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    Advanced Auto Tech

    4.3 (38 reviews)

    Services - Advanced Auto Tech

    Auto brake repair

    Auto engine repair

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    Waiting/payment area

    Came here for STAR station smog test. Quick and easy! Great choice for downtown residents. Paid with credit card.

    Charge for new brakes.
    Stephiie H.

    Second update: The owner falsely claimed that I own a 2008 Prius and that I requested a check engine light diagnosis and that the "first and last date I was here was 10/22/2018" but my receipts proof otherwise. I'm not sure if we are both talking about the same issue because I went to get new brakes not request a check engine light diagnostic. Considering there was no sigh of my check engine line having gone off until after I went and got my brakes done and the technician let us know it went off and he could fix it for an additional $75. What great customer service. Let me remind you his first comment had to do with me "mistaking" his shop for someone else's and that they don't charge that much for brake services. But I have provided receipts to prove his false comments and claims wrong. Update: Found my receipt and emailed the owner pictures of proof that I was in fact at his shop when I went in and got my breaks done and I have yet to hear back from him. I guess he does not like being proved wrong? In my previous review I stated $500 but I was wrong and I was charged $450.85 upon payment--not that $50 makes much of a difference. My point being that I feel as if I was overcharged and to be told that from other mechanics made me feel like I was taken advantage of. It is hard to find reputable honest mechanics out here and I thought I would give this business the benefit of the doubt. Especially, considering I had just moved to the area and they were walking distance from me. Nonetheless I will take this as a learning experience and make sure to let my neighbors, family, and friends know so they avoid getting over charged and taken advantage of. Not to mention that electrically there was nothing wrong with my car and the mechanic that worked on the brakes Pham told my fiancé and I when we got to the auto shop to pick up our car that the check engine light came on (and he looked at it prior to us having any knowledge of him doing so) and for another $75 he could fix it. I would like to know what business he had inspecting my car when all I needed were new breaks. So, not only did it cost $450.85 but we went home with a brand new issue with our car as well.

    Andy N.

    Found this shop while looking for Star Smog test station near my house. Was referred here by good reviews of a friend of mine. My car was due for smog test, star. Call to schedule appointment, the service advisor was polite and told me to come on in right away. The smog took about 15 mins, very fast and efficient. They sent my certificate electronically to dmv once it pass. Price was reasonable. The parking lot was easy to enter, and plenty parking. I notice they also offer oil changes, brakes, and all engine repair drivability issues include check engine light on. I will use them again in the future. Friendly workers.

    In for an oil change
    Silar K.

    Came in for a quick oil change. I think it was Dave who helped me in. I called in about getting my oil changed if I brought my own oil and filter. He said no problem. The service was quick and a breeze. I live down the street so this is now my new spot! I can't believe I haven't come here sooner. I came in on an early morning Wednesday. I was the only one there, so for quick service, try coming around that time.

    Right on the corner of 16th and K st.

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    7 years ago

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    Jon P.

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    9 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    19 years ago

    I've had Dave the owner work on my old Jetta many times and he always does a good job for a very reasonable price.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Came in for a Smog Check. Was in and out of there within 20 minutes. Manager was friendly, helpful and efficient. Competitive pricing too.

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Even tho they couldn't fix my car they refunded me some money and gave me info on what else to do with my vehicle. Good guys .

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    Thao Auto Repair

    Thao Auto Repair

    4.4
    (249 reviews)

    It's unfortunate because I really wanted to give this place a try, it would've been convenient for…read moreus 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.

    It's September 2025. Here's an update…read more 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

    AA Smog Shop

    AA Smog Shop

    4.7
    (62 reviews)

    About a week, I made a verbal fleet servicing agreement with AA Smog Shop San Diego Auto Clinic…read more They're a small shop in a dicey location, but I like to support small businesses and have grown to trust many small businesses around San Diego for my fleet. I sent my 1st vehicle to them 4/9/13 and everything went as promised. Today, 4 days later, I sent a 2nd vehicle and the price was all of a sudden 15% higher. Same vehicle model, same engine, & same service. Having spent some time talking to the owners CJ and Nan when initially setting up terms, I thought it must be an honest mistake. When I called, Nan mentioned some additional fees that were not outlined in the first invoice. She said she was unaware of the exact deal we had made, but she would talk to CJ about it. It just seemed like miscommunication. CJ called me back, I explained the situation by calmly and politely referring back to the 1st invoice they sent me. CJ proceeded to go back on our original agreement citing oil prices (wasn't that calculated on the initial agreement?), told me to go somewhere else, and hung up. This was unexpected as my original agreement was discussed with them over the span of multiple conversations. It feels like a bait and switch. It feels like the additional charge was added on purpose in hopes that I would not be paying attention to my invoicing.

    I was due for my bi-annual smog test and, as usual, was waiting until the last minute. I decided…read moreto try my best to get it in during my lunch hour and was looking on Yelp for a convenient location with good reviews, and I had to find a required star station. I was not led astray. I pulled into AA Smog around 12:15 on a Wednesday afternoon. I was the only car there. However, right after that, two other cars pulled in behind me. The attendant, maybe the owner, jumped out to greet me. He took my info and DMV paperwork. He quoted me $65 dollars, which I found quite reasonable, as other nearby places charge more, even when they claim to be offering a discount. I sat down in one of of the few lawn chairs to wait. Literally, five minutes later, my car had passed and was ready to go. On top of that, the person who helped me was quite friendly and chatted with me about his four cockatiels who were there with him. Getting Smogged is never something was want to do, but something we have to do. AA Smog Shop made it easy.

    Miramar Auto Repair - Japanese Auto Plus

    Miramar Auto Repair - Japanese Auto Plus

    4.6
    (243 reviews)

    Highly recommend for road trip prep!…read more This is an amazing place to get your vehicle inspected before a long road trip. I booked online, noted my concerns in the text box, and dropped my car off the next day. After checking in at the office, I walked Joey through my concerns and opted for a Post-Purchase Inspection. Joey sent over the findings quickly and gave me his honest, upfront opinion on what needed immediate attention before my trip versus what maintenance could wait until I reached my destination. He also provided a clear copy of the inspection quotes so there were no surprises. In the end, they completed the full inspection, replaced the car battery, and fixed a coolant leak for around $550+ (including taxes). I definitely recommend this shop! Pro-tip: Try to get there early in the day, as on-site parking and road traffic can get a bit hectic later on.

    Bottom Line Upfront: Miramar Auto Repair is one of the best values of any auto shop in San Diego…read more Jason and Pedro were exceptional in taking care of me, and finding a solution to a very technical challenge. I brought in my Honda Ridgeline for an issue with my AC. Jason worked with me at the front-desk and went above and beyond to understand my issue and the troubleshooting I had already done. He explained to me CONCISELY what the feasible issue may be, and how they were going to approach a diagnosis. Jason was extremely knowledgeable, and followed up promptly to discuss the fix. Pedro was also exceptional. He found the issue (rodent-chewed wires) and repaired it perfectly. When I picked up my car, he was as excited as I was to have helped me. Before Miramar Auto, I took my truck to the Honda dealer, and they charged twice as much for a diagnosis, only to tell me that I would need a new compressor (incorrect diagnosis) and that it would cost twice as much as I ended up paying out the door at Miramar auto. I couldn't believe how easy Miramar Auto made it. To say that Jason, Pedro, and Miramar Auto are honest, fair, and made me feel taken care of... would be an understatement. They have rightfully earned another lifelong customer. Thank you Miramar Auto!

    Advanced Auto Tech - autorepair - Updated August 2026

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