soapy joe's SM is THE BEST. i only come here for car washes their membership is a great deal and the employees are so friendly always taking care of their customers. if you are looking for a car wash come here you will not want to go to any other place!(: read more

There's a sucker born every minute and yesterday, I was the moron who spent $30 on a drive thru car wash. YES! A drive thru car wash! When I drove up, I will admit - I was super confused. I needed a hand car wash bad and with all the rain lately, I was over due in a bad way. I chose this car wash because I had to pick up something at the Lowe's nearby and rather than driving to Encinitas to my normal car wash spot, I thought this would work. I had no idea it was a drive thru car wash and perhaps I should've looked on yelp before I actually decided to give this a try. The RIGHT side of the drive up is for the car wash. As far as I could tell...there was a $5 option, $7 option and then a $10 option--with self vacuuming! What the...? And then the prices jumped up to $50 for a detail. I didn't want a detail, I just wanted a really good cleaning on the outside and the inside wiped down and vacuumed. The nice young gentleman said that he could do that for $30. I ended up biting and had buyers remorse the minute he said..."ok, drive your car through the car wash and then back drive around. We'll vacuum and wipe down the leather then". My immediate thought: Oh! So, I stay IN my car and let the damn machine do all the work....for $30! I did what I was told and aligned my wheels with the "machine". Two guys took a broom and washed the the tires...and then, the car was on its way through the car wash. Upon exiting, there's another two guys to dry your car down. I think this is meant to get most of the water off but not all because when I drove off, there was water running down the back window. I have to be honest though, I felt as if I were that fish in a fish bowl. Awkward just sitting there... I pulled into the LEFT side of where I initially pulled up to and finally abandoned my vehicle for them to do their magic. They said that there was a "lobby" for me to wait in but it was just a large, cold (literally and figuratively) empty room with two leather couches and some Jerry Springer type show playing on the TV. I ended up sitting outside. When I got my car, the inside of my car was actually pretty clean but as expected, with the "drive thru" car wash, the front grill was not actually as clean as I wanted it and the hood of my car still had stuff on it. Also, my rims still had a lot of crap on it. It's expected because they used a BROOM to wash them. There were a lot of smudges on the front window and driver window as well from the conditioner that they put on the leather which irked me the most. When I got home, I had to re-clean my own windows and then some. I don't mind paying money for a good car wash but when I pay $30 for a car wash, I expect my car to be spotless and I don't have to do much except admire my clean car. Sadly this was not the case here. On the brighter side, the people with whom I came into contact with were very friendly and pleasant. I imagine, if you're looking for a cheap $5-$7 car wash with self vacuuming, this would be a great option for you. read more

Soapy Joe's - Driving through.... - Car Wash Near Me - San Marcos, California

Well now that I have a car again, she needs to be treated right. Soooo I got the monthly wash. Its cheap and easy, and who doesn't like cheap and easy. Hehe For 15 bucks I get the drive thru car wash, and do it yourself vacuums and towels. I kind of like doing these things myself so if your more of a hands on kind of person this is for you. I have had nothing but good experiences with the services each time. Im a fan, for sure! I hope it stays this way. read more

$5 car wash... It's a drive thru car wash. You're sitting in your car and you place your car in neutral. There's a dude that scrubs your car before entering the wash, and at the end, there is another dude (or 2) that hand dries your car. It's kinda weird that you're just sitting there while they do all this since at times you may lock odd stares with the employees. You vacuum your own car so there are stations whereby you can use their super strong vacuums. I didn't mind. I usually vacuum my car anyways after a full service car wash because I'm OCD like that. They also provide towels in a bin should you want to dry all the water streaks and touch ups. If it's not crowded, you can be done within 10-15mins. read more

Makiya was amazing, probably the best employees in the whole place hands down!! Please promote her if y'all haven't, shoot at least a raise. The manager did voice that she gets lots of compliment so I hope she has been given some type of praise or incentive for her good work, it's hard to work out here in the hot sun and have a great attitude at the same time. I give it to you girl!! Keep it up! I hope she sees this and it makes her day Even though something kind of annoying happened when I was here with poor communication from employee to customer with who was in line before me for the vacuums I almost feel it doesn't matter because of how great the first impression was. read more

Poor overall design. Lines are way too long and dangerous if you get stuck out on the street. I didn't even stay to use the vacuums because I would have cut through two rows of waiting cars to do so. I doubt I'll ever go back. read more

Pablo and Xochitl are awesome!! I appreciate the smiles and the terrific customer service!! Thank you for making my day!! Grey BMW read more

The good news - they are back in business. No more guy taking your money - instead there are 2 machines taking credit card or cash - but line now is before the machines. The car wash tunnel looks the same with the guy with the super spongy soaping your car just before entering the drive thru. Also if you were tipping the 2 guys at the end who were wiping the car down - no more (savings $1). You just wait for a green light at the end of the car wash and GO. The bottom line is - you cannot go wrong for a $5 (still the same price as before reconstruction) for a basic outside only car wash. read more

'Twas looking for a go-to car wash in good ol' San Marcos... I decided to venture to Soapy Joe's. I pass by here on a weekly basis, and always thought the rows of blue vacuum stations looked swell. Well, today was the day! An "Average Joe" (that's me!) car wash includes the basics - wash, rinse, dry, vacuum. Wash, rinse, and dry goodness happens on the conveyor when you shift your car to neutral. Kinda fun... I even took a picture! (yeah my life is kinda boring right now) Obviously, it's one of those automatic drive-through washes, so your car will be clean but not squeaky clean. Meh, good enough for a poor grad student like myself. I paid $20 for 4 washes, plus 1 free - essentially $4 per wash. No tip included too, because you're the one working your ass off vacuuming and drying your car! Unlimited vacuum is the best part. read more

Soapy Joe's - Magic potion - Car Wash Near Me - San Marcos, California

Amazing customer service! Dennis and Justin are extremely helpful. Great car wash, includes air freshener. Very good job. Place has vacuums and towels for after. They even have monthly plans and rates for if you wash often. Did I mention the crazy good customer service? read more

So I'm back with an updated review for soapy joes; this place does have great deals for car washes because you can receive unlimited washes if you are part of their membership program. Well it went downhill after I noticed some minor scratches on my new malibu. At first it was a big deal to me because it can be removed by a detailer, but then I began to get more and more every time I washed my vehicle. Therefore I decided to withdraw my membership and get my car washed else where. I would have rated this place a one star but because of their unlimited washes and great smelling freshener, I decided to rate them two stars. read more

I love this place! The staff is always smiling and they waive hi! Recently, I had my AirPod fall out of my ear and I vacuumed it up by accident I was so sad!!! But the staff assured me that they would look and I even offered to come back at closing to help and they said that wasn't necessary. Early the next morning I got a call that they searched through all that trash and found it!!! I'm so excited!!! It'll need some disinfecting before I use it again lol but YES!!!! I'll be buying them cupcakes to show my appreciation as they would not accept any tips! thank you staff!!! read more

I signed up for the membership four months ago. Yesterday so Soapy Joe's deducted the monthly fee with an 28% increase. No emails, no phone calls, nothing. That's pretty shitty business conduct. I did like their service but stuff like that crosses a line. I canceled. Might be at $50 a month in a year. Hell no! read more

Fast and easy quick get in and out for a quick wash don't have to wait in a long line super friendly workers

The Mgr responded. The problem for me was I was driving through San Marcos looking for a car wash. When I saw the price for a one time wash I assumed it was a full serve car wash because that is the typical price for a full serve car wash. By the time I got to the worker I had already paid and I couldn't back out. I understand the concept of people doing th labor themselves from the cost of labor to hire workers, but $12 bucks is way too high when you must do half the work yourself. They should charge far less for a one-time trial read more

I have been a member for several years now. My son purchased a $100 gift card thinking I could use towards my membership but I cant. They said i could use it for "extras"... what? i have a 15 year old car, no extras needed. When my card on file expired I decided I would use the gift card - they have a buy 5 get 1 free option but you cant use gift card for that - They have Annual pass you can purchase for $125 bur you cant use gift card for that either..so disappointed. I loved Soapy Joes but once my gift card is empty, I will not be renewing my membership. There are other places around and I am sure they will appreciate my business. Do better. read more

I've been a member at Soapy Joe's since May of 2017! I typically go there to get my car washed once a week. The only thing that bothers me is the fact that the paint is chipping off the sides surrounding my front dashboard window. I know for a fact that this isn't just normal wear and tear, as my car is a relatively new Honda Civic (2015). Debating canceling my membership, so that the paint chipping doesn't get worse! Would recommend for something quick, affordable and easy, if you have an older car and aren't too picky about the exterior aesthetic. Will post pictures of my dash soon! read more

Last few times I visited they are either closed or some technical difficulties and none of staff are even capable or willing to fix them. Such a waist of time constant irresistibly. read more

Every time I come here the staff are very welcoming and helpful. Soapy Joe's in San Marcos is my go to car wash spot!!! Excellent service and excellent washes every time!! read more

Went to Costco and bought the year pass (saved a bunch of money), I love that it is quick, easy, cheap, and the air fresheners are a great touch ! Friendly staff and I highly recommend it to my friends. read more

Great location, and employees are always friendly and responsive. No excuse to have a dirty car.

Had a great experience here. Fast and easy place for a wash. Best part is the staff. Paid for the lowest rate car wash and it didn't get the job completely done. Thankfully, Dennis at the register kindly let me go through again to get rid of the leftover dirt and stains. He was more than happy to help us and was super supportive. Was completely satisfied with the second run through and learned that the super joe is definitely worth the price! Definitely will come back here and will recommend to family and friends. read more

This young kid who is running the imaginary line for people waiting to vacuum their vehicles was nothing but rude and unprofessional. Let me explain.. All spots are full for vehicles to park/vacuum. I've been waiting with my hazards on in CLEAR sight where he has just been staring at me... doesn't say a word .. wave at me.. approach me... nothing.... so I obviously think nothing and continue to wait... well I see a spot about to open in up. So I wait... these 2 cars pull up OUT OF NOWHERE..... (mind I've been waiting for 15 min) These 2 cars have obviously been to this location before... well...this kid blocks me from parking and let's those 2 cars go into the now open spots after he has WATCHED me waiting for the last 15 min. I roll down my window to address him and a rudely said all slow ..... there's a line..... so I asked him where the sign was?????????? He repeats himself with an attitude like I should know this already. There was NO SIGN !!!! I repeat NO SIGNNNNNNNNN So how would someone new to your location know that????????? smh! and why didn't he come up and tell me that after he watched me waiting for the last 15 min ????? Instead of doing good business and coming up to let me know, he made a point by skipping me and making me wait longer to figure it out. This kid isn't capable of running an imaginary line and doesn't treat your customers well whatsoever. I would consider finding a replacement or at least putting a sign up so he has that to fall back on when he purposely tries to piss your customers off. This happened at 3:00 on 8/23/2021 read more

Dennis was helpful and went above and beyond ! he wiped my water spots on my car due to the fact that it was 100 degrees outside saving my wash keeping my car spotless and clean, gave me a an air freshener too thanks bruh ! -Blue Honda Civic Giustav read more

What an awesome visit to the car wash Dennis assisted me with all my questions and made my visit very pleasant My car looks great too Thank you Dennis read more

RAUL is AWESOME. His phenomenal customer service and positive energy is absolutely contagious! He's extremely on top of it with efficiently directing cars on busy days with a positive attitude. This place also has way more cleaning stalls than Rancho Bernardo. I believe it's 15-20 stalls! Their towels are always fully stocked and changed out. Kudos to the manager running this place. I've been going here for years as a monthly member ($15/ month for UNLIMITED washes). Can't beat it. Recommended!!! read more

Really convenient spot with a good variety of options. The unlimited washes per month is a godsend with how much my car gets dirty throughout the week, and the complimentary vacuums and rags are something that so few other car washes offer. Some spots don't always have rags available in their bins but I've never had any issue finding another lane with them in stock read more

The sales associate Ray was such a big help in helping pick out which deal it was better for my car wash this evening. Extremely friendly also I may add, My car always comes out better washed at this location than others as well. read more

Terrible. The line is always so long you cant pull in or out. There are never spots available. And the washing devices have damaged my car twice. read more

Anthony helped me take care of my situation over the phone. He was so great, patient and was very personable. I truly felt like he cared and was looking out for my best interest. He took his time and let me know what he was going to do and the time expectations, he thanked me and even called me back to let me know that he was working on it. Thank you so much Anthony! You were awesome!!! read more

The Soapy Joe's in San marcos is awesome! Especially the workers there. I broke a dozen eggs in the trunk of my car, and Samuel went the extra mile and offered to rinse off the plastic liner in my trunk of all the egg yolk mess! Thanks Samuel, keep up the good work, and this business will continue to get great patronage! read more

Great place to get your car clean!! Exceptional customer service and perfect spot to get your car new and shiny! Plus it's open until 9pm yay! My new go to place for car washes! read more

They love offering sales, but don't tell you if it's raining they offer half ass services. I have a membership and on a rainy day like today they barely have staff to assist with washing your car and keep all the vacuums off. What's the point of offering $1 deals during rainy season if you ain't even open for real business? read more

What incredible service we got. Obviously with this COVID-19 issue hurting a lot of businesses, I really appreciate the extra effort and service to resolve a billing question I had. They were quick and friendly, and though I don't live in the area anymore, I will continue to send people their way out of appreciation for the level of service we received. read more

This is not a hand car wash. It has brushes and should not come up as a hand car wash. Not cool.

Elias (the manager) is a consummate professional. When I approached with a particular issue, he immediately went above and beyond for me in a way that will gave lasting value. It's not often you run into such an understanding individual. As far as the car wash itself goes... I've been coming here since they first opened and have yet to be disappointed by any aspect of the wash, or customer service. The equipment seems to be state-of-the art and the FREE vacuums have great suction power! The entrance can look like a traffic jam sometimes, however it's not as bad as it appears. Cars move through the wash at a good rate and there always seems to be an available vac when you need it. I'll be signing up for the membership program - something I never pictured myself doing at a car was. They're just that good. Keep up the stellar work!! read more

Great service, staff was very kind and helpful. Would recommend for a quick and easy car wash.

Great car wash! Some people's downside might be they have to do the vacuuming and drying theme selves but for me its perfect! I prefer to do it myself. The vacuums are strong. Only complaint is the mildew smell in the microfiber towels(vinegar in the wash would fix that). When i went to purchase my car wash there was a nice lady named Mikaya there, she was so very helpful and nice and had great customer service! Will definitely be coming again. read more

Employees are friendly and the washes are good and there is always clean towels to finish the job

I recently bought a monthly membership with Soapy Joe's. After several attempts to get in for the first time, I finally beat the horrible lines to get in. After fighting the lines, I asked the attendant at the machine to redeem my monthly subscription. He told me that I needed to go inside to do that, even though the e-mail said only to "see attendant for redemption." The attendant was not helpful and told me to backup and find parking, even though there were several cars directly behind me and no parking was available except in the red zone. I told him that I would rather just cancel and not deal with this headache of lines, etc. he told me I can go inside to cancel. The attendant tried backing me into a pole. Eventually, I was able to get out of the mess and I found a parking spot and went inside. After waiting 15 minutes at the single register (and hearing the customer in front of me angry and upset since they were charging him a monthly subscription even though the services he is paying for have been down for 3 weeks) I was told that I can't cancel inside here and that I need to call "corporate." The manager and staff were rude and seemed to not care about customers. It was apparent that this place is charging people for services that aren't being used since several of their car wash equipment is down. It was also apparent that they don't seem to care about customer service. The manager said "I will take care of this and e-mail corporate." I had to e-mail him a couple days later and get a follow up and still don't know if they will refund me and cancel my subscription since I haven't used it once. When I was leaving, the attendant said "did they take care of you inside, I told him no, and he just shrugged his shoulders and kept walking. I will never use this place read more