27/07/2016

These guys are great. Been going here for years. Lon always explains things really well. They used to even drive me to work or back home when I used to drop
my car off. I really like these guys

John F.

Source: YELP

11/05/2016

Communication is a problem with Lon Deyoung. He is old fashioned and refuses to get accustomed with trends in technology with a possible exception with Yelp. He'd rather talk over the phone instead of answering emails. Nothing wrong with that but different people have different schedules. Emails are convenient for me because of my busy schedule. Full time work and school and married. Not much time for myself.
First visit, I had to complete a Brake and Light inspection as required by the DMV. First time, I failed. No big deal. They gave me a list of faults that had to be fixed. I fix the faults based on what was written.
Second visit, I fail again. I wasn't told to get DOT / SAE approved side markers. Bought on Amazon. I got verbal instructions from two technicians and an email from owner that I should come back with side markers with DOT/SAE. I go to the junkyard and bought used side markers that were tinted.
Third time, failed again due to tint. I didn't think anything about the tint because it had the stamps as required. Luckily a Technician, Josh, took the initiative to try something out to remove the tint. Which he did and I appreciate.
This experience has been frustrating. Lacked communication, details left out. They should've told me to order new OEM parts to save me the hassle and frustration. I wasted time and money just to get this inspection taken care of.
People to talk to are Josh and Phil.
I'm a US Army veteran, MP. I do not make assumptions and I will take information as it is especially from experts in the field. Missing details? It should have been mentioned. I'm not an expert in automotive repair. How would I know the regulation? I stay in my lane and trust what you are telling me is true.

Khoi P.

Source: YELP

01/12/2015

UPDATE: 12/22/15
Lon, the owner of the business reached out to me by phone shortly after the original review was posted. Lon apologized for my having such a bad experience with his worker and explained that this is his family business of 45 years, and that he took customer service complaints very seriously. He was very courteous and professional in his approach and after conversing, he offered me a FULL REFUND and invited me to stop by after I returned from my business trip.
I went back today, and Lon was very approachable and courteous. He took the time to explain in quite some detail as to what was going on with my car. True to his word, he proceeded to offer me a full refund without my having to mention it.
I appreciate the EXCELLENT BUSINESS PROFESSIONALISM he displayed, and the fact that he cheerfully refunded me. I definitely feel that had I asked Lon in the first place, a lot of the miscommunication between his employee and myself may have been avoided. By the way, there was a reasonable explanation about AAA and why this shop chose not to be part of the AAA network anymore. He did it to protect his clients privacy and data.
Since this matter was taken care of, I'm changing my rating from 1 star to 4 stars.
======================================
From 3 weeks ago:
These people are (amended)! Stay away!!!!
I took my car in to be checked out because my car seemed to be revving high on idle. My transmission shop said the transmission was fine but that my fan seemed to be blowing constantly. So, I took it in for a diagnostic at this place, DeYoungs.
First the guy, Dan, told me it was due to my thermostat having gone bad and wanted to charge approximately $285 plus tax. When questioned, Dan said he'd check the engine block and make sure it wasn't due to overheating. An hour later, he called to say that the gaskets needed to be replaced to the tune of 11 hours and $1500, possibly more. He thought the gasket was cracked, after all, didn't my Jeep have 200,000 miles on it? I told him to forget it as I couldn't afford it. So, he then charged me $122.99 for an hour of his labor for diagnostics and $10 worth of fluid. And, although they are a AAA Club recognized service provider, Dan refused to give a AAA members discount. He said they don't give those discounts anymore.
I then took the car to another mechanic, Joe, in Woodland Hills who'd worked on my car before. He said since the check engine light wasn't even on, there was no way to get diagnostic codes. He manually checked the car and said that it was fine to drive and speculated that the low coolant may have contributed to the fan blowing at higher speeds. Joe saved me $$$$!! No charge either!
I'd give DeYoung's LESS THAN ONE STAR if I could! I'm going to file a complaint with the licensing board with the state of CA as well. The car is running fine and DeYoung's was only trying to take advantage of the situation for their own dishonest gain.

Deborah K.

Source: YELP

18/09/2015

Great service and honest people, I went to another place to get an oil change and they told me that I need to replace the brake sensor and quoted me 165$ I stopped here luckily and got a price of 88$ . They ordered the part and called me. When I came in they took the car and we're done in 30 min like promised. Lenord was very helpful

Avi H.

Source: YELP

01/04/2015

These guys are always trying to save me money. They've worked on 4 or 5 of my cars in the past few years and they never try to do unnecessary work.
I brought my 1990 Bronco in because of a high idle at lights and some rattling noises. They changed a vacuum hose for a few bucks and welded the exhaust to stop the rattling free of charge. The week before a different shop had quoted me $1,500+ to fix the same issues.
Honest, quick, and quality. My go to mechanics in the valley.

Jon G.

Source: YELP

21/01/2015

Always a pleasant experience when I come here. Very professional and kind. Not to mention quick with repairs and maintenance.

Chris Y.

Source: YELP

16/10/2013

Needed to get a break and light inspection on my car, so I called them up. The mechanic was super friendly and gave me an appointment the very next day at 8:00. They went by each and every step they did, keeping me informed on what was going on. Super friendly and honest guys!

Kemi A.

Source: YELP

13/09/2010

Went here 3 times. Once to get my engine light fixed. 2nd time to get my brothers engine light fixed. Third time to get smogged and something else fixed.
Great Mechanics that know what they are doing. Most mechanics I'm worried that they would try to upsell you rip you off. Didn't get that vibe here and they actually did a great job.
The only problem I've had here is sometimes because they are so awesome they have so many customers you might not be able to get your car done. I remember coming here twice and both times they were packed. Totally worth coming back though when there is piece of mind.

Zan O.

Source: YELP

16/09/2014

I have been coming to De Young's going on 9 years now. I have nothing but great things to say about this shop. I refer EVERYONE I know to come here for their vehicle needs.
I walked in there for the first time when I was a baby faced 16 year old who hadn't the slightest clue how a car even ran. You could say I was the ideal candidate for a mechanic to take advantage of. A pretty new truck, and a kid who was obviously taken care of by Mommy and Daddy. I am so very happy to say, being taken advantage of was never something I had to experience with De Young's.
Over the years I have been taken care of by everyone, never getting more than what I actually needed. Oil changes, smog's, check engine light repairs, installing headers. I developed friendships on a first name basis, and the same guy(s) have taken care of my truck since she was a baby. Fear not, there is an honest mechanic shop left, and it is hidden in Canoga Park. The prices at De Young's are very reasonable and the mechanics are top notch at what they do.
I just had to come here and say thank you for the years of wonderful service and keeping my truck running like it was brand new.
C

Chris S.

Source: YELP

12/06/2011

A car repair shop that is reasonably priced and honest.......NO WAY. Elsewhere, I've encountered reasonable and dishonest. I've also experienced way overpriced but honest, but to get both honesty and reasonable fees at the SAME place........wowwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!
The dealership told me I was going to need bushings or bearings (can't remember now which one they said). My warranty coverage said too bad, they wouldn't cover it, so something told me to just do nothing. I then came to this place, and THEY said, there's nothing wrong with them. I didn't even hesitate to believe them......and I didn't tip them off ahead of time that there may have been any issue. I waited till they finished and then asked them.

Claudia B.

Source: YELP

22/02/2014

These guys are great!
We've brought our car in 4 times now (she's old and needs some love.) First, Our check-engine light came on during a move from Colorado. We brought the car to another shop that said several things needed to be replaced and it would cost $2000. A co-worker said I should bring it here for a second opinion.
They diagnosed the problem and had it fixed quickly for a great price! We brought her back for an oil change and a smog check. Our old girl wouldn't start one day so we had her towed in, they again quickly had her up and running for a fair price. The last time we had it in, there wasn't actually anything really wrong. It was out off gas, but our fuel gauge was off so we didn't know. But, they were kind and professional and did not make me feel like a fool. These guys are great! I'll keep bringing my car in as long as it needs fixing, and I know they'll keep her going.
They are very nice, honest and fair. I don't know a ton about cars, but I never feel they are trying to deceive me or advise repairs that aren't needed.

Kim R.

Source: YELP

18/09/2013

Thanks Guys! Ive learned in my life that sometimes in LIFE people can let you down are simply HUMAN... But when you have had NOTHING but GREAT experiences for OVER 15 years, ya just gotta say, THANK YOU... During busy busy times, you've been honest and let me know it was going to take time. When you said it would be ready, It was. So again thanks for making me not sick when our cars needs service. Kelli and Danny

K G.

Source: YELP

14/12/2011

My SUV wouldn't start and I assumed it was the battery. AAA guy said it was my starter and battery. Towed it to in to Deyoung's to find out it was neither. They coulda ripped me off and I wouldn't have known but they are straight up, honest and fair. Fixed some faulty wiring for $50. Not that I want car problems but if I do I'll be back.
I have since been two other times. Both times they fixed the vehicle for no charge. Loose hose, tightened air intake. My family and friends will hear of this place if they have car troubles.

Johnny B.

Source: YELP

11/02/2013

I have been a customer for 5+ years, but NOT anymore!!!
Called on Monday to make an appt to have the truck towed to De Youngs Thursday afternoon so that the mechanic could start when they opened Friday morning.. Appt was made; the truck arrived no problem. Didn't hear from anyone by noon. I called, no one was diagnosing the truck. The would call back. Called at 2:30, the mechanic was out to lunch, would call when he returned. No call. Called again at 3:45, the mechanic ha returned; he was test driving another car!!! 4:30 the mechanic returns the call. He doesn't Sat but MIGHT come in to complete the work. He never showed up, no call from anyone at De Young to inform me. I was told he would start to work on the truck Monday. This is unacceptable. No compensation for the delay/being without transportation. They lost my business

Justina M.

Source: YELP

12/07/2012

I had a very bad experience here.Took my car here several times .I admit I'm not the most knowledgable about cars and I feel this place took advantage of that.
Last time I brought my my car in had them do a brake repair. When I picked it up the problem I brought it in for was fixed but had a completely different problem. that it didn't have when I brought it in.I couldn't drive the car because brake pedal was up to my waist. They claimed it was brought in like that. Excuse me.....I think I would have known since I drove it last. Any how the owner did a temporary fix with a bungee sort type thing and I sold the car for peanuts as is. I just didn't want to deal with dishonest mechanics anymore.
If you are a female and don't know much about cars stay away.

Susan Y.

Source: YELP

15/09/2013

Another fantastic experience last week! Many thanks for the fantastic service!

Kelly E.

Source: YELP

30/07/2012

Honest, fast, reliable service.
M'y wife and I moved to West Hills 10 years ago, and we weren't sure where to take our cars for service. Tao neighbors reccomended DeYoung's, and we have been coming hre ever since.
The staff truly care about their customers, and it shows in the service. We once had issues with a battery, and it was replaced free even though it was a month out of warranty......Good luck finding that kind of customer service anywhere else.
They have also replaced small parts and/or screws for little or no cost, where a unreputable garage would have replaced the entire part.
Highly reccomended.

Jonathan B.

Source: YELP

03/07/2013

I can't say enough good things about these people. The Deyoungs and their mechanics are as honest as the day is long. If you're looking for an honest business to take care of your vehicle you won't find better!!! All the five star ratings are true.

greg m.

Source: YELP

17/12/2010

A repair shop in the same location since 1953 obviously must be doing something right.
I had come to LA for a family matter, and after arriving, my car was displaying a burned out front light message. Having been away for almost 18 years, I no longer knew any good mechanics in the West Valley and drove by De Young's (northeast corner of Topanga Canyon and Sherman Way) and saw many cars being serviced, as well as AAA garage ratings.
Within 5 minutes a mechanic came out and checked out the lights and found it probably was a bad filament, and might need replacement but wanted to try to see if the connectors were the problem, and if it were not the connectors, they would order a replacement. When I went to the owner to ask what the charge would be, the response was none.
The connectors, as it turned out were not the problem, so the new light was ordered, and was at the shop within a half-hour.
This was a simple repair, but the attitudes and knowledge displayed make me confident major repairs would be handled the same way. All the staff were friendly as well.

Matt R.

Source: YELP

13/10/2011

Honest, Very reasonably priced and great to deal with. Highly recommend and thank you YELP for helping me get there

Jennifer G.

Source: YELP

09/10/2011

We recently moved here from Tampa, FL and finding an honest auto repair place is a difficult challenge! We found DeYoung's on Yelp and were so happy to meet genuine, honest people! They did great work, dropped me off at the house while the van was getting fixed and it's been running great! I highly recommend them!

Tracy W.

Source: YELP

25/07/2008

Went here for a smog today. Was in and out in about 45 minutes. Great place, they were courteous, kind, and very professional.

Gina W.

Source: YELP

22/12/2011

I wish more automotive shops followed DeYoung's Automotive ideals.
They're honest. Honesty sells.
I don't think I'll ever take it to a different shop. I can trust these guys.
Thanks DeYoung. Please never change.

Eric O.

Source: YELP

16/08/2010

Great experience at De Young's Automotive. Open on Saturday unlike the VW dealership but they had to wait till Monday for the parts anyways. Turns out it was an engine coil. Took it in first thing on Saturday morning they gave me the estimate for all new parts or if I just needed to get back on the road they could do it for a great price used parts, but still haven't had a garage do that very often. Friendly people behind the counter I'll definitely be back.

Steven C.

Source: YELP

12/06/2010

These people completely wasted my time today. I went in for a smog at 9 o'clock and they told me they would ring me between 10 and 10.30. At 11.15 they still hadn't called me and when I called them they hadn't even started! If your running behind take 2 seconds and let me know.!!!!!! I should have in hind sight just gone to a Smog test only business. The manager of the garage was exceptionally rude and condesending. Customer service...... what a joke. If you don't have time...be up front and let people know..... please don't waste your time going here!

Fiona L.

Source: YELP

21/07/2011

My first experience with DeYoung's Automotive was one of the best I've ever had with a repair shop. I needed a smog cert on my RV ASAP and I called on a Wednesday, and they set me up with an appointment that Friday. I rolled in, they did the smog and I was ready to go 30 minutes later. The price was the best around, and the staff was really attentive. This is how it is supposed to work in a perfect world ! Many of my co-workers had recommended them, and I was not disappointed. I look forward to having all my automotive repair needs taken care of by DeYoung's Automotive.

B E.

Source: YELP

21/06/2010

I've been going to DeYoung's for several years. I am myself a pretty good backyard mechanic. I started going there because they were the only shop anywhere around that was Auto Club Approved (which is a hard approval to earn). I find their work to be professional and tgheir prices quite fair. I am a pretty proactive customer but I believe the owner is simply an honest, considerate man and his business practices and the staff he employs represent those qualities.

Billy S.

Source: YELP

18/08/2012

amazing!!!! i just knew i needed brakes. well the nice guy at de youngs informed me i had at least 3000 miles left! so honest, so rare...will definitely be going back here!!!

deana e.

Source: YELP

22/03/2011

My 1993 Corvette wouldn't start one day, so ended up sitting in my driveway for about two years. Yes, shame on me. There was even a gigantic rat's nest just under the hood. I took it to DeYoung's, and Steve literally brought it back to life, and for about half of what I thought it would cost. He was thorough, completely knowledgeable, and - hold onto your hat - ethical and honest. Over the course of the week that the car was with Steve, he called me several times to let me know where things stood. There was a part that he told me I needed, and when he went to install it, realized that instead of the expensive part, something easy needed to be adjusted, and called to tell me the good news. If I could give DeYoung's 50 stars in this review, that wouldn't be enough. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Heidi R.

Source: YELP

08/12/2010

If you need a good diesel mechanic... go see Steve! He took the time to show me the parts, explain everything, and got my bus to run great! Thanks Steve!

Annie D.

Source: YELP

11/06/2016

Brought my corvette for an oil leak check and rough idle .they kept the car for 5 days . then this guy Jack said it's going to need a motor which over $6k . then we ask him , if this is going to fix the rough idle. He said no ! That's extra . so we looked at the engine and he broke the seals and made a mess . classic scam mechanic .I already have a couple of estimate from vette dealers. Before I took it there.

Victor J.

Source: YPAGE

02/11/2011

I think this place is great. ...

I think this place is great. Been bringing my vehicles here for years with no problems. Im not sure what this other person is talking about, maybe there was a misunderstanding or she was having a bad day. Anyways I highly recommend this auto repair shop to all my friends with any vehicle problems big or small. Hope this helps!!!

mdizzle

Source: YPAGE

24/06/2016

This place is nuts. For a smog test they charge 57.00 dollars while pep boys only charges 35.00. What a rip off. Take your business somewhere else people.

Izhr G

Source: GPLAC

14/08/2015

Women Beware. De Young has a crew of misogynists. Six years ago I went in to have my air conditioning fixed and within fifteen minutes they tell me I need a new compressor at the tune of $600. I opted not to have it done and lived with no air for six years. Now my husband goes in with my car to finally fix the air and they say all it need is a recharge and Freon. Three weeks later I just happened to check my heater and now it doesnt work. It did before. Of course, they take no blame and say its just a coincident. Four years ago I had some axle work done and the next day, driving along the axle went and I had it towed back to them only to be told they forgot to tighten the bolts. Ive been a fool doing business with them for the last fifteen years. Well they just lost a customer! Not good business.

R Metcalf

Source: GPLAC

21/09/2015

This is definitely the perfect spot to get spoiled, not only your vehicle but us ladies as well! :) The service is fast and great customer service.

Carina Schafer

Source: GPLAC

02/12/2015

Awesome shop.same owners since 53.hard working and always honest.

Steven Kasten

Source: GPLAC

26/08/2015

Amazing service! I wouldn't go anywhere else!

Lauren Markling

Source: GPLAC