Hillcrest Smog Test & Auto Repair

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Tricia Mercer
2 weeks ago
I was referred to Quan from a friend who said Quan is ethical and a straight shooter. She s been going to Quan for years. Prior to bringing my Honda truck here for service I was going to another auto shop down the road who always found 5+ things wrong with my 7 year old truck every time I took it in for an oil change. They would tell me I need to get these services or else my truck wouldn t run properly, etc. I hate to admit that I gave them thousands of unnecessary dollars because I was naive and I trusted they were being honest. I showed Quan my truck report and what I was being told I needed, her team evaluated my truck, said all I need is a regular oil change and two new rear tires. She saved me $1500.Highly recommend especially if you re not knowledgeable. You will not be taken advantage of here.Thank you Quan!

  Shelby Collins
2 months ago
Best car service ever! I was able to come in 30 minutes before closing to replace my battery same day - appreciate this place!

  Hector Avitia
a month ago
An honest repair shop. Been going here for years with both personal and company vehicles. Fair prices, never try to upsell or push unnecessary repairs.

  Jon Duncan
3 years ago
Got my smog today , very convenient and clear with price and safety for covid being followed If you need any car repairs this place is convenient they re reasonable and A+ plus service ,It s like going to your best friend have them for your car repair but they know what they re doing and they remembered me from my last car. Sadly I have not had to use them because I bought a new Honda years ago but I drive by and wave still the same and recommend anyone with car repairs to go here for a quick oil change or smog check .And if you have to wait a bit right in the heart of Hillcrest so you can walk to multiple options for food and shopping.

  Kathryn O'shea
7 months ago
I brought my car in two days ago regarding my car stalling and not starting.The lady (I wish I knew her name) was very friendly and took the time to understand what was going on and took my keys.The issue I was having was not being showing up to her (which I had a feeling was gonna happen), but still wanted to figure out the issue. She then checked the codes and noticed my oxygen and knock back sensor was coming up but she knew that wasn t what was wrong with my car.She then explained to me Hyundai has been having recalls on the knockback sensor and was calling them herself to figure out if I qualified for a recall (which I appreciated someone advocating for me).After a day and a half without my car she figured out it was probably my crank sensor and replaced it for around 100 dollars. I requested she also replaced my oxygen sensor and had an oil change done. After spending 430 dollars I was sent on my way the next day with my car sounding brand new. I am highly pleased with the services done and they have earned a customer for the remainder of my time that I am living in San Diego.

  Paul Kim
11 months ago
I have been coming here for about a year now and have received great service each time!Quan and her team are incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything to me in terms I could understand, making sure I was fully informed every step of the way.What really impressed me, however, was the way they went above and beyond to ensure my car was running at its best. They do a thorough inspection and always identify some other areas that needed attention. They walked me through all of my options and gave me their honest recommendations, which I truly appreciated.I can't recommend them highly enough!

  Cory Brin
7 months ago
Quick. Painless. Easy.Be aware - the turn in is right off the busy highway, so use caution. And if you want to head back toward downtown, you'll have to go pull a U-Turn when you're done as there's no left turn. These are not knocks on the service, just something to keep in mind as you're planning your day.Service: Smog certification

  Ohmy Word
4 years ago
Driving in, this place looks like it was lifted off Route 66 and dropped into hippest of hip Hillcrest. Apparently, the owners ran out of paint in 1953 and just allowed the exhaust fumes and carbon dust to form a protective coating. Even the office feels like a step backward, into a time before shiny plastic countertops and service writers in neatly pressed uniforms. And that is the key difference. The owner, in mom jeans, is friendly and welcoming. The service is personal to her.I left our old jalopy there for brake surgery and an oil change, expecting a full day of mooning about before the vehicle was declared healthy. I had barely settled down to my chai latte and Dirk Gently novel at the local bean grinders before I got the call to come back - we were good to go.The bill was much lower than I expected, which gave me a happy spring in the step. Now the car runs like a dream, the pocket was spared, and I left with a good feeling about humankind, even though there are still smudges of orange fake-tan smeared across Washington.Go there.

  Ben Goodwin
a year ago
I had a great experience at this mechanic. I came in to get my break pads replaced and the service was very efficient. Staff clearly communicated everything they would be doing so there were no unexpected charges, pricing was very reasonable, service was quick and only took a few hours so I wasn't left without a car for very long. Car sounds great upon getting it back. Would recommend!

  Zach
a year ago
Honest, affordable, and friendly. Quan and the staff go above and beyond to deliver affordable repairs. Our water pump was on the way out, and rather than do the repairs themselves she suggested we check with the manufacturer s warranty. Turns out it was covered and saved us a ton of money and hassle. They are the best out there!

  amy
2 years ago
We have been using this business for over 10 years. Not only do they do registration items, they do servicing of autos. If you have a immediate problem they do their best to see you asap. If they can't fix a problem they go out of their way to recommend another local business to help you. Their rates are always more than reasonable. I always go there before a dealership. The woman who keeps the place running, Quinn (might not be spelling that right), is extremely efficient and the nicest person you'll ever meet at an auto repair place. Actually, at any business. Plus she knows her stuff. I have recommended this business to many friends and no one has ever come back to me disappointed.Services: Change of ownership, Smog certification, Emissions testing, Registration renewal

  Kayla Hale
5 months ago
Quan is the best - I love the staff, and the prices are great. Really lucky to have found this place!

  Maria Qberger
a year ago
Been going there for 35 years even though I moved 18 miles north of it 26 years ago. They kept all my records on their system, don't have to fill out forms, I just roll in there with my car and they do the rest. 15 Minutes later I roll out knowing the results are the best!

  Mai Style
6 months ago
Amazing service and great competitive prices.I changed the lower control arms. :)

  Brandon Resenbeck
5 months ago
Going here for decades, multiple family members and cars. Can t find a more honest mechanic!

  Patrick S.
a year ago
Quan and her team are wonderful! Friendly, transparent, affordable and prompt service. Brakes are good as new now. The place is busy because they are so good, so give a call before coming in. They don t do tires, unfortunately.

  Daniel Kramarsky
2 years ago
This is the second time I have had my car serviced here. The techs are really good. In and out in 2hrs. I will be coming here anytime I need major service. Prices are right on point and the people are always pleasant and easy going.

  Tim Patrick
8 months ago
I just talked to the person who answers phones here and they no longer do Smog Tests and Certification. I asked about exhaust repairs andwas told that they don't do welding. Today's date is August 1, 2023.

  Hannah Nguyen
3 years ago
Called in the morning and they were able to take my van in the same day. Very honest and good rates. The owner was very clear. They fixed my issue and was able to pickup later that day. Will be my go-to auto repair shop in future!

  Coast Water
3 years ago
These guys are awesome, very well run business. I've had many mechanical services performed on multiple vehicles and they have always done great work at fair prices. In addition, they've always been very communicative and honest. I highly recommend.

  Mary M.
7 months ago
The only mechanic I trust. The staff are always super friendly and I never leave feeling like I got taken advantage of for my naivety about cars. I had a quote from a mechanic near my home for $500 of surprise repairs. Took my car here to double check and they said (in my own words) that the part above the part the other mechanic wanted to replace had a leak that we would just need to monitor to see how bad it was. They topped off my fluids for $5.00. It ended up not being something that needed to be replaced and they saved me $495.00.

  Art Hamilton
2 years ago
Great service! Brought my car in for oil change and 75k mile check. Expected the typical "find" of several things that needed special attention. Not a one! Good to see an honest evaluation from a auto service business for a change! Will be my regular go-to provider.

  Vic Damone
3 years ago
Very honest and respectable business. I was thoroughly impressed by the timing, price, and professionalism that this shop gave me regarding my auto repair. We will come back here for all of our cars needs. Thank you!

  Theresa Hughes
9 years ago
This has been the only place I will take my Toyota for repairs(6+yrs) and they always let me know before fixing, price and time it will take! they will not cheat you! or do things that do not need to be done! I am always more than happy with their work!! Its good to know sometimes they are busy and cannot stop what they are doing ,because they are taking care of whats in front of them.Excellent work always!

  Grindum
2 years ago
Word's can't possibly convey how much I love Hillcrest Smog n' Auto. Quan & crew are beyond amazing.After having worked in the Automotive service industry for over 11 years & having taken on another profession. They're the only shop I'd recommend to friends & family alike. The vast majority of folks out there have little to no understanding of how vehicles work along with what real honesty & value is.Recently I made a grave mistake of having my car serviced at another repair shop (which I'll leave unnamed, but after seeing the service reviews it is clear on where the fault lies) due to a sudden breakdown. I thought because of the closeness of the shop used & time of day from when Hillcrest Smog & Auto closes to go ahead with the repair. I was contacted before the end of the day by the repair shop, they had informed me my Ford Focus ZXW wagon had a alternator failure. I gave them the authorization to move forward with the repair.When the vehicle was picked up the following day the battery charging light remained on the dash. When I questioned the repair shop owner he told me the battery was likely heavily drained & that he hadn't bothered recharging it & when the vehicle was driven the light would go off & come back on. I told him prior to breakdown that never occurred. I was essentially told it should be fine & not worry about. As he ran a charging system test & the charging voltage was 13.1 to 13.5. Which in all honesty is normal for a charging system. The only issue showing out of sorts was a low battery according to them. With enough driving the battery will fully charge & the light should go off.After taking the car to a auto parts store and having them run their system check it showed that the alternator had a faulty regulator.Instead of taking the car back to the repair shop in which I had it repaired. I took it immediately to Hillcrest Smog and Auto repair letting them know what had been done. I gave the go ahead to put in a new alternator if needed after they ran their diagnosis. While living within the area I decided to walk home being it was only a short distance away, I was contacted by Hillcrest Smog Auto while on the walk within 30 minutes from having dropped the vehicle off. They had informed me that they had found loose connections made on the wiring for the installation of the new alternator. That they had gone ahead and assured that all the wiring was properly secured. That they had also performed a road test saying that the light was off and that the system was operating correctly. I was told I owed them only a minimal amount for the diagnosis and for the time spent to secure the wiring. It seemed as if all was fine on their end & to monitor the vehicle going forward. They told me not hesitate to come back if any problem should arise. I've driven the vehicle for several weeks now since the proper repairs being made with no faults.I've now come to decision if my car is to break down in the driveway of ANY OTHER repair shop I'll tow it out & have it taken to HSA forever & always.I've had everything from basic service, smog & general repairs performed here over the years. With anything in life once you recognize quality within something, you tend to always want the same. I'd recommend that if you want quality, truthfulness & true integrity bring your vehicle here you won't be disappointed.

  Sara Gabriele
9 months ago
Great prices, quality service and super fast turnaround time. Super lucky to have found these guys!

  Brian S
7 years ago
I've been going to Hillcrest Smog for years, and can confirm that they are as good as their reviews. Honest, reasonably priced, and accommodating-what more could you ask for in a local mechanic? Over the years, they've swapped out just about every component in our car-brake pads and rotors, batteries, wheelbearings, etc. They only do what is required, and are excellent at communicating what needs to be done and providing options.

  D
5 years ago
I have been a patron here on and off for the past 5 years. I used to bring my Kia here and a few other cars for simple repairs. Quan is simply the best with her hospitality. She is very straightforward and honest in her approach. You feel good leaving there.The work stands for itself. I've never had to return to fox an issue that was already repaired by them.My most recent trip in was bc I am now driving a different car and for some reason was having issue with tire pressure and also resetting the system.I just simply asked if they could do it. I had no problem waiting or paying. They stopped and adjusted the issue...gave me the data I needed and wouldn't charge me bc it was a courtesy. I was very gracious tipped the mechanic about 8 bucks for the few minutes and drove off knowing I will return again.Good job guys!

  Eric O
5 years ago
I believe that the owner and staff here will do the best thing for me and my transportation. Im so thankful to have found a spot where I am not always second guessing the mechanic, worrying about getting the run around, or judgement for only known how to change a flat. Thank you so much guys! I have had my AC fixed, a couple of break changes and I always get my oil done here. They keep my Pathfinder happy.

  Leslie Stump
3 years ago
I have had my car smogged here several times, as well as misc car repairs. I appreciate the good, quick work, as well as the straight forward staff. I feel they do great work for a good price and return for future work.