There’s one thing the owner/operator of Coastal Auto Repair in Pacific Beach guarantees all his customers. “We’re a hassle-free experience,” assured Ian Walters, proprietor of the new and revitalized auto shop at 1625 Garnet Ave., who added, “We’re locally owned and in the neighborhood.” “We want people to know we stand by our work,” said Walters noting as proof his company’s long-term warranty. “We give a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty, which nobody else in town does,” he said. Coastal Auto Repair services all car makes and models while specializing in European brands. “We have a master technician and one versed in European-training techniques,” noted Walters. “And with my experience overseeing everything, we know how to get it done. All our employees are trained, certified and have been doing it for a long time.” The work being performed at Coastal Auto Repair is as diverse as those doing it. “We can do everything from heavy-line – engine and transmission replacement – to oil changes,” Walters said, adding he’s focused on giving his customers a square deal. “If I see a car that I think is terminal, I’ll tell them, ‘Don’t put money in this car,'” Walters said, adding, “I’ll be the first one to shoot myself in the foot. We’re here to make money. But I also want to be fair and use my expertise to help people make good, informed decisions on where to spend their money. If I see a car leaking oil in six places and the driveshaft’s broken and the bumper is busted, to fix this car properly, to make it safe: It’s not money well spent.” A PB resident himself, who lives a few blocks away from his business that he walks or rides his bike to daily, Walters is proud of his “beachy” auto repair shop. Fitting in with its location and clientele, Coastal Auto offers free local concierge service, including pick-up and delivery with a loaner car, bicycles parked out front of the shop or shuttle service. A Pennsylvania transplant, Walters said he came out here originally for the weather and stayed, working his way from the bottom to the top of the local auto repair industry. “I’ve done it all, from changing oil to diagnostics and mechanics to being a service manager and service writer for dealerships,” he said. Asked if operating an auto repair shop is easier today than it’s been in the past, Walters answered, “Harder.” Why? “Customers can go on YouTube and watch a video and learn how to fix their car,” Walters said, adding, “The customer is much better informed today.” Good news for car owners is that their vehicles are lasting longer. If you take care of them properly, Walters noted, an owner should expect to get 150,000 to 200,000 miles out of a vehicle on average. He offered this advice on how best to extend a car’s longevity. “Just perform routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance chart,” Walters said. “It’s best to go by that.” Gazing into his crystal ball, Walters likes what he sees in his auto repair shop’s future. “At the end of the day, people need their cars to get to work and all the other places they need to go,” he said, noting, “Even hybrid cars still need to be maintained. Still need brakes and oil changes and new tires.” Walters said both he and his business are locked in with Pacific Beach. “We (both) plan to be here a long time,” he said. What: Coastal Auto Repair Pacific Beach
Where: 1625 Garnet Ave.
Business: Auto repair, all makes and models 
European specialist
Info: (858) 412-4990, [email protected], coastalautorepairpb.com