Green Phoenix Auto Repair

(36 reviews)

United Smog has got to be the best kept secret in Salinas. I am very picky who works on my…read morevehicles, as I do my own mechanical work myself, (every mechanic is out to screw you)... That being said I have an 1986 Honda Accord and had issues with it running right. I'm not a foreign mechanic and was at a loss. I went to two other shops, one in Paso Robles that gave up, and Salinas Honda that had their 40 year supervisor tech mechanic try and repair. He was rude, cocky and if how to repair is not in the computer they have, they don't know what the hell they're doing. He said..... this car is junk and will never pass smog or run right!! Pissed off I called around and Jose at United Smog (owner) answered and I told him the story, his response was... I can fix it, bring it in. I was speechless !! But what did I have to lose other than another big bill. This place is tucked in the back corner of commission st and appeared clean in appearance. I met Jose who was very polite, knowledgeable and professional. After all my experiences I've had with this car, I reluctantly left my Honda that was my mother's first new car. (Sentimental to me) Let me tell you in two days he found all the issues, I had one shop install a new carburetor and Honda replaced spark plug wires, well the new carburetor was bad... go figure Salinas Honda specialist couldn't find, but Jose at United was right on it. Ordered new carburetor, Jose installed along with repairing other issues and HOLY MOLY I have a new running car!!!! Jose is the real deal and he is training his staff to learn hands on how to repair vehicles the ole fashion way along with new technology. You will not be disappointed giving Jose a chance. Please tell him I referred you all, cause he has a customer for life as long as I own a car I can't repair on my own. Thank You All at United Smog !!!!!

We have tried to do business with this company. All the reviews were good. I don't see how…read more The first My Daughter called to make an appointment, the lady was rude, but was able to take her car in. The second time which was last week. The lady who answers the phone refused to let her make an appointment. She stated she need to check if she could come in. What?!? The third time which was today. The lady hung up on her. What kind of company is this if the person who answers the phone is rude and unwelcoming. We will never ever try and do business with this company ever again.

Smog Express

(79 reviews)

Quick, effective, loyal, and affordable!…read more I have been here a few times and have told many friends about the value this company brings

I had an incredibly frustrating experience at this shop and will not be returning. I highly…read morerecommend looking elsewhere if you value your time or expect basic professional courtesy. I had appointment. When I arrived, the first staff member flatly told me they couldn't do it. Conflicting Information: A second worker stepped in and told me to park in a specific spot, promising I would be the "next car." Instead, I sat there and watched them take multiple other vehicles ahead of me. When I politely asked for an update, the first employee explained that other cars take more time. I said ok. then the other person who said was the boss started an argument with me, condescendingly saying, "You're in a hurry!" as if expecting them to honor my appointment and their own word was unreasonable. The level of communication here is non-existent, and the staff's attitude is combative. If you don't want to waste your afternoon being lied to and then insulted for noticing, go somewhere else. A smog check takes 15 minutes; there's no reason for it to come with this much drama.

Trustlane Automotive

(263 reviews)

I had an amazing experience with this mechanic. They were incredibly welcoming, professional,…read morehonest, and kind from the moment I arrived. They took the time to diagnose and fix my car, and to my surprise, they didn't charge me for the repair. It's rare to find people who genuinely care more about helping others than making a quick profit. Their integrity, expertise, and outstanding customer service truly set them apart. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy mechanic. Thank you again for your generosity and excellent service!

Great place for a smog check. Good customer service, quick service, and very friendly staff. I'll…read moredefinitely come back.

Midas

3.9

(98 reviews)

I had a good experience here. I needed new brakes and rotors and had some sort of vibration. Robert…read moreand crew were polite and professional. The quote he gave me at the beginning was spot on what I paid and everything is now ship shape. They kept the truck for the day but it was done when they said it would be. Pretty happy overall. Would go back.

fast efficient and good work nice people my favorite place to change my oil and get avice on my carread more

Prunedale Auto Service

(52 reviews)

needed mbz oil change and filter plus smog check. as always the expectation of excellence was…read moreexceeded. appt at 10 am - car done 40 minutes later at the quoted price-as always they keep their word with no added issues. trust is earned through outstanding work product and integrity of their word. thank you once again

Great smog service. Friendly and prompt, I was able to get an appointment within days. They also…read moretake walk ins. I highly recommend.

Memos Auto Repair

5.0

(1 review)

No wait time at all--I was helped right away! I went in on a Saturday afternoon btw. Efficient and…read moretimely service! I needed a smog check and the owner went above & beyond; he helped me with battery corrosion! All in all, it only took 20ish minutes. Thank you, Memo's Auto Repair, keep it up!

From the owner: we are specialized in engine and transmission ,we are also a certified smog check station , we…read morealso sell used engine and transmission's foreign and domestic towing we do lock outs jumps and road side services

Monterey Transmission Auto Repair and Tires

4.3

(46 reviews)

Replaced trucks transmission and located other issues. Prompt service and would recommend to…read moreanybody asking for repairs Very honest shop

Just want to give a big shout out to Monterey Transmission & Auto Repair. I gave them a call after…read moremy Chevy Tahoe wouldn't move forward or reverse and they got me in right away thanks to Tony and David for helping me out. I dropped off my Tahoe on Monday and it was ready on Tuesday with a rebuilt Transmission and upgraded Transmission cooler for towing my boat. Same 3 Year Warranty the Dealership offered me but literally for thousands of dollars less!

Pacific Smog

4.1

(151 reviews)

I always come here to get my smog done. They are relatively fast and super friendly! They have a…read morelittle waiting area inside so you can relax while you wait. The price is pretty standard. Service is always friendly.

Went in on 8.10.26 for the first time. Great customer service, super friendly staff. Was there in…read morethe morning and other customers were there ahead of me. I was in and out in less than 25 minutes. I would highly recommend going to this business to others, I will bring all my vehicles here in future.

Salinas Honda

4.0

(413 reviews)

Thanks to her outstanding customer service and attention to detail, I drove away in my new 2026…read moreHonda Accord feeling excited and confident about my purchase. I highly recommend Paola to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and caring salesperson. Thank you, Paola, for making this such a positive and memorable experience!

I highly recommend Jim Cash at Salinas Honda. I had a great experience buying our CRV from him. He…read moregave me a fair price on my trade in and a fair price on the new vehicle. Jim took the time to explain the features of the new car. All around best car buying experience I've ever had.

Carmel Valley Auto Service

(34 reviews)

Always polite, efficient and reasonable prices. I highly recommend this repair shop…read more If you live in Carmel valley or close by you can rely on this establishment to fix nearly any problem from tires, batteries, engine, suspension, muffler etc.

Holden is very nice! I pinched a nerve in my back, struggling to bend or move at all. My tire was…read morereally low but couldnt get myself to bend over to put air in the tire. I asked if he could help me out and he did! Also we discover I've been driving with a nail in my tire! Offered to fix it but I was on my way to meet with someone. I'll have to stop by on my way back!

Cuevas Tires

(114 reviews)

Very quick, great for any first time oil change the employees are great at explainingread more

These guys are great. They have assisted us in all manner of tire needs. Highly recommended.read more

Salinas Car Care

(32 reviews)

Great service. Very professional and courteous. Ernesto at the front desk answered all my questions…read moreand outlined upcoming services to consider. No pressure on those services needed, which reinforces for me their trustworthiness. It is a great comfort to have a dependable car service business to rely on.

This place ripped me off terribly. They tried to overcharge me for exhaust manifolds on my Jeep. So…read moreI bought them myself and had them put them on. They flipped over a smog emissions valve on my Jeep so I could not pass smog. Another mechanic found the problem with me standing right there. The valve was clearly marked and it was flipped upside down. I had passed smog before they put the manifolds on I could not pass smog when they were done. They did this to me on purpose. The guy with the limp don't trust him

The Mobile Car Clinic

(18 reviews)

This man is amazing he pays attention to detail. Fixing cars is his passion ! I will definitely…read morereach out him going forward . Easy to work with as he communicates and explains throughly . Very honest man !

I got in touch with Bob through Yelp. He provided a quote and a time he would show up. Bob arrived…read morepromptly and even completed the job in the rain. I would highly recommend him.

Progressive Auto Repair

4.8

(17 reviews)

Progressive made room for a replacement alternator and did it the same day. Very quick diagnosis.read more

I have been going to these guys for years with several different cars…read more Alway leave satisfied knowing I got my money's worth.

RS Speed Shop

(12 reviews)

Ruben is the best! Always answers all my questions and squeeze me in even when super busyread more

Do not trust this shop with your safety. I paid $180 for an inspection, and they performed…read moredishonest, dangerously lazy work. I have photographic proof of the following: Blatant lies: They marked my oil level as "LOW" on the invoice. My sight glass shows it is perfectly full with clean oil. Note: i asked them to not do oil change because i do that myself. Dangerous negligence: They claimed to adjust my chain, but my "before and after" photos prove the alignment marks and slack never changed. Worse, they left the backing lock-nuts on BOTH the right and left swingarms completely loose. Loose hardware: Both brake fluid reservoir caps were left loose with noticeable play in them. I had to personally tighten the screws down further myself so they wouldn't leak or vibrate off. Skipped work: I explicitly asked for a throttle and clutch cable adjustment. They didn't even touch them--the play is exactly the same as when I dropped it off. Leaving critical hardware loose on both sides of the axle and completely ignoring requested safety adjustments after a paid inspection is incredibly unsafe. It feels like they will lie to scare you into buying unneeded services and send you out the door on an unsafe bike. Avoid RS Speed Shop at all costs.

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18 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Beth J.

0

2

0

12 years ago

I went there on last Saturday for a diagnosis on my Chevy truck that had failed a smog check at another shop. This place was recommended to me by my dentist, so I decided to check it out. The lot had a bunch of cars, but Max, the smog tech told me he could get to me in about 30 minutes. So, I waited. Soon after he got started, he came in and asked if I had any fuel mileage issues, I said that I was not getting as many miles per gallon as I used to get once. He said let me show you something. He took me to the truck, and showed me a PCV valve hose that was cracked. He said replacing that hose will not only fix smog issues, but also would get better miles per gallon. He took one look at my puzzled face, and did something no other mechanic did before. He explained to me in simple language, how on my truck the computer controlled the Air / Fuel mixture, and how a simple cracked rubber hose can make a vacuum leak and how extra air forced computer to add extra fuel to make up for it. Wow. I never knew my car did that. Then he recommended their headlight restoration service. My truck is about 15 years old, and the headlights are not as clear as they used to be. Well, let me tell you, when he was done, not only both headlights were looking like brand new, they guarantee it for next two years to keep looking new! Even my husband noticed them right away. Max, thank you for fixing my car, and not charging me an arm and a leg. And thanks for explaining how my car works. Folks, if you are looking for bunch of honest, hard working mechanics, who do the right thing, then go check them out. I know I finally found my mechanics ! read more

Sam H.

974

32

41

3 years ago

Nothing but crooks, criminals, scam artists and liars. Took my dad's car here because it was a trusted spot for the repair assistance program for the smog. The car ran perfectly fine. Never any electric or engine issues. Was initially told it was a simple c02 sensor issue and would be an easy fix so we Ok'd the repairs. After a couple weeks no response from the shop so we called in and they said it would take a bit longer. Again after another few weeks we were told parts were ordered and about to be installed. At this point it's about 2 months in and I still have not received any calls from them so when I call I'm told it's been installed but they have to drive the car around and it will be fine. For the next few weeks I have no call from them but I call and everytime I'm told there's no progress report but someone will call us back I got nothing I ask to speak to the manager or owner and someone who said they're the owner tells me the last person who called said they could take their time and some other bs. Which was a total Lie becusee the only one to call was either me or my sister (I would always be right next to her) After a other month I'm now told the car won't run And they don't know why. It has now been over 5 months. We went in with a perfectly running car just needing smog sensor repairs to being told the car is dead and now we have to pay them 150 for ther criminal services and get the car towed which will also cost more money. And if I don't I will be charged $50 a day. After they had the damn care for 5 months. These guys are fkn jokes. Criminals. Liars. Scam artists. read more

Deborah S.

0

3

0

7 years ago

A couple days ago I dropped by because my car needed to be jump started in the morning 2 days in a row. I was immediately seen and they started working on the problem. My battery terminals, in fact quite a bit of the top of the battery housing was corroded. It was determined that I did need a new battery which wasdelivered within 20-30 minutes. However the corrosion was so bad that they were not sure that the entire housing would not have to be replaced which would cost over $700. The mechanic worked on it diligently for quite a while and was able to get it remarkably clean and functional. I will have to replace that housing eventually but now I can save that money to do it when I can more easily afford it. Bottom line, both times I've gone there, I was treated respectfully and honestly, not talked down to, and given a fair and reasonable price. You couldn't ask for better service. Sincerely, kudos to all of you at Green Phoenix Auto Repair! read more

Steve C.

1

5

0

11 years ago

I've done business with Green Phoenix Auto Repair for the past 2-3 years, mostly for minor fixes, bottom line I couldn't recommend them more highly, I even got my mother and father to bring their cars there for service. The work has always been excellent. But one thing I want to highlight is simply how nice and professional, the owner, Max is. He goes waaaay out of his way to be helpful and sometimes doesn't even charge for small things, even turning down an offered tip - how often do you hear of that happening these days? Even when a car problem turns out to be a stupid error made by the car owner he doesn't ridicule. I think more businesses could learn from Max about delivering great customer service. read more

Sheryl M.

0

1

0

13 years ago

Completely DISSATISFIED with the so called SERVICE, unfair price quoting was quoted one price and charged an additional $400.00 without being advised, was not kept updated on progress of vehicle (I had to keep calling to see what the status was) or given the option to have it repaired elsewhere. I would not RECOMMEND THIS SO CALLED REPAIR SHOP TO ANYONE!!!! CONSUMERS BEWARE!!!! I can not believe the owner is a member of the Old Town Association. He did not even offer to give me a discount of any type or give me the options of making payments. All he could say was " I am sorry". Well he has that right!!!! read more

Kelly G.

0

6

0

7 years ago

My coolant low chime went off on my way through town. I pulled in the lot, they pressure tested my system and found an improperly installed clamp (another shop had done the work). Put the clamp on properly, completed the pressure test and looked it over for any other problems. They got me back on the road in an hour. So very happy they were able to fit me in so I could continue my journey. I'm half way across the country and have no coolant or radiator problems-great job guys! read more

Heather M.

0

1

0

13 years ago

Needed a smog check on the weekend. Came in, was attended to immediately, and service was complete in less than a half hour. Very good price. Had a small room to wait in, but the shop is very conveniently located to a Jamba Juice, Winchell's Donuts, and MYO. No need to worry about crossing S. Main St., there is a street light close by too. I'll definitely go back again. read more

Christophe L.

0

1

0

6 years ago

My first time with them and I know I will go back. Had the transmission oil changed on my Prius. The pricing was good and the time needed for the task was also good. Until different, I will continue to go back to them for my maintenance and repairs. The gentleman at the front desk is clearly the drive behind this place. He is in charge of the crew and makes things happen. read more

Mary Lee K.

0

1

0

15 years ago

Wish I could give them 10 stars. It's rare to find such honest, conscientious , and knowledgeable people in auto repair -- and nice, too! It was a pleasure dealing with them. You can have full confidence in their work and integrity. Tony, Jerry...I am so happy to have found "go-to" guys for maintenance and repairs. read more

Michaele S.

1

2

0

6 years ago

Green Phoenix is a great and dependable Auto Repair shop. They are always friendly and can help immediately. I brought my Subaru in because of a strange leak in the back of the car and Amit and staff went to find the problem and did not charge me for his time. Thank you!! read more

Hung H.

2

1

7 years ago

I had a transmission fluid leak. They were able to see me right away and fixed the leak within hours while I was at work. Total cost was less then $200. The local auto dealer wanted to charge $160 for the diagnostic and wanted to keep the car at least overnight. read more

Jose S.

0

1

0

7 years ago

Honest diagnostics and great work ! I have been very happy with their work. I would be very comfortable in recommending this place to a person with little or no mechanical knowledge :) read more

Thricia W.

0

1

0

7 years ago

In and out...smog check. Fast, friendly, and efficient. No appt needed on a Saturday morning saved me from driving with no tags. Super grateful... read more

Kaiser S.

0

2

0

14 years ago

These guys will rip you off for every penny if you let them. Don't even think of letting them get near your car if you know what is good for you. read more

Allyson C.

0

1

0

6 years ago

Fast & great service. Got in to patch my tire right away! For writing reviews you can even get a free oil change.

Kate G.

0

2

3

6 years ago

Super helpful, friendly and fast service. Fair price for oil changes.

Jymi F.

0

8

0

10 years ago

Great service!

Green P.

30

1

0

10 years ago

Hi

Green Phoenix Auto Repair - autorepair - Updated August 2026

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United Smog Check