30/04/2016

Ernie is a straight up great mechanic and the only guy I could find to work on a carburated engine in Thousand Oaks. Unfortunately, I was having some problems with an older model engine and no one else would look at it locally. Ernie had the problem sorted out within hours and the car running better than I ever remember for a fair price and quick turn around. What more could you ask for? Well, I will tell you! He also helped me find a great interior guy to finish out my project and the work was better than I could have hoped for. His shop is a hole in the wall and like something you would find in a one horse town (in fact it is behind the tobacco shop) but the service was great and he is an honest guy who knows his stuff and spends time to talk to his customers. I will most definitely be back!
Update: 06/29/16
Not only does Ernie do great work on classic cars he knows his stuff when it comes to newer models. My S2000 a had check engine light on due to a failed oxygen sensor. The dealer wanted to charge me $150 just to diagnose the problem (Hook the car up to their machine for 5min of work). Long story short they misdiagnosed the problem on their own car and still wanted to charge me. I will never be returning to Honda of TO service department. Ernie on the other hand, figured the problem out immediately without charging me to diagnose the issue. The catalytic converters are known to break apart in the S2000 and destroy the secondary oxygen sensor. Ernie did the job of a REAL mechanic and solved the issue right by taking the system apart vs the dealer that just wanted to replace the sensor which would have inevitably failed again after only hooking the car up to a machine.
Bottom line. Get a real mechanic for your vehicle repair needs and see Ernie ar CARS!

Gary N.

Source: YELP

18/06/2016

I had an old C20 Chevy that needed a full engine swap. I dropped the truck off on a Wednesday, and by Friday afternoon it was finished and ready to go. I'll continue coming to Ernie's place, he knows his trade better than most, and knows how to make a customer pleased.

Spyke Q.

Source: YELP

25/04/2016

AMAZING! We are over the moon with the service we received from Ernie. On a road trip from out of town our 70' mustang started acting up and we need someone to look at it quick. After calling multiple locations (10-15) Cars was able to get us in ASAP and after two hours with Ernie she ran better than she had in years. He fixed an issue we would have never caught without him. We wish Ernie and Cars was closer to us we would love to use him as our main mechanic. If you are in need of a mechanic... This is the place to go!!!

Kristin R.

Source: YELP

12/05/2016

`Ernie is an amazing guy! Very honest and extremely efficient.
I got an estimate from here to New York from Firestone, where I brought my car for an oil change. According to them it would cost me close to $1.5K to do the repairs. Being in a medical profession (hence, being a suspicious type) decided to seek a second opinion. Came to Ernie. He inspected my car immediately, showed me where the problem was, fixed it within an hour (!) and it costed me only slightly over $400.
I highly recommend Ernie and his shop.
P.S. His place is a bit hard to find, as it's not that visible from the T.O. Blvd. But the garage is right behind Tobacco Shop and Sherwin Williams paint.

Victoria T.

Source: YELP

08/01/2016

Ernie is hands down the best mechanic! Always gets things done fast and never gauges you on the price. My husband is a "hot rodder" and knows a thing or two about cars so if he's pleased it's saying something! Wether new or old cars, Ernie always know what to do to get it running.
The shop is located behind Sherman Williams paint store in TO Blvd. I highly recommend Cars Etc!

Melissa W.

Source: YELP

26/05/2015

As a young adult that has only ever owned one car, Ernie was the first person I took my car to. Needless to say, he's the only person I've taken my car to since, and believe me, I have had a lot of problems recently. He's as honest as they come, very professional, and quite a funny dude on top of it. I've had service that kept me waiting an hour or two, which is simply fantastic!

Jacob S.

Source: YELP

15/10/2014

Don't be suspicious of all the 5-star ratings; they're deserved! As the kind of automotively-clueless customer that most garages are likely thrilled to up-charge, I generally walk away from car repairs feeling slighted and confused. Ernie, on the other hand, went above and beyond to fairly assess the damage to my car after an accident and to advocate for me to the insurance company. He was incredibly easy to reach, made me feel absolutely comfortable, and even made some significant repairs to previous damage that the insurance company did not cover-- for free!
Know that you are in good hands at C.A.R.S, one of those old school, customer-first kinda businesses with an owner who takes pride in his work.

E S.

Source: YELP

24/10/2014

It takes a lot of searching to find a good honest mechanic who knows his business. I was recommended by a friend 4 years ago to Ernie's shop and have been a loyal customer ever since. I am also happy to recommend my friends to his shop every chance I get.

Tyson R.

Source: YELP

31/05/2015

Ernie is a great mechanic and can diagnose a problem better than anyone I've ever seen. He works fast and does an outstanding job. Cars from the 50s, 60s & 70s to present day. He does everything from oil changes to building you an engine. You'll be very happy.

Jed F.

Source: YELP

04/07/2015

I have been bringing my cars to Cars Etc for 15 years and will continue to do so as long as I live in the Conejo Valley area. Top notch service along with real automotive knowledge is what you get from the owner and lead mechanic Ernie Nunes. I travel frequently and on occasion my wife's vehicle has broke down when I'm out of town. I have her car towed to Cars Etc. Ernie takes care of the repair and makes sure my wife has a ride home if the vehicle needs to be in the shop for repair. You can't beat that kind of service, support and trust no matter where you look these days. My wife always comments on how professional and courteous her experience was with Ernie. Do yourself a solid and take your car to Cars Etc before you go anywhere else. You will be glad you did.

Sean M.

Source: YELP

04/03/2015

I've taken my vehicles to Ernie for 10 plus years and I refer everybody to him. Honesty is one of the most important qualities in a mechanic and this guy is as honest as they get. When he tells me I need to fix something, I know I need to fix it. He's a one stop shop from oil changes and tires to serious engine builds and he's extremely efficient. Anytime I call him he gets me in and out within a day or two. He also takes the time to educate me so that I can be a better, more informed car owner. Seriously, I can't say enough great things. All these amazing reviews are genuine... Ernie is the absolute best. I wish there was more than 5 stars, he's the real deal!

Phoenix M.

Source: YELP

27/09/2015

Let me explain my review of Cars, Etc. by comparing them to two other car repair shops in the Conejo Valley area. I went to two other car shops to get estimates to fix a serious oil leak in my 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The first car shop I went to in Thousand Oaks estimated about $450 to fix the leak at the top of the engine, but said there could be another oil leak that they couldn't see because the engine was awash with oil leakage. They told me to go to a Car wash center to get my engine power cleaned (which for sure would have been another $125 to clean the entire engine so they could find the main leak. What nerve? The other car shop in Agoura Hills meticulously found the main engine oil leak after my wife and I decided to clean the engine ourselves. But that shop stated they could fix the top and bottom (main gasket connection) leak for $3000! Ernie on the other hand, cleaned the engine himself, of course for free because he actually had the integrity and made the time to investigate and troubleshoot the problem. He fixed just the main gasket and stated that was all that was needed for just $900. Ernie, Cars etc. was absolutely correct. My truck is dry as a whistle. It was not necessary to do anything to the top of the engine. Ernie found the main cause of the problem and completed the fix for what was just needed to fix the oil leak. He had the honesty and integrity to do that. Don't waste your time going to those other car repair shops. I believe the other car shop in Thousand Oaks is very busy. But that is not necessarily a sign that they are operating with the fullest amount of integrity possible. Go to Cars, etc. because they are truly in my opinion the best, fairest and honest car shop in the Conejo Valley area. If Ernie gives you an appointment one week out, then save it on your calendar, be patient and go to your appointment. It's worth it! Also his location just off the Hillcrest Rd Exit off the 101 Freeway is convenient. But his shop is a bit tricky to find. It's in the same parking area as Sherman's Paints on Thousand Oaks Blvd. Their sign is also a bit hard to see from the Boulevard. Go Ernie Go!

Ray G.

Source: YELP

19/07/2013

Ernie has been a trusted mechanic of mine for many years... he is honest and good at what he does. He is a nice guy too who I do not hesitate to refer people to.

Steve F.

Source: YELP

26/02/2011

Cars Etc was able to repair my car after many other mechanics were unable to explain the problem. They fixed it for a very reasonable rate and my car runs like new! I've referred many friends to this company, and they've referred more friends. If you need a dependable mechanic, I couldn't recommend anyone better than Ernie.

Danielle D.

Source: YELP

03/09/2011

my check engine light was on for a couple weeks and since i work during the week, it was tough to get my car into a shop. I called about 5 places and nobody was open this Saturday except Cars Etc. so I figured I would try them out and pay $35 to find out what's wrong. I was terrified that I had a blown gasket or worse and was looking at a $600 or $1000+ repair
About an hour after I dropped my car off I got the call; all I needed was a $15 part and 99% chance everything will be solved. He even showed me what part to replace (PCV valve) if I wanted to do it myself.

Joe T.

Source: YELP

10/02/2013

Great garage, great owner! Had a check engine light on a Saturday afternoon, called and Ernie said he could take a look at it without an appmt. He picked up the parts himself, and worked on it through lunch. My car was ready to go within an hour and a half overall on a Saturday, after having diagnostics and replacement of parts for the vacuum. Ernie was very relaxed and nice, and didn't charge for the diagnostics. Definitely recommend this place!

Matt H.

Source: YELP

09/03/2012

My wife and I have four cars, the oldest dating back to 1965. We've trusted Ernie completely from a simple oil change to a complete rewire of the car and never been dissapointed. He treats everyone with respect, charges a fair price and is never satisfied until your job is just right. If you continue to feel gouged at the dealership or concerned about some of the shady independent shops around here you deserve to give him a try.

Dude L.

Source: YELP

16/11/2011

I've been going here since I started driving in 97. Ernie is the man. Always very fair and honest.

Karl W.

Source: YELP

06/06/2011

Fantastic shop! Owner (Ernie) is accommodating and knowledgeable. We needed to have a broken sway bar and the ride control fixed on our 2003 Yukon Denali before we hauled my husband's father's pool table back to our home in Everett, WA. This was last minute AND on the weekend and we were in and out in record time. Thank you so much!

Lisa B.

Source: YELP

06/05/2016

I feel so lucky to have found Ernie and C.A.R.S. It's not that easy to find a really GOOD mechanic who is also HONORABLE. I've lived in TO since it was a small town (50 years) and easy to know who was honest. Not so easy now. I have a car that is getting older (bought new). After my husband passed it became up to me to keep it running. My car always started and NEVER leaked a drop. Suddenly it wouldn't start. I took it to a different repair shop. After a new alternator & a new battery I got home and immediately found it was leaking something. Went back and was told it needed a new radiator. After a radiator IT STILL LEAKED! I felt ripped off. Eventually I found Ernie and C.A.R.S (thank goodness). The day I took it to him, he got down on the ground, looked under it and told me it was leaking from the transmission. That sounded really bad (and probably expensive). He fixed it in a day for almost nothing. He said "somehow some bolts had come loose" and he just needed to tighten them back up. It's been over two weeks now and it hasn't leaked a drop! He could have told me anything and I wouldn't have known the difference but he's an honest guy & an honest business man. Feels like I have stepped back in time.

Carol Oberle

Source: GPLAC