Santa Cruz Auto Repair

Great work Nate and Company. Before I even pulled into the shop I had Nate Smith on the phone helping me work through the logistics of an intermittent problem that we had discussed prior. The problem that historically had been happening every two weeks or so was happening right now!I arrived at the shop engine running roughly, left the car running, for fear that turning the car off and then restarting it would remedy the problem which had been the case in the past. Nate came out listen to the engine and wrote the repair order. He then notified his technician Mark who came off his job pulled the car he was working on out of the garage bay and then pulled mine in to see what he could find. Mark noticed me pacing behind the car anxiously and queried me with pertinent questions then listened intently to my answers. I know when people are listening and Nate and Mark both have and had excellent communication and listening skills which is an obvious imperative when working through these sometimes hard to trace intermittent problems. Mark not only found what I believe to be the culprit (loose ground from engine to chassy) within the matter of minutes, but also talked me through his thinking process along the way and for an analytical mind like mine this is/was a big deal. No, it's not ok to stand at the garage door and ask silly question while the tech works on your car, you can explain your observations and wait for the professional to come to you with questions if they may have them. You may pm me if you have additional questions about Nate Smith's shop, this was not my first positive experience at Optimal Auto. Sincerely -Aaron D.Update - One day later Nate called to check on the car and see if I had anything to report. We'll be back, hopefully a long time from now, but we'll be back ;),..thanks guys

Outstanding service. Will be back.

Excellent Service.

You are the best!

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.