BEWARE! BAIT AND SWITCH! We took our vehicle there just for the smog check and before they conducted any work we told them that we have replaced the battery, if they can check in advance to make sure system is ready for smog check or not. So, they won't fail it for no reason. Yes, they did basic OBD check and assured us that it is ready for a smog check so it won't fail for that reason. We agreed to do the smog check then after 5-10 minutes they failed the vehicle and rude woman that works there told me that it is not her fault, so their OBD machine couldn't read that there is still pending code for the battery. Despite letting her to know about my suspicion in advance she still lied and failed our vehicle also charged us full smog inspection fee and assured us that we just need to drive it for few days then bring it back for free smog test. Since they won't charge if we bring it back within 30 days. We drove it less than 15 days and brought it back, car passed the smog check but they insisted that we have to repay again, since it is a separate than initial inspection. They are rude and liars. Please be careful and do not waste your time and money with those dishonest people. I'm going to file a claim with BAR! We can't let them to screw our community! read more

Auto Repair Specialist - Front view - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

WOW!!! I am SO impressed with this place of business. We got a smog, renewed the registration AND got new plates in about 30 minutes. Standing in line @DMV for new plates would've taken hours - I know this because I went in once before and unfortunately was unable to compete the process at that moment. I'm so glad I found this place and will definitely return. Highly recommend! read more

Fast, efficient and easy! A coupon for a smog check here is usually available through ValPak. I printed one online, drove in, and was done and out in about 20 minutes. These folks are AWESOME!! read more

Quick easy and fair price for the smog check. The front desk per was nice and accommodating. I was able to take a work call in their lounge area. overall great service and experience. read more

They were efficient, communicative, and fair. I will go back. They determined my issue to be something completely different than what someone else had told me. read more

Lindsey, in charge of front office was helpful and efficient. I was in and out with smog test done and filed within 30 minutes. We talked about something else I want done and I'll be returning for that work next week! So happy to find reliable people. read more

Worst customer service ever. Took one of my vehicles in for a smog check, have been taking both my & my wife's vehicles there for over10 years. They took my vehicle in & I didn't notice the check engine light was on so they didn't even run the test on it but charged me anyway and wouldn't do a retest even though that is an industry standard that everyone else does. Will definitely not be taking any of my vehicles there in the future I recommend that you don't either. read more

I went in for a smog report. Their pricing was straight forward and no hidden cost. The work was efficient. I didn't have to wait very long and the people were good to deal with. read more

Straight forward smog check! Went in early this morning, and the smog check was done in less than 20 minutes. Comfortable seating area to wait. $60 out the door. Disappointed I didn't know about the $10 off coupon. :( read more

Not sure exactly what happened, but I had been coming here for years, and used them at least 9 times, if not more, previously (3-cars, every 2 years....) I had a friend check monitors before going to get smog check, because I had a CEL light that was coming on after having a secondary air control valve replaced a few weeks previous. He said he assured me it will be fine. Drove it 15 miles at highway speeds anyway, then took it in the very next morning for smog at Auto Repair Specialist. I was told it did NOT pass and that 1 of the monitors wasn't clear. When I asked what the cost would be for a re-test after I cleared the remaining monitor, they said it would be another $41.75. Some places will do re-tests at a reduced prices, and in some cases for free. Took it back to my friend and he said it was fine and couldn't explain why it didn't pass. Needless to say immediately took it to another shop, and it passed without needing to anything but take it back to my friend so he could re-check the monitors again, before taking it to a different smog shop, where it passed. read more

This is a great place to go for a SMOG check. They are efficient and got me in and out quickly. They were also friendly and provided good service. read more

Prompt, good work, fair price. Good communication by text keeping me appraised. Appointment available right away.

In and out in 20 minutes for my smog check. Clean comfortable spot to wait, friendly staff. Got the Yelp discount, All good.

$50 for a Smog test with a coupon I received in the mail. Stopped in on a Friday morning and was out in around 15 minutes. Nice area to sit and wait read more

Have I not rated Auto Repair before, I could've sworn I had! In that case... this is THE ONLY place I go. This is THE ONLY place I trust. I have had numerous vehicles over the years of various types, my last 3 being Prius, they have taken care of them ALL. This family run business will not be dishonest & attempted to overcharge you. There have been many occasions in which a certain little tweak has been done at no charge at all. I absolutely hate when it is something that they do not do(which is rare) & I have to go elsewhere. Of course they will give me my best option but I still don't know if that company is trustworthy. Eve, Lindsay & all the staff are the absolute best. read more

I recently needed a car. The shop was so accommodating. The car was great on gas and everything worked perfectly. I will recommend them in the future! read more

Lindsey and the mechanics were extremely helpful with car service and smog checks. They offer $50 out the door for smog and certificate. For a small fee they can do the DMV paperwork and provide your renewal sticker. A friendly one stop shop! read more

Just a simple smog check. In and out in a short time at a very reasonable price.

Our three cars have been going to auto repair for over 8 years. Our Mercedes went in for a smog test and came out with a major fix that the dealership missed... and only a $50 fix. After that, we decided to avoid the dealership. Lindsey is the point person, smart as a whip with estimates, issues and tactics. Yves, as it's his business - as mechanic, diagnoses and repairs - he's brilliant. They are also a source for the best local help (windshield repair, etc). This is truly a successful local small business, here for your benefit if you give them the responsibility with your cars beyond a simple smog test. read more

I have a motor home and here in San Rafael few shops have the space or the interest in working on it . I brought it to Auto Repair Specialist on two occasions Both times they repaired it to my satisfaction without any surprises. Great quality workmanship at a fair price . read more

Auto Repair Specialist - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

This guys are top on game of car repairs. Great customer services and excellent repair prices. I have used them for years from smoke checks, tire installation and all auto repairs. I highly recommend Auto specialist. read more

these people are very nice and professinal i enjoy taking my car there for repairs they are is very professional, punctual and knowledgeable. Honest and explains the work required. Appreciate his service. read more

These are the nicest folks and the fairest, best mechanics. Always a pleasure. Which is hard to say when your car limps in! But it's true that even on those days - actually, ESPECIALLY on those days - the kind and professional people at Auto Repair Specialist will put you at ease. Everyone I've referred here has been happy. Including my "organic mechanic" friends - meaning guys who could easily do the work on their own but choose not to. They approve. These are good mechanics and excellent people. read more

This is my mom's mechanic for many years. They are reliable,kind and honest people. Thank you for taking care of my moms car and keep her safe. read more

I just left this place, and I regret not putting something up on YELP before. If you would like to support a family business that does not try to rip you off, and whose owner is a highly trained and skilled mechanic with a super nice wife and cute child, come here! read more

Easily the best auto repair garage I have been to. HONEST, HONEST, HONEST! The owner will not waste your time and sweet talk. It is about the honesty and hard work he puts into the vehicle. It is very difficult to find the right mechanic. I used to wonder why my husband would cross the GG Bridge from North Beach for stuff like oil changes, but now I understand after wasting time with Toyota. When we were poor graduate and professional students, my husband and I drove our share of not-so-new cars. In all our experiences with auto repair shops, we have found that the most honest garages are usually those not affiliated with other outfits. For instance, the auto repair shop should not help pay for expenses of running a gas station. Instead, the independent auto repair shops rely squarely on honesty and good service to maintain a loyal and steady client base. FYI call ahead to make sure Auto Repair Specialist is open. Esp if you are coming in from a place that requires crossing a bridge ;) read more

Great customer service from the moment I called. The whole experience (despite COVID) was easy and straightforward. You folks rock!

Went there for squeaky brakes, was told hardware kit was missing $120. Week later , problem resumes, was told they had to tweak the caliper because it was rubbing, $390. Week and a half later, brakes sound extremely worse, spoke to the head mechanic , who referred me to his wife the proceeded to tell me that another $389.00 and they'd replace everything. Well of coarse I wondered why they didn't tell me that at first, I was shunned and told they'd spent too much time on my car, and that would be the final answer. Now my car is worse than it was when I took it to them, and I'm out of over$500, and still have to get my car fixed. I've did business with them before, and had a similar experience, but I thought I would give it another shot. read more

First time I went in with my reliable, well maintained 90s Toyota was just for a smog. It failed, they tweaked something, it passed, and then they did all the DMV paperwork! Second time I went in with something this other major chain telephone diagnosed as "almost definitely over $500." Instead, these guys fixed it and only charged me $40 for a sensor and some oil. Next up I had a rack and pinion thing that they diagnosed quickly and gave me the option to come back after the holidays when things weren't so tight. So you only pay for what is truly needed, plus this family business is an absolute pleasure to interact with. I'm a Bay Area native. And I'll never go anywhere else for as long as I live. read more

Most reliable and very small service always a breeze to get through. Even have DMV services so you don't have to make a trip to later read more

Auto Repair Specialist - Nice lounge but it only take ten min!! - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

Thank you JP for excellent service, above and beyond. Highly recommend A-1 Autoworks for quality work and excellent customer service. And, they CARE! Love this business; won't go anywhere else. Lynna read more

Would give zero stars if I could!!! Had about $5,300 worth of work done on my car by these guys and let me just say do not take your car here unless you want to get scammed. Had the work done took my car home the following day it started leaking coolant. While working on my car they replaced the coolant and put in the wrong one. I called them and took it back they said they would take care of it. I get a call later in the day saying that it would be an extra $1,200 to fix. Seriously ?! They said it was not their fault and that it was mine because I had someone else work on the car after taking it home from their shop. Definitely did not take it anywhere else because I thought my car was fixed until the coolant leaked. Plus it was 4th of July weekend so even if I did want to take it somewhere else I couldn't have because everything was closed. Went and got my car back and took it to another mechanic that fixed the problem they caused for half the price and have not had a problem since. Plus they charge for the diagnostic even if you go through with the job. No other place does that (doesn't matter what type of business it is the diagnostic is waived if you agree to have the work done) just save yourself the headache and take your car somewhere else read more

This place is amazing! Lindsay and Yve are the best and most efficient people I've met in smithing and registering my car. I have been back with all my friends and their friends. This is a gem of a store and incredibly well run. I will be back! I suggest you check them out! read more

Auto Repair Specialist - You need to get your car smogged and registered here. They are a DMV certified vendor. Walk out with your plates - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Yve is the best mechanic in the Bay Area. He's a master at his craft. He's saved my car numerous times. He's incredibly personable and a great great mechanic. Go see them if you want quality service for your European car, or any other model. Just the best there is. read more

Fantastic fast service and all questions answered. Marco helped us and was very friendly. The smog on my 2005 Honda Element took less than 10 mins. Use the yelp discount to save a few bucks! Will definitely be coming back. read more

I will simply say this, staff and the main lady are always an amazing help, with greetings making me feel welcomed into the place and the work quality is always without a doubt, the best. Thank you! Recommend it. read more

Lindsey in the front office provided exceptional customer service and went above and beyond to take care of us...on a Saturday no less! If you need any work done to your vehicle, or your trying to get a 2nd quote to confirm the work your going to have done elsewhere is fairly quoted, don't hesitate for a second to visit Lindsey and the crew at Auto Repair Specialist! read more

$35 total fee for smog check & certification--$15 less than without Yelp. Don't even need to do check in on app--just mention it! Polite & professional with no extra perks. No appt needed. I arrived on a Thurs around 1:00 and was exiting the parking lot at 1:15 with my "passed" certificate already electronically submitted to DMV. PAINLESS & efficient, just like I like it! P.S. If you need a latte served while waiting, don't go here! read more

Excellent and efficient service. They always get me right in and are accurate in their assessments. I recommend all my friends.

To my Misfortune I let them do a brake job. Driving home the brakes made noise they had not before, the emergency brake barely works. Now their rude and want more money for parts and to inspect the job they just did. Careful dealing with this business. read more