LOVE THIS PLACE! fair price and very honest and professional staffs! I always take my 2007 mini cooper to this place and i am always satisfied with the result with a reasonable price! I've been to other auto repair shop before, the price is more expensive and they did not care about their customer as much as Mario does!! read more

Yelp users are right again!! My stupid "check engine" light came on and I got scared. So scared I almost went to Aamco. Luckily I logged on and found this little gem of a place. It's not much to look at and you might pass it if you're not careful, but it's the best place to take your car. When I read the reviews I thought, "no way can the place be that good"...I was right. It's BETTER! They were nice, used words I could understand and did not try to sell me a service I didn't need. In fact, the problem was a dirty sensor and he cleaned it and reset the light for free! I was just about to be on my way when I asked him to do my tune up. It took less than an hour and I drove away happy. This is definitely my new mechanic. A+ all around! read more

Kirk was very helpful and made it easy to do business with them. I came in for advice on replacing my muffler and he gave me the pros and cons of doing it "one way versus another." I returned a few days later and they had me in and out within a couple of hours. The sound produced by the muffler was exactly as he described it, only better. Not too loud, but "throaty." Call it fun. Kirk took the time to explain other variables related to the muffler and answered all my questions. The price was almost half of what I thought it would be. Great service, great product, and I will definitely return from here on out. 5 stars! read more

This place is very legit and does right by their customers. They will give you the facts on what can/can't/shouldn't, instead of just blindly making modifications for quick cash (like other muffler shops on the same street) At first I didn't like hearing any resistance to my ideas, but now I appreciate it, and realize these guys are doing their job well. read more

Great place, Thank you for your great service Kirk! I am going here for about two years now and the price is good! Quality work in no time! Thanks read more

When my aftermarket cat-back exhaust sprung a leak, I dreaded having to take my car into the dealership, as I was wondering if they'd even bother to fix an aftermarket part. Luckily, I found Advance Mufflers on Yelp! Kirk (the exhaust expert) is as knowledgeable as he is professional, and is a nice guy on top of it all. He could immediately hear the leak when I pulled into the bay (I thought the system had to be hot for the defect to be noticeable). After the car was up on the lift, he brought me over to show me where something looked like it was leaking (it was my battery/tray--which I already knew about but was glad he took the time to show me and bring it to my attention). He then showed me where the exhaust leak was coming from, and showed me how loose the exhaust system was, which probably contributed to the failure. He gave me a few options, and we settled on welding the break shut. (I briefly considered have him cut out the broken resonator and straight piping, but didn't.) Kirk welded up the break and ensured the exhaust hangers were holding strong, and even added a few more tack welds after showing me the work he did, just to be sure it'd hold. Overall I was in and out in under an hour. 5 full stars! If I ever upgrade my cat back exhaust system to something nicer, I'll definitely be taking it to Kirk at Advance install. (Also, check out the 1928 Renault they have out front.) read more

They over and beyond for their clients. I appreciate Kurt and his team. They are awesome.

Cool guys. Extremely affordable work on some random stainless pipe I needed modified. Will absolutely return for future work

Once again, I've received excellent service from the honest, dependable & very skilled auto mechanics at Advance Muffler!! They checked out my car, called me with what they found, what they recommended, what alternatives were available, and what it would cost (broken down into labor, parts, tax, etc.) These guys are the best!!!! read more

A year ago, after failing a smog check, I needed a new catalytic converter. I took it into Advance and spoke with Kirk. He put the car up on the lift, looked at it, came out and told me the wrong catalytic converter was on the car. That whoever did it, broke California law by putting that model converter on that model car at that point in time, and that I should take it back and demand they replace it. Now - here's the thing. He didn't have to tell me a thing - but clearly - this is an honest man. If he came out, told me I needed X converter, and he'd replace it for Y price - I'd have been none the wiser and the shop would have scored a big + on the balance sheets. BUT - and here's the real point - he didn't. He told the truth. He looked up parts in old catalogs, took the time to brief me on California emissions laws, gave me advice on how to approach the shop who did the bad work (a shop in Glendale) and even took my calls for my follow-up questions after I left the shop. I cannot speak for the other employees there, but if you take your car here (and the yelpers seem to think well of it), then by all means, seek out Kirk. He is an honest, incredibly knowledgable, straight-shooting guy. read more

Went in about 6 months ago to get the muffler chopped off my 2000 328i, Kirk did an amazing job and even told me to get some tips online, bring them back and he'll weld them on for free! BMW still sounds amazing to this day and I'm looking forward to bringing in my mustang in soon! read more

Dear Advance Muffler, You get a smiley face on your report card... A+ For all your dedicated work and friendly service, even on a hot summer day! A+ For your customer care and satisfaction! Who cares if you have a small TV. You gave me water and AC on a hot humid day and that's all I needed. A+ For being negotiable and giving me the price I asked for. Midas gets and F- for this category. A+ For being quick and for double-checking my exact needs before going to work on the car. A+ For being reputable and experienced since 1947. Note: Advance pays great attention to your needs and can refer you to other reputable specialists around the area as well. That Midas whatever can "SEE ME AFTER CLASS" blacklisted in detention. read more

Kirk is amazing. I called about my daughter's catalytic converter, and was quoted one price, but was given a lower price when we arrived. In March my check engine light came on so I took it to Honda as I have for the pass 19 years. After the manager placed it on the machine he said it is definitely the catalytic converter and would cost me about $848, but for now I will just reset the sensor, but it won't last. I drove down the street to see Kirk, he told me to go to Chevron and put premium gas in my car, and drive it a while, if the light comes back on in the next couple of days, the dealer is probably correct. It has been over a month and no light--only cost $210 in gas for the month. I highly recommend this location and Kirk--he is honest and kind. Tonya read more

Paid 374 dollars to fix my moms car ran for 1 day and now won't start !!! Don't take your vehicle here

I was referred by my mechanic brother. I walked onto the lot and told them that my muffler basically came off the piping cause of the previous crappy weld job done by some other dudes.. They were willing to weld it back on for 20 bucks. But they also had a spare used muffler for the same vehicle. They were willing to give me the used muffler and install it for 75 bucks. I already spent a couple of days looking for that same exact part with no luck and these guys had it! It would've also been a lot more if I got the part elsewhere. Based on my experience, these guys seem to be pretty legit. The work they did might've been done for a lot more at other places. I heard from my mechanic bro that this place has been around for a while and they've got a good reputation. The staff seems knowledgeable. read more

I am so lucky to have found such an awesome, amazing mechanic shop that I trust. I brought my Jeep to them yesterday to try and get my custom a/c unit fixed...they fixed it in a couple of hours an didn't nickel and dime me for every little detail...even though they totally could have. Turns out a fuse was out...not a tough fix, but they still could have charged me for every aspect of fixing this: trouble shooting, finding the fuse box (which was hidden), their time, the actual fuse, etc. Having a/c in CA right now is necessary! I feel really fortunate to have found a place like this that cares enough to not take advantage of me. I have been going to them for almost a year now and this is not the first time they have treated me so incredibly well. They are always honest and are always respectful of my budge, while still being good a good, solid business. I highly, highly recommend Advance Muffler & Auto Service in Pasadena, CA. They are fantastic. read more

We had repairs done on our two work trucks and they did a great job at a great price. Very professional and friendly service. They also do quick work which was important for us to get our trucks back on the road. read more

We have been going to Advance Mufflers for several years now and we can't be happier with the guys. They are always proactive and on top of all our vehicles needs. You wont be disappointed! read more

I've been by a couple times for exhaust work. This shop is very honest and will explain everything very clearly for anyone to understand. I strongly recommend the service here, and will be coming back to all my exhaust needs, (as I do most services on my vehicles myself) A+ Talk to Kurt. read more

I've have been bringing my Hyundai here for years and always get great service. 1. They will diagnose the problem, tell you what alternatives there are, and how much each will cost and how long it will take. 2. Their price for repairs and service is always quite reasonable. 3. Best of all I can bring my car in on a moment's notice and they're always willing to take a look at it and help me out. BTW, I have compared their prices to other local places and Advance is quite comparable price-wise while offering much better, reliable service. read more

My daughter's '90 Accord started sounding like there was an old lawnmower underneath. Called Advance and they said bring it in and they'd look at it. No charge. Seeing how they had such positive reviews here, I figured it had to beat Midas. I took it in and they put it on the lift. They told me what the problem was and explained my options to repair. They were pretty straightforward and took the time to answer my questions. Based on what they told me, I chose to replace the resonator only. The work was performed within the time promised and the car sounds like a Honda again. BTW, this Accord runs great! read more

My prior review was a well-deserved 5 stars, but in this review, Advanced Muffler only receives 2 1/2 stars ("just ok"). My car was driven/road tested and I appreciate the initiative, as certain regular shops (like Firestone) won't, or didn't do. However, AM's assessment failed to detect the primary defect which was causing the noise/grinding (wheel bearings), even if it did detect another issue. Maybe such issues are not their specialty. I will probably take the car back there - after all my first experience was excellent and their effort is unquestionable. I believe they are honest, too. read more

I want to thank them for such fine service Kirk had done for my beat up green station wagon. I found Kirk to be surprising honest given all the competitors around his shop. I work with many other business owners and professionals. I look forward recommending his business. My muffler support broke off and required repair. He diagnois the problem and provided me with a reasonable price for the repair. Given that my friend and I can fix our own cars, it was still very reasonable! He got things done as quoted. Can't say enough about Kirk's integrity. read more

Wow....you do not even want to know how good these guys are. Kirk, Kirk, Kirk....this guys name is everywhere and it's for a damn good reason. I just took my Limited Edition, $40,000 Mini Cooper S to Kirk, and asked him to remove my stock muffler tips and make a custom tip for the two outlets on the exhaust. He took an hour and a half, and made me a custom tip. Wow, I cannot be more satisfied than this....honestly. I am the happiest man in the world. He took his time and custom cut, and welded an aluminum, dual exhaust tip that now makes my car look like a race car. The exhaust tips came out to my EXACT thoughts and specifications. The tips stick out of the rear bumper so it has a very aggressive look. He made it look like the car came this way from the factory, and that's very hard to do when you're welding tips, especially custom tips. I would give them 6 stars if I could... read more

Kirk, what can I say about him at Advance Muffler and Auto Service? How does Professional, Honest, Above and Beyond, and most importantly QUALITY sound to you? Why does it matter? Well, it is because these words describes exactly who Kirk is and his work and knowledge translates to the utmost professional quality ! In addition to his quality work, he is also just as willing to share his experiences in dealing with other automotive issues. In my case, a recent automotive collision. As with anyone on Yelp.com, I searched for several days, looking for a reputable auto service. More specifically, I was looking for a place where the mechanics possess the expert knowledge needed to identify what was wrong with my Mustang GT, willing to take the time to explain to me why it was faulty, be willing to suggest a solution or an alternative to the solution, provide me with a straight answer as to the cost and the kind of work that was necessary for the repair and finally, a place that was not going to rip me off for every penny that I got. After searching and calling more than a dozen places, I came to Advance Muffler and Auto Service. Upon arriving at Advance Muffler and Auto Service at 10:30AM, I approached an individual, I believe his name was Derek and provided him with a brief synopsis of what I was having trouble with. Immediately, he pointed me to Kirk and without any hesitation, Kirk lifted my Mustang and begin examining it. Within the first three minutes, Kirk was able to provide me with an explanation as to why my mustang was rattling and what it took to fix it. Not only did he explained it to me, I was given the chance to see the damages. For areas where the damage could not be visually identified, he was able to let me feel for it. Because of this, I know for a fact that Kirk wasn't trying to take advantage of me or sell me something I don't need. Can I say, AWESOME!!!!!!! Initially, my problem could have been resolved with a simple adjustment to my exhaust system and Kirk could have easily did just that. Instead, he had noticed that my previous mechanic had done a terrible job installing the MagnaFlow Exhaust system on my Mustang and without any hesitation he opted to correct the mistakes for me. He completely dismantled my exhaust system and made the proper adjustments and repairs to ensure that everything was set completely right and exactly to the measures. In addition to that, he undid some of the mistakes that my previous mechanic had made and made sure that both of my exhausts were leveled and equally displaced. The whole process took approximately 2hours. Given that I was serviced immediately on arrival (I did not call to make an appointment), how Kirk went the extra mile to fix the mistakes that my other mechanics had done, adjusted my mustang so that the rattling cease to exist and charging me only $100 dollars for all the work that he had done was simply beyond belief. He is truly one of the best out there. I recommend Advance Muffler and Auto Service to anyone out there. This experience is by far the best that I have ever encountered. In fact, I plan on going back to Advance Muffler and Auto Service to replace my shocks. Trust me when I say this, you will not be disappointed. I have absolute and complete faith in Kirk and his work! read more

I can no longer in good conscience recommend this mechanic. Kirk is no longer working cars due to an injury and Mario will smile to your face while he bs's you when he doesn't know something and rips you off on the price. And when you catch them lying, cheating or scamming you, you can forget about getting a dollar back. Kirk must be hard up for the money. BOTTOM LINE: KIRK'S TOO OLD AND MARIO ISN"T TRUST WORTHY. Go to Nishikawa on Fair Oaks or C and C in Alhambra. read more

Kirk and Mario are very educated technicians with a lot of experience!!! Friendly good prices fixed right the first time!!!!

Forget Midas, come here. You will be glad you did. If you need repairs or exhaust system work in the 626 area, this is THE place to come. My family has been coming to Advanced since 1969 and each time we are treated with respect, and great customer service. They explain what the problem is, tell us what the repair options are, and the pluses and minuses of each option. On two occasions (once on each of two vehicles) they could have sold us new mufflers (or more), but instead showed us that the loud noise was caused by a cracked pipe which was caused by a broken bracket in one case, a missing bracket in the other. On both vehicles they replaced the bracket and welded up the cracked pipe. A friend drives down from Malibu for his exhaust work... what does that say? These guys are honest, reliable and know their stuff. When my friend's Suburban needed a whole new exhaust system (the factory one was totally rotted out after 15 years) Kirk volunteered that he could get my friend a big boost in mileage. So instead of replacement factory manifolds (highly restrictive), stock pipes, stock mufflers and stock catalytics my friend waited a week (for the special order parts to arrive) and got free-flowing headers, 3 inch diameter pipes, matching 3 inch high-flow mufflers and 3 inch high-flow catalytics. And an honest 4 mpg boost (as they say elsewhere, Your Mileage May Vary). In short, Highly Recommended. And there is a Starbucks down the street. read more

The owner knows what he is doing. Had a muffler rattling noise on my modified Mustang GT. Had tried 2-3 different people, with no success. Kirk took a break from his lunch, put my car up, twisted a few things and presto...done. Said it would be no charge. Kirk is obviously an old school guy who know his automobiles in and out and the engineering principles. Not a chit-chat person, but his popularity is based on his competence and fair business practices - not on bedside manners. Bottomline - go to him with confidence. read more

So the car had been making this rattling noise when I would accelerate. The mechanic could not find anything wrong with the engine and a mechanic friend diagnosed it as an exhaust issue, I have those way too often. Took it to Kirk and he says gimme an hour to finish another job and I'll take a look. I come back an hour later and he tells me it was a loose exhaust tip. I was a little skeptical but it didn't make a rattle on the test drive. On top of it all he does not charge me a cent. Any future work or recommendations are going straight to Kirk! Thanks again! read more

Been bringing rice rockets here for the past 16 years (Holy shit I'm old). Kirk has been the man around these parts ever since I could remember. But he's got Mario working there now and together, they're a sharp pair. I usually call and get quotes from other shops before I come back here because they more than likely will match the other shops prices. The difference is you get quality work done surprisingly quickly. This is the only place I go to when I need exhaust work. read more

Ok So the place gets 3 stars. Heres my reason. 3 stars was for the work I needed done and that got done with no problems. The minus two stars are for when I walk into you place of business I want to feel welcomed. It seemed like he was to busy for me and didnt want to deal with a girl or anyone for that matter. No good morning... Nothing. Last I feel they got over on me because he was busy and shot me a high amount price to get out of the store but i needed it done and didnt have a choice at the time due to personal reasons. I said can you work with the price and he said no. When i agreed he looked dumb founded and started scratching his head while looking at me probably thinking I cant believe she is paying this much read more

My muffler started making a loud noise and Kirk said bring it in. I was there in 20 minutes it took him about a minute and a half to diagnose the problem and I was in and out of there in less than 45 minutes with my car fixed and it didn't cost an arm and a leg! read more

Kirk provided the best service and advise for my chev truck. He did great work in a timely fashion. I will return when needed.

What customer service? The man(only 2 people there) helping me was not very friendly at all. I asked a mechanic friend and basically told me they sold me a 300 dollar job that I could have had done for a lot less elsewhere with a different part. read more

An honest muffler shop that does good work. This shop recently did some work on my truck and I'm very happy with the results. The truck sounds great and it looks good (underneath) too. read more

I went here to get a second opinion with regard to what I had done at another shop. What a regret not going to these guys initially. They're way friendly and pretty much told me I got brutally raped in my wallet by this other shop. In a nutshell, I payed $600 for about $200ish in work. It does serve me right for not doing my homework before making that kind of an investment. They took time out of their busy afternoon to toss my car on the rack and have a look. That was obviously appreciated.... On the plus side, at least I know where to go in the future to not get screwed! read more

Mechanics scare me! Fairly new to the San Gabriel area. My 2014 Toyota Camry had a rattle by the exhaust. Toyota dealer wanted to charge $125 just to diagnosis. Captain Kirk knocked it out quickly and did not haggle me or bother to charge me a fortune. I'm very thankful for this blessing. Car trouble is the worse especially when a person like myself doesn't know how to fix the problem. Thank you so much Kirk for being an honest guy and not manipulating me! Look for a repeat customer and more referrals. read more

Kirk is the MAN at what he does! I tend to change exhausts on my C5 Z06 Corvette and need proper installation. Sometimes, it requires custom cutting and welding. I only trust Kirk to do this type of work on my car. He has never failed me. read more

I was looking at buying a 2006 Infiniti G35 (premium package, auto) at A&B Motors and wanted to get it checked out by a trusted mechanic. I looked on Yelp and low and behold, I found this mechanic. I gave him a call in the morning asking whether I should buy the G35 or a salvaged G35 (with less mileage and better options). Randy, over the phone, gave me his honest opinion about the gripes and problems people have with salvage titles, which convinced me. Then, I went into the shop and was greeted nicely. He agreed to the do the inspection for 60 bucks, and the cool part was the he was willing to show me what he was doing. He said "You're paying for it, so you should know what I'm doing." He proceeded to walk me around and explain to me different things, from how you know the tires are new to how you can tell if there was additional welding done to the frame. He gave an honest and fair assessment, and gave me advice about buying used cars. He then even walked me over to his computers and looked on some websites and found out that the deal I was being given was pretty good. In his inspection, he found that the biggest problem was a leaking differential, and he suggested that the dealer gets that fixed. He even told me to bring the car back after it gets fixed and he'll make sure the work was done well... FOR FREE! I might not have to take him up on the offer (because the work was done by an Infiniti dealership) but it's still awesome how he's willing to do that. It's rare to find people like him as mechanics. I trust him fully to give me an honest opinion and he convinced me that this car was mechanically sound and at the right price. read more