I found a smog check coupon online and decided to come to Brandon Auto Repair for the service. The experience turned out even better than expected. Jason, the manager, was very friendly and professional. While checking my car, he noticed the check engine light was on and mentioned it might be time for an oil change. The price was very reasonable--only $75--so I decided to go ahead and do it. After the oil change, he also checked my tires and even reset the tire pressure warning light for me. I really appreciated the extra attention and honesty. The service was quick, reasonably priced, and very transparent. While I was there, I spoke with another customer waiting for her car, and she told me she has been coming to this shop for 20 years. That definitely says a lot about the quality of their service. Highly recommend this place if you need a smog check, oil change, or honest auto repair! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8CrYHBs/ read more

Brandon Auto - Coupon for smog check. Plus certificate around $35 - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

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10 years later, it's still the cheapest non-Star Certified smog test in town, I paid $30 for a basic sedan and that included the certificate. Get the coupon from their website. They will probably ask you if you'd like to become a service customer, but there's no hard sell and it's not required. read more

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This shop may be very good at fixing traditional geared automatic transmissions, but I can tell you they know nothing about cvt transmissions. I must be honest that I was trying to sell my car and the potential buyer brought it here for inspection. I was completely fine with that knowing nothing was wrong with my car. The mechanic took it for a drive and came back saying my transmission was going bad. Fully confused I asked what was going on. He said it sustained a high rev for too long during a hill climb and didn't drop. So I said well I drive it pretty slowly so I've never noticed anything of that sort. This time I went with him on the test drive. Just before the whole transaction I reset the odometer which resets the mpg calculation. I got about 20mpg during my side street drive to the shop. When I got into the car for the test drive with the mechanic I noticed the mpg was at 9.3, which means the test drives while I was not in the car were very aggressive. He proceeds to the route and the hill climb. As he's going up he says look rpm not going down. Then I said you're driving very aggressively and that it wasn't normal driving like he claimed. He pulled back on the gas to normal driving and what do you know...rpm dropped. I told him that his explanation of how it was driving badly was exactly the characteristics of how a cvt transmission drives. He said that cvts should act the same as geared transmissions. I went home to google the characteristics of a cvt transmission climbing a hill and again to prove my point once more it said "The engine may jump to a high rev range and stay there steadily while you climb, which can sound loud but ensures maximum power delivery." And like I mentioned he was really pushing on this car to climb this hill. Keep in mind that when I drive this car aggressively I get 15 mpg and they were getting 9 on the test drive. This felt very much like a classic case of a shop trying to take advantage of someone who they think doesn't know cars. I've worked on cars my entire life and have done things as extensive as swapping out engines and transmissions. Like I said, maybe they're very good at traditionally geared transmissions, but please avoid this place if you have a cvt because you'll end up wasting money on issues that are not there. Just google "characteristics of a cvt transmission climbing a hill" and you'll see that what they were saying were signs of the transmission going bad was simply the characteristics of how a cvt works. read more

I took my truck to this shop to replace my headlight assembly. When I came to pick it up, they said that when they opened up the bumper to replace the headlight, they saw a broken bracket but the proceeded to put everything back with the broken bracket (and it resulted in the misaligned panel shown in the picture) and did not contact me at all about it while the truck was being worked on. Come to think of it, I was the one to ask them, they didn't even tell me when I got there. They said in order to fix it, they would have to charge me more to go and reopen up the bumper so that they could realign the panel. Dishonest people and trash service. Go somewhere else. read more

Brandon Auto - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is a joke! They lure customers in with extremely cheap smog check prices. If your car is fairly new and has no visible issues, great. If not, then they will basically try to sabotage by trying to nickel and dime you. An extra $30 for fixing something extremely minor? Why not? It's only $30 for you but it adds up for them. My dad works on cars and he accidentally lifted something in the engine but forgot to detach a small tube. While he fixed the tubing, he didn't glue back a small rubber piece on. This was caught by an employee who said he will fail the smog check unless that tube is fixed. He said he can do a temporary fix for $30. My dad said he can just go to an auto shop to buy the part himself, fix it, and come back for the smog check. However, the staff said "okay you won't pass the test then" and started to do the test anyways instead of letting us leave?? My dad closed the hood in a panic since the staff started ignoring us. Then he started yelling obscenities at us and how he refuses to do service for us and how we should never go back. We were polite the entire time so there was no reason to yell at us, honestly. It wasn't a good experience at all. Honestly, if your car is newer and you know there's nothing wrong with it, you could come here. But otherwise, I would stay far away. We fixed the tubing issue and went to a different store for a successful smog check. Don't get conned willingly, folks. read more

Walked in on a Monday morning for a smog check and was out in ~15min! It really is the lowest-priced smog check in San Diego at $31 total (incl certificate and credit card fee). There's no waiting area, but that wasn't an issue for a quick service. read more

Fast and affordable service all the time. I go there often and never had any complaints

Good quality and a fair price. Had the car fixed when he said it was going to be fixed.

Horrible business. I had bad experience with the owner. I paid him $650 to install a ac for my car. It took him two days and then when it was done he came to me and said "I couldn't fix the problem". The ac was still blowing warm and told me "I don't have any information on your car" I told him please diagnose and fix it. He said "sorry I don't have the tools to diagnose it and that he doesn't have the manual for my car and that he only knows how to install that's it" So I paid him $650 and the car is still blowing hot air he's telling me "sorry I cannot help you, you have to take it to another shop for diagnosis" I begged him to atleast reimburse me some money or atleast pay for the diagnosis when I take it to another shop. He kept saying no and was being stingy. He basically didn't know how to fix it but still took the money and ran away. Horrible business. Lack of professionalism. I paid $650 to fix the issue just to find out he can't do it. Now I have to take it to another shop and pay all over again. Horrible business!!! Beware of this business. They cut corners. They lie they cheat. Can't be trusted. read more

My neighborhood Facebook group recommended this as their preferred smog check center, so here I came! It was the BEST price when I shopped around using the coupon on their website (there is an additional $8.25 certificate fee, which is the same as another location I used for a different car, plus a $1 credit card fee). No appointments were required, and they took my car immediately when I arrived weekend midday. Make sure to bring the DMV notice. When you turn in from Miramar Blvd, go down the left side (where Brandon is located). If you accidentally go down the right side, it is not a connected lane so you will have to turn back. read more

Is there ever a good time for a headlight to go out? The day before the 4th of July when everyone wants to leave work early to celebrate a 3 day weekend....I was online searching for an auto mechanic to install a new headlight for my Jeep. I found Brandon Auto Repair with the help of Ai by asking for "the closest auto repair shop that will install a new headlight for a Jeep." I took a chance and called Brandon Auto Repair without reading customer reviews on Yelp. No time since it was so late in the afternoon. Jason answered the phone at 3:40pm and without hesitation offered to install the new headlight at a very reasonable price if I could get there within the next 40 minutes. I arrived at 4:25pm and Jason greeted me and took charge immediately. It only took Angel 30 minutes to remove the old headlight and install the new one with a few minutes to spare before they closed at 5pm. Best way to describe Brandon Auto Repair is ..... they're a pit crew ready when you are and won't hesitate to offer their services the day before a holiday. Thank you Brandon, Jason and Angel! read more

Brandon Auto - New Headlight installed within 30 minutes. Land speed record for a Jeep. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

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Quick, easy and cheapest smog test pricing. Parking is a little tight so it's better to schedule by calling

Amazing service, with same day turn around. I was really impressed with their work and honest professionalism for my brake repair.

Thank you Brandon for quickly fixing the steering pump and proactively identifying wear and tear with timing belt. Very reasonably priced. He was kind enough to spare his personal car I used to drive back home while waiting for repairs. read more

Rude employee...no parking in area since they park cars in the driveway, and when I was trying to find parking navigating through their driveway an epmloyee rudely asks me what do you want! No hostility needed. Maybe next time move your cars so its not in the way so people can get by. read more

This is the best place to get a smog check I have found. They have the best price and there is no "bait and switch" on the service (or their coupon) like some other smog check places I've found. I stopped in for a smog check and was helped immediately and done in about 15 minutes. read more

I went for a quick smog check, and as always I have a great experience. It took my car in and out for less than 30 mins. The service went up from 24 to 30$ but still, they have a competitive price compared to others. Look for Jason, he is very helpful and gives you a reasonable price. Bookmarked this garage shop and definitely will come back for my future car services. read more

Highly recommend! Excellent service and price on smog check. Very quick turnaround. Thank you, Brandon!

I definitely recommend this service specially Jason he is professional and provides great service read more

Brandon Auto - This is Jason he provides excellent service - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

Brandon is awesome he has reasonable rates and gets the car done fast. And he also works on smog and on European cars. Thanks Brandon read more

Brandon was very professional with my car. I brought it in for a smog repair, but it turns out that I need to bring it into a dealership. He kept my car overnight and tried to fix the issue, but wasn't able to and did not charge me a dime. He was very professional and courteous. read more

Jason was gone for 6 months he just came back last week. Boy I sure missed him. I had to use my next door neighbor's mechanic who charged me 2 to 4 times as much. Also I had to drive 25 miles one way to Lakeside to get repairs done by my neighbors mechanic. While Jason was gone having to take care of his sick father, the owner Brandon became service writer. When I talked to Brandon, he was so curt and abrupt and hung up on me, and he quoted me outrageous prices for things he diagnosed without seeing my vehicle. I thought I'd never come back to this business ever again. But then I called yesterday and wow Jason was back!!! He gave me a really good price for replacing my struts on my 95 Corolla wagon and starter. You can see from several one star reviews during the time Jason was gone, that Brandon the owner, who was substituting for Jason while he was taking care of his father, was very curt and rude and he got bad reviews for his company. Jason finally found very reasonable 12 hr/day, 7 days a week care for his father. So I'm really relieved Jason is back. Best get well wishes for his father, too. read more

We have been going to Brandon Auto Smog Repair for about 10 years now we never had a issue there Jason is a awesome guy & he's easy to talk to & they have the best prices in town! Great Customer Service!!!! One of my pet peas! If you need a new auto mechanic I'm telling you hit up Brandon Auto Smog Repair! read more

10/10 amazing service. best auto experience of my life!!!! in and out!!! Friendly, accurate and a true professional team! check out Brandon auto for peace of mind and dependabilit!!! read more

Came in for a smog check for my 14 mustang, was in and out in 45 minutes just like they said. On top of that, as I was leaving they grabbed some compound and buffed out a scrape on the side of my car that someone had hit and run me a month earlier. I tried to tip John but he wouldn't accept it! What a great guy. I did some work on my laptop in the office and was chatting with Brandon while he did paperwork. Great guy! I highly recommend this place, been coming here for smog checks for years and they also do great mechanic work! Thanks guys, appreciate an HONEST mechanic that actually cares about their customers! read more

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Best price I could find on a Smog Check anywhere in San Diego! Great Service from start to finish. A+++

Extremely fast check, possibly the most affordable smog check I've ever had. We came in on Saturday for my husband's car smog check, we were later in the morning so he told us it would be about 40 minutes - and it was, almost to the dot! (Fyi about 30 of those minutes was waiting for our car's turn - the actual check was really fast once our car got taken in. No biggie, there's fast food joints nearby to stroll and grab a snack.) I'd called at end of day Friday to check availability for Sat, Jason gave me a quote and told me it was first come first serve. He remembered me when we came in, and was quite friendly and prompt, chatted with us for a bit about travelling to Japan. I plan to bring my car here when it's time for my smog check! C: read more

Damn DMV got us again. My wife's car and son's car both need a smog to renew the over priced tags... Thank God Brandon auto can hook that up for $20 a pop with the online coupon. Quick and easy service again today. Done and done.. read more

Took my truck there because of failed smog check. They had my truck there over month and still could not resolved the problem. Three times they said they fixed it, but after driving about 200 miles after, the light came back on. Over $1000 later , the problem is still there. They told me they do not diagnose the problem, they just guess from experiences and try random things to resolve the problem. Loss confident in the competence and decided to just sell it to recoup the $ loss. DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLES THERE. read more

As of 05/21 this is the cheapest Non-Star Smog place in San Diego. Bring cash and coupon from their website and it's a flat $20 out the door. Literally cannot beat that anywhere don't even try. Sadly most of my cars are Star (10 years or older) so expect to pay $30-40 for those smogs. Unlike other smog shops in the area, they do discount smogs all day every day, and don't tell you to come back later. If I had more non star cars I'd take them all here. read more

Favorite place to go get my car fixed. Definitely coming back here! Highly recommended, best prices in San Diego!! Jason is really nice and funny guys, really enjoyed having a conversation with him, he even gave me a discount for services which I made to my car. read more

I have a 2011 Ford Edge. I changed the plugs at 96k miles. I had a misfire in 1 cylinder shortly after. I changed the coils. Supected the wires. I thought maybe the fuel injectors. I used fuel injector cleaner to no avail. I brought it to Jason at Brandon Auto. He found the problem fuel injector, changed the plugs again, all in one day. Great service. Good price. No upselling. Knowledgeable. Highly recommended. read more

Called for smog price. Gave me price $10 more than coupon on website, and told me open until 5. Got here 4:10 and was told the smog tech left, come back tomorrow. Right. I'll do that! read more

I have used the shop for quite some auto repair works. All were done with excellent quality and honest price.

Called them, they said come in. I went in but no one to greet behind the counter. Only a tech who said, between smoking and coughing, come back in one hour, it think. Went back in one hour still no one behind counter. Another customer said she talked to someone and they said come in. So she and i both left when the tech said come back in one hour. Called back an hour later, said they weren't a Star Station, though they said so the first time I called, that is why i went there in the first place. Do not waste 1.5 hours with these dudes like i did and not even get the smog done, which should be 15 minutes or less. read more

I've been going to Brandon's for a few years now. They're honest, trustworthy, and competitive in pricing.

Very good service polite staff. Thanks a lot. A good price .I highly recommend it!!! The change oil very quick and check everything. I'm really happy with their service. read more

Brandon Auto - My car - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

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I just wanted to add on to my previous glowing review with another glowing review! Seriously, if you are looking for a fair, honest and safe place to take your car, this is the mechanic shop you have been looking for. I recently took my car in to take care of a Check Engine light issue (auto body fuel injector thingy), and get an oil change. In a spur of the moment decision, I also decided to get all four struts replaced in my rusty old car and this shop truly delivered. Not only were they able to complete the work in a day (and a little more the following day), but the price was MORE then fair. All of the work, including some alignment and addition fix, ended up at $690 (day one) and $75 (day two). You will absolutely not be sorry if you take your car here! read more

Every other year, I get a nice letter in the mail reminding me its time to pay for my car registration AND get a smog test. I called around and most places were charging $50+ for the labor and smog test certificate. Jimmy D. luckily informed me I could get an amazing rate at Brandon Auto. $20 for a smog test!! I was also due for an oil change and got my oil changed with synthetic oil, which will last me twice as long, for the same price as I've paid for conventional oil in the past. Jason was very friendly and helpful. He took the time to with explain the work being done on my car and what would be best for me in the long run. I highly recommend coming when they open if possible. People know Brandon Auto offers great rates and the place gets busy. They'll even turn people away if they're too busy. I came around 11 on a Saturday and had to wait close to two hours for everything to finish. I just went to grab lunch/beers at the local breweries and came back for my car, not too bad for all the money I saved! read more

I heard this was a good place for a smog test, although it was 10 miles from my house. I took my car in only to find out he would not honor his coupon. My car wouldn't read because I had recently disconnected the battery while I was doing some minor work. I paid $30.00, he told me to drive it 50 miles and bring it back to him and it should read. I followed his directions, he put his small tester inside and said no it won't read if I put it on the actual test equipment. Drive it more and bring it back. Did just that and brought it back, he completed the smog check and charged me another $30.00. He left me with the impression I had to bring it to him and only him. He never mentioned he would charge me again. So 60 miles to and from his shop and $60.00 to him I finally walked away with a smog certificate. The least he could have done was to let me know ahead of time he was going to charge me again. I will not go back to this place again. To many other smog stations to go to that don't treat customers this way. read more