Santa Cruz Auto Repair

I love Nate's! They are the best in town without a doubt. They are trustworthy, they work around my schedule and know exactly what they are doing. Great customer service too. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my car!

While driving my BMW from Phoenix on a Friday afternoon my car started losing power. After stopping at Nate's they diagnosed the fuel pump failing and got the car in the shop right away. This is the best place to bring your car! I highly recommend this shop.

I have known Nate for going on 14 or 15 years now. He is a peer, friend and someone that I look to for professional opinions and advice. Definitely someone I would consider the best at what he does and wouldn't think of anyone else in the area for BMW service. Great shop, great people and excellent work. You are in good hands with this organization.

Performance That Lasts A Lifetime -- I am confident leaving my vehicle with Nate Smith. The entire staff is experienced and obvious experts. Overall, I'm a DIY guy and happy to work on my own car. Knowing the level of care, precision, and attention to detail they put into their work, I will continue to bring my car and recommend others to do the same. I truly appreciate my experience at Nate Smith's Optimal Auto Care.My Experience(s) in more detail:Profile and Oil Pan Gaskets: As this work would have taken me most of my precious weekend, NSOAC was able to repair my car for a very reasonable cost, warrantied and punctually. Head Gasket (And everything included in the top end):I had recently purchased a vehicle that blew a head gasket months into my ownership. The work was more severe than I had thought (warped head). With Nate's team and expertise, they helped me find all the parts I needed, were very fair with their labor cost, and helped me get my car back on the road--even better than it was before I got the car. Again, I was very impressed and thankful for their expertise and knowledge. I highly recommend taking your precious vehicle to the experts who are best in the county. --Tmswell

If you love your genuine car, you will really dig the genuine care you receive when you go to Nates optimal, his crew kicks ass in office or in garage, always friendly and super knowledgable. Nate is rad, I showed up at his shop today (not the first time) on my way to work, he helped me out when all of his mechanics were busy, and helped me drive off the lot with a safe car (330ci 2001)calling it a favor, long story short, huge loss of coolant, red temp gauge, needed to be refilled,bled and a hose reconnected properly. I have had serious work done in the past, always on dot. I always feel safe leaving the shop. I first learned of Nate's shop when I was a kid due to my dad taking his BMW E24, (635csi 87') here for all work needed. Highly recommended! I wouldn't go anywhere else, so take my word and find out for yourself!!!Special thanks to Nate and his crew!!

I've known nate since 1976 when I had a 1600 bmw and he worked as manager at the dealership.he is as fair as the day is long.Very honest as is his wife . He is very dedicated to his clients and makes an extra effort to see all sides of an issue. I wouldn't own a bmw if he wasn't in business . He has extensive knowledge not available elsewhere. Come to nate first and save yourself from shopping around and know you have arrived.

I have been taking my BMW's to Nate for over 30 years.I first met Nate when I bought a 1983 320is. He was the service manager for Santa Cruz BMW, which long ago closed. He then opened Optimal Auto Care. He has serviced and repaired all my BMW's, the 1983 320is, a 1985 325is, a 1988 M6, a 1999 540iT, and a 2003 540iT. Nate is the most knowledgeable mechanic for BMW's I have ever encountered. Since I live in Salinas, it is a hassle getting the car to and from his shop in Santa Cruz. His intimate knowledge of all things BMW makes it worth the drive. Always professional, always very busy, which speaks to his experience and quality service, but always excited to talk about anything BMW, Nate Smith is simply the best BMW mechanic on the central coast.

Fast and efficient service. Â Within minutes after my arrival, they started servicing my vehicle. Â Compared to other BMW mechanics in the area, the price was right and service was stellar.

After a lot of "trial and error" in finding someone to service our BMW in the Santa Cruz area, we finally found Nate Smith's Optimal Auto Care. Not only are they are honest and very fairly priced, they're professional and extremely helpful. We couldn't imagine entrusting our car to anyone else!! Thank you Nate and your entire team.

BEST IN TOWNI have been taking my 2001 wagon to Nate since the warranty ran out. The first thing I did was check around to find out from other BMW owners where to go. EVERYONE said Optimal Auto. I even checked with an owner of a local new car dealership in town and heard the same, Optimal Auto. I have never been disappointed in the customer service or repairs. It is pricey but what isn't when you have a BMW. They are honest and will tell you the straight scoop. Maybe something is showing sign of wear but it can be replaced the next service, they will give you options. I can't say enough about the whole staff too, they treat you like you are family, they really care about you and your car.