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Charlies Foreign Car Service in Encinitas

4.5 (72) 751 2nd St, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States

Location on the map

Encinitas, San Diego County, California, US

Phone: +1 760-753-4969
Site: http://charliesforeigncar.com/

Opening hours

Monday:7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Tuesday:7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Wednesday:7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Thursday:7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Friday:7:30 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.5

72 Reviews for Charlies Foreign Car Service 2024:

Review №1

2024-06-26 23:20:39

Charlies is the gold standard. Period.Everything from vehicle knowledge, mechanical skills, customer service, car community events, and everything in between, there is no one better.They have not only repaired my cars to an A+ standard many times through out the years, they have also taken the time (sometimes hours!) just to help me with anything from understanding my repairs to getting a new vehicle. Theyre also a fun bunch to chat with.Charlies is a gem. There just arent many shops like them anymore. I highly recommend them and truly wish I could give them 6 stars.

Review №2

2024-04-22 02:08:59

While visiting from out of town we needed help with our rental vehicle and Niko and his team were there for is. Five stars - highly recommend.

Review №3

2023-10-28 08:49:53

Review for Charlie’s Foreign Car:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Recently, I took my E46 to Charlie’s Foreign Car to address concerns with the IRP v3 shifter. From the onset, Niko, who I had the pleasure of interacting with, stood out as a beacon of professionalism. He is exceptionally friendly and possesses a depth of knowledge that is both impressive and reassuring. Niko quickly identified that the shifter, a sophisticated mechanical linkage system, had been previously misinstalled by another shop. With his expertise and the support of the team, they rectified the issues, ensuring optimal performance. Niko is a true auto expert, and his passion for cars is evident in the quality of work and care he extends to each vehicle. Charlie’s Foreign Car, under the guidance of professionals like Niko, continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in automotive care. Highly recommended!

Review №4

2024-05-17 02:29:33

Drove from LA to get the speedometer repaired on my 911. I was told it would be ready by the end of the day but they got it done in a little over an hour! I was home by lunch time. Great experience.

Review №5

2024-01-04 03:46:14

Charlies foreign car is the best mechanic I have been to, period. I have brought both my 911s (2014 and a 2015 gts) to them over the years. Charlies fixed an accident related suspension issue quickly (1 week) that another shop tried (and failed) to fix 5 times over a year, they were methodical and precise. I have gone to them for routine maintenance as well. Highly recommended to me and I highly recommend to anyone.

Review №6

2023-12-20 06:05:14

I was pretty set on buying a 40 year old Mercedes and chose this shop to do a pre-purchase inspection. I am a 31 year old woman and was treated so well by everyone I interacted with at this shop. They spent a little over an hour looking at the car and Niko spent 20 minutes explaining the findings to me, speaking directly to me, looking directly at me — not at my boyfriend, or the man who was selling the car. He was patient and direct but not condescending. Women reading this will understand how important it is to be treated so well in this setting. I will be bringing my new car and my other car here for service moving forward! Thank you!!

Review №7

2021-10-04 01:27:46

I was searching for a place to fix my speedometer in a 1988 Porsche 911 cabriolet. I found this place on YouTube of all places. Be sure to check them out.Well I sent it to Niko and I received back an estimate complete with pictures of every step of the repair. Thanks again Niko.Sincerely, Joe Augusto in Massachusetts

Review №8

2023-12-15 19:15:03

If you own a Porsche, this is the mechanic to go to! I have a 2015 Macan with inherent problems of timing cover leak and exhaust crack. The former mechanic (who I used to trust) wanted 20K for the repair. Out the door at Charlies for 1k. Competent, clean and friendly, even washed the car.

Review №9

2023-08-01 15:16:00

Long story, but I needed Charlies to help double-check someone elses work. They were able to fit me in on short notice and dug into the details to make sure everything was as it should be. This was my first time working with them and it was a great experience.

Review №10

2023-08-02 01:41:26

Had a noise comming from under the passenger side of the Lincoln MKX I own. My daughter recommended this business as she has taken several of their vehicles there.This place is #1 in service and the people here are as nice as you will ever find. If you need a automotive service center, please give these guys a chance, they will make you change your mind on auto repair shops.

Review №11

2023-07-04 00:43:59

10/10 service. Friendly, knowledgeable, and professional people here - Derrick helped me out with a quick turnaround on an oil change and was a pleasure to work with. Will be my new go-to shop.

Review №12

2023-05-11 15:31:05

I followed Nikos great video on repairing a non-functional 911 odometer and with such a great tutorial was able to easily replace the broken gear. All works great again. (I wish I lived close enough to use these guys for regular service.) Thanks Niko!

Review №13

2020-08-28 16:16:10

I moved back to San Diego from Seattle months back, and my poor 2005 Lexus got a bit thrashed in Seattles weather & needed some work. I spoke with Todd there, and he was able to help me with every single thing that needed to be done with my car---they even gave me a loaner car to drive while they worked on my car---super helpful and a GREAT perk.They are friendly there and never tried to upsell me on anything that wasnt needed---super important to me as a woman/person who doesnt know much about cars. I just want to put in my key and drive, lol! Todd was very honest and took care of everything I needed. The oil change was very reasonably priced. I needed brakes and also a new back tail light, which Todd found the same exact light outside of the dealership that saved me money (everything on Lexus is $$$ to replace). I appreciate that, as I dont have the time to search for parts and other places to get a deal.This is my new, one-stop shop & so happy I found it! Thanks for the great customer service, Todd! I will be back for my car needs! I highly recommend this place.

Review №14

2024-01-15 18:49:08

Would be five stars if it cost a little bit less but in every other aspect. Very good

Review №15

2022-10-31 23:37:10

I had the Venza at Carlsbad Toyota for airbag recall and was told that it needed all brakes serviced ASAP. The estimate was close to $900. So I wanted to get a second opinion from Charlies, our Go To Mechanics.When I called to make the appointment I told Tom that I needed a morning appointment and needed to be in and out and couldnt leave the car all day. I arrived on time for my 9am appointment. Handed over the key to Tom and sat down with fresh coffee and a book as I saw the car pull into the service area. I was just getting into my book and halfway through my coffee when Tom was back with my key and the good news. Brakes have another 10K plus and we will do them at the next LOF.Excellent and Professional service.Thats why we continue to use Charlies.

Review №16

2020-10-16 04:49:38

I had a engine motor mount replaced at Charlies Foreign Car Service and I have to say I was very pleased with not only the quality of work,, but the time frame in which the work was completed. Very personable staff and great communication all around. Highly recommend before you consider going to a major dealer for repairs give Charlies Foreign Car Service a call, you wont regret it. Glad I found them by researching local repair shops.

Review №17

2022-09-27 22:55:57

Brakes were squeaking on my BMW 640. Charlies quoted me almost $2,000 to fix them. Took it to Encinitas BMW and they said it was due to glazing and told me how to correct it myself. They also said I had at least 10,000 more miles on the brakes. 6 months later brakes are fine and Ive still got my $2,000.

Review №18

2021-02-24 20:55:20

Weve been taking our cars, domestic and foreign, to Charlies for years. They are honest, competent and efficient. They stand behind their work. They are available to answer questions even when a car is not being serviced. Their service is better than at dealerships and its much easier to schedule at Charlies. We recommend Charlies highly.

Review №19

2019-05-08 00:59:54

This place is so honest, friendly, fast, and reasonably priced, why would you go anywhere else. Call them after finding out how much my checkup would cost through Audi. Pricing was much more reasonable and I knew if there were any issues any repairs would be a lot cheaper than through Audi. Also mentioned I had a tire that kept deflating and they patched it for free. Got everything done within 3 hours. Ill definitely to be taking my car back here.

Review №20

2020-04-30 18:57:58

This place really goes above and beyond to treat you right in trying times. They have been on point, fair and so helpful with our BMW a few times now. We have previously been hosed by another BMW specialist in SD and we now know our go to spot for anything auto related. They quickly diagnosed and fixed our recent electrical issues returning the vehicle back in very little time. Sean and Niko were patient, polite, kind and honest. Thank you.

Review №21

2022-03-01 17:30:07

Charlies is the very best.In and out with a reprogram of my 2005 911.Always top notch service.

Review №22

2022-03-01 20:27:00

Our car got a hot engine indicator light as we were traveling from Tucson to Washington state. We happened to be in Encinitas and had Charlies take a look at it. Turned out that the water pump was out and the the clyinder heads were warped. In short, we had to take out the engine replace a lot of parts and gaskets. Derrick and Niko were phenomenal in managing to get all the work done in four days so that we could continue our trip. It was an expensive repair but they held the costs down as much as they could called in a lot of favours to get our cylinder heads remachined and get the car out by Friday evening. If I lived near Encinitas, This would definately be the shop I would use.

Review №23

2018-05-05 22:26:00

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Niko, the owner of Charlies Foreign Auto. The automatic transmission in my 2002 Porsche 996 required rebuilding in late spring of 2017. I had this work performed at that time in Oregon just prior to making a move to San Diego. The build was not successful and my new gear box developed issues almost immediately on arrival in San Diego. As such, I was forced to find a local shop to re-do the work that would also be willing to coordinate with my mechanic in Oregon with the goal of avoiding unnecessary expenses. Many shops will avoid these types of situations at all cost and that proved to be the case with several well-known independent Porsche mechanics in the San Diego and Los Angeles metro areas. I was eventually networked to Niko and that is where this story turns positive. This was not an easy project. My transmission needed to be removed and failure analysis was required to facilitate an insurance claim on the original work. This entailed the enlistment of an independent Mercedes/Porsche transmission specialist for failure analysis that revealed defective parts that are not available from Porsche. This was followed up by a national search for suitable used parts, a second transmission rebuild and some minor de-bug of re-used parts once everything was back in the car. Through all of this Niko was always supportive, flexible to work with all parties involved and was even on the phone with me looking at real time pictures of parts from a Los Angeles parts yard. I also must point out that Niko demonstrated superior technical knowledge and skill throughout this process and I say this as an engineer with many years of personal experience working on automotive mechanical and electrical systems. I have also been extremely impressed by the caliber of his mechanics and support staff. They have consistently exceeded my expectations for professionalism and customer service. I now take my Volvo to Charlies Foreign Auto for maintenance as well. It will be the only garage I use as long as I live in San Diego.

Review №24

2015-11-25 21:44:24

THIS IS THE BEST PLACE IN TOWN!!! Ive been going to Charlies for many many years. They stand behind their work and Ive always been treated with the utmost respect. Nikko is fabulous and so are the rest of the staff. Its comforting to know that in the North County if you have any auto issues you should call Charlies.

Review №25

2021-08-31 23:51:41

Horrible service and flat out rude. Charged over $500 for a new battery and diagnosis that consisted of replacement of 1 vacuum hose. Meanwhile two vacuum hoses are now missing and one vacuum hose was left in the motor compartment and who knows where its supposed to be connect...they obviously dont know what theyre doing. If you need an incompetent auto repair shop that will overcharge you for typical service these are the guys.

Review №26

2020-03-11 16:35:31

From your new Porsche to a classic Austin Healey. Charlies has very knowledgeable mechanics to take care of your vehicles problems. Very clean shop, well maintained buildings, friendly staff, neat and clean waiting area. When you walk into Charlies, you dont feel like youre walking into a grungy, shady mechanics shop. When you want the work done right the first time, go to Charlies.

Review №27

2015-10-22 00:45:16

I called so many places with no luck, asking for synthetic oil changes using Mobil 1 for my Mercedes, not only do they use Mobil 1, they had the best price by $20.They also replaced my lightbulb for no charge today, which is not a simple task in Mercedes.Im thankful to have found a reliable place for my car.

Review №28

2023-02-19 21:10:05

Brought my car in for an oil change. The following week, I noticed a pretty significant oil leak. Turns out the oil drain plug was left loose

Review №29

2021-11-06 22:24:03

Purchased a Porsche from Nikko over he internet. The car was delivered with a fresh oil change. The car was better than described. Thank you for all the hard work this deal took to complete

Review №30

2015-04-13 09:01:06

I asked around about competent porsche mechanics in Encinitas and was referred to Charlies Foreign Car service.. Wrong! I have aa 928s that has recently developed a problem of not starting periodically. I suspected that the factory alarm was arming itself possibly due to an out of adjustment rear deck latch. I relayed these observations to the to the mechanic I talked to when I checked the car in. They kept the car overnight and when I picked it up the next day, the told me they could find no problems with the electrical system, except for a dirty battery cable and had no problem starting it. Wrong again! As soon as I got home and tried to start it again, it would not turn over even though it has a new battery. I called Charlies and took the car back the next day. The mechanic I talked to this time seemed clueless about the whole alarm issue. He adjusted the hatch latch and disconnected the wire to the alarm system, but this did not revolve the problem. I asked about just disconnecting the alarm and was assured it couldnt be done. When I got home I checked the web and found out it only required disconnecting 2 wires from a control unit under the dash. In short, I wasted my time and $125 for this worthless diagnosis of my electrical problem. Charlie should stick toyotas. Take your porsche to a specialist who really knows these cars.

Review №31

2021-09-24 22:44:48

A reasonably good place for work on exotic European cars or people who think they have an exotic European car. Generally much better than a dealership and usually lower prices and more honest.

Review №32

2019-02-23 01:16:27

This place is great. Service is awesome top quality work and a super clean well equipped shop

Review №33

2021-10-17 02:06:59

Nico the owner is both knowledgeable in repairs and runs a professional business...if you have a vintage German ride these guys will keep you running. But bring two checkbooks just to be sure!

Review №34

2012-09-10 21:29:29

I took my E320 into Charlies to check the transmission. It felt clunkish in reverse. They told me that I would probably need a transmission overhaul and it would cost $700 just to check the transmission....and the actual repair would be in the thousands. I took it to Escondido German Auto and they checked it for free and topped off the transmission fluid. The problem was that my fluid was low and I avoided being ripped off at Charlies.

Review №35

2023-01-10 22:14:11

Excellent technicians with the ability to take the time to diagnose and discuss the issues in layman terms. I would not take my porsche anywhere else.

Review №36

2022-10-31 17:26:35

Super interesting car repair shop. They seem very knowledgeable and honest I’m taking my Prius in there next time it needs service

Review №37

2021-10-29 18:56:52

Very professional and clean shop. They did quality work and listened to how I drive my Porsche. Derrick and Matt were great to work with!

Review №38

2021-01-04 20:13:42

Excellent service on my 2013 Porsche Boxster S. Reasonable prices and they take great care of their customers. They just replaced a fuel pump and did an oil change.

Review №39

2018-06-13 21:31:32

I love Charlies. Its a family run business that really cares about its customers and their cars. Id recommend anyone to take their car to Charlies Foreign Car for any of their vehicles needs.

Review №40

2023-07-30 18:24:32

We love Charlie’s. Always reliable and very friendly.

Review №41

2018-08-08 21:02:56

Niko and Malia were super helpful with a car purchase! Very responsive, would highly recommend! Thank you for everything Tamatha

Review №42

2016-10-29 04:22:26

Niko and the team are all so friendly; and everyone in the shop does great work; and they stand behind their work.

Review №43

2017-03-29 13:02:53

Fair practices, good communication, and talented Techs. I used to be a Mercedes Tech myself and can tell this is a well run shop.

Review №44

2018-01-01 20:08:39

Wanted to use the extended diagnosis service. plugged in the computer, couldnt get anything. useless and certainly not worth 125$. go somewhere else

Review №45

2020-03-04 00:39:17

Quick and honest work. Not the cheapest but they will make sure the job is done right and not scam you.

Review №46

2018-03-03 16:58:15

Made an appointment for smog. They were on time and I was out in less than 20 minutes. Very professional.

Review №47

2021-01-26 07:17:33

Honest and responsible.. other places bid was 2-3x the amount they charged me for.

Review №48

2023-02-16 22:55:20

Helped me with a diy project, these guys are awesome!

Review №49

2022-09-13 18:36:40

Great service and technicians... as well as fair pricing..

Review №50

2020-09-11 15:12:40

Get my car repaired here every time. Very trustworthy

Review №51

2019-07-08 17:33:58

The people I worked with were really great. I will return for future services and repair work.

Review №52

2022-12-09 21:10:14

Awesome shop helped me with Porsche cayenne

Review №53

2018-11-30 18:51:48

They fixed my cedes quick and it runs well!

Review №54

2023-07-10 22:31:13

Diagnosed issues and repaired in timely manner

Review №55

2017-06-27 03:26:09

Great people, honest and reasonable, very knowledgeable staff.

Review №56

2019-03-05 22:37:19

Excellent customer service and highest quality repairs!

Review №57

2020-12-30 03:52:27

Always best place for audi repairs

Review №58

2021-12-22 05:09:52

Dont know an import they cant fix.

Review №59

2020-01-13 23:28:41

Extremely courteous and professional. Good people!

Review №60

2019-08-31 00:07:01

Good place. Friendly, knowledgeable mechanics.

Review №61

2022-10-14 19:27:10

Professional and knowledgeable on foreign cars.

Review №62

2019-11-19 17:49:34

My go to shop for all cars, regardless of make

Review №63

2019-05-25 04:27:32

Great service, knowledgeable techs

Review №64

2020-07-03 01:41:22

Very very fair pricing

Review №65

2020-06-04 19:40:05

Friendly and reliable service.

Review №66

2021-12-10 18:45:22

Best good service

Review №67

2019-10-14 20:26:34

Quality service and knowledgeable

Review №68

2017-10-08 05:43:14

Definitely worth trying

Review №69

2021-10-11 05:59:47

Great service.

Review №70

2022-06-25 17:11:20

None better

Review №71

2021-11-16 23:25:27

Helpful and engaging

Review №72

2019-07-15 21:38:47

Expensive.