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Auto repair shop - Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists - in Riverside

33 reviews

Location: 3420 Gato Ct, Riverside, CA 92501

Office phone

+1 (951) 367-7400

4

33 total

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(2)

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(23)

23/02/2016

I was in need of a transmission and I contacted one of there sub contractor by the name of Steve through a Craiglist ad and I tell you this guy rebuilded my trans over night and its running strong the next day . I just wanna say thanks for the good work Steve & mike

Richard W.

Source: YELP

15/01/2016

I hate going to a mechanic.. right up there with dentists. Michael is fair, did good work, and everything seems to be in good order again. Plus, if you need a ride, you get your puppy fix with Niki.

L T.

Source: YELP

13/05/2016

I usually have my brothers fix my cars, but I needed a quick transmission fluid and filter change so I headed here based off Yelp! I'm glad I did. Michael was extremely helpful and got my car in-and-out in a hurry. He was very helpful in keeping posted on price,updates, pick-up, etc. Will recommend to others. Thanks!

Brittany M.

Source: YELP

21/12/2015

I was looking for a transmission repair place I came across this one I thought the reviews are pretty nice so I called and spoke with someone named Sandy after putting in a request for a quote on a transmission rebuild she hung up on me so I thought it might be a bad connection so I tried again and again Sandy picked up and when I started speaking she hung up on me again I really don't know why she would do this? She lost my business I tell you that much.

Drew S.

Source: YELP

27/08/2015

Took my car to my regular mechanic and he said I needed a re-built transmission. Since he does great minor work I wanted a second opinion so I found proteans here and saw the good reviews so I gave them a try. To diagnose the car they needed it for 1/2 a day so as luck would have it that was my day off so no biggie. Came back said it was the clutch, mind you I have 180,000 miles and have never replaced it, so I decided to go ahead with it. After looking at it when it was apart the noise I was hearing were the bearings inside and they suggested I change those in the transmission as well. The owner even drove me to the car rental place. Work was done on time and to my expectations. From the lady at the desk who answered my calls to the owner everyone was friendly and I did not feel like I was being taken advantage of.

Stephen S.

Source: YELP

06/10/2015

Took my car there for a transmission problem that I thought was going to be expensive, problem was it was missing transmission fluid, honest people, the owner is a great person, other shop wouldn't mind to ripped me off ! Glad I found this shop, from now and on I'm taking all my cars here , highly recommended

Emanuel G.

Source: YELP

04/09/2015

Great customer service, positive attitude, tries every way best to satisfy you! I love this place! I would strongly recommend this place to repair!

Jerry C.

Source: YELP

11/05/2015

I love this shop.Since McNairs Auto Service closed down this is my new go to shop. I have been there several times. I found them through AAA website. They are close to my house. Its a good family owned business. I had a speed wobble going over 60 MPH I figured it was a tire balance issue. I swung by on my way home. They took me in right away. Michael took me into the back and showed me my tire was separated. All I can say is Thank You Jesus it didn't blow and cause an accident. They took good care of me. Sandee, Maria, Michael and Samantha were great. And I can't forget to mention Niki the Shop Doggy. Just as adorable as can be. Highly recommended.

Ken Y.

Source: YELP

08/03/2015

these people are amazing! I have been taking 3 vehicles to them for the past 2 years,the work is great and is done in a timely manner and I can count on them,They deserve my rating/review. PROTRANS is definitely the best repair shop in the area, Keep up the good work!

Miguel H.

Source: YELP

02/05/2015

Protrans is overpriced but worst of all they have mechanics that don't know what they are doing. In total I had my truck in their shop 6 times for the same oil leak, spending $6,000, and they were never able to fix the problem. I actually had to go to a different mechanic to fix the issue. It took one visit and cost me $350. Don't go here, especially if you have a diesel vehicle.
Details are written below.
I have a 2001 F-350 diesel and I took it in for a small oil leak. I was told that it was my rear main seal. I had them do the work to fix it, costing me $1200. I took it home and after about 89 miles later I noticed I had the same small oil leak. I took it back and told Mike that I thought that the rear main seal was leaking again. Mike had it checked out and told me it wasn't the seal that it was leaking from, that he thought it was the turbo leaking. So I gave them permission to go forward with the repairs (After all they are the professionals!! ). Once the turbo was removed I was told that a high pressure fuel line was leaking, which I never saw any fuel leaks. So once again I gave them the okay to replace that also. The next day I was called and I was told that a sensor was going bad and needed to be replaced ($490). I was called and was told that my truck was done and to pick it up. I paid $1774 for that oil leak. I didn't get out of driveway before I noticed that my turbo was making a funny noise. I told Mike that my turbo didn't sound right. He told me that the noise was your standard turbo noise. I told him that I have owned this truck from 2001 and I know what it should sound like and to take it back look at it again. Mike called me the next day and told me that the clamps on the turbo weren't put on correctly. When I picked up my truck the turbo still had the same noise that I told him to fix it. I asked Mike if he was 100% sure that everything was ok because the turbo was still making noise. I took his word because he is the professional. I left Protrans and made it half way up HWY 18 when my turbo took a crap on me. Once again I had to go back to Protrans and was told that I needed a new turbo. I told Mike that I had no problems with my turbo until he removed it. I guess it must of been a coincidence. I had Protrans rebuild my turbo for $1,400, took it home and it still had a leak. Once again it didn't have the clamps on correctly. Mike told me when I took it back to him that he doesn't work on diesel motors. Maybe he should have told me that before he worked on my truck. 4 months later I took it back AGAIN for the same small oil leak and was told it was coming from the oil pan.
In order to actually have the problem fixed I had to take it to a different mechanic. I only paid $350 and have no more oil leaks. The new mechanic had to connect the turbo intake clamps, which weren't connected correctly, and replace a high presser oil line that had been leaking for a long time.

Chad H.

Source: YELP

12/08/2015

They do their best for you.

Dan S.

Source: YELP

07/04/2015

Sandi and Michael are awesome with customer service. Michael stayed after closing to wait on a tow truck for me. They did a diagnostic on my car for $98. Completely professional. Will recommend

Melissa L.

Source: YELP

17/04/2013

Have a 1998 Lexus that was having a electrical issue between the speed sensor and the control module and the ECM. I took it to ProTrans for a diagnostic of the electrical between the speed sensors, the PCM, and the ECM, and check the ECM for a short if applicable . After a fewdays I was told the transmissiom was bad and needed a new one, and charged $190 for the diagnosis. I had to do other work that required dropping of the sub frame and had already another transmission so I took it home and did it myself since I am also a mechanic but cant do electrical well and took the diagnosis at face value. Low and behold, new transmission, same issue, not mechanical but electrical. Called ProTrans and was told that they diagnosed the transmission not the electrical. :-(
So first they tried to sell me a $2500 transmission I did not need. Thats dirty.
Second did a $190 diagnostic on the mechanical which I did not request that AAMCO does for free.
Third wanted another $190 to start to re-diagnose the electrical which they should of done the first time.
So long story short after a grip load of cash switching out a good transmission on another good one based on their bad diagnosis, I am back to square one. And they will not stand behind their work or diagnostic assessment or coreect the issue without more money. Really, how much does a good diagnosis really cost? Just saying.
Never again, and I will let people I know, know when I am asked where to get work done and not to go there.
Not cool trying to sell $2500 in unneeded repairs

Doug B.

Source: YELP

23/06/2014

Great service. Fast and affordable. The team at Protrans got me back on the road when my transmission was leaking. To make matters even more urgent, I was in a rush to get to my wife's ultrasound appointment. The leak was repaired while I relaxed in their very comfortable waiting area. I could not recommend them more highly.

Shawn G.

Source: YELP

31/12/2012

I went to Protrans based on reviews from Yelp. My transmission was having problems that were difficult to figure out to say the least. I was extremely pleased with Michael and his staff, They went way out of their way to make sure my transmission problems were fixed. It took several visits to get it right again and each time Michael was great and even giving me rides home or picking me up.
I highly recommend Protrans for you transmission or auto repairs. I cannot say enouogh good things about them

Dave T.

Source: YELP

04/09/2015

The husband and wife duo are genuinely some of nicest people I have met. Initially, the thought of such people running an auto repair shop was a little mind boggling, but after my experience, I don't think there's a better place I would like to take my car in the future. My story with them began after my car broke down around 4 p.m. near the pier of Huntington Beach. I was escorting some of my friends, and around this time money was tight for me so I had no idea what to do. Fortunately, one of my friends knows the owners of Protrans and recommended that I should call them. I was skeptical since I didn't know how I could be helped from 50-something miles away, but I gave them a call anyways. After explaining my situation, Mrs. Radak offered me to use her AAA card to tow my car back to my hometown in Menifee. The problem was that the tow truck driver needed to see her card in person. Shortly after, I get a callback from her saying that her husband would be able to come to my location and use his AAA card. About an hour later, Mr. Radak arrives and calls AAA to send a tow truck to our location. Unfortunately, we had to wait another ~3hours to find a driver who would be willing to drive me back, but throughout this ordeal Mr. Radak kept his composure and constantly tried to keep my friends and I comfortable while we waited. After the driver arrived, Mr. Radak took my friends back to Riverside and the driver took me back to Menifee. This was easily my best experience with a problem with my car, and a one I will never forget.

Jonathon E.

Source: YELP

05/03/2015

Called twice spoke to Maria wanted to get estimate on front brakes, rear struts and alignment. She said he is with customer, I will have him call you back. I called back again about 1.5 to 2 hrs later. Maria answered again and said he just got back but he is on phone, we have your message, we will call you back. Here it is 2 days later haven't heard from them. Just got work done today almost $700. Guess they are too busy and don't need my business. I got them from Automobile Club on approved list wonder why they are on the list?

Marie D.

Source: YELP

10/12/2013

Coming from the perspective of a college student at UCR.. The head technician Mike is a great guy and when it comes down to it, THEY FIX YOUR CAR. There is no funny business or shadiness about this place which is what a lot of car owners worry about when taking it to a auto technician. He is very generous and helped me out when I am struggling financially. He works with you so you can pay for your car to get it properly fixed! I will be a loyal customer as long as i live in the riverside area. Great and trustworthy place!

Thomas L.

Source: YELP

25/07/2014

I had a leak in my rear main seal. I took my truck here based on reviews based on Yelp. Never should have. I had called and they told me to drop it off 730 am and they would take care of me. I took the day off from work and showed up at 730am. I brought pictures on my phone showing the leak and where it was coming from. I was told oh well to bad we can't get you in, but you can come back later. So I assumed they were busy, so asked if I could make an appt, they said yes. So I made ana ppt and took another day off work and once more dropped it off at 730 am. I was then asked do you ned your truck today or can we keep it until whenever? I stressed that I needed it back that day, but they could take all day since I called off work. Finally end of day I get a call. They told me they couldn't find any leaks, everything was dry, but they decided to give me a new transmission pan and do a trans flush just in case. They didn't ask me they just did it and then charged me almost $200. Reluctantly I paid. I showed them the pics again and was told I must be seeing things because it was dry, no leaks. So I pay and go home. Guess what. a few days later, another leak on my driveway. I climb under my truck and what?! The rear main seal is leaking again. I took more pictures, made an appt for Saturday and took it back in. Mind you when I arrived they were having their entire property repaved, but they said they would check it out anyways and not to worry. I dropped it off and a few hours later I get the call. " We can't find any leaks. " The best part then was maybe someone just over filled it and it's leaking out... wait, I thought there were no leaks?! Michael tried to get me to forget about the leak but sell me shocks and struts for $1000. I just declined. Mind you as I mentioned they were having their entire property repaved. I ebeded up having fresh dried black tar all over my exhaust pipe, my truck's paint and undercarriage. When I commented on that I was told that was there when i brought it in and not their problem. I had just had my truck detailed and clay barred a few months earlier. Beyond angry I found a new place, where guess what... they found my leak... right at the rear seal, and fixed it. I will never go back to protrans

Cat C.

Source: YELP

20/11/2012

We broke down only a couple hours into our roadtrip, bad way to start! Thank goodness my hubby knew it was an issue with the transmission. We looked up local shops and are so glad we found this place. They were friendly, their pricing was fair and they were able to get us back on the road in an hour. Highly recommend them!

Chelsea W.

Source: YELP

07/12/2011

Michael took advantage of my trust and tried to sell me a new transmission I did not need. I was going on a long trip and he told me he had no doubt I would break down (in the desert) unless I paid him hundreds. I took the car elsewhere and the mechanic said NOTHING was wrong. I took the trip. It's been over a year. My car is still running fine. Don't trust this place. If they see an opportunity to cheat you, they will take it. GO ELSEWHERE!

J G.

Source: YELP

15/09/2011

great service, average prices

Janet P.

Source: YELP

09/06/2011

I come here to get my headlights replaced all the time. The receptionist is super nice!! The waiting room is nice as well. Services done at fairly decent prices. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.

pineapple k.

Source: YELP

10/03/2015

Paul Bostrand

Source: FBOOK

17/12/2014

Huera Meza

Source: FBOOK

25/01/2014

Barb King

Source: FBOOK

17/09/2013

David Ortiz

Source: FBOOK

09/09/2013

Sal Lisa Garcia

Source: FBOOK

02/06/2016

They pay for there reviews. To tell yall what happened i took my car in at 9:30 am didn't here any word from them about any kind of diagnosis about my car for 5 hours. The owner talked down to me on the phone and kept cutting me off when i was talking and then tried to act nice when i walked a mile to pick up my car. They over charge for things that are suppose to be free. Also they don't listen to the customer and in there eyes the customer is always wrong from my dealing with them for 5 hours. Don't go there waste of time and potentially money. If i could give them no stars i would

George Patterson

Source: GPLAC

04/05/2016

The service is great. The price and waiting time are reasonable. I did a basic maintenance for my car including oil change and something else. They offered a free check for brake.

Shiyu Zhao

Source: GPLAC

23/06/2014

Great service. Fast and affordable. The team at Protrans got me back on the road when my transmission was leaking. To make matters even more urgent, I was in a rush to get to my wife's ultrasound appointment. The leak was repaired while I relaxed in their very comfortable waiting area. I could not recommend them more highly.

shawn gauthier

Source: GPLAC

23/07/2014

my truck was entering dire straights, it needed new clutch, hydraulics, and a transmission rebuild. Protrans took care of it. now my trucks is in good running shape. they are AAA approved so you know you will get your money's worth. 5 stars all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jorge Estevez

Source: GPLAC

21/10/2014

Just the brief statement if you have no time to read my story: They handled my calls and my mechanical issues in a professional and very honest matter which, its hard to find these days. I do 100% recommend this shop. No matter how far but I'm taking my car there from now. My son was involve in an accident and the hood and front end was damaged. The car was leaking and overheated. They could easily add up cost to it (you know what i'm talking about). He is an student in UC-Riverside. I don't leave in Riverside myself so after calling around and reading reviews I towed the car to Protrans automotive.... My contacts were Samantha and Mike. They diagnosed to check for possible problems then he got back to me with just one issue which was the Radiator and he said he had to do some body work since the Core Support damaged the Radiator and he did that for free of coast and gave me a grate pricing just to change the Radiator and flushing the coolant system. They also tuned the body work just to make it look better for free of charge. After that i asked them to change my break and check for other problems. My car is 2002 an old model Hyundai and again they could easily add other issues. In overall after 30yrs i can say that i genuinely trust these guys words and their works. Do not hesitate to contact them. Try them please.

Hitasp Freydooni

Source: GPLAC

We work with these brands

Buick
Genesis
Kia
Nissan
Volvo

We perform these services

Brake Services

  • Brake inspection and repair
  • Brake replacement (pads, rotors, etc.)
  • Brake fluid change

Fleet Services

  • Maintenance contracts for business fleets
  • Priority service and scheduling

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Services

  • Battery health checks
  • Electric motor service
  • Hybrid-specific components repair

Safety and Emissions

  • State safety inspections
  • Emissions testing and repair
  • Check Engine light service

Suspension and Steering

  • Shocks and struts repair
  • Suspension check and repair
  • Power steering repair and maintenance