Speedy Lane Automotive

This is a detailed review, positive and negative things are considered.
Pros: Owner is kind, the technician that diagnosed my car was extremely knowledgeable and was okay with me asking questions, learning about what he was doing, and even explained to me each task. The diagnosis was on point, and confirmed what I already knew the problem was. I actually enjoyed learning from him, I felt like he was glad to teach me his stuff. They will give you a quote and if you decide to do the job with them, they will discount the cost of the diagnosis from the job total. that’s nice of them.
Cons: The quote they gave me was extremely overpriced (I can back it up), and they charge $ 35 for the diagnosis. Based on online store prices, they are charging me 4 times more than I would have to pay for each individual part. The quote also said that replacing ignition coil and spark plugs would take 4 hours of labor, but internet forums say that coils and plugs for a grand caravan are usually replaced in one hour. Also, they charge $ 85 per labor hour, so they were trying to charge me $ 340 ($ 85×4) for 4 hours in labor to do something that should only take one hour.
quote:
parts
coil pak 85 (25 online)
spark plugs 6×10=60 (30 online)
wires 45 (27 online)
parts total: $ 190
labor
4 hrs x 85 = $ 340
total= $ 530
I knew my van needed to have the spark plugs, plug wires and possibly the coil replaced. This place charges $ 35 for a diagnosis. Then they quote you and if you want them to do the job, they discount the $ 35 from the total. If not, you can do the job somewhere else, but they keep the $ 35. Fair enough. For $ 35 I confirmed that my van needed new plugs and also got a read from the computer check engine codes.
I think it’s so strange, all the reviews here are so eccentrically positive, its unrealistic. The place isn’t bad, I understand they need to charge to stay in business, but the total amount in the quote to replace the coil, spark plugs and wires (a DIY job, if you do your research) was $ 530. oh my oh my, im laughing my ass. But well, I guess some people are clueless about their cars and do find it convenient to pay this amount of money.

I took my car in because it kept overheating and I thought it was a small problem but it ended up being a very serious issue with my oil that I would have been completely unaware of if I hadn’t taken it in that day! Ralph explained everything to me and even checked out my whole car without me asking and found that my brake pads were worn down to nothing and I could have been in serious trouble. As someone that has been ripped off countless times with my car, I’m so happy I found an honest mechanic that actually cares about my safety! The cherry on top is that I saved so much money taking my car here and I’m so grateful!

Ran over a piece of metal on the freeway and busted my tire, called a few places and they quoted me a lot, but this shop gave me a very reasonable quote for a pair of new tires compared to other shops around!
Service was quick, they started working on my car right away! Even fixed my muffler without charging me extra
Customer service was very great, super friendly! Thanks guys! :) –Michelle

Ralph runs a friendly, efficient, fairly priced and honest auto repair shop. These things are rare in an industry that is notoriously dishonest. I got new brake pads, rust removed from my rotors, an oil change, and a Prius that left feelin’ like a Bugatti.
When you go to Speedy Lane Automotive, your first thought will be «wuddup fam» because Ralph and his employees are as dope as they come (they are even doper than the dispensary next door). Ralph seriously is a rad dude with excellent morals that shine through. His sense of humor is the best. Even better, it is clear that he carefully selects his employees, as they are kind and educated. No n’er-da-wells (never do wells) work here. He and his team will make sure you are well cared for.
I appreciated how quickly my car was serviced because that meant I had more time to cuddle with my cat at home. Next time you need to pimp yo ride go to the ladies and gents at Speedy Lane.
tldr; STOP READING THIS AND TAKE YOUR CAR TO RALPH NOW

All the reviews are true!!! Finally getting my car running after having it sit for 3 years and was fortunate enough to find this place. HONEST, helpful and kind best describes Ralph. We took a little walk while we waited (about 20 min) my boyfriend kept waiting for my phone to ring because he was sure they were going to call with other problems they found. They never did. They only left me with money saving tips and great service! THANK YOU! :)

Everyone here was so helpful. Apparently the last place I went to ripped me off and put cheap metallic brakes in the front when I needed ceramic and they didn’t tell me even after I went back to ask why they were still squeaking and now months later it is very loud so I thought they needed to be changed. At this amazing shop they let me know, showed me the difference, told me what I needed and didn’t need done.
They gave me a good deal on changing my rear brakes, said I still have 65% left of my front ones even though they are the loud metallic ones and told me I could wait it out and get ceramic ones later. They were so helpful with every question and with everything I actually needed, no lies, no scams, just honest people. Will definitely be back for multiple services. Thank you!

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this outstanding auto service? Ralph and his team, including Francisco and Monica are the epitome of excellent service. Each and every time I bring my tired and weary Toyota Celica in for a tune up, it returns to me running like new!
Most of the time I think I may have to get a new car, but Ralph assures me that my favorite little zippy sports car has more than nine lives because of his super sleuth investigations into keeping me and my car happy. I just returned today from yet another terrific upkeep and now feel confident to go away on a road trip without worrying about breaking down in the middle of the desert.
As a single lady, in an industry that preys on the feminine lack of knowledge into the world of grease and grit, I am so grateful that Ralph goes above and beyond to make sure I feel safe and my car is reliable and rides smoothly.
If you’re in search of a safe, reliable and HONEST automotive shop, then look no further, because this is the first and last stop for anyone seeking a refuge from the crooked car shops in town.
Bravo Ralph and his team of superheros! Many thanks for all your help, over and over and over again. MY Celica also thanks you for yet another fine running year!

I am amazed by the service I received at Speedy Lane Automotive. Ralph, George and Francisco are the best mechanics out there. Unlike other mechanics, the staff at this auto repair shop truly care about their clients and are the most honest workers you can find in Southern California. I got a very fair estimate to fix my car despite the fact that I live in Northern California and I was in Los Angeles only for a day and I was not in a position to shop around to get the best deal out there. It took a few hours but it was enough to have my car’s engine checked up entirely; George checked the tires, refilled my car’s oil, replaced the car’s break pads, replaced a light and did a few other repairs. Overall it was the best experience I could have asked for, doing all this work took less time that I had expected and the bill was more than fair. I absolutely recommend this auto shop to anyone who needs to have HONEST MECHANICS taking care of the vehicles.

Ralph and his team really are the best. My husband, my brother in law, and I all come here to get our cars maintained because he truly cares about fixing only what needs fixing and giving you a fair price.
The last time I came in, my check engine light came on and it turns out two important sensors were malfunctioning. They kept the car overnight and quoted me a very fair price. When I came to pick it up the next day, not only did they clean the outside of the car (even attempting to buff out some of the scratches made on a previous accident) but they also cleaned under the hood AND charged me $ 100 less than what I was quoted!
What can I say? Speedy Lane is best!

Great place. I called and Ralph told me what I really needed compared to what I thought I needed and saved me some money. Thank you and will definitely be coming back when I need my next old change or fixers with my car.

This is a really good place to change the oil of your car, the guys are friendly and they change my break light for 2 $ without installation cost, they put air in my tires and I am happy :) the customer service is THE BESt! and fast ! :) and good price, I called other and this is the cheapest one! the price is better. BBB bueno bonito y barato!

These guys are amazing! I came in on a recommendation and I couldn’t be happier! They checked out my car and fixed it for under what I was originally quoted somewhere else! Thank you Ralph and your amazing team!

Ralph and his team are wonderful. I will come here from now on for all of my automotive needs. I recently relocated from NY and I like to travel often, so finding an honest, affordable and efficient shop is important to me. I came here based on the other Unilocal reviews and I am more than pleased. They have the lowest rates in the Valley after I called 10 – 15 other places for estimates. If you come early in the morning when the shop first opens, they can usually get you in and are happy to assist you. They diagnose your vehicle and make certain that you really need the repairs unlike some other shops. I love coming here because everyone is personable and friendly. I feel secure in their workmanship and their business practices when I leave their shop. They even gave me a discount when I came back a second time! Thank you Speedy Lane Automotive! I recommend you to any of my closest friends or family. :)
Also, parts are under warranty!

Speedy Lane has taken care of my overused 2006 Civic for quite a while now, and nothing can explain the service better than CONSISTENT QUALITY! They are very honest, and will give you a realistic diagnostic at a fair price. I can’t believe I’ve lived so close to this place for years and only recently discovered it. The staff is very accommodating, and will give you a realistic timeline on when the work will be done. They also always appreciate the repeat business, truly honest and overall great service!

It doesn’t get any better than this! Raffi is amazing. If you want someone who is Honest, Reliable and does a great job, this is it!
I have a BMW, which we all know is very expensive when it comes to maintenance. Prior to bringing my car to Speedy transmission I got quotes from a few mechanics that were OVER $ 3,000.00! I was stuck with no car for 1 month because it was unaffordable for me, Until I stumbled across this place. He fixed my car and it runs beautifully for $ 690! Raffi is an Angel in disguise.
I am now a regular customer and recommend everyone to come here. I have never felt so comfortable with a mechanic, I drop off my car and leave without an estimate because no matter what, I know Raffi is going to do the best Job at the lowest price possible. I have never been happy to pay a mechanic! I can go on and on about this place, 5 stars isn’t enough.
Love you Raffi and staff at Speedy Transmissions!!! Thank You!
FYI — THESE REVIEWS ARE NOT FAKE!

I was actually skeptical of all the 5 star reviews– but I decided to give it a shot. They definitely live up to the reviews! Really worked with me on the price and quick service. Everyone was very kind and helpful. You can tell Ralph is an honest, stand up guy which is a rarity for mechanics it seems!

This place is where it’s at. I came here in a pinch for an oil change earlier this year and have been coming here since. I met Ralph on my first visit — the sweetest guy. The service is fast, friendly, and a good price. My oil change is about $ 25 cheaper than the typical drive through oil change places. Every time I come here I drop in for little things here and there and they always make time for me with a huge smile on their faces. Ralph is some sort of mechanic detective or something, he showed me the badge to prove it. This is one place that is so beyond honest with you, you will never be ripped off or have the wool pulled over your eyes here. I highly recommend this place. Ask for Ralph! :)

Ralph has shown me over and over that he’s earned these really great reviews. I’ve admittedly shopped around for a few quotes after he’s told me the costs and his is always below average or reasonable. He’ll never screw you over or overcharge you. I went to him because I was having a hard time passing my smog check test. He fixed the problem and even handed me the defunct part– a mark of honesty and trustworthiness. He’s now my go-​to mechanic. Go here!

WARNING: DO NOT GO HERE!!! These 5 star reviews are not real. There is no way.
Came here yesterday expecting great service based on previous reviews, but what was supposed to be a $ 250 errand turned into $ 2,000 in damages to my vehicle.
I pulled up and was immediately greeted by the owner. I told him I needed an oil change and asked about the price for two new tires. He claimed he was running a special– $ 85 per tire instead of $ 110 each. For no-​name tires, that is steep, but I was in a rush and didn’t have time to shop around, so I accepted the offer. I then asked if he was capable of buffing the scratches off the side of my car (I have a narrow parking spot and had scraped the side and the front of my bumper), and he said yes and that he would do it for free.
I was told the wait would be no more than an hour, so I decided to sit and wait. Every time I would glance over to observe the work they were doing, no one was working on it. Lots of standing around and dicking off. They would catch me staring and try to look busy. Come on, do your job!
An hour and thirty minutes had passed, so I went inside to ask the front desk girl what was going on. They said, «Fifteen more minutes» and she handed me my invoice and I proceeded to pay in cash. She asked me to sign the invoice. When I picked it up to read the fine print, she snapped, «IT’s JUST THE RECEIPT!» Like, um… excuse me? I want to read what I am signing! I apologize for ripping you away from Facebook and selfie-​taking to do your f**king job. Mind you, this place was not busy at all. There was me and one other person being helped. She should be fired so she can focus on social media full time since that is her passion, apparently.
When I went back outside, I notice my car STILL just sitting in the shop with a filthy rag laying on top of it and no one working on it. The owner came up and said, «We are almost done. I am going to buff the scratches out of your car and you are good to go.»
This is where shit hit the fan…
He pulled my car around to the front. I couldn’t see what he was doing because my view was obstructed by two other vehicles. I heard the sound of an aerosol can… and began smelling fumes.
PAINT FUMES.
I jumped up to immediately assess the situation. HE WAS PAINTING OVER THE SCRATCHES WITH F**KING SPRAY PAINT!!! I ordered him to stop and he sprayed again stating, «It will dry in two minutes. Come back tomorrow and I will buff and shine it for you.» NO, YOU MORON! You spray painted my dirty car with several sloppy layers of paint. YOU RUINED MY CAR! I had to leave before causing a scene. There was clearly no reasoning with him. He is a complete imbecile.
I am beside myself. Came in for routine maintenance and now have to shell out tons of money to fix my paint job. The entire driver’s side of my car is destroyed with spray paint and so is 50% of my front bumper. I am devastated and extremely pissed off. Hopefully my insurance can do something about this.
Lesson learned: DO NOT GO HERE!!!

I feel like I just went on a first date and it went well – 2^nd date to come.
These guys rock. Ralph is the man. Came here bc my trusty mechanic of 4 years closed and I did some Unilocaling; these guys had great reviews. After a quick phone call and brief interaction at the shop I knew I had found my new place. Straight shooters are rare in LA car repair and it’s very important to have someone to call «my mechanic» and these guys might just be it.
Oil change and tire patch were reasonable and very quick.