San Mateo Toyota, Lexus and Scion Service & Repair

Short review: Don't go to C&T. I want to keep them all to myself. Long review: I found C&T by accident. My 2000 Toyota Tacoma started acting funny in a way that it would start fine when cold, but if I shut off the engine to put gas (or any short period of time) it would not start again until it cooled for a few minutes - (frustrating for other people waiting to put gas). My friend's mechanic, who has 20 years fixing cars, had it for 2 days and admitted that he could not find the problem. He said it didn't appear to be the starter. The fee for his diagnostic efforts totaled $200 and 3 days.I took it the Toyota dealership. The technician said it was definitely the starter. I paid the $650, drove home, but the problem was still there. The dealership told me they would check it out again for free. After I left my car at the Toyota dealership the second time, the Toyota van dropped me off at the nearest Enterprise. When I came in the door, the rental guy, who noticed the Toyota dealership van, told me there is a Toyota genius just around the corner. Seriously, he said. Go there. Now. He even drove me to pick up my truck from the dealership. Chris at C&T listened to what the problem was, said it did not sound to him like a starter issue. He thought it might be something that needed cleaning. Sure enough, he found that the throttle plate and (mechanic's language) were dirty with grime and causing (more mechanic's language) when the engine was hot, so he cleaned them. The problem was fixed and has not resurfaced. I now live in Oakland and still take my truck to him for major service, tune-ups and repairs. (I get my routine oil change closer to home or do it myself) He is honest, clear, and, though, not the cheapest mechanic, comparable to most and certainly cheaper than the dealer. Always Completely worth it. If I had taken my truck to him at the beginning, I'd have saved about $900 on unnecessary repairs plus wasted time. Bottom line: When it comes to the real intricacies of vehicle mechanics, and all the many large and small parts that work together and could go wrong, don't just go to anyone. If you are lucky enough to drive a Toyota bring yours to Chris. (or don't so I can keep him for myself :-)

If you want the best service and advice for your Toyota, go there! Chris is the best.

I'm kind of bummed. I was going to post about my high mileage and how Chris has kept my 99 Landcruiser on the road since it was a tot...now I read that ALL of you have high mileage cars thanks to Chris. Good for him...bad for my dramatic post. I did just complete a round trip to Colorado in my gas-beast with a meager 212,000 miles on the ODO. Every mile I dedicate to Chris and the fine folks at C + T!

Reading the other Yelp reviews on this page 1) lets me know I'm not the only person who got special attention... Chris, you sneaky thing. 2) there are lots of idiots out there like me who have abused their vehicle in the mountains and found sanctuary in C&T Automotive. This place really IS "as good as it gets" when it comes to autobody repair shops. I can only assume that owner/manager Chris Harter wrote the book on everything Toyota, Lexus and Scion and simultaneously shattered any stereotypes you might have held about pocket-gouging body shops.Honest Chris, as I call him, welcomed my near-totalled Rav4 without judgement or dirty looks and guided me through his repair process with comfort and ease. My Rav4 was fixed with a quality engine, (and not the first engine that became available, you see, Chris is an engine connoisseur) and I was back on the road (back on the road, guys, the car was undriveable) in a few, short days. I whole-heartedly recommend C&T Automotive and wish the team there much more future success. Not that they need any aid from me. Thanks again.

C & T Automotive IS as good as it gets! My Toyota now has over 240,000 miles, thanks to this excellent shop. I began with Chris and his crew when the car was new, and their service has been wonderful. With a fifty-mile-per-day commute, reliable wheels are essential, and C & T makes it happen. In addition to great automotive care, it's a pleasure to work with courteous and caring people, who have accommodated various unexpected events with grace and professionalism. Thank you, C & T!

Chris and the folks at C+T do a couple of things surprisingly well. First, they communicate and interact with customers in a professional manner. Second, the genuinely look out for your best interests. All car repairs seem costly. What makes the C+T team stand out is that you can bring it in and forget about it. They will do what needs to be done at a reasonable price in a way that is as painless as possible.

They get it done right, quickly, and at a very fair price. My 2004 Sienna has 160,000 miles, never any trouble with it, probably because they have done all of the major maintenance. I drive over from Moraga. They have a great deal set up with Enterprise Rent-a-Car if you need a ride while your car at their shop. Well worth the trip from afar. A no-brainer if you live anywhere on the Peninsula.

Chris did a great job with my car. I have a 2003 Corolla that was making an awful sound and he fixed it up for me and replaced a belt that was squeaking. It was my first time going to this shop and as a women I hesitate bringing cars in because I think I am going to get ripped off because I have no clue about cars and what it was making the noise! Anyhow, the car runs good as new and he even cleaned my headlights that were turning yellow for free!

I have not questioned any of the work C&T has done on any of the 3 Toyotas I have owned. Chris is always honest in what needs to be replaced or perhaps just cleaned. I have never felt like he is trying to upsell me or do work that is unnecessary. I have recommended Chris to others and I haven't heard any complaints - just praises for the work at C&T.

I can only full agree with the accolades that have already been written. Chris serviced my '01 Toyota Avalon many times. The bill was usually less than I would have anticipated. Honest no-BS service. Chris did not even want me to purchase a new computer for the vehicle for $49 on ebay, stating that he could do better than that through his channels. Highly recommended. Five stars, definitely!