I needed to have a semi-annual STAR smog certification, and web searched for shops in my area that could conduct a Star Test. Google showed only one near my Evergreen address. Upon calling them they said the cost would be $54 + $10 for certificate. Total $64. I looked on CraigsList and found Capitol Auto Care. I called, and spoke with Michael, the manager / co-owner. He is young, enthusiastic, very professional. He quoted $21.75 for test and $8.75 for Cert. $30 total! In the past I have suffered through nightmares of incompetent, dishonest, unprofessional smog companies. I went to see Michael, was greeted formally, professionally. The shop was very clean and well organized. 20 minutes later, my car was smogged, and the total (no bait and switch) was the quoted $30. Capitol Auto Care is San Jose's best kept secret, and a totally positive experience. I highly recommend it! read more

Idk what kind of magic they did to my car, but after I got my car back after the oil change and engine filter change, my "eco" mode gas consumption went from averaging 27-32 to 41-55 mpg. I used to go to firstone for the same service but I never had this result. Very straightforward and fast service and very reasonable price. Would recommend. read more

The Mikes have been handling my cars' smog needs for a few years now and I have been nothing but satisfied with their work. The shop is clean, their techs are clean and the price is outstanding. read more

3rd time is the charm! My car failed two brake and light inspections with Capitol Auto Care. They are very thorough with the inspections which I didn't mind because I know they are doing the right thing.That said, I'm confident that these guys are legit auto care facility and will be my future shop for things I can't fix myself. I like the appointment process, very organized. read more

Great service! I walked in to get my AC fixed and got helped right away. Great prices and quick service. Definitely would recommend.

Excellent service! Mike was easy to talk to and knew his job. What impressed me the most was how his shop and office looked. Very clean and organized. This will be my go to place from now on. Thank you Mike! read more

I never got to experience their service but I got to experience their customer service. Superb is the only word I can think of to describe them. I used to deliver auto parts to this shop when I worked as a delivery driver and I always got the feeling that these guys were extremely friendly. Every time I made a shipment to them, they would greet me and help me with the packages. I needed to get an aftermarket installed so I decided to look into these guys. I called in one day to get some service done to my vehicle since I shop around before I choose a shop to get my car worked on. I called in and spoke with Michael, he asked me what I wanted and told me that they would look into it more for my specific vehicle and call me back when they learn more. I left my name and number and waited. 20 minutes later I got a call back from the son, Mike. He was extremely professional with me. He went into every detail of the service that I wanted done and what would happen with the outcome. After speaking with me for about 5 minutes, I decided that it was out of my budget but I was very happy with how patient and willing he was to explain to me thoroughly with the process and outcomes of whichever route I decided to take. 5 Stars! read more

This place is the best. Always have good service. Very thorough and knowledgeable. I will take all my cars here.

My car required a STAR certified smog station test and in the past I have dealt with multiple places that have changed prices on me, provided terrible customer service, and failed to treat my car responsibly while in their possession. When I found this shop, I was pleased to see the extra care they took in maneuvering my car into the garage due to it being lowered, and the exceptional customer service that each employee provided when I spoke to them. My car was in and out in 15-20 minutes which was absolutely great, no time was wasted at all. The prices are undeniably fair and reasonable and the environment was very professional as you would expect it to be. I HIGHLY recommend this place for the future and I most definitely will be returning here! read more

Seems like a great place so far, been here twice and their prices are reasonable. Service is fast. Compare to Sears Auto nearby, NIGHT & DAY. read more

Trustworthy and very knowledgeable mechanics. I've been bringing my car to this shop since I moved to the neighborhood and will continue to do so even if I move to a different part of the city. read more

It was my first time taking my first car to an auto body shop and I'm glad I came here. The customer service is great and I was in and out within the hour. Everything I needed was explained before [they] did anything to my car - which is perfect for me because I like to know what I'm diving into and what I'm paying for. Michael was very helpful with transaction and Mike with the service, thank you, both. I will be coming back in the future should I need anything else done. It's a little tough to find but it's in the same lot as Rent A Center and is located behind their building. Look out for CAC's street signs too! read more

This place is awesome! Great service, great price, great people! They will give it to you straight and give you possible options on how to repair the issue so you don't feel cornered into only making one decision to repair your vehicle. Definitely will be back! read more

Went in for a smog check for my turbo S2000. Other shops refused to do the test because of the turbo system. Mike looked at my car and he recognized the CARB certified system with the official E.O. sticker (you gotta have this!). If you car is modified and is 100% compliance with CARB, don't bother with other shops, take it to this one. read more

Love coming here! Took my car in for an oil change. Had no clue about what oil I needed.. but Michael gave me some really good info on it. And they tell you what they recommend, like tire rotation and what not. It's not my first time here. Been here for oil changed for my TL. And now my new car. Only other place I trust with my car than the dealer. And the prices are unbeatable compared to the dealer. Seen a bad review on here before coming the other day. And I gotta say a bad review can ruin someone else's judgement. But don't knock it till you try it. read more

Best place to get your smog check, Michael is the best , they also have a pennysaver $10 off use it !!! read more

These guys are the BEST! These guys are quick, reliable, and HONEST! I've worked in auto shops for a few years myself, but it's kind of hard to replace your car's motor mounts and exhaust when you live in an apartment. It's a small shop w/ just a couple of people, but they really got the job done for me. I've sent my buddy and my buddy's mom here, everybody says the same thing: As long as I live in the San Jose area, I'll never take my car anywhere else. read more

When calling around for a brake and lamp inspection trying to find a shop I felt confident taking my car to this shop won hands down. Not only was Mike clear and confident in his speech over the phone he was also able to take my car in right away. I was quoted a wait time of 1 hour and got a call in less than that because a bulb was out. After giving him permission to change the bulb all was taken care of in less than the hour time I was quoted. Additionally, his shop is very clean. Thanks for the service! read more

Horrible/Questionable Service. Charges for Smog Check even though the vehicle supposedly failed. They quoted $95 for a diagnostic. When I took my vehicle to another place for Smog Check it passed with flying colors. read more

We have been taking our cars to Mike at Capitol Auto Care for more than twenty years. You won't find a more capable, honest, and friendly mechanic/small businessman anywhere. He just made my 2001 Toyota Avalon run like a brand new car by knowing exactly what to do and how to do it. It's not easy to find somebody you can trust to take care of your car, especially if you're like me and don't have a ton of mechanical ability. Mike has always been smart in his analysis, able to fix any problem, and fair in his pricing. Capitol Auto Care has my highest recommendation. read more

Over charged and not so honest. They suggested to fix a part of my car to pass Light and Break inspection. And they offer to fix it. While the service was good, the price charged too high (later I called dealer(s) and research on internet to compare) read more

Mike was super helpful and professional. The shop was clean. They did smog on two of my cars in very little time. Both passed! Their prices are also amazing! 2 cars smoged under $100. Can't beat that. Highly recommend! read more

I brought my Audi in for service and the original problem with my car was never fixed . First time I brought it home the next day staled on me . I was told the issue was different from the first they had thought it was but wanted me to pay for each fix till they figured it out . I told the clerk I think it was Michael that I just want my car back then he refused to return my car until I signed a stack of waiver papers so they would not be liable . I then signed MY CAR ISSUE WAS NEVER FIXED . Michael speaks very technical going on and on with tech auto terms but is all talk , bad business skills couldn't even resolve my issue with no concern that a customer was leaving unhappy or satisfied. He was only concerned to cover his ass with I'm sure is learned from experience ! Would never recommend this shady Auto Shop read more

Great service! They were able to squeeze me in before their next appointment. Although I had a coupon, even without one it was still a good price. read more

Mike is the man! I came in without an appointment to get an oil change and tire rotation. He didn't have the proper oil filter for my Ferrari but he made a call and the filter was there within 20 minutes. I was in and out within an hour at the most. They are very professional and Mike has a relationship with every other customer I saw come in. read more

I called for an oil change appointment and had to change it 3 times. The staff were able to get my car in and let me know what needed to be looked in the future. Great service! read more

I went to do my brakes and lights inspection for the dmv this week I recommend this place good price Fast service , lots of parking , clean place And super friendly costumer service Dont waste ur time looking for other place For this kind of service for ur car . They also do more things for your car Good job guys thank you read more

I've reviewed before, but Mike does not disappoint! Fair, honest and dependable! Mike is the man! Thank you for taking care of my autos, 65 Buick Wildcat, Corolla and now my RAV4. The dealer will no longer touch it! read more

This place is hidden behind a Pep Boys I think & I'm so happy I came in to find/ try this place out. Very reliable, friendship, & honest shop. I moved away from the area to more south San Jose & I still make the drive over. read more

Came here on short notice and Mike was busy with other customers and he still managed to take me in. Really nice guy and up front with you. If you need anything done to your vehicle, whether it's a smog check or anything done to your car, I'd bring it here. Will continue to keep coming here. read more

Took my Yukon Denali XL here for a transmission flush and a power steering flush. I was told I needed this when I went to get an oil change at Jiffy lube at Capitol Expressway. They were wanting to charge me DOUBLE what I was quoted by Mike. It has been very hard as a woman to trust mechanics..They are often dishonest and mark up prices because you do not know about cars. This is not the case for this shop !!! The two Michaels (Father and son) are VERY courteous, honest, reliable, friendly-neighborhood shop, who will take great care of your vehicle and give you a great price !!! INCREDIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE !!! Even better, they were done with my vehicle in 2 1/2 hours !! THANK YOU LORD, I found my dream mechanic shop !!!! read more

Came here for a Brake and Lamp inspection due to DMV issues.. In terms of customer service, this shop wins by a landslide compared to the other shops that I've been to. Michael was extremely helpful on explaining the works that would be done to my car! Definitely bringing my car to this shop for future works! read more

Been here two times for smog checks and from my experience, they do it very efficiently and quickly. Both visits took less than 25 minutes to wait. Best to call before you visit and they'll take care of you. Note: When you see the rent-a-center, pull into that plaza and the shop is right behind it. read more

I have been coming here for 10 years. I do the oil change on my car, but I do bring my car in for an oil change to get it inspected by professionals. They catch the things that I miss. They also give me advice on repairs that need to happen sooner rather than later. It is good to know that I can sit on some repairs. That keeps my wallet happy. I come back to them seeing how I get great service. I was so happy with my last repair that I wanted to leave this review. read more

Love this place. Used a coupon with no hassle. Keep my appt time. In and out in about 15 min. All employees nice. With a smile...I will keep coming back. read more

Got my car smogged here a few days ago. Mike is extremely professional in taking good care of both myself and my car. He explained patiently on the process and the fee is very reasonable too. I will come back here for all my future need for car problem as well as smogs. read more

I came to Capitol Auto Care to get an official brake and light Inspiration. Mike made the experience quick and easy. He took me in same day but recommend to make an appointment ahead of time. Awesome establishment! read more

Went here a couple weeks ago for a smog check and they had great customer service. They gave me a quote on the phone and it was exactly what they said after I was finish. I would recommend going here. read more

If you're looking for an auto shop that's honest and professional then you've found it! Michael and his staff are amazing! I took my vehicle in for an oil change and was impressed with how thorough the inspection report was. Recommendations were given with NO PRESSURE. It's nice knowing my money was well spent. read more

I've brought in my Acura here several times for oil changes and smog checks and never had an issue. Although I will say, even though this shop is hidden, this place can get busy. I would strongly suggest you call in advance to see if they have same day availability or set up an appointment for your vehicle. In addition to your selected service, they take the time to check your car and let you know if there's anything that should be taken care of. They told me my license plate light was out! Mike is very honest and knowledgeable, which is probably why they get lots of business! :) definitely a great shop! read more