The guys at Reliance are sooooo fair and as other reviews have mentioned, people you can TRUST, and yes, this is sometimes difficult to believe you've found when faced with the task of finding an auto repair shop. I haven't had to use their services for a couple years since buying my first new car ever. But with my previous two cars, one extremely used and one just slightly, Reliance always zeroed in on the problem at hand, quoted a very fair price, and never, not once, ended up charging me more than the estimate. In fact, on a couple occasions the repair cost less than the quoted price. Recently I did stop by to get a flat repaired because I thought they could do it for a very low cost. It turned out they don't repair flats, but they checked my tire anyway just to see if it was a flat that could be repaired. When they found that it was not possible and that I'd need a new tire, rather than have me wait all day for my car while they acquired the correct replacement, they called a shop about a mile away to see if they had one in stock. They did and so I was able to just drive down Mission St. and had a new tire on the car in less than half an hour and my money went to the other shop. Reliance really shows they care about their customers more than making a quick or dishonest buck. Highly recommended. read more

We have taken our cars to Reliance several times now and have always had great, fast service and never feel like we are being up sold on work or parts. Last week, I had an issue with my Bluetooth, so took my car to the dealer, hoping they could fix that issue and asked them to check one other thing while it was there. They couldn't fix the Bluetooth and then told us that my car needed a new $900 alternator. My husband called Reliance and asked if they could take a look and confirm that is what is needed. Sure enough, Reliance checked my car and said the alternator is fine and does not need to be replaced. They wouldn't even take payment for the time they spent doing the test on my car. Love this place and will always bring our cars here in the future! read more

Yea yea yea, 5 stars for a mechanic? What gives? Let me tell you. I brought my car here after it being at another place for a week and the other place couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. I towed it here on a Saturday, (yes, they are open Saturday) and Alex said he would figure out what was wrong with it and call me most likely early in the week. Lo and behold, they figured out what was wrong and it was a very expensive part that I had replaced just 2 years ago. He gave me some time to think about it. Instead, I called my old mechanic (I recently moved away from my very trusted mechanic in San Diego), and they told me the warranty expired and there was nothing I could do. Well, instead of doing nothing I called the makers of the part, begged for another one, and by golly they gave it to me. Why am I telling you this? Because through the whole thing, it took about a week to get the replacement part, Alex was very patient, allowed me to keep my car at the shop (it didn't really run though, so no real choice), showed me the parts that were bad on my car and how a good one should run, and warned me about the safety of the after market part. Even more unbelievable, when I couldn't pick my car up on the following Saturday, they offered to come in on Sunday morning just so I could pick up my car and have it for the rest of the weekend. How refreshing to know there is a reliable mechanic right down the street from me. read more

This was my first visit to Reliance. My brake light was on and i was referred to them by a friend. Alex looked at my car right away, determined it was just low on brake fluid, topped it off and sent me on my merry way - without charging me. I will definitely be coming back for any auto repair needs and can confirm all of the other terrific reviews on here. Thank you very much, Alex! read more

Great place. 35 dollar oil change and less than 60 dollar smog check. I had my car inspected for problems for free. They give great advice and provide knowledge with expert opinion. Call in beforehand to make sure they have space. read more

I have been going to Reliance Auto for years. I thought I had written a review before but turns out that I have not done so. I feel that I owe to them to write the review. I remember first going to Reliance Auto years ago when my dealer told me that I needed to spend thousands of bucks on my car. Alex did all the work and some more for less than half of what the dealer was asking for. Since then I have been going to Reliance Auto for oil changes and regular services. it's important to have a car mechanic who does great work, you can trust, and you know won't over-charge you or ask you for unnecessary services. If that's also your mantra, you don't need to look further. This is the mechanic to go to. read more

I was on a family vacation in SF from Los Angeles, and my car wouldn't start. Saw good reviews on yelp and got to speak to Alex. Not only did Alex diagnose the problem basically over the phone, he took pity on my situation and squeezed me into his busy shop. He fixed the problem the same day, and the price was completely reasonable; he totally could have gouged me because of my situation. Furthermore, he took the time to explain to me in detail what was wrong, and how he fixed it. If only his garage was located in Los Angeles, I'd have a new mechanic. Alex, my family can't thank you enough. read more

quick, easy smog check with no hassles. called and asked them how much for a smog. they said $40 for everything. I arrive and 10min later, continue my shopping on a saturday afternoon!! read more

I had a smog check from them today and I'm very satisfied. They are the cheapest I found around San Francisco at $30 ($19.75 + $8.25 certificate + $2 ET -- that's with a coupon I got from sfadvertiser.com). Cash only. I came in with no appointment around 9AM. I guess I was lucky they were not yet busy. It only took 10-15 mins. I think the guy who helped me was Alex and he was very nice. He even did me a favor of fixing my squeaky door. read more

My husbands 1993 chevrolet work truck needed a smog check to get the DMV tags and the check engine light was on. I checked yelp to find a mechanic with good reviews and found Reliance Auto. My husband took it there at about 12 o'clock on monday. Alex the mechanic called back about 3:30pm and told us what was wrong. Two error codes came up for some bad sensors. Also found that the gasket under the carburetor was worn out causing a air leak. Very high idle. Alex explained everything and how much it would cost. Agreed and by tuesday at 11:30am the truck was ready. Went to pick up the truck and was shown all the parts replaced and explained all of the work. Alex referred me to a check only smog place that was inexpensive but also honest. Took the truck there and had it tested. The truck failed the 15 mph emission test by 7ppm. Max is 350, mine was 357. The technician said he would run it again and the second time it passed at exactly 350ppm. The technician suggested that the catalytic converter was wearing out. But also stated that the regulations on smog keep getting lowered. My max limit in 2007 to pass the 15 mph test was 501. I guess regulators want me to get a new truck. Anyway good for two more years. I recommend Reliance Auto for honest, fast service. read more

Alex and team replaced all 4 brakes and smogged my Honda CR-V. These guys are honest and their pricing is competitive! Total bill was $524. I'm fairly certain I paid over $1000 for the same service from the dealer AND their smog machine was broken so I had to go elsewhere for my smog. Support a local business, get better service AND save money!!! read more

Got the SF Advertiser coupon (smog check for $23.75 + $8.25 for certificate). Called and learned they don't make appointments, first come first served. So I went on a Monday afternoon, got the smog check done in 15 minutes and, indeed it was $32 out the door (cash only). A bargaiin! read more

I've been going to Alex & his crew for many years. I have foreign & US made vehicles. They have always been honest, fair & get the job done. I have recommended several friends over the years to Reliance for years. All have been very satisfied with the service. I highly recommend Reliance to anyone. read more

Reliance Auto gave us a very reasonable price to replace my front motor mount. Get it done in 2-3 hours. I didn't even aware my brake light was out, they even changed our rear brake light without charged. What an awesome service! read more

Is this place still open? I've been here twice to try to use a coupon, but it's been closed without any signage about when it will be open. The phone number is also disconnected. read more

I THINK--and I did a LOT of research(!)--they are still the cheapest for smog checks in S.F. I had mine done there yesterday for $30.00 out the door! It is necessary to CALL FIRST because they get busy, and if you just show up, they might not be able to take you. (Me, the day before yesterday.) Call them at (415) 585-8400. When I called I said "$30.00 out the door, right?" and I gave them cash...It all worked out well...The waiting room is sort of, er, "butch" in a Judd Apatow kind of way, but they had clean cups and bottled water, and I was in and out in about 15 minutes. Overall it was a good, friendly experience. I told the guy I would put him on YELP because they are the cheapest smog testers in SF, and he seemed happy. 'Said to say they are fast, too. (Which I've done.) read more

I have been coming here for smog checks over the last few years. Both my Audi A6 and Subaru WRX have always been $30 OTD with the Advertiser coupon. My wife and I have both taken the cars here with no problems and it never takes more than 20 minutes. You do have to pay cash, but that's not a big deal only paying $30. read more

I trust these guys with my life. Alex certainly knows his stuff. My car made weird wobbly noises and I though the shock or suspension was out but they were able to diagnose and pin point the problems with my engine mounts. They simply replaced the engine mount and my car feels safe once again. Thank you! read more

Alex has worked on our cars for a few years; in addition to doing great work, I trust Alex with his recommendations and assessments. I've had other mechanics where I just *knew* I was getting taken to the well. Also, Alex is really good about working with you on options to help keep costs down -- and he's willing to itemize options and costs in real time. Highly recommended! read more

I have been using Reliance auto (the car repair shop on 4885 Mission St) for 10 years. They have done lots of jobs for me, big and small, from $1200 valve jobs to regular oil changes. One of the great things about Reliance, and it's owner Alex, is that they never try to sell you stuff you don't need. I have a bit of a mechanical background, so I always ask a lot of questions, and I find that Alex and crew always have a reasonable answer. They are smart, hard working, and they know their stuff. The work at Reliance is never sloppy. I have moved to a different neighborhood in San Francisco now, but I still take my cars to Reliance. I have peace of mind that the work is done right, and bill is usually about half of what the car dealer would charge you. These guys do their work with real integrity, which in today's world is rare. Unlike most repair shops, you can send your wife with the car to Reliance, and you can be sure that they will fix what's broken without adding anything unnecessary to the bill. Alex took over Reliance Auto years ago from a sweet man named Simon who also did great work at a fair price and was really nice to everyone. read more