This is the second time I go to this shop for a car repair. Loan quoted a reasonable price for repainting

It's unfortunate because I really wanted to give this place a try, it would've been convenient for us since we manage multiple vehicles, and I was hoping to build a solid business relationship. On 4/14 I brought in an Escalade after replacing the rear brakes because it started throwing multiple warning lights, even though the ABS sensor and brakes were already replaced. I understand newer vehicle technology can sometimes cause glitches even with simple repairs, so I trusted they'd be able to diagnose and fix it. They charged a $130 diagnostic fee, which I was completely fine with. The next day, they said they needed to reset the computer for $390. Since I had already paid for the diagnostic and was told it would go toward the repair, I agreed. The following day, I was told they couldn't reset it and that I'd need a new module for $3,468.54. I declined and decided to get a second opinion from our regular mechanic. I still paid the $390 plus a $13.65 service charge, which I later found out was a credit card fee. The next day, I took the vehicle to our regular mechanic. Within 2 hours, they cleared the stored codes and the vehicle was ready, total cost: $120. No waiting days, no module replacement, and no unnecessary upsell. I waited a couple of weeks before writing this review to make sure the issue didn't come back, and also spoke with Barry to see if anything could be done about the $403.65 I paid. I felt it was unfair to be charged for a service that ultimately wasn't completed. I would've been completely fine just paying the $130 diagnostic fee. Unfortunately, he declined, stating the charge was for their time. I understand time was spent, but from a business standpoint, I wouldn't feel right charging a client for a repair that wasn't successfully completed, especially when the vehicle left in the same condition it arrived. Because of this experience, I wouldn't return or recommend this shop to others. I think it's important for people to know that you may end up paying for work that doesn't actually resolve the issue. read more

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

It's September 2025. Here's an update. Service was better than expected. I took my car in for a diagnostics. Thao was the 3rd diagnosis for me. I need certainty. Since all three reliable and reputable mechanics disagreed, I went with my instinct. Thus, maybe my vehicle was complex. What I will say is that they provide fair pricing, they recommend a diagnostic despite what a different mechanic may have suggested, and they communicate in a timely manner without wasting your time. *No customer drop off/ pick up provided read more

I got an oil change here for my 2025 Corolla Hybrid. Barry helped me out, he was courteous and straight forward. I prefer to make appointments when getting auto services done, but at Thao's, it is first come first serve. He told me this when I called to inquire. I think there were two cars in front of me (I was there pretty much right after it opened) and I waited about an hour and a half or so. If you are cool with the wait, I would recommend this shop for automotive services. read more

See all

High quality work completed to our family's vehicles including Ram, Toyota and Honda cars and trucks. Honest and very thorough. This is the shop I turn to for Any maintenance in not able to do on my own. Highly recommended! read more

Dropped off my CRV early in the morning to have Thao's team install a catalytic converter cage/box. I also had them reset the TPMS light that's been going off on the dash. Was greeted by Barry at drop off. Service couldn't have been easier and more convenient. I appreciate the shop's communication before hand too when asking about the services they offer. Learned that they have their own machine shop too, which I found pretty interesting. In talking to them they showed me an oil leak they found upon installing the catalytic converter for a possible future repair and provided a quote. Would consider taking it back for the repair in the future based on the great service they provided. Would highly recommend to have your car serviced here if in the area. read more

See all

Will recommend this place to everyone. It's hard to find quality care with just genuine concern and I felt safe! I went for a quote and didn't expect to have my issue resolved, they weren't money hungry and wasn't trying to find a way to take advantage of my problem. The concern and attention at addressing my car issue(my truck) Really made my day. Will go back for future work. Checks all the boxes . Thanks so much! read more

I needed maintenance service as my car (2010 Rav4) is over 200k miles. I was greeted by Barry who was professional and has great customer service. He was able to take my car in the same day. He called me, gave me an estimate on what services my car needed, and how long it would take (2 days). He said we can get the services done bit by bit. Love that! I wanted everything done at once. They actually finished in a day! When I picked up the car, the price was less than the estimate. Great! He also gave me a list of recommended services for the future. I took my car for a drive, went on the freeway, drove around the neighborhoods. Everything checks out :) I highly recommend Thao Auto Repair. I will be coming back for future services. Thanks, Barry! read more

Always amazing service and amazing people. Take my car here for everything I can. Trust them completely

Great customer service and fair prices. As a single female I'm also wary of going to car shops but the staff here made me feel super comfortable and not like they were looking to nickel and dime me. Highly recommend for a good neighborhood biz to support! read more

Just got an oil change,No BS, first come first served,good prices,Will Definitely be back.

Had a great experience with Le, Barry, and the team and highly recommend them! My car's window regulator broke and wouldn't roll back up. Le offered a fair price via Yelp quotes for the repair and Barry was able to get me in promptly. I wanted my own part installed and they were glad to accommodate that. Repair was done in a couple hours and I have a functional window again. Happy to have found a local shop that I trust for future issues with my car! read more

My daughter is at school in SD and I'm down for the weekend and notice she needed an oil change on her car. She didn't pay much attention. We asked her classmate who lives here who the family's mechanic is and was referred to this shop. I called at 8:30am on Monday and told what I need and he gave me the price and tell me it can be done while I wait. It's not a car dealership service but a car repair shop that has outdoor bays. They are there to do what is needed for your car. I waited in a small waiting room. Oil change was done within 40mins while I waited. Lee was the one who greeted me when I called, drove you and also let me know when the car was done. I paid and feel 100% better now that my daughter's car is serviced. Totally recommend this place. It'll be our go to for our car service need while she's at school in the area read more

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

See all

I've been going to Thao since 2001 . Great family business. They get things done and back up there work. Take your car and don't worry about anything assuring that all your cars will be done properly. read more

Thao Auto Repair - 3sgte build - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I literally used the broken key until May of 2024 then i called a mobile locksmith that did fob's and he came to where I was and gave me a brand new key for $180. You are a crook that took advantage of me and overcharged me and then blamed me when the key broke because you saw me drop my phone. Karma. read more

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

Employee of my company made the mistake of putting def fuel into the diesel. Boy was that a mistake. Called around a few auto shops that were local. These guys were able to take my truck right away. Estimated quote was more than reasonable and looking forward to getting the truck back up and running. Thanks lee! read more

Thao Auto Repair - Def fuel crystalized - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Getting a quick smog check on my new car. I remember coming here many years ago. The team is still very nice.

I brought my Toyota Prius for a smog check. it was fast and inexpensive. I had gotten a quote on Yelp beforehand ($25), brought it with me, and it was honored. I would definitely go back! read more

Barry was so nice and accommodating. He got me In the same day and replaced my mirror in less than an hour. Great price too!!

Great customer service, professional, quick, and pricing was great! I will be coming back whenever I need something fixed. Thank you Thao!!!

I got a smog check done at this shop and I had a great experience! The service was fast and the price was great! I will definitely be going back. read more

I love Thoa's! Any time I need car work for any of our family cars (even if it's an oil change), I go to Thao. Good, fast and not expensive!

I broke my bumper while down in San Diego on a trip from San Jose and needed an emergency fix to get back to San Jose. I called in and Le said he'd take a look at it. The service was super fast, affordable, and personable. I highly recommend this shop if you are looking for an honest and affordable car repair. read more

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

See all

This place goes against all stereotypes of auto mechanics. Le is very honest and straight forward. He will tell you when you do and don't need his services. My 2014 Honda odyssey needed some much over due love and got it at Thao's Auto. Will definitely be back. Thanks! read more

Excellent and efficient service with great customer service. I called about a smog test and Lee advised the best time to come in with minimal wait. I stayed in lounge area no more than 10-15 mins. Rick provided the smog test service. He even checked my tire pressure and all four were 10lbs low. Thank you for checking Rick. Smog test was $25 with Yelp otherwise $35. Let them know in advance. I paid with a debit card due to $3 credit card charge. I highly recommend Thoa Auto for smog tests. Based on the service I received I will consider them if I need a mechanic. read more

If you're in need of auto repair I highly consider you call Lee and see how he can help you. About three weeks back I had the dreaded oil spot show up on my driveway. After lifting up my car and checking that the drain plug and oil filter were not loose or over torqued, I was concerned the leak would be a bit more in-depth. I checked around on Yelp a bit and after a call with Lee I decided to have him take a look. I showed up at 8:45 the next day and he put my car on a lift and checked around. He determined that the oil leak was coming from the oil pressure switch. I left the car to wander around North Park a few hours, he ordered the part and replaced it. I checked in with Lee in the early afternoon and my car was finished up. It's been a week or so since the repair and there are no longer oil stains on my driveway. Lee is the wizard at diagnosing and Steve is the ninja with a wrench. The warranty on repairs is 3,000 miles or 3 months. I highly recommend the team at Thao Auto Repair. read more

Simply the best, most honest mechanic, and always willing to work with you. I previously had a smog check and a few oil changes done here, always at excellent prices and with speedy service. Recently, I had a pretty large repair job. Le told me straight-up what the cost estimate would be, advised me on whether it would be better to go through my insurance, and was accommodating of my budget. He was also up-front about the fact that, between dealing with the insurance and having to order parts, the repair would take several weeks. Imagine my surprise when he called me in less than two weeks to let me know it was done! My car looks good as new, and he handled all of the supplemental costs with my insurance. To be frank, I know next to nothing about cars, but I feel like I have a decent understanding of people, and Le and his staff are good people. I feel taken care of as a customer and know I can trust the team here. We San Diegans are lucky to have a dependable business like Thao Auto Repair in the neighborhood. read more

Thao Auto Repair - Beyond pleased with Thao Auto Repair's service and work. Thank you! - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

Super quick and easy service, got in and out within 30 minutes. Not to mention best price around, only paid $40 which is a life saver. Thank you Derry for polite and keen professionalism. read more

Quick and efficient oil change. Would cone again. Price was compatible to other places

I came here for an oil change and it was quick and easy! They were able to take me same day, with only an hours notice! I called around for pricing and the Oil Changers quoted me $46 since I had my own oil and filter... Thao Auto repair did it for $20 !!! Anything over $30 is a rip off, so I was presently surprised they were able to get it done for me at such a low price. It took about a half hour. The person I interacted with, assuming the owner, was super nice and helpful. No complaints from me, and I will definitely be going back! read more

Thao Auto Repair - Oil Change - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

service was quick, quote was accurate and repairs were done right. What more can I ask for? Great jobs guys!

I was very pleased with the smog service that I received at Thao Auto Repair. I am planning on using them for any auto repairs that come up in the future. read more

A little pricier but overall great experience. They have a large shop with more staff than the other shop I usually go to. Very professional in quoting and estimating. Came in for a very standard service : oil change and tire rotation. They said to come in at any time which was a welcome relief. Dropped off the car and walked around close to north park area to find coffee (there wasn't a big lobby area in the shop)- beware of homeless and crazy ppl in the area if you're walking around - as with any place-- FYI.. then got a call to come back. If you pay with debit you will get a better total. I'd come back, thank you for your prompt and kind service. read more

Too tricky. They are not honest with the price. I told them to replace the engine front seal. They said there are many seals.

I needed rear shocks/struts done on my car so I asked for quotes on many auto places via yelp. The owner of Thao auto repair (Le?) was very responsive and quoted a very reasonable price. My car needed to be special ordered so I had to put a small deposit down in person prior to making an appt but they worked with me even when my schedule conflicted so I totally recommend this place. Just a heads up, they're very busy so make an appt! There isn't a customer lounge so be ready to drop off car and return when done. read more

If I could give Barry 10 stars I would! My car needed a new transmission (high mileage car) and my car was only in the shop for 1 day! He's an absolute miracle worker, I'm so grateful he had my car ready for me so quickly as I rely on my car for work. Not only was he quick but he gave me the best price. If you want an honest and efficient mechanic look no further, Barry is your guy! read more

I'm super happy I found this place. Le responded promptly to my inquiries on Yelp and I was able to bring my car in without an appointment. He greeted me as soon as I pulled up and immediately honored the Yelp deal -- $25 out the door for a smog test including DMV approved certificate. Cheapest place I could find around town and I was in and out within 15 minutes. How can excellent service be even better? Free Girl Scout cookies. Yes, Le gave me a box of Thin Mints (my favorite overpriced cookies :d) on the house. Thanks, Le!!! read more

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

See all

Came here on a Friday morning and there was no line for smog check. No frills, quick and easy smog check for $25 with check in offer. $35 without check in offer. filling out paperwork was all done inside my car and just dropped it off. The only indoor interaction was when I went in to pay. They charge a credit card service fee, so pay with cash or debit to avoid additional fees. I opted to take a walk and come back 20 mins later to avoid the waiting rooms and to be around people. read more

They gave my 2014 VW Tiguan a smog check/oil change and it was a great price, friendly service and done in about an hour.

Two five-star trips in six months to Thao Auto Repair, both times for brakes. This review however, is not about brakes, this review is about honesty. While waiting for Le to pull my wheels off to get a quick look before serving up my price of repairs I was joined in the waiting room by a nice woman, at least 25 years my senior, who was there for an oil change. This is where Thao Auto Repair shows how awesome they are... "You can go ahead and leave, no service is needed for you," Le says. The woman was shocked, we both were actually. In an industry riddled with dishonesty, the low hanging fruit of a cash grab disguised by an oil change that wasn't actually needed was ripe for the taking but honesty and moral business prevailed. The customer didn't need a service, therefore the business didn't quote a price for service, and sent the customer home with an estimate of when to return when they believed the vehicle would be ready - stand up business morals. read more