Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
amy bick
2 months ago
Honest, reliable, trustworthy small business that knows Japanese cars and won't try to upsell you ever. Very fair prices. Just need patience, as they can't always get you in when you want (small business/very busy). But always worth the wait, their skill and honest feedback/prices can't be beat. Always highly recommend to everyone I know, esp if you are new to the area or have been burned by dishonest and/or overpriced mechanics. Top teir San Diego business!!
shaun martin
5 months ago
Went to Sam Lee for a issue that happened with my brakes after a different mechanic changed my pads and rotors took it back to the original mechanic that changed the pads and he didn't know what was the issue of why my brakes went spongy after he changed my pads and tried to charge me 600 for a new cylinder.. come to find out it wasn't my cylinder at all..so I took it to Sam Lee and he immediately checked diagnosed and fixed the problem immediately..something that the original mechanic couldn't do..Sam saved me 500 dollars! Sam Lee is definitely a honest and reasonable mechanic..definitely recommend!!!
Lily Hardwick
6 months ago
Sam Lee s is the place!! Honest and hardworking people. Theyve helped me multiple times with different cars, even works with last minute appointments. As a young adult taking your car in to be fixed is nerve wracking but the employees make everything so easy and they re helpfulServices: General repairs & maintenance, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change
Paul Perez
4 months ago
Sam Lee fixed my thermostat took my car in the morning got it back around 4pm still had time to pick up my grandchildren this is not the first or last car I take there Sam Lee do a very good job and the prices is so affordable thank you Sam lee
Robin RollerWonderBoy Royal
a week ago
They get it done fast clean and fair
Ssss
2 years ago
These guys are the best. Honest assessments even if that means less work for them. Very reasonable prices. Good old fashion integrity. No need to pay inflated dealership service prices.
Urban Light Sanctuary
a year ago
A great old school mechanic with the right kinda values!! He and his team get the job done right the first time round with not an over inflated price at the end. I'll be going back for sure!
JZ PASHICH
2 years ago
For as long as I can remember, approximately about 35years, I was always fixing my car at Sam Lee Auto repair. From the time where they wore in Washington St. to the location at El Cajon Boulevard. Never had any problem with them. Service was always great for a very, very reasonable price, and the relation between me and the staff was very great and respectful all the time. I was always happy to accept and follow any mechanical advice which turn out that they were always right about. I had total trust and confidence in all crew of Sam Lee Auto Repair. It is pointless to say that we knew each other by first name. Over the period of almost 4 decades, they did so many great services from small ones like oil changes, tune-ups, brakes, rotors, filters, alternator changes, etc... etc... to whatever other issues I had with a car. And I was very happy. Over the period of years, I recommended them to so many people. But recently things changed, there is a new person managing this place without any people skills or customer support knowledge. The person is without any doubt very narcissistic and very manipulative liar and cheater. Prices skyrocketed 150/200% and everything turned in a very very long wait. Changin an oil is 5 hours wait. Changing brakes is a two-day job, where you need to live car to stay overnight. And especially problem with communication. In a minute that you need to explain what you want, he will cut you off 5 times or just simply stand up and walk out, then you wait for him to come back, then you go through the same all over again, It is incredibly difficult and disrespectful to talk with him. My latest and last experience was where I get him a car to exchange specific part and to change oil and filter. At the end of the day, he informs me that he can not fix it on the same day and that I need to wait for tomorrow. I took a day off and generally speaking come back 28h later. The part was exchanged and an additional part was replaced which is totally not connected and has no logic to be even touched. He did not call me to discuss that with me. (of course, he know that I will say NO) but magically he forgets to exchange oil and filter. So I paid for everything about $180 more than expected and now I went through painful waiting again for them to exchange oil and filter. One hour later I noticed that he actually taking other cars meaning other clients, specifically 3 cars, where I was waiting, those cars wore fixed and left, I was still waiting. Then I figured out Sam Lee Auto repair is discriminating taking better jobs over small jobs not caring if you wait 4 hours for oil exchange. If he has more $$$ from another car he will work on that car, then same again if any other car comes in he will work on that car and so on. Then after 4 hours of waiting, I just took my keys and left. I lost a day at work, lost a bunch of money to a crock who totally does not care. Had to pay for another oil and filter to another place and they newer refunded back the money that I already paid for the replacement of the oil and filter. So sad that another great business is messed with people that don't below to place where they are. I am so sad and disappointed...Service: General repairs & maintenance
Keith Harris
2 years ago
They stand by their work. No questions or issues, if it is not right they fix it until it is.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Transmission replacementServices: General repairs & maintenance, Transmission replacement
Abraham ramos
7 months ago
Great customer service got my camry back and running better then before
Steven Carpenter
3 years ago
Located in the heart of San Diego in the City Heights area is Sam Lee Auto Repair. If you are looking for a no-nonsense garage with fair prices then SamLee is your spot. I ve had several of my cars in for service and have always been satisfied with the results. The service manager will provide you with a quote in a timely manner and the prices have generally been 25% lower than the nearest competitor. Sam Lee Auto Repair will get your vehicle back on the road without breaking the bank.
Cassandra Heard
4 years ago
I have been coming here for decades; even back when they were in Mission Hills. In my experience, they are efficient, and no nonsense in their approach. They never try to sell me anything I don't need. They go right to the problem, fix it and kick you out (in a good way) lol. In all of these years I have never felt coerced or condescended to in any way. Pretty amazing for a woman customer at a mechanic shop.
Andrew Stewart
3 years ago
Called this place to get an estimate on a suspension job. Guy who answered the phone was extremely rude, especially considering this is during a pandemic saying he would only talk in person. Wouldn't even let me ask or answer a question. Just kept cutting me off saying he wouldn't answer questions on the phone. Maybe he's a nice guy but it's 2020, I will not be stopping by unless you are able to do what I need for a competitive price.
Melissa Trulock
2 years ago
I took my car in to this person twice in one week. They apparently did fix a spark plug and an ignition coil but when the owner was driving it out he Scrape the front right bumper on a piece of his equipment took it down to the paint. I am going to take an auto body repair receipt to him and he did say that he would pay for it so we will see but right now poor reviewService: Auto engine diagnostic
Jon Daniel
4 years ago
Mechanic for mechanicsI am very hands on with my vehicles and choose to often repair them myself vs. Going to a mechanic that being said when I don't have time and and need something done quickly I take my car here.They are good shop to just install something I would not say that they are very strong at diagnosing problems but they are very good at it.If you know what's wrong with your vehicle they are the place to go and their prices are amazing
John McGowan
3 years ago
We've been coming here for years. Fast, affordable, and honest. The shop manger is professional, warm, and has a great sense of humor. The staff is fast and attentive. They're the best!
Charles Lindquist
3 years ago
I have had several cars worked on for various reasons at Sam Lee's over a period of many years, and am always happy with the results and costs. And if something isn't necessary, they will tell me. You can't find a better place.
Health Longevity
4 years ago
Highly recommend this place. Henry gives the best service fast and prices are best in town. Very friendly love this place plus they know all the best places to fix other things in your car in case they can not I have been coming here for a very very long time love all this guys. They are so fair always check my car tiresn water etc..
michael bruce
3 years ago
Sam's is the best kept secret in town. I hope me Sharing and others reading my comments will spark others to do business at Sam's. If your tired of spending excessive amount of money on your cars, stop in at Sam's and you will be pleased that you did. Sam's could of left many years ago. But he declined to stay and serve our community. When you go in tell him Michael B. sent you. He will treat you right! And you'll tell your friends also.Micha B.12.20.20
Santa Fe Manor
3 years ago
Sam Lee has been my mechanic since the 80s. Granted now the nephew is running the place instead of Mr Lee. Reasonable prices and excellent workmanship.
Blaine Gross
3 years ago
I have been a customer at least since 1984. Henry never offers work that you don t need, and always suggests work that is smart for your car. I totally trust them.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Brakes, Battery, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Brakes, Battery, Oil change
Vicente Garcia
3 years ago
Come here a year ago to do the brakes on my kia 2015 and over 100k miles later I come back to do them again and only need the fro t .Good price good service
Jim Meredith
10 months ago
They have always done a great job at a good rate.
Annalisa Nunez
4 years ago
Honest and really helpful. Cracked engine block replaced at zero cost to me at Honda dealer thanks to Sam Lee Auto.
mrismellgood Frank
3 years ago
What a great shop Harry and the team go above and beyond,its so hard to find , quality work ,honest and at good price thank you for your integrity guys
Nino Koller
a year ago
HONEST....HONEST....HONEST. reasonable labor rate and actually call you when your car is ready. Fast and honest service
Rebecca Reynolds
2 years ago
Fair prices and good work. I am a very happy customer.
Chula Dodson
a year ago
Undefeated prices & professional services! John & his team are amazing!Services: Brakes, Oil changeServices: Brakes, Oil change
Lacey Gordon
4 years ago
My family and I have been going here for years. Great prices, great service, and an amazing staff.
Susan Fuchsman
4 years ago
Love these mechanic. They have been taking care of us for 21years. Wonderful service