I want to sincerely thank John for the outstanding service he provided today. In a world where trust and workmanship matter, John stands out as someone who truly takes pride in doing the job right. Two years ago, I took my 1986 Chevrolet van to Smog N Go on Orchard Loop Lane in Elk Grove for a smog check, and it failed due to an evaporative leak. Looking for answers, I brought the van to John at Auto Express. John performed a smog test, and the van passed. I returned to Smog N Go with John's test results, certificate, and a video of the test being performed, and they refunded my payment. From that moment, it was clear that John's integrity and expertise made all the difference. Last week, I returned to Smog N Go for another smog check, and once again my van failed--this time because of a reported gross evaporative leak and timing said to be set at 18 degrees BTDC, even though the correct specification is 4 degrees BTDC. It was a frustrating moment, but it also reminded me of the value of having someone you can truly rely on. I brought the van back to John at Auto Express, and once again it passed the smog test. John discovered that the wrong vapor line had been pinched during the evaporative test, which likely caused both this failure and the one from two years earlier. He also took the time to investigate why the timing had been set to 18 degrees BTDC by carefully examining the distributor, vacuum advance, and vapor lines. In doing so, he found that the vacuum advance was not working properly. What impressed me most was not just that he solved the problem, but that he approached it with patience, care, and a commitment to finding the truth. John was thorough, knowledgeable, and transparent every step of the way. He explained the issues clearly, replaced the faulty vacuum advance along with damaged vacuum and vapor lines, reset the timing to 4 degrees BTDC, and provided a smog certificate for my van--all within just a few hours. I left not only impressed by his skill and professionalism, but also grateful for his honesty and dedication. Even though I live in Elk Grove, I will gladly continue bringing my vehicles to John, because people like him restore your faith that exceptional service, integrity, and true craftsmanship still exist. read more

super helpful understanding the smog process for an older truck, and shared a lot of helpful advice in addition. wonderful experience.

Smog test costs $51.75 -- walked in with no appointment and they did the test in 10 minutes. highly recommend

we've been taking our cars to John for years, starting at his old location. Honest and trustworthy.

Came in for quick simple service. Met with John and his staff who provided that service very well and went beyond. John explained the "why" behind everything and pointed out future issues for the car. John took me on a test drive as well specifically pointing out these issues, with what the solution was. read more

When I first moved to sac in 2022, I had a difficult time to find an auto shop for oil change with decent price. I stumbled into this shop, and boy, have I found a gem!!! Back then, I brought in a 2010 Yaris for oil service, owner told me the battery needed to be replaced. I didn't listen, lo and behold within a week, my car died and I was late to work. Ever since then it's been my trusted auto shop. I now have a new car, I trust the owner and the shop, so again I bring in my car for routine oil change. Oil change is always efficient, minimal wait time, and good price!!!! The owner is so patient to explain to me how to maintain my new car. He is honest and caring. I learnt that he's in business for 36 years and counting. I trust this auto shop to provide care for my car and its customers, not about the money, it's about their passion and commitment. I recommend this auto shop to anyone who wants to find a shop that cares for what you care! read more

Very kind team that's super knowledgeable and ready to help. I've got a Smart car that is NOT easy to work on, and it's been a few years since she had any maintenance. She needed a check engine light diagnosed and fixed and the AC had been broken for years. The guys at Auto Express took care of everything and kept me informed through the entire process. They were upfront about the cost and explained what needed to be done thoroughly and clearly. read more

John at Auto Express is my new go to for Sacramento! I found this shop on Yelp and decided to try it out since it had such high reviews...I was not let down. John was so easy to talk to and has been in business for 30+ years...he's a pro! This shop can handle all needs, I got an oil change, smog check, and front brakes done, all in about 3 hours. Pricing was fair as well. If you are looking for a professional guy who you can trust with your car, John is the way to go. Please take your car to this local shop for all your needs, guys at pep/jiffy/Wal mart are nowhere near as polite and easy to work with. This will be my spot for as long as they are open. Thank you, John! read more

Dropped my car here during work for an oil change and the service was quick. They kept in contact with me along the way as far as progress and also patched up my tire that had a nail in it. I would recommend for service! read more

An honest shop run by a nice guy. Took care of me quickly and did a great job, at a reasonable price. I needed an oil change and a tire rotation. I didn't need to make an appointment and they had my car ready in less than 2 hours after I dropped it off. read more

Auto Express went above and beyond and helped me get insurance to respond to me so I could get my car repaired. They also did a great job on the repair, they're incredibly knowledgeable and the repair was fast. They are awesome and I highly recommend them. read more

I chose this shop because of its high rating and reviews when I first started looking for affordable, quality brake service towards the beginning of the year. At that time, three, 1-star reviews from other consumers in July and September were not yet written. While it is disheartening to see other people have also been cheated out of their money, time and trust, I see I am not alone in my horrible experience with Auto Express. I do not recommend this shop. I have also filed a complaint with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. As of July 2024, I've had all 4 brakes done by Auto Express. After having the front two brakes replaced on July 18, 2024, the brakes were squeaking worse than before. I called John, the shop owner, to let him know. He said the squeaking couldn't be the brakes, because they were new and the work was good, but I could bring my car back for him to have a look. With my parents falling ill and caring for them, I wasn't able to make it back to the shop until October 14, 2024. The brakes squeaked consistently from installation in July, to recheck in October. John prepared to drive my car, windows down, and me in the passenger seat to see if he could hear the squeaking brakes. While navigating out of the shop parking lot, with a 3-point turn, the brakes lightly squeaked. John drove my car about 6 city blocks from his shop and back. He varied speed and braked both hard and gently. The brakes squeaked, and I thought John heard it too without question, until he said he hadn't heard anything. Even while he spoke, as he slowed for a red light, I heard the brakes squeaking. I asked, "You don't hear that?" John said, "No." As we neared return to his shop, and I continued to point out the squeaking brakes, he said it was normal. One video I provided a link to below are of me driving down the street, leaving Auto Express, not yet even a block away. I considered maybe John couldn't hear the squeaking over the noise pollution of the city streets, so I also recorded another video while near a huge riding lawn mower. My car's squeaking brakes are still clearly audible above the noise of the lawn mower. I paid $238.19 for the front brake pads that are obviously an issue. John won't even acknowledge the audible evidence, let alone make good on his shop's work. After John repeatedly denied hearing the squeaking brakes at all, then saying what he did hear was normal, trust and confidence that John will act with integrity is broken. I now do not trust vehicle repair, of any kind, into John's or his employee's hands. (I couldn't get sound to play uploading the videos to this review, so I posted them on YouTube. Link 1: https://youtube.com/shorts/lG3rKvVWo0E?feature=shared Link 2: https://youtube.com/shorts/FFu3zOgsy4Y?feature=shared ) read more

Auto Express - Paid invoice for installation of 2 front brake pads - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I have driven a lot of mechanically challenged beaters over the years, so I have seen my share of mechanics. So many indeed, I could not remember half of them except for the few really good ones that helped me understand the problems and solutions to the vehicle I rolled into their shop. John would have to top last list. I have taken different cars with various problems to John and have been very happy with the results. He is always straightforward with his explanation of the problem and the process of finding a solution and has a fair price for getting it done. He happily answers all my questions. read more

Once again John took great care of my 20-year-old Tacoma. Took it in for an oil change and brake inspection. He identified and fixed a couple of other issues that could have led to bigger problems, and let me know the brakes were good to go at least until the next oil change interval. And he does it all quickly and at a fair price. read more

The guys who runs this shop is great, he is extremely knowledgeable in all cars. He did a star smog on my Land Cruiser and educated me on some issues I was having with my car and saved me a lot of money on wasted work that I did not need. Great prices as well. read more

I brought my car here because my check engine light was on, they were super nice and helpful. It ended up being a problem with my pump and valve system for my chevy volt. They explained everything to me and even showed me what was going on. They helped me avoid doing the $1,525 repair to replace the system and instead I was able to get it fixed for much less! read more

I was exited to support a local business and was given TERRIBLE service ! The guy that was helping me was so rude to me and telling me my engine was something else when I KNOW what it is. I was on the phone with my dad and he wanted a picture of what kind of oil to make sure it was the right one and the guy was so upset and slammed my hood and said it was "too much work and for me to go somewhere else". Just because I wanted to make sure it was right it was too much for you?? God forbid I wanted to double check read more

Great service!! Brought my car in for a smog the same day I called. Super quick! John was very helpful.

The first honest guys I've met in a long time. Explained everything thoroughly and helped me fix a steering rack issue with my 2008 toyota sienna. was quoted a much higher price at another shop and they fixed the problem for a better deal and did a better job here while being upfront, honest, and helpful. Please support if you can. Will most definitely come back here. read more

Took my 2009 Mini Cooper in for an engine light on and a smog test. After Phil took a look he found out that the car was running thin (to much air not enough gas) and showed me on video that there was a leak and break in a hose causing the engine light to come on. They told me it could be a few days to find the part because my Mini is a foreign car. They called the same day and told me they had the part. Had it fixed in about 30 minutes on my next day off. John then did a diagnostic check and said there was a small problem passing the smog test and told me to drive the car awhile and come back. When I returned he hooked up the computer and everything was fine and I passed the smog test. He was honest about the problems I had, which I appreciated and the service was awesome. If you have a Mini or another foreign car I highly recommend John and Phil at Auto Express on 15th St. read more

I am so happy I found John & Phil over at Auto Express on 15th. My Hyundai sonata had its check engine light on and was shaking. John and Phil did a diagnostic and fixed it same day!!!! I came back for a smog check and was attended promptly. John offered some advice in caring for my car since I'm new to the area. This is my new go to mechanic. No appointments were needed and the prices were very reasonable given the issues I had. Thank you John!!! read more

This shop owner was given new pads and rotors to replace on my Honda Accord. This clown replaced one pair of pads and one ROTOR! Not the set! I called him on it because the car has 87k and the original rotors and pads and I was charged for 4 pads and two rotor installs. The owner yelled at me and called me a foul name and hung up on me. What a horrible shop. read more

Got an oil change for my 250 GLA Mercedes . Was really cheap, and fast . Would do again

John was super helpful and professional. He does all ALL conditioning repairs and refrigerant recharging. Our 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid needed a new air intake filter and new refrigerant which is a specialist-required procedure on our dual zone hybrid. Not cheap, but fair price for what it is. Definitely recommended. read more

Owner John is a genius and a nice guy too. He does what he says and says what he does. He has decades of experience and you will feel secure having him repair your domestic or foreign auto. He has done perfect jobs for the last 15 years on my Honda and today he fixed a tire leak on the spot for a very reasonable price. John always goes the extra mile with a smile. He is old world craftsmanship and rare on this planet. Visit John and you will see why. read more

Great and fast service was in and out within 15min getting my smog check done. The guy was very nice and helpful. I will be coming back!

Overcharged me & didn't want to refund me after they didn't fix the problem I paid for . Instead tried to get more money out of me to fix the issue . DISHONESTY towards people with hardworking money is crazy . I will never come here & advise you guys not to as well. read more

The funny thing is, I've driven/walk by this place so many times; it wasn't until a friend recommended this place via word of mouth that I was aware. Had an issue with my radiator so I thought, barely bad it back to my apartment, was able to reach out and drop off my car the next day. Took them a few days to get the parts and luckily it was just something wrong with the sensor. Wasn't to drastic as I was prepared for worst case scenario. Super friendly, didn't beat around the bush; straight to the issue. I waited a few days for the review to just make sure it didn't act up again. Love going to business that have been in Sacramento for a long time. Definitely would recommend and will be going back for other needs. Give them a call prior to give them a heads up. read more

I went in because my F-150 truck needed front end work. John and assistant did a good job solving the problem. I suggest if you have repair needs drop by their shop. read more

Called to get my oil changed and they were able to take me immediately. Very quick, affordable and friendly service.

I took my car to Auto Express for a smog check. Waiting for awhile I just asked, seriously, just asked "how much longer" and this guy just came unglued! Throwing F bombs and acting aggressive, it was scary. He than mentioned that my air intake system is not legal. When I told him it has never been an issue all these years with other smog inspections he went over the top yelling same F bombs and even got in my face. I couldn't believe this was even happening, trip. I was happy to get my keys and get out of there. I have no Idea how this guy is still in business. The next day I went to another smog station and was in and out without issues. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE! read more

I have a 2019 Ford Transit 250. It has 51,000 miles. I am a traveler and was in Sacramento to help on a construction job. My vehicle was overheating--(this after a Future Ford service in October '23). John took me in immediately. Within a couple hours he diagnosed the incorrect coolant had been added at Future Ford. The damage was minimized. A new thermostat and fan and 8 flushings of radiator...averted a catastrophic engine fail. This most impressive aspect of Auto Express is their integrity. I highly recommend John and Phil. Conscientious, knowledgeable, Respectful, reasonable prices ...kind. PS. they documented and video taped their findings. Thank You Auto Express read more

John is really wonderful. He gives clear explanations and is good about communicating costs. We will definitely bring our cars to him. He fixed my car right away even without an appointment. read more

Jon and Auto Express are honest, hard working, and interested in what's best for the customer. Whether it's a faulty air conditioner or an oil leak tracking down why the engine light came on, I'm a return customer. I shopped around before converting to an Auto Express customer. His quote and advice got me hooked and I just hope he stays in business a very long time. Lots of added value from his advice. read more

Always excellent service. John and his team always do a great job of taking care of my car. I've been going to him for years and always feel that he is doing his best to provide a fair price and doesn't push me to make any unnecessary purchases. Currently, my SUV has over 250,000 miles and it's comforting to have someone I can trust working on it. read more

John and Phil have been amazing for years. And even though they moved to their new location, it's even better than where they were. Definitely will be coming back and recommend them to anyone looking for a mechanic who is honest and has your best interest in mind. read more

Been having issues with my car so I called John at Auto Express thinking I needed a spark plug change. Right off the bat he suggested to run a diagnostic before I pay for a spark plug change. He saved me a bunch of money by being honest cleaned up some parts, and fixed the hood of my car without charging me. Only cost I paid was $130 for diagnostics and we we were able to find out what's wrong with my vehicle. Will be bringing my car in to get her fixed. 100% go to John if you want good old fashioned honesty and hard work. read more

I went in to get a smog without an appointment. The gentlemen there were extremely nice and the service was really quick. I was out in about 30 minutes. Definitely going back! read more

Excellent customer service. Fast and CHEAP!!!!!!! Local mom and pop shop. Come support them! They're extremely hard working immigrant family. Come support their business. Honest hard working people. read more

The owner is such a cool guy and very straight forward about necessity over comfort on repairs to my mustang. I actually just went to get a smog and oil change and felt comfortable asking about the other repairs. I will definitely be back for oil changes and my other repairs. Highly recommend- fast and convenient Went to 16th st address but is moving to a bigger shop: 615 15th st, Sacramento (still in midtown) read more