I took 2 of my cars there and both times i wasn't treated well. My Saturn Vue just needed a simple AC re-gass. I left it there overnight. When it wasn't ready 2 days later Allen called and he state i needed a new compressor. I was surprised but agreed to the 600 dollars. 3 hours later he called to say it was ready. I was amazed how fast that was. Upon arriving i asked for the original compressor but was told he traded it for core charge. So i drove it home. It was a cool day so I couldn't tell if it was really working. But turning on the AC did cause my engine to hesitate badly and almost die. When I got home i called Allen up. He said it was working fine when he tested it but to bring it back and he will look at it. But it was Friday and he wasn't open till Monday. When i took it back I showed how it stalled, but now even with the AC switched off. I just managed to stutter the car into his yard luckily. Upon inspection Allen stated the timing belt was worn and causing the misfire. I know cars very well, it's because of not having the time to work on them is why i took it to Allen's. I argued the point that it was the timing belt as the car ran so well before. My experience with timing belts is they usually snap, not stretch. So Allen offered to look into it and see if it could be something else. I left it with him again and he kept it for the rest of the week. I was annoyed with waiting so many days and he finally called to say the car was ready. When i got there he said he put back the original compressor and did some other work and was able to keep the cost down to 150 dollars. I wasn't pleased. Why was there an additional cost instead of a refund if he took back the AC compressor he installed. I argued with him for an hour and he said he had to go to lunch. I reluctantly wrote out a check and drove it home. IT STILL HESITATED. I didn't know what to do so it sat in my garage for a month. I took it then ti Vista Tire Pros and relayed the story. They took it and were able to fix it perfectly for 150 dollars. I asked what was the issue and they said a fouled up intake butterfly or something. I had to laugh, not at that but at the call i received when it was ready. They said it wasn't shifting into second gear to which i said because its a VTI. read more

I have a 2002 Ford Focus that had a few issues with it. I had been quoted a lot for all the repairs I needed, from another shop. I brought it to Allen's and he was able to fix everything for half of what I thought it would cost. Plus he got the work done lightning fast. I had dropped my car off right before closing. The next morning he calls me, at 10:45am, and lets me know the condition of the repair I asked about. He replaced my front brakes, a motor mount, and replaced the rear shocks in just under 4 hours after I approved the repairs. The place gets busy but I don't see that as a negative. They work on a lot of vehicles so they have a wealth of experience on a lot of makes and models. In the future he will be the first person I think of when I need repairs done and I will recommend him to my friends. read more

My family has been using Allen's for a few years now. Wouldn't go anywhere else. Really, really reasonable prices and great service! Last time, I brought my own break pads for them to install along with other services I needed. He didn't do the breaks because my car didn't need them. How honest is that?! He totally could have charged me the labor for it, but no! If you're like me (young twenty something girl who knows nothing about cars), you can be sure this garage will not overcharge you for being ignorant! :D Also, get there right as the open. Maybe even a little before. They get SERIOUSLY BUSY. read more

Allen passed up an opportunity to make money from me. I was told elsewhere I needed an alternator. which was going to cost me $400+/- I called and could get it done for $225 at Allen's. When I arrived, he checked the alternator and said it was fine and that my battery was bad. The battery was under warranty and was replaced for free. Great to see some integrity. It will lead to future business from me. read more

We were so pleased with the repairs that Allen and his mechanics did on our 2003 Nissan Murano. I stopped in a few days before to diagnose an oil leak and a power steering leak. He put the car up on the lift and showed me that it was the high pressure hose on the power steering leaking and the oil filter housing. He gave me a quote on the parts and explained in detail while showing me what had to be done to replace the parts and fix the leaks. His quote was fair and I returned a few days later in the morning and he had the car repaired by the mid afternoon. Thank you Allen- read more

been going to Allens , over 15 years! 8 cars later and hundreds of dollars saved, if you want honesty,integrity, fair cost for excellent service Allens is the best!!!!!! Mike McKay, Vista ca. read more

So far in my family we've taken 5 cars to get done with Allen, they have a small area but don't let it fool you, they know what their doing ! And we've always walked in for our Oil changes done in less than 30 minutes! And Allen is always so awesome to talk to while we wait ! read more

We love Allen. We take our Expedition and F150 there whenever we blow a coil! He's quick and we're in an out of there for $85 bucks($20 for labor + part). Makes for a quick fix if you can't afford to replace all 8 of them at once. My hubby and I were looking at buying a modified off road Toyota truck, so as a precaution we took it to Allen. He said "We are friends, but if you buy this truck, we will be Very Good Friends!" So of course, we didn't buy the truck. Haha! He's honest, quick and very trust worthy. He rebuilt my daughter's Acura Legend as well for less than anyone quoted me and it runs like a brand new car. 5 Stars!!! read more

I'm only giving one star because it makes me . Just left this place, sat there for 15 minutes and no one said ONE WORD to me. Allen himself ignored me and ask everyone else around what they needed. Will NEVER go back just lost a customer for the lack of professionalism read more

Have shopped several local Vista auto mechanics for repairs on my 1998 Saturn SL2. This place had steller reviews. I called and he took me the following day. Called by 12 noon to tell me it was done. The charge was more than reasonable. He showed me what they fixed and suggested for me not to work 0n my car anymore! They are straightforward no nonsense kind of place. He is extremely busy seeing 30 to 40 cars a day. He has a large knowledgeable staff. Even has hours on Saturday's. That's a huge added plus. I highly recommend you give Allen's a call before going anywhere else. No need for further shopping around. This place meets all my needs. read more

I rarely write reviews good or bad, but I feel I need to in this case to avoid this happening to anyone else. I took my car in to change out my exhaust manifold, and the piece I brought in apparently did not fit. Instead of calling me to tell merge piece did not fit, they did not put a bolt in where there should be. When they were done, I turned on the car, it make a clanking noise. He told me it was the muffler, but i insisted it was coming from the exhaust manifold area. He asked me to come in days later and that's when he said they didn't put a bolt in because it didn't fit. Their excuse was that I brought in something that didn't fit and they "didn't know the car would vibrate and make that noise". Their solution was to get a wire coat hanger and tie it in the missing bolt area so it wouldn't make noise. Their dishonesty and lack of professionalism are 100% the main reasons I am NEVER coming back to them. Allowing me to drive off the lot knowing that one bolt was missing and noise that wasn't there before, is so messed up. I would've rather they called me, told me the TRUTH, and i would've gladly payed for an exhaust manifold that COMPLETELY fit. As a female, it is so difficult to find a good mechanic that will not rip you off like I was in this case. Overall, terrible experience. read more

This place is a treasure!! Took my moms car in, been leaking everything for years! Needed new seals everywhere, oil pan gasket, among others. A lot of work, I knew that going in. Was quoted $750, was good with that. When they did the work, they found a leaky water pump, ordered and put a new one in, No Charge!! Car is beautiful, well actually the garage and driveway are, no leaks!! Thank you Alan!! Customer for life!! read more

My official new family mechanic. Allen is such a great guy, who remembers me every time I go. Mind you, he is busy ALL THE TIME. I always expect him to forget me, but he doesn't. He does not over charge me, ever. He has saved me a lot of money. Customer service is great and his auto service is great too. I have never been disappointed. May God continue to bless him and his business!! read more

Allen has been a miracle for my car. I moved out here from Chicago and needed a reliable, honest and fast mechanic. Allen has even sent me to a key maker when I thought I needed a new starter. He has fixed my brakes and my timing belt system. He's super fair on his prices and I can tell this the best shop in North County. I appreciate his kindness and jokes while I wait for my car to be fixed. 5 stars. read more

Beyond all the reviews that consider "looks" as part of getting the job done...you're a typical spoiled American!! Still, getting the job done is an older ideal lost in this country, where this place is ahead of it's time. Been going to Allen's for two years [ever since I moved out here]...and why? Because, this is the best damn mechanic shop I've ever had the pleasure of utilizing!! Great work, pricing, and consideration: not to your face, but for your vehicle!! It's a question of what matters most to you... read more

A friend recommended us here and when we arrived it was super busy. We were sure that we'd have to wait forever for an oil change, Allen came up and asked what we needed and he took care of us right away. We're driving across the country so he checked everything and made sure it was good to go!! Will definitely be coming back here read more

Have been taking my cars to Alan for over 10 years. Best service, prices and quick turn around. Will recommend them to anyone.

Allen is the best. Honorable, fair and great at what he does. He stands behind his work which is rare these days.

Very happy with my experience here. My car wouldn't start and I needed a place to get it towed to and fixed ASAP. Went by and Allen told me to bring it in and he'd take a look. That was yesterday, and I already have my car back and working wonderfully. There's really not much I can say that hasn't already been covered in previous reviews: fast and friendly service, reasonably priced, up-front and honest about pricing. Also true, it might not be the most "aesthetically pleasing" shop you've ever been to, but I'll take all the pros listed over a mediocre cup of coffee and a magazine I don't really want to read anyway. I'll definitely bring my car back here if/when I need work done in the future. Thank you, Allen and team! read more

This is the BEST Auto repair shop in SoCal. Allen and staff are FAST, RELIABLE, CONSCIENTIOUS in what they do, and CHEAP. I trust Allen completely with my car. I have been going to Allen since 2005 and will always go back to him.......... Great job Allen. read more

Went to Allen Auto with a friend who wanted to get a smog check & repair at a cheap place. Allen's a great guy, fair, knows his work. But the place is run down, like a dumping ground. He is always rushed (good for his business maybe) and seems to be at a loss providing the personal attention that you are looking for. But definitely cheaper than the other guys. read more

A friend rocommended Allens Auto Repair to rebuild/replace a starter motor on my Lexus. The service requires removing the air intake housing and intake manifold. Most places want a "killing" to complete the work, but Allen seemed content to complete the work with a fair price and have you become a life long customer, which is difficult to find anymore. Yes, the facility lacks curb appeal, but his lower rent undoubtedly makes it easier to give you a fair price to complete your repair. Allen has eight mechanics with varying degrees of competence that will be assigned to your vehicle depending on their area of expertise. I would recommend his repair facility to anyone looking for good work at a reasonable price. Its worth the drive to Vista. read more

A very good place to have your vehicle repaired and reasonable prices. Will do repeat business when my vehicle needs maintenance.

Great Guy. My family been coming here since we moved to California. Awesome guy & always on point with the installations. I would recommend this guy to anyone. read more

Fast service, honest, and he did his best to fix my clunker considering I wanted to do minimal work on my old rust bucket. Good place, I would definitely recommend. read more

Great, affordable fast service. They are all friendly and is the cheapest I have found for synthetic oil change.

Been going here for 6 years best prices and honest mechanics in town they know what there doing and very knowledgeable. You have to get there right when they open cause they get busy real quick. You will not be disappointed!! Highly recommended read more

I've been going to Allen's since he first opened. My mom was one of his first customers. I now take my cars and my child's car to him. I've lived all over the country and have even called him to get his advise before allowing another mechanic to do the work when I was too far away to bring my car to him. He is fair- and his prices can't be beat. His guys are knowledgeable and ethical. there's no reason to go anywhere else. He'll never BS you and NEVER try to sell you a service you don't need. read more

Great service,fast work. Great prices. Take your car here! I had took my Nissan Juke there to change the pulley everywhere else charged way too much. Not these guys great work and great prices. Look no further. Thanks! read more

Hey L.S. (the one star rater) I brought my car here on various occasions for shock Installation and I have never had a problem. Not to mention I saved a ton of money and it was quick too. read more

Allen and his staff are hard working mechanics that get the job done & prices are reasonable. On both of my cars he has done timing belt/water pump and other miscellaneous related repairs. It's a great garage! read more

I have been taking my cars to Allen for eight years. First, I took my little geo metro. When I upgraded to a newer and safe vehicle I also brought it here. Allen has seven mechanics who do good work on the car they are tasked to. He does his best to keep the costs low because he understands how expensive car repair can be. read more

The fastest and most affordable auto shop you can find in the whole county of San Diego. Allen: I love you man!

My dad used to take his car here 20 years ago and now I'm taking my car here. Very friendly, reliable and trustworthy. Highly recommend!

The best Mechanic in San Diego, we've been coming here for generations and many years. Allen is the man!

Allen is the BEST!! Allen has been exclusively working on my 2 year old RAV4. Then, I had to go back to the Toyota Service Center for a recall and while my SUV was there, Toyota tried to drum up some additional business for themselves...they couldn't find anything to service!! After 33,000 miles, Allen has kept my SUV in perfect condition. read more

I always take my truck here, the owner is friendly, helpful and honest. He doesn't bs you into paying for things that you don't need, the prices are fair and they do a good job. The only problem is he can be a little hard to understand sometimes but overall great place to take your vehicle. read more

Allen you're the best!!!! Thank you!! I could hug you!! I won't go anywhere else now! My car has a lot of issues and was leaking. And for what the dealer could of charged me over $1,000 he is extremely reasonable! And fast and he's just amazing his whole team!! Thank you guys!! Amazing work!! If you want a honest mechanic, that works hard and won't rip you off bring your car to these guys!! read more

I've been taking my '05 Civic to Allen and his staff for roughly six years, and have had nothing but outstanding experience with his service. There has been more than one occasion where I've felt he's gone 'above and beyond' -- exceeding expectations, and has always demonstrated honesty and a concern for saving me money. Best experience I've ever had with auto repair......and cannot recommend Allen highly enough! read more

Yes, i do agree with Abbey S. about it being extremely run down; however, knowing in life that you can't always have your cake and eat it too....I'd rather pay a fair price and have my vehicle worked on accurately at a "No Frills Dive" than to take it to a boughie dealership and be charged a hundred dollar +/- fee before they a mechanic even looks at a car. My mom took her car to a dealership that offered complimentary: HDTV flatscreens with over a 150 channels of viewing, wifi, bottled waters, cappuccino's, and soda's - guess what???? she walked out with a $3,000.00 bill. Remember the money you save at Allens could be used elsewhere??? 8-) read more