Great price, but not truthful. After paying for my 3rd upgraded oil change, I discovered today that the "Mobil 1" they say they use is actually "Mobil Super", a cheaper and lessor quality synthetic. I've also paid $40, $35, and $43 for a 4-cylinder oil change. It seems like they ask for whatever they think you'll pay. read more

Save Auto - Not "Mobil 1" - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

$25 smog check out the door and I'm out the door in less than 30mins! Whoot Whoot The copy of the certificate is sent electronically to DMV so I can get my tags! YAY Vihnny is cool, wait area is clean...no torn pleather chairs in sight, and I didn't even get hassled into getting new spark plugs, either. Yeah, this place is awesome! read more

This is a long overdue review for Vinny and the crew at Save Auto. In December of 2012 my old ride's head gasket was replaced and a valve job was done. I am a weekend mechanic and a job such as this was far to time consuming for me. The price was very fair and Vinny loaned me a car. If your vehicle is overheating I highly recommend getting a quote from Save Auto. The machine shop they outsource to is: Hopsing Machine Shop. My one complaint is that they called me and told me the job was completed and when I got there and popped the hood the coolant reservoir was completely empty. I will likely return to Save Auto. read more

So I would not recommend this place. These guys will forsure scam you into spending more than you need to. One of the guys here that works on cars has been around the block a few times and is shady as shit. The guy that helps you out at the counter is forsure trying to scamming you on the upcharge tune up and he'll be like I'll Make you a deal and give you good price. They are very cheap and there is a reason why, cause they use 99cent store quality parts!!!! Never again and wouldn't support this place. The guy also was like here I'll let you use a rental car we have here and it's some beat to shit van that was dirty as hell. The guy working on my car didn't have a clue what he was doing from when I was watching him work on my car. This is a hell no to this place. I would maybe only do the smog check cause of the price but this is a very shady establishment. Guy was smoking while working on my car. Voting no on Save Auto. I'd rather go somewhere where I have to pay a little bit more but trust what the hell they're doing and not screw you over. This and non of their dumbasses are wearing mask so who the fuck knows whose infected here. FYI I dropped my car off at 11 and my car still isn't done....... talk about quality service. It's 5 as we speak. 6 fuckin hours!!!! Guy told me the car would be ready by 3:30...BULLFUCKIN SHIT!!!! read more

I just had my car serviced here today and I am more than happy with the service Save Auto provided. I had my timing belt replaced and also an oil change. Not only were the prices fair and very affordable, the staff was the most respectful and honest staff I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Normally, I am scared to come to auto shops because I get intimidated by the mechanics. The staff did not try to hustle me into getting more done to my car. Instead, they asked what I wanted done and suggested what I should repair next. I came into the shop at 3:30, like a jerk! I felt so terrible because the shop was rather full and busy. I was informed the service may take longer than 5 hours, and if the car had to be left overnight, I would be given a rental car. Amazingly, they were able to finish the job before closing! Save Auto, you guys are absolutely amazing!!!! Keep up the great work, and I have recommended you to all my friends! read more

$10 Oil Change $25 Smog That should be enough, but I'll go on. Everything has always been fast and cheap in there. I had a check engine light on and needed an oil change. They told me they were real busy so the change would take a while, but went ahead and checked the engine light right away. I got a 90K service and a smog check done there in a couple hours.... bringing it in late on a Saturday. I refer everyone I can here. read more

Their technicians did struts installation for me initially. Then 2 days later, I found the strut boot hadn't been installed yet somehow; without the strut boot, the lifespan of the strut will be shortened dramasticlly. Later, talked with the owner Mr. Vinny about this; he agreed with me and would like to install the strut boot for me for free to fix this problem. Then a couple day later, Mr. Vinny directly assigned this task to another reliable technian and did very nicely. The other management man who dealt with me the 1st time is very bad because he didn't tell me the old strut boot is bad and a new one is needed; he let a technian installed the struts without installing any strut boot. 2 days later, he was also very rude and even denied that he didn't tell me the old strut boot was bad. Nowaday, people can get tons of info over internet in a cell phone in minutes and then become very knowledgeable about a previously unknown subject easily. So, customers will know the correct answer on a problem eventually. Therefore, being honest is the only way to make a business successful; cheating and fooling around customers will ruin the business by turning customers away eventually. read more

Incredible customer service. Update: I picked up my car and it looks great. Sticking with my 5 stars. This review is only about the incredible quality of their customer service. I will be able to review the quality of their work in a few days when I get the car back. But so far, I am impressed. I was treated with respect and politeness and somebody was there to assist me right away. They also were able to give me a quote on the spot and the price was very reasonable. I look forward to getting my car back and finishing this review. I have a feeling they will not disappoint. read more

If I could give 0 stars to a place, Save Auto would be the place. These guys are straight crooks. They ROBBED my money, giving me an engine problem on another engine problem on another engine problem with problems they cannot even fix, making it worse than the state it's already in. Keep in mind this all happened within a month. I took it in about 3 weeks ago on a Monday, for a oil pan replacement and a leak fix(clearing my check engine light) I paid about $1200. My family has been ASSURED that this car would stop having problems after this fix. Then two days after, my car started rumbling, making sudden stops, then again I have ANOTHER check engine light, so I took it back to Save Auto and they said I needed a tune up and new O2 sensors. That took another $1100 out of my pocket. I am done paying to get this car fixed at Save Auto, if every time I bring it to Save Auto and it's like they're making my car worse than what it already is. Now today, (May 31) I received ANOTHER check engine light, and I am most definitely not taking it to Save Auto. My cousin who also went to Save Auto for his truck problems and he experienced the same problems, coming back over and over again, spending so much money for problems that they caused. He ended up confronting Vinny (the owner) and Vinny had nothing to say, not even a simple I'm sorry. This place is pathetic with their prices and the "services" they give. Don't come here if you want to keep spending money and keep receiving problems. read more

I have to admit I was a little skeptical when my husband told me to take my car to Save Auto for a smog test. Two weeks before we had paid $50 to get his car smogged, so I thought $25 was just too good to be true. I was even more worried when I saw that there was only one review for them on yelp. I thought that it would be in some janky part of town in someone's garage or something. But the place was decent, it's pretty small so I'm glad I got there early and didn't have to deal with the hassle of trying to figure out where to park. I was quickly greeted by their friendly staff and the smog check was done in less than 30 mins. They have other services aside from Smog Checks so I will definitely take my car there again. read more

Turns out they put the wrong amount of oil in my car, (3.5L instead of the required 3L) stole my magnets off my oil filter, and nearly broke my engine - had to drain and perform the service myself. read more

Great quality service that is quick and upfront about their work. Most mechanics try to get you to spend more and charge a lot for labor but Bao gave me an estimate that was cheaper than other locations. He called me a dew hours later to make some recommendations and addressed an issue other mechanics said would cost me a few hundred dollars but he charged half! He made my car smooth and reliable again! This is my go to for car repairs! read more

Went it for my first ever smog check. As a young woman who doesn't know a lot about cars and who's completely new to the area, I was a bit leery. Only 30 mins. $25 out the door for my mid-size SUV. No careless, filthy smudges on my steering wheel when I got back in my car. Couldn't have gone better! read more

Vinny and his team are really good! They are very fast and efficient , I bring him a lot of business for smog and safety , he does decent body work and also mechanical , not stop shop , please go see Vinny for all your problems! read more

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This is my first review on yelp ever! We are so pleased with the experience, I had to write a review about it. Excellent customer service, if I can give them 10 stars I would. We are extremely satisfied and impressed with overall experience. The dent on our 2006 Mercedes Benz is finally fixed! It's almost like nothing happened. They did such an amazing job in such a short period of time. I look forward to using their service again in the future and will definitely recommend them to all our friends and family. Ask for Bao, he will take good care of your car :) Thanks save auto shop! read more

These guys are great! They did my 60K maintenance in a minimal amount of time and a great price! A week later I couldn't tell the difference between my check engine light and my tire pressure light that looks like (!). I took it in and they were so nice to look at it for me, show me the difference then put air in my tires. No Charge. Now 2 months later my check engine light came on. Took it back. They diagnosed it and turned the light off for free. These guys should be an example to other auto shops of how to work and keep customers! PS They take their lunch from noon to 12:45. They're customer service is so great they interrupt their own lunch to make sure your taken care of. I only post their lunch cause c'mon let 'em eat! read more

Save Auto is conveniently placed, the employees are courteous and efficient, the oil changes are extremely affordable. An oil change only costs 10 bucks. read more

Save Auto - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

Thanks to Vinny and his Team who completed my 1955 Ford Thunderbird Restoration in 39Days which seemed impossible by 5 other body shops who said that they would get the job done the fastest in 3 months but Vinny and his team at Save Auto did a Fantastic Paint Job at half the price of the what the other Body shops had quoted me. They are very honest and helpful. I would recommend them to all my friends and family. read more

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First time here for a smog check. I was in and out in about 10 minutes! Found a coupon which made the total to $20. So much cheaper than when my boyfriend smog tested his truck at a place on Miramar. 2010 Mazda $20+8.25 for certificate. Coupon made it $20 total Overheard one of the mechanics offer a free rental to a customer whose service was going to take about 3 hours. The mechanic also offered to drive the man home as well as long as someone could drop him off to pick up the car later. Great experience and good place for a smog check. read more

Please avoid this place!!! They are grossly incapable, can only cause serious damages to your car and put your life in danger. In my case, my perfectly functioning car died on the road a few days after they did an oil change. The car had to be towed to a capable auto shop and the extensive diagnosis and repair caused over $2000. The diagnosis showed, among other damages, the alternator failed because they left the alternator soaked in residue oil. Additionally, as I noted in my previous comment posted, they didn't even put the battery cover back, and the oil spill caused burning and smoke. So disappointed and horrified by their intentional negligence and incompetence. They clearly don't know what they are doing and they don't care when their really shitty job could kill you! Unbelievable!!! read more

Don't believe the prices they quote online or their ads...i went in to get a smog check on my 2008 scion and brought a coupon for $11, but the first thing Mike says to me is "oh yeah, but your xb is an SUV so that's gonna be $25". Definitely won't ever recommend this cheating, bait & switch company to anyone. Stay away. read more

Awesomesauce! The guys there are courteous and do what they say they'll do and have it done by the time they quote, no shadiness what so ever. I got a smog with cert. there for $20 and will be going back from an oil change and anything else my family needs. *There is also a Carl's Jr. and multiple gas stations down the street to kill your wait time! I drank about 6 diet cokes and made a deposit at the Bank of America also located just a short walk from the shop! read more

John and Vinny are the best guys ever! Super helpful all the time, trustworthy, they always help me out with my gray lowered Infiniti G35! I would highly recommend this place! 5 Stars! read more

These guys are the reasons people hate taking their cars to the shop. Do not trust any of them within 400 feet of your car. Went in for an oil change, engine light came on driving off of their lot. Came back in to have them look at it, they told me it would be 150 bucks to fix. I told them I wasn't able to do that at the time and they laughed and walked into the back. When my mechanic friend took a look at what they addressed as the problem, they had purposely driven a screw into the side wall of its threading so it would take an entire head gasket replacement. Beyond enraged. 2 days after the oil change they supposedly gave me (which they didn't provide a receipt or report on by the way, after telling me they would charge me more to provide a receipt?!?!))) my oil light came back on and my engine light started flashing. The slimiest of slimy- do not trust. read more

The caveat is this, Save Auto ONLY smog checks 2000 & newer vehicles. I brought my 1996 Acura 3.2 TL in today and they referred me to another place, Lo Sieu Smog at 6670 Miramar Road. read more

Save Auto - Look for a coupon to save a few dollars. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

I took my car in for service for an oil change and tune-up on May 22, 2021. I asked the service manager to check my car for an oil leak. He showed me and said I needed a new valve cover and oil pan. He was going to charge me a ridiculous price. I got a second opinion. The service manager said I needed a new valve cover gasket. I thank him for his honesty. I would not recommend Save Auto for any service needs. read more

A friend recommended these guys and I am really impressed. They are honest and affordable and work quickly. I thought I needed brakes and they looked at them, and showed me and then explained why I didn't need them, which was a great surprise. They also are respectful. In passing I told them that I worked night shift and when I got there at 4:30 ish, they told me they called but didn't want to keep bugging me in case I was asleep. It's the little things :)! Also when the work was going to take than expected they offered me a loaner car if I needed to go somewhere. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. read more

We went in for a smog this morning. Vinny was rude to my daughter. He snatched the DMV smog paper and interrupted her when she was trying to communicate where she parked. She told me he wasn't masked up and he wasnt. So I went i side to talk to the Manger and he said he was it. I addressed him about the situation where he stated he wasnt there to make friends. I explained to him he was running and business and being courteous is free. As a retired Marine I understood this. He told me everyones diferent. Granted, however its just plain common sense to treat customers with respect. Any type of decorum. As I went to proceed to waiting area where he sarcasticy asked me if i wanted a coffee or a water "even though we arent a restaurant". Dont give this establishment ANY business unless of course you are a man. The lower price isnt worth it. They treat women, wives and mothers like crap. Side note: NONE of the staff are wearing masks. read more

Save Auto is great service and repaired my car. Vinny is the best manager service. He got me good deal and done a great job and on time on my car, look amazing. I love it and i highly recommed to this Auto repair shop, they are one stop shop that you can get many things done on your car here in one day and they are the best price in town. Đi Nguyn read more

Save Auto is great. The manager, Vinny, is a nice guy and straight forward. There's no hard sell on unnecessary services. I went in for a smog check, a very cheap smog check, and was out of there in 20 minutes even though I was told it would be 45 minutes. I recommend Save Auto for smog checks and I would definitely try it out for repairs, body work, painting, and their other services based upon how genuine and friendly Vinny was. read more

I came here for a smog check on a Monday around 5:00pm. They were pretty spot on with the time estimate of one hour with two cars ahead of me. It was pretty straight forward to be honest. The place reminds me of the mechanics in like Rosemead. Their website currently has a coupon online you can print for $15.00 smog check and $10 certificate if your car passes the check. I think you can find a coupon in the PennySaver as well since the coupon online said "Penny Saver" I am not sure how often these coupons run for but doesn't hurt to check their site.There's a tiny waiting room but there's a TV in there to keep yourself occupied. Be careful when locating this place...don't miss the right turn if you're coming from Miramar or you'll be going down Kearny Mesa Road for two miles before making a U-Turn. read more

Found this place from one of those coupon magazines you get in the mail. $35 for a synthetic oil change. Even without a coupon their prices are lower than most any other oil change place. No appointment is necessary. They usually take about 45 minutes to an hour. Located off the 15 freeway and Miramar Road behind the Holiday Inn. I've brought my car here three times as they do good work. read more

Reasonable fee, friendly service and great service speed. This shop just want to get jobs done and get customers out fast. No BS around in this shop. Recommended!! read more

Went in for a Smog test - only took about 30 minutes. Great price, it was the cheapest place compared to several other smog centers I checked. Overall great experience. read more

Owner Vinny and his crew are the best independent auto garage that I have found in several years . Prices are very reasonable and the work is very good quality... as good as any dealer in town that I have used. If you don't want to use OEM parts just tell Vinny. Treats his regular customers extra special. I strongly recommend you give them a try! read more

Very honest and very, very reasonable. I was very impressed with quality of work. I price compared with other auto repair shops and they beat other shops price. Their diagnosis was spot on.Vinny the owner at Save Auto, is willing to work with you. This shop is very trust-worthy, a welcome change for an auto shop. Here's the info: Save Auto (858)586-6666 9280 Kearny Mesa Rd. San Diego, CA 92126 read more

Pro: Quick and cheap. Only took 15 minutes and $20 total to do a smog check on Saturday. Con: I don't understand the mass of flies just hovering in the middle of the waiting room. Wish they could do something to get rid of the pests. read more

All the fears of a mechanic saying you need this and that can be found here. I came in and the owner was quick to say I need this and that without even looking at my car. As the discussion went further he said I had two bad lower ball joints, again without looking at the car. How's that possible, I don't know. I recently replaced both, however I forgot that I replaced both, as I thought I only replaced one. So when he said that, I said " I just replaced one" he said " ok well you need the other one replaced". Then I went through my records and realized both had already recently been replaced. He had already began on the one, so I let them continue. If you want a mechanic to sell you on things that you don't need, this is the place. Fast talkers, he was in n out of the office so you can't even talk to him. This is the place. If you want someone who will listen to your issues. Will look at your car and diagnose it only after actually touching the car go somewhere else read more

If I could give zero stars , I would. If there's a review you need to listen to ! I PROMISE YOU ITS THIS ONE . If you're a woman or someone who doesn't know much about cars to catch them , this is for you ! You would think after being a dedicated customer for a few years , that they would do everything in their power to remain honest . Twice I took in my car , and asked for them to drive my car and see what might be the issue . Both times they told me something different . The first time one mechanic said my wheel bearing . This last time THE OWNER , said my tires and struts . He quoted me and said it would be 1600 ! After calling around mechanics and family members told me they were over charging . BUT THATS NOT ALL . After taking my car to TWO different mechanics , BOTH mechanics said my tires and struts as well as wheel bearing were in !!PERFECT CONDITION. Must be why the owner tried so hard to make me feel he was giving me a deal just so he can "Fix " something that isn't broken and not get caught . IM disappointed , as I'm that person who stays loyal when receiving good customer service or people I like . However I will NOT be returning . I wouldn't trust it , there's plenty of other mechanics in area who will show you what's wrong visually and show you the prices online and compare ! read more

Nothing but a bunch of "CROOKS" there!!! What vinny does is he gives you a low price to get your business then he sticks it to you buy calling you telling you that everything is wrong with your car. "DON'T BE FOOLED" on his low prices!!! HE'S JUST AFTER YOUR MONEY "TRUST ME"!!!!!!!!!! read more