This place is a joke! Hear me out and save yourself quality time, money and the hassle (You will be coming back more than 3x for EACH occasion because of unfinished work, trust me..) This is not the same place it was 2 years ago! I never thought I would have to re-consider my review for this place. Initially, I first came here in 2018 for an alignment on my truck. ONLY reason why I came back and continued to be a returning customer, not because my alignment went out of place (Steering wheel almost in a full left turn steer to be able to drive straight!) as soon as I got on the freeway from this shop after having a 4 wheel alignment done! I called since it was close to closing and Raul offered to check it out for free the next day. Found out, a bolt was loose! Fixed and sent me on my way! FYI, printer has not worked for 2 years or more and they will not show you the before & after. I asked and they sent me a picture through text . Yeah.. not legit. On another note. Zeke was the man and straight forward! No bs, no games, just there to do work! Unfortunately, he's not there no more. He was very transparent with his customers! Anyways, cool I can trust these guys since they fixed it for free Fast forward to 2020, I had 3 cars dropped off ever since 2018 and within those two years, I kid you not, I did 8-10 RETURNED visits! I finally gave up after the new employee and Raul wanted to play stupid with me within these past few weeks! Let me share one of my experiences. First and foremost, these guys don't know what they're doing and are just taking in what they can to give themselves work (especially during COVID-19) and when they do take work, oh man, they take their sweeeeeet time. First and foremost, out of all my 8-10 returned visits to this shop for separate occasions since 2018, alignment, sensor install/programming, unfinished maintenance work, the job was never fully complete! You think this is nothing? Well I am just glad I never had engine builds/costly work down here. I can't event imagine! I am all for supporting small/local businesses, but people running a business thinking they know what they are doing, not being transparent that they really don't have the "know-how's," and not understanding that time is much more valuable than money, the business will definitely forsee a huge reduction in customer retention and customer loyalty. I like to recommend my peers and networks, I am simply just trying to save you the hassle, nonetheless, your time. Future customers, are you thinking about going here? If you are second guessing, your gut is telling you no!!! Take my advice and my full transparency. I am all about giving back, but the guys at this shop are playing the "milk the clock, delay the time, and kick out the customers 20 minutes before shop closes and let the customers know, if the issue returns, just come back tomorrow" game. There is no tomorrow when you can't even figure out today. 100% would not recommend. read more

This place has gone down the tubes. DO NOT GO HERE! I brought in my Chevy Cobalt as the check engine light was on. Still hadn't heard back from them by the end of the day, so I had to call them (this will be a recurring theme). They said, among others things, that my spark plugs needed changing. Only I had JUST had them replaced in November (when it was different people). Took him a while (this will ALSO be a recurring theme), but he checked the records and saw that I was telling the truth. The "manager" was a fast talker, constantly talking about how he's doing this and doing that and always keeps his customers in mind. Meanwhile, they kept my car for TWO WEEKS!!!! He said one of the spark plugs was stuck, and he couldn't find the right tool, and this particular thing didn't work and blah, blah, blah. Excuse after excuse after excuse. He also said that he would call me in an hour. Or during lunch. Or at the end of the day. HE NEVER DID! (oh, wait, praise Jesus he did call me back one time). I was constantly having to bug him and be the one to call him. One time I called and the other mechanic put me "on hold" - aka, put the phone down to the side - so I could hear the "manager" helping a customer. It took him 45 minutes to figure out how to work a credit card machine - and it was because the paper was backwards. When the car was "fixed" he then had the audacity to only charge me $198 instead of $220 because the spark plug work had already been done. Gee, thanks. I had my car for all of two miles, when it starts making a horrible noise. I was instantly done with my car and instantly done with Star Auto. I was a loyal customer and they just lost one for life. read more

I brought my truck here for a diagnostic since it was having hesitation and jerking issues and I had also been recommended to come here. However as many others have stated in their reviews the previous more experienced mechanics no longer work here. I figured I would give them the benefit of the doubt, I received a call explaining the diagnostic which seemed to be an expense I could handle so I proceeded to have the work done. I was called the following day to pick up my truck when I arrived the mechanic tells me he will walk me through the work he preformed after I pay which he did not do in the end. I went in paid and when my paperwork was printed they did not give me the page which states the warranty I was concerned about this. Instead of printing that page out the supervisor or owner I'm not entirely sure signed the paper saying this would be valid for warranty if I need it in the future but that I would not and not to even worry about it. However I ended up having to return back the same day I picked up the truck because the issue was still present. After the second visit the driving condition of the truck was worse then when I brought it in originally. They asked someone at the shop who I believe was an apprentice wearing no mask to go and drive the vehicle with me to further diagnose the truck even though at this point I had already paid and had the work done defeating the purpose of paying for a diagnosis. After returning with the apprentice the mechanic who worked on my truck asks to take the truck out again to "see what the problem is". Roughly 2 minutes into the drive he states it's your transmission. The mechanic goes on to explain to me how he can give me a discount on his labor and that they happen to have a refurbished transmission conveniently suited for my truck in the shop. Be aware and do research on where you take your vehicle do not get ripped off. read more

I'm reviewing this place strictly for the smog. Found a coupon on the Penny Saver for $18.75 + $8.25 certificate for a grand total of $27...not bad at all. Regular price is $49.99 + cert for cars which is pretty average. The tech who helped me out was real down to earth & they had coffee & Yum Yum donuts for free while I waited. Try this place out if you need it, as for actual mechanical work I can't give any feedback on that but one of the techs that works there actually used to be a tech for Toyota of Escondido so I'm sure they know their stuff lol read more

I dropped off my car for a diagnostic today for my 2007 Mercedes Benz C230 because an orange check engine light was ON! Jack, the front desk clerk was very helpful and ensures that I understood the main issue in my car! The main technician-Raul inspected my car & detected the problem. They provided excellent service and are very friendly! I am very grateful and extremely happy that I came today. Adam, the owner of Star Auto Service was incredibly kind & highly respected for his professionalism. read more

Star Auto service is a new U-Haul station. I worked with Adam. I was dropping off a 26' U-Haul truck and the address was right, but the location is difficult to spot. Once I found the site, I was able to navigate, though the access was a little crowded. i worked with Adam. He did me right. I was short a couple of blankets as they were likely still being used as packing in a box somewhere, and he trusted me to bring them back once I found them, so didn't charge me. Good man! Yes, I brought them back first thing next morning. Thank you Adam! read more

If I could put more than 5 stars, I would! The guys are simply the best. They work on your car like it would be their car. They are my dream comes true, exactly the way I was looking to get new mechanics for my car. Did I mention about good price for the job? It was. I got new battery just for price of it; the installation was free!!! read more

Great friendly service, truely appreciate Jack and Manny for being so courteous. In and out for an oil change and made to work on time. Thank you guys, I'll be back. read more

Manny and jack were awesome!! I went in and asked for a burnt light bulb to be replaced, and they did it within minutes!! I'd definitely recommend and will return in the future!! Thank you again!! read more

I can not thank this shop enough for the dedication they've given me to help get my cars running smoothly. They're so friendly and knowledgeable i genuinely appreciate them. Bonus is the coffee in the office too. Jack let's me know the exact problem and the most reasonable way to fix the issue. It's not everyday you get a mechanic who's honest about money. Raul.. wow.. where do I even start with him... he's so honest to me about the vehicles I have him work on. Shows me what went wrong and let's me see the old parts compared to the new ones. It's eye opening. read more

This place in the worst. I had very bed experience with a transmission on my Toyota truck. They took 3 weeks to do a horrible job I had to come back like 10 times to deal with the Guys there because the owner never showed up Don't go there this place sucks If you ever get on a situation like this Take action. And take them to court. Thats what this crook deserve. So they can take the job seriously. Or. Close the dem please read more

Five stars for this place and their crew, Omar took good care of me, told me exactly what I needed not only did they do a good job but they took me in with no appt and kept it all at a reasonably good price! My car sounds 100% better Highly recommended read more

This place is great! Needed a new cat to get me car to pass smog. They where honest and gave me a fair price had it fixed in less than an hr. Highly recommend these guys. read more

Star Auto Service - This guys is very helpful and bilingual. - Auto Repair Near Me - Escondido, California

These guys are true professionals. Everyone was double the price. They are straight forward and honest. Because of there great prices I was able to afford the work. They never pressured me into anything, told me what I needed. No hidden charges, on time, very clean professional crew that was very respectful. You will not regret doing business with this honest company. From beginning to end with a savings of over $500 from the closest competition. I could not be happier. read more

Highly recommend. Walked in for a smog check and they were very friendly and affordable. Fast and great service!

I brought two of my cars for alignments. The guys are quick efficient and a great cost. read more

Star Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Escondido, California

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Cheapest place to get alignment. Other places charge double. Friendly people and good service. Checked my fluids for free even tho they usually charge. read more

HORRIBLE!! My brother took his car to this shop for his transmission and it dropped within like 2 weeks!! I had taken my car in for a tensioner problem and they did a terrible job, when I picked up my car and it was still making noise, I called them and they said it was normal. Fast forward a month and a half surprise my tenioner broke. I took it back to them. They said they needed to rethread (they did this the first time) but they weren't comfortable doing that job, so I said why would you do it the first time? I had to towe my car to another mechanic and he confirmed they did not do the rethread right, there is no room to rethread without removing the engine. They didn't do it right, my tensioner broke again because they left it loose and it should've never been Making a noise when I left that shop!! I had to pay 2 weeks for a rental and towing services and they refused a refund! Not professional and half a!* jobs!! read more

I got an alignment, balance, and rotation of all four tires. The owner did the alignment and the man named Raul did the balancing and tire mounting. They informed me of an issue with one of my alloy wheels and thankfully I had a spare. But the service was excellent. They're very very friendly people and the prices are really good. They beat Discount Tire, Tires 4 Less, and John's Tire Pros prices by a mile. They even checked my car's fluids and brakes. I thought I needed an oil change already but they told me I was good for another almost 2k miles. If I had gone somewhere else, they would've just taken my money. I'm very thankful for this shop and I highly recommend. I will be coming back for my oil change when the time comes. Great customer service! read more

Fast, friendly and affordable! Definitely recommend! I will be coming back. Went in as a walk-in and was given prompt service for a smog check. read more

Aweosme workers! Great prices! Quick service! Couldn't have chosen a better place to get used tires, an alignment, and my tires balanced. Will be coming back for any future car problems!! read more

Star auto such a great team. They work with your vehicle all fully inspect it. Greatly appreciate the work the you've been doing on my car. Now it's running better than ever. Not only is the work reliable but they are fast in what they do. read more

I came here to get my truck smogged (after bringing my other vehicle here last month) and I have to say that I was quite impressed with this place yet again. I was treated with respect, and as a lady, never once did I feel like I was being swindled. Joe gave me prompt service with a smile, and for a small fee replaced my worn gas cap that would have otherwise caused my truck to fail. Plain and simple- Good price, great customer service, and I won't take my vehicles anywhere else! read more

HONEST and knowledgeable! My wife had to get her car towed and the tow driver recommended this place saying he trusted them. We are so happy we ended up here. Adam really has a great thing going. read more

Came to this place for front brake work. I was expecting them to say yes I do need to replace my pads and machine the rotors but instead, they recommend to just clean and adjust the rear brakes because that's where the vibration is coming from. They took me in to show that my front brakes are fine. They saved me some $$ that day. I will go back when it's time for brake replacement. Check them out. read more

Today I came by the shop was thinking my car would not pass smog few minutes later he presented me a complete pass smog ready to go lol I would say I was there 10 minutes you rock Joe 2000 Pontiac Firebird read more

Favorite auto repair shop in North San Diego county. Alignment price and quality was excellent Synthetic oil change alignment oil filter under 90.00 dollars. Bargain!!!! Clean shop great coupons and near Starbucks and home depot. Friendly associates, free Halloween candy, electricity for computer and good coffee. Uhaul too if you need it. read more

My truck broke down and needed a new transmission. Called these guys and spoke to Raul and Rafael . Great people , they got my truck in and out . Gave me an excellent price with parts labor . Will definitely go back to these guys for more services. read more

Came here on Sunday 21st of September to smog my Vehicle. By far worst experience for a quick smog. Walked in and right away felt like he was after my money. Asked about a smog check it was $69.95 plus another $8.25 for a certificate. He took my car in for the smog of course everything passed except for one, A "VISUAL" TEST my Catalytic Converter was supposedly removed or what he said "Missing" so he called me over and advised me about it I said how much is it to fix it? He answered "around 300 dollars because it uses a certain kind" so after he took my $69.95 told me to come get it fixed and I asked if it gets fixed and I bring it back do I have to pay again he said yes. So I left with a huge amount of doubt I went to a muffler shop that same day asked to have it fixed and was told my Cat is there and he showed me where it was in plain View sensor attached and everything. I drove all the way from Oceanside back to Escondido that same day to tell the guy my Cat is there and all he said was come back tmrw so the mechanic can check it out so I said no I want my money back I'm not planning to smog it here anymore it was then when he started being "friendly" and said he will smog again so again the whole procedure Cat was there everything passed and I was given my certificate. Not only did I have to drive all the way to the other side of town but he was trying to get more money out of me and claim to do a job that was never going to get done and have to pay again for the smog. Would recommend to go to Brake Stop off Washington and Broadway better friendly people only reason i did not go there was because they are closed on Sundays. read more

Star Auto Service - This is where it says my "Visual Inspection" was missing my Cat. Conv. it was it was tampered. - Auto Repair Near Me - Escondido, California

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I went in yesterday to get my breaks done. I'm very weary when it comes to mechanics. I've had horrible experiences in the past. I absolutely recommend coming here! They had good pricing and very friendly and helpful! I will be back again in June! I loved Naji and Adam the owner were amazing! They both made me feel so comfortable and I was very satisfied when I left. Helping with everything I needed! Thank you so much for all your help! Will be back in June! read more

Best prices on alignment anywhere. They just redid the front office and getting new customer chairs. I was a walk in and they were happy to serve me without an appointment. Great service at a great price read more

My car overheated on our way out of town and the tow truck driver recommended Star Auto Service. I'm so glad that he brought us here!! We arrived at 4pm, and were out the door with a brand new radiator and thermostat by 6pm!!! These guys are rad! They knew that we were in a hurry and totally took care of us. I was expecting to pay a lot more for the quick turnaround but they totally hooked it up and they did a great job! Thank you sooo much Star Auto! read more

I went to Star Auto Service last month for a smog check. Their service was excellent, the price was great, and I was out the door in under 20 minutes. I will definitely return when it's time for my next smog check. read more

I recommend this place to anyone who wants a great job done at a fair price. I went there once to get a smog but they couldn't do it because it needed to be done at a certified star center and my check engine light was on. But even though they weren't going to be making any money from me, they informed me that California has a program to help with repairs and printed out a form for me. I appreciated it so much that when I needed A/C repair done, I immediately thought of them. Joe was extremely helpful and honest. He didn't try to cheat me to get me to pay more money for things I didn't need...which is something a lot of other auto service centers do, especially to women. They are courteous and make the wait comfortable by offering free coffee, donuts, fresh fruit and even a ride home. I trust my car to them and won't take it anywhere else. read more