YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2018 - PART 2: 11/100 So, I dropped the ball on the car registration's due date. Big deal, I still had 3 days. But then I realized after reading the form that a smog check was required! Otherwise (insert Seinfeld's soup Nazi voice here): "NO REGISTRATION FOR YOU!" I heard many good things about Hi Tech Auto Center so I bounced hoping to get it done on a Saturday morning. This entire corner is riddled with different kinds of business to serve various car needs. ("Auto Center!" I get it!) But there was only one thing I needed to get done... I met Christopher and told him what I needed. Luckily, he just finished up with one car and mine was next. He directed me to the lobby to wait and will let me know once everything is a-okay. What impressed me the most about him is when I overheard him explain to the customer before me that there are other things needed to be done with her car for it to pass a smog test. (She did have an older model car.) I was almost surprised with how he simplified everything to her and that it was nothing to worry about too much - that it can still be done right there and then at very little cost. I mean, really... others would have probably taken advantage of her with extras she most likely didn't need. My car was done in no time. Christopher made it a really easy transaction! Highly recommending! read more

Hi Tech Auto Center - Auto Repair Near Me - Gardena, California

Went there for a front end alignment and they said I needed a control bar and took the one I took off and it wasn't needed and was working fine. A rip off read more

I come here every 2 years for smog check, and it's always a straight forward, hassle free visit. I highly recommend this place for anyone! read more

So I drove to this place and the Asian men who works here and owns this place is by far the rudest customer service I have experienced. I drove in and he didn't even acknowledge me. I asked nicely what he charges for an oil change he told me verbally an with his hands, to leave and look for another place because he was talking to his mechanic and he didn't have time to talk to me unless I wanted to wait!!! I couldn't believe what he had just said so I asked again and he yelled, " you can't hear, leave go somewhere else!" How is he even in business! read more

Hi Tech Auto Center - Auto Repair Near Me - Gardena, California

I have consistently brought my cars here. Just like any mechanic it's always difficult to find someone that is honest and he has been with everything he has recommended. read more

Chris was very trustworthy, he's the only person I trusted to service my car or for car advice. Unfortunately, today I brought in my car only to find out that he had passed away. My condolences to his wife and family. read more

Chris (owner) and his team did a great job! I had transmission problems, AND I needed new brakes! I already knew the total was going to be steep :/ He's honest, knowledgeable, and very efficient. I dropped my car off on Saturday morning, he had to make a special order for a part and said it would be there on Monday morning. He called me Monday afternoon, and told me it was ready to pick up! ;) read more

Being a long time resident of Gardena, I often try to buy and use services by small businesses that are located in Gardena. Most of the time, I am very happy with what I get. It started when I took my car in to get an oil change. Usually, at my dealership, it costs 80 dollars to get an oil change. (My car uses Synthetic oil, so I understand that it costs more for the oil). I went in and asked, How much for an oil change with Synthetic Oil? He said, 85 dollars. It's fine, although I am not made of money, an extra 5 dollars isn't going to make me go broke. He looked at my car, went to the back and came back and said "Sorry, I don't have an Oil FIlter for your car". That's understandable as I don't expect a mechanic shop to have every oil filter for every car. So, I offered, to go to O'Reilly Auto Parts and buy the oil filter myself and just have him install it. The oil Filter was 15 dollars. Courtesy I believe should dictate, that since he wasn't going to do the oil change because he didn't have the filter, if I provide one, maybe reduce the price of the Oil Change since I provided something, out of my own pocket, an item he needed to perform the oil change. So, after changing the oil I was presented with an invoice. He charged me 60 dollars for the oil, and 25 dollars for the Labor. Meaning, after paying for the filter, i still had to pay the original price for the oil change. It became clear to me, that this place is only after money. The sad part is, I could have taken my car to my dealership, gotten more service for less. So really, to anyone who reads this, I implore you to do your research and make sure what you're being charged is fair. If not, a place like this will continue to overcharge you. read more

My Accord was on its way to overheating so I stopped at Autozone because I though I was low on coolant. They told me I had a bad water pump and it would be about 300. I then called around and found chris at HI Tech. He took a look for free of charge and told me it was only a hose. I drove away with topped off coolant and a new hose installed all for $50. What a honest guy. Will be back. read more

Hi Tech Auto Center - Auto Repair Near Me - Gardena, California

My wife and I have been customers of Chris for nearly a decade. My wife has a new Toyota Prius, I have an older Ford, and our son has an old Honda Civic. We used to own a Toyota Camry and a Civic Hybrid. Chris and his team serviced all of our vehicles well-both foreign and domestic. Both his Customer Service and Technical Competence have generally been Excellent. And we still consider him to be a friendly Christian, to whom I gave advice when he asked for it. In fact, at the Service appointment preceding today's sad experience, Chris asked for my advice re an urgent problem he was confronting (i). I spent 1 1/2 hours of my personal time looking for the resources that I relayed to him in a follow up visit after that appointment. After that favor, his capricious behavior today was quite a surprise. At today's Service appointment, Chris whimsically dissed me and said "no thanks" after I came to his office for our appointment. Here's what happened: I called a day ahead to set up an appointment for a coolant flush and oil change. We agreed on prices for both of these in advance. I arrived early for our appointment; I was his first customer for the day (so as to make it more convenient for him). After I asked for my copy of the Repair Order before starting the car service (ii), he informed me that the price for an oil change was higher than what he agreed to over the phone. After I said we had already agreed to the oil change price over the phone and after I then asked him to please replace my old black (=negative post) battery cable with my brand new customer-supplied cable for an additional $10, he erupted and cancelled our appointment! This, after I warmed up my Ford's big 4.6 L gas-guzzling engine, drove all the way to his shop from Harbor City, and showed up for our appointment early! After being his customers for a decade, my wife and I were very disappointed today. Our advice to other customers: Be careful with Chris; he can be temperamental. Dave M. and family Footnote: (i) His problem was personal for him, so I won't share the details in this public forum. (ii) This is standard procedure in all auto repair shops, with a few exceptions that are specified by the CA Bureau of Automotive Repair. And Chris is good about complying with this (and other) parts of California law that protects automotive repair consumers! On this point and other aspects of Integrity, customers Hi-Tech Auto Center can be confident. read more

my guy chris... owner ..honest. straight to the point and knowledgeable... when its an issue i cant resolve myself then i visit him and leave it with him ..wait for an update if theres any or just sit for the car n retrieve my truck/car n drive away confident in his services done... (96 tahoe. 01 silverado. 10 hhr..16 equinox) havent taken my 01 tahoe havent needed to. #chevyboi read more

I had a excellent experience, I'm returning for any future work that may be needed. Very friendly and helpful in making sure you understand.

If I can give this place negative stars I would. The owner Chris has no morals. He is very rude, dishonest man. He took off a part (which was a 3part placement) on my vehicle and was charging me for a the whole set up (which only one area was damage) He threw away the part so I had no choice afterwards. He also took my car to take one of his customers back home w/out my permission. (Saying he was gonna test drive it) & I wasn't even in the car. He just took off before I can say anything, So if something was to happen (e.g.traffic accident) it would be my fault. Don't go to this business. He runs a very shady operation. He will give you nonsense work that's not needed. Pls try to avoid this place; I warned you. He's very desperate for customers. This business needs to be closed down. read more

Christopher is the most professional mechanic that I've encountered. He took time in ensuring that my car issue was resolved and was very communicative in the process. He is also very trustworthy and has been in the mechanic business for 40 years.I will go to nobody else. Thanks for your Help Christopher!! read more

When I had a problem with my Altima, I took it to Nissan Dealer but they could not fix it but Mr. Chris Ghim did who is knowledgeable, certified technician also very kind. Since then I am his regular customer I do not trust anybody but Mr. Ghim. The price is reasonable also entire shop is very clean, well organized. Strongly recommend this place to anyone. read more

Usually I do my mechanic work at home but when the job is too much or I don't have the tools this place is greats... Chris,the guy in charge is full of honesty and has great costumer service. Hi work is on point and timely. I've had no problems after all the jobs he's done on the cars I've taken there. read more

Super nice staff. I called in at 5:20 asking if they were busy and he told me they close at 5:30 but stayed open for me. No attitude at all when I got there at 5:31. Friendly staff, clean waiting area (for a mechanics shop), and great service. Definitely coming back here. read more

I really recommend this Smog Check station. Very fast (less than 20 minutes) and honestly very nice employees. When you call it sounds so unprofessional but it's a decent place and they charge you a total of $50 with certificate. read more