parts. But I WON'T be going there for consultation!
After getting the 2 tires replaced, I drove over to Avi's, and he said he'd check things out but an alignment was probably all that was needed.
Sure enough, my car has been driving fine.
Today, I had to go back for a busted headlight. Rather than change the whole assembly, which would cost a fortune, the bulbs were changed faster than I could write this review!
I still need to get my brakes taken care of, so I'll be back! -
Review from justine h.
Los Angeles, CA
3/19/2010
I live in the neighborhood but even if I didn't, I'd go out of my way to take my car to Avi. He doesn't suggest any work that doesn't need to be done and his prices are very reasonable. Never go to the dealership to get your car serviced again!
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Review from Christian S.
Burbank, CA
12/17/2009
All the people here rating this shop with 5 stars must be related to Avi. Horrible place to go to. I made an appointment to go in for a brake and light inspection. The owner of the shop, Avi which is a young Armenian guy seemed like an honest guy at first. Every light was working perfectly and aiming in the right direction. He told me that none of my lights could be adjusted and that I needed both headlights replaced, both turn signals replaced and both side markers replaced. Each headlight for my car is $350.00+, turn signal lights are $75.00each, side markers are about $40.00each. He also stated that he could do the repairs himself. he charges $90.00+ an hour. He told me it would take him one business day to complete the job. it would of cost me around $1,650.00. To make the story short I went to another shop. Passed the brake and Light inspection WITH NO PROBLEM!
Comment from Avi M. of Avi's Advanced Automotive 1/5/2012
Update: Six months has passed since I offered a refund and I… More » -
Review from Emily P.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2010
what a frickin hilarious place. avi is the most lovable ADD auto mechanic i've ever met. he runs the place by himself, interrupts himself in his own conversation, and is trying to fix peoples cars and talk to about 8 customers all at the same time. occasionally he'll pause and introspectively eat a tortilla chip very slowly. i really needed my baby prius fixed and he LOVES priuses - they're his speciality, apparently - and he did good work on her. she was out in just a few hours - the best part is the pricing! he's a really honest guy who didn't take advantage of a terrified teenage girl who knows nothing about car service. two thumbs up, avi! get a receptionist.
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Review from Chris W.
Pasadena, CA
4/15/2010
Needed an electrical problem solved asap, read the reviews here and zipped over. Was hesitant because of the chaos made by the line of cars waiting for the adjacent smog check (apparently this is THE place for that) but Avi showed up and lickety split the thing was fixed. Super nice guy, mellow, chats politely as he works with lightning speed. And at a price that cannot be beat. Coming here always - done and done.
