Center City Automotive Inc

“We give you peace of mind about the safety & reliability of your car”

Center City Automotive owned by Doug & Margee Hatton, is a quality, leading automotive repair center providing competent and honest service since 1981. Friendly atmosphere and top-notch advice at the front counter and on the phones is provided by Doug Hatton & Jim Wolgemuth. Automotive technicians Dave Haverstock, Steve Moore, Shawn Heaton and Rick Mortensen don't just fix or maintain your car, they get to know you and your car. Let Center City Automotive keep your vehicle running right, and when needed, help you get back on the road with the right repair solution.

See also: Automobile Repair.

What's been your experience at Center City?

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2006-09-01 09:47:33   I've been using them for a couple years and I really like them. They are honest, do good work, and every once in a while, throw in an extra fix that you didn't ask for. After going to Advanced Auto for a while, I've been very happy with the service at Center City. —GreenThing

2007-04-22 19:04:25   Good place for car work. The guys at the front counter are like a couple of old hippies but they are really nice and I think they are the most honest car place I've ever gone to. They take their time and explain things so that I can understand and they'll even talk to my dad when he calls and questions them. I've taken my parents to meet them and they agree that the place is good. Now, if I could only get my parents to give me a newer car. —Tina

2007-06-01 18:19:56   Great service! The guys there were extremely helpful, thorough, and very quick. —LinneaUggla

2007-08-02 17:38:41   Today was my first experience with Center City and I will definitely be trusting them with my car for future repairs. They were professional, made the necessary repairs quickly (same day) and for much less money than I expected to pay!! They also took the initiative to do a quick scan of other systems, including belts to ensure all was fine. They have certainly earned my repeat business! —scd

2007-08-27 20:04:31   This is a great place to take your car to when having troubles. They are reliable, knowledgeable and honest...which is everything you need when looking for someone to fix your car. They do let you know what you're paying for and why it's something you need to fix. Definitely the "go to" place in town! —Danya

2007-09-04 14:23:07   This place is great. My Toyota truck had a blown headgasket, and when my dad and I decided to repair it ourselves instead of having them do it (the cost of repairs would have been just short of the value of the car) they gave us plenty of advice and tips. I've had them do lots of other service, and won't ever go anywhere else. —BryceEsch

2007-11-10 23:53:49   Very nice people. Friendly, prompt and honest. They explained to me what needed to be change and why. I went in originally to fix a slipping clutch, they installed the new clutch; however; the new clutch was defective. The guys at Center City re-ordered a new and more expensive replacement clutch for me at no extra cost. After my first experience, I went back and had my timing belt and water pump fixed. Would definitely recommend them. —GMC

2008-02-11 10:51:38   This is bar none the best independent shop in Davis. I have been going there for years, and before that my family. They are honest and reliable, I have NEVER been up sold or told something that turns out not to be the case. their price is always competitive to big chains, and they know your name and your car. they will give you the truth even if it means they lose a job. When a repair doesn't solve the issue as well as you would like they are eager to find out what needs to be done and always fair with price. ALL shops will make mistakes, faulty parts happen etc... it is HOW they deal with it that counts!

example: My front end was squeaking, they said it was a dry joint someplace in the suspension... said it is an un-greasable joint, and is replace or nothing. BUT, they then said that they tested it for wear, and it is still well within tolerances, so as long as I can deal with the squeek, it is no biggie! I was shocked, probably $500 in labor, any other shop would have just said, yeah, your flux capacitor is out, you need a new one.

Doug and Jim at the desk are a bit bearded up as one commenter mentioned... but they are honest and listen to you... much better than some 21 year old clown at the desk of speedylube or whatever. It is a great feeling to have a trusted mechanic... to know that although a repair might not be cheap, they will do what needs to be done right, and at the best possible price. —Carsonsig

2008-05-14 01:03:42   Excellent service! I took my Nissan car to them to check the "Service Engine Soon" light. They found out that it was my car's front catalytic converter's problem. They called the Nissan dealer and found out that my car was still under warranty (I bought it as a used car, so myself did not realize Nissan's 8 year/80000 miles warranty). And the warranty was going to expire in 3 weeks! It was so nice for them to find out that I was still under coverage. Then I called Nissan and got my part replaced for free (or I have to pay almost $500 for a cat converter!).

So I strongly recommend this mechanics store! People are honest, knowledge and professional. What's more important, I feel that they were really standing on my side, gave good suggestions to save $$ and get the best deal. —ezhang

2008-07-10 15:31:20   they are the best. i refuse to take my car anywhere else in davis. my car is there right now and i've been going to them for like 2 years or 3. they dont make me feel like an idiot when i tell them whats wrong w/ my car even though i should because sometimes its me running the battery out on accident. today i was pushed into the schedule even though they were overbooked w/ cars. they said they'd try to fix it in the best time they could. they are really honest there and grateful for the trust that people have for them. also they remember you well. —KimberlyMiller

2008-11-10 23:29:35   Overall experience: Very Good, Very Satisfy, Very Professional. I needed a replacement of a Starter in my car, and I called around Davis to get the best estimation of the cost. Center City Autos called back with the best price, and agree to use factory manufactured parts for my car, which is exactly what I wanted. I brought my car in around 12pm on Monday, and Jim/Doug called me that my car is ready to go at 4pm of that same day.
Very fast services, and Very friendly. Jim/Doug would chat with you and answer questions relating to car that you may have. They do look like two hippies (especially when they said "Peace" to me, Hahaha). My overall experience here is very good because of their friendly manner, and their pricing were the cheapest that I could find in Davis. I recommend this place to whoever need their car diagnose and/or fixing. —crepelover

2008-11-12 15:44:18   This place is FANTASTIC. My windshield wipers stopped working on the first truly rainy day this year. I dropped one child at preschool, called Center City on my way home, was able to drop the car off immediately, and my infant daughter and I were given a ride home by courteous staff member. Two hours later they called to let me know the wipers were fixed (wiring was loose) and that I could use a new battery...which they installed free of charge (only paid cost of the battery). They picked me up within 1/2 hour and I made it back to daycare pickup on time. Amazing service. Far exceeded expectations. —JMakus

2009-03-04 11:14:36   honest, great, fast. not too expensive. I have never been to a better auto shop! —yadayada

2009-06-26 21:26:34   I took my truck to center city auto because one of the spark plugs blew out. I took it in knowing that this was the only place in davis that could work on it so I was skeptical. They told me that the spark plug hole was as big as it got and I needed a new engine that would cost me anywhere between 3,000 to 6,0000 dollars to fix. So I got it towed to San Francisco to a family frieds shop and the friend told me that Center City was lying to me and he fixed it for 200 dollars including service fee's. —kseabright

2009-07-13 09:01:39   Took my car in for a couple of very simple repairs and was very pleased. The repairs were done quickly, well, and for a reasonable price. The guy at the counter was really nice. I'll definitely go back if I have more serious problems. —DataPoint

2009-10-16 20:48:31   Speedy service, but extremely irritated that they charged me for something they didn't repair. Now I have to wait until Monday to take the car in - again. I'm sure I'll either get a refund or proper repair on Monday, but it's extremely frustrating that they don't have an answering machine of some sort. —ElizabethAbinante