Quality , fair and honest service with Casaba . We have taken our luxury German and reliable Japanese cars there and had great experiences and results read more

I stopped by again recently to get my mom's car a replacement part and the owner was so nice. I think last time I happened to be there at a not so good time...my apologies for judging too quickly. Thank you again for always taking good care of my mama's car! read more

The receptionist was able to squeeze me in the next day as I had a check engine light on my dashboard. The owner/head mechanic was able to examine and verify an ongoing issue with my vehicle. He documented the problem in writing so that I can take it up with the dealer. I really appreciate being taken seriously by an honest professional! Money well spent. read more

Based on glowing recommendations from other customers I know personally, I took my 2013 Toyota Camry to S&J Auto Specialists for the first time on April 21, 2026. Other than an oil change and tire rotation, I wasn't sure what else my car needed, but I felt the engine sounded a bit rough. It only has 75,600 miles and has been carefully maintained over the years. I provided a summary of all prior service since the auto was purchased new in 2013. S&J found a number of issues and explained them to me in terms I could understand. All were related to normal wear and tear, and having them resolved is such a relief. I received a detailed invoice for my records and I feel the entire bill was reasonable for the large amount of work completed. As I drove the car home, I could tell the difference in how smooth and quiet the engine now ran. It purred! I won't hesitate to return in the future for auto maintenance. read more

The first vehicle I brought to S&J was an old Aerostar. It'd overheat; Csaba sniffed the antifreeze and diagnosed it in seconds: a clogged radiator. (My fault; I used outdated anti-freeze.) That was in 1998 when he had a shop in Altadena. I've brought him every car and van ever since. Csaba (pronounced cha-bah) is a hard to find, old-school mechanic -- solid, trustworthy, and he knows what he's doing. He's been polite (to me and my wife, and those I've referred) and patient through my never-ending dumb questions, all without rolling his eyes. He's come through on every of our Prius ans Subaru repairs and regular service -- brakes, oil changes, shocks, fan clutch, radiator flush (it's endless) -- as well keeping our ancient 24 year-old, hard-to-fix Dodge camper-van RV on the road. Fast forward to July 2023: While traveling to the Dakotas, the RV's water pump was replaced. On the drive home, there was anti-freeze on the ground. An out of state mechanic said maybe a head gasket, freeze plug, or worse, a cracked engine block. Back home, Csaba fixed it in a day with something simple -- a new hose. I've been coming back to Csaba all these years -- and keep going back -- because he knows how to diagnose a problem quickly, has been fair in his pricing (no shop fees!) and honest (he's straightforward and tells me what I don't need). It's almost as good as having a mechanic in the family. read more

They fixed and remounted a flat tire within a few hours on a bust Monday. Highly recommended.

When my car's A/C went out, the dealership told me I needed a brand new compressor for $2600. Brought my car to S&J instead and they worked on it for several days and fixed the codes/computer glitches and rodent damage. The A/C was fixed. I did not need a new compressor...they saved me thousands. They were kind, fair, and honest! read more

I'm giving him 2 stars because I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. First of all, when I arrived, another woman cut in front of me and he went directly to her, not even acknowledging me (maybe he didn't see me but I was behind his first customer) When he finally came up to me all he did was shake his head "no" and that he's booked until June. I said that's fine.. he could call me later. He kept saying no that he couldn't give me a quote until June. He seemed frustrated and overwhelmed. So I said ok and that I'll go somewhere else. He didn't care. Not a good first time experience. read more

Highly recommended! My family has trusted S&J for nearly 15 to 20 years. Great service and good value.

My wife had been a long time customer of Chris, the mechanic next door. When Chris retired, S&J Auto Specialists took over Chris' business and customers. We did not find this out until she dropped her vehicle off for an oil change and check up yesterday, June 5, 2023. Being a certified mechanic at one point in my life, I do all of the major repairs to my wife's vehicle, as well as my diesel truck. Because of time restraints, I have her take the vehicles in for oil changes and tire rotations. When Csaba called my wife after having her 2005 Honda Pilot for the day, he said her car was in really bad shape. She called me alarmed, especially because she is 8 months pregnant with our first daughter. Csaba started by telling my wife that a lug nut broke off and that it would cost her $500 to repair the stud. Are you kidding me?!?!?! The lug nuts were NOT cross threaded when the car went in, and they were torqued to spec 80 foot lbs. Then he told her that her passenger front axle was shot (the boot is torn.. I checked) and that it would cost over $400 to replace. He quoted 2-3 hours labor. A quick check of the Mitchell Guide shows 1 hour in labor. And if you know anything about cars.. like I do.. then you know that replacing a front axle on her vehicle is literally one (1) nut for the axle itself, and two (2) bolts for the lower strut assembly. THAT'S IT! Axle comes right out. MAYBE 30 minutes if you don't know what you're doing. When I confronted this crook of a mechanic about scaring and overcharging my wife, he stated that I didn't know what I was talking about, and that the axle from Honda was $700. He followed that by chastising me for buying parts from anyone other than a dealer. Well, a quick call to Honda of Pasadena revealed that the OEM axle is actually $432... and it's on back order mind you. Checking online from other Honda dealers, I found it for roughly $230, and then from ANY other retailer.. where it is currently available.. and likely where Csaba would get it before overcharging the customer, it goes for $50 to $80! So, what gives Csaba? Sounds to me like you're lying to customers and inflating prices on top of inflating labor. Next, he informed my wife that she needed rear brakes. I found this odd, since I just did all of her suspension and brakes including rotors, less than 3 years ago.. and again.. for anyone who knows anything about cars.. we ALL know that rear disc brakes last F.O.R.E.V.E.R. I confronted Csaba about this and asked what the rear pads measured. He told me 2mm. So, after my wife brought the car home, I put it on a lift and took the rear wheels off. Guess what? The rear pads look just fine at 3/16 of an inch or 5mm (see attached photo). WHAT A CROOK!!! To top it all off, Csaba splashed oil all over the engine while doing the oil change. When it was all said and done, this crook of a mechanic sent my 8 month pregnant wife on her way with a driver's side front wheel having only 4 of the 5 lugs (see attached photo). If that doesn't shock or alarm you, I don't know what will. I will be reporting S&J Auto Specialists to the Attorney General of California and the Bureau of Automotive Repair, as well as all proper agencies that will hear my complaint. I hope anyone who reads this steers clear of S&J. Do not be fooled by the good reviews. These guys are doing shady business. Do yourself a favor and find an honest mechanic. This is definitely NOT one. read more

S&J Auto Specialists - 3/16 of an inch or 5mm on rear brake pads. - Auto Repair Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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Simply The best!! Csaba is an amazing guy and honest. Known him for over 20 years. Extremely honest

Csaba is an honest and top notch auto specialist. I have been going to him for 10 years following him in the different locations. He is the best around and I highly recommend him. I know that I am getting an honest assessment on my car and high quality work done with the most informative advice he has to offer. read more

Csaba is the only mechanic you want to use for any of your vehicles! S & J Auto has been serving our family's cars for 30 years!

Shaba and Jim were a fixture for years at the SE corner of New York and Allen. S & J Auto was highly regarded for their work ethic and quality. After Jim's death Shaba moved the business south to Colorado Blvd and then to the current location in Sierra Madre. Only the location changed. The quality and workmanship remain outstanding. read more

I called S & J after my daughter's tire was losing air and we needed a quick repair. She was invited to bring it in that day to take a look at it, and it was repaired the same day, all in 45 minutes - and for a quarter of what I expected to pay. I haven't needed auto repair in Sierra Madre yet, but when one of our cars needs service, we'll definitely be back! read more

I had a flat tire and was a bit panicked on how to get my car to a shop in Pasadena. I yelped for a closer shop to where i was in Sierra Madre and i found S&J was right around the corner! I filled the tire at the gas station where I was and drove one block to S&J. The owner was very helpful. He said yes he could sell me a tire but first wanted to see if it could be repaired. I decided to leave the car (Lexus) and have him do the tune up that was past due. I picked up the car that night with a repaired tire and the car tuned up. Loved the service and the owner!!! read more

Certain things mean a lot. Finding an honest mechanic, who provides top quality service at reasonable prices is one. At S & J Auto Specialists, I have found all of that and more in Csaba Buzy. Csaba cares for my vehicle as if it were his own. During scheduled, well-baby check ups, he always lets me know if there is anything else in need. For example, today, I was in for an oil change and Csaba noticed a nail in a rear tire. He asked if I wanted him to take care of it. (Of course!) We also plan upcoming maintenance so I know how to budget bigger ticket items. And I really like the ease of scheduling appointments! Combined with all the above mentioned reasons, Csaba's reliability, courtesy, knowledge, and professionalism allow me to recommend S & J Auto Specialists with the utmost confidence! read more

Went on two different occasions, patched up a hole in my tire from a nail and while I was there he checked out some collision damage on the front of my car and offered to secure it and make it more presentable for me. He did both in a timely manner and the dents that were pretty gnarly look like they were never there and the panel has stayed on well where it was hanging off before. Pretty fair pricing, his for the nail in the tire patch up was cheaper than the tire specialist stores around 'dena. Would def come back for any other car troubles, he's conveniently local to me that I can walk no problem, and he communicates the problems that you have efficiently. read more

I've had my brakes serviced before with S&J prior to their relocation. The owner, Csaba, is such an honest mechanic who not only took care of my car but pointed out that I've been overcharged from other Auto Repairs. I am definitely convinced with the service provided and will be bringing my car here from now on. read more

A hidden gem. The Owner Csaba is a good guy with a great sense of humor. He took care of me faster then I could ask him how much !!! His prices are very reasonable. I highly recommend for anyone with a car issue to come check this place out. read more

I came in for a much needed oil change and was amazed at the level of service! They went above and beyond to educate me on maintaining my car running smooth. Best auto shop in Pasadena. read more

First of all I want to start by saying that this shop is owner by a new guy. The previous owner was very shady but in the last 2 years it's been owned by Csaba. I was hesitant in going because of the other guy but I noticed that the shops name had changed so I stopped by. I came with my truck and Csaba checked it out, he helped me solve the issue in the quickest, most honest and professional way. I totally recommend him. Thanks Csaba for helping me out! read more

I would recommend to use this place. He checked everything carefully in reasonable price. Not just oil changing. I was satisfied of his professional service. read more

Always provides good services. And looks out for his customers with good advice. Bring my car and friends Passport that he leaves in my driveway and I use for Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking trips. read more

I've been a customer since I first moved to Altadena in 2009. S&J have been my only mechanic. Honest service, a clean shop, friendly and with good prices. It's hard to beat and harder still to find a mechanic you can trust. read more

I have been taking our cars to S&J for over 20 years. Csaba is honest, trustworthy, and has taken great care of all of our cars. My car is always ready when he promises. He calls to let me know whats wrong with my car and provides an estimate for my approval. His pricing is reasonable. One day my tire light came on and I took my car to S&J without an appointment. Csaba came out to greet me and checked out my tires. He fixed my punctured tire immediately. His customer service is amazing! I wouldn't trust my car with anyone else! read more

Just picked up my fixed 30 year old VW Jetta there. Csaba is a car whisperer I think. He coaxed renewed performance and a SMOG cert out of it. Expert, careful repair and a very good price. Couldn't ask for more. read more

Excellent and friendly service. They were accommodating of my schedule and were not put to make money!

I can't believe this shop is not pouring with more Yelp reviews... This owner/operator is a prime example of how any business should be. He runs this organized shop like clockwork... I've known Mr. Chaba for about 2 years now and he may not be the cheapest BUT MUCH MORE REASONABLE than a dealership or franchise shop... And you shouldn't go for the cheapest mechanic because YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. But don't get me wrong, he took care of several problems on several cars that I bring in and never charged me or if he did, it was close to nothing. He's so honest that if he were a barber, I could sleep thru my haircut. Best of all, he never once asked me to Yelp a single word in exchange for the discounted service gifted to me. He just kindly gave my sister a discount I guess for repeat service... Or had a good day... Nevertheless, I swear to you, on my own business, that this gentleman is my go to mechanic (if he's ever free anymore) for all my family and friends. I stand by my review and solidly guarantee this business to be legit and bonified. Trust me, visit him and have a conversation with him and you'll understand what I mean. Great man, great business structure, organized, clean and can't argue the prices. Stands by his work and guarantees his hands. Thee "most worth it" review I have left thus far on my Yelp history. Kudos chaba, I envy you and restructured my business according to how you run yours. See you soon with my next project! read more

We have used S&J Auto Specialists for more than 15 years...for all of our cars - Acura, Ford Expediton, Hondas. The owner, Csaba, is extraordinary - honest, fair and highly skilled, on SO many different types of cars and issues! He has never recommended unnecessary repairs, and the repairs that have been done have been consistently excellent. He is patient in determining the cause of problems and a perfectionist in his work. Oil changes @ $60 are more than Jiffy lube but there is no comparison...Csaba carefully checks over the car and even test drives it to see that everything is ok. With his help, we have kept multiple cars well beyond 100,000 miles...even 160,000, in great running order. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

Been going to s and j since 2009 when the business operated on the corner of New York and Allen. Since the change of location (currently colorado Blvd close to Allen,) the standards and quality of service remain the same. No corner is cut, professionalism guaranteed. All the cornerstones of a good mechanic are reflected in the shops cleanliness and owner, a gentleman named Csaba. Don't expect a cheap fix or roundabout way, that's not the business model for s&j auto. Rather, expect quality work and honesty, the gold standards of a great shop read more

Have been going to S & J for years. Love the new location on Colorado just east of Allen. Always great diagnostic and top notched service. Honest and reliable service. read more

Csaba is a highly skilled mechanic and very thorough. A visual safety check is completed on all service/repairs. Unnecessary repairs are never recommended. Csaba has taken excellent care of our aging vehicles. He takes pride in providing consistent good service to his customers read more

I've done business with S & J for around 20 years. I got angry with the Toyota dealer for trying to sell me unnecessary repairs just to jack up the bill, so my brother suggested his mechanics at S & J (now just Csaba; his partner passed away several years ago). I have been totally satisfied with the quality of work, and the cost is always fair. S & J never suggests unnecessary work, even discourages it. I've been told numerous times to wait until a future service if the problem isn't critical or dangerous. An excellent, honest business. read more