These guys rock! $20 for a smog check and they were done in 30 mins, no appt. necessary! I only wish they'd ease up on the incense in the waiting room, though...I had to stand outside to get fresh air. read more

+cheap +friendly -slow This place was very busy on a Saturday afternoon. I had an appointment and it took a little over an hour to get my car done. I don't know of a cheaper place though! read more

Best place for car repairs, they will handle anything! Trying to get an old car smogged after repairs and they just kept working on it until it passed, without charging me for all the labor to get it to that point. An additional small part was needed and there was no extra charge to me. Bao is the best! Explained everything really well to me and gave me options and priorities. Lowest prices I could find for the work I needed done and I definitely shopped around. Definitely recommend Save Auto! read more

Great speedy service & price hard to beat! I've been going here for a few years & have never been disappointed. From synthetic oil changes to motor issues, these guys know what they're doing. Not only do I get auto pointers but also health advice! Thanks Vinny!!! read more

I don't take my car here; I tried once but it was too busy and I didn't feel like waiting. However, Vinny is my Mom's mechanic. God bless him, because my Mom knows nothing about cars and has zero shame trying to haggle the price down to free99. So when she tells me that there was something wrong with her car that worried her, but she took it to Vinny and he was able to diagnose a very simple issue, fix it and then not charge my Mom anything, I'm blown away because my Mom is the perfect candidate for dirty garages to take advantage of. So if you're a Mom, you don't know cars and you want to be taken care of, ask for Vinny. read more

The Good: low prices, especially on coupon specials in Pennysaver. The Bad: really slooooow, done hours later than promised on a smog check. read more

0!!! They were repairing my Mom's car for over 1 month, they delayed 5 times, finally get the car and 1 tire had a nail and screw!!! WTF!! Of course we didnt check on site. aDVICE: check your tires before leaving the property read more

The staff was plain rude and they do not even look at your car. Walk ins are common place as some customers who have walked in before me. While it might be $20 for cars and $25 for bigger SUV's, what is not advertised is that they deal with only the newer models from 2001 and up, which means that most of the other cars are disqualified. Judging by the business of this place, it's always busy which might be good for him, but there should be some courtesy and respect to customers and information should be posted upfront about the smog requirements. read more

I have been to save auto three times before I noticed how dishonest they can be. One year ago, I was there to repair my header pipe. I have to admit that the noise disappeared after their work. Last week, I went to save autoand told them that there has been some noise coming out of my car again. They checked and told me that my exhaust manifold and gasket need to be replaced---450 bucks in total. My car is only worth $2500. Of course it is too expensive. So I asked if they can put a used one on my car. This guy who worked at the front desk called somebody and then told me that we can only charge you for $350 with brand new manifold and gasket. I was confused and asked: How come can you cut off the price so much? He replied that one of his friends works at Toyota inc, and so he can get cheaper parts................... Right at that moment I knew that he is trying to play with me. So I used my smartphone to do some research on the real price of the parts. You know what! It is only like 70 dollars on ebay. So I asked them how much will they charge me for only the labor if I bring my own parts. $150 he said. alright, I went online and order the parts for 70 bucks and then called several auto shop for a price quote of the labor. One shop told me that they only need 75 bucks for the labor. so I went there and was kindly told that your manifold is totally fine. the noise was actually cause by the leak and loose bolts on your header pipe. They said they won't do that for me and suggest me to find a muffler shop. I was confused and don't know who I can trust. Hence I went to another shop and got the same answer. Then I went back to save auto and thought that they may at least take the responsibility for the bad work they have done one year ago. Unfortunately, they just kept lying and playing with me. Simply put, there is nothing wrong with my header pipe. the noise is caused by my cracked manifold. if I pay 450 bucks, they can replace the manifold and some other parts that's relevant to the noise for me and guarantee the noise will go away. If I let them replace it with the 70 buck part I ordered online, they can charge me 150 bucks but they cannot guarantee anything. the noise may still be there... In other words, they don't have to fix the problem as long as they can make some money out of it. I left there with a huge disappointment. I listened to the other two autoshop's suggestion and went to Dualtone Alignment Brakes & Mufflers. After 40 minutes work on the header pipe, problem fixed. It only costs me 50 bucks!!!!!! read more

You thought you are paying the good and lower price for smog, you are mistaken.I tried to get my daughter's 2005 Honda Civic pass the smog test, I spend within two days 7 hrs of waiting,spend $225 for repair and $11.75 for failed test and Boa at end told me they can not complete the job and I need to go to a different smog station to do the retest. I believed they had my last business for the rest my life.I believed they are playing games with the customers big time and not been honest...Go somewhere else to get your smog please,you paid what you get and don't be fooled by their trick... read more

I write this review just to thank there custom service. I repair the brake in the store but after that my wheel cover is lost. I contacted the owner and he immediate says he will compensate for that. I buy a new wheel cover from dealer and go there they help to setup it and compensate all the expense. That's what an honest shop should do. read more

Alert: cheating 30k maintenance and dangerous A few days ago I brought my van to Save Auto after seeing an ad of 30k maintenance for $75. The staff (a co-founder) was friendly and said the cost would be $150. We made the deal at $140. As I was told it takes about 2 hours to finish, I waited in the waiting room and kept an eye on my car every 5 or 10 minutes. After about 50 minutes, seeing my car sits still, I asked when the car would be ready. To my surprise, the staff said the car is done and ready to go. I said how this would be possible when the car was not even moved and lifted. The staff said they did all work (all inspections, oil change, tire rotation etc. ) without lifting the car. They showed me a new air filter installed and said oil was changed. As I agreed to pay only oil change and they put the old air filter back. In retrospect, even the oil change was problematic. Can you do oil change without lifting the car to drain the old oil? No doubt Save Auto is a cheating business. Not only they do not do the job they are paid for, but also they do not find any potential problems that may danger life. In my case, just days after the encounter, my brake starts to clank loudly. Today, I brought the car to a mechanic referred by a co-worker. It turns out the brake is completely gone, it is down to metal to metal. I have to pay about $600 to replace the whole system. Needless to say, I wasted more money to repair. More severely, my life was put at risk in driving the car. Bottomline: avoid this business completely. Such a business should not be existing at all. I have never written any review but feel this time the need to share so others do not fall into the victim. read more

I brought my car for smog test on 5-10-2018 and before I took my car I tested my car with my obd scanner and it pass. The person who is doing my smog test kept starting and stalling my car 7 TIMES moving the car from the street parking to the smog test equipment. He doesnt know how to drive a manual car. Well I believe because of him keep starting my car it triggered a check engine light. Then vinny said that there is something wrong with my coil pack and wanted to charge me a full price for smog test too. I told vinny that without a certificate is only 11.75. I then went home and reset my error code and drove it for 50 miles and took it to another smog test and it passed. My car has only 24300 miles and its not driven but 1500 miles a year. This business is dishonest. read more

I was here before to fix the AC. Service was good and price was good. Came back for smog check but were yelled at by some guy name John. Come on if you can't do just nicely say so. I don't know that I have to go to a star station. He was definitely really bad day at customer service. If i were the owner i will not let him be outside talking to customer. I will never go back. Be warn only come if you want to get tell at, not worth saving a few dollars. read more

Quick and cheap for a smog check. Only gripe, there is never anyone sitting at the front desk to welcome you or sign you in. It took about 20 min for someone to help us. read more

Always come here for oil change, smog check, etc., competitive pricing but this time for body work, they did such a good job for a fraction of the cost that I would have paid else where. And I did my research. Would totally recommend! read more

My dropped my car off after hours and had it back and working by 1pm the next day. What more could you ask for? No BS, just good, timely mechanic work. read more

Great service and very great price! Very honest shop! Had all my smog done here too! They have been in business for a long time. I refer all my friends to them! read more

Just got a new windshield and four brand new tires on my Nissan Pathfinder by Vinny and the crew, awesome job. It has been 7 years since I got new tires and I was definitely due for a set. I must say that this has been a very pleasant experience and always has been. I will be a customer for life. It is really hard to find a very trustworthy and honest auto shops around here in San Diego. Thank you guys. read more

Vinny is awesome friendly fast and to the point. Come early to queue in line because. This place is busy. Recommend having 2ndary transportation, takes two hours for me to get a smog check but for twenty some bucks that's beats out the averages in SD for over $60-70 read more

I have brought my cars here a few times and been happy with everything. I found this place on Google and was pleasantly surprised by the prices for a timing belt & water pump replacement on my Hyundai Santa Fe. The only issue that I have had with the quality of work is that my brakes squeek pretty bad. Maybe it's just cheap brakes pads. I've also had several oil changes done for like $15. Overall, Vinny was very helpful. read more

Got my smog check done for only $24. Let them know you have a coupon from their website. http://www.saveauto.biz/

Great place for smog check. Very reasonable prices. They do not take appointments, so place on waiting for a while. I am not sure about other services. read more

Great Service, Reliable, cost effective. I take my car for smog test, regular service, oil change. every 30k services, or any repairs. good reliable place, reasonable price, they know me personally now ! Vinny is the owner, front desk lady is also very polite and customer friendly. I recommend, best price on auto service in miramar & mira mesa. timing - may be expect little delay as they are extremely busy all the times..... read more

SIMPLY PERFECT! My first time there, went if for a smog check. Best price in town and had me in and out in about 20 minutes. Highly Recommend. read more

Don't go here! These guys are dishonest. They'll tell you one thing and when your car is done they'll charge way more. Half work done I paid $1000 for a brake job ( way more than I should have ) and they did a terrible job leaving me with squeaky brakes! I had to take my car to another shop to fix it. Don't wast time or money here read more

$20 for smog including certificate! I watched from the outside waiting area and they do a thorough job including a mirror underneath as part of their visual inspection. They even questioned some recent work I had done replacing my catalytic converter. read more

There are two words that describe this place, inexpensive and fast. Since time and money are probably the two most valuable things on earth, that says enough. It took $20 and 15 minutes to do a smog check just like everyone else is saying. This may be the best deal in San Diego. Simply print the smog coupon from the website and that is it. It was also nice to not get a list of $1,000 worth of suggested repairs that are unnecessary. read more

I love this place! Vinny and his crew do the best work! Haven't lead me wrong yet. Wonderful work at affordable prices. Trustworthy teck crew. I live and work in OC. I go out of my way to come here to see him. Doesn't matter if it's oil change or large repairs I come here. He offers more than just repairs. Paint job, tinting, glass replacement plus! read more

Vinny and his guys took my car in at a super short notice for a smog test, and had me back on the road in no time. Easy, painless, and fairly priced. Vinny runs a tight ship and I will keep him in mind for my automobile needs. read more

They were professional and quick! I couldn't believe it thought I was going to walk into a scam for $20..... but to my surprise they were completely legit. I have no complaints, I will definetly recommend to anyone who needs a smog check. read more

I was recommened to go to Save Auto by several co-workers. I have now taken several cars to get the inexpensive and quick oil change they perform. Recently, for some crazy reason, my car did not have oil, I was stuck on the freeway and towed to Save Auto. Initially, Bao quoted me a price range on my engine, 2001 Isuzu Trooper. He came back later and quoted me a slightly higher price, and while I was in shock, I accepted and they even gave me a lender car! I admit that I did call 2 places for engine prices, and they all quoted me around the same price, so while my wallet is going to hurt, I have to give Save Auto 5 stars because they are not hustling you, and while the price may seem high to us, it was a fair price! AND, I was offered a payment plan, what other autop shop does that?! read more

Let me start by saying that if giving Save Auto negative stars were possible I would do so. I have a 2009 Mitsubishi lancer gts that has been heavily modified so I know when shotty work has been done on my car. Never like these guys though. I come to their shop Thursday October 11, 2012 to have my tail lights replaced with aftermarket ones. Seems like an easy enough job right? Right off the bat I am told it will take 2 hours and cost me 200 dollars. As I start to walk away he tells me he will do it for less, I say ok and we agree on 120 seeing as I also want a front lip splitter installed I think that is a fair price. After being gone for an hour and a half I see that my car is done before the two hour mark I might add. Surprising that a place that charges labor by hour would over quote me. Anyway I see my lights and immediately there are problems. Nothing is hooked up correctly the broke pieces of the light and said it came that way the wires are all tangled up and worst of all the lights don't even work properly! They say that it's the manufacturers fault which is basically code for we are morons and don't know how to install tail lights, I argue with for about ten minutes and finally just leave seeing as they refuse to fix their terrible work I will never come back here and I will warn you and all of my friends to never come back here. I took my car to pep boys and within 2 minutes they diagnosed the problem, it took them awhile to undo the damage save auto had done but my lights work just fine now. I would not recommend visiting save auto for any reason because if they can't even fix a tail light I would not trust them with any other aspect of a car. read more

They're lucky to get one star. That was received to tricking me into coming in with their price. Needless to say I came in at 8:15 am for a smog check. After talking with the gentleman, he gives me a price and time lapse of 45 minutes before the job is done. It is now 9:15 am and my vehicle is still in the same spot I parked it when I drove it in. I'm not saying cater to me (due to the fact I start work at 10) because I say so, but be honest. If they told me an hour and a half I could've saved my morning. read more

I like coming here for most things I can't do in my car port. Oil change is $10 plus tax for MOST basic cars. There synthetic oil change is a decent deal too. They have a smog testing machine there but they recently only are able to do model year 2000+. A little saddened by that because it was the best deal I can get for my 1997 car at ~$25. They also aren't test only but you should know that from the other reviews. read more

I brought my 2010 Lexus RX350 here for a paint job on my rear bumper and they did a great job! Quick, cheap, and high quality. A perfect match for my paint. I got a quote within 20 minutes of arriving on a pretty busy Saturday. Left my car with them the next Saturday and got it back by lunch on Tuesday, with a bonus car wash. read more

Con artists.. Over charging.. Wrong diagnostic just to increase the price.. Misleading and misdirection.. Went for simple battery change and they wanted to charge me for starter for 650$.. They lure you with cheap quotation over the phone.. Its a scam read more

Brought my car in and was told I needed to replace the engine... The diagnostics performed to determine this was not very convincing. He wasn't able to tell me exactly how he determined this. Or the exact cause. and It wasn't cheap, it wasn't too expensive either, but far from cheap. Almost not worth doing. Anyways, I was also unsure as to whether they could actually do the work or not. But they did it, amazingly. A new engine is in there now, and it runs fairly well. He also stuck to the budget, like a man. And I respect that, because there were complications. But he got it done. Overall, I don't like how there was poor communication and I wasn't informed on what exactly would be replaced on a job like that, and what wouldn't. He just did the work. I don't like that, especially for the Gs I dropped here. But again, they did the work. And fast too. They also gave me a loaner car. The car is a piece of shit car, but it is better than nothing. When I originally called the dealership they told me I had to schedule an appointment, and meanwhile, I would have had to get a rental or register one of my secondary cars. So I let Save Auto do the work out of convenience, I didn't really shop around and didn't have time to tow the car to multiple places. Bottom line, the mechanics here are very capable. They do good work. Reasonably priced. But there is very poor communication. Other than that, I would recommend them, especially if it's for simple fix\jobs. read more

First came here to get some work done because it was cheap bought my vehicle and they work on it and said it was fixed replace my spark plugs and coil packs drove it home and the next day it was doing the same thing so I took it back and now they say it's auction sensor and EGR valve have that cleaned up them fixed everything's good 1300 and $50 out the door got my van back later to have a headlight installed which they charge $95 for also you have my brake light fixed turns out it was a fuse in the bulb and they charge me $75 not too good at pricing next time I'll fix it myself read more

I've written one review already, but wanted to post another: I love this place and have been going there for at least 2 years! I drive a lot for work and have many, many miles on my car. I tease them at Save Auto about me being a "frequent shopper" because I'm always getting various major and minor work done on my car or my son's car. I've appreciated their honesty and service. In fact, I'm going to have to get my car towed there on Monday for work. You really must give them a try. I tell all my friends about them (even my ex-husband now uses them). read more