Koester Automotive & Collision Center

My car was having a few issues so I decided it was time to take it to a mechanic. I was visiting LA before complete my official move and while driving my car felt as if it was giving up on me. I was actually having luch at Sisley's with a friend of mine and I told her my car problems. She recommended Ben @ Koester Auto. Ben is located right around the block from Sisley on Dikens and Sepulveda Blvd. I walked over and a vrey tall man greeted me. This was Ben. I told him the issues I was having and he said that he would need some time to look at the car and determine what problem's it was having exactly. He told me to have a seat in the office. They were extremely busy so I decided to go across the street to Whole Foods. I did some shopping and went back to the office. Ben told me there was something wrong with the engine and he would need to keep it for a day or two. He gave me a rental which was great.
A few days later he called me and told me my car was ready. I went in and he told me what was wrong. I can't remember now because it was well over a year ago and plus I know nothing about cars. I thanked him and was very pleased. My total was a good amount and once I consulted with a few other people they told me I saved a lot of money.
I was happy and finally have a chance to actually leave a review. Thank you Ben, you were amazing.

It was the first time we had used them. We were very pleased. They were very polite and prompt.

The work was done professionally and on time. I was not called when the car was ready even though I called 2x to ask. I can excuse this as a small blip with office personnel. My beef was with the price. It is a slightly more upscale part of town being across the street from the Sherman Oaks Galleria. We brought it there for the convenience but the bill was exactly 2x that of my regular mechanic which would have been $140 rather than $296. Koester also gave us an estimate on additional repairs needed. It was again, exactly double of what my regular (and very reliable) Burbank mechanic would, and DID charge me. In summation, his work is good but very pricey.

very good....half price of Lexus, with same Lexus parts

This is a clean and efficient shop that does excellent work. I have used them before and I would recommend them. You can find shops that are cheaper, but if you want work that is done RIGHT and at a reasonable price, this is the place.

I had sent my assistant over to have the 2004 Toyota Sienna checked out because we had a Maintenance Required light lit up. Ben (the owner?) had checked everything out and said we needed to replace the timing belt. When asked how much this would cost he stated “Roughly $1000” we agreed and brought in the van a few days later. On September 15 my assistant dropped the van off and was given a ride home by Ben in which he behaved inappropriately (That’s all I will say about that). The following day I received a call from Ben telling me that he had taken the car apart and that the timing belt replacement was going to cost DOUBLE, $978 for parts and $948 for labor and he mumbled something about a broken bracket costing $200. I told him that in no way will I pay DOUBLE the estimate initially given. He kept emphasizing the fact that he mentioned it would be ROUGLY $1000 and that I understood, but DOUBLE is not ROUGHLY. We immediately picked the car up and took it to the Toyota dealership where they had done the entire job for $350, including taxes, parts, and labor. This was a horrible experience for me because my initial impression of Koester, and I posted it here, was that they were honest and reliable, this situation proved otherwise. I will not be using them again.

We called in the morning to schedule an oil change on our 2004 Toyota Sienna. Ben worked us in the same day. Without us even asking, he said he would also check the brakes, belts and make sure all the lights are working properly. When Ben called and said the van was done and ready to go, I asked how much the total was, he said $23.50. He did all that work and didn't charge us for it. This van is used for our non-profit animal rescue for transporting dogs and equipment. It is truly nice to know there are mechanics that will not take advantage and over charge and in fact do more than expected and not charge for it. Thank you so much to Ben and his crew for the excellent service. We will be back! Trudy and Jennifer

It was a great experience. I felt taken care of.....

We had a lot of car work done by this place at once because it was easier for us that way. They handle it all perfectly. I am treated fine even though I am a woman. They treat me like I am valued. Their prices are way better than those of dealerships. I mean, you can get a lot of stuff done and save a bundle from what a dealership in this area would charge you. We really like this company and we are always treated so well there. They are top notch if I do say so myself.