Excellent service, very helpful in explaining everything to me, 100 percent honest and upfront. The Auto Shop is a perfect place to take your vehicle. I would recommend them to anyone. I want to give a special thanks to Juan and Joe for all their help. Thank you. read more

I came in for a smog check after recently replacing some parts and clearing codes on my truck. I had driven it around afterward and thought I had given the emissions monitors enough time to reset. Apparently, they were not ready yet. This is where the problem begins. Any decent shop would contact the customer the moment they plugged in the truck, let them know the monitors were not ready, and tell them to drive it more and come back. That is not how this shop handled it. Instead, they charged me $50, called it a failed smog even though their own paperwork said "NOT READY," told me I would have to pay full price again when I came back, and then wanted another $150 to "diagnose" why it did not pass. The irony is that there was apparently nothing mysterious to diagnose. The monitors simply had not completed yet. They never clearly explained that to me. I ended up putting two and two together myself from the paperwork they handed me, and I fear many people have fallen prey to this trap and paid $150 for such a basic piece of information. When I went back in and pushed back on the charge, the guy behind the desk said, "It failed, and I told you it was $50 for a fail." I had only taken it here because they said they could squeeze me in. They were completely empty, probably for good reason. I was also confident that there was no warning light or any actual emissions problem that would cause the truck to fail. I pointed directly to the sheet where it said "NOT READY" and told him, "That does not say fail. It says not ready." His response was basically, "Well, we tried to test it and it didn't pass." That is a pathetic money grab for two seconds of work. At that point, I told him that we clearly have very different understandings of what a failed smog test means. To me, a vehicle actually being tested and failing emissions is very different from a vehicle simply not being ready to complete the test because its monitors are not yet ready. Then, to make the interaction even more bizarre, we were told that "they would have told us if we came in with better attitudes." So apparently, the explanation for what happened to your vehicle is something you only get if the staff approves of your attitude. Otherwise, they will apparently let you leave confused and offer to explain it for another $150. This isn't even true, given that when he said it failed over the phone I was quite pleasant and would have respected the entire process if there was actually an issue with the opacity test or some non CARB compliant part on the car. So this statement isn't true because he initially refused and asked $150 for diagnostic over the phone when I was kind and understanding, before I figured out they were pulling a scam. This could all have been avoided. Once they plugged the truck in and saw that the readiness monitors had not completed, they should have told me it needed to be driven more and had me return once it was actually ready to be tested. They should never have turned that into a $50 "failed" smog, refused to clearly explain what happened, told me I would have to pay again, and then tried to charge another $150 to diagnose it over the phone. I drove around more and went to an upstanding shop. Not only would that shop have let me know free of charge if the monitors were not ready, but it also had what I consider a pretty standard policy: if a vehicle actually fails, the customer receives a free retest within two weeks. If you do anything, do not come to this shop for a smog test. Go to any other nonpredatory, half-decent shop. Based on how this situation was handled, I would not trust them with repairs either. And if nothing else, I will consider the $50 a donation toward a better landline, because somehow you can barely understand a word they are saying on the phone despite the lobby being completely silent. I would not return, and I absolutely would not recommend this shop. read more

I desperately needed the brakes done on my 2015 Kia Sorento. When I called that morning they recommended I come by so they could take a look. I worked down the street so I picked the guy up and it was quickly determined I in fact needed front ant rear breaks. Even though it is not normal practice, he dropped me off and took it back to start working on them. I needed an oil change also so they had everything done early afternoon so I had my car back by the end of the day. I was very pleased with the job done and the cost. I will call The Auto Shop the next time I need any auto repairs. read more

I came here on a friend's recommendation. I called and made an appointment to get my brakes done. When I arrived I met Joey and we talked a bit about my car. I could tell right away that he knew a lot about cars since he was a master tech at Honda. Joey called me a little bit later and told me that my brakes didn't need to be done. I still had a lot of life left on them even though Santa Maria Honda said I was due. Since I'm not a heavy braker and my hybrid uses it's motor to generate breaking, it should be ok for another year. I didn't pay anything and came & got my car. Joey earned my trust and my business from now on. It also helps that he was significantly cheaper than the dealership for brakes (at least $100 or more). I plan on coming back soon to get some maintenance done and highly recommend coming here! read more

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I was broken down on 101, when AAA asked where do you want to take your vehicle? I'd googled and called this establishment describing my issues! The owner, Juan informed me that he was closing in 30 minutes, but it would be okay to toll & park in his Parking Lot! But he probably wouldn't be able to fix it for a couple of days! That was my only option, just passing through to go to Big Sur. So, we slept in our RV that night. In the morning we had the pleasure to meet & speak to Juan. He was very friendly and saw our situation and offered to work on our vehicle. He's the real deal for having compassion for others. He repaired our car quickly and we were heading to Big Sur in 4 hours! Juan has an extremely clean shop, is a top notch mechanic and has a very unique playful waiting room. read more

Got my old car smog tested. They were very prompt. I recommend this shop for anyone that wants a quick and easy transaction.

I had come to my hometown to visit a long time friend who had come in from Texas. As I was pulling off the highway my clutch master cylinder failed. It lasted a 300 mile road trip in traffic but the last exit got me. It was a known failure for my Civic with aftermarket clutches so I wanted to upgrade while I was at it. Hard part is finding a shop willing to install an aftermarket part. The Auto Shop welcomed my business and took no time installing it. My car was well taken care of at an extremely affordable price, did very well navigating around my highly modified engine bay. Did I mention they have about the best collection of Arcade Games a person could ever want. Thanks The Auto Shop! read more

They went out of their way to take care of us each time we went in. Knowledgeable and kind decent human beings. Thank you for all your help!

I'm not sure why this place has bad reviews. I have 6 cars and I've taken all of them here for their smogs. Cheap, fast, and friendly. What more are you looking for in a smog station. All cars and makes have gone through there: 2 new beetles, f250, Altima, Mustang, and a Pontianak grand am. Only complaint is the crappy daytime television shows that are always on. Haha read more

This was a highly disappointing experience, took my car in to have the timing chain and other parts replaced and was told they could do it and it would be done right. The car sat at the shop for a week while the parts came in, once they arrived I was told they didn't have the right tool and would need another week. Then they call the same week to tell me they have it in the air and now my water pump is leaking, but they didn't start any of the work I brought it in for. Once I was told the job was finished I got it back home open the hood to find my coolant and power steering reservoir not bolted down with the caps loose and my oil cap barely threaded on at all. They also used the wrong type of oil that is specified for my car. They had me come back in so they can look it over and "make things right" to which I was offered to buy my own oil and filter and they would do the labor. This labor alone was over $1300 and they failed to do the most basic things. I would not recommend anyone use this shop for their car. read more

I couldn't believe how quickly I got my car smogged today! Cody was really helpful, professional and nice, he got my car in as quickly as he said, the price was competitive and service exceptional. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

For years, I have taken my vehicles to the Auto Shop for SMOG. They beat everyone's prices and charged me only $35: no silly coupons needed, no nonsense. I had a 9:20am appt today and was out the door at 9:40am. You can't beat that. Plus, I received courteous service on the phone and in person. read more

Awesome service!! Joe always provides great high quality work at more a more than fair price... always leave happy and feel like I got more than what I paid for... read more

Charged me 1,100 to replace an oil temp gauge in a civic si. I found wiring hanging below my front splitter. Starting getting wierd vibes after a couple visits. Maybe they thought i was naive but i stopped feeling the respect and honesty. Besides that I was overcharged for a slop job read more

This place is amazing! Way above and beyond anything I expected! We were out of town and experienced car trouble! With four little ones in tow, the kind people of the Auto shop took care of us! Kind and professional! Even helped us secure a rental! We are incredibly thankful we found them! read more

This guy is so dishonest. I had to use Joe b/c my regular mechanic took time off during the Covid crisis. I guess he thought he could take advantage of me because I'm female. Well, my dad was a mechanic for forty years and I've owned all of my cars for over 20 years. He gave me a quote to put in a new engine but then called during the job and told me that it would be $500 more b/c he had decided to put in a new clutch. This is often a reasonable proposal b/c the engine is already out-so no extra labor-just cost for parts. However, instead of asking me like a reputable mechanic would, he tried to bully me into it. Unfortunately for Joe, I know the exact date that clutch was put in and it was relatively new. Also, with the engine already out, the cost for parts would only be appx. $230 (even at my very expensive mechanic's shop). When I told him no he BLEW HIS TOP and threw my engine in that evening in just a few hours. He returned the car with a broken motor mount and when I later had his work inspected, my mechanic confirmed he didn't do all of the work that was discussed and required (such as seals and etc.) to keep the engine warranty valid. Not only does this guy have the emotional maturity of a fourteen year old boy, but he'll lie to you to get more money out of you if he thinks he can get away with it. read more

Much better this time. Always had good customer service and always wandered if Josh was taking advantage of smogs using it to sell other parts, Well now Josh is gone and guess what I passed without forking out extra $$$. The owner, Theresa, is very helpful and noticed how much I have paid in the past. The mechanic found quite a few things on my vehicle that are going bad and game me a list. But my vehicle passed smog. (Did I already mention that) Lol. The new guy at the front counter is great. He is upbeat and very friendly. Seems to be a much happier and honest place. Like it before but I love it now. Thanks Theresa your top notch and so are tour employees! read more

I have never had a bad experience here. I ALWAYS get my car smog done here and they are quick and efficient. Those of you who complain about customer service must have been there on a BAD BAD day because Josh is the most friendly dude ever. Not only is he friendly but he's funny too. They used to have the DMV service but the state made it too hard for them to continue. GO THERE! read more

I have taken all my vehicles here for smog. The staff is awesome, especially Josh. If your vehicle doesn't pass smog, they will give you some ideas of what could be wrong so you can fix the problem. I will continue to take my vehicles there. read more

I have done over 10 vehicles, (yes, large family and business vehicles) and they always take care of me, onely had one bad gas cap in the bunch. read more

I have been going to Auto Shop for years, they are the best! Reasonable rates, friendly people. They do good work and do not scam you. They take time and go the extra mile. I wouldn't even consider going anywhere else. On my last visit I asked them about fixing my driver's side window. They took care of it for me and the price was very reasonable, the dealer would have charged me hundreds of dollars. I love these guys! read more

smog your car here! its cheap cheap. i paid a little over 40 bucks and was done in 20 mins plus if you don't pass they let you know whats wrong and they can even suggest what you can do to your car to increase your gas mileage. they also have DMV service so you don't have to wait in those long line and deal with government employees. they have coffee and TV., magazines, there is also McDonald's next door but you wont need it. before you know it they'll be done read more

This review is overdue for service provided that was above and beyond the call of duty. My cousin Roie is visiting from Israel with his wife and three young kids, including a newborn. It has been their dream to buy a trailer RV and an SUV to tow it with, and embark upon an extensive road trip to see the western US and Canada. After saving for years, in early March, they flew into LAX and bought their vehicles and moved-on with their journey. However, their dreams were almost shattered when they arrived near Santa Maria, as a dashboard warning light indicated that the Expedition they bought was unable to pull the weight of the trailer (which was only a few hundred pounds over the limit). They made it in to The Auto Shop highly discouraged and confused about their options. Thankfully, Joe and Teresa were there to help the family through their troubles. They were patient and caring and Joe got to work on inspecting the car, spending a good deal of time with it, including putting it up on the rack for a detailed evaluation. He determined that while there had been no damage, the car indeed would not pull the trailer. The dream was in real jeopardy . . . but Joe didn't stop there, he went on to consult with Roie about his best options, including which SUV they should buy in order to get safely on the road. The charge? Zero!! They could have easily charged an inspection fee or at least some minimum hourly charge for the time spent but they didn't. And, it didn't stop there . . . the family carefully drove into the next town where they had friends to stay with, and Joe spent a good deal of time on the phone with Roie about pending SUV purchases. They "both" settled on a Chevy Yukon and the trip was back on! (they are now happily and safely in British Columbia, still heading north to Alaska!). This is quality shop with quality caring people clearly willing to go the extra mile helping people out! Being that Roie has no Instagram account, he asked me to leave this review as a big thank you to Joe and Teresa or helping them to continue their dream. I know that he would give them ten stars if he could!! THANK YOU!!!! read more

Friendly folks however I have twice been failed on a gas cap (one I purchased there two years prior) and known four other people with varying vehicles to be failed on gas caps. Im not into the lowest price if they expect everyone to drop an extra $15 on a gas cap that wont pass after two years. read more

The guys there are so nice and respectful and the owner Joe is awesome. I will recommend this place to all my friends.

My elderly mother who is on a fixed income took her car here to get a smog and it didn't pass. They gave her a long list of things to be done so it would pass. I took it to another mechanic for a second opinion and they told me the list was not needed and that it only needed 1 thing done. Repair was made and vehicle passed smog. Be aware of this place!!!!! I am not sure what is going on here but that is not how to operate a business or treat a elderly woman. read more

Good people. Make an appointment ahead of time. Don't just roll in and expect a smog certificate in 25 minutes. Good price. Happy customer here. read more

First time trying them on a 'inexpensive' recommendation. They need to work on Customer Service. I had an appointment that I was 5 min early for and was ignored for 5 mins while the clerk chatted with someone about where they used to live. I mentioned I was on my lunch break and the clerk said...Yeah! I remember making your appt. and then proceeded to tell me the tech left early for lunch and then took TWO phone calls at the same time..again talking about personal things while I waited another 10 minutes. Another tech saw me waiting and offered to go get the smog tech who it turned out, was just outside - also talking to someone about cool cars they had. I waited a total of 20 minutes before my paperwork was started; which should have been how long the test was to take. Ultimately it took 35 minutes. No apology for the wait. And frankly, I hate to be ignored with or without an appt. With no one else waiting, I should have been helped immediately. No wonder their parking lot was empty. The little saving in price I spent in time off work. read more