My car was making loud, rattling noises whenever I accelerated it; and my dashboard was very shaky. I asked a couple shops to look into this issue but they couldn't fix it. I took it to SDS Automotive and they diagnosed the exact issue in one day, and fixed it quickly. The rattling noises are no more and the car drives SO smooth. Thanks SDS automotive. read more

SDS Auto performed a diagnostic on my vehicle in late November for oil-related concerns. We later brought the vehicle back in late January to begin the recommended repairs. The diagnostic cost about $130, and we were told the engine needed cleaning to locate oil leaks. We approved the oil-leak repair first. The shop replaced the upper and lower engine covers for about $2,800. After picking up the car, the oil light came on within a few days. They said it was a bad sensor and replaced it at no charge. A few days later, the oil light came on again. The shop kept the vehicle longer, removed the valve cover, replaced a gasket, and replaced spark plugs with oil on them (over $200). We were told the problem was fixed. Shortly after getting the car back again, the check engine light came on for the first time and the vehicle began running rough. After keeping the car for over a week, SDS Auto told us the engine needed to be replaced. We spent over $3,000 trying to fix the original problem, but the issue was never resolved. When I requested a refund for the unsuccessful repairs, it was denied. They offered to install a replacement engine at no labor cost, but we would still have to pay for the engine. Be cautious when approving major repairs and make sure the problem is clearly diagnosed before authorizing costly work. read more

WHY I WENT HERE: - car in need of an oil change - received a coupon in the mail for a discount on the oil change (less than $70 vs. original price of $90-$100+) - open Saturdays (I work/travel M-F so this worked great for me); able to make an appointment online first thing Saturday morning THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on Northgate Blvd (south of the Valero gas station); closest main cross street is San Juan Rd - street sign with company logo viewed from Northgate - decent sized private parking lot THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - the lobby/waiting area is very spacious; some living room style/placed furniture in the center and other chairs on the outer perimeter for customers to wait in but still maintain privacy/space from one another - drink fridge, water/coffee station on the north wall of the waiting area - restroom off the northwest wall of the waiting area (just past the check-in/check-out computer station) CUSTOMER SERVICE: - I appreciate that this place has a website that allows for online appointments; inputting your information and having a set time to come in (with no miscommunication on who you are or your contact information) is great - I received a confirmation email and text about my appointment (I opted to stay at the shop with my vehicle since it was initially for an oil change) - when I arrived, check-in was a breeze; I was greeted warmly and provided the coupon; I was provided a quote of my service with the coupon applied - I prepared to sit comfortably in the lobby catching up on my shows - when I was informed that it would take longer, I appreciated that the other recommended services came along with pictures of the issues as well as quotes for each additional service; I did not feel rushed with the explanation of what else was found wrong with my vehicle and I appreciated the various opt-in/opt-out sections that I needed to check off for confirmation or decline prior to signing off - I live close enough that once I signed off on my additional services to be completed, I called my fiance to pick me up; the guy at the front desk had inquired if I needed a ride so I'm not sure if they set you up with a rideshare or taxi service - the estimated time of the completion of my additional services was accurate and I felt the overall total was comparable to what I would have received at other shops - even when I arrived back at the shop to pay for the services and pick up my car, I was greeted warmly read more

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I recently had my brakes repaired at SDS, and Hector accommodated my request to have my car dropped off and delivered the same day, saving me a great deal of time and inconvenience. During the repair, their mechanic went above and beyond the original scope of work by discovering loose and missing bolts under the parking brake handle, which were causing an additional issue. I truly appreciated the extra attention to detail and commitment to quality service. read more

We have been having our cars serviced at SDS for several years and every time we take our cars in, we feel like they are trying to earn our business all over again. They do not take even their long -time customers for granted. They have always been transparent with their prices and they are competitively priced. Additionally, we have never had an issue with any of their work. read more

We came in because our fender liner came off while driving. They were kind enough to fix it for free with one hour even though we went on their busiest day, Saturday. Will definitely come back! I highly recommend! read more

Just want to reiterate that no one should go here. We ended up getting another opinion on the car and it turns out it had a blown head gasket the entire time. Not sure how a mechanic could miss that and come up with a completely unrelated issue. read more

My car was towed there on a Saturday at 2:30pm. They all went above and beyond to get me back on the road to get home by 5:00pm.

WARNING: PREDATORY PRICING!! Echoing these previous posts for this shop: * "WOMEN BEWARE" * "Woman beware" * "Quoted me for $2400 for compressor replacement. HELL NO !!!!!" I went here because I was driving in the area, my transmission was acting weird, and I was concerned about driving it. They quoted me $3,546 and told me I had to fix these things "right away" because my car was "not safe": * Brake replacement * Engine valve cover leaking oil * New alternator serpentine belt * Removal of rat nest behind the console * Flush transmission fluid I told them that I just had my oil changed a few days ago, and SDS just upped the pressure of getting things fixed right away. Things felt wrong, so I picked up my car and took it to my local shop, and found out the only things I need to have fixed are: * Removal of the rat nest (ew!) * Alternator serpentine belt could have gone either way, so I had it replaced. Total price: $261 This was such a terrible experience. The young man who answered the phone with a soft voice (I am intentionally not using his name) really played me. The whole thing just makes me sick to my stomach - it is so wrong. Their website talks about service and integrity, but this was the opposite. I called the manager and told him, and he just read back the findings and said they will try to do better, but that sure felt hollow. I would never, ever go back there. I have heard about auto repair shops that are unethical and take advantage of people, and this was my first time personally experiencing it. I am so glad that I took my car to my local place instead. read more

Well, when I first went to the place, I had something but it didn't work out, but I called the guy. He gave me another appointment when I ordered the part. I brought my car in and he fixed it and everything and did recharge me so I appreciate that so this is a good place to go. They take very good care of your car so they are awesome people that work there good read more

My second time here getting an oil change and I have to say I am impressed! Very kind, helpful, and down to earth staff. The waiting room is clean with plenty of refreshments available. The service was fast and their prices are reasonable. Overall I highly recommend this place! read more

SDS Automotive - Waiting area - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Sacramento, California

I started coming to this auto shop back in fall of 2022 because they mailed out coupons to the neighborhood. I am glad that i brought my car in to them because they have great customer service. As a woman who knows nothing about cars, I know I can trust them to always take care of me. So far I have only gotten oil changes from them, so I can't speak about their other services, but I am pleased with the oil change service. They not only change my oil but also check-up on my car and what services it needs soon. They recommend the services my car needs at the end of the oil change, and give you a quote with how much they charge to perform those services they suggest. I usually pay around $100 for my sedan's oil change which is not far off from your regular chain auto service companies. I recommend this business to anyone seeking a smooth experience for your car's needs. read more

If you're coming here for just a fluid change this place will most likely be just fine but if you have ANY problem other than that DO NOT bring your car here. My bmw 535i was leaking oil from the oil cooler lines and I stated that issue to them and they replaced the lines and cleaned the undertray of my car which sounds great, but for a price of almost 900 dollars is ridiculous when the parts were 250 dollars and the labor for it is at most 1 hour and I know because I've taken them off before. On top of that when I get my car back ITS IN LIMP MODE STRAIGHT OFF OF THEIR LOT and getting engine lights saying engine malfunction And that undertray they "cleaned" was in half dragging on the floor and I need a replacement one now. I bring it back 2 days later after only driving it 7 miles from there shop back home and they say they will inspect the vehicle to see if it's " related to the job", Call me saying their inspection shows it's not their fault and if I wanted them to diagnose the issue it would be another 250 dollars! at least the courtesy inspection was free and they gave me the code I needed to fix it myself (forgot to mention they wiped all the codes off my car without recording any of them so I couldn't diagnose the issue myself). The fix was so simple I did it outside of my house in a matter of 10 minutes and they wanted 250 dollars because their "ASE CERTIFIED MECHANICS" can barely do their jobs. Only reason they even get a star is because they actually had the competence to smoke test my car the first time i brought it, if they even really did that. TLDR; if you're job is anything bigger than fluid changes or a smog do not come here because you will most likely not be satisfied with the visit, they WILL charge you a lot of money for unnecessary things, and they most likely WILL mess something up on your car. read more

Went there today for an oil change. The customer service was wonderful!! very friendly and courteous Was very pleased with the appearance of the office as alot of automotive offices/waiting areas are no that pleasant.. I would definetly go back as well as recommend them. read more

I had a smog check and few other service with them very fast and nice. Also recommended my boyfriend to them. He liked their work and they can fix anything. read more

Great customer service. With no appointment Craig got my smog done in less than 30 minutes. Highly recommended and will be a repeat customer read more

SDS Automotive - Give them a call for great customer service at an affordable price. - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Sacramento, California

I wrote that wayy too soon. The Ford Ranger I brought in had a blown head gasket. They failed to diagnose my issue correctly, which was corrected at another shop. I haven't been back there since. read more

I took my car in for an oil change and smog. Very good customer service and I plan to go back!

Subaru Forester 2018. AC problem. Diagnostic took 6 hours WTH!! Quoted me for $2400 for compressor replacement. HELL NO !!!!!

I was recommended to SDS by a dealership auto mechanic who told me that this was where he took his cars when he didn't have time to repair them himself. That was the highest compliment. At the time they were still known as Smog Diagnostic Specialists, and I was skeptical that they could do full repair services. I quickly learned that they were friendly, efficient, and trustworthy. I have never felt pressure to get unnecessary repairs. I've actually got side-by-side estimates with Pep Boys down the street, and they are always lower. Considering it's hard-to-find location behind another auto shop, SDS Automotive is truly a great find. Say hi to Juan at the counter, he's awesome! read more

Had really great experience here over the weekend. My car broke down on Friday. I'm pretty new to the area and don't have shop I go to. Haven't had to. I called around to multiple shops to see if I could get in. It's my only mode of transpo so I needed it fixed fast. I called Glen's automotive, he couldn't get me in. I asked if he knew of another shop he could refer me to. There's another shop around the corner he suggested so I called them. They couldn't get me in but they have another shop that is open on Saturday so they gave me the number and I called, described the problem and they were already aware of my issue because the other shop called and ran it down. Dude acted like he knew me when I talked to him. Very impressive! Juan is the man! We discussed the problem, told me he could hook me up so I had my rig towed down Saturday morning. Juan was ready to go. Tested the charging system, sent me an estimate via text, I called him, we straightened it out and he got busy. He called a few hours later to let me know it was done. There were a bunch of cars in the lot so I know they were busy but they understood my situation and got it done. Price was fair, work was done and he assured me that they had my back if anything went wrong. A three year warranty on top of it. Awesome experience. I'll be back if necessary. Great guys, great shop, great service! read more

WOMEN BEWARE!!!! PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THIS SHOP! This place takes advantage of women who need repairs on their vehicles. I came in here and told them exactly what my vehicle's issue was, the alternator. The shop sent me an estimate by text showing that the total for the repairs was going to be $1,368. I called the shop over the phone to get some clarification on the charges and then gave them my permission to proceed. A few hours later, I got a text providing that my vehicle was ready for pick up. When I walked in they gave me a total of $1606! That's over $200 more than what the text said. The man at the counter provided that the $1368 did not include the diagnostic test. I TOLD THEM WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND THEY STILL CHARGED ME OVER $200 for a simple diagnostic. Most shops waive the diagnostic fee when the repairs are done at their shop. Which is what the text that they sent me implied. They are SCAMMING WOMEN so please BEWARE! I am a single mom of 3 kids and during these times especially, everyone should be completely up front with costs and charges! read more

SDS Automotive - This is the first total of charges they sent me. - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Great customer service - particularly from Alex. The shop works with integrity and they ensure your automotive needs are adequately met.

The quotes I got for my car were very reasonable considering the other places I called had tried to over charge me a load of money, they were very honest with me and gave me great prices! Overall Excellent customer service read more

My car hasn't handled this well since I purchased it, new, 24 years ago and not many mechanics were willing to work on my 2004 Volvo V40. It had 86K miles on it and I had been complaining about the rough ride and leaking fluid for quite some time, with no one that was willing to address it. I found the SDS automotive advertisement in the mail just after my car wouldn't start and called ahead to make sure they were willing to check into any other issues as well. Roadside assistance jump started it and I was able to drive it to their facility, where they immediately went to work looking into all of the issues. Not only did they address both immediate and longstanding issues with my car, but they accommodated my employment so that I didn't miss any work while the car was getting repaired. That was critical in my situation, and I can't thank them all ENOUGH for their competence, efficiency and friendliness. Thanks again-- Diane E. read more

Mgr Alex is fantastic. Came in for an oil change .And to check noise in front wheels. He checked and found brakes low quantity causing noise. He said brakes were still good and no need for concern. Most other shops would Upsell me and cost me $$$. Excellent work and reasonable. read more

Good customer service. They fix the break light of car super quick and at an affordable price. I highly recommend this place.

Woman beware!!! MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF the man with the soft voice who answers the phone takes advantage of woman when it comes to car repairs ladies take somebody with you or literally go next door. They are awesome I got the same work done just needed brake light repair and turn signal repair and they looked at it for free. While SDS wanted to charge a 240 inspection fee on top of labor. HORRIBLE read more