Bancroft Garage

(265 reviews)

noticed this place was one of the only smog stations in the area that opened at 7:30 am. got there…read morearound 8 am on a friday and was in and out in 10 minutes. quick and friendly service. highly recommend! :)

Quick and painless. I drive a 30 year old car and not everywhere does smog on older vehicles. It…read morewas 15 minutes door to door. Ill be using this place in the future.

Downtown Smog Check & Repair

(19 reviews)

Highly recommend this place! I went in for a smog check and Oscar helped me throughout the process…read more Explained my battery was new, I had to my drive the car a bit before could pass, I came back a few days later. Oscar assisted me again, and made the whole experience easy and stress-free. Great customer service and very helpful!

Great service from start to finish shout out to Juan! Quick fast and efficient!!! So happy great…read moreprices

Griffin's Auto Repair

4.1

(358 reviews)

I took my Range Rover here for an oil change and they were nothing short of amazing. A week later I…read morehad a dummy light come on and they told me to bring it in and they would check it for me. Great service

Car troubles are always stressful, but the staff at Griffin's made the whole repair process…read morecompletely seamless. Their customer service team is polite, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about helping you out. They gave me a fair estimate, finished the work right on time, and delivered amazing results. Thank you for the outstanding service!

Brake Stop & Auto Repair

(225 reviews)

HUGE shoutout to brake stop- I called at 1 pm needing all new rotors and pads, brake fluid and he…read morehad my car ready by 4. Pricing was fair given scope of work and my new brakes work great. Totally will recommend others to go here, thank you guys!

Honest, transparent and awesome customer service My Chevy…read moretraverse needed a bunch of brake work and some odds and ends. I took it to courtesy Chevrolet and their quote was absolutely excessive. Since warranty had expired I searched around for a good brake repair spot and general mechanic. I research a ton and landed on Brake Stop as the alternative. Robert was incredibly responsive and had all rotors, pads ect replaced within 24 hours. While it can be a costly repair, I was very satisfied with what I deemed a completely fair quote. I have now found a permanent repair shop for my automotive needs in Brake Stop and auto repair. This is a great business and prime example of what a business should be. Fair. Responsive and darn good at what they do. They are just awesome

Hillcrest Smog & Repair

(545 reviews)

Excellent repair shop. Honest and knowledgeable. Decent prices compared to their competitors…read more I came here bc I was stuck and now I will be using them as my regular shop!

Qwan at Hillcrest Smog and Repair is the best. Quality work, and someone you can trust. Having…read moregrown up and worked in car agencies, I know who knows what they are doing and who isn't. They were the best. Honest and top quality. No need to look further.

Thao Auto Repair

4.4

(249 reviews)

It's unfortunate because I really wanted to give this place a try, it would've been convenient for…read moreus since we manage multiple vehicles, and I was hoping to build a solid business relationship. On 4/14 I brought in an Escalade after replacing the rear brakes because it started throwing multiple warning lights, even though the ABS sensor and brakes were already replaced. I understand newer vehicle technology can sometimes cause glitches even with simple repairs, so I trusted they'd be able to diagnose and fix it. They charged a $130 diagnostic fee, which I was completely fine with. The next day, they said they needed to reset the computer for $390. Since I had already paid for the diagnostic and was told it would go toward the repair, I agreed. The following day, I was told they couldn't reset it and that I'd need a new module for $3,468.54. I declined and decided to get a second opinion from our regular mechanic. I still paid the $390 plus a $13.65 service charge, which I later found out was a credit card fee. The next day, I took the vehicle to our regular mechanic. Within 2 hours, they cleared the stored codes and the vehicle was ready, total cost: $120. No waiting days, no module replacement, and no unnecessary upsell. I waited a couple of weeks before writing this review to make sure the issue didn't come back, and also spoke with Barry to see if anything could be done about the $403.65 I paid. I felt it was unfair to be charged for a service that ultimately wasn't completed. I would've been completely fine just paying the $130 diagnostic fee. Unfortunately, he declined, stating the charge was for their time. I understand time was spent, but from a business standpoint, I wouldn't feel right charging a client for a repair that wasn't successfully completed, especially when the vehicle left in the same condition it arrived. Because of this experience, I wouldn't return or recommend this shop to others. I think it's important for people to know that you may end up paying for work that doesn't actually resolve the issue.

It's September 2025. Here's an update…read more Service was better than expected. I took my car in for a diagnostics. Thao was the 3rd diagnosis for me. I need certainty. Since all three reliable and reputable mechanics disagreed, I went with my instinct. Thus, maybe my vehicle was complex. What I will say is that they provide fair pricing, they recommend a diagnostic despite what a different mechanic may have suggested, and they communicate in a timely manner without wasting your time. *No customer drop off/ pick up provided

AA Smog Shop

4.7

(62 reviews)

About a week, I made a verbal fleet servicing agreement with AA Smog Shop San Diego Auto Clinic…read more They're a small shop in a dicey location, but I like to support small businesses and have grown to trust many small businesses around San Diego for my fleet. I sent my 1st vehicle to them 4/9/13 and everything went as promised. Today, 4 days later, I sent a 2nd vehicle and the price was all of a sudden 15% higher. Same vehicle model, same engine, & same service. Having spent some time talking to the owners CJ and Nan when initially setting up terms, I thought it must be an honest mistake. When I called, Nan mentioned some additional fees that were not outlined in the first invoice. She said she was unaware of the exact deal we had made, but she would talk to CJ about it. It just seemed like miscommunication. CJ called me back, I explained the situation by calmly and politely referring back to the 1st invoice they sent me. CJ proceeded to go back on our original agreement citing oil prices (wasn't that calculated on the initial agreement?), told me to go somewhere else, and hung up. This was unexpected as my original agreement was discussed with them over the span of multiple conversations. It feels like a bait and switch. It feels like the additional charge was added on purpose in hopes that I would not be paying attention to my invoicing.

I was due for my bi-annual smog test and, as usual, was waiting until the last minute. I decided…read moreto try my best to get it in during my lunch hour and was looking on Yelp for a convenient location with good reviews, and I had to find a required star station. I was not led astray. I pulled into AA Smog around 12:15 on a Wednesday afternoon. I was the only car there. However, right after that, two other cars pulled in behind me. The attendant, maybe the owner, jumped out to greet me. He took my info and DMV paperwork. He quoted me $65 dollars, which I found quite reasonable, as other nearby places charge more, even when they claim to be offering a discount. I sat down in one of of the few lawn chairs to wait. Literally, five minutes later, my car had passed and was ready to go. On top of that, the person who helped me was quite friendly and chatted with me about his four cockatiels who were there with him. Getting Smogged is never something was want to do, but something we have to do. AA Smog Shop made it easy.

North Park Smog Test Only

(298 reviews)

Was super quick & easy! Called the day before & made an apt. Got in & out within 30 mins, charged…read more$65 for my test. Overall, would recommend & come here again!

Great place in North Park to get smog done. He takes appointments, has fast service and decent…read morepricing.

Miramar Auto Repair - Japanese Auto Plus

(242 reviews)

Highly recommend for road trip prep!…read more This is an amazing place to get your vehicle inspected before a long road trip. I booked online, noted my concerns in the text box, and dropped my car off the next day. After checking in at the office, I walked Joey through my concerns and opted for a Post-Purchase Inspection. Joey sent over the findings quickly and gave me his honest, upfront opinion on what needed immediate attention before my trip versus what maintenance could wait until I reached my destination. He also provided a clear copy of the inspection quotes so there were no surprises. In the end, they completed the full inspection, replaced the car battery, and fixed a coolant leak for around $550+ (including taxes). I definitely recommend this shop! Pro-tip: Try to get there early in the day, as on-site parking and road traffic can get a bit hectic later on.

Bottom Line Upfront: Miramar Auto Repair is one of the best values of any auto shop in San Diego…read more Jason and Pedro were exceptional in taking care of me, and finding a solution to a very technical challenge. I brought in my Honda Ridgeline for an issue with my AC. Jason worked with me at the front-desk and went above and beyond to understand my issue and the troubleshooting I had already done. He explained to me CONCISELY what the feasible issue may be, and how they were going to approach a diagnosis. Jason was extremely knowledgeable, and followed up promptly to discuss the fix. Pedro was also exceptional. He found the issue (rodent-chewed wires) and repaired it perfectly. When I picked up my car, he was as excited as I was to have helped me. Before Miramar Auto, I took my truck to the Honda dealer, and they charged twice as much for a diagnosis, only to tell me that I would need a new compressor (incorrect diagnosis) and that it would cost twice as much as I ended up paying out the door at Miramar auto. I couldn't believe how easy Miramar Auto made it. To say that Jason, Pedro, and Miramar Auto are honest, fair, and made me feel taken care of... would be an understatement. They have rightfully earned another lifelong customer. Thank you Miramar Auto!

Smog Oasis

4.3

(181 reviews)

I was in the area and chose Smog Oasis for my smog check, and I'm so glad I did. Jose assisted me…read moreand was above-and-beyond kind and friendly from start to finish. He made the process smooth and easy, which I really appreciated. The waiting area truly feels like a little oasis, clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully set up. It made what's usually just an errand feel surprisingly pleasant. Thank you for creating such a welcoming space!

Who says SMOG checks can't be fun. Enter the Tiki lobby of Smog Oasis be transported to a safe,…read morefun, efficient, comfortable lounge. Shout out to a local business that understands customers.

Miramar Auto Repair - Japanese Auto Plus

(242 reviews)

Highly recommend for road trip prep!…read more This is an amazing place to get your vehicle inspected before a long road trip. I booked online, noted my concerns in the text box, and dropped my car off the next day. After checking in at the office, I walked Joey through my concerns and opted for a Post-Purchase Inspection. Joey sent over the findings quickly and gave me his honest, upfront opinion on what needed immediate attention before my trip versus what maintenance could wait until I reached my destination. He also provided a clear copy of the inspection quotes so there were no surprises. In the end, they completed the full inspection, replaced the car battery, and fixed a coolant leak for around $550+ (including taxes). I definitely recommend this shop! Pro-tip: Try to get there early in the day, as on-site parking and road traffic can get a bit hectic later on.

Bottom Line Upfront: Miramar Auto Repair is one of the best values of any auto shop in San Diego…read more Jason and Pedro were exceptional in taking care of me, and finding a solution to a very technical challenge. I brought in my Honda Ridgeline for an issue with my AC. Jason worked with me at the front-desk and went above and beyond to understand my issue and the troubleshooting I had already done. He explained to me CONCISELY what the feasible issue may be, and how they were going to approach a diagnosis. Jason was extremely knowledgeable, and followed up promptly to discuss the fix. Pedro was also exceptional. He found the issue (rodent-chewed wires) and repaired it perfectly. When I picked up my car, he was as excited as I was to have helped me. Before Miramar Auto, I took my truck to the Honda dealer, and they charged twice as much for a diagnosis, only to tell me that I would need a new compressor (incorrect diagnosis) and that it would cost twice as much as I ended up paying out the door at Miramar auto. I couldn't believe how easy Miramar Auto made it. To say that Jason, Pedro, and Miramar Auto are honest, fair, and made me feel taken care of... would be an understatement. They have rightfully earned another lifelong customer. Thank you Miramar Auto!

Tire Express- Linda Vista

(374 reviews)

Always use Tire Express for our tire needs. We have a large family and multiple types of cars. They…read morecan always get the tires we need at excellent prices. They also pay attention to issues with rims and lug nuts that need to be replaced for safety. If you want to be treated like a customer not a number give these guys a shot.

So much better than Discount or San Diego tire, first: In and out in under 30 minutes. Second…read moreLifetime free rotation, balancing and repair. 45K warranty. Two locations. Ma & Pop shop, fsmily owened and run. They also give you money for your used tires. Knock off the price of the new tires.

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Tri T.

0

4

2

7 months ago

I had a great experience at Bancroft Garage for a smog check and oil change. This is a reliable auto repair shop, and Ken did an excellent job taking care of my car. He was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything clearly. The service was efficient, fairly priced, and there was no pressure to add unnecessary repairs, which I really appreciated. My car was ready on time and running smoothly afterward. If you're looking for an honest and dependable auto repair shop, I highly recommend Bancroft Garage and asking for Ken. read more

Michael R.

0

1

0

10 years ago

Recommended by a previous emissions test shop I was ecstatic when the Bancroft Garage took my car in. My car had been vandalized and was not passing tests. Two days later and a VERY REASONABLE amount of cash later my car made the grade. John is very personable , and inspires trust, trust well placed. Thank you! read more

Nick H.

0

1

0

1 year ago

Referred by a friend to do my car smog and repair. Took my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek for Smog and Tune up, John friendly and very reasonable on the pricing compare to other shops all around San Diego. I would recommend his service to anyone. John is very honest. read more

Bancroft Garage - autorepair - Updated July 2026

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AAA Smog & Repair Center

5.0

(88 reviews)

Found this place on Yelp after having moved into the area. Went there on a Wednesday afternoon with…read moreno appointment, and got help right away. Very great customer service and quick turnaround. Will be coming here for smog when needed again.

This automotive repair facility is honestly, in my opinion, the very best auto repair facility in…read moreSan Diego County. Let me explain.. Back in April, when I serviced my 2012 Ford Fusion for a synthetic blend oil change at El Cajon Ford, I was told I needed front and back brakes. I was quoted $600.00 for the front brakes and the.same amount for the back brakes. This amount to me seemed extraordinarily High. I discussed this with an old college buddy and he recommended AAA Smog & Repair Center on El Cajon Boulevard. I had utilized this facility in early May to smog my Ford Fusion. The smog check took a total of 5 minutes to complete and of course my car passed with flying colors. Incidentally, the technician at El Cajon Ford had told me to make sure I get both brakes front and back done in May, as I risked the possiblity of damaging the rotors. Needless to say, I wasn't happy about this as shelling out $1,200 for brakes just isn't in my budget right now. I took my vehicle in for brake servicing at AAA Smog & Repair Center on Friday, June 12th, 2026. Mike, who runs the facility quoted me $375.00 maximum for front brake disc replacement. The work was done in about 2 and 1/2 hours, and the total with tax came out to $394.00. Mike inspected my back brakes and told me there is no way that the back brakes need to be replaced right now. As a matter of fact, he told me the back brakes have at least a year's worth of life left in them. And he explained, as we all know, that the front brakes handled about 80% of braking requirements. I left this facility having paid out a total of $394.00 as stated above.Wow!! On a one to five star rating, if I could give this auto repair facility 10 stars I certainly would. Mike and his wonderful crew got the job done in just a couple of hours and didn't try to break the bank. And unlike other facilities (like El Cajon Ford) he doesn't recommend work that doesn't need to be done. Mike is the most honest service technician/manager I have ever met. This is the kind of auto repair facility one finds in small sleepy towns, located far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. For example, windshield wiper replacement at this facility runs $11.99 per blade in contrast to Discount Tire, who is selling their wiper replacement blades for around $35.00.. Auto Zone comes in at a few dollars less and El Cajon Ford is off the charts for even a simple replacement part such as windshield wiper replacement blades. This price of this one part serves as a metaphor regarding the fact that this facility cares about us customers in charging the fairest priced for parts and labor possible. They truly care about the customer. This auto repair facility has earned my very highest recommendation. As referenced above, they are not out to break the bank And as a matter of fact, Mike and the crew are trying to save the consumer as much money as is humanly possible in this day and age. Additionally, this facility offers DMV registration renewal, allowing the consumer to skip the long lines at the DMV. They also offer body work and basically anything can be done under the hood.The one thing they don't specialize in is oil changes, though the facility will in fact order the oil and filter required if an oil change is absolutely necessary when other work is being done. Let's face it, all companies are in business to make a profit, of course. The problem, with so many companies out there, is that they gouge the customer, to make a huge profit and are charging prices that are probably 500 to 1000 percent above what should be reasonably and morally charged for parts and services way above what most consumers can actually afford. This company is different. They are charging an extremely fair price thereby saving consumers a ton of money that those other huge companies love to just swallow up with their overinflated high end prices. My warmest thanks and "hats off" to Mike and his gallant crew!! I'll be back at this shop for electrical work in August or September. I wholeheartedly recommend everybody out there consider utilizing this auto repair facility before shelling out those big bucks at those other well known large facilities. Thanks again!!

Sam's Tune-Up Master

3.9

(72 reviews)

Not like it was when it Andy Granatellis back in the day. A very helpful and courteous shop. Good…read moreguys! Did my smog luckily split.

Sam and his staff provided excellent service during my smog and safety inspection. They were…read moreefficient, thorough, and completed everything in a timely manner while maintaining a friendly and professional attitude. Highly recommend this shop for fast and reliable service!

Fletcher Hills Automotive

3.9

(19 reviews)

Brought in my F150. Check engine came on right before a big trip. Fernando squeeze me into his busy…read moreschedule and took care of my issue for a very fair price. 10 out of 10 would recommend to anyone. Will be bringing all of my vehicles here.

Don't waste your time with this shop, had my vehicle for 2weeks and never looked at it…read more Vick Kemp

Trust Auto Repair

4.7

(108 reviews)

Mike once again worked his magic with a warranty company, this is why I only use Trust Auto!…read moreMike and Lou hands down 2 of the greatest people I've ever met!! Customer for life!!!

My vehicle was vandalized and the insurance company said it wasn't worth saving. Long story short…read morethe vehicle became a salvage and I needed to have a lights & system check to get the vehicle approved at the DMV. Most auto repair/ smog stations do not provide this service. Trust Auto Repair is certified to do this service. I came in with no appointment and they took me right in. The car passed and TRUST AUTO provided me the PASS paperwork and the DMV processed the paperwork. The price was $200, standard for this service. I am always a little uneasy going to an unfamiliar car place, but everyone was polite and I do give them my stamp of approval.

Auto Care Service Center

(53 reviews)

Got right in for an appointment Price was accommodating…read moreService was great and fast service A place i will return to Thank you Auto Care! Taking a day off to get things done Auto Care made it effortless and I got to enjoy the rest of my day off!

Got smog checks on both our cars this year. Fast and great job. Good price after negotiation…read more Personable, prompt, and professional service. Will continue to use them and recommend them.

El Cajon City Smog Repair & Auto Registration

(178 reviews)

Scammer - do not take your vehicle here. Had a misfire code I was struggling with and told him I…read morejust needed it to pass smog. Told me I need a new head gasket, a job worth more than the vehicle. Code cleared on its own the day I picked it up from him and took somewhere else and passed the smog. Try again, buddy.

What a find! Alan was friendly, professional and efficient! First time there, telling my friends…read moreand family about this gem. Burt

J & K Automotive Repair

(145 reviews)

I am sceptic of most businesses these days no matter what service I am getting. My boss has been…read morecoming here for years so I decided to bring my personal vehicle here. They were so open and upfront and patient with all my questions and super knowledgeable. I feel like I got an honest reasonably priced service done here and they also helped me get extra things fixed on my vehicle that were actually under warranty and they directed me to the dealer to get those fixed, I had no idea anything was even wrong and they pointed me in the direction to actually get my car fixed under warranty instead of trying to make extra money off of me. I own my own business as well and that's also how I conduct business. I really appreciate honest service providers. They have my trust and referrals from here on out. Thanks guys! -April (Mark's Auto Glass)

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Rancho Auto Service

4.3

(147 reviews)

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Honest and reliable. I have been coming here for years. Great communication about what I NEED to…read morefix and what can wait.

John's Automotive Care