26/04/2016

The guy I talked to, whom I believe was the owner, was completely unprofessional, rude and treated me with no respect by acting as though i didn't have any idea what the hell I was talking about. I received the diagnostics for my Lexus from the Lexus dealership, yet he said he wouldn't do the repair without charging me for him to diagnose it too. Kiwi's will never have my business; no one that claims to be a professional should EVER talk to a potential client/customer like the way he did to me. Horrible business, in my opinion.

Taylor Maegan

Source: FBOOK

23/03/2015

Yo man, I'm really happy for you, imma let you finish, but this is the best repair shop of all time. OF ALL TIME!

Taylor Valjien

Source: FBOOK

10/06/2015

Molly Astell

Source: FBOOK

02/03/2010

Experienced and cheap

This is one of the best in SB. Kiwi and his partner are experience and cheap. They have great customer service too.

Rachel S

Source: INPAG

28/12/2010

They get it done when they say it will be done.

Kiwi's Auto Repair has always fixed what was broken, and gotten it back to me on time when they say they will. I have known the head mechanic for awhile, and have used Kiwi's Auto Repair ever since they opened 5 or so years ago. They get…

Bill T

Source: CLOBB

23/12/2015

I really got to say this is an amazing location. I'll be honest. It's in kind of a random spot, and in a sense you could label the area as "not ideal", but their work ethic is really amazing. Not trying to sell me up on anything I don't need, listening to how my car got where it is now, and helping me choose what exactly to do to my car. Plus, they hit me up with a 15% off my total bill which is always nice. If my car doesn't die out in the next year, I'll definitely come through for more work when needed.

Andrew Pagan

Source: GPLAC

10/07/2015

I love these guys. The most honest mechanics I have been to other than my uncle. :) thanks for having great morals and great skills with cars!! I will never go any where els. My boyfriend also uses then because of the great job they have always done on my car. :) plus they are truly friendly!!!!

Jenny Booys

Source: GPLAC

12/02/2016

Clean (for an auto shop), kind and competent service. Just be aware that the entrance is actually on yanonali.

Julian Palmisano

Source: GPLAC

16/07/2014

As a woman who is not well tuned with auto repair, I went to Kiwi's on a recommendation from a friend. Kiwi was direct and no nonsense (in the best way). Rich, the mechanic/employee who primarily handled my car, took the time to shuttle me from the garage and back to it, and he was superbly helpful! He answered my questions thoroughly, explaining many aspects of the repair process to me in language that was clear and without condescension or any attempts to take advantage of my unfamiliarity with cars. I am confident that I will come back to this auto repair shop again and again.

Linda Li

Source: GPLAC

29/05/2015

Always worth a call. Called them with a very specific alternator problem (need a positive diode replaced), and they directed me to where I can have it done. This kind of honesty and transparency is commendable. I'll be sure to always offer Kiwi's work first.

John Ploense

Source: GPLAC

28/04/2016

I don't use anyone else for my car needs! I drive a Nissan and he knows his Japanese cars! Rich is honest and the best at what he does! I have only positive things to say about Kiwi. I went in for general maintenance and the service was amazing. He was upfront about what I needed and didn't need. He honored the quoted price on everything, even though he probably should have charged for fixing a spliced tube that they struggled with fixing. He also gave me a ride so that I wouldn't be late to work!
Recently, my car wouldn't start. Not only did he remember the car, but he came out to my house(on his way home!) to check it out. It ended up being a minor issue and fixed it on the spot, free of charge!
I'll be going back soon for new brakes and regular maintenance. He's the kind of guy who will make sure to give you quality parts and service to ensure that your car lasts as long as it can. I really appreciate that mentality.
Stop looking, you've found your long term mechanic.

Natasha B.

Source: YELP

10/03/2016

Always great, up-front service. After trying out several different auto-shops in SB, I definitely believe in investing into local businesses like Kiwis.
Great prices also, and if they can't fix it, they always recommend places with good deals.

Teddy L.

Source: YELP

26/07/2016

They charged me $70 for synthetic oil change. I felt robbed. What a joke, definitely not going back.

Alex O.

Source: YELP

24/04/2016

The most honest shop I've come across. So happy to have been referred here when I moved to the west coast! Nicest, fairest guys in town. Make them your mechainic!

Anthony S.

Source: YELP

23/12/2015

I really got to say this is an amazing location. I'll be honest. It's in kind of a random spot, and in a sense you could label the area as "not ideal", but their work ethic is really amazing. Not trying to sell me up on anything I don't need, listening to how my car got where it is now, and helping me choose what exactly to do to my car.
Plus, they hit me up with a 15% off my total bill which is always nice. If my car doesn't die out in the next year, I'll definitely come through for more work when needed.

Andrew P.

Source: YELP

08/10/2015

Had a really negative experience here last Friday and I'm shocked because I chose to go there based on all the great reviews. To preface this: I'm 9 months pregnant. My car wouldn't start outside the bank and after trying to have it jumped I called Kiwi's (based on the reviews) and the owner nicely said, sure, tow it on over and we'll look at it. The owner and a mechanic determined very quickly that it was the starter. After explaining to me the part would be $250 and labor $250, I texted my husband to let him know. My husband called to CarQuest and learned that the actual price for the exact part was $130. He came down to Kiwi's to discuss the price for the repair with the owner because it seems much too expensive. First of all he said he refused to put a cheaper starter in my car, then when my husband pressed him and said he had looked up the part and knew what the price was, then Rich changed his story and said that to stay in business he HAS to markup all his parts 100%. We said we would like to take the car somewhere else. Rich then threatened that "that's fine but I'll still charge you $120 for looking at it." So now feeling stuck and taken advantage of, we let him fix my car and paid him the $500. Meanwhile I got on Google and talked to another trusted mechanic and learned that the fair price of a starter repair on my vehicle in this zip code should be around $300 or at the very most $400. I still feel sick about it and cried at spending that much extra money unnecessarily at 9 months pregnant.
I'm truly sorry if this man is having trouble staying in business for financial reasons but taking advantage of vulnerable pregnant women ISN'T the the way to make ends meet.

Calla P.

Source: YELP

22/10/2015

Have been taking my car to the guys now for more than 2 years. They never recommended and work or service that was not necessary. Even when I said that I feel like the front brakes are not good anymore (a home run for every mechanic), Rich replied that I am fine for at least another year or so. Things that needed to be fixed were fixed quickly without any problems and in a timely manner (I almost always got my car back the same day). I have not tried any other place in town but why taking the risk just to safe a few bucks? I am a happy customer and that is all that counts...Thanks guys, see you soon.

Falko H.

Source: YELP

19/01/2016

Terrible service. Couldn't fix my car, but the real issue was them not being helpful at all or optimistic in the next step. Tried to worry/intimidate me about my car's issue rather than help me out with what to do next.

Deep D.

Source: YELP

30/11/2015

I brought my 2001 Saturn SL2 to Kiwi's auto repair to have them replace the engine starter. Rich was dishonest and charged me $500 for the work to be done citing that it required 2 hours of labor in addition to the car parts. I consulted a couple other shops and was told that auto repair guidelines state that replacing a new starter should only take 1 hour and that I was being overcharged by about $150-200. When I asked Rich why he was charging more than other care repair shops he became very angry and yelled at me. He has extremely poor customer service skills and I will not give his shop any more business.

Ken W.

Source: YELP

18/04/2015

As Bad as a Dealer:
I took my Toyota Prius in to replace my headlights that were out. They quoted me $472 saying that the labor was 1.5 hours and the bulbs (JUST THE BULBS) were $150 EACH.
Even though the bulbs are HID, it urns out they are only $40 on Amazon. I took the bulbs to a different shop who installed them in 20 minutes- costing me $40 in labor.
End result- ~$120 said and done compared to the $472 Kiwi's Quoted.

Ryan K.

Source: YELP

11/11/2015

Yup you saw it correctly, 5 STARS. Rich helped me with my electrical issue on my '04 Ford Focus Station-wagon which has stumped at least three other auto repair shops that I've taken it to. I got to the point where if I didn't get it fixed I would need to let it go. For years it has had a short and would randomly beep and lights would flash on the dash when the car was off; draining the battery. After excellent troubleshooting by Rich and his staff, he sent the electrical assembly off to be rebuilt and the problem is GONE. I can actually go camping again! I waited a few weeks before posting this to be sure. Rich will go the extra mile for you.

Kitty C.

Source: YELP

07/07/2015

Amazing service. I was having an issue with my car starting and after doing some research decided to go to Kiwi's based off of the great reviews. They did not disappoint. Turns out all I needed was a new battery. The owner was great, he only charged me for the battery and not the labor. I told him I was going on a road trip later that week and he offered to do an inspection of my car for free. Definitely will return for any of my auto maintenance needs.

Jessica P.

Source: YELP

16/12/2015

This place is the best. Rich was so helpful and diligent with his work, they spent over a day diagnosing a problem in my Subaru that many others had issues trying to figure out and made sure to update me often. He put so much work and effort out that I have to go back to him every time!! Thanks guys :)

Alex M.

Source: YELP

23/06/2015

Unbelievable service from these guys. Power steering pump went out and we were camping in Carpinteria for a week. Found out about the pump as we were pulling out of the campsite. Called several places, and Kiwi they ordered the pump and got us on the road quickly. We got it to them late in the day, so we had to get a hotel room. They even offered to give us ride to the hotel. Great shop, great people!!!!

Mike E.

Source: YELP

16/03/2015

I took my truck in with transmission problems and these guys took it for the day and then made a recommendation to transmission shop for the job. It was a free piece of advice that I appreciated while on the road from the mid-west. Great customer service!

JD S.

Source: YELP

19/12/2012

The mechanics over at Kiwi's Auto Repair are great guys!
I received a frantic call from a co-worker who was stuck in a parking lot in a company car that was literally smoking. Knowing she was near Kiwi, I called the mechanics there and explained the situation.
Kiwi immediately sent one of their guys to her location and assessed the situation. (Apparently a rodent had made a nest in the engine.) It was determined that it was safe for her to drive to Kiwi where they would clean out the engine and get her back on the road in minutes! 5-star experience!
Thank you Kiwi's Auto Repair! You rock!

Danah W.

Source: YELP

26/09/2013

I took my 2000 Honda Accord to this shop for 92K mile service, which included an oil change among other minor service. Two weeks ago my radiator cracked when I was down in LA and I had to take it to a shop down there. The mechanic told me that there was no oil and he could tell that there hadn't been any oil in the car for months.
I'm not blaming my radiator cracking due to there being no oil in my car, but if I take my car to a shop for primarily an oil change and all you do is take the old oil out without putting my REQUESTED synthetic oil in, then you're fortunate to get only one star.
I won't be back.

Shaun K.

Source: YELP

19/10/2014

The owner met me at the car before I was able to put it in park. My power steering was howling and I asked him to replace my power steering pump. He first looked up my cars recall records to make sure that the dealership wouldn't replace it for free. He then found that possibly cleaning the pump reservoir would stop the howling. He lost money by insisting that the pump didn't need to be replaced. Every once in a while you come a cross a business that truly cares about their craft and making money isn't even in their head. Job was done in one hour. Don't hesitate to use kiwi!

Michelle R.

Source: YELP

02/05/2013

Bob was the mechanic who helped me with my Honda Civic 2007.
There was a sound coming from the right rear of the car. The moment I arrived, he kindly asked to take it for a test drive; drove around the block and placed the car on the lift.
He saw the problem in a couple minutes - Something came loose at the back.
He repaired it and sent me on my way.
HE DIDN'T EVEN ASKED FOR $$!
When I offered, he replied, "Don't worry about it! It didn't take any time."
I was extremely grateful for his kindness! I'll be recommending my friends to this place! Thank you BOB!

Rachael T.

Source: YELP

19/07/2013

Kiwi's did a great job with my vehicle.
My truck died while on vacation in S.B. I was pretty stuck and concerned about finding a good mechanic who could get me back on the road. Bob is The Man! He did a great job. He was helpful, fast and very reasonable. Wish they had a shop in Phoenix. Kiwi's gets two thumbs, way up.
Don W.

Don W.

Source: YELP

08/12/2013

My wife and I recently had to get both our cars an oil change and tune up. We are both very busy professionals and don't have a lot time during the week; that is kudos one for Kiwi's were willing to give my wife a ride to work after dropping her car off in the morning. Kudos two comes from their efficiency. Kiwi's owner Richard said they would need order a specific part for my wife's car (Pontiac), we originally took our car to a dealership and the same part was going to take 4 days and cost 3 times what Richard quoted us as, and the part came the next day. Oh and did I mention that they also picked her up with her car working perfectly at the end of her day.
My wife dealt with both Bob and Patrick who she said were more than helpful. She said that they not only explained everything that they were going to do to her car BEFORE they did it, but Patrick also said what other potential problems would come up in the near future. It is nice not experiencing the pressure that you would get from a dealership, especially when it comes to my wife taking "ownership" of her car and its maintenance scheduling.
The people at Kiwis auto repair are trustworthy, fair, and honest. I am sold, any problems I have with my car, my wife has with her car, or my friends have with theirs, I will always take the car to the guys at Kiwi's.
Ryan

Ryan R.

Source: YELP

28/05/2013

Highly recommend them.
Always call me and let me know what's going on before they work on it. Had to replace the oil pan in my Acura TL and before doing any work they brought me under the car to show me what was going on.
They fixed the plastic belly pan (protective guard underneath the engine and wheel wells) free of charge to me after working on the oil pan.
Richard is the owner, great guy.

Christian R.

Source: YELP

09/04/2014

I heard about these guys from local friends, and can't thank them enough for recommending them. They are so good at what they do, and have made me feel so confident about their integrity and car knowledge. I hope to continue working with them forever.

Bonnie C.

Source: YELP

05/03/2014

I've a 91 Toyota pickup that, during its long life, I've had serviced in Santa Barbara and area, as well as elsewhere. About two years ago I "discovered" Kiwi's on
and liked what I read.
I am very impressed and pleased with all the work done, from the regular oil changes, to the more serious, oil pump, alternator, waterpump, things that an older (okay, an old) car needs. What I particularly appreciate is the confidence that comes with knowing that someone knowledgeable and trustworthy, both of which I've found to be true, has looked carefully at the engine.
I also appreciate the friendliness of both Bob and Rich, and I appreciate, too, that the prices are reasonable and that Bob searches for parts, shares the info, and is knowledgeable about the specific parts available. (Again, I have been elsewhere.) And I like that I am kept in the loop about what's happening, what they find rather than being faced with an unexpected charge.
They seem to work on all sorts of cars, and I can say nothing but many, many thanks for the great service. It's unusual; it's what used to be and is now rare.

Betsy C.

Source: YELP

27/12/2013

Outstanding service...highly recommend Kiwi's...owner Rich and Bob were kind to fit our car in for service....during this hectic holiday season...very, very fair price and didn't charge a penny for 2hours of trouble shooting. Parts ordered, delivered and vehicle out in hours...before scheduled pickup time!
Thanks guys and Happy New Year!

g m.

Source: YELP

28/11/2011

I was looking for a mechanic in the area and started going here basically because they were the only people that answered my phone call at 5 on a Friday.
When I brought my car in both Bob and Kiwi were friendly, and helpful. They inspected my car at no cost and gave me an estimate for what was wrong and explained that they could look for the part at a junkyard or buy from the dealer. I really appreciated how they went through my options and what each one would cost.
On several occasions I have stopped by because I heard a noise coming from my car and every time they have taken a look at it for free and always let me know all about the issue.
i am so glad I found these guys, they have been very helpful to me and in an area where many of the car shops charge just to take a look at your car I think it would be hard to find a better spot for your car issues!

Mitch F.

Source: YELP

18/06/2014

These guys are amazing! So incredibly helpful, so kind, and they really try to do the best they can cost-wise. We've gone to them for oil changes and more major repairs, and they've always been fantastic. Thanks Kiwi's!

Sarah K.

Source: YELP

07/06/2013

I took my 2011 Toyota Corolla in this morning to fix a broken tail light, expecting a bill of at least $50. Bob helped me out right away, and quickly determined that the tail light was somehow UNPLUGGED! He fixed it in about 4 minutes total.
He then refused to take any payment - so my trip was completely free, and the tail light is in perfect working condition. Can't say enough good things about my experience, and I will certainly return any time I have another problem!

Elliot A.

Source: YELP

03/08/2011

Thought it was a bad thermostat. Was diagnosed as a cracked head and not worth fixing. And no charge... What a
pleasant surprise.

Brent A.

Source: YELP

26/05/2010

Kiwi's auto repair is hands down the best deal in Santa Barbara. I know absolutely nothing about cars so I took my pick-up truck over to Meineke and they quoted me almost $1500 for the repairs! Granted, I had destroyed my brake rotors (which is not a good thing). They quoted me a whole bunch of stuff i didn't understand and was really expensive. I called up Kiwi and he gave me a FREE estimate for the damage I had done, told me the TRUTH about what I really needed to replace, and then completed it in less than a day at 1/3 of the price I got quoted at the other place (where I had to pay $50 for an estimate).
They do quality work for far less than those corporate oil-changers, and they are honest and really nice guys. I HIGHLY recommend giving them a call. Plus, they'll give you a ride to work while they work on your ride. Keep up the good work Kiwi!

Casey M.

Source: YELP

16/05/2014

I HIGHLY recommend this mechanic. I had an emergency repair and drove my crippled car to Kiwi's. The gentleman there didn't have a free rack to put car upon, so he crawled under it with a wrench and made a simple repair. It was very quick, so he didn't even charge me! I recommend EVERYBODY in the Santa Barbara area use Kiwi's. He is honest, fair, and not least of all, a VERY nice man.

Eric H.

Source: YELP

03/05/2013

I've been using Rich Robar since before he took over Kiwi's. A friend at work was calling around for prices for a valve job when another friend said call Rich. Rich insisted on doing his own diagnosis rather than quoting price based on what other people were quoting. They were quoting 1800 down to 1200... Rich came out, drove the car, figured out it didn't need a valve job at all and fixed eveything for a couple of hundred dollars.
Rich has been there for me in several "emergency" situations and has always fixed what needed fixing for a fair price. Honest, fair and successful repairs are the criteria for a good mechanic.
Thank you Rich for all your help and good work.

Ed S.

Source: YELP

05/02/2013

I brought in my Nissan 200SX into Kiwi's in early 2012. The car needed a Valve Cover Gasket replacement. Almost 1 year later the car not only runs great, but has no leaks at all. This is a first for me... That's why I waited so long before writing the review: I wanted to make sure the thing was going to be fixed before giving 5 stars!

Sal I.

Source: YELP

18/06/2013

I have never found a mechanic shop I can trust as much as the guys over at Kiwi's.My Jetta broke down on the drive from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and I was freaking out because the check engine light came on (On vacation mind you!). The girl at the hotel recommended I take my car to Kiwi's which was just up the street. He said to bring the car in so he could test it and that he wouldn't charge me to test it. Once he did though, it showed there was a major problem. He said he wouldn't know what the problem was until he tore a few things apart which would mean a lot of moolah. I had mentioned that I recently had my oil changed so he said it may be a good idea to give it a new oil change and flush everything in case the guys at Jiffy Lube didn't do something right. I left the car with him, and come to find out, the Jiffy Lube guys jipped me on some oil and the engine almost fried because of it. Thanks to Kiwi's my Jetta is running great! More than just saving me money and more importantly, time, on vacation, the guys were so great to work with. I wish I lived in Santa Barbara because finding a knowledgeable, honest, and friendly mechanic is nearly impossible. If you live in Santa Barbara, take advantage of being close to Kiwi's!

Kel-Mel B.

Source: YELP

12/08/2009

This garage is my favorite in the Santa Barbara area. Kiwi and his partner are experienced, skilled, and cheap. They've made a point of customer service- offering to ferry their customers to and from the garage.
The "cheap" bit comes from their savings on rent- it is a dusty shop in the industrial part of town, but it is worth it.

Tea P.

Source: YELP

18/09/2011

Fantastic Service on a Saturday! I was visiting Santa Barbara and my "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I didn't want to drive 200 miles home without knowing what was wrong, so I took it to Kiwi's and they were great - running a quick OBD (On Board Diagnostic) to see if anything was seriously wrong. It was a minor issue with the evaporative emisson controls, but they did see some leakage around the water pump indicating that I'd have to replace it fairly soon, before it becomes a major issue. I was able to relax and drive home with no worries. Furthermore, they didn't charge me a cent for the diagnostic! I highly recommend this shop! I'd give them 10 stars if I could.

Will H.

Source: YELP

08/07/2013

I dropped my Honda Civic off at Kiwi's this morning, and by the time I got off work Bob had replaced the radiator in my Honda Civic and given it all new hoses. He knew exactly what the problem was, why it had happened, and was able to take care of it swiftly and expertly. Will definitely be bringing my car back here for future repairs.

M L.

Source: YELP

25/08/2011

I've known Kiwi and Bob for several years. They used to work at a place called Imperial Muffler on Carillo and Chapala, but the owner at the time didn't take care of his responsibilities and the place was closed. Kiwi decided to open his own shop and all of us who have relied on him to maintain our cars are relieved he stayed in town. His coworker Bob is a great guy and very helpful. Bob knows enough about cars to handle the shop when Kiwi isn't around. I haven't yet seen a job that Kiwi and Bob can't handle, and they're always working so hard. They deserve more than 5/5 stars for their excellent service. I just moved out of town for college and will miss the comfort and security of being able to drive to Kiwi's anytime if I ever have an issue with my car. I'd definitely be willing to do the 4 hour drive to have them do the routine maintenance though, that's how great they are.

Paul C.

Source: YELP

23/09/2013

I had a clunking sound in my car while I was driving. I took it to Sears and Jiffy Lube and neither of them could figure out what was wrong. I decided to ask around, and my neighbor mentioned Kiwis. I took my car in the next morning and their mechanic, PJ, was able to look over my car and found a missing bolt in my brake caliper. It was fixed quickly, and they gave me a great price. Everyone there was nice and really helpful. I'm glad I know about them now. I will definitely be taking my car here from now on!

Marissa L.

Source: YELP

26/11/2013

Awful. My car started making a squeaking noise a few months back so I took it here to see if my brakes were bad or what else could cause the noise. They told me they did a total inspection and the noise was due to there being "too much brake pad" and that if it happened to slam the brakes and it would go away. They said everything was fine with the car. Just recently my car starting making the noise more frequently and then a scraping noise began yesterday. I took in to a different shop today, to be told my front brake pads were not only gone but metal to metal so I now have to get the rotars replaced now as well. I told the new mechanic today about it and he said there is absolutely no such thing as too much brake pad and he didn't know what Kiwi's was talking about. On top of this, they charged me almost $60 for the useless "consultation" they supposedly performed! I will NEVER be back. Do not waste your money going here!

Ashley A.

Source: YELP

26/06/2011

Have lived in santa barbara for 8 years and always serviced my car out of town, but found Kiwi's on yelp and they were fantastic! Couldn't have had a better experience. They replaced my brake pads (w/ parts they had to order from thousand oaks) and repaired (not replaced) a broken bracket within 24 hours at a great price!

Alex B.

Source: YELP

12/08/2011

Going to Kiwi was the best mechanic experience I've had. I went here for a second opinion when a mechanic had guaranteed me that I had a blown head gasket. Kiwi and Bob looked more closely and determined that wasn't the case and fixed what was actually wrong with the car. I also needed my car back quickly, and they were able to complete the repair in short time. Up until now, I've always taken my car to mechanics out of town, but now I'm glad I have a reliable place to go to in Santa Barbara.

Michael G.

Source: YELP

14/08/2012

These guys are great. Very fast and friendly. Will go beyond what is required to make their customers happy.

Cason F.

Source: YELP

06/09/2012

Rich Robar is the best mechanic on the face of the earth.. I took my 1988 Lamborghini to get fixed there .. He didnt charge me Lamborghini prices but fixed my problem at what it would cost to fix a moped. He didnt swap parts but found the probelm then found the part on a low cost website saving me tons of money Five stars to Kiwi Auto Repair

Harry H.

Source: YELP

20/03/2012

I have trusted Rich with my cars over the last 7 years and they always have better prices and do great work.. Not only are they great mechanics but trusting, honest people!

Lou F.

Source: YELP

12/06/2010

kiwi's auto repair is AWESOME! kiwi and his partner bobby are experienced, competent, honest, and completely fair. i took my car in and they immediately looked at it, ran some diagnostic tests, and determined that it was just a minor issue and that i didn't need parts. they didn't try to sell me parts and they didn't charge me ONE CENT for looking at the car. they explained what was going on in simple, easy to understand, terms. they also told me to call them if i had more trouble and they would drive to ME to take a look at it! amazing auto repair place. so glad i found them and will be sticking with them as long as they are open.

Robin C.

Source: YELP