Kevin saved me on a holiday weekend. I was traveling on the Freeway on a Friday before Memorial Day. Warning light came on about brakes. I started making calls and ended up in Santa Barbara. The shop was going to close early for the holiday, but Kevin volunteered to stay and help me. Kevin inspected my brakes and found it was the sensors- not the brakes. Replaced sensors. Saved me money and my trip. Highly recommend! read more

They advertise a smog check for $32.99. But when you go it's $42. Then when you show them the coupon on their website that says $32.00 they change the story and say the machine they use is broken. I am leaving 2 start so not to be completely mean but this place is a racket. read more

Star Tech Auto Repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Star-Tech Auto has serviced my car for over 10 years. No matter the circumstances, Kevin and his crew are helpful, skilled and even make solid recommendations for how I can save money without compromising quality. I'll never go to anyone else. They have earned my trust and loyalty! read more

They are the only shop I know of in Santa Barbara that will work on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter. Kevin did a great job, promptly, and explained things well. read more

Fast service but no explanation of charge of $45.00 instead of what the coupon said. Didn't want to hassle over a few bucks so just paid. $32.99 +$8.25 = $45.00? read more

Star Tech Auto Repair - Auto Repair Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Looking for any reason to fail you. My vehicle has passed smog for the last 6 years no problem and I had to take it here because my other guy was out of town for the holidays and of course I don't pass because something visual that has nothing to do with the smog or components of anything engine related. All over hoses that connect to my 4x4 that have been removed from a axel swap I had done years ago. Sounds like they are money hungry because right after I left this guys place I took it to another smog hours later and passed. read more

Needed a smog for reg renewal but the first time I went, my car computer wasn't ready because I had recently needed my battery jumped. They still charged me $50. They said I hadn't driven around enough for all the codes to load even though I had driven to ventura and back the day before but they didn't seem shady so I went for another drive and even waited to come back a few days later, tested it, same problem, still charged me $50. Came back the next day and they ran a check for DTC, and all these codes for cylinder misfires showed up even though I had no engine lights on. From there they told me it would be $110 for a diagnostic but it would be waived if I also got whatever repairs I needed there. Classic. Before going through with it I had a buddy take a look and reset the computer and then drove all over to get it booted up again. He retested it: no codes. I went to AutoZone and borrowed their DTC checker: no codes. Waited a day and went back AGAIN to AutoZone to check just to make sure: no codes. Got it smogged at another shop: no codes, no issues. (Lang Motors is great, also star certified, $52 there but I gave start tech $100 and almost more for their runaround so an extra $2 is definitely worth spending) Was this an on purpose scam or maybe their equipment was faulty, who knows. Still one star b/c before they could have explored cost free options that would explain the codes because absolutely nothing with how my car drives is off so they should have known that cylinders misfiring was not likely ALSO was looking to have a regular mechanic to go to and the guys seemed okay and I even referred my roommate to get her smog the next day, no acknowledgment for the referral (she came in before I came back for my retest, which they still charged me 50 bucks for) and they charged her $60 (her car was also later than 2000 so it should have been the same price as mine). From my experience with building a relationship with a new business, returning and bringing in more customers is incentivized but I get it's hard time, a verbal "thanks" would have been enough. I don't want to make assumptions or accusations b/c I don't know why I had all these issues with them, but there are plenty of other good options in SB so why risk it here (Lang Motors was great, AutoZone clerk recommended Fernando's if you don't need starCertified) read more

Great service and knowledgable staff. I ALWAYS bring my vehicles here for SMOG checks and service. Keep up the great work! read more

Star Tech Auto Repair - Star-tech Auto Repair. - Auto Repair Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I'm from LA. I went up the bay area one weekend last year and on my way back my car died. I had no idea how much it was going to cost and it was daunting being stuck away from home. Luckily I found these guys. Nice, friendly people and they fixed my car for a reasonable price. read more

The service is fine but for years he has had discount coupons on his webpage that he doesn't accept. Not very ethical behavior. His answer has been the same always .. read more

We have been taking our Ford F250, Prius V and Prius Plug-in to Star Tech for many years now. They do excellent work. Their pricing is competitive. Their service is excellent. What I like best is that Kevin will provide us with options with well developed considerations. He is very practical in his approach and makes everything understandable. I highly recommend Star Tech for all of your auto service, paint and repair needs. read more

Used their smog coupon to get Smog Certification for DMV. Kevin took good care of me and honored the coupon. Passed smog no problems. I had another issue and needed a part that John Howe West said they'd order and call me but never did. Kevin took care of it the same day and told me he'd call me when the part is delivered so I can come in. I'll never take my car back to John Howe West but will stick with Startech for any future repairs. Kevin owns the same car, year and make. Highly recommend STARTECH for your car needs‼ read more

Took my car for repair. They said my car was ready multiple times than saying they had a wrong part delivered, why couldn't they call and let me know?? Since they said it was ready I returned my rental car and when I arrived it still was not ready so I was out 1 week without a car because of them. Do not go here. Absolutely horrible service. The owner wanted to charge me a late fee for having my car over the weekend over his mistake of canceling the insurance check. Immediately when I turned on the car I noticed a noticeable loud noise started coming from the engine. Asked him what it was and he didn't say anything. Took it to another mechanic who immediately knew it was the water pump. Don't take your car here he will half fix your car and left me paying more for something he should of fixed when he worked on my car. Paying another 1000 just to get it fixed. read more

I called to ask what the total charge would be, the person answering the phone spoke so fast with an accent I asked him to speak slower he obviously didn't like that and when I asked him for a total fee and asked why it wasn't in the ad, he was rude and said "don't tell me how to run my business". This was not necessary as it was a perfectly reasonable question. I do not spend money where I am treated rudely and encourage others to do the same. I notice that they only post positive reviews and if you take a moment you can read the not so positive reviews. They include Bad News, Scam, Don't waste your time, Bait and Switch, Do Yourself a Favor and Go Somewhere Else, Read the Reviews. ONE STAR RATINGS!!! read more

Great service! Would highly recommend coming here! Very nice people, quick, helpful, and honest!

!!!!SCAM!!!! !!!!SCAM!!!! !!!!SCAM!!!! !!!!SCAM!!!! They fail smog tests based on "visual inspection" then charge you a lot to fix a problem you didn't have. These people should be ashamed of themselves for doing this. !!!!SCAM!!!! !!!!SCAM!!!! !!!!SCAM!!!! !!!!SCAM!!!! read more

The other day I called up Star Tech Auto to get my RV smog and serviced and made an appointment, they got me in within a day to take care of my RV. Throughout the years I've had many different cars with various types of problems . Star Tech have always shown to be consistent, dealing with many types of vehicles to diagnose and fix the problems always with friendly but focused great advice. No matter what the problem is with my cars I always feel confident that they will give me great service and fix it In a timely manner. Unfortunately we are living in a world today where a lot of peoples business model is to get as much money out of the customer as possible for a one time fleecing. Fortunately that is not the case here, It's reassuring to see an old fashion style family business that actually cares, and knows what they're doing. Nick especially s an excellent mechanic smart, and detail oriented. I highly recommend them for your Santa Barbara Mechanic needs. read more

I brought my 2002 Dodge ram van that was having a lot of different unsolvable issues here and there main guy who owns it let me come in early and even works with me all day I'm trying to figure it out even though we weren't able to figure out the issue he pointed me in the right direction it was a huge help and had nothing but good intentions I cannot recommend this place enough read more

I was dreading this. Find an honest business, clean, fast, and inexpensive is daunting for this single senior lady! I took a chance: called Star Tech...they said they'd be free in 10 minutes. I drove over--it took less than 10 min. and they took me immediately! Found a coupon online--they honored it. Forgot my DMV paperwork--they said they'd handle it manually (more work for them). They transferred info to DMV. Not fancy but very clean--optional water and snacks and a couch. It was so fast I didn't even have time to make a phone call! Ha ha ha. So, I'll be returning every time I need this done. I am VERY HAPPY and what I was dreading turned out to be a pleasure. Try them out! read more

I had the easiest most straight forward SMOG Check with Nick & Kevin. They were so nice and had my 2000 BMW 540i smog checked in less than 15-min. They charged exactly what they quoted. I think anyone having issue with these two need first look at themselves to make sure they aren't trying to take advantage of a service provider. Treat people as you want to be treated and you will get the same in return. Thank you Nick and Kevin for the pleasant smog check! Ps. I still think you'd love Rust Valley Restorers even though it's like returning to the office after work! ;-) read more

Called around and this place told me no appt needed just come in. Got my car smogged here and was in and out. Staff was very friendly and I used my coupon they texted me and got a discount. Saved $10. Definitely recommend this place. read more

Be aware of these guys. They have a coupon for $22.95 on thier website and I showed them the coupon and he looked at my car and its a convertable mercedes, and said its going to be $45.00 no credit card only cash. What a shady shady Buisness. We are lifelong residents of SB and own a Buisness and they were trying to rip me off! I think the City Of SB should set guidelines for people like them to charge a fine to rip us locals off. So thet need to stop false advertising the coupon on thier website . So maybe if I had a junky old car it would of been $22.00 . I left and went to another place and they gave me 20 % off the Smog. Now see he was not trying to rip me off. I hope you lose lots of customers with my yelp review. Also my star rating is a BIG FAT ZERO!!!! read more

This place is bad news. Went there for a smog check and they burned me. They're online " coupon" says $33 dollars, but they claimed my truck is $89. Truck passed emissions tested by the machine, but they claimed it failed visual inspection for a vacuum switch that I had repaired with epoxy (still worked fine). They quoted me $250 for the part plus labor, so I ran to the junk yard and got one for $30. When I came back 2 hours later to show that I had replaced it they wanted to charge me another $89 for a full re-test, which is also way more than anywhere else in town. I went to Santa Barbara smog and it was $65 out the door and no BS. Don't trust these jack ass thieves. read more

I called around for estimates from a few places before deciding on Startech (even though it didn't have Yelp reviews) because of the over-the-phone customer service, low price and because they accepted walk-ins. On their website, I found a coupon for a $32.75 smog check and it stated on there that there was an additional charge for the state certificate and transfer fee. I appreciated that when I called, the person reminded me of this fee. My smog check was $45 for a 5 year old civic that's registered in SB, a great price for this area. While I browsed the cute shops in the area (and purchased a previously loved silk dress for $12), they performed the smog check in under 20 minutes. And FYI, though the name under Yelp is "Startech Paint & Body," the sign on location and on their website say "Star Tech Auto Repair." read more

Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. I rarely write reviews but want to help others from the poor choice I made. Did not honor coupon for smog test even though its on their site and yelp! Was told a story about how they can't make any money. I felt bad and went ahead with test. THEN I failed. First time ive failed a smog test?? Told me my computer was not up and running and it wouldn't read. I was told to come back tomorrow maybe my computer will be running. Was told I would be charged again the same price. BTW coupon says $23 test. Was told in person its $34. Just dont go!!!! Save yourself the headache. Glad I got out with only $34 loss. Cant imaging even trying to go there for auto repair???? read more

I found there coupon online and thought it would be quick and easy. My car didn't pass smog not because of emissions, but because of the fuel injection system codes. Took it to my mechanic and said that was total bs and all codes were good. read more

Had my car smashed pretty good on the right front... fender, hood, grill, strut and some other stuff. Limped into Start Tech and talked to the owner - Nick.. Great guy. Fixed it on time and so far, (2 months) - perfection... no wobble or bounce. They are also a front end specialist - other body shops go to them for front end work. My son has been using them for engine and smog for about 3 years. Fair and reasonable. He matched the paint perfectly and also took out some some other 'wrinkles' on the rear as a courtesy. Highly recommend. read more

The best service in Santa Barbara. They always do an excelente work in my Prius! I sincerely recommend this place. The owners Kevin and Nick are very professional and friendly! read more

Really great service. Today I went in for an oil change with no appointment. The service tech said 1/2 hour - 45 minutes. They proceeded to put the car up immediately and were done in about 20 minutes! For $48 bucks and no up selling or hassles, I was impressed. Last year I took the camper down here for a smog...well it didn't pass but they made some adjustments and lo and behold, it passed. Again, great service and the guy that runs the shop is honest and totally down to earth. read more

Nick and Kevin have been my mechanics for over 10 years and will continue to be because of there sound mechanical work. They work on all cars but in my opinion are european specialists. I have taken my Bmw and Mercedes to them regularly and have never had to take my car back because of a "mechanic" mistake. If you want a shop that gets the job done right the first time Startech auto is your place. Highly recommend. read more

Price for smog check is not $22.99 as advertised but 42 if paid with a card, also guy will sell you a gas cap for $18dlls or test will fail.

I called them to make an appointment and ask about pricing for a custom alignment. I was told an appointment was not necessary and the price for a 4 wheel alignment was $99, and they do custom alignments but without warranty. When I arrived I was told that it would be $250, typical bait and switch. I would not send my ex there. read more

Read the reviews! Don't waste your time and money at this business. They charge more than what they originally tell you and the coupon they have advertise for $22 smog!! Forget it they don't even honor it and will charge you $60 plus. Go to "smog it" around the corner for fast friendly honest service. Worse experience ever! Avoid this place. read more

Make sure you double check the price they are charging you. I was quoted $35 for a smog check over the phone and then they tried to charge me $65 when I got there. I spoke to the technician and he changed the price but I thought it was very unprofessional to do. However, they did complete the smog check fairly quickly and I was in and out of there within 15 minutes. They are the most affordable place for a smog check in Santa Barbara but I was not happy that they tried to secretly over charge me. read more

Star Tech Auto Repair is a great place of service. I have used them ever since I have lived in Santa Barbara. They are a great repair shop that does it the RIGHT way. Thank you Kevin and Nick for the great service. It is greatly appreciated and you will always have my service read more

I took my car to this place for a smog, and while I was there I decided to have them take a look at an issue I was having with my blinkers shorting out... the owner took a look and said the part would be close to $200 to fix... I asked what the part was so I could give my dad a call and go over it with him and the owner refused and said he should have charged me just for looking into it! I took my car to chevy and they fixed the blinker problem for $20. Total creep, would never go back! read more

Star Tech was quick and great! I got in and out in 20 minutes! Thank you!!!

Gave me good car advice about resetting my codes! Got me in for a smog check fast. My smog check was $49 totally with the coupon, I think the price depends on what year your car is (mine is 2003). read more

Worst customer service. He'll quote you one price over the phone and then charge you a higher price when you get there. Very unfriendly and treats customers carelessly. read more

I have been taking all four of my cars to Star Tech for many years, and have always recommended them to my friends, family and roommates for smog checks and simple repairs. However, I will be not going back, and have let all of my friends know that they should not either. The owner treated me like it was Bank of America customer support. He was rude and double-charged me. Needless to say, I will be going back to my old smog shop. Don't be fooled! read more