My car broke down while I was taking my two dogs to San Onofre Beach. I was towed to the nearest mechanic which was a Pep Boys on Plaza in Oceanside.
They were condescending and apathetic, so we practically pushed the car to a Kragen Parts next door, and they told us to see Mark at the Meineke next door Monday morning. its a franchise business and we could trust him.
Mark ended up being one of the kindest, most decent human beings I have met in Southern California. He took me in, with my two pit bulls and "boyfriend"- gave me his computer, his phone, was honest with me about not knowing a whole lot about Volkswagens then spoke to my mechanic in Hollywood and my father about the problems and payment.
As he got deeper into my vehicle, he discovered more problems, and as it added up, he made the bill work so it wouldn't crush my livelihood. He worked with us.
I spent two days with the man, and can tell you he is a great person and a wonderful mechanic. He did everything short of giving us his car and letting us stay at his home.
(he allowed both my dogs to sleep in the shade of his waiting room)
I will never forget him.
Pros: Service, Cost, Trustworthy
Cons: in a strip mall far, far away
more