I recently purchased a 2002 Mini Cooper S and wanted to have a proper shop take a look and see if anything needed immediate attention. Mack was very knowledgeable and took the time to properly explain each and every part that needed repair or replacing to give me a better understanding of what needed to be done and why. He was very straightforward and gave me good suggestions on repairs for the car instead of just telling me to fix everything to get more money out of me. They were quick to diagnose and repair any problems and I was able to get back on the road in no time. I was very impressed by the service and their helpful approach to fixing what was absolutely necessary on my car compared to other shops who just want to replace everything and get your money. I will definitely return to the this shop for anything that needs to be done on my Mini Cooper.

Im shocked to find an honest garage. Most people going here are enthusiasts, and I fee like they have forgotten more than I will ever know about my Mini. This place is a rare find.

This is by far the most honest and fair mechanic I’ve seen throughout any state. He not only explained everything to me in layman’s terms but he also offered to show me with pictures. Don’t waste your time taking your Mini to a dealership to get ripped off. I got my timing chain fixed and a few other gaskets replaced and would never dream of going anywhere else again. Ask for Mack.

This is the best repair shop for MINI Cooper and all European cars. Ive been taking my MINI here since 2012 when I needed a clutch replacement on my 2004 MINI Cooper S. The price was so much lower than the dealers quote. Since then, Ive had all of my service completed here. Ive also referred all of my friends to come here including BMW owners and even Toyota owners. Theyll take great care of you.

Absolutely fantastic, the owner knows his stuff and is extremely intelligent. I messed up my mini working on it and the were able to find the problem and fix it in an extremely short time. Not only that but very affordable compared to any mini dealership.

I have been taking my Mini to Mac for a few years and I’m so happy I found him! I appreciate that he is a fellow veteran and is trustworthy in his pricing. I was very frazzled over a major engine issue, but he took the time to show me the parts that went bad and thoroughly explained the work that was done. Mac educated me about my car and ensured I knew how to check the oil properly. Oil changes are performed quickly and COVID guidelines are adhered to. It’s always stressful when you have a car issue, but I always trust that Mac will have my back!

If you want someone who is knowledgeable AND passionate about mini coppers, Mack is your guy.I moved to San Diego about 2 years ago and was struggling to find a mechanic that I could trust with my 14 year old Mini Cooper. When I took my car in for the first time Mac spent some time reviewing the issues and taking notes about my concerns. He provided a maintenance checklist for me to complete so that he could have a comprehensive list of previous work which I thought was awesome!I appreciate his straightforward approach and honesty. He is thorough and always gives me a heads up on what to expect next when it comes to maintenance. I am now in the habit of bringing it in for regular checkups and haven’t had any major issues since I’ve found this place!

I just called to get a quote and Mac told me this business is not interested in customers who are “shopping around”, that they have enough customers already. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, I told him that was awful customer experience and he said they were too busy. When I asked for his last name he said “you’ll have to live with Mac”.I didn’t get to experience their actual service because they’re not interested in my business, but definitely do not recommend their customer service.I’m pretty bummed out because they had great ratings on yelp...

I am new to San Diego and had just bought a Mini Cooper before moving. When it started having problems I had no idea what to do as a first time mini owner. I am so glad I came to Mack! He was very thorough in explaining what was going wrong and had a no bs attitude. As a college student I was worried about what I was going to end up spending but he kept the cost low and made sure to break everything down for me. I couldn’t be happier with the experience! He was extremely helpful and had everything fixed for a great price! He was very friendly, getting to talk with him while my oil was being changed was a bonus! I will be returning for all my needs as long as I’m in San Diego, absolutely recommend!

Bought a used 2010 Mini Cooper Hardtop for my daughter and took it here to take care of an issue. Mac scheduled me the same day I called. There were a number of things wrong with it, including the clutch, in addition to needing a 30,000 service. Mac took care of it right away. I never had another problem with the car (despite taking advantage of the fact it was super fun to drive). If you are like me and you depend on your Mini being in perfect working order, this is the place to go! At 70,000 miles the Hardtop was totaled by a highway sign (that jumped out in front of us). Of course we had to have a Mini replacement. I looked at many cars and took two to Mac to check out. He identified many issues with the first one, saving me years of hassle dealing with a bad car. The second one also had some issues, but they were easily fixable and Mac gave me a fair price for the work. I ended up buying it with high confidence I was getting a good car. Because I am anal about how my cars look and run, I will not take the Mini anywhere else and have the utmost confidence in San Diego Mini Cooper Independent ... one other thing of note. I have heard from Mini mechanics all over Southern California, who are well aware of Macs expertise, there is no better place to take your car.

This is the best, most honorable, and knowledgeable shop. Highly recommend you take you car here. I am thankful for their service.

Mack and the techs there are extremely knowledgeable. They sorted my mini perfectly as other shops were not able to. Car drives and feels like new now.

I’m so happy with my experience with these mechanics. I was at my last straw with taking my car to other shops and finally I was able to find these guys who did honest good work. They were super funny and welcoming. They communicated well and did things in a timely manner. I thought I was going to be without a car for weeks but within days my car was fixed and is still running great. I’m super satisfied with my service and highly recommend them. I know I will definitely go back if I have any issues in the feature.

Superb customer service and brilliant mechanics. SD Mini not only has the experts of experts but also do it right. Hands down the best shop experience in my 20+ years of owning vehicles. Mack is genuine, honest and an all around car enthusiast. He cares about the vehicle bumper to bumper. I took a Mini and a Honda to this place, both which are at least 10 years old and have 100k miles and were looking a bit worn. Mack and his crew did their magic and I was floored! It was like love at first sight when I saw my vehicles. They looked brand new, inside and out and run like a charm. My family (of 5) and I spent nearly 30 minutes admiring the detailed job they did. Folks, dont go anywhere else with your car but here. Invest in your car at SD Mini and your mind will be at ease. Thanks a million times to Mack and his crew!

Took Mini Cooper country man here due to engine malfunctioning and car wouldn’t start. Mechanic had diagnosed the issue and fixed the car within a week. Very reliable and trustworthy. Would definitely bring my car back.

Super nice and very good tec fixed problems delar could not fix for months .

Mac is the most trustworthy and reliable mechanic I have ever had the opportunity to meet. Sadly I have had bad experiences with catching crooked mechanics taking advantage of me and my family in the past. Mac is the kind of mechanic that if want to see the parts they replaced, hell have them waiting for you. If he says hes going to fix something at a price. He is going fix that issue at that price. He is straight to the point and completely honest in everything he does. If you have a mini cooper or any other car this shop works on, go here.

I brought my 2005 Mini Cooper S (R53) in after I had a mechanic much less familiar with Mini Coopers than I would have liked service my car to unsatisfactory results. The kind folks at the Independent Garage took time out of their day to examine what I was concerned with on my car, and instead of taking advantage of my situation, they provided me with advice and reassurance pertaining to my vehicle, which in their opinion, wasnt exhibiting the issues that I thought it was. The peace of mind was well worth it.In the future, although it may cost a little extra than other shops, I know for a fact that this shop is experienced with these peculiar little cars, whereas other shops claim to be but seem to be full of hot air.

I have taken my mini there a few times now and every time I’ve received great service. The owner is very knowledgeable and sincere. He’s even done extra work at no charge because he wanted my car to be the best it could be. I will definitely continue to take my car there.

I was looking to purchase an older Porsche 911 and wanted to have a pre purchase inspection done. I had called several places to have it done, but I didn’t have a good piece of mind until I spoke with Mack at San Diego Mini Cooper Independent Garage. Right away I knew this was the place to go as he was very knowledgeable and spent a great deal of time with me on the phone explaining in detail his recommendations. He truly helped make the decision to purchase the Porsche.

I had a painting done two years ago in this place. Recently my car got some damage on the same spot and went to a different body shop. The technician there showed me how poorly the painting was done before. Not sure how to describe it though.

I have been bringing my cars here for many years and I am very happy with the service from Mack and Oscar. They are fast and reliable, most importantly very fair with the pricing. This is a much better alternative to the dealership! I’m not sure what I would do if I moved out of state because I don’t trust anyone else with my cars. There’s so many dishonest shops out there so when I found this place, it was so awesome to finally not feel ripped off all the time. I highly recommend this place!

Mac fixed my Mini after someone hit it in a parking lot. He did a great job. Was a nice guy.I tried to continue my business with him. He mocked me. Tried to tell me how much a Tech makes an hour, when I was requesting a maybe 10 minute install. Then, proceeded to mock and tamper with what I was requesting. And finished off with, ha ha you didnt even leave me a review.Well, here it is.Very unprofessional. Very derogatory. Very dismissive. Very misogynistic.Will not return.

These guys helped me so much with my Mini Cooper. I have struggled with my car for so long and had a previous mechanic who was highly recommended but my car kept breaking down. Finally I was able to take it here out of desperation and felt as if it was my last attempt trying to fix this car. When they started on my car and the work they put in it I could tell the solid knowledge. I knew I was in good hands. I realized that the job they were previous doing was not professional work compared to these guys. I can’t thank them enough.

Fabulous. Owner manager Mack is 10 out of 10 stars.

Professional knowledgeable quality work

If you own a Mini, new or classic, and you care about its longevity, you should be taking it here. The owner, Mac, has tons of experience racing and has built many different Minis, from regular road-going cars to race machines. Ive been taking my Mini to Mac for three years now and Im always impressed by the work this shop does. Mac has experience with regular service and maintenance, upgrades and modifications, repairs, body work, and so much more. Would give 6 stars if it was possible.

Ive had my mini for nearly a year, and Ive been bringing it here the entire time.The most important things you should know:- I always receive the best service.- I have never had to return due to a bad repair.- Mack is always honest, and uses only OEM parts. Hell work with you to if you need to get your own partsBottom line: you are going to get great service here, and over the long run you get the most efficient use if your money towards auto maintenance/repair.

Well, let me tell you about this place. If you live in the SAN Diego area and own a MINI Cooper, this is the only place you need to go for all your service needs. The master technician and owner, Mack, is an amazing person. He knows MINI Coopers in and out. Not to mention, he is much cheaper than the local MINI dealership, and is completely honest. A few weeks ago, I came in with a check engine light, and Mack quickly diagnosed that all I needed was a new fuel distributor. Luckily, he informed me that everything would be covered under warranty due to a recall. Even for any minor maintenance, Mack always takes care of my MINI. If the car needs to stay overnight or the entire day, Mack will offer a loaner car, or in my case, rent me a mid-size and pay for it! Folks, bring your MINI Cooper to Mack and I assure you that he will have your baby running like new.

Came to Mac for the first time after looking up european auto shops close by my work. I was so happy with his services that I will definitely be back and have already started to refer! He was incredibly educational in regards to what services and maintenance should be done, what needed to be done, what could wait. There was NO pressure AT ALL. And he took the time to explain everything to me - even as far as what to say when speaking to other mechanics. As a younger looking woman, this is always a concern for me. He even went as far as to draw a diagram for me so I would understand what was being done. In addition - he worked with me in regards to price, gave me multiple options on what could be done to keep me in the range, and was honest with me in what each option would mean long term. All in all- very accomodating, kind, and VERY reasonable with price and VERY knowledgeable.

Ive taken my mini here multiple time and Mac takes care of me every time. I came here because I bought a mini off of craigslist and it stalled 4 days later on a freeway exit. Immediately he knew what the problem was and was able to fix it with an oil change. He make sure to have me come in at 500 and 1,000 miles to make sure the oil wasnt getting eaten up. The first time it was so he put an additive to slow it down. My car is running so much nicer. I am and will continue to come back here for service on my car

Wonderful, helpful and they will let you know what needs to be done - They are honest and trustworthy. They do a wonderful job and I will continue to take my car there for service.

Great service! My car had been totally messed up by other less capable mechanics & honestly I had let the maintenance go. Took it in with a budget & I got a working car in return. Appreciate the work and dependability. Real soul behind this family company. Thank you, will be back !

Always excellent with thorough check all safety features. The fee for oil change service is fair. Waiting area is clean, comfortable. If the fees for other services are the same level of fairness like oil change service I would have given 5 stars.

San Diego Mini Cooper Independent Garage:Highly recommended to all Mini Cooper owner. My Mini was 57000 when I got my 30000 service on this place. The power and the smoothness are much greater than the service done elsewhere, I have 59000 miles on it now and still have the same power like brand new... Mack is really helpful and works with the customer... He will work around your budget and explains what is best for your car...

I recently moved back to San Diego with my beloved mini and although it has luckily been a great car these past years, it is getting up there in miles and in need of careful maintenance. I feel so fortunate to have found Macks shop!! He really knows his stuff when it comes to working on these cars-- he first caught something that was still under warranty and had me fix that at the dealer and then later helped me avoid a major repair just by listening and deducing what the problem was. He was pretty sure what was causing the check engine light to come on, but wanted me to drive it around for a week after fixing it just to be sure --wouldnt accept payment until the issue was confirmed (which, by the way, was correctly confirmed the first time). I have also been able to take care of these items before even heading in to work, which is extremely convenient. His kindness and overall genuine regard is very apparent and appreciated. He cares about doing good work and I enjoy coming to see him (and his family!) at his shop. He makes a potentially very stressful situation much more manageable, and I am so grateful for his help.

I took my 07 Cooper here at the recommendation of a couple of other MINI drivers. I had been taking it alternately to the SD MINI dealer, and to a repair shop near where I worked. I was dealing with a few issues, and specifically a mysterious oil leak that no one could work out and a check engine light for the O2 sensor.When I called Mack to get an idea what it might cost to do some of the recommended (by the dealer) repairs, he basically told me I should come in and get the full service he recommends every 3 years, and THEN trying to fix problems that continue to arise, so that Im not repairing something that could be stemming from an overdue maintenance issue.Took my car in, he popped the hood and right away was able to list off a bunch of things he could see were out of date or in need or repair, without even touching it. I know my car hadnt gotten all of the maintenance care it needed over the years, so I wasnt about to argue with him. But based on the reviews I had read from others, I decided to go down the repair route. He made it clear it would not be cheap, but that he would be able to keep my car running. He wasnt pushy, and didnt guilt me into anything, but he was straightforward with me.He told me to bring it in when I was ready, and so I did. He gave me a loaner car at no cost, which was awesome (and necessary). He also gave me a VERY fair price overall. The dealership quoted me a similar price for about half the work that he ended up doing. He sent me a bunch of pictures along the way of the parts in my car that were old or a mess, as well as showed them all to me at pickup (its a wonder my serpentine belt was still in one piece!).My only complaint was the length of time it took (about a week, because of Presidents Day) but considering that he only has 1 tech, and his lot was packed with other cars, AND the price break I believe I got, it doesnt even warrant losing a star. I will definitely be back here for future repairs.

If you need something done well and fast, Mack is your guy. A couple years ago I needed a new engine and I took it to Mini of San Diego. They were going to charge an arm and a leg for the replacement. Looked online for a better deal and found this guy. Didnt even know him and he just threw 100% my way. Picked up my car, took it to his place, gave me a way better assessment then the dealership did. A week later, good as new. He charged me 40% less then Mini of San Diego on the biggest repair Ive had on my Mini.Even when it looks like there is a lot on his plate, somehow he gets my minor repairs done within the day. Hell point out anything that needs fixing or could work better but will not push it as a priority to be fixed unless he truly thinks its important. Ive never felt in the past couple years that hes out for money and to milk as much out of everyone as he can. He wants to get to know you, your car, and have a personal relationship.Today I took it in for some maintenance and I needed to Uber to get home. He handed me his keys to his own Mini and let me take his home while he fixed mine. This might not happen to all people that go see him but the gesture was over the top. He didnt have to do that, but thats his style. He has the take nothing for granted mentality. He wants to make new customers feel at home and long time customers glad they stuck with him.

You want a garage that cares about your car as much as you do. This is the place! You dont want to drop your baby off to anyone. You want to drop it off to someone that really cares and this is the place. Mack and his crew make sure that your car is returned to you in better shape then when you dropped it off. Even if is just for an oil change.

Fair price for oil change including thorough inspection with report and suggestion in writing. Very knowledgeble and helpful. But the quote price for the clutch replacement was too high. I found another garage did for nearly half the price with genuine parts. The labor cost is higher here than the other garage in El Cajon.I use the report as my guideline to prepare for necessary maintenance and shop around to find the better price and less expensive labor cost. I always bring my Mini here for oil change so I could have its health check-up.My Mini Countryman is 160k miles and still runs like new.

If you own a Mini, this is the place to take your wheels to for repairs. Mack has taken care of my wifes Mini for the last year, and he has always treated us right. He cuts through the bull and is up front about everything. He has gone above and beyond for customer service. Even if I dont like having to have car problems fixed, Im glad its Mack taking care of business.Once on my way to work, the car started acting funny. I stopped by to see it it could get looked at. Mack came out, too one listen, diagnosed the problem, ran inside to grab a part and fixed the issue on the spot. He refused to take payment, and sent me on my way. This was less than 15 minutes, still getting me to work on time. Customers - for - life.

This garage and Mack are great -- weve had nothing but positive experiences bringing our 2009 Mini Clubman here.Services:- reasonably priced- very transparent with prices of parts and labor -- theres no haggling (and no need for it)- only fixed what was needed (after reviewing with us)- always helped us find a temporary replacement car while our mini was being serviced- fast services and theyre usually available to helpMack (the owner):- honest, always answers the phone, courteous- inspects the car and lets you know the urgency of each problem so you can make the best decision- explains all the work hes going to do on the carShop:- small- clean and well maintainedIn summary, our Mini always comes back to us feeling brand new. I would recommend this garage to anyone with a Mini.

I spoke directly to Mac. Awesome guy, great customer service skills and very knowledgeable. Better pricing than the dealerships. I guess i found my mechanic for both my mini and my 5 series. Wojld totally recommend this shop!!!

This place is great half the price if not cheaper the San Diego mini. Mack is the nicest person up front no bull type of guy and will not try and charge you for things you dont need. Ill be coming here forever.

This is the text I sent Mack after he worked on a used 05 mini cooper s that I had bought for my daughter as a high school graduation present. she is living in San Diego, I am not, and it is comforting to know that he has her cars best interests in mind.hi mack, ur pics of the car came thru yesterday...it looks beautiful.My daughter is saying that the car shifts through the gears much smoother now, if that is because of something you did, cool, just thought Id pass it along as I found it surprising because I thought it shifted smoothly as it was, lol...I am very grateful to you.repeat - I am very grateful to you..thank you for all that you did for my daughters car.your care, consideration, expertise, guidance and shopss skill excell all hopes or expectations.thank you

Mac may be good in person but when you ask him about your car over the phone. He becomes a DICK and hangs up on you. Great customer skills

He is so professional and nice with costumer. He fixed my car very well

Best of the rest, come in and we will be happy to earn your business .

Mack is the guy. ...he knows his stuff

Mack is the man!

Great service!

Good service