I've never been to a pepboys where I was immediately greeted with a friendly smile and a handshake! With that being said If you ever need anything done to your car rather it's as simple as an oil change or tires Mario and his team will most definitely take care of you and all your car needs!!! You Rock! read more

I took my car in for a regular brake replacement all 4 tires, and paid for extra things to get done. So my brakes seem to be fine for a day next thing you know my brakes are making loud noise like I have on old brakes. I took it back in and they basically told me that it just needed to be lubed up a bit. My face is looking like Bull so, I had one of my good friends take a look at my brakes they were New but they broke the clips on them. How would you as a mechanic have a first time customer come and pay full price for your crappy a$$ job. This place should never be recommended. DO NOT BRING YOUR CAR HERE! read more

We regularly take our vehicles to Pep Boys for routine maintenance. Today, I left work and my car just clicked when I tried to start it. I know this is a battery issue. It's 5:00 and Pep Boys has shorter hours due to the COVID19 pandemic. I called to see if I could just drop my car and have it fixed in the morning. They stayed late to fix it today! The service was spectacular and way more than what I expected. Thank you, Lucas at Pep Boys for always taking care of us!! read more

This place is very unprofessional and not well managed. I was there for 15 minutes before I was even talked to by somebody and then I proceeded to go to the checkout counter where there was another 10 minute wait with not a single employee coming up to help me even though I was looked at by three of them. I will not be coming back to this location. The El Cajon Boulevard location is so much better and it actually has employees at care. If my employees at work ever neglected the cash register for that long they would be written up immediately. I left without purchasing anything because a cashier never showed up. read more

This review is specifically for their Santee store. However, I think it would apply to any Pep Boys location, since it is my belief that they practice the same lame "appointment system" at all of their stores. I purchased a set (4) tires in mid 2008 for my '05 Tundra. Total out-the-door cost was $649.76 which included their Road Hazard Warranty. About two weeks ago, I noticed that the left rear tire was low. I discovered that there was a thin wire (about the size of the wire in a wire brush), stuck in it. I aired it up and waited until I could take in the truck for the tire repair. I research online whether a tire rotation and "free" flat repair were covered. They both were. On Tuesday (6/3/14) I tried booking an online on the Pep Boys web site. Couldn't do it because the web site was "hung up" and would not go to the "next page." So, I called and booked an appointment for Friday, 6/6/14 at 2:00 PM. Upon arrival at Pep Boys I asked how long a wait it would be. After glancing at his computer screen I was informed by the attendant at the Service Desk that it would be 1- 1/2 hours, give or take. I then asked what the purpose of making an appointment was, if a customer had to wait that long? He responded that it was like when one books an appointment and then the doctor sees you 45 minutes past the appointment time. I replied that that (waiting 45 minutes at the doctor's office before they see you) was a thing pretty much of the past and that I hadn't ever experienced that and if I did, I would look for a new doctor. I informed him that that was way too long. He responded that they had to take "the people ahead of me." I said not thanks, that is too long and walked out. I felt at that point that it was no use talking to someone that can't comprehend what appointments are for. "Take the people that are ahead of me?" My appointment was set on Tuesday, several days before any of the folks that were already there "ahead" of me. Besides, they knew that there was a 2:00 o'clock coming in. One of the service manager's jobs is time management. He/She needs to be aware of appointments already booked and make adjustments for "walk-ins" (like telling them that there may be a delay because of booked appointments that come in... But, we all know that that is not the way it works. They (managers) take the easy way and make everyone wait and take customers as they come. As others have pointed out, notably Abby K's experience having to wait hours for an oil change with two bays open, Pep Boys makes people wait for their "service." What does this tell us? It tells us loud and clear that they could care less about the customers' time... Just read the reviews that specifically have to do with appointments. Almost without exception, the wait periods are ridiculous and point to one simple thing--THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THIS LOCATION NEEDS TRAINING IN HOW TO HANDLE EMPLOYEE/APPOINTMENT SCHEDULES... Someone who operates a service facility by the seat of his/her pants, IS NOT A SERVICE MANAGER! Well, NO MORE TIRE PURCHASES, OR ANY TYPE OF PURCHASES, from Pep Boys for me. Oh, will it hurt them? You bet!! I own 6 cars, including a motorhome. And, another one (a classic car currently in restoration) will hit the road in the Fall). Oh yes, it will hurt them in the future! Three of my cars have Cooper Tires on them that I purchased from Pep Boys. One other has Hankooks on it, also purchased from Pep Boys. NO MORE! NO MORE! IT WILL BE DISCOUNT TIRES AND COSTCO THAT GETS MY TIRE BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE. And for parts, it will be O'Reillys! read more

Went to Pep Boys for the first time and had the pleasure of meeting Mario! He could not have been nicer! Super patient and helpful! He definitely gained a new customer!! read more

My mechanic, ROY WHEELER AUTOMOTIVE couldn't get me in until Monday, and its Friday and I'm headed to Arizona. I made an appointment for 8am. Dropped it off at 8am. I was told they wouldn't get to it for a couple hours because they had one tech on duty and three 8am appointments. Huh? But, my 2002 truck was making noises and I NEEDED the brakes checked before a long haul. I left my truck and headed off with a friend. THREE HOURS later, I called because no one had called me. I was informed that I needed new front brakes and rotors. Also, an alignment was a needed. Im told that it will be done in a couple hours. Fast forward to 4pm ( 3 hours after it was supposed to be done), I CALL THEM BACK and am told its not complete because the tech needs help with a fluid flush. It will be ready SOON! I CALL for the final time two hours later. It is almost done! Will be finished by 7pm. AGAIN, I DROPPED IT OFF AT 8am!!! Finally, we arrive at the store around 7pm. I pay the RIDICULOUS bill and take my keys. I am ready to head off to Arizona, about 350 miles away. Still gotta go. I'm expected. Five hours at night. Not what I was hoping for but... WAIT... WHAT'S THIS!!!???? My "check engine" light is on AND it wasn't on before these "skilled professionals" touched my truck. No problem. I'll go back in and get them to fix it. RIGHT!!! NOT!!! I find a manager and he says he'll be right out to check it out. WHEN he FINALLY comes out, he tells me they can't do anything about it until 8am tomorrow. I am shocked. What? Your tech did this and you can't get someone down here to fix it. I tell him I need to be in Arizona, HOURS AGO. He then proceeds to tell me that I can take it to a Pep Boys in AZ. ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT I DRIVE MY TRUCK WITH A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON THAT YOUR RESPONSIBLE FOR 350 MILES AT NIGHT??? Surely, you are not that STUPID. Yes. Yes, he was suggesting EXACTLY that very thing. Since I was in a terrible accident about a month ago from a defective tire- which totaled my last truck. I'm not AT ALL, ok with that suggestion. The liability for this company... OFF THE CHARTS! Luckily, I am staying with a friend and will return at 8am tomorrow to continue the saga. I agree with all the other "one star" folks. Zero stars would be more appropriate. DO NOT GO HERE!! Look closely at the higher star reviews. There are duplicates and some are made up. Probably friends or employees. Read them carefully. I will never stray from ROY WHEELER AUTOMOTIVE in El Cajon again. read more

I posted a review of Pep Boys dated 4/28/2013, and wanted to share my new experience with this same company. On 07/05/2013, I took my second vehicle for service, 2004 Toyota Camry; to Pep Boys, Santee, CA. due to the excellent service I received before. When I entered the store, was met and greeted by Kenny, Assistant Store Manager. I requested to speak to Mario, Store Manager. Kenny informed me that Mario was unavailable and would be more than glad to assist, and gave me a handshake. I was reluctant at first to continue, due to past experiences with other companies, in part because I do not usually receive the same treatment from the same individual. Since I felt my vehicle needed immediate attention, I decided to allow Kenny to assist me. I explained to Kenny, that I felt that there may be problems with my brakes, and the vehicle was due for a 90K, maintenance. Kenny, spoke with assurance that my vehicle would be inspected by Shawn the Service Mechanic, Kenny escorted me to the customer waiting area, handed me the television remote to watch the television while I was waiting, and also gave me directions to the restroom. Shortly thereafter, Shawn, the Service Mechanic came to the customer waiting area, introduced himself and informed me that he would be inspecting my vehicle. Approximately, 30 minutes later , Shawn appeared and sat down with me and explained to me what he had discovered in his review of my vehicle. What was surprising to me, Shawn also provided me with options if I decided not to proceed with the work needed, and also consequences if I elected to defer not to get my vehicle service. From my past experiences with mechanics, the mechanics would just tell me what the problems are and make me feel that the service needs to be completed immediately, and with no options. Also, Shawn informed me that tires were needed especially the two front tires, and the two remaining tires would probably need replacement in a couple of months, dependent on how much I drive. I informed Shawn, to proceed with the work. Shawn stated that he would inform Kenny, who would provide me with an estimate of the cost. Kenny, went to the customer waiting area, and requested that I follow him to the counter to figure out the costs for the service to be performed. Kenny, gave me an estimate of the costs and time needed to complete the service. Kenny also informed me of the rebate for the installation of the brakes, and a tire special , buy 3 tires and get the 4th tire free. Additionally, Kenny stated there maybe some coupon specials that he may be able to apply to lower the costs. Now, I am feeling great about this store, on how helpful the store employee are willing to assist in savings. I agreed to get the service completed and purchase 4 tires. Kenny, also explained to me the quality of the tires, prior to me making my selection of tires. I went home, since the work was to be completed in 6-8 hours. After 5 1/2 hours I received a phone call from Kenny, who informed me that the service of my vehicle was completed. I informed Kenny, that I would not be able to retrieve my vehicle for a couple of hours. Kenny, stated that would not be a problem and he provided me with the store closing hours. When, I arrived to the store, I was met by Scott, Assistant Store Manager. I mentioned my name to Scott, and requested to speak to Kenny. Scott informed me that Kenny was off duty. Scott introduced himself and shook my hand. I informed Scott, that I was here to pick up my vehicle. Scott, received the work order, and went over each item of the work performed on the vehicle, and he also provided the discounts that were applied. I failed to mention that during this period while waiting for my vehicle, I had observed Kenny interacting with the customers, checking the status of the vehicles in the service bay, and answering phone calls. Kenny, handled these multitasks with ease, kept his composure, and carried out his duties in a professional and polite demeanor. Shawn, explanation of the work to be performed and the options, was with sincerity, which impressed me. Scott, also, carried out the friendly and professionalism. All these attributes that each of the employees displayed are definitely, a reflection, of how I had viewed Mario, the store manager, on my initial visit. Mario, has developed, empowered his employees, and provided leadership to carry out his duties in his absence. The Pep Boys Company and/or this store has a secret ingredient to keep the customers returning! read more

I bought a battery for my wifes car here about 2 years ago. We went to start the car yesterday and the battery was dead. I took the battery back in and they tested it and said it was bad. I asked them if it was still under warranty and they confirmed it was and replaced it no questions asked. You can't really beat that level of customer service. read more

Prior to buying a used car, our intrepid hero called around to several car shops in the east county area to look for reasonably priced vehicle inspections (to avoid buying a lemon). He had inspected his car of interest and test drove it, but really wanted to put the car on a lift to check out the undercarriage and frame before purchasing. Pep Boys' El Cajon location quoted him a price of around $30 for a vehicle inspection, but they did not have appointments available for the next day, so he instead booked an inspection over the phone at the Santee location in the evening. When he arrived, he could see it was a tad busy for 6pm on a weeknight and walked up to the front desk to check in. The auto shop was attached to a Pep Boys store selling everything from rims to oil, which offered a wide range of car accessories and products. To our hero's surprise, the guy working at the counter looked up a 125-point pre-sale vehicle inspection on the computer and found it was $89.99 and not the $30 he had originally been quoted by the El Cajon location! Off to a bad start! :-( After talking to the counter guy, it was clear that the inspection wasn't worth the newly revised price because most of the inspection points very obvious and had already been dutifully done by our hero (e.g. body panel damage, smooth transmission shifting, condition of seats...). The counter guy told our hero "on the down low" that he could get a cheaper inspection down the block, even though Pep Boys' policy is to beat their competitors' prices by 5% or more. After some more friendly banter between our hero and the counter guy, the counter guy offered to put the car up on a lift so that they could both take a look at the underside after his boss left in an hour... for FREE! At this point, the offer seemed a bit fishy and a little too good to be true to our hero's instincts, but his time-tested Spidey-senses were not tingling. The counter guy divulged that he was formerly a mechanic, but now had another (better) job and was working at the auto shop part-time simply to keep himself busy. The guy seemed genuine and really knew the technical in and outs of automobiles. Things were looking better! After his boss left, it was just him and one other guy in the (fairly empty) garage so he put the car in question up on a lift and went over some key points under the hood and underneath the car for about 15 minutes. He was extremely helpful and put our hero at ease that the car being inspected wasn't a junker with his knowledge of various components that could be causing some problem symptoms that was noticed on the test drive. After he returned the car keys and some advice for future maintenance and repairs, our hero tried to slip the honorable man some green under the table; however, the guy wouldn't accept it and simply told our hero not to mention it to his boss and enjoy his car. Our hero returned another morning to get the car smogged, and found that to be relatively inexpensive. However, the Robin Hood of all mechanics wasn't present, perhaps moved on to a better town to save engines in dire need of some TLC. PROS: - Good service if you get to know the people there - Better service if you go late at night compared to in the morning - Prices are very competitive if you know what you really need and have some knowledge about cars. If you don't know struts from shocks or you can't describe the problems with your car well, go elsewhere or you might end up getting overcharged. CONS: - Getting a car smogged there first thing in the morning takes extra long because it takes over ten minutes for their antiquated machines to get "warmed up" read more

The person that writes the " I'm sorry you had a bad experience " looks like their busier then the mechanics. Drove by Santee location a few times yesterday. They have ten bays for cars. Both times I went by and they had two bays filled. Hopefully these people will close down and do Santee a huge favor. By the way pep boys my case # is 621790. You people have no bolas de jerga just lame excuses. Please, I SAID PLEASE. Get your inept business out of here. Dan read more

I went there because I thought I needed a headlight bulb replaced. After I got quoted $55 at Firestone, I came here and Mario (service Manager) showed me the price of the bulb and it was only $10.99. So I immediately went forth with the repair. However, instead of charging me a new bulb, his technician found that my headlight bulb was simply loose and not broken. So I didnt need to have my bulb replaced. Great guys down there and great service! Mario is the man! read more

It seems that this Pep Boys is swapped with people and does not have the proper employed trained well enough to handle the work load. I took my van there for an oil change and battery. It took over 3 hours and then they told me I needed coolant in my radiator. I told them I would do it myself. When I got my van back I check the coolant....it was fine but my raidiator cap was off and laying in my engine compartment. read more

I say "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" because I was treated like a special customer by Tiffany in the service department at Pep Boys in Santee. She was so knowledgeable and helped me with my battery and terminal on my new (to me!) 2009 Kia Spectra. Not only is she smart and knows her sh*t, she has the confidence a woman needs to work in the service department!! If it wasn't for her know how and generosity, I would not be able to make to my next paycheck. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Tiffany!! I am sending all my pals your way, Girl!! read more

They are good in a pinch. But they are pricey and will try to tell you they need to sell you the moon for your car to run properly. They were fair on my oil change and they are across from my work, so I will continue to use their service for little things... but go else where if you can first. read more

I had an exceptional experience at this Pep Boys location. My radiator cracked in my car and although they were completely swamped, due to the fact that it was a Sunday and no other automotive locations were open, they got to my car quickly to determine the problem. Tiffany at the service desk was patient and throughly explained the issues and the steps to solving the issues. I am not good with cars and was extremely impressed with my service and the helpful employees. It just goes to show that if you are patient and kind with them they will return the favor. read more

I want to give 0 stars, but I feel that would be unjust to the sales associate named Rich who salvaged this horrible customer service experience. I went in this afternoon to purchase a battery. We went to a register where a "parts manager" by the name of Derek was. He seemed totally put off that he was having to assist a customer. He asked a few basic questions and when I didnt know what kind of a transmission I had he made me feel like I was an idiot. We asked if we could go outside and take a look to find out. Again with the put off attitude and he sped outside. When we got back in he showed us two options but didnt want to explain the difference between the two. After we removed the battery and brought it back inside guess who was nowhere to be found.. we waited a few minutes and then seen him walk right passed us without so much as ill be right back with you guys. Luckily there was Rich. He came up with a smile and totally helped us out. He even explained the two options and saw us to the register. I am extremely disappointed in the lack of customer service standard that Parts Manager would be held to. He should take notes from the associates around him. read more

The worst experience! If I could I would do ZERO stars! I regret taking my vehicle to Pep Boys. Although, I did give them the benefit of the doubt by reaching out to their area director ,to make things right for the inconvenience. I had to rent a vehicle for two days, because they broke a pice off while doing a brake service. They gave me 10%off the ticket guess what, it did not cover my rental expense. I Do NOT recommend this place!!!!!! read more

Mario took great care of me and Frank treated my Truck like his own!!! They do great work and I are I'll be back!

This Pep Boys has a very friendly atmosphere & the service is 5 star. They will give you the best advice for your car repair& the best price available.They also get your service done very fast. read more

My husband and I went here to have a routine oil change and tire rotation. We wish we would have looked on here first to see they only got 1 1/2 stars. They kept us there for an hour and a half, when it should have only taken half an hour. Thay also tried to tell us that our car needed an additional quart of oil when they had alreay put 7 in. My husband checked the oil level right after we left and it was perfect, so clearly we did not need the extra quart. Also, the customer service was horrible. There was nobody at the front desk most of the time to ask what was taking so long. They also tried to charge us for the more expensive oil filter when they were out of it and had to give is the next one down. Good thing my husband checked the price and said something. We will never go here again. read more

2 1/2 hours to change the oil and put on two new tires (that I had called ahead, preordered and scheduled a service time about.) They're slow and seem to forget what needs to be done. read more

I will never EVER take my car to have repairs done here!! I went in for a simple headlight bulb replacement, the tech had no idea what he was doing for one, told him it was the low beam bulb and informed me it was high beam! I told him it was low beam and came back and so ohhh yah I was right! After driving at night noticed the bulb was off, one bulb pointed to the ground and the other was pointed up. Went back to pep boys to get seated correctly and tech said he couldn't do it, I needed to call manager Mario in the morning. I called and spoke to manager regarding issue, he informed me to bring it in and take a look at it but there would be a charge!!! I informed Mario your guys installed them and really off! He said to bring it in on Saturday morning! I had work done on Thursday!!! I took car to another place and they told me that bulb on right was placed incorrectly, dah! AND left bulb where bulb sets was broken!!! I was NEVER informed of this problem!!! Ended up having to replace the whole headlight assembly!!! Uggghh very disgusted with the service and the Manager there as well!!! I will never be back EVER!!! Poor workmanship and customer service SUCKS!!! read more

Went in for service Mario Salas was my rep he was great. He explained the process to me what my charges were. Also had my car services in no time. I know it's hard to find a good service garage for your car but I totally recommend this Pep Boys just ask for Mario. read more

Don't take your car here! I was charged $90 for an inspection because the car wasn't performing right. I got nothing for the money, ended up Mario wanted to have some sort of peeing match with me by questioning my auto knowledge. It was ridiculous and honestly the worst treatment I have ever received in a business. Terrible. Take your car anywhere else other than here! Letme say that after two follow-ups, I did get a discounted rate but it wasn't worth it. read more

Mario the service manager is awesome! I will be sending all my friends and co-workers here for all their cars needs!!!

The service manager is rude and very hostile when he doesn't like what you are saying. He shouldn't be working a customer service based job if he is incapable of treating people in a respectful manner. read more

Once again a wonderful experience at Pep Boys Santee! Meet a really nice new employee Chole. I only talked to her for a moment and she took care to make sure our car was put inside as we couldn't pick it up last even. The reason I mention this is because I did not ask for this! Thank you Chole! read more

Came in to get a decent amount of work done on my truck on a Saturday. Mario took care of me with the best possible price and made sure to get the work done in a timely matter. Will return in the future for more work. read more

I have been going to Pep Boys in Santee for more than 10 years to see Mario, the Service Department manager. I have brought at least 5 different cars to him for various services including new tires and oil changes. Mario has always been knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and respectful to my needs and time constraints. I live in downtown SD and drive all the way out to East County because Mario is the best! read more

Horrible customer service . Turn down tire repair on weekend emergency from out of town thanks for the help

I travel the USA in an RV..I am used to good service and poor service....BUT..here, I was met by an extremely helpful employee names Ashley..she helped me find the section where the part I needed was located, realized they were on back order and took my information and said she would call when the part arrived...Well, she did just that..what a pleasant surprise to find an employee that goes the extra step...Pep Boys would be wise to make her a manager or risk losing her...Thank you, Ashley. Joe Cardone read more

We went in for a tire replacement and found out a couple other things needed to be replaced soon if not right away! Mario explained everything in detail to us and to my dad on the phone (who likes to research when he hears something is wrong with the car). We ended up replacing a few of the things and he made us feel comfortable and happy the whole way through. Thanks Mario! read more

I didn't really expect to be reviewing a Pep Boys, but we ended up visiting them after Enterprise Rent-a-Car completely screwed us over by giving us a second car with issues in less than a week period (don't even get me started). The tire pressure light went off yet again on our rental and after calling Enterprise and having them do absolutely nothing, we knew we needed to go to professionals. The workers at Pep Boys looked at our tires for free, refilled them, and then told us that the tread was actually pretty low. They didn't pressure us into buying a set since it wasn't our car, but we really appreciated that they were so good to us even though they knew they weren't going to make any money off of us. Five stars, Pep Boys; take note, Enterprise! read more

They've always been very helpful and never tried to hardsell me on any additional services.

I have nothing but the best experience at this Pep Boys location. The store manager and assistant store manager have always been so gracious to my husband and I. They have always worked with our budget and told what's the most needed as repairs go compared to what we can hold off doing until we have more money. I appreciate their professionalism and personable attitude. They make us feel like we're family! Thank you Pep Boys! read more

I was looking for a grease gun with a certain fitting and when I first saw their selection, I didn't think they had it. Katrina, the wonderful store clerk who was helping me, did a great job in finding what I was looking for. Excellent! read more

Went in today because my AC was blowing hot air, and Derek helped me so much. Finally I'm not cooking in my car any more! Thank you!!

Pep boys in Santee has always taken amazing care of my car. Mario and Kenny and the rest of the boys have given exceptional service and you can tell really care about their customers and take pride in making sure their customers needs are met. read more

This pep boys is the absolute worst. I took my car to them on Feb. 22, 2018 for a high mileage oil change. Not a big deal right....? Wrong!! A month later, March 23rd to be exact, I took my car to my mechanic to fix an issue with one of my tires and he calls me and ask when is the last time I've had an oil change. Long story short my mechanic tells me that I have barley any oil in my car and to go directly back to pep boys and have them fix it. Well after arguing with one of the managers as he tells me it's not possible and that I had leak. Well I had to file a BBB complaint and speak with the district area manager Joe Cook to get them to look at the car. When I got there, the service manager Mario Salas was a Dick! I might not be a mechanic but I sure as fuck know that 5 quarts of oil doesn't disappear in a month. When Mario looked at the truck and couldn't find one leak, not one leak! he finally agreed to replace and fix the job! and because his boss Joe Cook told him too. Don't take your car here!!! If they will cheat someone on a simple oil change, then I would hate to think what they would do on an even bigger job. read more