Mark and Suzanne are lovely people who do great service with their customers. The workers are always on top of their game. Super hard workers. You'll be in great hands by doing business with them. read more

Let me just say,This place is terrible.I took my car in to be diagnosed for not starting,,,After keeping it for two weeks,They called me back to say they had no clue as to why it would not turn over.I had to tow my car back home,And they charged me $1600 dollers for nothing.So PAY more SHOULD BE THERE NAME..Dont take your car here. here,THEY ARE RIPOFFS. read more

This place is still the best auto shop in Chico to take your car. Period. They are no frills, honest and dependable. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the mechanics are experienced. It's been here in Chico for many years. They don't have shuttles or loaner cars that I'm aware of, nor do they have bottled water or snacks. In lieu of those things, they literally charge half the price you'd pay anywhere else in Chico and take it from me, I know this from experience!! I've done my research. It's hard to find a place that's experienced and uses *quality parts* but also is fair and honest. Usually you get one or the other, but at Payless Auto you get both. read more

Payless 4 Wheel Drive & Auto Center - Auto Repair Shop - Auto Parts & Supplies Near Me - Chico, California

So far I've only had a smog, and an oil change done, but I had a fine experience both times. There was (at first) a guy at the desk who said he usually didn't work at the desk, and he didn't know what was going on the way the regular person did. But the regular person soon came back and she was fine. DO "Note your mileage and license plate number." I like the way it's homey and unique -- it has character. If you want to be handled with kid gloves, then go to a dealer, and have your corporate experience. read more

I have been a resident of Chico for 5 years and like all of you, I appreciate an auto repair place that is honest and reliable. Here is my pick as the best. Bill the owner who built the location 40 years ago is a man after his customer's heart. He is honest in his evaluation of your auto's problem, listens to you as to what you think went wrong and proceeds with his certified mechanics to solve your problem and get your vehicle back on the road as is reasonably possible. He calls you and gets your approval before doing repairs and tells you what is actually needed and may be required later for your driving safety. He is very concerned in a personal way that you are satisfied with his service. He is ACE California certified for smogging of old cars. He backs up his work with his guarantee that his work will be covered from any warranties that he will discuss with you. He is a rare company that knows what you need to trust his expertise. read more

Incredibly rude is all I have to say. I went in to get my RV smog tested and it failed. I asked for a quote to get it fixed and was told that I would have to pay $112 an hour to have it diagnosed. I found that odd since they had a list of what failed right in front of them. Fixed the stuff myself and took it back in. They offer a free retest but had to have paperwork from the previous test. After making me waste 15min looking for the paperwork they were able to look it up on their computer. Then proceeded to tell me that I may have to wait 1pm, my appointment is at 8am, because it took to long to get paperwork that they had access to the whole time! Needless to say the tech doing the test is a rock star but the folks at the front desk could use some customer service skills and an attitude check. read more

I went in for a scheduled appointment and they told me the smog guy was gone for the day and they claimed he had left a message for me but he hadn't done so. Then instead of offering to reschedule the lady told me to use someone else if I was in a hurry. I've used them a lot in the past but not any more. read more

They did a great job for what I took my pickup in for!!! My Only complaint is they did not put a protective sheet down on floor carpet mat.... Left black dirty grease boot smears all over drivers side floor mat... Will have to take it to a car wash, use carpet cleaner, scrub it several times to get it clean!!!! Should not have to do this!!! read more

My husband works as a project engineer with construction and so we have to move on temporary basis all the time depending on what job his company needs him. He was working a job up in Chico and he needed to get his car smog to get his tags. He randomly picked this place because they quoted a good price on the smog and asked me to go get it done. I always hate taking his car in because he has a Porsche Boxer and if you don't know the engine is in the middle of the car underneath your seat. I have had so many problems with people not knowing what they are doing. Not in this case. I went to Payless 4 Wheel Drive and had a sense of nervousness that the guy wouldn't know what he was doing. Nope, no problem at all. I asked the guy if he was familiar with this type of car and he told me yes, I have worked on cars for almost 30 years. He had no problems getting it done, the smog didn't take long at all, the car passed and I was on my merry way. Honestly getting anything done with the cars is not my favorite thing. I always worry being a female and not knowing things about cars. It was nice that I didn't feel that way, the tech was nice, knew what he was doing and got me out the door quickly. It was one of the most pleasant experiences as far as car work goes. I will definitely remember this place when we up north for work and need any car things done. Totally recommend. read more

So I came in for my 8am appt. on Monday, wasn't greeted when I came into the store by them which is awkward when you walk in with them. NO ONE was wearing masks, I was the only one out of everyone there & I had to ask if whoever was working on my car if they would wear a mask. The older woman doing scheduling, told me a smog check would only take 30mins, so I waited in the shop for 30 mins, i purposely made my appt. for the first appt. so it would go quick. I have a bladder condition, and they don't offer customer restrooms, so I tried to be friendly especially with the older woman & she told me that the mechanic is late EVERYDAY. I just smiled and said we should've done 830, which she replied he doesn't even show up then. I was like WTF why did you give me this appt. then to myself. I set up a appt. for the next day at 1030. To note, a guy from the shop called to apologize later while it was appreciated it was odd bc but he literally said "there this is an apology, I just apologized." Because he called and I felt weird about it but wanted to give the benefit of doubt, I dropped off my car the next day, the woman said it only takes 30mins & 35 mins later I noticed my car hadn't moved driving by, so I asked about about an update. Even before I said anything, the woman started shaking her head & said he hasn't even started & didn't know that when, dismissing me. I politely said I would reschedule the appt. & would call when I get home to avoid any awkwardness. She shrugged her shoulders & just said I'm sorry hmmmmmmmm". Also to note, later I tried to be nice & called to cancel my oil change for the following week, once I said my name, the same lady said hmmmmm and hung up. This place is so unprofessional and unfriendly. On top of that they walk around with no masks on for the most part. I'm frustrated bc I don't like writing negative reviews and wanted to give this place a shot. But the services was so poor, I didn't want another person to go thru it. read more

Probably the most insulting experience I've had as a potential customer in a long time. I came in asking about suspension options for my Tacoma. I was greeted with "what do you want" and then the owner can't even look up from his phone to greet me he just mumbled something and then asked me what I wanted. He continued to not even listen to my ideas or thoughts about my truck. After telling him I was referred to them by another mechanic in town, I was assuming he would be happy that I sought him out, instead he tells me he's not taking appointments and I'd have to call to set one up. What a jerk. Taking my multithousand dollar job somewhere else that appreciates my business. read more

Do not use this place. Had my daughter bring in her vehicle for valve cover gasket repair and it was done poorly. They left off vacuum lined that they had to remove to get the valve cover off and then tried to get her to come back in and pay more to hook up. Also didn't start the Jeep to verify anything or burn off spilled oil on exhaust. Daughter thought there was something wrong with the a couple miles down the road when it started smoking heavily. On top of that they were very demeaning to women. Definitely looking into small claims action and reporting to Better Business. Stay away. read more

I've had my 2002 Ford Escort smog-ed here twice with no problems. The employees were all very nice. My service engine soon light was on prior to my last visit but conveniently went off a week before testing, and I passed fine with no problems. I'm due now for a smog certificate 7-25-2013 and my service engine soon light is on again and I don't see it conveniently going off this time. I am writing this review because I like this business and its people. I will be back to add, some time in the next couple weeks and let you know what happens and how I feel. KAI Well I'm back to say I passed after having a thermostat that was locked open replaced. Yes I paid to have it repaired and then passed. These gentlemen are courteous and the shop is clean and organized. I'M A FAN ! read more

I went in just asking to get my truck smogged and the older lady at the counter was very disrespectful. I misunderstood a question and she immediately got annoyed and treated my friend and I terribly. DO NOT recommend. Definitely never going back in to such a badly run place. read more

I took my jeep in here for a smog check about 6 months back. They FAILED it because a hose was cracked. After purchasing an easily $3 hose from them which they charged me $10 for, they made me pay to have the same rude guy test it again. so now I am like $90 in the hole because they're greedy bitches. as for buying things from them, aside from being expensive, they have a very good selection of tough, off-road parts. However, due to them being total assholes, they've lost my business. read more

I had my car smogged there and it failed over a supposedly cracked hose. They also do not do a reduced price retest, I think the only one in town that does that. I decided to get a second opinion and what do you know, passed with flying colors. I even told them about the supposedly cracked hose and it was not. If you are doing 4 wheel drive stuff, see these guys but leave the smog tests to other shops, you will have way better results. read more

Way too overpriced, for a k&n air filter they charge 350 to 370, anywhere else its 320 dollars. I needed an inner axle for my truck they wanted139 dollars + installation, although the owner said that a beginner could install it in 1 hour somehow his mechanics needed the cars for 3 hours, I managed to get the inner axle from a junk yard and a mechanic installed it for 100 dollars all together. If you want to het ripped off def. Go here, if not try Kargen or afterschock etc.... honesty is everything and unfortunately this place lacks it. read more

An excellent experience all around. The person that I worked with was very knowledgeable and fast with service. I had my car smogged here and also had some engine work done on a work truck. I feel that their expertise is second to none in the Chico area. read more

DMV was holding my car tags hostage until I got my car smogged, so while I was visiting my grandma in the area, I decided to swing by this shop. I completely expected to wait all afternoon, since that's been my experience at other places in the past, but to my surprise, I got in and out of the shop pretty quickly. The staff were friendly and polite, and helped me understand the readings (everything tested fine, I was just curious!). The price was fair and reasonable. Overall, I had a great experience and would trust them with making repairs or performing routine maintenance in the future. read more

Today I went to Payless 4 Wheel Drive to get a smog check. I had a great experience and ended up paying less than I had expected. I was greeted by a very nice lady in customer service who got me all checked in. Then the smog tech finished my car in no time. While I was waiting, I had a friendly chat with the owner which passed the time quickly. Then I got the great news that my car passed the smog test. I was so happy! I went to pay the bill and found out that my smog coupon was accepted which brought the bill down by $8.00. I would highly recommend going to this place for your smog check needs. I've been going here for about 20 years now and I always have been treated courteously. read more

These guys are a great! Bill has worked on multiple vehicles of mine and has always gone above and beyond. I have ordered many custom parts and accessories for my 2011 jeep rubicon from Payless and they have done most of the work. They really know their stuff. When I have had any issues, they always go out of their way to get them corrected. For example, my California header flange bolts vibrated loose one day and I drove straight there. They got me right in and fixed the problem. I was on the road again in 45 mins. They always work around my schedule and have given me discounts I didn't even ask for. The thing I appreciate the most at Payless is the personalities and how they are so easy to talk to. They never make me feel dumb, even when i have a dumb question and always take their time when discussing repairs/parts. If your looking for great old fashioned service and a place to stand behind their work, I highly recommend you visit Payless 4 Wheel Drive. Marc Chico,CA read more

The driveshaft on my Jeep got torn apart by bad U-joints so I brought in the part to Payless. I talked to Bill who said he had a few other projects to work on but he could definitely have the part repaired by Monday. I was surprised when I received a call Saturday morning saying the driveshaft was almost finished! When I got to the shop I found Bill finishing up my repair on what was supposed to be a day off!! Bill was extremely friendly and provided some very helpful advice for a young Jeep owner. I'll definitely be coming back if I need any other repairs! read more

I've been a Chico resident for 51 yrs and have brought my vehicles to Payless for smog inspections as long as I can remember. This last week I brought in my son's '97 Mercedes that he had sold. The car passed the emissions test but not the visual inspection as it had a cracked pcv hose. I asked about it and was told that they could get fined for passing the car that visually failed even though the car passed the emissions portion of the test. Anyway, a $6.75 hose purchase from Mercedes and I was back for my free re-inspection. Great service at Payless, only about a 30-40 minute wait, they honor expired coupons and free re-inspections! Nice to be able to support a small business and not a mega corp! read more

Man has been in business for 40 years. He and his mechanics are well trained and reasonably priced.

I have no idea how the other reviewer could write that. He was probably in a bad mood that day. These guys are completely honest. I've been going to them for 5 years. I know they're honest, because I went in once when my transmission for my '93 Toyota truck seemed not to work; I could only use the upper gears; I was resigned to the possibility of replacing it ($1500) or turning it in for a new car. When they looked at it there was nothing wrong (apparently a pebble had gotten into the gears, and then fell out?). They could have just said, "new transmission" but they didn't, and it only cost me $48 for the look-see. That was 6 months ago and the truck still runs great. Also, another time, I friend of mine diagnosed from the armchair some problems with our Subaru Forester. I forget the details, but my worst fears, which I voiced when I gave them the car, were not evident, and I wasn't charged. I have been to many a car repair place, and this operation is down-to-earth honest, and the prices are reasonable. No one likes to pay to get their car fixed, but hey, it is a business and we all have to make a living. My "rip-off" detector radar is always up, and the easily pass the test. read more

Awesome Four Wheel Drive Shop, the way they used to be! Bill, and all the folks there are extremely helpful and knowledgable. Brought my driveshaft in to have the U-Joints replaced without an appointment, and it was done the same day. They also sell tons of cool aftermarket stuff. Highly recommend them! read more

I took my Dodge ram truck in for a smog it failed because it had the wrong type of air hose. I went somewhere else for a second opinion. I was told that the hose in question was a factory supplied hose that came with the truck. And Payless only wanted to charge me for a new hose and the cost of a re test. DO NOT go to these guys they are Crooks. I will never go to them again and have told everyone i know about their shenanigans. read more

Wanted to have CB and VHF radios installed in RV and the local Best Buy recommended Payless! Called for an appointment and spoke w Bill the owner who was a fountain of radio communication knowledge! Long story short he got those babies installed and they work great! There was a slight issue he found when it came time to tune the antennas for max performance! Turns out there was a malfunctioning wire in the antennae and he was able to locate it and solder it to perfection! While there I noticed a wide range of customers from young to old coming in to get projects done! Each was greeted warmly and Bill or Mark, the service manager, didn't let them stand long without attention! Turns out Bills a Vietnam Vet serving Army infantry during the 68 Tet offensive! He's also a CHico State grad with an MA in Sociology who gave up his PhD aspirations when he figured Chico was hard to leave! Great guy, great service! Highly recommend! read more

I have been going here for years for my smog, and for 4 wheel drive advice and parts. These guys are old school, and don't expect hot coffee and popcorn, but they get the job done. They are a true NorCal 4 wheel drive shop, and specialize in outfitting, repairing and parts for custom 4 wheel drive rigs, for the DIY crowd. Very knowledgable and helpful, especially if you are a repeat customer. Just don't come in hoping for a Les Schwab type experience, this is a small shop of good old boys who love off-road! read more

I have had all great experiences with these people. Super helpful, friendly, and willing to work with you.

EXCELLENT! My truck was running like crap and it wouldn't pass smog. They looked at it and told me it was probably my PCV valve. I bought the valve from them cheaper than I could find on the internet, put it in, and They were EXACTLY right! I took my truck for a spin and it ran like new. It was a huge relief. The 'check engine' light clicked off and it passed smog. I was in such a good mood after my experience with Payless. I have so much confidence in them I recommend them to everyone. read more

These guys are soo nice and its why I try to keep it local. They fit me in last minute, when I got a call for someone to buy my truck. It didn't pass smog, so they helped me figure out the problem, honestly the whole thing only took 2 hours and I got to sell my truck that night. Thank You, Thank You, I will definitely be back in the future. read more

I went to Payless because it was right down the street from my house. I had an overall great experience getting my car worked on. The owner, Bill, is very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

Smog check only by appointment. Expensive and completely lacking in courtesy and helpfulness. Try any other place but this one for a smog check if not for other car services. read more

I've been getting my car smog tested here for years. I've never had any issues. It's hard to understand the gal that answers the phone sometimes, but they've always been fairly priced and pretty quick in getting me an appointment. I haven't had anything but a smog check and can recommend them highly for that. read more

Brought my 1972 C10 Suburban in to get a rear disc brake conversion. Owner Bill took it upon himself to make sure it was done right and safe. His work was absolutely beautiful and not one single flaw! Ready to hit the mountains now! read more

I live in Austin but bought a 1970 Bronco sight unseen from a private owner in Chico. Before I bought it, I had it taken to Payless 4-Wheel for a complete mechanical check-up to ensure there weren't major issues with the vehicle. They identified a few odds and ends that I would need to fix but gave it a clean bill of health. ~$400 well spent I thought! I bought and had the car shipped to Austin, started it up (it was difficult to start) and drove it to my mechanic to address the issues Payless found. While driving, it dangerously yanked hard to the right when braking at high speed. My mechanic looked over the vehicle and verified both front and back brakes were bad and the back needed new drums, the fuel pressure tested low which he later found a leaking fuel line and bad fuel pump (this was causing the starting issue). He also identified a "tick" in the engine that could be heard when revving. The tick, which Payless completely missed, led to me needing a new engine. We were able to drive the Bronco home but ultimately had it towed to the engine shop. All in all, I spent well over $4000 for a new engine, the things my mechanic found as well as list of odds and ends (a number of leaks, a loose tie rod and loose u-joint) that Payless identified. I spoke to Bill the owner immediately after learning it would need a new engine along with all the other things Payless had missed. He agreed to reimburse me. He never did, and he hasn't responded to me since (2 months later). I would do everything in my power to steer clear of these guys. Bill talks a good game- after all he has "61 years of experience"! I'm living proof that Payless clearly cuts corners and there is no quality to their work. Unless your smart enough to check their work, they will take advantage of you- beware! read more

I have been doing business with Mark and Bill and the rest of the crew for over 10 years. I haven't had any problems and have only gotten fair and honest business. Do not hesitate to take you vehicle to Payless 4x4. read more

No one looks forward to getting their car smogged. But today I called Payless 4 wheel drive. I got an apt in the same day. I was in and out in less then thirty minutes. The receptionist was very friendly helping the waiting time go by even faster. I am planning on getting my car smog done here every time. read more

Payless is the only place I go when I'm having car troubles. The service is always quick and quality, and the prices fair. My vehicles have always passed smog with flying colors. read more