Santa Cruz Auto Repair

Founded in 1993, locally owned and operated by Jeff and Leslie Moore. Water Star Motors has grown steadily on the basis of good honest repair work, a strong reputation with customers, being a Green Certified Business and being nice. We are a mechanically, environmentally conscious auto repair shop.

• We were the First Santa Cruz City Certified Green Business.
• We are also a State of California Certified Green Business
• 2009 We received an award from the Mayor of Santa Cruz for our efforts in the Green Business Community
• We are an AAA approved auto repair center.
• We were awarded the Small Business of the Year 2007 by Assembly member John Laird.
• We were voted Best of Santa Cruz in the annual Good Times reader poll of 2002, 2012 and the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Santa Cruz Magazine Goldie's awards.
• Same location for over 30 years.
• 9 full time employees allows us to give the quality service you deserve.

If your car is under warranty with the dealership or an aftermarket warranty program, we especially encourage you to come in: often, we can save you money by identifying expensive problems that may not be otherwise noticeable before your warranty expires.

Our Team

Our team of 8 ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Technicians and Advisors are ASE Certified, ASE Master Certified, ASE Certified Hybrid (L3), ASE Certified Advance Level (L1) who participate in continuing professional education and certification testing to ensure they are trained and certified for today's challenging vehicles. They are professionally trained car buffs who love the work they do so well, and we all benefit as a result.

Jeff and Leslie have assembled a team of dedicated and loyal employees who love their work and are constantly striving to improve their skills through continuing professional education. We are all environmentally conscious and willing to go the extra mile to stay Clean and Green.

Jeff & Leslie Moore - Owner's of Water Star Motors

Credentials:

• Owner's with high integrity and are environmentally conscious
• 35 years working as a professional technician
• ASE Certified Master Technician
• ASE Certified Advanced Level Specialist 
• ASE Certified Light Duty Diesel Technician
• State of California Certified SMOG Inspector and Repair Technician 
• IMACA certification (Air conditioning)
• Hybrid / Electric vehicle classes (multiple)
• Platinum level Honda automobile certification training
• Certified Master Recycler for City of Santa Cruz
• Member of Think Local First
• Member of Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce
• Santa Cruz Green Business Network member

Stephanie Underwood: Service Advisor

Aspirations, beliefs, or goals as a human being: I believe in treating others how I wish to be treated. My goals in life are to do my best, try hard, and enjoy life. As a human and mother, I want my son to have faith in himself and not be scared to speak his mind.

Experience, Education, Credentials, Achievements: I’ve been working in automotive repair since 2015. Starting as a lube technician. I trained my way up to Service Advisor. I am an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Service Consultant. I have completed Level 1 Engine and Control Emission control fundamentals and Level 2 Smog Check Procedure training. Also, I have earned Certification in Social Justice, and enjoy working with and helping people.

Unique Quirks, Soft Side of Personality: I love being a mother, friend, sister, and a woman. When I’m not working you most likely will find me with my son or curled up with a good book.

What you bring to Water Star Motors: I’d say I’m hard working, quirky, and a little bit of a clean freak. But I will always greet you with a genuine smile and a helping hand.

Anecdote (Short account of a funny incident/event in auto repair or other) A dangerous car problem I see sometimes is when the brake pads and rotors are worn-out beyond belief. Most people are good about replacing pads when they start to squeal, or the warning light comes on the dash. But others keep driving until they can barely stop at a red light. I've seen rotors worn down to their vanes, or so rusted that they snapped off the carrier. A few times I've seen brake pads worn past the metal backing. This means the piston was the braking surface. Yikes! It's crazy how some people play with their safety like that.

Ben Marzan, Smog Technician

Aspirations, beliefs or goals as a human being: To become a great auto repair technician and a good person to everyone – especially to my family.

Experience, Education, Credentials, Achievements: 17 years working in restaurants as a dishwasher and line cook. Also, I have over 30 years experience working on cars as technician and smog technician. I have a college degree as a Marine Engineer from the Philippine Maritime Institute.

Unique Quirks, Soft Side of Personality: I treat my dog and my cat the same way I treat my children. Lots of love.

What you bring to Water Star Motors: My vast experience as an auto technician and smog technician. I also like working with this super team.

Anecdote (Short account of a funny incident/event in auto repair or other): At another shop, I was helping a new mechanic with a clutch job. “Just ask me if you need any help,” I say. The next thing you know he had the clutch back in the vehicle already. I thought to myself – that is a bit too fast. I looked around and saw the pressure plate was still on the floor. Fortunately, I caught it in time for the other tech to undo and redo the job. 

Why should your car be serviced at Water Star Motors?

1. Our primary goal is to create an exchange of abundance with you that begins with our providing the highest quality of service for the best price in order to ensure your satisfaction and is completed with referrals of your friends to Water Star Motors. Thank you.
2. We believe in customer service. We are friendly. We do our very best to hear what you have to say about your car.
3. We provide every possible means to make it convenient for you. From Early-Bird Drop-off to shuttle service to your home or office to (almost always) same day service.
4. We have a staff that is highly trained and is constantly getting new training to hone their skills. Also, we keep up with the necessary technology in order to communicate with your vehicle.
5. We have the latest test equipment available to help us make the proper diagnosis for the problems your car may be having.
6. We believe in a VALUABLE FINAL PRODUCT. Your vehicle is test driven to ensure everything's perfect for you.
7. We have one of the longest warranties among local shops: Labor and new parts 24 months-unlimited mileage (does not cover wear items such as brakes & belts or labor for lifetime parts).
8. We believe in preventive maintenance and strive to alert you to your car's upcoming scheduled services.
9. We perform a complete vehicle inspection each time we see your car and advise you on safety issues and potential problems for the future.
10. You will not only save time and money with us but will obtain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your car is safe, reliable and optimally maintained.

Water Star Motors is on the radio!

Click below to listen to our radio ad.