Back to Auto Repair shops near me in Costa Mesa, CA

Auto repair shop - Rallysport Engineering - in Costa Mesa

53 reviews

Location: 2136 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Office phone

+1 (949) 548-0978

4.7

53 total

(3)

(1)

(0)

(1)

(48)

05/08/2016

Taking a quick vacation to San Diego when the worst thing happens engine failure. found this shop on Google gave them a call. Pretty much over the phone diagnosed the engine by the what I told them over the phone. Had the car towed into the shop. Raul explained what caused the failure and what was going to consist to do the job the right way not half ass, he also gave me options if I didn't want a new short block. The team did a quick turn around went above and beyond on swapping out the short block and had it ready a day early then what he quoted me. These guys know their stuff about Subaru vehicles. Strongly recommend the quality work they perform and expertise is above Subaru dealers. If you need any service for your Subaru this is the place to take it to won't be around the bush straight to the point and won't make you change something you don't need. Another thing I appreciated was how attentive and willing to do the right thing, my ac wasn't working called them up just said bring it in did it and boom! Fixed it made it right at no charge. Subaru dealers would want an appointment just to even look/run diagnostics.
So in other words if you're looking for a top notch team that knows about how to keep your Subaru running for a long time hit this team up. I'm willing to drive 40 miles just to have them look at my Subaru since they prove to me they give quality work for a very reasonable price.

Marco V.

Source: YELP

19/07/2016

I've been taking my car here for over 10 years and have always received good service. Recently my car was diagnosed by a dealer as needing a new rack n pinion and they inspected it and said it did not need to be replaced at this time. Raul is a good guy to work with and Sean who is one of the mechanics is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things. Paul was recovering from a surfing incident so wasn't in the shop but good to know he is still watching over things.

Steve K.

Source: YELP

24/01/2016

I have been coming here for almost seven years and couldn't be any more pleased with the service. First when it was just Paul, and now under Raul and Sean. Always professional, fair, and reasonable.
On top of that, they are always willing to go the extra mile for me. As an example, I recently picked my car up from a basic service to see that Sean had polished the inside of my headlights at no charge. On another occasion, the Garden Grove Costco tire center cross-threaded the lug nuts on two of my wheel studs, requiring that I have my car towed to Rallysport. I called ahead, and Raul not only went and picked up the parts needed, but kept the shop open late to get me back on the road. These examples are typical of the 5-star service I have received from the shop over the years.
I miss Paul, as he doesn't seem to be around much anymore, but there has been no drop in the quality of the service. I highly recommend Rallysport to any Subaru owner.

Jean-Guille P.

Source: YELP

09/02/2016

They went cheap and used the wrong radiator hose that was obviously the wrong size which resulted in a coolant leak and my car overheating. Simple things like this are rookie mistakes that no shop should be given a second chance. Not coming back.

John D.

Source: YELP

20/03/2015

When you take a look around, you can't help but think that this place was a small garage opened up by a few dudes who wanted to work on their rally cars and then decided "Hey, why not make a bit of money on the side by fixing up other people's vehicles?"
Then, every fear and doubt you have of shady mechanics charging extra on random bullsh*t repairs goes out the door as soon as you talk to these guys. I contacted Raul in the beginning to obtain a quote for a timing belt change. Responses came back quickly and (per my research on online forums) the price was reasonable with detailed line items, so I pulled the trigger.
Raul tended to the business side of things while Sean worked on the vehicle. Raul was awesome to chat with and I definitely felt welcomed and respected as a guest. Sean was incredibly knowledgeable and had the courtesy to walk me through some of the inspection points. I also told him that I enjoy performing my own maintenance (only easy things) and so he shared a ton of tips and suggestions.
I left with a new timing belt, tensioner, and super coolant fluid for half of the price I might have paid elsewhere for services that I truly didn't need (thanks to Sean's suggestions). They even went the extra mile, cleaning my headlights and switching out my Ken Grody Ford license plate frame for a proper Rallysport Engineering Subaru one. But best of all, I left with more knowledge of my vehicle.
All in all, a very awesome group of guys who definitely love what they do and do what they love - a rare quality that highly benefits us all. For sure coming back for my car maintenance and repairs.
Extras:
- Right by triangle square for food, movies, shopping while you wait.
- Free Wi-Fi while you wait

Kevin N.

Source: YELP

05/10/2015

My '07 Forester XT is a good car but it doesn't have door frames so it gets loud inside due to wind noise. I mentioned the issue with Raul and learned that there was a fix. Its all about the gussets. Disclaimer: it's not magic; its not gonna cancel all noise like a Mercedes; but its as quiet when the car was rolled out the dealer. Very happy I did it.

Mel X.

Source: YELP

26/02/2015

First off, please take the "Mitsubishi" off that hand-painted sign out front (all class, btw)--they don't have a clue on how to fix them. I brought my car in on 2/25/2015, and spoke with the resident "Mitsubishi specialist", who quoted me $100 just to look at my car after he had his lunch, and "tended to other things". I asked if I should bring my car back in AFTER he "tended to other things", and he said no, "then I can't tend to it.".
What? Was he drunk? Is this a riddle? I grabbed my keys off the desk, and immediately took my car to Hiro's Auto on Enterprise in CM (where I SHOULD have gone in the FIRST place--never looked back). Hiro took one look, grabbed a $1 part from the back, and fixed my car in under 60 seconds (not hyperbole, and not for effect)
I've passed by this place hundreds of times on Newport Blvd.--now I know why.

Jason F.

Source: YELP

02/03/2016

A low key spot for fellow Subaru drivers. I got my transmission. differential and brake fluid "exchange" done. Great on pricing and knowledgeable with quality work. Subaru STI working as good as new.

Blaze M.

Source: YELP

19/07/2015

Had a tech at south coast subaru that I only trusted. Wasn't for him would've never gone, dealership is worthless. Went in and he didn't worked there anymore. Luckily they knew were he had gone. Found him at RSE. Went by to check it out. Friendly 1 on 1 customer service, my tech Sean and free Wi-Fi. Now I have my favorite tech and a nice place to go see him at. My Subaru has a new home, thanks to RSE.

Patrick K.

Source: YELP

11/12/2013

It is a great feeling when you find that special gem of a place. That is how I felt when I researched Rallysport Engineering, Inc. and found out they specialize in Subaru's and other imports.
Speaking with Paul on the phone is clear and concise. You receive plenty of information and he is very knowledgeable about parts and services.
When I set my appointment, it was simple. Showing up to the shop, you notice plenty of vehicles that are being worked on and the shop looks clean and has that garage import type feel.
Everything about the service and experience dealing with the company is great, so I would recommend you visit and give this business a fair chance.

Robert A.

Source: YELP

12/08/2015

Felt really comfortable taking my car to a place where it's mostly subarus. Had my car back within a day and she's running great. Thanks for the good service guys.

Rafael D.

Source: YELP

29/10/2014

They say you can screw a customer once or make love to them forever.
This guy is fair and his work/prices don't seem to be taking advantage of anyone. My Forester and Legacy Outback have a happy home.

Teri H.

Source: YELP

19/07/2015

Been taking my Subaru into the dealership since I bought it. Thought I had to in order to keep it under warranty. After a friend said I should check out this shop, I found out that it's not true. Keep your receipt and your good. Not only did the guys at RSE coach me about my car, they took the time to show me and explained to me what was needed on my car. Something I never had at the dealer. Did I mentioned there cheaper and faster. Thank you RSE for making feel taken care of and valued.

Vitney N.

Source: YELP

17/10/2014

Used to take my car to South Coast Subaru, place is a joke. Found out about RSE from a racing buddy. Haven't looked back since. They have a factory trained master tech and Paul the owner has been working on Subaru's for over 30yrs. So ask yourself. Why pay $120 or more to take your car to a dealership that has no right even being open, when you can go to a mom & pop shop that focuses on you and your car at a cheaper rate. Oh yeah did I mention that they know just as much about your Subaru if not more then S. Coast Subaru. Go just once to check them out and you'll thank me and everyone else on yelp.

Sean M.

Source: YELP

19/11/2014

I'm on my 3rd Subaru and I've been taking my 2007 WRX Wagon to the dealer for years. Then it hit me. Even though my car is not a $30K plus STi or a fancy BMW, it is a complicated, high performance vehicle that deserves professional technicians. RallySports has the consummate pros that I need. Here, the mechanics are timely, knowledgeable experts with racing heritage. At fair prices, I know I'm getting the best service. So, this is my preferred shop.

Ruben T.

Source: YELP

12/06/2015

I appreciated having the car seen right away this morning, promptly diagnosed by Paul, and within a few hours I had my car back and everything was communicated well. Thanks to the Rallysport team.

Tina E.

Source: YELP

19/06/2014

I went to subaru to have a noise checked that my car was making; Subaru could not find it after I insisted there was a sound the car was making. I gave up taking the car to subaru. I then took it to a muffler shop to see if they could fix it; they said "take your car to RSE, they know what they are doing." I went to see them. I was very impressed with the owner. He is very honest and very easy to work with. After he looked at my car he said it was a warrenty issue and that it should be covered under my car warranty. I took it back to subaru and told them what RSE had said and they fixed it under my warrarnty. O ya RSE did not charge me after he had orginally said he would. I would 100% go back to him. Super honest guy.

Mike C.

Source: YELP

25/03/2014

I've heard nothing but great things about RallySportEngineering/Subaru Repair from the previous owner of my car and a few other friends who have used them. I recently had a head gasket blow in my Subaru and was looking at doing some engine upgrades while it was out.
I understand that everyone has bad days occasionally, but I can't express how rude and unwilling to "Subaru Repair" was. The person I spoke with was very short with me, and seemed genuinely uninterested in even talking about the repair.
Wouldn't even use these guys for an oil change with the way they treated me!

Jesse W.

Source: YELP

12/12/2014

What a great place for my Subaru! I needed a new timing belt. They quoted me over the phone around $400 for my Legacy '08. They were nice enough to drop me off at South Coast Plaza since I had no one to pick me up and needed to wait. Then they called me and said that my timing belt looks brand new. While we don't know for sure if the dealer changed it by accident, this place was honest enough to call me and say I didn't need a new belt. The only charged me for dropping the coolant, labor, and an oil change that I asked for instead. These guys are worth every star they earned here.

Anthony L.

Source: YELP

26/04/2014

Took my car (2007 Subaru forester, 54k miles) in for new struts and an oil change. The prices were definitely higher than pep boys or the other chain stores; however, after reading the reviews of those repair chains I was scared to leave my car in the hands of amateur mechanics. Paul knows everything there is to know about Subarus. When I got my car back it handled like a new car. It no longer wallowed on uneven roads. I'll definitely go back for other routine maintenance and repair work as needed.

David B.

Source: YELP

16/11/2012

I went to RSE after doing a search for a Subaru mechanic on Yelp. Read reviews, all positive so decided to give it a try.
I just went there without calling for an appointment and Paul was able to take my car for a service right away. The price was reasonable, service was fast and good.
From now on Paul is my Subaru guy.
What else is there to say other than I am very happy.

Tomek S.

Source: YELP

14/02/2012

I've been going to South Coast Subaru for five years - until now. I've had repetitive problems in the past, but I stayed. That's another story. Here's this one and how I thankfully discovered Rallysport Engineering.
My 2005 Subaru Outback has close to 140,000 miles. I'm very good about oil changes and routine service. I knew I was up for another (email alerts) so I called South Coast Subaru. The service manager mentioned this one may be costly (unlike the last one which was close to $700), he mentioned this one was going to be $699 (Just say $700 and be real please) because I will need to have my timing belts replaced. I drive to the mountains a lot, and commute to LA for work from OC - sounds like an unfortunate, yet necessary expense.
Just to get a second opinion, I took it to Rallysport Engineering. I asked him for an estimate and a cost for an oil change. I also needed the brake light replaced. Again.
Paul scratched his head, and said, "That's odd. 2005 Subaru Outbacks don't have timing belts. They have a drive train. I'll call Subaru of America to confirm." It was confirmed. As is my lack of trust with any scum (SCS) trying to sell me something I don't need to the tune of $700. Paul went on to say, "Look, we all make mistakes, it's human and I've made them. But nothing quite like this They should know better."
My new mechanic is now Rally Sport Engineering in Costa Mesa. Ask for Paul, great guy from New Zealand. Honest mechanics are hard to find. Especially at South Coast Subaru.

Felipe B.

Source: YELP

12/03/2012

I, too, was going to South Coast Subaru and they performed work that was not necessary and of course charged me too much for it.
My son found Rallsport Engineering for me and I took my 2005 WRX over to Paul for a second opinion on replacing the power steering pump. SCS told me it had a bad leak and wanted $600.00 to replace it, plus another $100.00 to replace the fluid. Paul took a look at it, cleaned it up, added something to plug the leak and away I went for only $50.00.
Needless to say, Paul & Rallysport Engineering is now my sole mechanic.

Pamela R.

Source: YELP

12/09/2012

My wife owns a 2010 Subaru Outback and had the overheat light come on during a trip. After looking over the car and smelling fuel and seeing oil sludge in the coolant overflow I figured she had a headgasket leak. I called Paul since he's really close to my job (had great ratings on the net), he told me to bring the car in for a look. He ran some test and confirmed that it was a headgasket leak. He called over to Subaru and confirmed that the work needed done was still under warranty. He only charged me $45 and was super honest.
Once the warranty is up on the Subie it will only go to Rallysport Engineering. Stealership service departments are a joke, especially Timmons Subaru in Long Beach.
Paul was also a great help with me calling him about questions when the dealership tried to give me the runaround.

Jen S.

Source: YELP

19/11/2012

I called RSE for some friendly advice. Paul answered the phone and when i told him my symptoms he knew exactly what was going on and how to fix my problem. Totally saved my day. These guys are great. Ive been to their shop before and you could eat off the floors. Thanks again guys.

Brent S.

Source: YELP

13/04/2011

After quite a bit of research and reading reviews of dealers and other shops, I decided to go to Paul of Rallysport Engineering for my 60k service on a Subaru WRX. He is a very knowledgeable, not to mention friendly guy who's worked on the subaru rally team so I had no doubts that my car was in good hands. Before leaving him with the keys, he let me know what was going to be done and gave a very good price.
Overall, the car feels great and will be back to. Fair pricing, honest knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended.

m p.

Source: YELP

09/08/2009

I wish I came to Paul after my Subie got into the accident, maybe that would've prolonged her life. Oil changes are $10 cheaper than what dealers charge you, most services will also cost less than your stealerships. He fixed things that I didn't even know were wrong with my car....I just wish my Subie wasn't dying right now.
Anyways, If you want a good mechanic that knows what's going on inside your Subaru, and also hate the BS the dealers do with your car...come here. Paul will take care of you and your car. He knows his stuff when it comes to Subarus.

Isaac S.

Source: YELP

08/04/2011

Came to Paul for a routine 30k major service. I just have a base Impreza, noting exciting, but Paul was very friendly and did a clean job. Was $100 cheaper than the dealers nearby. It did take a bit longer since its a smaller operation, but I don't mind dropping the car off, and it was done when he said it would be done. Will definitely be coming back.

Jim N.

Source: YELP

24/01/2009

I was recommended to Paul by a friend who is a big subaru enthusiast. He said that Paul gets a lot of respect from the community and it's clear why. Speaking to him, it's clear that he's knowledgeable and experienced. He's really nice and I get the sense I'm always getting the straight story from him about what's going on with the car. I actually drove my car down from LA several times to have Paul work on it, since I wanted to make sure it was done right and that I wouldnt be ripped off.
My one complaint is the cost is a bit on the high side. Last time I brought my car in for 90k service and it cost near $500. That said, I'm happy to pay to get it done right and not get scammed.

Dan M.

Source: YELP

27/06/2013

I had my rear wheel bearing replaced on a Subaru Impreza Sport. The loud noise from the rear is now gone and my passengers can sit through a car ride. Paul is very professional and I highly recommend Rally Sport. Thank you Paul !

Cindy H.

Source: YELP

21/11/2011

We took our 98 Subie to Paul about 8 months ago after another mechanic improperly changed the coolant. Paul took excellent care of us, explained what the previous guy had done wrong and fixed it for a very reasonable price. Since then he's done all of our preventative maintenance. He is very trustworthy and knowledgeable about Subaru's and we won't take ours to anyone else after the great work he's done.

Stephanie B.

Source: YELP

05/02/2013

Paul is nice, seems knowledgeable and will not overcharge. Just take a look at the fancy Subarus behind the shop - he has quite a clientele! I will only take my car to Paul as RSE.

Aaron H.

Source: YELP

21/12/2012

Paul the mechanic was super caring and helped put me at ease when my car needed some serious repairs. Which can be extremely stressful especially when traveling from out of state. I didn't feel taken advantage of and not only that he had my car up and running in no time!

Cydnie G.

Source: YELP

26/05/2011

Great service, very trustworthy and went above and beyond to figure out a stubborn check engine light issue. Took time to explain the problem and is a nice guy too. Will definitely be going there for any issues and routine maintenance.

Diggs S.

Source: YELP

03/03/2010

Paul was recommended to me by a friend who has had his cars serviced by RSE for several years. I always have gotten great service and money saving service recommendations at RSE.

Brian F.

Source: YELP

08/05/2010

Paul did a great job on my Subie. If you need any work done go here!

Marko S.

Source: YELP

02/11/2009

Honest, Highly competent and highly profession. Stumbled upon his shop on yelp. I wanted a reasonable mechanic to help with my Subaru...I am not the suped up Subaru sort, just the wilderness type and Paul was able to check out my car quickly, provide his thoughts and fix my brakes. His knowledge of my care was pretty impressive and he squeezed me in the same day.
Paul is the real deal, as it relates to Subaru mechanics. If he can't or won't fix it; maybe it shouldn't be fixed...

jason m.

Source: YELP

14/01/2011

MyHyundai was beginning to overheat and it shook at high speed. Paul said I needed a 60000 mile check up. I agreed and paid $500. My car is still doing the same things I went in for. The 60000 mile is supposed to include the timing belt. Paul decided for me that I could do that next time because it is "so expensive." I thought for $500 the timing belt was included since the work order simply said 60,000 mile check. He did not do what I needed and did not explain what part of the check he was not doing. I will not go back.

Sandra k.

Source: YELP

14/01/2010

extremely happy with paul's work. went in for a 60K check on my 05 STi and he went above and beyond in terms of time, quality, and price. how often can you get all three at a mechanic?!
instead of paying a dealership for expensive, mediocre work, why not go to someone who does quality work who you can trust? and its CHEAPER than the dealership. no brainer!

B K.

Source: YELP

04/09/2015

By far the best place to bring your ride. I brought in my 06 sti for a new short block . Raul was great, he kept me posted almost every day and also worked with me on finding the best deals on parts and upgrades. These guys know their stuff and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking my car anywhere else. Just brought my car for its 1k break-in service. I Was smiling the whole way home after leaving the shop. So thank you Raul and your team at Rallysport.

Jesus Angel Martinez

Source: FBOOK

05/12/2014

Great service! They showed me all the parts they replaced and why! A lot of other shops aren't as honest. Totally worth the 30+ mile drive to get my work done by a Subaru specialist.

Robert Amparo

Source: FBOOK

31/10/2014

Why give your hard earned money to a dealership that only cares about how deep there pockets are. Same quality work with 2 guys that been been trained by Subaru that got tired of the impersonal way of treating people. Cheeper shop cost and they care about me, sounds like a no brainer.

Sean Minnie

Source: FBOOK

31/12/2014

Paul, Sean, and Raul are great. Quality people with quality service and they tell you what you need vs. what you may want to keep your eye on. Recommend 100%

Matthew Henn

Source: FBOOK

31/08/2015

Got my Honda Accord serviced and couldn't be happier. Took me in right away and did a fantastic job. Highly recommend to anyone looking for 5 star service!

Walter Gutierrez

Source: FBOOK

30/12/2014

First time taking my Subie in for service...so happy I found this shop!

Jennifer Reynolds

Source: FBOOK

07/11/2014

Great service. These guys went out of their way to help me. Thank you.

Moe Nass

Source: FBOOK

27/10/2014

Great service, always a pleasurable experience!!

Travis Smith

Source: FBOOK

14/06/2015

Chris Hilborn

Source: FBOOK

06/08/2016

Great service.. go a miles beyond what they are supposed to do to keep me happy and my subbie on the road.. best of all prices are very reasonable.. just gotta make sure next I make an appointment.. its very busy

Turd Furguson

Source: GPLAC

18/02/2016

The auto services provided by RSE are high-quality, priced reasonably in comparison to the Subaru/Mitsubishi dealerships. Schedule your services in advance, and rest assured that all your questions will be answered and you will not be pressured into any extraneous work on your car.

Mark Toledo

Source: GPLAC

14/03/2016

Raul and Shawn went above and beyond to give me great service on my 2006 Subaru WRX. I highly recommend this shop to anyone. All of the 5 star reviews here are on point with my experiences. Thank you!!

Andrew Hill

Source: GPLAC

10/02/2016

I've been coming here for at least 5 years with my Subaru Forester. I drive pretty far to get to Rally Sport because these guys are great. It's a small shop so you get to know your mechanic. These guys will give it to you straight and won't rip you off.

Paul Fernandez

Source: GPLAC

02/10/2015

Amazing service, this team is awesome!!! If you have a Suburu and live in the OC this is the only place you should be taking your car. Raul is the best!!!

Mary Lombino

Source: GPLAC

We work with these brands

Alfa Romeo
Audi
Bentley
Buick
Chevrolet
Honda
Lincoln
MINI
Mazda
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Tesla
Volvo

We perform these services

Brake Services

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

Electrical Systems

  • Battery testing and replacement
  • Alternator repair
  • Starter repair and replacement
  • Electrical diagnostics and repairs

HVAC Services

  • Air conditioning repair and recharge
  • Heating system repair
  • Cabin air filter replacement

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Services

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

Suspension and Steering

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

Transmission Services

  • Transmission repair and replacement
  • Transmission fluid service
  • Clutch repair and replacement