Pacific Motor Service (Monterey, CA)
550 East Franklin Street , Monterey, CA 93940 831-375-9571
Features and Specialties: Reminds you when routine maintenance is needed ,Has ASE certified mechanics

Please send us any corrections or additions to the above information. If you have experience with this shop, please add your own review!

Survey results:

They are always honest
They are competent
The repair price is always reasonable
They fix the problem the first time
They complete the work in a timely manner
They respond well when they screw something up
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood
The hours of operation are convenient for customers
They treat male and female customers in the same manner
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed)

Reviewers Comments:

Kevin is an exceptional mechanic, and both scrupulously honest and totally competant (some mechanics, it's hard to tell whether they're bs'ing or whether they're incompetent). You will, however, pay for it. This shop is expensive. NOT for routine oil changes for that reason. Shop is not equipped for smog tests, but they will take to a trusted local shop if that is part of needed maintenance. These guys also perform incredible saves on weird problems that can really save your bacon. I had a piston come out of my engine and they pulled off a very affordable fix without replacing the engine. Likewise on an emergency brake pull that needed to be rewelded. They've never needed to keep my car overnight!! But if you need your brakes changed, either go to a trusted Midas or save up. Not open Sat or Sun.

I found this shop of your web site. I was impressed with the level of service and the attention to detail. I'm from Southern California and the shop I went to for years did a good job overall, but this place went over and above anything I ever experienced in L.A. You can see the service bays from the customer waiting area, the shop floors are as clean as the waiting room. Kevin explained everything my car needed in detail and he explained it in a way I could understand. I havent had that kind of attention before in a service shop. There is a proclomation from the City of Monterey on the front counter issued by the Mayor because the shop is Certifed Green. Kevin has certificates and awards posted that demonstrate he is committed to his customers. It's refreshing to meet a small business owner who cares about his customers the way he seems to. I plan on using Pacific Motors in the future!

I've only been there twice, but I've been impressed both times. The first time I was there sitting, waiting for a routine oil change, I heard the owner/manager Kevin on the phone actually telling someone how to save money on repairs (I've not heard that before at a repair shop). My own vehicle has had some unusual use (and/or abuse) over the last four years in different parts of the world. I plan on keeping my vehicle a few more years (10) and thought it might be time for some extra "routine maintenance". I asked Kevin about it and he recommended I don't do it now (even at his shop!). We both went out to my vehicle, I explained my concerns and he explained what would be best in term cost versus value. In the end he told me he could perform the service I thought necessary, after all it is a business, but if it were his vehicle he would wait another 9,000 miles. I'm not use to that kind of honesty. I was impressed and will continue taking my vehicle to Kevin's shop for service.

I've taken my cars to Pacific Motors since 1973. Kevin & Sue are the 3rd owners of this fine service shop, the founder died several years ago and Kevin & Sue purchased the shop from the 2nd owner who retired. I trust these folks with my small fleet of cars and trucks. I recently found out Kevin is a Professor at Monterey Peninsula College in the automotive department in addition to running his shop. Evertime I go in for service, i'm greeted with a smile and a short visit to catch up. They run a nice family business and I refer anyone I know to this shop. Great people doing a great job!

My wife takes both our car and van in for service. We were referred to Pacific Motors by a friend that has been going there for 10 years. I like the personal service the best. Kevin knows my family and my cars, so when my wife goes in for service, I have confidence in his word. I?ve never been disappointed with any work performed. We trust Kevin?s word. We needed a replacement car, our station wagon died and Kevin suggested we not revive it--too many miles and the value of the car was low. Kevin recommended a Toyota Sienna van. My wife and I freaked out. Kevin went with us to the dealer?held our hand through the new car purchase. We offered to pay him for his time and he refused. He did ask my wife to bake his crew some cookies!! We love our new Sienna, thanks Kevin.

We?ve been going to Pacific Motors for a few years now. I was a student of Kevin?s at MPC, he teaches the 100 automotive night classes. I learned allot from him and decided to have his shop service my cars. I?ve never been disappointed with any service or repair work done. My wife and kids take our cars in and he treats them with respect?I appreciate that. I reefer my friends and family to Kevin

We love this shop. We found it on this web site a few years ago and have been using them ever since. Our Cadillac was at the dealer four times for an electrical problem with the air conditioning system. Pacific Motor mechanics found the problem and corrected it within 2 days?the repair was expensive but it fixed the car and it works!! I like the feel I get from the service manager, his name is Kevin. He and his wife own the shop and both work there. I can?t get over how clean and organized the office and shop are, I?m used to the dealership and I think this place is even cleaner. I refer my friend and work mates to this place and all seem happy with the service

I was referred to Pacific by AAA, they are approved and my experience was excellent! I moved here recently from Texas where the shop we went to was family run like Pacific Motors. I was floored at what the homes cost in Monterey, so I wasn?t too surprised when I went over the estimate. I did price shop (transmission replacement) and found Pacific was 2% less than a competitive AAA shop in Monterey on a $3500 job. I had Pacific do the work and the car was done on time and on budget. They detailed my car too?very nice touch. I will go in for routine service and maintenance knowing I?m not at the cheapest place in town. I like the feel and tone of the place and my wife feels comfortable too. Try this place and you wont be disappointed.

My car has the peculiar habit of breaking down when I visit Monterey. Also, interestingly, it always breaks down within 2 miles of Kevin's shop. Regardless, if my car hadn't chosen Pacific Motors, I would still go there. Kevin takes time to explain the mechanics behind what's going on with my car. He's even saved parts after repairs so I could better understand what went on. He is patient and a consumate teacher. When he prefaces a statement with "If you were my daughter, this is what I'd recommend..." I know he's being sincere. His recommendations are not always in his short term financial interest. In fact, he suggested I go to a cheaper shop or do some simple repairs myself to save money. It is expensive, but it's worth it for the honest service and environmentally sound practices.

I know Kevin and his crew work hard at providing great customer service. It doesn?t matter how busy they are, he always makes me feel welcome?even when I?m freaking out! My Suburban has a lot of miles on it now but the darn thing keeps going. Many years ago, Kevin helped me get on a budget for car service that has been fantastic. I know how much I?m spending and I can plan out the year so I don?t over spend. This place is great and I?d recommend them to anyone that likes personal and professional service.

Kevin and Sue run a great shop. They have impeccable customer service a great crew, and a clean comfortable environment. Kevin always wants you to understand why you are cutting him a check, and takes time to explain in detail what they are doing and why. They have a "whole vehichle" philosophy, which means, if they replace the water pump, they will probalby recommend you replace a couple of hoses and belts that will cost a bit more now, but make the repair last. Kevin has a tremendous committment to family and community, as is displayed by his numerous awards, commemerations, and family photos on display.

These guys are great! I brought my van in for transmission problems and they were honest, helpful and speedy. I was pretty sure I would be without my vehicle all day, but I was done by lunch time. Not only that, but they went out of their way to make sure my husband had a comfortable place to work in their very clean waiting room and didn't try to take advantage of us because we were just passing through. Oh, and the cost was less than the estimate - gotta love that. I wish we lived nearby so they could be our regular shop.

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