I visited Cal State Auto on a Saturday after an O'Reilly worker recommended this place. The place is always full of cars whenever I drive by this place but never stopped by until I needed to. I needed to get a smoke inspection to see if I had any holes or leaks in my system and the guy, Paul, told me to come back in the morning because he didn't have time in the afternoon of the Saturday I first came, so I came back on Monday morning, a little before 8:30 am when Paul came at around 8:40 am, not a big deal. Another guy was there before me so he was probably waiting longer. It was a total of $150 to do a smoke inspection (not smog) and while my results came back with 0 leaks, just needed to replace my EVAP canister as it was old (same thing O'Reilly said), and he gave me a quote. It was a lot so I went home to think about it. I noticed my car was different after this inspection... I have an older Camry that never sounded like a sports car whenever I sped up or got on the freeway, so I wondered what in the world happened during the smoke inspection?! I was in a parking lot wondering whose loud car that was driving... IT WAS MINE! Also, my mom wondered if my car was leaking oil on our driveway... IT WAS. This all happened after I had an inspection here. It's so disappointing. I got my EVAP canister replaced elsewhere and the guy who replaced it for me said that my oil cap was not replaced on correctly.. so he placed it correctly and topped it off with some oil. Needless to say, I will not be coming back here. :( I don't think the guy is rude or mean, I'm just disappointed with the outcome of my car after an inspection. read more

Cal-State Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Brought my 1992 corolla to fix my failed smog. They diagnosed it and were able to fix it in about 4 hours. Passed smog with flying colors! Thank you Paul! read more

Unethical and shady. Went in for just a diagnostic inspection. Dropped it off before my shift, got called back and hour later with results of what they found. Keep in mind during this phone call, they never mentioned any repairs they already did to my car. I then asked about the estimate for how much the repair would cost. Since I needed the car still for that day, I said I wanted to do the repair another day. Went back to pick up the car, the moment I walked into their office the guy said that they did the repairs already. I never gave them explicit verbal or written consent to modify my car in any way. Even if the repair did fix the issue I had, that's no way to do business. Imagine if it didn't fix the issue, they could've demanded right there and then that I need to pay because they already did the repairs on my car despite not having my consent. I signed a form for only the diagnostic inspection not a repair. The customer service is not great either. Guy kept saying how, after I refused to do the repairs the same day over the phone, he said he could've returned my car to it's original state but he didn't want to be the bad guy. What kind of business do you run where you make unauthorized changes to a person's car and then claim that you don't want to be the bad guy? Am I supposed to pat you on the back for your underhand tactics? I was so annoyed I'm pretty sure that's why I got a discount. Never coming back here again. read more

I have a 2010 dodga avenger STL 4.2 engine. Car overheating. This is what I did change thermostat housing assembly units changed my oil and coolant changed spark plugs and coil and brought a new battery. Next was to do a standard obm scanner testing for any other problems. There were four code from the reader but I forgot right now. Let start the car. What I have power but no crank and no starting. I call Paul and communicate that I have did some repairs to the vehicle and a diagnostic test reading and scanning for other issue that I have missed that would have caused the car to overheat and the check engine light will come on a off . And how I my dodge avenger has power but no crank and no start. He did nothing but stolen from me charged for a new obm2 scan $150.00 and for repair which cost $893.00 fuck. The $150 diagnostic scanner/ test code reader show nothing else then what I had already told and sent in with the vehicle and still a problem the reason why my car won't start up. Yes needed some less expensive and some labor done for miles and return maintenance wear& storn . The day of pick up I had ask for a invoice our diagnosis report okay fine. Waiting for about 5 minutes and then another 5 minutes as he set on the computer and Google the make model and year of my car I calmy ask if I may sit down . And I did . $893.00 Two other customers came in and where help and paid , one saw that he had a issue and need to explain his problem but Paul kindly said that he will fix the problem as if he was on the phone and checked in or out from hospital. So Here is little old me Hey Paul I see In question I miss your call me and told me that the issue for the check engine light had came . He then said yes. Why did I pay the repair price and still now it has been over 45 minutes and again nothing in hand that explains the process of the issue I had reported and needed to be diagnosed but I said earlier I was charged $893.00 dodge avenger something so simple that took 30 minutes to 1 hours to finish. Yes I drove off with my car that day but again still didn't have no knowledge and no I don't work on cars. But have some knowledge and education and a natural attraction and attitude for following instructions All I did was speak . Put some words together and form a question that was words that make sense what will I do to be able to change my company I surround myself with and how am I going to raise my kids . I say that because yes having 5 kids is hard and a small car too . That still did not stop me from communicating what I wanted and thought it would fixed my car and life. Damn just paperwork. I was over charged. Won't do me again like that. Paul read more

This was the worst customer experience that I have ever had in my life anywhere. I thought I might need to replace my twelve volt outlet. I did not know if it needed a fuse, or if the whole unit would need to be replaced. I went there because I was recommended by another auto-repair store that did not do that kind of work. So I went to Cal auto on fruitridge just to ask them if they did that type of work. When I pulled up I asked the attendant if they did that type of work. The attendant told me that it would be $125.00 for a diagnostic. I told him that I did not need a diagnostic yet. I just wanted to know if they did that type of work. He then told me that he would charge me $125.00 just to tell me If they fix such a thing. I had visited four auto repair shops and they all told me that they did not fix 12v outlets. Cal auto wanted to charge me $125.00 just to tell me if they fix 12v outlets or not. I immediately left them. I will never give them any of my business, nor will I ever recommend them to anyone that I know. The next day I went to Southern Sounds Custom audio on Florin road. I asked the guy there if they fixed 12v outlets. He answered yes and told me that it was $85.00 for a diagnostic, And if the repair was cheaper than $85.00 then there was only the diagnostic charge. He checked the outlet with a probe and told me that he would not charge me anything. The problem was with my faulty bluetooth charger and not the 12 volt. I gave him twenty bucks out of gratitude and asked him for business cards to pass to my friends, and co-workers. Screw Cal auto. I am sorry but that is honestly how I feel. Zero stars from me. I do not care how good of work they actually do. I will never go there. read more

Cal-State Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Sacramento, California

Paul was able to help me diagnose and fix my check engine light. They have a 90 day warranty and Paul was able to help me 3x after the fix and the light was still turning on. Paul is fair on pricing. He also educates you. He made a print out of the parts he was fixing and explained it to me thoroughly. I appreciate this. read more

Always excellent customer service! Paul and his staff of mechanics are top notch! Definitely would recommend Cal-State Auto for all auto repair needs and smog checks! read more

Hello friendz!! My car was really acting up, no AC yuck, so I took it to Cal State Auto. I am here to tell you,,,BEST, MOST HONEST, RELIABLE & KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF. Period!! I have been coming here for like 17 years!! I even have a friend who has a Mercedes Benz and he takes it here!! They are fast, hard working dudes!! I now have COLD AC!! Others tried to tell me my ac compressor was out. He looked at it and said absolutely not!! That was not the problem!! It is soooooooo nice to have a MECHANIC I TRULY TRUST!! After getting my car fixed, had a car wash and now, life is so much better!! A SINCERE THANK YOU GENTLEMEN!! read more

Took him my vehicle to have a/c repaired. I told him I had already put in several oz of coolant and it always leaked out and from what I understood it probably needed a new condenser. They told me several hours later it was fixed and the next day I had no a/c. I took the vehicle back and THEN within 5 minutes they found a leak within the condenser. I was charged $300 for the a/c coolant fill. I was given a refund of $150. So I lost $150 because they didn't do the job right the first time. I was prepared to replace the condenser the first time around. Yuck! Just disgusted. I'm not starting at the (-150$) and adding on condenser fee at this point. Not gonna be nickel and dimed by this guy. I was warned. Saw this business tell a friend one price on the phone and then "due to translation problem" the price was $250 more when he went to pick up the vehicle. I am calling bullcrap and racism at the business. read more

Took my car to 4 places, gave me the run around. Nobody can figure out what the issue with my car was. Took it here, they found and fix all the issues my car had. Highly recommended, will be coming back for any issues with my other cars. read more

Paul was able to diagnose and fix the cause of my check engine light when no one else could. He provided excellent detailed notes showing the electrical work that had been done. I recommend Cal State if you have mysterious electrical problems that no one else can fix. It wasn't cheap (just under $800) but it seemed very reasonable considering no one else could figure out what was wrong. Also, they're very courteous. read more

The service here is crap they try and force you to get things you don't need and over charge you when you look like you got the money honestly would not Recommend coming here. read more

Just because my truck was old, he quoted a lot of money for the smog. I took it a place down the street and it was a third of the price. Not right for a test only car read more

I first started coming here as a little boy when my dad had his cars worked on. 20 some odd years later and I'm still coming here. They still remember me and ask about my parents. That's the type of business that's worth coming back to and writing about. From simple tune up to the most major of repairs, don't hesitate to come to the guys. If I trust them with my German children then so can you. read more

Cal-State Auto Service - Trust them with your cars - Auto Repair Near Me - Sacramento, California

Cal-State-Auto Service, Sacramento DO not!!!!!! take your car here! !!!!!! the owner is not honest but a cheater, he charges for work that he THINK should be done, rather than what actually need to be done-we caught him and he didn't deny that he was untruthful he just made up more excuses. never gave us our money back not even trying to meet us half way. just kept telling untruths, be careful using this shop! Do your homework like I did-(self diagnosis & YouTube) combined with what you know about car repairs. I'm telling you- His prior reviews maybe from friends/neighbors/family, after reading this use him at your own risk. he is after big, large, HUGH bucks from you!!! I am giving him a 1 star because I have to rate him but if i could I would give him -0 not trust worthy at all! what goes around comes around !!! people forget that word of mouth is what keeps them in business, and I've already told everyone we know to stay clear of him...... read more

Cal-State Auto Service - I normally do not post negative reviews unless it's called for. This place met that calling! He will cheat & lie in your face - Auto Repair Near Me - Sacramento, California

I come here every other year to do my smog check. This place is always so friendly when I show up. I showed up without an appointment and they took cared of me right away. Lucky me because another person showed up a few minutes later.. I passed the test without having to drink a ton of water ; ) - All I can say this was a win win situation.. even though they took 58 dollars from me : / !! read more

Cal-State Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Sacramento, California

AWESOME SHOP!! I was referred here for smog (to be done soon) but my car was making a high pitched whirring noise and my regular shop couldn't take me for a week. They found and showed me the problem (alternator) and fixed it. New belt, alternator, labor, and initial inspection for a great deal AND they only had the car for about 3 hours! read more

I love this shop! Paul and his mechanics always take great care of us. All we want in a good mechanic is found here. Their diagnostics are top notch. Their work is superior. They are very nice and ALWAYS fair. We have been taking all of our family vehicles to Paul for 20 years and we will use his service until they all retire. :) read more

My entire family and my extended family all go to Cal-State Auto for repair on their vehicles. They always do a great job there and for most work they are able to have it done the day that you bring it in. (Depending on how big of a job it is) They will also let you know if something needs to be repaired and if something does not need to be done yet. The honesty that they show is hard to find. read more

just like that 1 star review said it right, even if you got milk by a shady mechanic majority of the time people wouldn't even know it. I've learn from youtube and save a ton or at least not getting rip off. read more

I don't know what that other customer experienced, but Paul has been by far the most knowledgeable and affordable mechanic I have dealt with. I went to the dealer, the real gougers, and they wanted $4000 to repair an array of things. I just wanted to know if my car would pass smog. My aunt highly recommended Paul. She went to him for a couple of repairs, one of which, he sent to the dealer because she was still on warranty and thus saving her some money! I went to him. He said the car looked good, but the sensors would have to be replaced, as suggest by the dealer, but unlike those gougers he did for a hundred dollars less and took off an additional $20 because he misquoted the price for the parts. He is now my go to guy for all my repairs! read more

Paul has now been doing my cars for little over a year! Very honest and tells you up front about his service.

Great place, great service Paul and his staff are amazing !!! Reasonable in price as well.

Cal State Auto is a great place to have your cars repaired. We have brought both of our cars here to be repaired & Paul-the owner with the help of his crew has done a great job. Paul tells you up front what's wrong & how much it's going to cost, it's up to you if you want them to repair the problem. They do the job quickly & professionals. My husband & I really appreciate his business. read more

Paul is the most hard working person/owner I know. He is very informative and honest about the pricing and service. He isn't your typical mechanic who takes advantage of females who may not know much about the car industry and jack up the pricing for all the services. He is a local small business owner and does great work. read more

Paul you are a LIFE SAVER! You are and will continue to be our family's most trusted mechanic. Thank you for your service and honest work

My father has been coming here for nealy 20 years myself 8 years. I always come here for all my major repairs the owner Paul is straight forward honest and never BS you. Its a 3 man shop and at times its very busy but well worth coming here. read more

Walking distance from my house is a big plus on this shop but I wouldn't take my vehicle here unless they took good care of me too. Very nice and helpful. They are honest and efficient and I have never had a bad experience here. Thank you! read more

If I could I would give this place no stars I'm just here to let people know the owner is a scammer I brought my car here on Saturday for a smog cHecked everything made sure it was good to go dropped it off and came back in an hour and the owner said if failed because my air in take was unplugged and that he could do anything for me that I needed to come back on Monday for $20 more and then he'll have time to help I check my car and I see that my air intake cord was unplugged weird because everything was checked before I went in. Come Monday I take it back because I already spent the $50 for him to rob me the first time I come and my lunch and and he tells me my internet is down come back later and I'll do it for $25 like what dude now you're waisting my time and your charging me more again at this point I'd rather go to another place and spend the $50 again and give someone else my money then this scammer make profit. BOTTOM LINE TERRIBLE SERVICE THIS GUY IS A SCAMMER !!!!!!! read more

Lucky me to have found this place! They are honest, hardworking, know what they are doing, friendly, swift, and not too expensive. Best service around!!!! read more

This shop charges reasonable price for repairs and servicing. If you think it may be expensive but believe me it's all worth it cuz Paul knows his thing about cars! He's fixed 2 cars i owned. And most of my family's cars. Paul (owner) has repaired all my car problems what other shops couldn't. He always quotes me the best price if I ever needed any parts! I ain't going to any other shop but here in the future. Keep up the good work Paul! Thanks for fixing my heater problem a few months ago!! I really appreciate it! read more

Dropped in here because I needed a quick smog check and happened to be in the neighborhood. They were closing in 15 minutes but still offered to take care of it. The guy running the place was very friendly. Sounds like it's a family owned place and they've been in the area for some time. Job was done quickly, pricing seemed about average and I had no problems. Can't argue with that! read more

My family has been taking our vehicles to Cal State Auto for many, many years. We love the owner. He is a very hardworking, honest man who believe in quality work. He is very efficient and courteous. And he's fair. He'll give you the low down on your car and let you decide what to do. I will never take my car anywhere else. He is reasonable too. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Cal State Auto for your car repair needs! read more

I have been bringing my cars to Paul and his crew at Cal State for many years. I have always received friendly service and the repairs have always been done right the first time. It's a great location because it's kind of off by itself yet it's on a main road. I always advice my friends and family to take their cars there. read more

This place is a complete waste of your time and money. I took my car here for a smog check with full expectation that it would easily pass. It is a 2004 with no history of mechanical issues. The test was performed and the owner informed me that I had failed owing to "blue" smoke from the tail pipe. The results of the test were handed to me and curiously the values under the column for hydrocarbon emission was highlighted as though they had failed inspection. Emmision values were all under the maximum values accepted by the state of California. I payed and took the car to a local mechanic and he was confused because he stated "that only happens with older cars like 80s or early 90s. I quote, "he failed you through a bogus claim to get more money". I stated that he offered a diagnostic test for 95 dollars and additional repair costs and he did not look surprised. I started the car at the local mechanics shop and had it on idle and increased RPMs, no smoke visable. I took the car back discussed the conversation I had with the mechanic. I offered to start the car for the owner so he could point out the smoke. NONE was visualized, I asked then what did your tech/mechanic visualize. He called over his mechanic and he drove the care over the apparatus which allows the tires to spin at various speeds. He said, sometimes when you hook it up it would produce the smoke. He also stated "I don't normally do this after a failed test" Again no smoke was observed and he could not provide an explaination as to why there was smoke observed when I was not present but miraculously disappeared when I was present to observe. This experiment provided observable, tangible evidence that this guy is a cheat and practices dishonestly with his costumers. He did not want to refund the money or pass me during this encounter. I mentioned that I was going to write a review on YELP, which I purposely created an account for this particular review you are reading, file a complaint with the Business of Automotive Repair which I already did and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau which I will do following completion of this review. AVOID THIS PLACE OWING TO DISHONEST BUSINESS PRACTICES AND A PURPOSEFUL WILLINGNESS TO DECIEVE OTHER HUMAN BEINGS WITHOUT CONCIOUS REGRET read more