Freedom Muffler of Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz

I don't recommend this place. John came off as rude. He tried, but definitely not his best. Went to his shop 4 times because of a persistent exhaust leak. On one of the 4 occasions the exhaust pipe came undone. It sounded terrible! He didn't listen or explore the problem, just tried re tightening the exhaust here and there but mainly brushed off my concern. I Had to go somewhere else, where I actually was Heard. Test drives were done to figure it out, with other diagnostic tests and my exhaust leak was Actually corrected! Problem was a bad flange on the down pipe. Had to get another one. Why he couldn't figure it out? Not sure, but definitely didn't like his tone of voice nor his rudness. Unacceptable for a business owner. I was a customer looking for a solution, not more problems or disrespectful attitude.

I'm going to parrot John's other 5 star reviews. He listened to what I thought I wanted for my 63 Cadillac. He took the time to let me test/hear what he thought would best meet my want. FYI, John works by appt. So call first to set an appt. 5 Stars! Here's John!

I chose Freedom muffler because of the other 5 star ratings and comments I saw. I called and spoke with John regarding my truck needing a catalytic converter. He heard me out then asked for some info located under the hood. This was so he can get the right catalytic converter because under the hood there's a sticker with all the catalytic converter info he needed. Did that and we set an appointment for today Tuesday April 1st (probably not at the time you read this post). But, I got there all the way from Hollister mind you, and found it with John waiting for me. We talked a bit and he told me it would take 30 minutes. Great I said I'll just grab a bite to eat around the corner. He text me to let me know he was done and it was 30 minutes! I just finished eating a quesadilla when he text, so there I go. I paid the man for his work and we parted ways. With the paperwork in hand I went over to get it smogged and it passed! Yeah! I text John back to let him know and he text back thumbs up emoji. Good man, good price, good work. Much recommend to anyone needing this kind of service.

Had to get my catalytic converter replaced, John did a great job, knows what he's doing even better than Bureau of Automotive Repair people. He also caught another issue with the exhaust system that had been caused by some questionable older repairs! Super friendly, very professional, knows what he's doing. Highly recommend.

John at Freedom Muffler is a true professional. I took my beloved 1968 Mustang to him based on online-reviews as well as via in-person recommendations from the local classic car community. He engages with you and provides you with his expert recommendations; but, and this is key, he listens to your needs and acts accordingly. He’s my new go-to muffler guy! Plus … my car sounds fantastic!

John did a awesome job on my 1974 BMW 2002. He has vast experience and knowledge in the auto exhaust industry. He even had a BMW vintage rubber exhaust hanger in stock for my car.

John is the absolute best. I live in Big Sur and my research led me here. I called him up with what I needed which was to get the giant stack out of my truck bed put on by the previous owner and to replace it with something much more modest. Very good communication over the phone and never felt like I was being scheemed. He hooked me up at half the price of some of the kits I was looking at trying to put on myself which in retrospect I'm so glad I didn't. He not only installed the whole exhaust but even welded custom brackets on. Taken it up some pretty rough and dirty roads and it's still holding strong. Best part is now I can have conversations in the truck without having to yell.

John is a fantastic exhaust technician and specialist. He gave me knowledge and advice that only an expert has. He helped me install an LCEngineering Pro Flow exhaust kit for my 04 Tacoma. He did it in no time for a reasonable rate. I will be recommending him to all my guys! It sounds great!! Thanks again John!