It was easy to schedule the appointment via phone call. The owner was incredible nice and friendly. I took my Mazda for a yearly overall maintenance (tire rotation, oil change, breaks, air filters etc). The owner called me to ask about additional service before changing me. I have trust in the quality of the service and I'm certain the prices were decent. It's a 10-15 min walk to downtown San Mateo so works if you decide to wait a few hours while your car is in the shop read more

I don't like leaving negative reviews, but after our experience, I feel it's necessary. We trusted the owner Fed with multiple vehicles over the years for both major and minor repairs. We never asked for discounts or special deals--we were happy to pay whatever he charged because we believe in supporting small businesses and expected quality work in return. Unfortunately, we've lost confidence in the quality of the work. We recently learned that an exhaust repair on our SUV we were told was properly fixed was not and now we have to pay to have it redone. The most concerning issue happened yesterday with the same SUV. We paid for what we were told were heavy-duty towing capacity brakes, but while driving downhill with all five of our children in the truck, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle properly. We had to use the emergency brake and put the truck in park to avoid a potentially serious accident. That experience alone was enough for us to never return. There were also a couple of occasions when tools were accidentally left under the hood in the engine compartment after repairs and a time where we noticed the engine compartment plastic cover was broken and mentioned it to Fed and he said it came to the shop like that which further raised concerns about the level of care being taken. We also dealt with recurring check engine lights after repairs and were repeatedly told it was just because the truck is old. However, this is a vehicle we drive only once or twice a week for short trips and have always maintained carefully. Another frustration is that we repeatedly requested detailed invoices outlining the work performed on our vehicles, but despite asking on several occasions, we still have not received them. Quality workmanship and safety matter. Based on our experience, we cannot recommend this shop. read more

Fed did a total paint on my 12 year old Lexus. Excellent customer service and timely return of my car. I will be referring everyone here. Fantastic !!!! read more

Everything went smoothly! I had multiple things done from spark plugs to differential fluids to brakes and so forth. Owner was super cool and everything was done well! Very transparent with cost and well reasonably priced! Will be coming back for future services. read more

I was looking to get my 2000 Mazda Miata painted. I got several quotes, and SM Motors was by far the most reasonable quote. Fed, the owner of the shop, was very responsive to all of my questions. He was polite, respectful, and assured me that the job would be done the right way. I was super comfortable leaving my car in his hands. They were able to start painting within a few days of my initial contact. Fed sent me pictures of the job and kept me up to date as the job was being completed. It took less than a week for me to get my car back. When I did, I was blown away. Fed and his crew went above and beyond with the bodywork, and smoothed out every little ding. The paint job itself was gorgeous; factory British racing green. It looked like it was fresh off the showroom floor. I could not be happier with the paint job and the service Fed and his team provided. I highly recommend this shop, and will definitely be using them for all future paint and body work. read more

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This place rocks! I was looking around to different mechanics and could not find a reasonable one to fix something that was easy to fix. I kept hearing is it's this it's that etc and giving me crazy estimates. I then found SM Motors and spoke to Federico. He advised me to bring it in which I did 3-4 hrs later done fixed the issue and nothing more at a great price. I will definitely come back here if my vehicle(s) need work. I recommend this place also. read more

SM Motors Review Part 2 I just got a complete engine replacement @ SM Motors - The results are fantastic - engine is running great ( I gave 2 weeks testing before posting this review). Fed and his team at SM Motors did a really great job at a very fair price. Thanks Guys! I recently found SM Motors from other mechanics I trust, I now thank them as well for steering me to Fed and SM Motors..... So now I have other projects for them to work on! read more

So happy I found this place! I was absolutely thrilled with the work and service they provided. The owner is super nice the shop is legit nice and clean. I've always been cautious with mechanics, fearing hidden charges, but this shop was incredibly honest about both the service and pricing. I couldn't be happier! Their transparency and quality work have earned my trust. We have a family business and now this shop has become our go to. read more

Great experience here so far. Fed was able to replace my alternator after it died that same day, reasonable price that he was transparent about before we went through with anything. Took it here again for a standard 5k service and ended up needing my A/C unit fixed too, again was done in a timely manner with reasonable price. read more

Fed is amazing! He was incredibly helpful and kind. Great customer service. And great value!

Fed has always taken care of me. Super responsive, friendly and they do great work. I trust them with all my cars from domestic to foreign.

I used to live in San Mateo and always took my cars to Fed for years. Never disappoints me. They are honest and have great customer service, not to mention the quality of their work is outstanding. I moved to the Central Valley and Fed came all the way out here to look at my Silverado and we got it towed to his shop and took care of a full complete repairs on my truck. once again I highly recommend this shop for all you automotive needs! read more

This is a great, transparent, and helpful shop if you need your car fixed. SM Motors came as a recommendation from my mechanic, and it didn't disappoint. Fed patiently walked me through the damage, letting me know which fixes he thought were necessary, and which ones were cosmetic. The prices were also reasonable, and I'll be coming back if I ever need anything in the future. read more

needed a new mechanic and was referred to this shop by a friend. first of all, he answers calls! that has been a number 1 a frustration in my search. Fad earned my trust immediately, we agreed on day, he understood concerns when i dropped off my car, asked questions and did a computer analysis before I left to set expectations about work to be done, called as promised to identify repair needs and cost and completed work on time as promised... no surprises! recommend this shop highly and will use again when need arises read more

Fed is always great. Never any issues/complaints, he does good and honest work. Highly recommend!

Fed is amazing! He was able to get me in the same day I called and fixed my problem. Good work and a good price. I'll be coming back for any other car needs. Don't sleep on this place! read more

Thanks SM Motors and Fed's expertise - was afraid transmission was gone, but ended up 'just' replacing front left axle. Now running smooth again read more

Took my car to Fed and crew to redo my transmission ahead of my motor build. We went over the build jn detail to make sure we were on the same page. We discussed options and what parts to use. Was told it would be done within a week. Got it back within the timeframe quoted. More than happy with the work so far. Soon as I left the shop I felt the difference in power and response with the build. More than happy with the work. Thanks guys!! read more

SM Motors - I trust them with my baby - Transmission Repair Near Me - San Mateo, California

Let's start off with I've had horrible luck with mechanics. They quote you one thing then overcharge you when they realize you have no idea what's going on with your car. Fed was able to find my car's issue and give me a very competitive price. Not only was he prompt and reasonable but his shop is clean and organized. His office has a comfortable couch to wait in, he explains things thoroughly and answered all my questions. After several services with him and his team, he is now my maintenance guy. He was able to go the extra mile to meet all my needs. There is no need to look any further. Great mechanic shop! read more

I would exercise extreme caution if you're considering paying a visit to SM Motors for repairs. I inquired about a transmission repair for my car via phone on May 21, 2021. The owner gave me a quote, which I agreed to, and told me to drop off my car on May 27/May 28. On May 27, I gave the owner a follow-up text message and he told me to tow my car to his shop on May 29 and requested that I provide a $1000 deposit upfront. I told him that I only have a check or credit card. He agreed to a credit card deposit if I pay the processing fee, which I agreed to. Fast forward to May 29, I called SM Motors prior to having AAA tow my vehicle to the shop. The owner said, "I changed my mind and will be only accepting $1000 cash because I am giving you a good price." When I asked him why he hung up on me. read more

SM Motors - Transmission Repair Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I took my car to fed the owner To take care of my transmission Unfortunately do to the type of transmission it had to be handled at the car's dealership but he still was very professional and took me in right away .. I definitely recommend sm motors For all your car needs. read more

MOST COMPETITIVE RATES I'VE FOUND! I take my wife and I's vehicles to Fed at SM Motors & Transmission. Fed has performed routine maintenance, autobody repair, and installation of performance parts on our vehicles for the past few years. I drive a 2017 Toyota Tacoma, my wife drives a 2016 Lexus GX460 (we used to own a 2007 Volvo XC90 that we took into him as well). Don't let the abundance of performance Fords, Chevy and Mopar vehicles fool you, they work on everything and they do it well! We are so happy with the quality and speed of service that Fed and his team provide. Fed & Crew- Thank you so much for all your do for me and my family. read more

I called Fed on Wednesday night to inquire about a transmission service. He quoted me the price fit me in first thing in the morning on Thursday had nice quick service. Got the job done with no problems, at a fair price. made sure to ask me questions about my issues before doing the service to ensure that he was doing the correct work. highly recommend as a motors. read more

My first experience with SM Motors was just over a year ago and I'm still a loyal customer. They're honest and give quality work. I refer all my people to them with confidence. They always take great care of my car for me. read more

Researching for shops to put in engine was difficult and when found company no one wanted take for me and my car. Neigbor friend recommended this shop and when arrived I realized I knew this familiar face. I got great customer servic, friendly clean shop. They gave me quote 1 day, and my engine ordered arrived within day two and car back to me less than week. Also, they showed me my new engone being installe. I am impressed and will recommend all my business to SM Motors. Fair pricin. read more

After having a bad experience with another shop, for what was supposed to be a simple break change, I brought my SUV to SM Motors. I was taken care in a professional, efficient and extremely quick manner. I was give a time to drop off my vehicle, an estimated time frame of when to expect my vehicle back and a reasonable quote. Thank you for the guys at SM Motors for stay professional, keeping it real and getting my family vehicle back on the road! read more

I have gone to different mechanics and auto shops and this is by far the BEST place to take your vehicle. Fed is honest, friendly and professional. He communicated with me about what my vehicle needed, my car was done in a timely manner, and I knew my car was in good hands. Fed and his team provide excellent work and excellent service! I highly recommend this place! read more

This is by far the best shop in town! Fed is very reliable, professional, and honest. He charges reasonable prices and his service is of quality. I will definitely be recommending SM Motors to friends and family. read more

Good mechanic reliable when they take good care of your car to when they tell is going to be ready that date they have it ready for you

My truck needed some TLC, and transmission routine maintenance. I was pleased with the and will continue to bring my vehicles for anything they may need. The shop is clean and the service was great. read more

I have gone here for oil change, when I couldn't pass smog, and to get a cover for my catalytic converter. Professional business, very communicative, easy to get an apt, and fast turn around time. All around great service! read more

SM Motors rebuilt the transmission on my 2000 Subaru Outback with 188k miles. Runs so smoooooth now. These guys are great! Federico is super honest and upfront about everything and was great about texting me updates. They even offered a loaner car but I didn't need it. They are a new shop getting started, but they have a lot of experience. read more

I gave Fed a call when my transmission went out on my 1994 Impala and he got right on it. Had me take it by the shop the very next day. Kept me updated during the process and even sent me photos! I went back a second time and got my brakes and rotors changed. They have great pricing and you can tell these guys love what they do. Keep up the good work. Honest mechanics are hard to come by these days. read more

I came to SM Motors for a second opinion on my transmission on my 2009 Honda Civic. Another shop was trying to charge me $1800+ for transmission work. Fed the owner was highly recommended so I wanted his opinion and he said I just needed to get my transmission serviced. He was honest and saved me a lot of money. I am so glad I came to SM Motors. Thanks again for everything!! read more

This is the new shop in town. Fed and Carlos helped me with some maintenance on my vehicle. They ware able to do it on the same day and that is very convenient. I will be returning to this location. Make sure you schedule an appointment to make this easier. read more

Great customer service, helpful, friendly, fixed my trucks right with no BS. Even supplied me with a courtesy car. I only trust my vehicles with them! read more

Without a doubt, this is an honest and well run shop. I had a rebuilt engine installed on my Dodge Durango and Federico and the SM team installed it with zero issues and under what any other shop in town would have charged. I would have full confidence taking my car back and have piece of mind knowing they will get the job done right and not over charge. Thank you again Fed and the SM Motors crew!! Will recommend this shop to everyone I know. read more

I called SM Motors to see if I could get an oil change and some maintenance work done. Fed was able to help me out and see me the same day. The service was of quality and efficient. The prices are reasonable too. I will definitely be taking my car back here. read more

I got my 02 Subaru Impreza, clutch kit and fly wheel replaced from SM Motors, and these guys were very responsive right away, answered each of my questions that I had. I spoke to Hector on the phone and he's a real nice guy, took the time to send me pictures of my car during the work, and now my car is running better than ever. I looked at all the transmission shops for quotes on my clutch replacement and SM Motors gave me the best deal in the Bay Area. Thank You SM Motors. read more