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Auto repair shop - Hoffman Radiator Service - in Orange

56 reviews

Location: 237 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866

Office phone

+1 (714) 538-5514

4.7

56 total

(3)

(0)

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(5)

(45)

20/06/2016

Carl is great!!, he changed the catalytic converter for my car in less than an hour and it passed the smog check costing way less than other places. Definitely going back.

Razan M.

Source: YELP

14/01/2016

Great customer serivce,told Carl what i wanted for my Ford Fusion,job completed,satisfied customer,competitive prices's.
Recommended,thanks Carl & Jose.

Mario D.

Source: YELP

29/07/2016

They are awesome. Brought my car in a couple weeks ago but forgot to write a review. I was in and out in 20min. And the problem was fixed great!

Deandra M.

Source: YELP

24/02/2016

Great customer service! These guys know what they're doing. I recommend them to all my friends and family !

Charlie B.

Source: YELP

04/09/2015

8Been here twice Carl does excellent work
Never had a problem just installed a flowmaster super 10
I was in and out in 30, great shop

Fila D.

Source: YELP

04/05/2016

I like Carl. He is so friendly and has excellent customer service. I bought my mom's CRV in here for a catalytic converter and he got it done within an hour. I am coming again and have referred my friends and colleagues to him.

Jorsoa K.

Source: YELP

02/11/2015

Great, great place. Been through here a couple of times. Most recently to attach a brush guard to my H3. Called there first, and my questions were answered, and a quote was given. Super nice guy on the phone, never tried to up sell me on anything. Drove down and was greeted with a smile. The guys checked out what I was talking, told me to grab a bite to eat next door, and they would get it attached. Came back, took them about 30 min, also said it would be cheaper than quoted, even though they had to bend some things back into place. I was so happy with their work, I told them to just charge me for original price. Awesome work guys, you have a lifetime customer.

Kentucky K.

Source: YELP

06/01/2016

Ohhhh this place is wonderful...some yahoo snagged the chrome brush guard on the front of my Hummer and the previous owner of the car said take it to Plaza Mufflers. The guys there were super nice and said they would take it off no charge and then let me know what a new one would cost. Fast and efficient, I highly recommend them!

Jeannie F.

Source: YELP

07/07/2014

Referred to this shop by Tony from Phillips Tires. Spent about 3 hours total here today, getting 2 things accomplished.
1) Replaced the original exhaust flex pipe, which was old and worn on our Camry.
$100 flat, included $13.00 for the part, $85.96 for labor and $1.04 tax.
2) Got 4 new spark plugs and ignition wires.
$155.22 total, included parts $49.95 & 15.96, $84.04 for labor, $5.27 tax.
Since Saturday our car was making this type of grinding/sputtering sound every time we would brake or slow down to stop. And the check engine light came on.
After gathering 2 opinions, we ended up here and the #1 task got completed. However, that did not alleviate the grinding sounds or the way the car felt like it was low on acceleration power. Once Joe (the mechanic) returned, he examined our engine and gave us a rundown of the exact parts that needed replacing and why. And that he was 99% sure, this would fix the problem.
So far so good, our car is running like normal, no more crank-like sounds and the car may even be quieter than before. If we ever needed alternate work done, we would come back.

Chiante M.

Source: YELP

03/10/2015

I was referred here when my mechanic said my old Volvo might need the whole exhaust system redone (there was a loud rumbling when idling). I called Plaza Mufflers and talked to Carl who said I could bring it in for a free estimate. I brought it in on a Saturday and within a few minutes he said all I needed was a quick fix for $80. He explained and showed me the work that was needed and all the work was done in less than half an hour. I am so glad I found this honest business. Knowing very little about cars, I could have very easily been ripped off elsewhere since I thought a lot more work needed to be done. Carl's a great, honest guy and I would absolutely recommend this business!

Ryan M.

Source: YELP

16/07/2015

From my first interaction with this shop via telephone, to driving my truck in for repairs, to driving off the lot, my experience With Plaza Mufflers was awesome.
First of all when I called, Carl answered the phone, I told him about my issue, and he was very friendly, and pleasant. When I got to the shop, Carl remembered my name, and took a look at my issue. Again, his customer service was great. They took car of my exhaust problem in a few minutes, and their prices were reasonable.
I recommend this shop. It's rare that you have an auto repair place that does a good job, AND have great customer service. Thanks Carl!

Scott G.

Source: YELP

07/08/2015

My car was making noises, within 5 minutes they found the hole. Within 35 the hole was a thing of the past.
I like to support local businesses but this company deserves all support. The guy literally put his taco lunch aside to help me, that is dedication.
Oh and it was only $40.
They run like a local business and it's so refreshing that they actually care about you and not the money.
Sidenote: It was a fun experience. They do it all in front of you and the shop is really interesting. (Maybe that's me being an engineer, but I liked it. )
But at the end of the day, why are you reading this if your muffler is broken? Go fix your dang car!!

Michelle P.

Source: YELP

06/04/2015

Carl took good care of me and my 54" Chevy Bel Air... him and his partner do good work and are very very competitive with pricing. Go see them asap.. don't think twice!

Anthony G.

Source: YELP

18/09/2015

Had a cracked and broken muffler and they took it right in and had me back on the road within 20 min. They also did it for an amazing price, I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone, A+ job all the way around....

Jim d.

Source: YELP

02/02/2015

Great muffler shop located here In orange. Since I got here Carl treated me with nothing but honesty and was great all along. Prices are very competitive and the work is amazing. I would definitely recommend this place and will be bringing my next cars in the near. Thanks again guys.

Angel S.

Source: YELP

28/07/2015

These guys hooked up a custom pipe for my Bronco for a great price! I called first, got the price quote, drove down there and they did it right away...nice!

Mark E.

Source: YELP

12/11/2014

Super friendly staff. I was helped by Carl. I had a problem with my muffler hitting a recently installed hitch so I took my car here because it was local. No appointment and they had a solution for me (only $20) and I was in and out in 15 minutes with a new stabilizer to hold my muffler in place so it doesn't hit the hitch.
Everyone at the shop was professional and friendly. Highly recommend for any hitch/muffler/welding needs.

Benjamin Z.

Source: YELP

27/03/2015

Staff was amazing and friendly here. Spoke to Carlos over the phone after finding out I needed to replace my catalytic converter in the back on my 2005 Hyundai Elantra. Even though they ordered the wrong part due to misunderstanding, they were friendly and honest, and low rates as well! Unfortunately my car can only take a dealership converter, so I needed to find $1400 to replace it... any other future repairs this place will be among the first I think of!

Ronald M.

Source: YELP

26/02/2015

By far the best muffler shop I ever went to. I got a crack in my exhaust one day. I drive a Mercedes e500. Called the shop. Drove there within 10 minutes. Paid $30 for them to weld the pipes. Got my car back in 10 minutes. Great service. I highly recommend them

Kevin W.

Source: YELP

20/06/2015

Went in this morning not knowing what to expect with my car and was greeted and helped immediately by Carl (I believe that was his name). He lifted my car, saw the problem, and they fixed it right away for a reasonable price.

Devin M.

Source: YELP

10/12/2014

I brought my 2002 honda civic in for a look at the cataylic converter. I spoke with Carl and he said that he could do it for $400 and that saved me over $600 bucks i had him install the cataylic convertor only took him like a hour to complete. I was so pleased with the service I told him i would be back to get my exhast installed I sold my civic and bought a 2006 mazda 3 and my exhaust on my car sounds great !!!!

Corey H.

Source: YELP

16/12/2013

This company hires mechanics who do shady work. I bought a truck from them that had been in an accident that they failed to disclose to the DMV. It was difficult and hardly visible to see they had done work to the truck until a few weeks later I get under the truck to find out what's going on and see marking from a frame straightening shop.
Further I kept losing water but didn't know where from so I took it to a mechanic I know personally. They found ground pepper in the water. An old mechanics trick to seal leaks when selling a car. I found that both heads were cracked. The mechanic also found Lucas thickening oil in the transmission and differential. This is another mechanics trick to prevent slipping so I had to have that rebuilt as well as the bearings and gears were shot. I also have a wiring issue that needs fixing behind the dash because the screwed with that.
Now before your die hard supporters say anything about me getting screwed I rebuild engines as well as a hobby. It was impossible to see any issues with the truck as its an older model and they did a great job of hiding its flaws. I also have all the original parts and can visibly see the damage and saw the pepper and Lucas oil.
On another note they also put in a muffler. Though it still works and sounds great the welds look like the welder through up all over the metal. Very unclean and unprofessional. I would definitely at this point in time recommend against this company. The only way they can gain my loyalty is by fixing the raining issues their mechanic caused as I'm put over $3000 right now.

Christopher P.

Source: YELP

28/05/2014

My name is Ryan Pawlowski,
I was at plaza mufflers last week and the guys there sold me a muffler system, we negotiated a price for a muffler and pipe back in my ford F -350.
I had a choice between a flow master muffler or a magna flow, I chose flow master!!! The guys cut off my exhaust and I was busy on the phone, I saw them go to the muffler shelf and grab a different muffler ,, it fought me off guard,, so I was watching him install the muffler and noticed there was no flow master inprint on muffler so I started to investigate and the guys at plaza muffler were trying to install a fake flow master ( which are a lot cheaper) and not the one they were originally going to install,,,I WAS PIST,,,,! So I confronted him on the matter and he started laughing at me and shrugged his shoulders like ( no big deal you fought me hahaha) I was furious that this shop w almost full reviews on stars on yelp was a sleaze , thieving, hustling crap hole !!! Then when he finally changed it to the original product he sold me and finished the job, they added a extra I didn't approve and try to charge me extra 75.00 bucks I refused and he said just keep it ,,, then I went to pay and I paid partly cash and the rest was going to go on my debit card , he tried charging me full price on top of my cash on my card and wouldn't show me receipt ,,,, theses guys are thieves !!!!! Finally I got him to change charge and give receipt !!! I will never refer , use or say they did anything but try to rip me off as a customer !! Shame on you that's ridiculous
WARNING: do not let these people work on your vehicle !!!!!!

Ryan P.

Source: YELP

15/08/2014

I went to plaza muffler to get a flowmaster muffler installed on my new truck. I expected some schisty guys who would try and rip me off. I WAS WRONG! They treated me like royalty and made sure I was satisfied with my muffler. They were very polite and they treated me with respect. Their competitive prices ensured that I was getting a good deal and I was more than satisfied. I strongly recommended this place to all of my friends who needed mufflers!

Brett P.

Source: YELP

13/05/2014

Good service, I'm here right now waiting, no appointment and they got me started after about 15 mins. I need a new hanger for my tail exhaust pipe, they said $20. Which is fair. They've been very friendly. And it's already done. It got done in the time it took me to write this. :)

Monique R.

Source: YELP

15/08/2012

Overall Good price and service.
Even though there was some confusion as to when the part was supposed to come in to the shop, they were still able to get the part and install it in less than one day whereas other shops needed a day or so to just get the part. Keep in mind all work done was during a weekday and they weren't that busy.
I have 1998 Audi A4 (2.8 FWD) and Automax Service, Tustin said it would cost me $1,200 to replace the catalytic converter with an aftermarket part and $1,400 for an OEM. Plaza Muffler said they could do the job for $300 with an aftermarket part. It took them only like 30 minutes to get the job done. So far the car is running fine and doesn't have the rough idle or lack of accerlation it once did.

Edsel I.

Source: YELP

26/04/2015

My son had recently moved to Orange CA and is looking for work and until he gets a job his funds are limited. He called me to tell me that he was in Long Beach and his car got really loud. I told him to get to an auto repair shop and have them look at it and see how much it would cost. He did and was told that they could fix it the next day for $270. In the mean time he headed back to Orange and I started searching for a muffler shop near him on the Internet. I read Yelp reviews about Plaza Muffler and decided that he should go in when they opened the next morning. Carl helped him and since muffler's are their specialty he knew exactly what to do and showed my son what needed to be done. In less than an hour and $50 later my son was happily on his way. I am thankful to Carl for being honest and not gouging him with a full replacement like the other shop was going to do. I am also happy that if he has any other problems that he has an honest shop to go to. Thank You Plaza Muffler and Carl!

Kim N.

Source: YELP

26/09/2014

Just came back from the Westminster location. Had to have the Catalytic Converter replaced (SLOLEN, PINCHE Crackheads!!!!). The service rep. Paul was very helpful and full of advice no pressure sales. Showed us exactly what we needed. Service was fast , we waited. Price best in town.

Punky A.

Source: YELP

16/05/2014

I recently purchased a 1985 mercedes 190e 2.3. when i got it the owner warned about a small whole in the muffler, I wasn't worried about it to much but had just planned on getting it repaired down the road... Yes the car rumbled and was really smelly, but i looked under the car and the piping seemed to be tearing more and more each time i looked under the car. anyways, the muffler repair was going to end up being a future repair until last friday driving the car back from the mechanic, the whole muffler ripped from the piping and it was at that point i had to get it repaired... You could feel the entire car shake from no muffler, not to mention the atrocious smell, as well as sound...so we took it to plaza muffler around 10am monday...no appointment, no problem, the guy was able to fit us in no problem (i don't think they were very busy) he quoted us $90.00 to chop off the rusted pipes replace the muffler with a cheap-o aftermarket muffler and weld in new piping...IN 1HOUR!!! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!!! sure someday down the road i'll get the entire muffler contraption replaced with OEM mercedes parts, but for a quick/permanent fix to keep your car quiet, I recommend them 110%, keep in mind though, it doesn't match the old muffler but you can only tell if you crawl down under the car, but hey for $90 you can't beat the waiting time or silence my baby-benz now has THANK YOU PLAZA MUFFLER!!!

Jacob C.

Source: YELP

04/04/2012

Great service! Cheap as hell and talented welders!

J J.

Source: YELP

22/06/2012

This shop was highly recommended to me by a coworker, and I had them install new headers on the Ford Bronco I'm restoring in November, 2011. They were honest, fairly priced, and did really good work. I do a lot of work myself on my Bronco, but this exhaust job was more than I wanted to tackle. The results were very clean and obviously a pro job. This isn't one of those slick corporate franchise places in a sterile strip mall; it's kind of a funky but friendly shop just two blocks off of the hip Orange Circle with lots of shops and restaurants to visit while they do the work. I researched the parts they were using, and they got me the parts the same day for about 10 bucks less than the cheapest prices I could have bought myself on the Internet.
The best part is that I never got a hard sell, or pressured to buy extra services or work I didn't need. They just did what was needed, and did it very well. Joe is the head guy there, and he's friendly and laid back, but very profesional.

Troy S.

Source: YELP

24/10/2013

Showed up without an appointment and got my cracked exhaust manifold welded in half an hour. The price was great and the service was excellent. Joe was also very personable and seemed like a good guy to work with.

Adriene F.

Source: YELP

14/10/2013

Had a problem with the hood latch that came apart that needed welding work. Joe explained that it is an easy fix and very affordable. Car was in and out for 20 mins. Save some grief. This place is highly recommended

J L.

Source: YELP

16/03/2012

I was hoping the other 1 star review down there was a fluke. It wasn't.
Due to being the closest area to me with competitive pricing, I was checking orange county for places that replaced catalytic converters. I called Plaza Mufflers and got a quote on a magnaflow catalytic converter for my specific car type. Later that day, I spoke to the manager in person and he told me he would order the magnaflow catalytic converter for me and that he would have it the next day(Friday). I told him since I was helping pick up another car in the area I would be back sometime the next week.
The next week I called twice, on Monday to tell him I would not be coming that day if he was expecting me(he told me the part was not yet anyway), and on Thursday morning to tell him I would come in later that afternoon(he told me that was fine, and that he had the part in).
After driving 100 miles to bring my car in, he tells me he couldn't get a magnaflow in and had ordered a catco. Once I told him I would not accept it and would go somewhere else he then tells me he could get a magnaflow in but it would cost $100 more and another day.
I'm not sure why he didn't tell me about the catco over the phone, or why he would order it if I specifically asked for something different. What he did was just Bait-and-switch.

Ansar B.

Source: YELP

11/05/2016

Best radiators in the world Don kelly owner of Hoffman radiator is one of the nicest guys in the auto industry I have ever delt with and I have been building custom cars for 30+ years!

Bruzer Wildman

Source: FBOOK

13/05/2016

Best guy in the industry. Shoots straight (even if ya don't want to hear the bad news)...and always stands behind his work. If your doing a custom build, call Don! You won't be disappointed.

Carl Hanlon

Source: FBOOK

19/07/2015

Hoffman radiator is the best. Don Kelly, the owner, did a superior job on my car.

Donna Clawson

Source: FBOOK

20/08/2013

Don't know why I posted 1 star before this must have been a mistake through facebook. This place is really good and I really like their work. Don Hoffman is an artist

Jeff VK

Source: FBOOK

15/11/2015

It. Was. Great. I. Met. A. New. Boss. And. Turned. Out. To. B. A. Real. Good. Friend. I. Love. Don. & pat. Like. A. Brother. & sister. I. Known. There. Family. For. Almost. 40. years. I. Love. Ya. Both. And. Always. Will.

Chris Irwin

Source: FBOOK

22/09/2011

Look like a good place for your clasic RADIATOR

Oldman Lantry

Source: FBOOK

28/12/2012

whish you were closer..

Frankie Pate

Source: FBOOK

25/09/2011

Fantastic biz in Old Towne Orange!!

Deb Howard-Rauls

Source: FBOOK

28/11/2015

Harvey Williams

Source: FBOOK

17/11/2015

Cerbby Price

Source: FBOOK

17/09/2015

Cezinha Avelar

Source: FBOOK

09/07/2015

Larry Cricelli

Source: FBOOK

07/07/2015

Tim Welch

Source: FBOOK

07/07/2015

Larry Gibbs

Source: FBOOK

24/04/2015

Pat Kelly

Source: FBOOK

14/04/2015

Robert Bastow

Source: FBOOK

24/03/2015

Aaron Colonelli

Source: FBOOK

07/03/2015

JR Authement

Source: FBOOK

05/10/2014

Irad Garces

Source: FBOOK

13/02/2014

Steven Wooley

Source: FBOOK

21/09/2014

Don Kelly, Custom Radiator Specialist - Owner of Hoffman Radiator

Pat Kelly

Source: GPLAC

22/12/2015

porfirio perez

Source: GPLAC

We work with these brands

Bentley
Buick
Ford
Infiniti
Lexus
Lincoln
MINI
Porsche
RAM

We perform these services

Diagnostics

  • Computerized vehicle diagnostics
  • Troubleshooting and repair of warning lights

Engine Services

  • Engine repair and rebuilds
  • Cooling system service and repair
  • Exhaust system repair

General Automotive Repair

  • Routine services and repairs
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Warranty work

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

Tire Services

  • Tire sales and installation
  • Tire rotation and balancing
  • Wheel alignment