Had to smog my RV and these people were fantastic! From Jen at the front desk to Benny the smog guy. Service was fast and at a fair price! Highly recommend! read more

I took my vehicle to have the radiator replaced which the vehicle has been sitting for seven years without being moved. So I spoke to Benny, who is the owner and explained to him what I needed and that my vehicle was a 1996 Toyota Tacoma that if he could change the radiator the hoses and have it flushed whatever else it needed if you could give me a price,. The price he gave me was the price I paid the next day I needed something else changed. They called me. They gave me a price didn't need it right away. I told them I would hold off and nothing extra was added to my bill exactly what he told me they did and exactly what they were gonna charge me was exactly what I paid very straightforward. No running around no adding things without my permission like other places I hear that are close by. I would definitely recommend these guys. I have five vehicles believe me. I will be back to see Benny and his crew. Thank you so much for being honest and straightforward. Not too many mechanics are like that anymore. I give you guys five stars. read more

Auto Start - 1996 Toyota Tacoma - Auto Repair Near Me - Elk Grove, California

They did a clutch job on my vehicle and a year later I have to replace it. Over time the transmission would buck and kick it out of gear and pop the throw out bearing off. They didn't replace the rear main seal or just messed it up so it leaks. Spacing was off so the flex plate and disk makes slight contact and burnt up. Family member just had a bad experience here too. I would stay away. read more

I needed to get my older vehicle to pass smog and was having a hard time finding anyone to work on it. Fortunately I found Auto Start in Elk Grove and they were able to help me. Their employees were friendly and knowledgeable and were eventually able to get the old girl to pass. If it weren't for Auto Start my 92 Oldsmobile wagon would have had to go non-op and rot away. Thanks Auto Start! As a bonus, their lobby is roomy and includes stacks of vintage car magazines. I found this to be way better and more interesting than the lobbies in any of the other car places I have been to. read more

Great service from "Start" to Finish I was looking for a local shop in Elk Grove that would be able to help me get my 1998 4Runner in tip top shape, it's always a good idea to stay up on all the maintenance with your vehicles but even more so for older ones -- it was getting to the point that I had a bunch of things that needed to be done. What I appreciated about this shop was that the owner was an honest person and not just looking to make a quick buck. He took the time to explain what my truck needed and also provided suggestions on what should be done when and what I could probably wait on. He was very easy to work with and was very accommodating to my availability. I have been here twice now and plan to make future trips here as well -- glad I was able to find this location and even happier that I get to help a local business, especially in these not no certain times. If you need work on your vehicle, go here, ask for Bennie -- tell him I sent ya! read more

I called Auto Start on an early Friday morning. I called about getting pricing for an oil change. The worker who answer the phone was argumentative and do not wanna provide pricing. They told me I should take my car someone else's because they were too busy to providing pricing and schedule an appointment. If you need you car repairs, I would suggest taking it somewhere else. read more

The check engine light lit up and backup lights stopped working after the storm on my 1999 4Runner. I tried AutoStart since they were very close by. I was really happy with their work and everything is working great now on my 4Runner. I will definitely be coming back. read more

I have brought my car here several times and they have done a good job fixing the issues. Their prices are not overly priced and the staff is friendly. read more

Benny is very knowledgeable and honest. I highly recommend this shop. I've had a few things done on my 2012 Nissan GTR. read more

Auto Start - Just had the oil and oil filter change done. - Auto Repair Near Me - Elk Grove, California

Good customer service, but my car was not fixed. They took my money and messed my car up.... if you love your car, this is a place you want to avoid... Save your money and time!!! My vehicle drove quietly and smoothly before taking it in; they gave it back to me in worse condition!!! read more

Purchased a car out of state and needed a smog check to register it. Benny and crew were awesome and had us on our way with the paperwork we needed for DMV. I highly recommend Auto Start and wouldn't hesitate to return. read more

My friend and I have our car serviced here by Bennie! Excellent customer service! We did an oil change. Never had an issue! Every time I have questions about cars, Bennie is always there to answer! Gerlyn is also amazing! She's always helpful informative and such a delight to have a conversation with. read more

Auto Start - Inside - Auto Repair Near Me - Elk Grove, California

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My family always goes here to fix our cars. Benny is awesome and transparent. Very reasonable prices and open communication.

Friendly people! Helps me all the time in any car trouble, since i moved here in Sacramento area from bay area.

If I could give them no stars I would. What a horrible business I will never bring my car to them again. Scamming at its finest, just listen to the reviews save your time and money! read more

I brought my car in because it was making a funny sound. I assumed it was just the belt but after inspection was told I needed a new AC Compressor and drive belt. Bennie quoted me a great price, car was finished in a couple hours and runs great! I can't believe the difference in performance! They even showed me the old compressor and explained why it was making the noise it was. Then they showed me the new compressor and what a difference! The old one was so beat up, rusted and wobbly. I'm so thankful! read more

Awesome place to get your smog check! And hoping to get other stuff done here in the future!

Never going back to this place ever. Bennie is a scammer, kept our car for 1 year and keep ignoring us with what's going on with our car if he can or cannot fix yet. Why couldn't he tell the truth that he can't fix it had to waste our time waiting & waiting and someone broke our car window in his shop when he couldn't even keep the car in his garage.. We thought we could trust him doing our car but we thought wrong..!!!! This place is awful keeping our car for that long and couldn't even fix it, but we will Report this shop to BBB and file a small claim on this auto shop mechanic.!!! read more

I wish I could give this place zero stars. Absolutely horrible. I haven't been trying to get work done on my car for about 2 weeks now we dropped off the car 3 days later we call back to find out the update.. we were told ohh it's currently being worked on. This happened twice and we decided just to bring our car back they were barely able to do a smog which took 2 weeks and as far as finding out why the sensors were bad or any other problems ?? What a joke!!! I drove by this place as they "claimed" the car was being worked on it was parked outside the building.... they don't seem to either have the appropriate equipment or knowledge or just dontttt care. I'm all about supporting local business but places like this should be shut down. So unorganized and not professional!! Don't waste ur money or time!!! read more

I just got a smog check here and this place was easy to do business with. I called to get in the next day. They got me in at the time I asked for. I showed up a little early (was not sure exactly where it was, so I did not want to be late) and they got my paper work going. I sat in the waiting room, used their free Wi-Fi to work from my iPad and in 20 minutes my car was done. The staff was fun to talk with and I left feeling like I could not wait to post a good review for them. I guess quick and friendly service goes a long way with me. Veronica Burke ~ Hairstylist ~ (530) 774-3327 ~ Nathan Michael's Salon read more

I have lived in Elkgrove community since 2011. I've worked in the automotive industry so I can honestly say that finding a good mechanic is sometimes hard. Not just a good mechanic an honest mechanic. I was referred to Benny at Auto Start. The last four times that they've have worked on my Chevy Silverado I've compared him with the local dealership. Every single time Benny has beat them on price. Benny is one of the last few mechanics that will shake your hand and stand by his word. While waiting for my vehicle to get finished up a customer came in to pick up his vehicle. Benny came out explain the repairs to the elderly man. Benny apologize that it took longer than expected. The man looked at him and said, I don't have much time left on this earth, but I'd rather wait a minute longer and get it done right then get it done wrong... Benny have always done me right. Observing customers with Benny has assured me that this is the mechanic for me and my vehicles. read more

Wish I would've looked elsewhere sooner for my car. Had to keep bringing my car into this place for issues that they were supposed to have fixed but apparently couldn't find. I was told they would call me right back regarding my car, they didn't and I'm glad they didn't because now the car has went elsewhere and they found several things that were overlooked and now fixed. They still found issues with a part in the engine that autostart had replaced. Save your time and save your money. Nice people most of the time, but I wish I never wasted so much time and been without my car because of this place. read more

Visited here without an appointment for a smog check, weekday afternoon. It was completely empty but I did still have to wait a short time (under five minutes) to talk to a receptionist. However, everyone was really friendly. The prices do seem a bit high here, but there happened to be a $20 off special (small four door sedan, made after 2000), so it ended up being a fair price of $48. I would say call to ask for a quote just to make sure, though. My car was in and out in under 30 minutes. I haven't visited other places in Elk Grove since I'm new in town, but this place was very fast and friendly! Just make sure to bring something to do for 20-30 minutes, as there isn't too much nearby while you wait. read more

this place is so freaking sad!!!!!!!!! i just wanted a diagnostic for my car and he kept saying it'll be done this day and then then next and so forth this guy is a scammer hes running a business that isnt helping people with car trouble he just looking at us like a check is coming his way he goes back on his word now seeing all these reviews i would have never went to him!!!!!!! we paid for a diagnostic and didn't even get a print out all other car shops give you a print out he didn't do one hes a liar !!! he's a scam artist! the better business bureau will get my letter and been talking to an associate who says he has so many complaints already and will be taking action!!!!!! read more

It is hard to find an honest shop anymore. I have been smogging my vehicles here for several years and have listened in to other customer interactions while waiting for the smog service and they appear to be on point with diagnosis, honest and reasonable with their repairs. read more

Trustworthy, timely and friendly service. We only take our cars to Autostart. Thank you Benny and his crew for always providing excellent service! I had a check engine light on and they kept it longer than expected and found the problem. Benny insisted on delivering the car, since we live a little outside of Elk Grove. He is amazing and explains the repairs so it is easy to understand. We highly recommend his service and continue to be amazed by his work. read more

Been going to this shop for a while. Spent close to 2k here in one year alone. Told my family to come to this shop. What a mistake. Had an appointment to bring my truck down for a diagnostic. Was there for 2 weeks before I called them. Said they are trying to figure it out. They called me a few days later and said I needed a new distributor, cap, coil, fuel filter, and pump. After they did the work they called and said it was ready. Went down and drove it and it was stumbling and driving horrible. Owner said he will make some adjustments and call me when done. Truck sat for another 2 weeks before I called them again. Said it will be done soon. Got a call a few days later that it was running great and ready to pick up. Went in to pick up and owner was no where to be found. His wife didnt even know where he was. So I was dumb and paid my bill before driving the truck. What a mistake. Made it about a mile before my truck was misfiring and running rough. Pulled over and popped my hood and realized the shady work that was done and I was extremely mad. Flipped a u-turn and went back to the shop. Sat out infront of the shop for an hour until the owner magically appeared. Argued with him for about 20 minutes and got a refund for the halfass work that was done. Wasted over a month of my time and messed up more stuff on my truck than to begin with. Towed the truck to another shop and was diagnosed and fixed within 1 day. Will never go to this shop ever again even if the work was free. This experience was a few months back and I wasnt going to leave this review. But today I was working under my truck and realized that the bolts to my bed were only held on by a few threads and my harness was torn. The bed on my truck was either removed or pulled back to change the pump. So it was 100% their fault. Some shady sh*t right there. Dont go to this shop. If for some reason you do, spend a good amount of time going over their work and test driving. read more

Benny and Gerlyn are the best in customer service. Prices are fair and service is top notch. I am glad I am glad to find this service center. Highly recommended. read more

I had my car towed into this shop. It was having electrical issues not starting. These guys took a look at it and quoted me a price for an new alternator install. At the time I though it was high price for an easy repair. But afterwords with some research I found out these guys charged me double the normal retail price at OReilly Auto Parts. And charged me almost 200 dollars in labor for turning 2 bolts and a tension belt bolt and wire harness. Absolutely don't recommend these crooks to anyone. read more

Love this place 2nd time here for a smog and they don't disappoint. They also have a coupon online. Best service fast, friendly and by appt. read more

Went here to have led gauge cluster replaced, as well as the back up sensors. Spoke with this white guy with tattooes and he seems very accommodating and nice enough. We were told that if we had the repairs done with them, he will waive off the $90 diagnostic fee. So we decided to have it done there, left the van overnight and got it back 3 days later with the sensors working. They said they have to order the cluster and that we have to come back with the van after 2 weeks. 2 weeks later of no contact, we called them and this guy Bennie said it is still on order and that we have to wait another 2 weeks. Fine, we are not in a rush. Another 2 weeks and they said it is still on order. Another 2 weeks went by and the first guy with the tattoo called, left a message and said that they have it and that we should bring it back. I was not able to call them back that same day coz I was at work, so I called them the following afternoon, and Bennie informed me that they returned it since I did not call back...WTF?!?! He said he can order again and have the replacement in another week...WTF?!?!?! I said yes and called 3 days later and spoke with the tattoo guy and he promply told me that he was waiting for me to call because he has the clusters since last week...again, WTF?!?!? I said Bennie told me that Auto Start already returned it, and he sounded flustered and then assured me that it was still there. So I scheduled the repair in 2 days since I cant bring the van due to work. He said yes. On the day of the supposed repair, I called ahead to let them know Im coming and spoke to Bennie, who said the cluster is not there yet. I told him about what the tattoo guy told me and he said that is not true......WTF?!?!?! To make the long horror story short, our van's cluster was not replaced. And this Bennie guy had the gall to tell me it was my fault for not calling. He said all he can do is to just rebuilt it....which he could've offered 2 months ago. Oh, and these lying bastards billed my warranty company and included the $90 fee that they promised to waive if I had the Van repaired by them, which they did only half the job... Yeah, have Benny do the talking and screw you up....all he can do is to point the blame...you don't know sh_t about communicating with your own guys.... read more

Well, I wouldn't take my car to anyone else! He installed my sons HID headlights for free when the Infinity dealership was going to charge him $ 300+! The best in the area period!!!! read more

This place does decent work nice bunch of fellas. But are they freakin slow. The time it takes to gather your info till you get out the place. Give yourself time a whole day for an oil change. I can write pages about this place as i sit and listen to there conversation. I would know every individual and life story before i get out of here. I am feeling myself aging waiting here. Im gonna go home and realiZe my kids all grew up and moved out. This was an oil change that became a fight of mental patience. read more

The service was good and they made a very honest assessment of the car problems I was having, no beating around the bush.

Just got my smog done, very quick and well priced with the coupon. The lady who helped me was very nice and quick with the paperwork too, I was in and out in about 20 min for my first smog. read more

I have been a loyal customer since the shop open spent over 10,000 dollars car kept having issues Bernie claimed he's a honest Christian guy but yet let other steer him in wrong way to over charge people and use Chinese parts on my cars I took my cars to dealer to get a second opinion and why if they fix it I needed up going back like i was getting ripped out well I was dealer told me all my car parts were Chinese parts and they was ripping me off doing bad work and charging sky high benie is not the honest guy he use to be by far he changed with the crooked workers in the shop he lost a good customer Tina and I trusted him but karma is a bitch and ripping people off will come back I will never bring my car back to this shop I fixed my axel cost me 800 it lasted only a year wdf really warranty was so shot took to dealer ford they said the part is a China part cheap ripped me off beware of this shop he will rip u off mess your car up and suck your money dry karma will come one day god dnt like ugly or crooks I been a customer over 13yrs but not anymore it's trash beware they are crooks and benie turned into the scammer but says he's a Christian yea rt dnt come here to this shop ever read more

Loved this place they got us in and out for our smog, we had to pick up our daughter at 12:15pm he had us out by 11:50, we got there at 11:51. Highly recommended! read more

Paid for tune up and when I picked up my car I had no fluids had been topped off, no new air filter, no new spark plugs. Total rip off!! Wish their was negative rating since nothing was done! read more

This is a mediocre automotive repair shop at best. I will give you the run down on my experience with them. Pros: *Their mechanics are ASE certified, which means they know what they are doing. *They are very good at getting your vehicle in quickly when it needs to be repaired. *They communicate very well what needs to be done to your vehicle. *All of their prices are clearly laid out for you on paper. Cons: *Unpredictable-- your car could be fixed in 3 days, or it could take 10 days. They won't give you a straight answer. *They are WAY overpriced for the services they provide. (I paid $650 for a new ignition distributor) *Again, they do not complete repairs in the time they claim. Summary: Go here if you can't find anywhere better. read more

While I was here last time, they pointed out that one of my belts was cracked, I went home changed all my belts and found one hose ready to break, changed both hoses. They saved me a lot of trouble, I was getting ready to drive up into the mountains. read more