5 /5 Ray Santiago: Update: 07.08.2025
Its one of those ol adage, "when it rains, it pours." Ive had my Jeep for the last 13 years and in that duration, it has been relatively trouble-free.
However, in the last six months, Ive had issues one after another, either to get it to pass smog test and some performance hiccups here and there. It is aging and as much as I could, Ive always been on top with preventative maintenance and upkeep. Nonetheless, its a mechanical and electronic object and things are bound to crop up over time.
And thats what brings me to do an update with Ed. Whenever I feel something is "just off" with my Jeep, I place a call with him and he listens to give me advice. A couple times, he recommended I change something on my own to save money and I do, his advice was spot on.
And other times, when I feel its over my head, I bring it in and Ed will plot out how we go forward. Everything hes fixed has been spot on and the repairs stick!
Ed has become my regular mechanic and Im glad to have someone on my side and has my back. With all the time I spend in my Jeep, I almost feel like its my second home and its well being is paramount to my lifestyle.
This follow-up post is to ensure that my initial review wasnt just a one-off, but rather a strong relationship Ive built with Ed, based on trust, reliability and honesty. Thank you Ed for all you do for me.
I was stranded with my Jeep that just wouldnt work and I called Portola Auto Service, answered by Ed, the man I wanted to reach. This place was highly recommended to me by a good friend whod had service done there.
Original Review:
I was in a stressful dilemma, needing a place that would accept my Jeep for service immediately and will arrive by tow-truck. Ed had a full garage, but he sensed my urgency, had empathy and said hed make room for my broken Jeep.
By days end, he had diagnosed the issues, complicated by the way, and in the morning, he had an estimate. Parts were to come in the next couple days and his efforts in acquiring the replacements and with expedient work, my Jeep was repaired and ready in a few working days.
Ed gave me updates along the way and when it was all done, he sat down with me to show me the replaced parts and all that he had done. He was earnest in explaining to me the process. I know a bit about engines and have worked on my Jeep myself and I understood what he had to go through.
Knowing my Jeep in depth, I knew that Ed was honest in the work he had done and fair in pricing. To know a mechanic and shop with integrity, good work and one that delivers in a timely manner, those are rare and precious qualities you dont ordinarily see bunched up together.
Can you tell Im a fan?
