Avoid this auto shop at all cost!!!! We got our engine rebuilt and less than a week of driving it and now it's not working anymore. Brought the car back and now they're saying it's something else and it would require me to pay more money. No thank you! I'll take my business somewhere else read more

here is an updated review. I am not really great at taking my care of my car in the first place. my front tires were really worn out, my breaks have been squeaking for over a year and i havent changed my oil in about 3 years. needless to say i needed to see a mechanic. Recently this year somebody rear ended my car I went to several shops again, save auto had the most affordable pricing out of all the shops. John really took care of me. I went to discount tires and the sales man lied to me and told me that I needed to replace all four tires. I went to John and he told me I only needed to replace two. I appreciate the honesty he checked my brakes and he said that the brakes were really shot and had that replaced he also fixed my bumper did my oil change all 4 services for $1440. he also fixed a hanging piece for my tire for free. One day later somebody sideswiped me on my bumper and did a hit and run on my car. I immediately called them and went to the shop .I was expecting to pay some thing because they just finished but John really took care of me and fix the bumper for free. I have been in customer service for over 10 years and cringe when I am experiencing bad customer service. I am super impressed with their customer service and would definitely recommend this place they really take care of you. read more

My 67 year old mother and family have been going to this place for years to do simple things like oil changes. Most recently, she took my car to get an estimate to replace shocks. She spoke to a man who I believe is the owner. He told her that I needed a bunch of things that were unnecessary after only giving my vehicle a cursory glance. On top of the shocks, he stated that I needed to replace my brakes. (I recently got my brakes done roughly 5 weeks ago). He then proceeded to tell my elderly mother that if she wasn't going to get the work done at their shop, to stop coming for estimates! First of all, shame on you! You tried to upsell by putting a bunch of unnecessary work onto the estimate! My mom would have believed you had she not known that I already had my brakes done beforehand. Secondly, as a man, you showed little respect for the elderly. That was quite apparent in your tone and delivery. I know that they have a lot of business so maybe my review won't be so important, but I am leaving a warning to all future possible customers: get a second or third opinion before handing your car over to this man. It is our right to shop around for competitive prices. Be wary of his estimates as he may tag on other unnecessary work to drive your bill higher! And lastly, any person who cannot be bothered to show some respect to an elderly woman must not have any respect for anyone else or their property. Simply put, how can anyone trust their car to this business if the owner is short-tempered, has no patience, and is seemingly all about taking your money? The answer is that you should not. read more

They are dishonest and over charged me for a part they broke on purpose to get as much money as they could. The part was very inexpensive they changed way more the labor took 30 minutes to plug in a switch a charged 500.00. I'm am getting an attorney and getting the BB and consumer affairs involved. I spent over 10.000 in 3 years with them . I recommend you find a different shop. They are scam artists and very dishonest and they are the worst of the worst. read more

The most unprofessional and dishonest mechanic shop. Avoid at all cost, every single bad review about this place is 100% true. I had the worst experience at this place. read more

This is probably the grungiest most unfriendly auto place I've ever been. I came here on a recommendation from a friend because it's cheap, and it is, which is the only reason it's not 1 star. After standing around for 10 minutes waiting to be helped, I finally found someone only to be grumbled at that he'll be there in a minute. After he finally came in, he couldn't help me without some sort of paperwork, so I had to go back to my car and grab some. I called beforehand to find out what I needed to bring and if there was a wait, and they said just come now and it'd be fine. I'm used to making an appointment for smog and being seen right away, out in 10-15 minutes. After the 20+ minutes just to talk to someone, they said 45 min to an hour wait. That would have been nice to be told when I called. Honestly, if you want to save money and know going in, their smog check is cheap. I will gladly pay more in the future and go somewhere with even a tinge of politeness and much less waiting time. I'll never return, nor would I recommend anyone I know and respect to go there either. Under no circumstances would I ever even consider getting actual auto work done here. *Update, after an hour and a half wait, I finally paid and my car smelled like cigarette smoke on the way home. The workers smoke so you smell it in the waiting room, then get in cars and the cars smell like smoke. This is the worst shop I've ever been to, lowered the rating to 1 star. Absolutely terrible. read more

These guys are the best! I showed up in the middle of the day on a Saturday and they were nice to squeeze me in. Even honored their smog check coupon when I ended up leaving mine at home. Thanks for such great service! If you need a smog check for DMV purposes... This is the best place in town! read more

I'd like to call them "$750" auto instead of "save" auto. I've been here three times. First, ac doesn't work, and I recognized it's not regarding to ac oil. But they recommand me to fill up ac oil first w/$75. Second, when I asked then to replace fan belt, they told me there was huge oil leak at the engi e, and need to change gasket. When I told them I've already changed gasket, they told me there was another gasket what cost "$750" Third, I asked them a smog check to sell my car, and my car was fail the test due to leak at PVC valve, and they asked me to fix it with $750. But when I ask it to other repair shop, it's around $30 to fix it. They look like cheap place at first, but ask you pay a lot more than what you exact to need. I will never recommand here to anybody. read more

Took my 2007 Camry for a diagnostics test. I have a OBDC code reader and based on the codes researched needed to have 2 ignition coils replaced.. (cylinder 2 & 5) Service tech tried to sell me a timing chain repair and stick me with 1500 quote... The ignition coils cost less than 60 each and 2 hours of labor puts me closer to $275 say no to Save Auto.. no favors here. read more

We had a great experience and the team was very professional. I would recommend this place

Looking for a new mechanic can be frustrating and a learning experience. Vinny, took the time to place my van up on a rack and diagnosis the front end damage. The turnaround time was 2 business days. Will be back for next automotive project. They made my Father and I feel like family. read more

Save Auto - Front end damage - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is my go to fast friendly and cheap they don't try to get you for extra shiet. 40$ fully synthetic can't beat that. read more

Save Auto - Waiting for oil change. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

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I'm actually updating my review and completely deleting my previous review because I think my previous review as a little precocious since I wrote about an estimate and not about service done. After, my previous review, the guy who does paperwork, Bao, told me to give them another chance so I did when it came time for a smog check and oil change. I must say, Bao is the nicest and most sincere guy I have dealt with at an auto place. I'd prefer talking to him than the guy at my local Express Tire when I get my oil change done. I walked out the door in about 1 hour on a Friday morning with my oil change and smog check for the best price around town (~ $30)! While I was waiting, a woman was in and out of there in about 20 minutes for her oil change! I highly recommend them for a quick and easy smog check and/or oil change! read more

would give a negative 5 this place sucks the people are assholes, they scam you for some bogus charges and keep your car from you as collateral they promise cheaper cost but it will end up being 10x the amount, honestly screw these people, go somewhere else read more

Brought in for oil/oil filter change and found out they didn't even change the oil filter! They fixed one thing for you and broke other things and want to charge your to fix the things they broke. This place is not doing honest business, be aware! read more

Was looking for an inexpensive place to get a smog done, I found it. Went in on a Saturday, so the place was busy. They told me to expect an hour wait, but I think it went just under that. Don't expect anything fancy here, but for $24 - I can live with that. read more

Save Auto - Auto Repair Near Me - San Diego, California

Ohhh snap they've got free water bottles in a fridge, a fan, comfy seating, and a nice Sony television to watch the Olympics... and it's not even the small water bottles either. Skip your cable bill and just come here for the afternoon. No but for real, $20 out the door for a smog check plus only a 45 minute wait if there aren't many before you? You can't beat that. read more

They have no honesty or integrity. I went for a regular oil change and they said I should get the rear axles changed, which cost me $600. And that my exhaust pipe has holes in it which they will do welding for $150. I asked if they will use OEM parts for the axles and they confirmed yes. I got the services done by them. I should've gotten a second opinion. Right afterwards I noticed the car was leaking oil from the rear. I took it back to Save Auto and they didn't admit any wrong doing but further gave me another quote to change the gauge on the differential for $400 more. I knew something was fishy. I took my car to the Lexus dealership to get it checked. Lexus service told me that Save Auto had put in 'after-market axles' with the wrong diameter and that's why its leaking a lot of oil and that these axles will further damage the car more. So apparently 'Save Auto' took my $3000 Lexus axles and replaced it with $300 after-market axles. I went back to Save Auto to get my original parts back which was not easy. First he said that he recycled them. Then when I told him I will call the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the BBB, then he went back and brought out the parts. Lexus service then inspected the original axles and said that there was nothing wrong with them and they function perfectly fine, just needed to be cleaned of the grease. I had to pay Lexus service the labor cost to put back my original axles. Seems like Save Auto was probably were going to sell my original Lexus axles on eBay or something. Also, Lexus service also verified that the welding they did on the exhaust pipe was not good, air was still leaking out. So I had to take my car to a muffler shop to get it done properly. Save yourself a lot of agony and pain and don't go here. I lost a lot of money!! read more

Found this place from one of those coupon magazines you get in the mail. $35 for a synthetic oil change. Even without a coupon their prices are lower than most any other oil change place. No appointment is necessary. They usually take about 45 minutes to an hour. Located off the 15 freeway and Miramar Road behind the Holiday Inn. I've brought my car here three times as they do good work. read more

Do not take your car here. They are openly asking customers to pay with cash and not providing receipts to avoid paying taxes. TL;DR - does not clearly communicate if delay on repair, doesn't finish the job, not paying taxes My experience was very disappointing - took my car in when the shop opened on a Friday and was told that car would be ready by 1PM. When I came back at 1PM, was told that the car would not be ready until the next day at noon. Upon calling at noon on Saturday, was told that the car would not be ready until 3PM so I waited and called back then only to be told of a delay once more until Monday....and so the story continues until I finally picked up my car on Tuesday. Upon picking up the car, I was told to pay cash with no receipt. Paid and drove off to realize my air conditioning was still not working as expected and that the power ports in the console did not work either. Upset with the service, I returned to ask for a refund and was given a check for $500 (he didn't even realize how much he had originally charged me because the no receipt scam...) read more

I have a BMW 335I and I have visited these guys a couple times to do my oil change, normal maintenance and repaired my struts and shocks. I visited them on Tuesday, because my water temp on my car was acting funny. It went from yellow to red. Vinny and John helped me out. They found that my radiator was busted and coolant was leaking from my car. They repaired my Beamer within a couple of hours and their price was more than reasonable. Thanks Guys!! read more

i went today for my car to oil change and transmission fluid change .. i know my right shaft is broken and its fine to replace cost all 450$ for shaft right oil and fluid change.. but when something show to me i was so shock i have leaking oil they said i need to replace whole parts for 950$.. im not stupid born yesterday im always park on home parking lot haven't seen any leak of oil on the floor only seen when you open up ..and other repair shop when replace somethink they don't see anything like that.. they made problem to be replace even not necessary not honest.. be careful guys.. read my review you need to be carefull this kind of repair shop its totally cheater take advantage to you... 6-4-2020 Be careful guys they gonna destroy your car and gonna be so really expensive what they made it... Karma is real for you seen if someonw not complain to you goes to police or something! 9280 Kearny Mesa Rd, San Diego, CA 92126 read more

First, I came to get my AC charged and they charged me more than the price I was given over the phone. Second, they bring my car back outside and now it is over heating, I never had over heating issues before. Third he did not charge my AC and he still took my money. read more

Yikes if you want your money stolen out of your car you've found the right place! I always leave a few dollars in my center console, but when I left I noticed it was gone. Don't really need to say more than that. read more

Went here because of an coupon for 4 wheel alignment for $59. It turns out the coupon is just bait because it says small print 2cyl engine. But since I was there I figured I would just get it done anyway.8 Big mistake, after I left there my cars handling was so bad I had to take it to another shop for repair. Lesson Learned. read more

I may have been very upset, angry frustrated, with Vinny 6 years ago. May have even left a bad rating At the time of necessity was quoted $950 rack and pinion installation. At the end bill went up to totaling $1700. A computer needed to be replaced. At that time it was a whole month salary me. He may have tried to give me the best price betting all competitors in miramesa area. But ended up being the most expensive quoted. Please always tell costumers posible complications and computer replacements. Oil changes and smog checks are the cheapest for the whole Miramesa area. Sometimes slow. I apologise I was very upset to be charged half a month salary without warning. This will be a lesson for both of us. Please always tell possible complications andsignifican price increases. How would you feel if I tell you price is 950 and then well if you need your car it's going to be total 1700 I had replace the computer.. I hope you forgive me, and also you are right people that leave bad reviews on your bussines shouldn't go back. Victor. read more

One of the worst place around Miramesa because the mean and rude workers plus they will just try to charge you as much as possible if you don't know about cars read more

Too funny -- obviously Bao didn't READ my review before responding and OBVIOUSLY had no idea which customer I was. Needless to say, I had never complained about a dead battery. AND I have never been back to that dump since this incident. read more

Paid $1000 flat for 2 oil changes, 2 brake pad replacement, 2 rotors replacement front and back for two cars all done from 11:45-2pm. Exceptionally cheap. Will be back! Would have paid over $2000 somewhere else read more

I have been using Save Auto for many years now. I would NEVER go elsewhere. They are great mechanics, and HONEST!! My son takes his car there and now his fiancee does too. My boyfriend took his car (at least that's what he calls it.. I say 2 ton paperweight) a while back to see what it would take to fix everything wrong after his mechanic said he could "make it like new". I called Save to see if they could look at it. They were honest enough to tell us the car could be fixed, but unless he was sentimental about the car it wasn't worth the cost it would take and he would probably be better off getting a new car. That gave me even more respect for them than I already had. read more

I'm so impressed with this shop. They do it all from major and minor maintenance work on your vehicle, to fixing cars from major accidents as well as top quality paint jobs. All this for a fraction of the cost from the dealer. My BMW had major oil leaks (oil going into the radiatior), water pump, spark plugs and wiring harness. All this would've cost over $5k and that's a low estimate. I ended up paying barely half the price at $2200 and my car runs as good as new. I highly highly recommend Save Auto for all your vehicle maintenance needs. Thanks John! read more

I went there a couple weeks ago to do a smog check. Smog check was good and cheap. No problem here. I also asked them to check my the brakes and the noise from the engine areas. Also asked them to look at the brakes. I knew that my front brakes was about time to have new pads. The guy came back with his diagnosis: Firstly, both front and rear brakes are gone and need brake job. They will be $250 each for the front and the rear. Secondly, the noise near the engine is from inside, not outside. The timing belt is bad and needed to be replaced. It is also good idea to change new water pump and the belts outside since they will be removed anyway. Total cost for the new timing belt job will be $750 . The grand total will be $1250. He told me that if I leave the car there that day and would give me a used car loaner, he could knock it down to $1000.00. However, I told him that my rear brake is new and I will think about it about the timing belt. Last week, I went to another mechanic to check on the car with the same issues. My other mechanic told me the front brakes needed to be replaced and the rear brake is new, just needed to be cleaned and adjusted. The noise was from the outside fan worn out belt. Total cost was $445. Who will be the mechanic I will go next time my car needs service? I know for sure that I won't go back to Save Auto for sure. read more

3.5 stars Brought my wife's car for a smog check several months ago after my co-workers referred this station to us. - Parking: very small on-site, there are not that many parking spots in the street either. - Service: decent. - Staffs: OK. - Cashier/Owner (?): nice. - Price: reasonable comparing with other places nearby. Will definitely bring my other car to having a required smog check in few weeks. read more

After 7 years of trusting them with all my cars I will never stop at their shop again. They do have low prices for cheap and comun stuff but when when big repairs come they just make up stuff and charge you vinny wants. Vinny quoted me 600 dollar rapir saying my engine was bad and needed 6 hour labor job, went to another shop they said it only needit a sensor. Fixed for $40 and no lights again in 10k miles later. read more

A few months ago, my brother took his car in for an oil change and his engine burned up and melted and he noticed that they had emptied out the old oil and never replaced it and they took his new spark plugs out and put in old ones for some reason. When he took his car back, they said he needed a new engine and they wouldn't return his car to him until he agreed. $4,500 later, I just took that same car (with a brand new engine) in for an oil change and an alignment and not 5 minutes after leaving I had to pull over on the side of the freeway and the car was sputtering like a go cart. They are claiming that there's something wrong with the brand new engine. I'm taking my car somewhere else and never bringing another vehicle back here. The prices are low but it's not worth it when you end up having to replace half your car every time. Also, I read the other reviews and it seems like this happens to a lot of people when they go to this shop. Not surprised. read more

I have been to save auto on numerous occasions and have always had the best experience. Hot Tip-if possible it is best to go first thing in the morning to avoid the rush of business that this place gets during the day. Anyways, I have always had my oil changed and smog checked and the service has always been very fast and top quality. I also got a dent fixed here once, and I could not have asked for a better job for the cheap price I paid. I will be a loyal customer of save auto as long as I'm in San Diego! read more

If you go here You'll be scammed into paying for car repairs that you may not need. It starts with an oil change and pretty soon becomes a major repair costing you over $700.00. They'll even puncture a hose to cause a leak so they can justify their repairs. They don't use the right fluids for your car and cause more problems for your car. Avoid at all costs!! The cost will be high!! read more

They replaced brake pads and rotors both back and front recently. They did a good job and we will definitely come back for other work.

For what it's worth, this is my first review. My mom had heard about this place from her church friends. After my mom's wouldn't start, we inquired to couple of places to get a new starter installed. This place offered a more reasonable price compared to others in the area. Also, the service was prompt and satisfactory. While my mom was getting her starter replaced, I noticed that they also did body work. I had a few dents in my leased car that had to be sorted out before my lease came up. I spoke to the shop's owner Benny and we agreed on a price. Overall, I was satisfied with the body work that was done on my car. Benny also had one of his employees touch-up the various nicks and scratches at no extra charge which I appreciated. Overall, if I had an automobile that needed to be looked over, I will have no qualms about taking my car here to be serviced. read more

My car got Service Engine Soon, the VDC Off, and Slip lights on. I got the Code P0340, It means Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 1 or Single Sensor Error. I drive my car to SAVE AUTO, the auto service shop, the car repairman tell me that he got three codes and need to change my two Cam Solenoid and oil filter and oil change, $750 in all. After two days, When I came to their shop, the car repairman told me that he did't fix my Car, and the timing chain kit need to be changed for $2000. I asked the car repairman that what about my cam shaft position sensor. He say the sensor he changed are camshaft position sensor. That's ridiculous. The Camshaft position sensor is behind the engine. But the Camshaft Solenoid sensor located in front of the engine, The location are different. They are very unprofessional. What's make me angry is, the car repairman tell me that he got the code P1130, and the engine is very bad, the timing chain need to be changed, and they lower the price to $1500. I rejected him. When I drive the car home, I open the hood, I found the right side cable of Camshaft solenoid wasn't connected to the sensor which he changed. After plug it in and reset, Code P1130 disappeared. Then I bought a Camshaft position sensor on Amazon, just replaced it, problem solved. Spent me $38.95 after tax, and half a hour. For this case, they are very unprofessional and at the same time deceive me. I don't think they do not know the difference between the two sensors. Reported to bureau automotive repair(BAR). read more