Santa Monica Motors

11/12/2007 Posted by hpickman

I've been going to SMM for at least 8 years. They know Hondas and Acuras. A couple of years ago Karim bought the place and improved service. He diagnosed a problem (can't remember what it was) for me that saved me a whole bunch of money. He always tells me what I absolutely had to fix and what we could continue to watch. Karim is a good communicator and overall nice guy. I feel that I can trust Karim and for me that's super important in a mechanic.

Pros: trustworthy owner

Cons: I would make sure you deal with Karim, the owner.

09/25/2007 Posted by gelliott515

One visit to Santa Monica Motors convinced me I had found more than just a conscientious repair shop: I had found a "physician" for my car! My faithful 11-year old Honda Civic had seen better days, and I expected the worst when I consulted the mechanic for an assessment of its condition after I'd neglected the past couple of tune-ups. I was pleased and surprised when the owner drove my car himself to assess the condition of the engine. I was even more astonished as he told me my worst fears were unfounded--that the transmission was healthy and needed no expensive repair--and then he sat down with me to come up with an affordable "1-2-3" plan for me to get my car back up to speed, mechanically, without breaking the bank. I was well-treated, the car was repaired in a timely and expert fashion, and am now confident that I have found in Santa Monica Motors a business owner with a passion for what he does and a true interest in his customers' welfare. What a rarity! I highly recommend this personalized repair shop with an integrity all its own!

Pros: Excellent communication, hands-on owner with integrity and high-level customer service

Cons: I didn't find them sooner

07/16/2007 Posted by nicole7

My husband and I were extremely happy to find Santa Monica Motors after relocating to Southern California. Everyone we have worked with there has been so honest and helpful. They really want what's best for your vehicle, and have always taken the time to explain everything clearly. I highly recommend this place to everyone!

Pros: Highly knowledgeable staff; trustworthy; fast service

Cons: none!

05/11/2007 Posted by epicurious12

These guys seem to tell the truth every time. Even told me when it wasn't worth it to fix something. Really nice all the time and consistent with their estimates and timing. My extended family now say this is the only place to go on the westside - EVEN if you have an old car.

05/07/2007 Posted by ceejay333

I have been going to Santa Monica Motors since I moved to LA 5 years ago and have never been disappointed. My Honda has always been in top condition since Karim and Santa Monica Motors began servicing it--which is good because I use my car for my work. SMM understands this and always gets me out quickly and makes sure just the right amount of preventative maintenance is done. One time my car kept quitting on me at inopportune times, i.e. on freeway on-ramps, making left hand turns at busy intersections. Karim determined there were 3 different things that could be wrong with the car. Instead of changing them all and charging me for all three, he put a plan together to determine exactly what part was failing. After about a week of visits to SMM, and replacing parts, Karim found the problem and charged me just for that part that was failing and only that part. I like how he worked with me--we were both trying to solve the problem together. I have recommended many friends to SMM and will continue to do so. Santa Monica Motors gets my highest possible recommendation.

Pros: I know they care about my car running its best.

Cons: None--I'd drive from Rancho Cucamonga to have my car serviced here.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/03/2007 Posted by siarashop27

I found this shop online and decided to give it a try based on the positive reviews. From the start, Karim has been friendly, accomodating and upfront about the costs. I came in with a list of concerns (and a tight budget) and he broke it down into the "must do" vs "should do" and even "don't need to do"! Another time, after discovering that an expensive component was still under warranty, he actually arranged to drop off and pick up my car at the Honda dealership, at no cost! Trustworthy mechanics are hard to come by (if you're automotive-challenged, how do you really know if your car's warp speed ion defibrillator needs replacing??) so SM Motors has been a godsend.

Pros: Great service, won't shake you down

Cons: No formal waiting area; not open on the weekend

04/09/2007 Posted by agraham4

I took my car in for an oil change and they told me I needed new brakes. I took my Honda to a brake specialist who told me that my brakes were fine and were only worn about 50%. Santa Monica Motors almost had me pay $500 on work I didn't need done.

03/07/2007 Posted by jonasucla

I thought I needed my tires rotated -- after taking a brief look at the car they told me the wear was likely due to underinflated tires and probably an alignment problem. At no cost they filled the tires and said that while they could rotate the tires (for $15, a great price), that it would be a waste because I needed new ones and an alignment check. They don't sell tires or do alignment, so there was no money in it for them. So I got a free evaluation, saved a few bucks, and have found a new place to get my car fixed in future. Honesty is rare an very important. You'll absolutely find it here.

08/16/2006 Posted by jessag

I moved to LA a year ago and knew I needed to find a mechanic in LA before something went wrong with my 7 year old Honda. I stopped in based on other citysearch reviews and found them to be true -- Karim was helpful, friendly, and honest. I brought my car in for the once over and it was free of charge -- Karim let me know I should keep an eye on my battery and fuel filter. I highly reccomend them.

Pros: Friendly, helpful, honest.

Cons: They are rebuilding their shop area right now.

08/03/2006 Posted by santamonica88

I've been taking my Honda to Santa Monica Motors for over 10 years and wouldn't take my car elsewhere. The shop has come under new management, and it's gotten even better under the direction of Karim who's very hands on. It's apparent that he strives to give the most courteous customer service along with good repair work at a very fair price.

Pros: Honest, reliable and reasonably priced