Overall great experience!!! Needed a VSSI Inspection done, called and stopped by a few other shops but ended up using Pacific Auto Works. Paul and his team were very nice, polite, answered all my questions and made sure I was ready for the inspection. Called a few days in advance to schedule my appointment. I was given a time frame for the inspection and the inspection was completed on time! Price I was quoted was the price I paid! Highly recommend this shop and the people that work there! Thank you Paul for all your help! read more

Pacific auto works was great! I went to get my smog check done and it was quick and easy. Paul was really helpful on the help and service.

These guys were life savers. Wife had a nail puncture in the rear tire. They were able to take her five mins before they closed and got her back on the road in under 15 mins. She was super happy with the service and their professionalism. Thanks guys! read more

I really appreciated Paul squeezing me in on a chilly Saturday morning to do the vehicle safety systems inspection on my car because I was unfortunately slammed into on the freeway and my bb is now a salvage title. I had to wait two hours and the only thing needed to pass the inspection was a light bulb for one of my back lights. The inspection fee is $307 but if your car doesn't pass, if you do the repairs with PAW they will waive the fee of the second inspection. I was glad to take my car here and so relieved my car passed the inspection. Thank you Paul and your staff for you great customer service and hard work! read more

Paul and crew are good people. I have been taking my cars there for all things basic maintenance. Never had issue. He is also helpful when he gets to know you (he prob will help you even if he doesn't). The other day I took my motorcycle out for a spin after a few months of it being dormant. Well my front tire was seriously low and I pulled in Pacific and Paul got his PSI meter and pump and filled my tires. I mean, not a big deal, but still nice that he did it and not ask for $$$. read more

I was recommended this place by a friend and decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did because they are reliable and fast. Paul is very helpful and always gives a good deal. I definitely recommend this place! read more

My car was PNO for 3 years and I needed a smog. Failed the first time cos apparently I needed to drive my car for at least 50 miles after changing the battery to start the OBDII meter. Came back after 62 miles and Paul checked my car instantly and gave me a discount for the 2nd test. Both visit took me less than 30 minutes with no appointment. Highly recommend! read more

Pacific Auto Works - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

Had a CV joint begin to go bad on my Toyota Sienna while driving into SF. By the time I got off the Bay Bridge it sounded like someone was banging a hammer under the van. Found Pacific Auto Works on Apple Maps, called and spoke to Paul, he said to bring it in. First thing I noticed was that the shop work area was clean and organized, always a good sign. Paul gave us a very reasonable estimate and said he'd call when it was ready. My wife and I rented a car and drove around SF sightseeing for a few hours. Even though it was already after 1PM on a Friday, Paul and his crew were able to replace the faulty CV axle and perform a front end alignment, and the van was ready to go by 6PM for the original estimate. Paul and his crew at Pacific Auto Works un-ruined what should have been a terrible, no good, awful day. We drove the 100 miles back home with a blissfully silent CV joint, tracking straight as a skull boat thanks to the fresh alignment. I'm actually going to schedule some other work I need done on the Sienna and use the excuse to take another little tourist day around SF. Thanks guys! read more

Good people, reasonable price, to the point, good craftsmanship and service, timely. I'd consider them again.

Sentra's approaching 200000 miles and just got an oil change and WOW it's never never felt this way after an oil change at Valvoline! They've gone above and beyond! Ty Paul and the staff at Pacific Auto! read more

I should have thought something was off when he didn't bother reading the computer until I asked. They didn't properly screw the wheelhouse molding back in and it ended up flying off on the highway. Now I have to buy that part too. $375 for labor to replace a transmission oil cooler, definitely on the high end of acceptability. read more

Here is the online coupon for $15 off: http://www.smogtips.com/business_detail.cfm?VendorID=10415 Total for a smog check with the coupon is $45. My experience here was pretty blah. I did not get the sense that they cared about my business. They were able to fit me in without an appointment on a Saturday morning, perhaps because I came when they opened at 9:30 AM. The process took 30 minutes. This is a place that electronically sends the test results to the DMV. I asked them about installing an armrest inside my car - a process which should only take 30 minutes. The first guy quoted me $45. The second guy, after looking at the instructions, quoted me $80. Neither one seemed confident that they knew how to do it. I decided to take my armrest elsewhere. read more

This place is exactly what you think it is. Fast, straight to the point and the price mentioned is $65 before the yelp discount. So total for me was $55 for new clients. Appointment is better they mentioned but I just showed up and called them on my way (which was 5min lol) Thanks for helping me complete this task pacific auto! read more

I'll save you time from the other reviews: Go here for a smog w/coupon. Go elsewhere for every other repair. They quoted me over $100 higher than other auto shops to replace my alternator, and this is after I've looked up the cost of the alternator alone. They're using the smog check as a way to get you in the door and up-sell you. read more

My vehicle was towed to Pacific Auto Works because of battery and alternator issues. One of the pleasant aspects of Pacific Auto Works is that they are open on weekends (Saturday only) until 5:00 pm which is not a normal thing for most repair shops. I googled over thirteen (13) shops in San Francisco and Pacific was one of two businesses open. Despite closing at 5 pm, I spoke with Paul (manager) who agreed to wait an additional 10 minutes for my tow truck to arrive. Once unloaded off the tow, Paul quickly filled out paperwork and promised to call me on Monday. Paul called on Monday, explained the issues and agreed to hold my vehicle until Tuesday so I could commute into the city to pick it up. Ill be honest, i'm not an auto professional, like many, i'm at the mercy of the shop and hope to not be ripped off. I didn't fell like I was being taken advantage of and the price seemed consistent with my google search. Pacific Auto also had coupons on their website which helped. Hopefully my vehicle was fixed correctly, but, I felt good leaving the shop. read more

When I come here, I never feel like I am being ripped off. I don't know too much about cars (I'm not going to use "I'm a girl" excuse here), but I can trust the mechanics here with my car. From basic oil changes to major mechanic problems, they take care of pretty much anything. When I referred to the car door handle as "the door opener," Sam-the-mechanic laughed at my mishap, but I did not leave here feeling dumb, which is always a plus... read more

I always wonder about bad reviews and whether, in a customer-oriented business, sometimes the customer is what gets in the way. I say this because I've had nothing but great service at Pacific Auto. I went for a smog for a car that hadn't been in service for a while. It failed. Paul, the owner, explained that my computer literally had amnesia and would have to relearn in order to pass the Gold smog test. He told me how, and why, and didn't charge me for the test. Came back with a car with its mind back, and passed easy and done quickly. As we finished, I asked about my rear light which wasn't working. In about 5 minutes he opened it up, replaced 3 bulbs that were burnt out, and said "no problem, just remember me next time." I will. Great service, good pricing. read more

Went here for a smog but my check engine light was on. The car passed fine but they can't clear it with the computer showing an error. It ended up being two oxygen sensors and would cost a few hundred bucks. They were nice enough to negotiate the price a little when I explained my situation and had the repairs done in two days. They cleared the smog without charging for another test and the check engine light hasn't returned. They explained everything well and that's my biggest issue with getting anything done on my car. Some places assume you don't know anything and just ask you to grab your ankles. These guys were good about not doing that. Auf. read more

Ugh. That about sums up my experience(s) at this place. I give them one star for being conveniently located and open on Saturdays, and the other star is because they weren't mean. Low standards, I guess? Anyway, allow me to elaborate: Back in December, my alternator freaked out on me on a weekend when my usual car repair shop (Richardson!) was closed, so I went to Pacific Smog out of desperation. Nearly $400 later, my alternator was fixed--or so I thought. Earlier this week, the battery light came on in my car, so I took it to Richardson to see what was up (because I trust them). I told them about the Pacific Smog experience, and they said (a) I was majorly ripped off by about $150 and (b) I should go back to them to see if the defective alternator I got from Pacific Smog was under warranty. I did all that, and the alternator was indeed under warranty, so they fixed it for free, but those negative three stars are for HASSLE, AGGRAVATION, and WASTE OF TIME/MONEY. read more

Left car for smog check. Was upsold to oil change. When picked up was told that they spilled some oil on radiator so it will smell for a while. It sure did smell in the car. Also two days later car didn't start at all (first time ever). Coincidence? Giving 2 stars as they really did smog check. read more

I've been going to Pacific for about six years for my basic automotive care--things like oil changes, smog checks, tire rotations and new batteries. I've never had a problem with their service, and they are very good at getting things done quickly. read more

These guys are generous with their time. I go to this mechanic frequently. One of the guys seems really aloof, but he actually means well. I had a small drip coming out of the left side of my car, and I brought my car by for them to look at. It turned out to be nothing significant, but they spent a 1/2 hour trying to find the leak. They eventually found it. They didn't bother charging for them time. Just a band of decent mechanics who don't try and cheat you, and would rather have you as a repeat customer. read more

These guys were really professional, genial and affordable. My tire was leaking and they immediately took me in. They quickly found not one, but two nails, fixed it in 20 minutes, checked all my other tires and only charged me $30. read more

If you're too lazy to read the whole story below - here's brief summary: I brought the car which ran perfectly for a smog check. After Pacific Smog & Auto Repairs for which I paid $1200 I had to sell my car to the junk yard. I would love to get a response on that from the business owner if he really cares about his business reputation. Story as follows. I have brought my Mercedes 1996 C280 to Pacific Smog & Auto Repair on 7/16/2010 for a smog check. Paul, the mechanic, told me that my car failed the smog check and needs repairs. He identified the problem - mass air flow sensor needs to be replaced and he suggested that I apply for a special repair assistance program. I got approved for $500 with $100 deductible. He replaced the sensor on 08/10/2010 and total of repairs was $713.86. Paul told me to drive about 300 miles and bring the car for a smog check again. I did that and he said that it wasn't enough, so I brought him a car second, third time & forth time after driving 2k miles it was still not enough for some reason to pass the smog check. All that time I was driving without registration sicker although my registration was already paid for. I got stopped by police several time and had to explain what is the problem. Meanwhile, as I was driving the car more felt that it was running rougher than before. On day I was driving on the bridge and saw that my level of coolant is low. First I thought that it is not a big deal I din't add coolant for a while. However, I have decided to stop and check on it as soon as i got off the bridge. I found out that most of the coolant was gone. I added some water and drove the car to Paul as he was the closest mechanic around. Paul told me that my radiator is leaking and offered to replace it for $617. I called my other mechanic to shop for better price and he offered me $490. Paul said that he can match the price and I've decided to go with Paul. It was big mistake. He replaced the radiator and that that car was ready to go. He also said that it still needs some driving before I complete a smog check. After a week of driving I felt that the car was even rougher than before. All of the sudden when I was driving home the coolant light when up again and after 5 minutes CHECK ENGINE light went up as well. At this point I got really worried and next morning I took car to Paul again. He took a look at it and said that 1 hose needs to be replaced (charged me $50), did a leak check on radiator. He said that everything was fine, although the car will need tune up (another $350). At this point I was very very frustrated with Paul's level of service. I didn't want to work with him anymore. My plan was to take it to different mechanic for a second opinion. However, next day when i drove to San Jose , i was on the freeway, both coolant and engine lights went up again and even worse, i saw the engine temperature arrow going up above 100... I took the first exit and stopped as soon as I could. I saw smoke coming out from the hood of my car. Next morning I had to tow away the car from Campbell to San Francisco. I was very angry with Paul that he let me drive the car in this condition. I told him that I am not paying him for anything anymore - altogether i've spent around $1200 with his business and end up with a broken car - so I insisted that he would identify the problem and fix it free of charge. He refused and said that he was doing everything correctly and it wasn't his fault. Now he was telling that it must be something to with cracked head gasket of the engine which will cost over $1500 to fix. I towed the car to ONE TWO THREE Auto Service (390 1st street, San Francisco, CA 94105) where another mechanic Steven did a test for me ($65) and said that radiator was leaking again.He also mentioned that it is a standard procedure to do the overall check after radiator is replaced to make sure what caused it to start leaking. Paul never dine it. After talking to Paul again over the phone he said that he will replace radiator by warranty but he cannot guarantee that it won't happen again. He also said "So what do you want me to do? Do you want me to fix everything for free now?" It is hard for me tell whether Paul is directly responsible for the engine head gasket being damaged - he denies it, but one thing I know for sure that he is responsible for identifying incorrect problems. Not knowing what the car's real problem was, cost me money on unnecessary repairs and even more importantly put my life in danger as I was driving a damaged car on the freeway. I believe that Paul owes me money for all repairs that he made if not more. read more

Don't go here to fix your "Check Engine" light. They're fine with changing oil, smog testing, etc. but when it comes to transmission work, they're out of their league. They suggested rebuilding my transmission for $1600-$2600. Instead, I went to the local Jeep dealer and they found the problem to be a $40 external speed sensor. read more

So I'm a new car owner and a bit naive. Went in for my first smog check here. Guys seemed nice enough. He failed my car due to the service light being on and still charged me for the smog. I had no idea that your car automatically fails when the light is on. I asked him what I should do and he said a diagnostic would ttake an hour and they were closing on 30. This is a BOLD FACE LIE. I came to find out out that a diagnostic takes less than 2 minutes and that I shouldn't have been charged for the smog if all they did was check to see if my light was one. These guys are fucking criminal and will 100% take advantage of you if you don't know much about cars. DO NOT GO HERE. read more

Let me preface this review by saying that I originally came here to get my car smogged because it is located one block from my house and there is an online coupon for $15 off. I did not have the highest of expectations after reading the reviews. To my surprise everyone I spoke with was attentive and easy going. I made an appointment earlier in the day around 11am which I was told was unnecessary. I arrived on time for my appointment at 4:30 and they were finished the smogging by about 5:45. It cost $45 (after the discount) and the necessary documents were electronically transmitted to the DMV. I couldn't have been more pleased with their service. read more

I had originally brought my car to get an oil change at Quality Tune Up a couple of months ago and they told me I needed to replace my Radiator right away! I said okay because I did not want to ruin my transmission with a minor issue. $400 later, I got my car back. Now comes this Saturday and I noticed a leak after parking in a spot for less than an hour. It was transmission oil leaking. I brought my car to Pacific Smog & Auto Repair and they quickly diagnosed that Quality did not bolt a lug nut tight enough and therefore the radiator was leaking. After bolting it down, they later discovered that there was a leaking hose as well. They replaced it and had my car ready in about an hour. To be honest, I dont even know if Quality even diagnosed the problem correctly. Pacific Smog & Auto took the time to fully inspect the issue before making a suggestion and fixing the problem. Pacific Smog & Auto are very trustworthy in my book and will not charge u for something that does not need to be fixed. I will not go to Quality Tune Ups anymore cause they nearly costed me a new transmission all because of their careless mistakes. PS & A will be my go to guys from now on and I will probably save more money here than going to a cheap a$$ quality tune ups that doesn't even know what they're doing!!!!! read more

Paul worked very hard on my car, multiple times. Very patient and professional, highly recommended.

Fast and cheap oil change covenient if you live in the area. With coupon from safeway receipt, was $19.95. They also detected a nail in a tire I had a slow leak in and removed it and repaired for $15. Total for both services $38.79. I'd recommend calling before going to make sure they aren't backed up because I think I just lucked out in getting fast service. read more

AAA Towed us here when our car broke down. Pacific Auto Works tried to sell us a battery, alternator, and timing belt. A timing belt doesn't exist in our car... (2008 Highlander). Took the car to Brannan about a mile away. They replaced our alternator and said everything else was fine. We saved 500 dollars for not staying at Pacific Auto Works. read more

I would not recommend this shop. If you do go in for a smog, make sure you use the coupon and do not make the reservation online through eSmog. Pacific Smog is a rip off for anything other than an oil change or a smog. read more

This place is fast and convenient. With the yelp coupon, it's very competitively priced bi got a smog check there, and will go back.

I've known these guys for years and they've always done a great job. Their office was located across the street from mine for many years and they'd always call me when it was ready to be picked up, and made a lot of effort to keep my business. I trust them with my car more than anyone else and instead of taking my car to get serviced at the dealer, I always bring it to them to work on it. In fact I'm taking it to them tomorrow instead of the dealership. Literally, I'm showing no favoritism, but am writing this review to help convince any other people that are looking for a deal and better service that's as great as the dealership to your car without the expense, GO HERE. read more

Came just to change the oil of my toyota camry but was disappointed... They are not accurate with what they are doing. They couple times tried to lift the car in order to change the oil but ended up damaging the car. Would not defenetly go there anymore read more

I had to get my car a smog check (necessary evil of course) so I chose the place closest to where I live. Sometimes convenience trumps all. I called at 10 am, and they said I could come by at 12:30. I had the coupon printed out with me, and for $50 total I was done in less than 30 minutes; my results were already transmitted to the DMV. It was the easiest smog check I've ever had done, and I'd definitely go back to this place. read more

Paul and team is the man!! Great prices for the city! But more importantly, I am a car collector and it is hard to find places to smog cars between 1975-1989. Well Paul has the machine to do it and is about $20 cheaper than the 1 other place in the city I found. He is very helpful and actually gets it done on schedule. I take all my cars to him. His waiting area can be spruced up a little better, but I'm there for the car...not me. read more

I live a block away and walk by these guys all the time. I also have a 2004 Yamaha 50cc Scooter, so it's not exactly what they usually work on but I needed to borrow a 12mm wrench to unscrew the transmission drain bolt in order to replace my gear oil, and I didn't want to buy a wrench set just for a once in a while 10 minute job. Being a girl and not very handyman-y, I was really shy about how I could ask to borrow a wrench but finally just sucked it up and drove my scooter in as if I were any other customer hahaha. Leung, (I think he's the manager) came over and I explained what I was trying to do, but that I didn't want to pay and the wrench I borrowed from my friend wouldn't fit. He laughed good-naturedly, said they'd see what they could do first and we could worry about payment later. The other guys kind of looked over curiously from the other minivan they were working on. Leung told me to pull my scooter into the shop, he got down and took a good look at it, ran back to find the wrench and popped off the drain bolt in less than a second. Drained it, then all the other guys came and looked at my scooter and they were a little concerned and wanted to make sure I was using the correct oil (SAE 10W30) since it's technically motor oil and not gear. There was a lot of Cantonese speaking going on, and one guy even almost threw the wrench (as a joke) at another -- I think they were all offering their own scooter expertise, but they finished the job and everything was done in less than 5 minutes. I thought I would pay them something, but Leung said it was no problem, and all the guys in the shop just seemed happy to help and to be able to see a scooter engine up close. I drove home in 10 seconds and got on the computer to write my first Yelp review because I really appreciated their service and that they basically asked what needed to be done, and listened to what I said (double-checking that I did get my info from the manual, which I did). I was worried that being a girl on a scooter would change the way they treated me, but these guys were professional and honest and were simply happy to do what they could to help. So even though I have no idea how they do with car repairs, for simple things like borrowing tools and draining and refilling scooter transmission oil, these guys are the best. :P But seriously, they take their time to ask questions and make sure they are doing the best they can for what you need, and that is why I give them 5 stars. read more

Found Pacific Smog and Auto repair after getting list of approved facilities from CA DMV. Looked for one with high ratings, and I noticed one of the reviews had a link to a site that had a coupon. The coupon was outdated, but I called, and they agreed to honor it anyway. ( cool! ). They confirmed the cost, which was reasonable. I went in, and they said it would take 30 minutes. I had a cup of coffee, and returned to find that they check came out fine. I paid the very reasonable fee ( $ 45 out the door), and I was back in my office and online, sending Awnold my registration dough. Kudos to Sam. I should also add that I did tell him that if I was happy I would write a good review on Yelp. And, i did tell him that that was where I heard about him. signed PJ read more

Don't let this place rip you off- go elsewhere! Bottom line is they do not offer free re-tests, so if for any reason you're car does not pass the smog inspection, they will try and recharge you for a totally new test, so essentially charging you twice. Why even take the chance of having to pay for two tests? Go elsewhere that has a "don't pay until you pass" policy, and don't let this shady place take any more of your money. read more