Automotive Instincts (Woodland Hills, CA) Mechanic(s): Tom, Paul
19831 Ventura Boulevard , Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (818) 883-4172
Features and Specialties: AC;Acura;Honda

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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:

These guys are real professionals. They specialize in Honda and Acura cars. My car is always fixed right the first time and done when promised. They use all the factory parts but are cheaper than the dealer by a lot. I'll never own anything but a Honda or Acura now that have a mecanic I can trust.

Steve is honest and straight.

I could not agree more. These guys are honest, and reliable.

I found these guys off of your site. Well, I'm so pleased with there work that I won't go anywhere else with my honda.

Steve and his staff are excellent and honest. My family and I have been going there for years.

I couldn't answer the question about how they respond when they "screw-up" because they never have in my experience. We have always had excellent service from these mechanics.

I have been servicing my car with "Automotive Instincts" (formerly known as "Steve's Independent") for over 7 years. They service Acura, Honda, Lexus and Toyota cars. They have expert, factory trained mechanics and service writers. Automotive Instincts is an outstanding repair shop in every respect. There are 2 shops: one in Woodland Hills, CA and the other in Northridge, CA. I have used both shops. They are well known and highly regarded throughout the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, and even though I do not live in the valley I drive quite a way from my home to get my car serviced there anyway -- even oil changes -- because I trust them to take excellent care of my car while being impeccably honest. As another customer has noted before me, they will tell you what work needs to be done now, and tell you what work can be safely deferred. Their prices are very fair, lower than the dealer, and importantly, they will not invent things that need repair as the dealer often does. There is no pressure here. Whether it's a timing belt and water pump change, new spark plugs or a brake job, the work is done right. If you are not happy with any aspect of their work, they will go out of their way to make it right. They are also a great resource if you are planning on buying a used car. They will spend almost 2 hours going through the car from top to bottom and bumper to bumper and give you a full report and their advice whether to buy or to pass. Just a week ago they inspected a 1998 Honda Civic EX that we were considering for our daughter. Their mechanics found, among other things, evidence of a very badly maintained automatic transmission, worn out suspension parts, even the wrong spark plugs (which are known to cause fires in some cars). All told, they found nearly $1,100 in deferred maintenance items; not including a water pump and timing belt change (83K miles) which would have added another $400 to bring the car up to snuff. All told, $1,500 to put the car right. Needless to say, we decided to pass on that car. The small fee we paid Steve's was well worth it. As others have noted, the place is clean, comfortable and well run. There are restaurants within walking distance. The phone number for the Woodland Hills shop is (818) 883-4172. Ask for Tom, Paul or Steve.

This shop is fantastic. I took my old car there to get a second opinion on the amount of repairs needed to make it functional so that I could decide whether or not to junk it, and they took the time to explain everything to me. They made a big checklist of all the repairs needed, and then made a smaller list of the things which had to be done to make the car safe and driveable. They made sure to tell me which parts posed safety risks, and which parts (like the parts that were leaking oil) I could just grit and bear. Above that, their mechanics were friendly and quite competent. I highly recommend them.

I have been going there for years, and they are always very nice and fix the problem the first time.

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