C & T Automotive (Toyota & Lexus specialists) (San Mateo, CA) Mechanic(s): Chris
1950 Leslie Street , San Mateo, CA 94403 (650) 341 3815
Features and Specialties: Toyota

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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:

Chris has always been honest, fair and reasonable in price. Several times he made minor repairs and inexpensive adjustments instead of the valve job I thought I was in for. My wife likes his patience, kindness and directness.

Always willing to take the time to explain problems. Honest; fixed the stalling of my '79 Corolla by cleaning, rather than replacing, the carburetor.

Cris at C&T is a kick-ass mechanic! He is the only mechanic I trust.

While they may not be the cheapest around Chris and his crew know their Toyotas and do quality work that you can rely on without getting hosed! They are also good at doing a thorough inspection of the vehicle and noting repairs that may need attention in the future (avoiding costly suprises).

I have taken both of my Celica's to Chris as he is the only mechanic who has made me feel comfortable that I am not being "ripped off." Chris picked up a new customer when I got married - my husband. We both are inclined to buy only Toyotas since we like the cars and trucks - and we don't have to look for another trustworthy mechanic!!!!

Chris was even more sad than I was when I fried the engine on my '91 Corolla, although he couldn't identify what the Speedee Oil Change guy did wrong that caused the Corolla to throw a rod through the oil pan. And, Chris didn't even charge me when he looked it over, when he found the thrown rod.

This was the first time I'd been there, and I had one of those Mystery Noises that seemed suspension-related--I suspected I needed to have wheel bearings replaced. They could not reproduce the noise, but they spent the day they had it trying their hardest--pulled everything apart, checked it out, and put it back together. They were able to tell me what I really needed to know, which was that it's not a safety problem--and they didn't charge me a dime for the time they spent with it. I'm a young woman, and I know perfectly well that a lot of places (I've been to some of them) would have sold me new bearings whether I needed them or not. I really appreciate this kind of honesty, and I'll be going back.

The map link on this page doesn't give the correct location, maybe mapquest is confused by the -C in the address. It's on Palm but south of 92 (the 2100 block would of course have 21st Ave. as the cross street).

All the work was done was great but Chris didn't treat me as a customer. He seems to behave like he's doing me a favor. I am shopping for an alternate mechanic.

They do good work, but they're almost as expensive as the dealership. Sometimes even more expensive for simple oil changes.

Three other shops could not find the cause of my Tacoma's hesitation. C&T found it the first day they had it repaired the next morning. The other shops had car a combined two weeks.

Chris is straightforward, competent and, as far as I can tell, exceptionally honest. I drive 27 miles so he can take care of my car and once, when I took my car to another mechanic for a oil change, he asked who took care of my 20 yr old car because he was so impressed by the state of everything under the hood.

As I am looking to check out another mechanic, I realize now that I went to this shop about six years ago to have them look at an older model Camry. I was disappointed to learn from them that the car was a worn out piece of crap-- they gave me a long list of things it needed done, many of them safety items requiring immediate attention. They felt bad for me, as I had obviously made a mistake with my purchase. The list they gave me was detailed and it allowed me to do some of the work myself so i could then sell it with good conscience (that it would not kill the new owner). Anyways, now I am realizing through my haze of years and disappointment with my poor decision, that they were a good shop--I had learned of Chris from my then neighbor, who was his aunt. Anyway, I am calling him tomorrow to get a quote for fixing wheel noise on my 4Runner. I will report back with new info after that experience.

If you want HONEST! service Chris is the person to see. I have been a customer for several years and I have always received great efficient service on my Toyota Rav 4. I am a commuter, and Chris always makes sure that my Rav 4 is in top condition for me to be back on the road. Chris, takes care of his customers like as if their were his own family.

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