01/07/2016

We have been here several time for a varity of different reasons, from the lockers on G-wagon getting stuck to oil and brake changes in other vehicles. The guys are always fair and honest. I highly recommend them for any service.

Gail P.

Source: YELP

23/11/2015

So last Friday my kids and I drove up to Big Bear for the weekend. Literally just as we arrived at our cabin my power steering goes out and starts leaking fluid all over.
It was after 4pm and no shop was open so the kids and I unpack the car into our cabin. We uber to get dinner and see a movie. (Hunger Games final)
Anyway so I was freaking out because all of the mechanic shops I could find were either closed or only open for 4 hours on Saturday. and nothing was open on Sunday. If they needed to get a part for the car I would have been stranded till at least Tuesday.
Thankfully they were able to fit me in and found that it was just the power steering hose came loose and just needed to be re-secured. So they re-secured the hose and refilled the system with fluid and all was well.
Anyway, besides the fact that I can't believe they don't have staffing for every day of the week in a popular place like Big Bear, (especially Sundays,) their service was exceptional.
They could have easily screwed me as I was left with no one to turn to.
Thank you for saving my weekend and fixing my car so my kids and could get home safe and on time.

Tori R.

Source: YELP

13/04/2016

If you get in trouble like I did and I think there's nobody there to help while you're up in Big Bear, you're wrong these guys will get the job done. Fair pricing and Dave is the man. I dug the clean lobby with the motorcycles and Ferrari memorabilia.

Randall V.

Source: YELP

14/06/2016

Immediate attention..correct diagnosis the FIRST time..did exactly what they said they would do..bill came in LOWER than the estimate..what more could you ask for!!

Pete B.

Source: YELP

01/09/2015

We had a family gathering in Big Bear and one of the cars overheated on the way up the mountain. It was a water pump.
Everything was fixed up within a day. Awesome service! Thank you for getting my family members back on the road so quickly!

Caryn N.

Source: YELP

21/12/2015

Honest review: I don't know how the owner can sleep at night, I had a Stripped bolt trying to save money on an alternator replacement. He said $100 and he would have his guy go at it, I didn't think it was that complex for a professional... So I was happy they were starting right away, being a long running business. Well they cracked my bolt in half and fused it with the alternator making it worse, then they said it will be extensive to actually get the alternator off, taking the ac off, radiator and others. I told them I can't afford their work and that I had expected a mechanic to be able to get a Stripped bolt off. Owner said we took the radiator hose off and that I should get a tow, I said the battery has been getting me around and asked if he could at least put it back the way I brought it... He said for an additional $50... Luckily I brought my own tools and coolant and did it in his parking lot in 10 minutes. He knew that I was moving to Washington with limited funds yet he took $100 without helping at all and only working in it for 40 minutes, leaving me with a bigger problem because his mechanic got impatient and went at it with a uncontrolled chizzle. I'm more sad then dissatisfied that people like this owner can numb their hearts with money eyes.
The mechanics are hard workers and the owner and office will do extensive research to get you the cheapest and best quality parts if it's possible. That still does not excuse taking $100 if they couldn't do anything with someone they knew needs gas money and a fixed car, that is not good business or soul consciousness. I will gladly change my review to they tried and were knowledgeable if I get a refund, as that is the right thing to do.

Reo L.

Source: YELP

10/02/2016

Prepared a knowledgeable comprehensive estimate for some severe rock damage. I would have been happy moving forward with the repairs. Unfortunately, I could not proceed but I must say Dave and the staff were very professional & nice to work with! Will try again in a not so sticky situation...

Lisa M.

Source: YELP

16/02/2015

Dave took my call at 3:55 p.m. And offered to stay open until I drove in several minutes away.
My battery is really low and I needed replacement. He offered to stay and replace my batteries even though it was getting cold and dark.
I bought two batteries at Napa and the next day I took them in my truck to Dave's where he replaced the batteries and did a good job.
He charged me a fair price and even did some extra service by disconnecting the battery for an hour and leaving it so that my driving computer would reset.
I have a Dodge diesel RAM 1999 pick up and it was surging. Resetting the driving computer fixed the problem.
Thanks Dave and his excellent crew of 3 men.
Andre

Andre F.

Source: YELP

01/07/2015

Great owner and employees. I went in yesterday with a couple questions (I own a towing company down the mountain). They were very friendly so I went back today. They were great. I was in and out very quickly and great staff and they knew what they were doing.

Steve B.

Source: YELP

31/12/2014

Came in for some snow cables last minutes and they immediately helped me out. They didn't price gouge me due to the storm and charged a fair price for install.

Michael F.

Source: YELP

15/04/2014

It's tough to find a mechanic that you can trust, especially if you know as much about cars as me... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
This is a place you can trust. They'll treat you like family. They don't do what they do for the money and they'll look out for you and give you the best deal possible. Even if you're just in town on vacation. I highly recommend this place and all the guys working under their roof. They're all great guys and you'll be in good hands!

Stephanie N.

Source: YELP

03/01/2015

Great service here from Tamara in the office to John the mechanic. My brother in laws new MB blew off a radiator hose and overheated on the way up the mountain. John quickly had us back on the road and we know he stands by his work too. Very fair pricing and great service is a difficult combination to find but if you're in the area with car trouble, do yourself a favor and call on John and the team at Big Bear auto repair.

Andrew M.

Source: YELP

31/12/2014

Had engine overheat on a holiday; thought car could not be fixed. The people there had been so helpful. Got the car done before the snow storm. Greatly appreciated. Thank you. Highly recommended.

Drew T.

Source: YELP

20/07/2014

Another fan of this place! Car couldn't make it down the mountain. They were open on Sundays, extremely honest, very fair prices, and very friendly. Go here! Best mechanic shop EVER!

Susan D.

Source: YELP

18/07/2014

These guys are honest and very very fair!

Rosie M.

Source: YELP

27/07/2014

Our car completely died and we thought we were going to be stuck in Big Bear another day. Had our car towed here 20 mins before they closed and they were able to fix it for us so we could go home! They easily could have kept it longer to get more money but they didn't and took care of us! Thank you!

Jessie L.

Source: YELP

21/07/2014

Wow! I am happy to recommend this shop! My car overheated and died coming up the mountain and was unsure how bad the damage was. I called and spoke with Doc and he was kind and inviting. He said to bring my car right over. I had it towed over. When I arrived I was pleased with the professional and efficiency of the shop and it's employees. Everyone was friendly and super helpful. My car was fixed quickly and the PRICE WAS GREAT! Thank you to Doc and his team! I highly recommend!

Lisa O.

Source: YELP

31/05/2014

Got a flat tire on the way up to a camping weekend in Big Bear. "Booo" Looked for a local repair shop for a replacement tire, the damage was to significant to just fix. Found Big Bear Auto Shop on yelp and the reviews got me in. The two guys greeted us and were very friendly. The came to the quick conclusion that they did not have the replacement tire needed. Then they proceeded to help locate someone in town that did!! This was AWSOME considering it's was a Saturday afternoon and all the stores close early, plus I need the tire to get home safe. The directed me to a shop equally as friendly that was able to help. I really appreciated the service.

Kristen L.

Source: YELP

13/12/2012

My power steering pump blew-up on the first day of our Big Bear cabin trip. Had my truck towed down to the guys at Big Bear Auto Repair and had it back 2 days later.
These guys are champs! Fair prices, awesome quality repair work. Thanking my lucky stars my truck ended up here and not somewhere else.
Big thanks to you and the boys at Bear Auto Repair, Doc!

James M.

Source: YELP

19/02/2013

Thank you Big Bear Auto Repair!!!
Our car troubles had minimal impact on our vacation due to their quick service. Our starter went out on our car on a Sunday morning (in the middle of President's Day weekend). I was amazed to find out that not only where they open on a Sunday in the middle of a holiday weekend (I found out later that they are only closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving days), but they were quick to get on the problem, quickly diagnose the issue and fix the car.
We were aware that we may be having starter issues before we left on vacation, but the problem seemed to be intermittent. Knowing that I would have to have our starter replaced soon, I had two auto shops in San Diego give me an estimate on the total cost of repair. Both estimates were in the $300 - $325 range. The cost of repair at Big Bear Auto ended up being about $425. The difference was that they used NAPA parts (some of the best available and probably about $50 more than the "lessor, but adequate part that the other shops were going to use) and the labor was about $70 more than was quoted in San Diego. Other than the slightly higher cost (I didn't mention it to Doc), I was elated with the quality of their service.
I would definitely recommend Big Bear Auto Repair as the "one of the best repair shops in the area" to any one needing auto repair in the Big Bear area.
Thank you Doc!!

Joseph T.

Source: YELP

04/01/2014

This shop is probably the best auto repair place I've ever been to. Very quick turnaround even when they were busy and they were open on the weekend. Service was very friendly and straightforward. Saved our vacation, thanks guys!

Tristan O.

Source: YELP

17/10/2014

Over labor day weekend, our transmission went out. Big Bear Auto Repair was extremely helpful. They replaced the transmission and helped us get through the whole ordeal. I highly recommend this repair shop.

Daniel D.

Source: YELP

15/07/2013

So sweet closing one trip up got a metal shard in tire and they repaired us up so nice and honest thanks guys!

Ciara K.

Source: YELP

03/06/2012

Old-school knowledge and work ethic. Over the years, I've taken every type of car, truck, motorcycle and boat here, with great results.
In addition, it is the *only* place in Big Bear to take an exotic or vintage vehicle. Master Mechanic Dave Wheeler started on Euro cars, and knows them inside out. Perhaps the toughest job I've given them was a complete rebuild of my '74 Alfa Spider. Runs like a watch!

Gonzo M.

Source: YELP

21/09/2014

Doc did a used car inspection for me - for $48 he did a full inspection, front to back and top to bottom, and gave me a ton of honest information. His advice and expertise were more than worth it, as he helped me not waste my money on a car that needed some expensive repairs. If I didn't live 80 miles away, I'd come to him for everything.

Ellen A.

Source: YELP

09/04/2013

Blessings Yelpers,
I didn't want to miss the opportunity to give appreciation were appreciation is due. A little over a month ago I got a flat. Being new to Big Bear I went to two auto repair shops before the Wonderful spirits at Big Bear Auto welcomed me and my flat with open arms. The fist shop I went to the guy was overwhelmed with many customers and directed me to another shop a mile up the road. The second shop the guy was reading the paper no cars in the garage and had no customers yet said he was to busy and wouldn't be able to help. I even went so far as to suggest to him that I leave the tire which was already removed and sitting in my trunk and he could patch it when he had a moment. Additionally,I suggested I could pick it up the following day so that he didn't have to worry about fitting me in that day. He looked at me like I had two screws loose. So he directed me to Big Bear Auto. The moment I walked in I was greeted by three kind spirits. I told them of my situation and also shared that I had been to two places prior to arriving at their shop and was turned down. Dave said to me that the repair wasn't worth many peoples time due to it being a patch job there wasn't any money in it for them. However, their shop wasn't about the money and he would have it repaired in an hour. One repair person removed the tire from my trunk while Doc took my information and shared of his military experience as my husbands a Veteran as well. All three gave great customer care. I and my husband will continue to do business with Big Bear Auto because they know how to show care and concern even if they don't gain a lot financially from it. They now have two new customers due to their act of compassion.. I am so grateful for good honest businesses I had to share this story with a;; the yelpers.
Thank you Dave & Doc
C. Love Jordan

Minister C. Love J.

Source: YELP

19/02/2013

OMG. The BEST repair shop I've been to in such a long time. My transmission was dying on me, lost reverse and had problems shifting into 3rd gear and I needed to get back to LA before it started snowing that afternoon. Brought my car to this place hoping to not shell out $4000 and stay for 2 extra days for a transmission job.
Dave Wheeler the owner was completely honest, courteous, relaxed, and a Formula 1 fan! He replaced the transmission fluids, cleaned out the shift solenoids, cleaned out the transmission filter, and BAM! I was on my way down the mountain when it just started snowing!
The price was completely fair, they can easily charge more and I would have been happy to pay for the QUALITY and HONESTY that I received. I enjoyed my visit to Big Bear Auto Repair so much that I would go to Big Bear again just to visit them!!

Ian H.

Source: YELP

06/12/2013

At the end of Thanksgiving weekend on Sunday, my 01 Exploder fuel pump went out. I had it towed here as they were the only place open on that Sunday. The tow truck driver dumped me and the car off there and I am always wary about mechanic shops that I am unfamiliar with. At first I was unimpressed, and I had planned to get towed down to Redlands to have my local guy perform the repair. Then I looked up this place on Yelp and saw about 18 really great reviews. That made me feel more confident in them. For fun, I looked up the shop I use in Redlands and saw they had a significant numbers of bad reviews. That was funny. I went ahead and authorized the repair with Big Bear Auto. They had it done the next morning and picked up the car running great. Fuel pump R&R requires dropping the fuel tank which makes it an expensive repair.
They were about $85 more than the place down here wanted, but it would have cost me $235 to have it towed down. So I like the guys at Big Bear Auto, they did a great job and I did not know them from Adam. I dealt with Dave and Doc. I highly recommend Big Bear Auto if you need their services.

Ken H.

Source: YELP

06/02/2013

Hands down the most professional, service oriented,friendly, and HONEST repair shop anywhere. And I'm from San Diego. Dave is extremely knowledgable. I took my minivan there because indicator lights warned of brake issues. Dave inspected pads and said you really don't need them now, you can wait. He turned down a $300 job because it wasn't necessary. I was ready to do it and would have been pleased to pay. I wouldn't have known one end of a brake pad from another! And still don't! If integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking, then Dave and Big Bear Auto Repair epitomize this. My only regret is they aren't in San Diego! Look no further folks, this is the real thing. You guys rock.

Richard C.

Source: YELP

05/06/2014

We got in an accident while on vacation in Big Bear. The car was driver-able but we were not sure if we would be safe to drive it down the mountain. I called Big Bear auto repair and asked him if he could just take a look at it and tell me if I was safe or not. I figured, like most auto repair shops, they would tell me whatever would make them more money. But they didn't. He got under, checked it out, messed with the hood and sent me on my way. He said it was safe to drive and didn't charge me a penny. Saved our vacation!

E.R. R.

Source: YELP

28/07/2014

Went here based on yelp to have my boat trailer spare put on my trailer. They had a small packed lot and said it would be a while, he recommend me to Phil's automotive down the road which has a big lot. Phil's took care of me. Thank you Big Bear Auto! Top notch!

Ed S.

Source: YELP

12/08/2014

Dealt with this place when I live in Big Bear from 76 to 95. They worked on my Nissan Truck which they never fixed properly. I had to go back to them for a rebuild three times. They kept charging me. They never fixed the problem. This complaint was way back in 92.

War V.

Source: YELP

12/08/2013

This shop is great!
I recently moved here from the East coast. I drove my SUV towing a trailer over 3500 miles. It was suggested by a friend I get a few things done/checked out after the long haul. I called Big Bear Auto and they got me on the schedule. I was unable to get a ride back home, so they dropped me back at my house too. Basically, the guys checked out the car and all I needed was an oil change! I felt guilty about the drop off service for such a small repair job. But they were great and I will be going back there for my service in the future.

Megan R.

Source: YELP

28/04/2014

So where did all the good, honest mechanics go? I guess they moved to the mountains! Water and belt went out on the way to Big Bear. We towed the car and parked it there overnight. The next morning we went to the shop and had a great experience. They quickly I'd d the problems and got the car done in a couple of hours. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and make you feel confident in them. They gave their honest opinion on the shape and problems of the car. Didn't try to "find other problems to fix". The only reason I am giving 4 stars is because they were approximately about $100 higher in price than here in Orange County, but as another reviewer mentioned, they use good parts and our car is in great shape! They totally saved our weekend and I highly recommend them!

Jessica B.

Source: YELP

28/03/2014

Drove up to Big Bear to ski early March 2014. Pulling into the ski resort parking lot, the alternator light went on. Using Yelp, I immediately drove to this place. They looked at the car immediately, Id'd the alternator problem, ordered that part, and then suggested that I let them drive me up to ski until the part arrived and was installed. They hauled me and my gear to the slopes, then called my cell a couple hours later when done - then came to pick me up! I thought the price was very reasonable, straight shooter and friendly staff, and made the most of a sticky situation. I think this is the epitome of fair, honest service.

Chuck N.

Source: YELP

01/01/2013

I ran over a big rock and really messed up the car. I had trouble with it and was nervous about driving it so I went to Big Bear Auto Repair. They looked at my car right away. They changed out a gasket for a quick emergency repair to make the car safe enough to drive until I could get back down the mountain to my car dealership. Extremely fair price and the repair really helped alot. I had no trouble with the car for the rest of my vacation and was able to get home just fine. They really could have taken advantage of me because I was desperate but instead they were so helpful and the price was very reasonable. I will go here again if I ever have car issues in Big Bear

Wendy R.

Source: YELP

15/02/2014

Walked in on a Saturday morning right as they opened, concerned with a emergency brake light on my dash that was intermittent. My owners manual said to have the car looked at "immediately". I explained to Doc my situation, which included me having to drive down the mountain that same day with my family. He came out to my car, looked at the rotors, brake fluid level, asked me a few questions, and said there was no problem at all. The E-brake light is a float switch that is in the tank, and if parked or stopped on a hill, that can cause the light to come on. I was on my way in moments. Very friendly, honest guy that helped me out in a pinch. Highly recommend. Fly Navy!

Dan C.

Source: YELP

10/02/2014

My experience was almost identical to Ken H! Fuel pump failed Sat of Thanksgiving weekend, 2003 Escape. They had to get the pump from Redlands, but they did and the price was same as anywhere, they were super fast, super friendly. We will be visiting Big Bear often and I'm so happy to know there's an excellent repair shop in town.

Rose S.

Source: YELP

02/09/2012

Came up to Big Bear for the weekend and recently had a brake job done on my F350 only to find out that they forgot the hardware. Big Bear Auto Repair was the the only auto shop opened and were very accommodating and fixed our problem. They even picked us up when our truck was done. They really saved our Labor Day weekend! Definetly recommend to a friend.

Jennifer H.

Source: YELP

24/11/2012

You guys brought my BMW 325i back to life on Thanksgiving weekend! You guys were knowledgable, fair and had me back on the road the next day.
I would drive all the way back to BIG BEAR AUTO REPAIR from LA the next time I have car trouble!
A big thanks to Doc and the boys at BIG BEAR AUTO REPAIR! (Just don't mention the French!)

Christopher B.

Source: YELP

25/04/2012

Great job, our vehicles are fixed right the first time. It is the only place on the mountain we trust :)

Mark R.

Source: YELP

10/02/2012

Service was great timely, first rate integrity. They did a great job explaining what was wrong and my options. Definitely a place I can bring my car for service that I can trust.

Ann S.

Source: YELP

06/06/2011

Really great service when our car broke down on a trip to Big Bear.

Robyn F.

Source: YELP

25/06/2013

Honest, courteous repair shop. We drove up to Big Bear for the weekend and ran into car trouble after we arrived. We had two things against us, these guys are the only shop open on Sunday and we are from out of town so figured we so without any leverage, I just prepared myself to to get screwed over. Pleasantly surprised to meet a couple of really friendly guys that worked at the shop. Based on a quick visual inspection without taking anything apart, it didn't look good. I went ahead and rented a car and drove home expecting it would cost me a fortune when they opened her up. Not only that, with me out of the way (3 hours away) and my car with them indefinitely, I figured they would come up with a million things that needed to be fixed or replaced...or so I thought. They took things apart, made some repairs and told me over the phone that it wasn't as bad as they thought and cost was very reasonable. What a relief! Had someone else pick up the car for me the following week and they too commented on how friendly and courteous the shop was. Fortunately for this shop, my in-laws own a house there so they will get the repeat business that they probably weren't expecting from me. Highly recommend if you're looking for friendly, honest shop.

Andy V.

Source: YELP

26/04/2012

I took my car here and got right in. Great service and did an awesome job. Gave me a much better deal then any other place up here. Way stoked!

Tina R.

Source: YELP

23/12/2015

They are knowledgeable and persistent to fix their jobs. They will research long hours to find you best quality, fur best price. They tried removing a bolt and was not successful, now I have less gas money ($100 for them trying for 40 minutes, the owner was gonna charge $50 for putting things back together, thank God I brought coolant and my wrenches took me 10 minutes to save $50. He knew I needed gas money with moving to Washington with pregnant wife...smh) the mechanic said the bolt was stuck, and even more such after he tried with chizzle (shouldn't a shop have a socket that extracts?)... Anyways I used a chizzle to tear apart the head and housing of alternator and got it out... Plus I made adjustments if the radiator instead of removing it... Saved time and money, I should have just not gone here expecting a bolt removed.

Reo Lopez

Source: GPLAC

30/06/2016

Quite over priced.

Phil Crawford

Source: GPLAC

23/02/2014

Great service and friendly people I would recommend steve and doc great mechanics and reasonable price Thanks alot guys made it home safely! (Jack gmc Jimmy)

Jack Mar

Source: GPLAC

12/12/2013

Great service and prices. Very reliable and honest.

June Miller

Source: GPLAC

01/02/2008

These guys dropped my car 4 feet off the back of a flat bed tow truck ripping my spoiler off, denting my bumper and dimpling my hood. After that they left a drippy bottle of some kind of solvent on my trunk deck permanently damaging the paint. They also threatened to impound my car after I refused to pay them an additional $500 more than the original estimate we agreed to. Keep in mind this mysterious $500 charge didnt even include the damage the tow truck driver did. That was still on the car. They actually forced me to pay cash by threatening me with a $30 a day storage fee for every additional day they had the car. Buyer beware. These guys are only in business to steal from your insurance company.

A Google User

Source: GPLAC