Dear San Diego and the Greater Community, I am happy to pay immense gratitude and appreciation for the ‘Sincere and Honest Help’ I received at FTS Auto. I was referred to Nick and Joe by a friend (and also longtime ‘FTS Auto’ loyal customer). This was the best advice I could receive for getting help with my vehicle. A few months ago, I was in a very desperate situation. My car had broken down and I needed an honest evaluation. Nick and Joe took my car in and performed a thorough diagnosis. Their Mechanic took his time in assessing the problem. It was a ‘Prime Opportunity’ for FTS to ‘Make Business and Money’ – I was desperate, I needed my car and I am not a mechanic. 9 out of 10 other auto shops after a diagnosis would ‘try to Push the Sale’ while adding unnecessary fixes. Instead, they told me the ‘Truth.’ They invited me to examine the car with them after making their diagnosis and explained what happened in a ‘step-by-step’ fashion. As a result, I understood exactly what went wrong. In my car’s case, it was a ‘Manufacturer-related’ problem. Instead of ‘trying to make a business case’ for getting my car repaired at FTS, they directed me to the Manufacturer. This was the ‘Right’ advice. Nick, Joe, & their Mechanic anticipated I might be in for a ‘bit of a battle with the manufacturer’ and advised me accordingly. Every step of their advice ‘Worked’ (including ‘being persistent’ with the manufacturer, despite several early rejections and failures in my discussions with their Consumer Affairs department). Eventually, I got to the ‘right person’ at the manufacturer and they ‘did the right thing,’ too and covered ‘all the necessary repairs’ including inconvenience expenses. I am forever grateful to have found ‘Honest’ and ‘concerned’ people in Nick, Joe and their team. This is a review for FTS’ ‘Expertise’ as much as it is for their ‘Integrity’ as Business People. They ‘accurately diagnosed’ the problem and then ‘Ethically’ and ‘Sincerely’ provided with the ‘Right Advice’ and ‘talking points’ for getting my car fixed. I will be a customer for life of FTS Auto and recommend them highly. The help they provided me is ‘unprecedented’ in my life’s experience. You will be fortunate when you take your car and your business to FTS. Please go visit Nick and Joe and feel assured they will help. Best regards, Erik

I saw that this place had great reviews and decided I would try them out and I honestly have no idea how the other reviews are so good. I will never take my car here again. I took my 6 year old Jeep in because it was making a squeaking noise. One week and $1400 later it was still squeaking the same night I got it back. I though okay I’ll give it a few days and see if it improves. Not only did it not improve, but it was making an entirely NEW noise in addition to the one they supposedly “fixed”. When I called and took it back they told me it must be a different problem than the original one (even though this new noise didn’t start until they got their hands on my car) and told me to bring it back in. So I did, and all they did was put some lube on my brakes and tell me it should fix the problem but that there was a lot of corrosion under my car, basically just saving their ass for when their quick fix didn’t fix anything. It’s been over a month since then and my car squeaks worse than ever. I wouldn’t recommend this place to my worst enemy. A gigantic waste of money for sure. EDIT: I ended up having to take my car to a dealership to get it repaired and not only did it cost about $400 less, but it was fixed in less than 24 hours when it had taken 5 days for FTS to not fix the problem at all and simply tell me that it was rusted, offering no solutions whatsoever. Definitely won't recommend this place to anywhere and will not take my car here again.

I have been a customer of FTS Auto for almost 10 years. Here is what sets them apart. 1. Honesty- They will only tell you what is wrong. 2. No upsell- They will inspect your car when it comes in, tell you what it needs and let you decide what to do. They supply the facts, you make the decisions. 3. Guarantee- They guarantee their work and on the occaisions I have had to return to have something fixed, they have gone completely out of their way to make it right. No excuses. They simply do what needs to be done and sometimes more. 4. Get what you pay for- If they cannot diagnose a problem, they don't charge you. 5. Friendly- They will treat you right. 6. Capable- They can work on lots of different cars. I am a car dealer and they work on virtually every car I bring them. Bottom Line - FTS is the kind of shop you hope to know. The pricing is way less than the dealer, and even if you know nothing about cars, they will not take advantage of you. I have referred many family and friends. All are delighted I did.

It has taken me many years to find a great auto repair shop that I can trust. And finally I have found the Auto Repair company that I will use for life and recommend to ALL my friends and family. FTS Auto, Joe, Nick and the entire team have eased my apprehension about taking my car in for repairs. They are honest, friendly, respectful, educate me about repairs being done and ALWAYS recommend only the repairs my car needs at a price that is always fair compared to auto dealerships and other San Diego repair shops. Are you listening MADAM TAO! If you use any of Madam Tao's shops in Hillcrest or Normal Heights - switch to a shop you can trust that doesn't rip you off. Go to FTS Auto in Kearny Mesa. It's worth the extra couple of miles to drive there. And If you think only women get ripped off at repair shops you're wrong. Guys who aren't genetically inclined to spend time under the hood of a car do too. Stop getting ripped off by other shops and go to FTS Auto.

You won't find a better auto service repair shop or better mechanics. Nick and Joe run an amazing operation that is fairly priced and, more importantly, never try to gouge their customers. I have taken my car to places in the past where every oil change ends up being a list of $1000 worth of repairs that "have to be done now." I have never gotten that at FTS in the five years my wife and I have been taking our cars there. They tell us what needs to be done and then a list of things we should probably repair and a timeline of when to do them. Its' very easy to follow and I couldn't imagine taking my car anywhere else! Just last weekend I bought new rims and tires and the lug nuts that came with the rims didn't fit. Joe made countless calls on a Saturday to get the right sized lug nuts and had the car done on time still despite the huge hurdle. They go above and beyond for all of their clients and if you're looking for an honest mechanic, take your car to FTS.

UPDATE... Just had the timing belt, water pump, new windshield, tires, fuel system inspection, oil change done. Couldn't be more pleased with the work, pricing, and the guarantee. Saved some good money, and I get to keep my 4Runner running down the road. I couldn't be happier with the work that these guys do. I neglected a lot of maintenance for a couple years, but now I'm catching up that I've found a reliable shop that charges a fair price. ----------------------------------- New tires Alignment Oil change All were great! Everything was done quickly and I was able to work inside the reception area while it all went on. Unexpected bonus was that the bathroom is very clean too! Prices were very good, but the thing I value even more is that I know I can trust this shop and these guys. I'll be bringing my 4Runner here next month to get some bigger work done. Thanks guys!

FTS Auto is the best, most professional place to get your car serviced. I used to take it to the dealership and would have to wait forever to get a simple oil change. Plus the dealership would charge you way more to get things done. FTS is upfront and honest and will only fix what needs to be fixed and won't charge you an arm and a leg for it. Also the first time my wife took her car there, it was because the dealership said she needed new brakes. Come to find out, FTS auto said since she doesn't drive very often, that her brakes would be good for another 6-12 months. Its nice to know that they could of told us we needed new brakes and charged us, however they were honest and are going to wait until we really need new brakes. Thank you Joe, Nick and the whole FTS Team! I really appreciate your professionalism, honesty and the overall service you provide :)

Joe treats me like family. He's the owner of FTS Auto, but he's so much more! For one thing, he knows how to break bad news. And that's how you treat family, right? But that's also the difference between a good mechanic and a great mechanic. Even a competent mechanic usually can't resist playing the game called: "Scare the Client, THEN Name the Price!" They tell you a horror story. They throw out a lot of big words, they. They show you dire consequences. THEN they throw out a figure. By the time they use words you understand, you're pathetically grateful. Out comes the credit card. No questions asked. Joe looked me in the eye. He said: "Cracked manifold, Mike: $650." Short and sweet. Well, maybe not sweet. Am I happy? No! Am I grateful? Yes! And that's how you treat your family. Or so we hope.

FTS valued my business. On my last visit I went in for an oil change. I've been to many mechanics for oil changes with my 2003 Toyota Solara. I've had mechanics: break off screws without replacing them which they've blamed on rust, being upsold $90+ at a normal oil change, having scheduled oil changes take over 1 hour. When I went to FTS they were fast, honest, and reasonable priced. They did an evaluation of my car and told me what needed to be repaired in the future, but it wasn't urgent. I felt comfortable in the lobby, and I didn't feel any sales pressure. I was so thankful to be treated with honesty from my mechanics. I definitely recommend FTS Auto for oil changes and your car care needs!!

All I can say is honesty and Integrity. If you are looking for a auto repair shop that will "not rip you off," you have found it here at FTS Auto Repair. I took my car in because I heard that high pitch noise when your brake pads are almost worn out. I was 100% sure that my brake pads need replacing. I was prepared to shell out about $200 or so. Nick did a throughout inspection on the pads. He told me that I still have over 50% of my pads left, so no need to replace them now. The squeak came from dust in between my rotors and my brake pads. It also had something to do with the type of brake pads that I had on my car. Continue doing what you are doing. Thank you for being honest!

There are few things more valuable in life than an auto mechanic you can trust. After a persistent and troubling "check engine light" appeared on my RAV and estimates [AND express NON-guarantees!!!] of 1K from my former favorite place, 2K from the dealership and 2.5K from a nationwide chain, the gentlemen at FTS got it fixed for good, the next day, for less than $500. They also threw in smog and promised to re-see it, free of charge, if the light came back on. In the intervening year it has not, and the RAV operates better than ever. Hubby had a similar save-80%-experience on his Tacoma, so is with me in renaming our children "Eftie" and "Ess".

I recently went to FTS Auto repair and their team was amazing. I came in last minute on a Friday when I ended up having time in my schedule. Nick was able to accommodate me. I was changing my car from Wisconsin to California and needed smog and some other things done. I of course forgot some paperwork but Nick said no problem and took care of me and made it all work. I also was able to sit and work in their lobby while they worked on my car. The experience with FTS Auto, the care they put into their work and the prices are all things you can’t get anywhere else. Thank you to the FTS Auto Repair team! You have my business for life!

It's hard to find a trustworthy mechanic, especially when moving to a new city. I'm glad I found FTS and look forward to having them take care of my car going forward. I haven't yet had to take my personal car to FTS Auto Repair, but I have sent a couple of friends and clients to see Joe and his crew and they have all been blown away by the service and honesty. Most recently my friend Chris took his Jetta to get some alternator problems taken care of. The car was finished earlier than expected and passed smog with no problems at a much cheaper price than others had quoted. Do yourself a favor and trust your car with Joe at FTS.

FTS Auto My Dad always told me, if you don’t know your car know your mechanic. I have been a customer of FTS Auto for over 12 years. Joe and Nick Dimaio know how to take care of their customers. I took my Honda in for its 100k mile tune up and after running the diagnostics, found nothing wrong with the car. One of the technicians even drove it to make sure. As a woman who is clueless about what’s happening under the hood of my car, any other auto shop could have taken advantage of me and charged me for things I didn’t need. I am so thankful to FTS Auto for being so trustworthy and full of integrity. I highly recommend them!

THANK YOU JOE & NICK! If it wasn't for you two, I would bleeding money for unnecessary auto repairs. My small fleet of plumbing vans are on the road constantly and if they aren't, then we don't make any income! You have worked magic over the last 7 years to keep a few of my 20 year old trucks and my newer ones, on the road with very fast turnaround that I deeply appreciate. About a year ago, you even fixed my girlfriend's Honda Pilot air conditioning that was a major hassle to get done and you did it for the best price I could've asked for! I appreciate the father-son team @ FTS!

Even though I live in Carlsbad, whenever I need real work done on any of the cars in my family I go to FTS. They have diagnosed issues that other shops could not figure out, the service is excellent, and the prices are more than fair. The last time I was there, I had authorized them to replace two parts, but after replacing the less expensive one the problem was solved so the cost came in at about a third of the original estimate. Some other shops might have done all the work authorized without testing and I wouldn't have known the difference. That is why I trust them.

You guys are so amazing! I always know that when I bring my car in I will be helped right away and I drive away feeling confident knowing that the issue has been taken care of. I always get my oil changed but today I had to take it in because the air pressure on one of my tires was low. They look the tire off and checked to make sure it didn't have a leak and then put it back and put air in all my tires. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Nick and Joe are the nicest people and I know they will always take care of me. Thank you!!! Awesome customer service.

Uh oh... check engine light came on! Joe and Nick were able to get me in quickly for a very reasonable diagnostic and repair - the same day! I was extremely grateful for this quick and thorough service. They have great communication and are very honest about their findings and do not try to sell you what you don't need. I am so thankful for an honest shop and group of gentleman who truly care for their customers since I am relatively new to SD. I recommend them to everyone I know who has need of auto care and repair. Thanks guys!

I have had my car serviced at FTS several times. I was referred to them and several people that I know. Not only have they kept my car in good condition, but have the best customer service. Nick, the owner, follows up and is very clear about what you need. They have worked with me several times on repairs I need. One of the best things I like is there Zero interest for 6 months credit card. Car repairs sometime just come up so it has been nice to use that. I have and will continue to review FTS. They will always get my business.

I had referred my "mother-in-law" to FTS. she had a starter problem, The guys at FTS did a great job diagnosing the problem, made her really comfortable and fixed her starter she was sooo happy and they made me look good. really think about it, it's your Mother -in -law , if they had messed up or not treated her well I would not have been a happy camper. these guys go the extra mile and don't take advantage of customers, what more could someone ask for. thanks guys I'll see you soon I need some service on my truck. John Houge

Check engine light was on. Had to bring my car back a second time. $1,500 dollars and 1.5 weeks with no car. Second time showed up and was told multiple parts were ordered and replaced without prior notice. Service light is still on. Took it to the dealership and it was fixed in two days. Father and son were kind throughout the process but I certainly feel like I was taken advantage of. Probably should get my money back but it's not worth the headache which I'm sure is part of the process.

Joe and his crew are by far the best mechanic I've ever been to. I'm from Washington State and finding a good mechanic was a necessity since I drove my car down. FTS Auto has saved me hundreds because they're honest and always put the client's needs first. Having a mechanic I can trust makes my life so much easier cause I know I'm not going to get ridiculous "recommendation" on what should be or "needs to be" fixed. If you want a pain-free, fair priced service, you need to go to FTS Auto.

I brought my car to FTS to check and fix my brakes on a Saturday and they were very accommodating. They squeezed me in the same day since I had a busy schedule during the week and it was dangerous for me to drive another week with the old brakes. I also got my oil changed here and it was pretty affordable in comparison to other places. I was able to make an appointment instead of leaving my car for an entire day just to get oil changed. So that was very convenient!

several places gave us the run around on what was wrong with my car, and i was so nervous taking it to a shop that could possibly try and nickel and dime me but the price was super reasonable and they didn’t give up looking for the issue, once the issue was found the car was as good as new! communication was also great! i read heavy into reviews before going to a place especially when it comes to something that is expensive and i’m so glad i found this place!

FTS auto is the best Auto Shop in town hands down. No pushy sales tactics or rude employees. Joe and his son have an allstar crew and they'll take great care of you. My wife's car stopped running out of the blue and one auto shop told me I had to replace the starter and a few other things. The guys at FTS found just a simple battery connection issue and saved me thousands. If you want great work and to save money, check these guys out. You won't regret it.

I only use FTS Auto for all my car repairs. There is no where better. Nick and Joe are honest and explain what needs to be done in detail. If something can wait a while, they will let you know that. Their prices are great for repairs, they are fast and will help you out in getting you where you need to go or helping with a rental car if needed while your car is being repaired. Seriously, this is the best auto repair shop I have ever been to.

I live in Huntingtom Beach and was in San Diego for dinner. After dinner, my car didn't start and it was 10:30 at night. We called AAA and they towed my car to FTS and left my car in front of the garage. We came back the next morning before they opened and they checked it out and fixed it for free and I was headed back to Huntington within the hour. They were very helpful and time sensitive. Thank you so much for all of your help!

Nick and Joe were so accommodating with my schedule. I called early in the morning and they told me to bring it in. I was long overdue for maintenance but rely on my car so much for my business it is hard to give it up, even for a day. Joe and Nick had me bring it in early, completed all the repairs and maintenance, and even stayed late to help with my busy schedule. I would highly recommend FTS Auto!!

I have been getting my ‘63 Chevy worked on at FTS for over a year now, and never had any problems. For classic car owners: Joe & his team are classic car experts. They answer all questions honestly and give you advice on taking care of your car. Unlike other shops, they don’t force you to fix things that aren’t broken. They always give me an honest opinion on the severity of any issues with my car.

FTS is the best shop in town. For my regular daily drivers, to my more exotic toys. FTS always makes sure I'm taken care of, great work @ a fair price. Family owned & operated, It's a good feeling to trust your mechanic & no they aren't trying to just up sell you things you don't need. I have been a customer for over 20 years now & I refer all my friends & family. They never let me down.

Brought my truck here several years ago on the recommendation of a coworker and have been coming here ever since. Exhaust work, brakes, water pump, power steering, and tune ups so far. Very happy with the work, and they've even given me rides to and from work, the proximity of which is why I chose them in the first place. The good work and fair prices are what keep me coming back.

If you are looking for an honest and reliable auto repair store, then FTS auto is the place for you! I have been taking my car(s) to FTS for several years now and would not even consider taking my car anywhere else. Not only do they do incredible work, they are also some of the friendliest guys around! Do yourself a favor and bring your car to FTS the next time it needs a repair!

Good luck finding a better place than FTS Auto. I took my car in last week to get my tires changed, alignment, new side view mirror (installed and painted), and the service was GREAT. I told them that I also needed to get a smog check and they arranged to have my car checked with the shop nearby. They even had my car ready an hour before promised. Thank you FTS and thank you JOE.

FTS Auto is great! They always recommend just the right repairs for your car when you need it. Last time I was in for an oil change, Nick warned me that I might need to get my shocks looked at soon, but not necessarily now. That's a far cry from the type of pressure that you receive at a Jiffy Lube or the dealer! Never again, as long as I'm in San Diego I'll be going to FTS.

Nick & Joe have been taking care of my car for the last three years and they have always told me what I needed to know, not what I wanted to hear. You can trust what they say and they have the experience to know what to say. They say what they mean and do what they say. They really do care about me and not how much money they can make. Nick and Joe are my type of people.

Joe and his entire team at FTS Auto are awesome! They are honest and to the point. They have fixed my car and my husband's car for a very fair price. My sister also took her car there thinking she had some major issues, but they told her she just needed air in her tires and did everything for free! It is nice to finally have an auto shop you can trust. Thanks!

Take your car to FTS Auto Repair for an honest appraisal of what needs doing. They won't try to sell you a bunch of stuff that you don't need and will help you to prioritize the things it does need to help you manage the costs. Nick and Joe are terrific and did a wonderful job on both our cars. Plus they do tires....got a great deal on mine. Very happy!

I'll never take my Volvo to the dealer again! The dealer replaced my radiator and then 1year and 3 months later....it leaked again and the warranty had expired. I went to FTS and they replaced the radiator again, and it cost less than half what the dealer charged me. These guys are good, and honest. Just what I need since I'm not mechanically oriented.

This is the best and only place I will ever bring my car for any repairs! FTS auto is honest and works in a timely manner to get the job done! Even though I moved to the LA area I refuse to take my car to any place but Fts Auto! Thank you for all your 10 years of service and I will continue to bring my car there as long as I am driving!

Honestly I will never take my car anywhere than FTS again. They're honest, reliable, friendly, family-owned...and they do great work on my car. I have not had major work done but keep hearing stories how they've saved my friends hundreds of dollars compared to what other garages were going to charge them. That's all I needed to know!

I've been going to Joe for a few years now and they always have the best service at a great price! They go above and beyond and only fix what's needed. They will even give you a timeline for how long until you will need major repairs. I would highly recommend anyone needing an honest mechanic to go to Fts.

I have been coming to FTS for a couple of years now and they always help me out in emergency situations! Aside from providing quality work, I truly appreciate the aspect of being reliable and caring. I still come to these guys even after moving all the way to Riverside. Thank you for being awesome!

The ONLY garage I've ever dealt with that honors their warranty without a hassle. Had a clutch kit put in by these guys and the new throw out bearing went bad a month later... they replaced the whole clutch kit for free! Absolutely awesome to work with. Taking all my business here from now on.

Was on vacation from Az when coolant bulb broke on 2007 Jetta. These guys got me in quick on a Saturday morn, found my part and got me back on road to Az. fast. Very polite, knowledgable, professional even fun guys to have dealt with at a fair and reasonable price! Highly recommend this shop!

This is the place to go when you need repairs for your vehicle. FTS is a honest and comparable in price when it comes to your car. If it can be fixed they can do it, and if it can not be fixed FTS is honest and will let you know. Going to FTS Auto is the only way to go! Thanx FTS Auto

The words honest, and mechanic are two words that usually aren't synonymous with each other, however this is not the case at FTS Auto Repair. Joe and his team of professionals are the most honest and trust worthy mechanics that i have met. They truly treat their clients like family.

Joe and the guys at FTS Auto are really the best! They truly care and it shows every time I bring my car in. Exceptional customer service and HONEST! Thanks Joe! Save yourself some money on car repairs and go to FTS Auto. You'll be glad you did. And refer your family and friends.

Evans Tire across the parking lot referred me to FTS years ago and I haven't been any place else. The customer service is great and any issues are resolved, and probably the best thing to be said is I'm always looking to refer people to FTS since they take care of business.

I recently purchased a supercharged Jaguar and FTS auto was the only shop I would trust to touch it. They are honest and fair with the pricing. FTS auto has my full confidence and I will be back whenever I need a top notch job done at a bargain price. Thanks Joe!

Other shop could not fix leaking brake line. FTS repaired it no problem. Clear explanation of labor and costs. Quick and fast work with good customer service. Not even close to my house but I will be back in the future. Highly recommended.

FTS is a great shop. I have been going to Joe for years with various cars and I can always depend on an honest and accurate diagnoses. They are prompt with the work and clear with pricing. Solid honest shop. The world needs more like it.

Nick is a Honest Mechanic how rare are those. As a woman its hard to find honesty like you get at FTS. they tell you like it is and what needs doing now and what can wait a little bit. my car always comes back better than b4

I have been going to FTS for over 2 years now and will never go anywhere else! They are knowledgeable and very trustworthy. They do not pressure you into anything, but I always do what they suggest. Nick and Joe are great!

I called everywhere looking for new tires for my sports car. FTS gave me the best pricing hands down including the alignment (which the other places didn't include). The service was quick and the staff knowledgeable.

Went in with a knocking noise and was told by other shops that I have a bad motor. The inspected my noise and told me they found a loose bolt on the flywheel that was hitting the clutch. Thank you for the great news!

My air conditioning bummed out and it was fixed in less than 24 hours -- with a part they had to overnight ship to the shop. Impressive, quality work -- i know I'm not getting ripped off -- they take care of you.

I referred my neighbor to FTS...She did not need new brakes...as other mechanics told her, Joe pointed out a few other things that she needed fixed instead, she has since ordered tires...Thanks FTS!!

What a great place to take your car. Inspections are thorough and they take their time explaining to you what they found. No pressure. You feel that they are looking out for you as if you were family

My business depend on my vehicles. Finding Joe and Nick at FTS has been HUGE! They are fair, efficient, and respectful of my situation. What more could you ask for from a mechanic. Thanks guys

I called Nick a couple of days ago to check out a car I am looking to buy. I Had to delay our appointment by 30 minutes and he was still very accommodating. Great service and super efficient.

Great service. Nick was very patient and thorough; clear and upfront as well. No b.s. They fixed what needed fixing in my car. Will definitely go back for maintenance.

Have been taking my vehicles there for a while and outcome is always good. You get what you pay for. Staff is always professional and willing to help

They do very good work, are always honest about the work, and actually back up the warranties on their work. Can not reccomend them higher!

Great experience with FTS auto. Open, honest, helpful - couldn't ask for more. Real glad we found them, and use them for both cars now.

Thank you so much for always taking such great care of our jeeps. My 2004 wouldn’t still be kicking if it wasn’t for you guys!

FTS Auto is the most reputable place for any auto repair needs. Great staff, great service and overall a great experience!

Super friendly, and reasonably priced. Never feels pushy to add services. Their work and service is very reliable.

Good, reliable, old-fashioned car repair service that has been in business for almost 30 years.

The best experience I've ever had getting my car worked on. I wish I could give 6 stars!

FST do not know anything about car repair, very poor technical knowledge and service.

The Father and Son Team of Joe and Nick are top notch, highly recommended.

I recommend to everyone this place they’re very honest and professional..

I feel very comfortable and safe taking my VW Jetta to this garage.

Always honest and great communicators. I wouldn't go anywhere else

Always dependable and HONEST! We have been going here for years.

As always, FTS does quality auto repair at a fair price!

freindly enviorment,good mechanics with fair prices

Always deliver great service at a fair price

Great group of guys excellent work

Great Place will go go Back.