Auto Express is my new go-to smog specialist. They are open at 7am so I drop my car off in the morning, walk to work, and pick it up during my lunch hour. Not only is it convenient, but you can't beat the cost ($30, which includes certificate). John (the owner) was very nice and I left feeling confident my car would be taken care of... and it was. Thanks, John! read more

In the past year I've come here three times and I've had a great experience all three times. They are friendly, fast, and have very good pricing, especially compared to the dealers. They have helped me with a cheap smog check, fixed my door handle ( it crumbled in my hand that day and they ordered the part and had it fixed very quickly), and they were able to throw some brakes on my car within two hours of me driving in unannounced. They're honest and reliable. Throw in the friendly factor and the pricing, they are hands down the best auto repair shop I've ever been to. I highly recommend them. read more

I had been looking on yelp for a muffler shop,after I had bent an exhaust hanger on my Nissan.My car was making a terrible rattle as I let out the clutch, driving me crazy. Another shop had given me the run around, so I stopped by and was greeted by a cheery older man and his son. I explained my problem and was quoted $19.00 to put my car on the lift.I agreed. The mechanic quickly spotted the bent exhaust hanger, and the point of contact causing the rattle.He bent the hanger back with a large crescent wrench, and low and behold the rattle was gone! I promptly paid him $20 and was on my way. These guys are awesome, they pointed out a couple of other small issues but didn't pressure me at all which is very nice.I try and do most of the work on my vehicle myself, but anything I can't do will be done by Auto Express for now on. Thanks Guys! read more

In response to negative comments by some women about Auto Express I have to say that It is difficult for me to believe that women would ever have been mistreated at Auto Express. Being female myself I can empathize with women who go to an automotive place and find themselves treated like second class citizens. I have never felt that way at John's Auto Express. He has always been most courteous, has taken time to explain problems and solutions in detail and has charged very reasonable rates for his services. I have used his services now for many years (arriving at his place after numerous expensive attempts to have a problem of my foreign car fixed). He has unfailingly diagnosed and repaired the problems in the number of cars I have owned over those years. He has done the same great work for a number of friends and acquaintances I have referred over the years. I have the utmost faith in his integrity, knowledge and skill and hope that he will take care of my vehicles for many more years. read more

Great repair shop! Every time I go to this place I am pleasantly surprised by how inexpensive my repairs turn out to be. I hope they stay around for a while, because I really can't afford a new car. read more

These guys are awesome, did my oil change in 20minutes. Did not try to sell me on random stuff but did cover the basics. Everyone was perfectly professional and on point! read more

Stopped in to get a diagnostic on my jeep. John was quick and fair. Don't judge the shop by the way it looks.

I had such a great experience here, and John is very welcoming and knowledgable! Very fast and easy getting my car serviced and not to mention, done right the first time. I'd recommend this shop to all and although it's not the cheapest, you pay for quality parts and quality service. Thanks! read more

Most helpful and kind staff. Definitely a place to refer friends and family. The gentleman took the time to thoroughly explain and help get my car up to par. I appreciated their patience and honesty. read more

It have to agree with Bandari. I went to Auto Express based on reviews on Citysearch. I have to say that I had a very good experience. My car suddenly stopped starting. I had my car towed to Auto Express. I gave them a call at first. They were very accommodating and was willing to drive me to either Natomas or home to the Pocket Area after dropping off the car. I ended up having it towed there and driving separately. I handled everything over the phone and had them diagnose the problem. He was very thorough. It turned out to be the alternator. While most mechanics would just change out the alternator, they were able to explain the source of the problem and what caused the alternator to go bad. They got the work done within a day. When I picked up the car, he was more than willing to explain how he came to the conclusions that he did. He showed me the minute details and even gave me the old parts to take with me. John is very detail oriented and showed he had many years of experience. If you are looking for the cheapest guy in town, then this isn't your place. But if you are looking for someone who does quality work for a reasonable price, then you should check him out. read more

I dropped my sad little car off at the shop yesterday to fix a couple issues, notably a leak in the fuel line and an idling issue that was preventing my car from passing smog. Both issues were resolved quickly, the cost was reasonable (especially considering the idle issue was caused by a dirty throttle body, which nobody even makes for my car anymore and therefore cannot be replaced), and the service was great. read more

I'm truly impressed with the staff at Auto Express. I have an older car in which I transported from Alaska. Needless to say, my car had its share of problems. From the first moment that I pulled up, I was warmly welcomed. Going to car mechanics can be very intimidating, especially for me because my knowledge is very limited regarding autmotive issues. My experience was that the staff ensured that I understood what my car needed, always gave me a price quote, and even wrote everything down for me. I would recommend Auto Express to anyone. It's a family owned small business, and if you want to help small buisnesses and not corporations go to Auto Express! You won't regret it! I now have a mechanic whom I trust. read more

Get a smog check and oil change with synthetic oil under 15 minutes! Great and friendly owner makes you feel welcomed.

Called ahead on a weekday afternoon asking for a smog check, no appointment needed, he said I could come on over. I dropped in and the place seems a bit old and cramped. Oh well, didn't bother me - downtown real estate is not cheap. Out the door (not really, since it's an outside operation) for $40 and I was on my way. Super friendly and professional, truly recommend. read more

Jhon and his crew do great work. With 140k on my Ford Focus, when it dropped out of gear accelerating off a stoplight, I was sure I needed a new transmission, but Auto Express diagnosed a bad solenoid and saved me over a grand. read more

John is great. He gives you the truth, doesn't try to sell you anything, and he shows you everything he sees wrong. When I've price compared he's very competitive. He'll also work with you and understands people aren't made of money. I highly recommend. read more

So I originally took my older vehicle to a place near where I lived on a Sunday. They failed it said visible smoke test was a fail. Was stressing out about getting my car fixed and was unaware that there is a California law that when your vehicle fails smog you have to take your vehicle to a smog and repair place. Was reading the review of other places and ironically enough I was reading a bad review for another place that recommended Auto Express instead. I took the chance and brought it down. The diagnostic was cheap and quick, and come to find out the place that failed me didn't even do the smog. The guys here were very friendly and explained things to me. They were not trying to take advantage of the fact I am a woman and that was appreciated!!!!! I highly recommend Auto Express!!!! read more

I can't say enough about this place. John is so honest and explains things in detail so you understand. The dealership wanted $5,000 for my repairs. My go to repair shop wanted $3,200 for my repairs. (He said he could not find after market parts.) John called his connect on the east coast got the parts for more than half the price and fixed my car for $2,000. Not only did he fixed it he showed me all the parts he replaced and what was wrong with them. I was so grateful for the money I saved. While I was there I heard him say to another customer that he should go to pick and pull and get the part he needed because he would save money. He called and verified they had the part and wrote the part number down for him. The guy was appreciative because he was going to save a few hundred bucks. He had many customers coming and going and still repaired my car quickly. I rarely write reviews and had to write this one as I believe I found a rare gem and needed to share. Thanks John!!! read more

Wow, now that was service. My first encounter with Audio Express, was just by chance. Asking for help, then installer Mr. Dank was quick to solve problems that were caused by so award winning installers he (dank) worked a true wonder with my sound system. So obviously when I was ready to install in another vehicle I went back to Audio Express. But to my delight and shagreen he ( dank ) had been promoted to sale mgr. I'm not the only one that seen his talent. Even as mgr. he was polite professional and courteous. I Am one satisfied customer read more

Great service, knowledgeable staff, and awesome pricing! The owner John knows his stuff and is very friendly. They will give it to you straight and make sure you leave a satisfied customer! read more

Found out on a road trip my car was put back together poorly here. Ruined our whole vacation and cost me a bunch of money because of their mistake. I'll be bringing my new bill into show them how much the poor workmanship cost me and my husband. Johns a nice guy but the kid working there really messed up. After having to call over and over again to get any updates on my car, and having it there for a couple days... No joke when I got there to pick up my car for over $550 in repairs, there was a part sitting on top of my battery that wasn't put back in. The kid goes, oh I know where that goes and half assed puts it into place. Right in front of me. Really???! I was in disbelief. About 3 weeks later I went on a road trip with my husband and we ended up spending two full days sitting in a mechanic shop with our dog, losing the hundreds we spent on hotel rooms, planned activities and days off we had been waiting for a long time,while we racked up a $800 bill of them trying to figure out how auto express F'd up my car soooo badly. The car was not put back together properly, and caused me major engine problems. This was a subaru wrx that was a high performance engine, ruined beyond thousands of dollars worth in repairs. All because of auto express!! I had to sell my car that I had for 12 years, my baby, because of auto express's lack of work ethic. DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR HERE! I hope my review saves someone the money and stress that this place caused my family. read more

Brought my car here to get it to pass a smog test and John was great! I needed a thing or two done before it could pass, but John was honest and upfront about the repairs from the beginning. I've had this car at two other mechanics out of state and neither could figure out why my check engine light was on--John figured the problem out and fixed it in two days. Auto Express isn't your typical mechanic place; it's better. The workers know you and care about your car instead of just treating you as a number or a price. I will definitely be coming back here for regular maintenance, as well as bringing my car here if anything goes wrong with it. Thanks so much John! read more

Pep Boys, Top Auto On Northgate & My friends Auto shop on elkhorn blvd. were all talking upwords to 2000 dollars to fix my air conditioner. Auto Express Did It For 400 I Love Em! read more

This place was closing when I pulled up an opened back up to do my oil change in literally 15 minutes, best spot in town for oil changes

These guys are honest. They do good work and tell me when I can avoid a costly repair and save my money. They have earned my loyalty.

My brakes started squeaking and it was driving me insane. I was able to get a same day appointment and brought my 4Runner in to have my brakes inspected and oil changed. My brakes were wearing unevenly due to the clips not being replaced when I brought it into Toyota the last time I had my brakes replaced. My brakes feel great now and the squeak is completely gone! Not only did this shop get the work done quickly the same day, but they gave me a great price. I will definitely bring my 4Runner back here again for any future maintenance or repairs. read more

I was referred here from my friend. He told me about how knowledgeable Jhon was for his cars. I've had some trouble with my 1971 Mach 1 Mustang. It's my project car that I've been working on. I don't know much about its history so mechanics typically struggle to find the reasoning behind the problems that it has. I left my mustang overnight and Jhon was able to fix the problem and even give me a heads up on some future problems I may encounter. Once I got to see his work, I honestly haven't gone back to my past mechanics. His prices are reasonable, it's the cost of the job done right. Definitely would recommend him to anybody any day. read more

They are fast, friendly, and my oil change wound up being less than they quoted over the phone. I will definitely come here again when my car needs any maintenance. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a good deal. read more

My first visit was a few months ago for a smog check which was super cheap and fast. The owner was really friendly. Today I took my car in for an oil change and he actually remembered me. Talk about great customer service. My car was done in about 30 min and when I came back he talked to me about some estimates my dealer had given me recently and explained that those repairs were not necessary and why. I appreciated his honesty and kindness. I truly feel like I have found an auto shop I can trust for quick and affordable work that is authentic. read more

John is a really friendly guy and has great low prices and seems to know what he is doing and even got me out of the shop within the hour both times I've whent in. Highly recommended from people I know for his great prices and friendliness. Really honest with what he finds and how others work as well. Definitely my shop to go to from now on read more

John is excellent! Everytime I bring my car he is very honest with what actually needs to be done. He is very knowledgeable about all kinds of cars. He does very good work & will explain everything to you with no problem. Let him do your auto mechanic needs, you'll be happy you did. read more

My tire pressure light came on today. I called Auto Express and asked if they could check my tire pressure, they said sure bring it on by. They checked all the tires and filled them up, turns out they were all very low. Luckily I didn't have a leak or puncture. They were very nice and punctual, continent location, and I didn't have to wait at all for service. I'll be bringing my car back here for sure! read more

I dropped my car off for a smog check. John went the extra mile by checking the whole air intake system and then explaining what and why he did it. I got great service and learned something too. Auto service you can trust is worth supporting! read more

4 stars- honest, helpful, and easy on the budget. The first time i came here, the dealer told me there was nothing wrong with my Jetta, even though it wasn't passing smog. After two trips to the dealer, i took my car to Auto Express - they diagnosed the problem ASAP. They even helped do the repairs for a fraction of what the dealer would have charged. I took my car back for SMOG check again this time, and they gave me a great deal on routine maintenance too. Best place to take your car in Sacramento, hands down. read more

Every time I've been to auto express they've had me in and out in about an hour. I've gone in for some pretty heavy diagnoses and john and his crew have been accurate in fixing each problem. Auto express let's me know to return so they can make sure everything is running smoothly and that shows me that they care. John is honest about the work he does and never EVER over charges. Great downtown shop! read more

John has been helping me out with my car needs for about a year now. He is very knowledgeable and fast! He can explain the work I need to get done, the pros and cons of spending extra money on a part, and the risks of doing short term fixes. I've always felt comfortable with the work he does and what I pay for it. He is fast and is always done with the work on time. He can always be trusted to do quick quality work, even on an emergency basis! read more

With a loud screeching noise coming from my front left wheel, I went back to Firestone West Sacramento where I had my latest oil change since the tech indicated my brake pads all had over 65% thickness and were in good shape. With my Honda up on the lift and wheels off, the tech explained I needed to invest $950 for new pads, rotors and calipers on my front two wheels because a small piston in my left caliper had frozen, causing an uneven wear on my left front pads, one being in good thick shape and the other (outside) pad worn down to nothing leaving me metal on metal. Without an explanation as to why a piston in a caliper could cause a brake pad to virtually disappear in such a short time frame, I sought out a second (Prestige Auto), third (Sears Auto), fourth (Midas) and finally a fifth (Auto Express) opinion. All auto shops with the exception of Auto Express quickly indicated that the Firestone tech was likely correct and that I needed to invest anywhere from $833 to $1250 to fix the problem. John from Auto Express without having seen my Honda indicated over the phone that it more than likely was not the cause of a frozen piston in a brake caliper, rather, the caliper was probably still good, but missed being lubricated when the brake pads were replaced last time, something often overlooked. He shared that this is common when brake service is not done correctly or thoroughly and that I was being "sold" to do more than was necessary by the other shops I had bid the repair job. John immediately made room for me in his busy schedule today to provide me a free more accurate brake inspection right away. Upon completion of his inspection, John's news got even better. He shared with me that both my calipers on the front were absolutely fine and nothing froze, both were operating correctly, that the sliding mechanism and piston had not froze up at all. He showed me evidence of the fact the cheap pad (the owner of my Honda had installed before I bought it) had "separated" from the metal plate behind it, since it was "not bonded" but "glued on" by the manufacturer to save money. He compared my front pads to another vehicle's used pad proving that the outer left pad actually cracked and eventually just "fell off" leaving me suddenly with a metal on metal grinding on the outer side of my left front brake rotor. He also warned me about numerous tricks other shops use to make you believe you need to buy new rotors and calipers when it isn't necessary. It was clear John would rather be honest and trustworthy to earn long term business from a new customer (like me). This is why I am proud to share that I saved over $500 by going with John and Auto Express. Also, John put on new rotors and pads that are top quality so that when the pads heat up again, I won't see the pad separate from the metal backing and just fall off my vehicle. John didn't charge me to re-lub and change out the hardware of my existing front calipers, just to be sure I left his shop knowing my calipers wouldn't be freezing up anytime soon. Thanks John for treating me with respect to educate me correctly on what I needed to do to fix a sudden issue. I look forward to coming back soon to get new pads on the rears when I have more time. I was not compensated in any way for writing this review. read more

Friendly and helpful guys. Really quick oil change plus they gave me tips on snow conditions where I was traveling too. I'd come here again! read more

I went there because of the great reviews I saw. My experience was anything but great. They never called with an update. Instead, I had to call to find out my car wouldn't be done that day...or the next. Then when I did get it back, I was told they 'forgot' to do one of the three things they estimated. Oddly, the cost was nearly the same as quoted with that third item! So I still need to get that done...elsewhere. I'm sure they're great for smog checks, but for any real work, next time I'll take my vehicle somewhere speedier and less absent-minded. The next time I drove the car there were three new issues that weren't present before. Now I have to get those looked at too. read more

STAY AWAY, STAY AWAY - from Auto Express!!! John diagnosed my car problem, I paid for the very expensive repair - and after leaving it was obvious the problem was still a problem. I tried working with John to find a solution but to no avail. He suggested there was a new problem...really, a new problem? He was nice when he took my $ but then was not willing to find a solution without me spending more money. John was defensive to my frustrations and my insistence that the car be repaired as we had agreed. I ended up taking my car to a specialized shop for a diagnostic estimate. I was informed the cost of the repair was half of what I had just paid!! I was also told the work was done incorrectly and that's why the problem remained. On top of being overcharged, I had to spend more money to get my car fixed right. I can just kick myself for trusting John. Live and learn I guess, however, I'm still steaming. He took my $$ and left me with the same problem I brought my car in for - unexceptionable!! Better Business Bureau?...hmm. Unfortunately, this is the first Yelp review I have ever written - bummer it's so negative :( He does not even deserve one star. read more