Steve Saporito was originally trained at Northrop University as an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic for jet aircraft and graduated in 1982. There he studied electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, physics, cleaning and corrosion control, mathematics, instrument systems, communications and navigation systems, air conditioning systems,
Steve Saporito was originally trained at Northrop University as an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic for jet aircraft and graduated in 1982. There he studied electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, physics, cleaning and corrosion control, mathematics, instrument systems, communications and navigation systems, air conditioning systems, de-icing systems, fuel systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, security systems, braking systems, airflow systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and other subjects with regard to aircraft repair and modifications. In 1983 he leased a local Unocal service station (Steve's Union Service) two blocks from his home. Steve’s background from Northrop University made him a meticulous mechanic and enabled him to grasp the most complex automobile technology easily.
In 1992 Unocal cancelled his lease for the service stations, and he set out to purchase the station from them. Over the next 5 years he was in legal negotiations with Unocal, Banks, and the City to resolve purchase price, cleanup responsibilities, financing, and zoning issues. After these issues were resolved, he began building the current facility.
The current Hilltop Automotive facility opened on February 15th, 1997. He started the business with two employees, himself and his mother working the front office the business has grown since then. In December he hired two more mechanics to handle the workload. In 1998, as business increased, he started hiring more mechanics to assist in handling the workload.
Today the business employs a staff of 7-12 including 3-5 ASE-certified mechanics. The shop services all makes, years, and models of automobiles including Austin Martin, Alpha Romeo, Lotus, Mercedes, Ferrari, Maserati, BMW, ,Porsche, Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, SSC, Salene, Scion, Smart, Lexus, Toyota, Infinity, Nissan, Jaguar, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Land Rover, GM, Cadillac, Pontiac, Audi, Honda, Bentley, Acura, Volkswagen, Buick, Chevrolet , Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Volvo, International, Hummer, Mini
...more
Verified CustomerThank you Marisa for the Review.
It's important that the customer is part of the process and that they understand what they are paying for.
Sometimes it isn't what they want to hear but as long as we are all on the same page the results will usually exceed their expectations.
We look forward to your next visit.
It was personalized- the Owner Steve is very accommodating and engaging. The shop is comfortable and clean. When you walk in your greated with a smile and a hello. He was excellent at communication and I couldn’t pass smog - he had it fixed for me and went above and beyond to make sure my old beat up car got an engine cleaning ( AMAZING!) and took care of of some other items that I was lied to by other mechanics… he saved my filters to show me how excessively dirty they were. I picked up my car looking better than it had looked when I bought it ! WOW ! Highly - Highly - recommended Hilltop Automotive. If you want old school quality service and an experience of so
One talking and explaining to you - this is your place. Remember- you get what you pay for. If you want sloppy - fast - cheap please go someplace else. If you want your car done correctly and honestly - then that’s a quality that’s unique and we pay for that quality.
10 out of 10 service !! EXCELLENT and let me also mention. This owner Steve , respects women. He doesn’t talk at you or down to you as a female and that alone is worth SO much to a female like myself. He was honest and helped me understand what he did and why. He took the time to explain even when others were waiting.
Great place to support in our community !