STARTRONICS

Citysearch Editorial Review

by Jennifer Smith at Citysearch

Car buffs looking to pimp their rides will be pleased with the superior car services at Santa Monica’s Startronics. The friendly and knowledgeable staff offers free consultations for first-time customers. Services include glass tinting, paintless dent removal, bluetooth and multimedia integration, audio system installation and radar and laser detectors—helping your car get that showroom look you’ve always wanted. Pick up and delivery is available if you’re not looking to make the trek to Santa Monica.

12/02/09

Not Happy

by col_kurtz at Citysearch

I brought my Lotus Elise in about a year ago to have the deck and speakers replaced. I knew the car was a little delicate to work on, but I took Eddie's word for it that he had done many before, and that he knew what he was doing. I made it clear to him I needed the car the next day, and he said it would be no problem. Needless to say, that didn't happen, and ruined nice weekend plans. That was cool, since I know the cars are very hard to work on, so I didn't make a big deal of it.

I was happy for a week or so, until the problems started to show up. First, the airbag cover on the passenger dash fell off! It's held on by clips that his guy must have broken. They replaced the clips with MOUNTING TAPE, and neglected to mention it to me! It was fine until the it got warm out and the tape melted all over my dash.

Next: There was a high frequency buzzing (some sort of engine interference) in the front speakers. I brought the car back to him to show him and he said it would probably go away. It didn't.

In addition: The bluetooth he installed had such poor sound quality I had to have it replaced within a month.

And then: a couple months later, one of the front speakers stopped working. The guys who repaired it cited a poor install job (go figure) as the reason.

All in all: I did some research after the fact as to the pricing of the system he sold me. Since I had trusted his recommendation and not shopped around, I was not surprised to find out that the awesome deck he just happened to have in stock was actually a 3 year old model at the time, which I could have bought for significantly less.

I called around and got quotes from other audio shops pretending I wanted that same system installed in my lotus. They ranged from $1180 to $1420. I paid Eddie over $2200 for the "GREAT DEAL" he gave me.

To be fair to him, I didn't tell him he screwed it up. I didn't go back and give him a chance to make it right, which he probably would have done, because I don't get the feeling he's a cheat. I really just didn't want him touching my car again. In addition, AL and Eds screwed things up even further when I took it to them to fix it, so they really were no better.

Anyway, Eddie seems like a good guy, and has great reviews on here, but certainly caused me a headache and relieved me of some extra cash. Guess that's what I get for being an easy mark!

• Pros: Talked a big game.....
• Cons: Overcharged, poor install job, took too long.

11/19/09

Great Place, Great Customer Service=Happy Customer

by freedy710 at Citysearch

I came into Startronics by chance for Tints and a Wheel Repair. Eddie (the owner) was very personable and we spoke about how each type of tint works for your car. He was very enthusiastic about how good of a job he will do and he came through. He is an honest guy which is rare to come across in this business. I showed him my scratched rim and he didnt say he can fix it just to get another sale he did some research and is still checking to see if it is possible to fix, if he feels he cant do it or at least cant do it right he wont do it, he wont hustle you! I respect that a lot and was very happy with my tints. I hope he can do the wheel to because I know he will treat it with LOVE! Great place go there!

• Pros: They can do almost anything you need for your car
• Cons: Expensive, but good work charges more

09/06/09

Great Quality & Service

by holleraway at Citysearch

Took in my new 2010 Prius - got tinted windows, and Eddie spent time discussing levels of tint and UV protection, and what would work best for me. I chose "light" tint, with high quality UV protection and am extremely happy. And the work is guaranteed - no question. Also had the carnuba wax and detailing done -- the paint finish looks gorgeous and is smooth as glass. Awesome work all around, and Eddie is fun to work with.

• Pros: Personable, knowledgeable owner and excellent service
• Cons: Not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for

09/02/09

Awesome Tinting and Professional Service

by Patrance at Citysearch

I went here in June to tint my brand new 2009 Audi A4 all around. Being from New Hampshire I didn't have much experience with tinting shops but Startronics was such a positive and high-quality service that I had to go back again after totaling my car in August. Great looking tints all around, no bubbles, fast service under 3 hours easily. Cost is pretty decent for a West LA shop and the owner is honest up front stating his satisfaction guarantee. No brainer!

• Pros: Reputable Owner, Fast and High-Quality Auto Tinting
• Cons: None

08/25/09

OUTSTANDING WORK!!!

by NVLAV8R at Citysearch

Needed my windows tinted for my 2006 Z06 Vette. Called around and got quotes from various tinters and STARTONICS was one of the best deals, but it was Eddie's professionalism was what sold me in the end. I am a 20 year military officer and attention to detail is ingrained into my psyche. A consummate “do it yourselfer” I HATE when incompetent people work on my stuff, whether it be a car, my house, or anything else. Eddie’s workers were fast, professional and the vette look outstanding. Brazo Zulu to STARTONICS! I will definitely look to them to do a stereo upgrade when I return from deployment next year, because I KNOW it will be done right...THE FIRST TIME!

• Pros: Professional, Meticulous Work, Friendly, Courteous,
• Cons: Didn't find STARTRONICS sooner for my other cars.

07/20/09

Great price, work, and personality

by sgirv7 at Citysearch

The owner Eddie was very helpful first over the phone and then in the actual shop. I went in to get my windows tinted and when I came back he had actually used the upgraded material at no extra cost due to a lower amount of the standard tint. I will be sure to come back to him about a new exhaust and sound system for my car.

• Pros: personalized and meticulous service.
• Cons: can take longer to ensure a good job.

07/08/09

Awesome work and great pricing. Can't ask for more.

by jameslamson at Citysearch

I liked the owner Eddie very much. He seemed totally trust worthy and the work he did is exemplary. I'm very glad I took his advice. I would recommend Startronics very highly.

05/01/09

My Car Is Glowing!

by water21dog at Citysearch

I took a chance and went to this place, and I'm glad I did. The owner Eddie was cordial, the work on the car superb. I recommend getting your car done, whatever it is. Whether it's a Honda Civic like mine up to a Lambourghini, you'll see how a car should really look, inside and out. Smooth as a babies...well, you get the point. I got mine detailed. Eddie also offers window tinting. The other cars in the parking lot looked great! I'll eventually go back to get the tint. Highly recommended.

• Pros: This place pampers your car.

04/29/09

Fab Job

by colleenxox at Citysearch

Tinted my windows a week or so ago and did a fabulous job, I love it and my car looks great! I walked in without an appointment and still got things done pretty quickly. Gonna get my stero there soon.

• Pros: loved the work