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Steve's Auto Care
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm
44 reviews for Steve's Auto Care
44 reviews in English
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Review from Lynnette F.
Novato, CA
Updated - 1/5/2012
Last week I was going on a long road trip, so I stopped by Steve's to have him check my fluids, and a quick look under the hood. He also checked the tire pressure and when I handed him money, Steve refused it. While he was checking my passengers side tires, I slipped the money on his calendar, then as I drove out I said "hey Steve, I left something for you on your calendar" ... he came out and yelled at me "Lynnette, NO, I don't want this" he was so mad, but I yelled back to give it to his children or save it toward the next time I come in.
I'm telling everyone on Yelp that Steve's Auto Care is BY far the best place to go for car repairs in Novato. Steve is honest, and trustworthy. When he's busy, he doesn't have time for chit chatting (which is most of the time) so, take that in to consideration if you believe he's being rude (someone told me that once, and of course I defended him) if or rather WHEN you take your vehicle in remember Steve is a busy mechanic, who runs his business alone. The last thing I want is some mechanic standing around b'sing all day with customers - I want him working on my vehicle.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/12/2011
I took my car in last month for an oil change, and told Steve I had a hundred dollars to spend, so… Read more »
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Review from Annie D.
Novato, CA
9/7/2011
Steve quickly discovered my problem was with my catalytic converters and it was something that he needed to refer out. He went above and beyond what any typical mechanic would have done! He called someone he trusted to do the best work, negotiated a deal, drove the car over for me, picked it up when it was done and even payed him in advance for me (I was working). Steve called me through every step of the way. What a GREAT guy!!! I can't thank him enough. I will be back and am referring everyone I know w/ a foreign car.
I loved him so much I "tipped" him $50 today. He is too kind and didn't even want to charge me. I think not! He deserved every penny and more for being a fantastic middle man! :)
Thanks Steve!!!!!!!! -
Review from Caitlin A.
Fillmore, CA
1/22/2012
Steve is THE BEST! I no longer live in the area but when I had my little Ford Taurus Steve took superlative care by advising me not to get little things done until they became bigger issues in the interest of saving a few shekels. Steve has tons of experience is as honest as the day is long and I would recommend his services to anyone who wants excellent customer care and has had enough of throwing their money away on inferior auto service.
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Review from Jay G.
Glendale, CA
1/29/2012
I took my 2002 Civic here when the after market anti-theft system kept cutting off the engine (no idea who installed the system, it was a used car). Steve was able to fix it for what I feel was a fair price. I didn't have any more problems so a few months later I brought it back for it's 100k mile maintenance. And now, a few years later it still runs flawlessly. I've since moved to LA but if my car needs major service again I'll drive up to Novato. Seriously it's worth it to have the work done correctly, I don't want to get stuck on the 405.
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Review from Adam D.
San Rafael, CA
1/25/2012
Five stars is easy, because Steve's really is as good as it gets when it comes to auto care. I've been using Steve's to service my various Hondas over the years - an Odyssey, an Accord and a Fit - and it's always been a good experience. Steve does what he says he'll do, when he says he'll do it. The prices are fair for the service, and he doesn't try to add extra items unless they are really needed. I can recommend Steve's Auto Care without hesitation.
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Review from Carol H.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011
Steve you rocked my world today by fixing my car so it's compliant for the required smog test review. I checked online prior to making my appointment to see what my fellow Yelpers were saying about mechanics in my area. I am in total agreement with the other reviews here - you're honest and get the job done in a reasonable amount time. I especially thank you for charging me less than the by-the-book fee schedule, since you said it took you less time than you thought. You're a nice guy and I'll be calling you again for service on my Subaru.
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Review from Ryan G.
Novato, CA
5/19/2011
Is there such thing as an honest mechanic left in this world?
Yes.
Right here.
Lets just say that I won't be taking my car anywhere else for a long time for any reason. Steve was amazing. He was prompt, very helpful and helped me with my car.
Simply awesome!!!!! -
Review from Heather S.
Fairbanks, AK
4/13/2011
Steve is awesome. After the lovely folks at Pennzoil attempted to sabotage my car by removing all the hoses from the engine and thus cause me and it to spontaneously combust into a towering pile of flames and utter destruction, Steve saved my life. He was all booked through the day, but he made 15 minutes for me to come in and undo the Evil which Pennzoil had done. He is honest, friendly, efficient, thorough, AND he remembered and called me by my name.
I will certainly be recommending Steve to everyone I know. -
Review from Susan F.
Novato, CA
10/14/2010
Steve was clear, responsive, honest, fairly priced. He noticed some issues with the car, investigated them on his own, made a recommendation that included that he would not want to do the work himself, that I should get an expert. Great experience with Steve.
Definitely recommend him. -
Review from C C.
Mill Valley, CA
9/26/2011
Steve was professional and straight-forward to deal with. I was pleased to learn he is an ASE Master Technician with experience at the local Acura Dealership. Prior to today, I had been having all of work done at local dealerships -- for both of our Acuras. Now that I know Steve is the real deal, I am thrilled to have a single point of contact and a go-to-guy for maintenance on the family vehicles. AND he has GREAT taste: he drives the same car I do! =) Support local business!!!
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Review from Susan C.
Novato, CA
5/27/2011
Steve is the kind of mechanic my dad would talk to me about.... honest, reliable, reasonably priced. I didn't think any existed until I met Steve. I actually look forward to getting my car serviced because Steve is so wonderful and I know my car will be in tip-top shape without paying thousands of dollars like I used to when I brought it to the dealership. My husband wants our next car to be Japanese just so Steve can service it. I can't say enough great things about Steve and I am so grateful for him. In this time when money is so tight, I appreciate having a wonderful mechanic who is so fair with his prices. TAKE YOUR CAR TO STEVE AND YOU WON'T BE SORRY!
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Review from Tiff O.
Novato, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
just moved to the area and i'm happy i was able to find out about steve's shop through yelp. i made an appointment and dropped by here for an oil change and got some replacement windshield wiper blades. he was fast! the reviews were right- awesome trustworthy guy. had fun chatting with him while i paid for the service. glad i know who to go to in the future.
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Review from David A.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2010
My car had an intermittent problem where it would shut off as I was driving it down the freeway. It was not an easy problem to diagnose, but Steve said he would try to find the issue. I dropped my car off and later that afternoon before he was about to go home my car shut off on him and he was able to figure out what was causing the issue. He called me and told me he would start working on it the next day.
Steve fixed the issue quickly and provided the best experience I've ever had with a mechanic. He was quick and thoroughly discussed the issue my car was having along with explaining to me other issues my car may have in the future because of the age and amount of miles on the vehicle. It's been about 2-weeks now and the car runs great.
After I picked up the car, Steve called me a couple days later to make sure it was running smoothly. I was really impressed by the fact he called. His follow-up service was wonderful and definitely sold me on all of my future auto care needs! Thanks Steve! -
Review from punn w.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2011
super quick in and out. friendly, great rate and service. will definitely come back as needed.
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Review from Kevin N.
Novato, CA
11/7/2011
Steve is the best!
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Review from Laura R.
San Rafael, CA
6/22/2009
I first took my car to Steve a few months ago for a transmission fluid leak. Even though he mostly works on Japanese cars, my Geo Prizm was essentially a Toyota. He diagnosed the problem quickly and charged a great rate.
Then, last Monday, the white smoke billowing out of my car signalled something ominous. No we did not have a new pope...
The only good part about my car breaking down and dying completely on the 101 was that I at least knew it was being towed to the nicest and most trustworthy mechanic in Marin.
He knew it was bad when the little blue carcass was dragged to his shop. He kindly told me he would look at it anyway, and he called with the diagnosis. He waited an hour to make the call because he hated to deliver such a rotten assessment. After breaking the bad news to me (the Geo had of course overheated and was DOA) he even called a salvage lot for me in case I was unable to sell it for parts elsewhere.
I was able to sell the car on my own and get a brand new Corolla S. I will definitely be taking her to Steve for all maintenance. His integrity in helping me through the loss of my car earned him a loyal customer.
P.S. He offers a gas credit for all referrals, so be sure to grab some business cards from him. -
Review from Nick C.
Pacheco, CA
8/2/2008
Finally a good Mechanic! I found Steve's autoshop on yelp and I am extremely happy that I did.
I took my '99 Subaru in to him thinking I was going to pay atleast 500 for tune up and walked away with the exact quote that he handed me, $100.
He even fixed my rear view wiper for free when an alternative mechanic said it would be atleast 900 to fix.
Nice, honest and I am looking forward to bringing my car into his shop for the rest of my time in Novato.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Steve L.
Novato, CA
7/8/2010
Steve is a knowledgeable, honest mechanic who offers fair prices and provides excellent service. Who knew that this type of auto mechanic actually existed? I went to Steve based on the other Yelp reviews and I was not disappointed.
Steve explains exactly what the problem is in understandable terms and does not up sell you. He completed my work order on time and for a fair price. He then advised me about future work that I may want/should have done for safety reasons.
He then saved me a lot of money. Almost immediately after my service visit with him the check engine light turned on. Oh no! I stopped by Marin Honda while I was near their location and they told me that I needed to replace the catalytic converter, at a significant cost, so I called Steve again.
Steve told me to bring my Odyssey right in and his computer also confirmed that there was an emission fault reading. BUT, instead of trying to sell me new equipment, he told me that the Honda Odyssey's computer was notoriously finicky when it came to reading emissions and that the catalytic converter did not need replacement. Instead, Steve made a few adjustments to the "system", told me to drive my vehicle for 20 miles and then have it inspected immediately, before the light went back on. It passed the Smog Test with flying colors, in fact the emissions were very low, and so it is a computer programming sensitivity issue. Now that is "expert knowledge." Thank you Steve! -
Review from Ang P.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2008
These reviews are so right on!
Steve is honest and really knows about cars!! I had a weird sound coming out of my car and I took it to two people before Steve looked at it and no one really knew what the problem. One person said that they needed to go into my engine and find out the problem and that was gonna cost me a lot just to take it apart. When I took it to Steve he just looked at my engine, figured what the problem was, and fix it for super cheap!! He was even more considerate to look at my radiator tube thing (ya, I forgot what it was called) and saw that it was rusting and changed for me!
HANDS DOWN THE BEST MECHANIC IN MARIN COUNTY! -
Review from Rachel M.
Novato, CA
6/27/2011
Just look through these reviews--is there another car mechanic who gets nothing but 5 full stars from EVERYONE? I would seriously doubt it! I found Steve through Yelp and chose him for this reason--and he continues to be awesome. If you're in the North Bay and want an honest, fairly priced mechanic this is the man to call.
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Review from robert d.
Novato, CA
10/2/2011
Steve has been working on my cars for 15 years.. He is THE guy yo go to... He will diagnose the problems accurately and fix them reasonably.. Hes the only mechanic for me with my 4 runner. Truly a profeesional with a heart.. Highly recommended
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Review from bill s.
San Rafael, CA
10/16/2009
Steve's extremely helpful, always ready to dispense advice and suggestions before you get on the hook for $$$. Quite knowledgeable and often tries to figure out the least expensive and troublesome path to resolving your issue. He'll also let you know right away if someone else is better suited to doing a particular type of work! How many repairmen do that?
He was very helpful with my girlfriend's car on a couple of occasions and assisted in determining a problem with my Mazda Tribute recently (turned out to be a simple matter).
If you want honest, direct and no-nonsense help with your car servicing needs, Steve's Auto Care should be at the top of your list. -
Review from Margo L.
La Grange, IL
5/7/2008
Steve is great! We had a Honda that was stalling sporadically - of course never when Steve looked at it. No problem, he actually kept the car for a week and drove it to and from work so that he would be able to figure it out when/if the stall happened again. I'd say that goes way above the call of duty!
He is very honest, dependable and reasonably priced. He even gives roses to the ladies, which may be a bit cheesy, but super sweet all the same! -
Review from Gaea W.
Los Angeles, CA
5/7/2009
Very nice and helpful. Steve didn't actually fix anything on my car, but he did a quick and free evaluation and discovered that it was something to do with my exhaust so he simply referred me to Jay's Kustom Exhaust & Mufflers.(My experience at Jay's the next day was great.)
Steve seemed like a very honest, very straight up nice guy. I told him I'd bring my car in next time I needed an oil change in 3,000 miles, and he advised me that since I do a lot of highway driving (I commute from SF to Novato) that I didn't need to bring it to him until 5,000 miles. He said that 3,000 is sort of what the oil change places tell you as a general rule, but in my case I'd be wasting my $. That's a sign of an honest mechanic. When he tells you to wait to bring in your car longer than you at first offer. Definitely will go back whenever I need any mechanical services. -
Review from Lauren Y.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2010
I went to Steve after reading all of the amazing reviews on Yelp.
My engine light was on and I was starting to smell a burning smell. Even though I didn't have an appointment, Steve make time to look at my car. He then informed me nothing was wrong with the engine and if I encounter the burning smell again, to bring it in and he would take a look at it. After all was said and done, Steve didn't charge me. I also later realized he fixed my squeaky door.
Next time I have car troubles, I am definitely going back to Steve. Thank you! -
Review from Ruth D.
Napa, CA
5/11/2009
Very helpful to me when I brought my car in to Steve's Auto care.
I have been there several times. It is so refreshing to find a nice and honest mechanic because everywhere you go someone is is trying to rip you off. I will differently bring my car in again to someone who genuinely pleasant . His quoted price are what he says they are. -
Review from Carlos C.
Petaluma, CA
7/15/2010
Our family has take our cars (Honda and Lexus) to Steve for many years. We live in Petaluma but feel the service is more than worth the trip. Not only are we impressed by his knowledge but most importantly, we have come to trust him completely. I recommend him without reservation. I have even gone so far as to pass his business cards out at work.
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Review from Bridget I.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2010
I live in SF and generally don't need to solicit businesses for services outside of the city. However, I was faced with an emergency and was very pleased with the experience I had with Steve. It's a story, so please read the whole thing...
My 11 year old car was experiencing issues with what appeared to be the fuel line. It was turning over, but would die right after starting. I was in Novato at a local restaurant and couldn't get it to start. I was stalled and stuck. I went through the rigor of calling a tow and making arrangements to take it to the Car Maker's dealership. I was also facing a fee for both the tow and a diagnostic inspection from the dealership. I looked up Steve on Yelp and was really surprised at the response that I got!
I briefly mentioned my car's history on the phone and Steve said to bring it in. He then CALLED ME back, apologized for what he felt was an abrupt conversation, and asked for more info. We went over the car was doing, and he diagnosed it over the phone! He then guided me to start my car, which it did. Once he confirmed what the problem was, he recommended that I contact the dealership just to check and see if it was a recall issue. ( because it could have been fixed with no charge.) I called the dealership and once they confirmed there was no recall, I called him back. He said bring it over and he could have it done by late afternoon.
I had my car to him at 2pm, he had it done by 4pm. It turned out to be an ignition switch problem rather than the fuel line, ( because he keeps up on recall histories and model years.) I was amazed!! Steve saved me some serious cash because he was honest. He even said to me that sometimes Automotive Specialists don't want to give information over the phone because of business, but he went out of his way regardless! His honesty and forthrightness won me over! I would rather give my money to an honest and fair mechanic any day! I am actually happy that I had the chance to support the local guy, who actually got the problem, rather than to be jerked around by the big dealership.
I have friends in Marin and will strongly recommend Steve to them. My car is getting up there and I'm deciding whether to keep it or not. If I do, I think I may have found a mechanic worth driving up to see! -
Review from Kristen P.
Menlo Park, CA
6/25/2010
Steve has bailed me out time and time again. He always fits me in, his prices are fantastic, his service is impeccable and thorough. I have a Honda with 250K miles on it and it still runs because of him I wish more customer experiences were like this.
K from Novato -
Review from esther h.
Vallejo, CA
9/24/2008
I'm very hesitant to go to mechanics, because it's so easy for them to screw you over if you don't know your automobile intimately. I'm fairly knowledgable on the topic of how a car works, enough so that i can smell bs when it's being served to me. In light of the fact that i thought my clutch was going out, from the way it was driving. I'd been calling the dealerships and after i got over the sticker shock of how much a new clutch would cost, i figured i'd give a few independant mechanics a ring. I called Steve and not only did he have suggestions to it possibly being something else, he actually listened to me and asked questions. AND he didn't talk down to me like i was a dumb girl. So, he had me bring the car by on my way home from work, actually stayed a little later so he'd be around for my arrival. Turns out clutches require some sort of fluid... this is something i never knew. And my resevior for said fluid was empty, so he filled it up and checked quickly for an obvious leak. With nothing spotted, he said to keep an eye on it and call him back if/when it gets worse. I'd already scheduled an appointment with him to have the clutch replaced, should it have been that, so i just swapped that for a mileage service instead which the car desperately needs. While he's doing that, he's going to look into the clutch more to make sure there's nothing else screwy going on down there.
In the end, he didn't charge me a dime!! Nor did he take the opportunity to rip me off!! I will definitely be making Steve my regular mechanic. -
Review from ka j.
Novato, CA
4/8/2011
Steve is awesome! It feels so nice to have found a mechanic I can trust to do a good job. He is friendly, honest, and does a fabulous job every time. He actually tries to save you money. He worked on numerous parts of my mini-van last year, and gave me a price quote before starting any work. I asked him how much longer I had on my brakes, and he honestly told me I had a few thousand miles left. Most mechanics would probably have told me I needed them fixed pronto. I did have him replace them a few thousand miles later, and he did a great job.. Now, to get my AC back from its winter slumber. I am happy to have the best mechanic I could hope for in town. Thanks, Steve!
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Review from Erik U.
Benicia, CA
5/4/2009
Not much to tell this time, I'll keep updating as I go. Had steve do my brakes on my Civic. Called me to confirm the cost and did a free evaluation. Honest, good price. When something else blows up, I'm taking it back.
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Review from Mark J.
Novato, CA
5/11/2010
Sorry that I don't have time to write a full review, I just wanted to say that Steve far exceeded my expectations in every way. He worked on my older Camry and fixed an ignition problem and an oil leak that had fooled other mechanics. He remembers who I am, is fair, and gives accurate estimates of both time and money. Recommend him highly.
Mark -
Review from Matt S.
Novato, CA
9/3/2009
Steve has worked on my family's car for years. He knows his stuff (I believe he used to work for Acura/Honda), runs an honest business, and is pretty reasonable. Definitely recommended.
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Review from neil w.
Los Angeles, CA
5/16/2011
Just a great mechanic. There is a reason people are rating Steve's so high and I can't recommend him enough.
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Review from Phil B.
Novato, CA
1/24/2010
Excellent honest/trustworthy fast reliable friendly mechanic. I have used him on both old and new cars. He is an infinitely better choice than the dealer.
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Review from Wendy L.
Novato, CA
3/2/2010
Steve is an honest mechanic who knows his stuff and looks out for our interests. Eg, he warned us about 6 months ago that our 1995 Honda was starting to fall apart (the rust wasn't holding everything together very reliably any more). "You should start looking for a newer car, now, because this one's nickel and diming you and it'll only get worse." A couple months later when I brought it in again for another problem, he repeated the advice:" You should really start looking now, because from now on, it'll need more frequent repairs and major ones too."
Or like when the starter crapped out a few times but when I described the symptoms and he took a look at it, he said the symptoms didn't really warrant a diagnosis of "needs new starter". He didn't want to replace something when he wasn't confident it would fix the problem. "OK," I said, and drove away, and the starter never acted up again. Another few hundred dollars saved there.
Love love love. I wish I could clone him so my friends and family in far-flung cities could relax into the knowledge that they, too, had a mechanic they could trust absolutely. -
Review from ed p.
San Rafael, CA
4/11/2009
Excellent service. Very honest mechanic. Reasonable prices too. I have two acuras and Steve has taken excellent care of them for the past 7 years. Have 135000 miles on one of them and it still runs perfect thanks to Steve.
Steve gives me a loaner car for the day sometimes at no charge. Recommend highly. -
Review from steve v.
Novato, CA
5/19/2009
I've relied on many mechanics over the years, but none as good as Steve Lite. I was referred by a friend a few years ago, and I have returned to his garage for all of my auto repair jobs. I have found him to be very honest and his prices are very reasonable. He works fast and is easy to get ahold of to schedule work. I highly recommend his services.
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Review from Roberta S.
Novato, CA
10/6/2009
While I originally found Steve through a lucky break - other reviews on Yelp confirmed my original impression - Steve is a quality guy who does quality work. He's fair with his pricing, provides excellent value and you know who does the work - STEVE! As a former DIYer with 4 years of HS autoshop under her belt, I'm picky. My Toyota is running great and I have never questioned one of his suggestions or repairs.
