Hillcrest Smog Test & Auto Repair

Address:	3864 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Phone:	+1 619-297-4059
Rating:	4.3
Working:	8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 79

Reviews 15

Larik Malish

Had a great experience with my smog check, so I returned to get my squeaky brakes repaired. Was informed that I still have 80% brake pads remaining. I could replace the pads which could possibly fix the issue, or do a cleaning/lubrication/adjustment which would be significantly cheaper. I opted for the latter, however this did not rectify the problem. When I returned, I asked that the $45 cleaning/lubrication/adjustment fee be applied toward the parts and labor of changing the brake pads (and subsequently the rotors as well). The manager and his assistant were extremely rude and unwilling to make any deals after I already spent $45 on a problem that was not fixed. I went down the street to Mission Hills automotive who said my brake pads were completely fine - I simply needed a resurfacing of the rotors. My brakes sound great and saved $150 that Hillcrest Smog and & Auto tried to swindle out of me. Not reliable. Do not own up to work. Poor repair recommendation.

Anonymous User

I love this place. They know things about my car that the dealer did not. (For instance, the dealer told me that I needed to get my timing belt replaced. After a phone call to Hillcrest Smog to get some quotes on the work and some Googling, I found out that my model of car does not even have a timing belt, but instead has a timing chain.) The prices continue to be reasonable and their service is great. Over the past 5+ years that I have been taking my car here, they have changed my oil, replaced my starter, changed my battery, replaced my brakes, recharged my air conditioner, done several smog checks, replaced a broken interior door handle, and Im sure even more that I cannot remember. I recommend them to everyone!

Tom Mayer

Good, fast and friendly service. Ive been there for a smog test. Its right across the DMV so its very convenient. Really nothing to complain. If youre not sure about your car able to pass the smog test, ask a mechanic first. When your engine light is on there is a big chance something serious is broken. Dont blame the testers for that. BUT dont go there if your car is older than 1993 or not equipped with ODB2 (do some research before). They just dont know how to deal with them. Thats not about cheating its more about the right way to test them due to lag of modern technology. So if you own a older car thats newer than 1975 go to the one at Barnett Ave. Other than that its okay.

Kathryn Mansfield

My car is now over 10 years old, so the inevitable car problems have begun. When my car had a problem last year I made multiple calls to various auto shops, and I ultimately went to Hillcrest Smog & Repair because their quote was best. Im so glad I did! A few months later, I took my car into midas for an oil change and they actually wanted to know who did my head gasket work because it was the best they had ever seen! So needless to say when I had another big problem this year, I didnt hesitate to bring my car back to Hillcrest Smog & Repair. I really appreciate Quan and the rest of the team there!

Mary P.

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.

Noel Hicks

Went in for a smog test and when I left I couldnt turn my steering wheel. I turned around and told them the problem, they said smog checks dont mess with steering but they fixed it and I think they must have just turned my power steering off because it took them 2 seconds to fix and my car was fine after. Im always hesitant about going to car repair shops because Im a girl and I feel like mechanics are always trying to scam me. I wont go here again for anything because I do not like when people mess up my car.

Brian S

Ive 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, theyve 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.

Theresa Hughes

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!

Anonymous User

I went in to get my smog check and was greeted by an awesome lady with a great attitude. Im not mechanical and was only in to get my DMV required smog check. She told me the cost and informed me that there may be additional costs if repairs were necessary. Lucky for me, my car passed and I got out for $30+ dollars. They were great to work with!

Anonymous User

This place is great. Unfortunately, it was not the first place that I tried to get my car fixed in San Diego. I am used to working on cars myself, so I usually know what I need before going to a shop. They were very honest. The price was fair. They were incredibly nice. THIS SHOULD BE THE FIRST PLACE YOU TRY TO GET WORK ON YOUR CAR DONE!

Anonymous User

A good mechanic listens to what the owner of the car has to say. I didnt have a good dialogue with the manager, she was rude and dismissive to any of my experience with the car. Nothing got resolved when I took my car in. The results were as I expected and my time was wasted. I wish I would have taken my car in somewhere else.

Chad Cleary

My wife and I have been coming here for years with multiple vehicles. Great service, great prices, and super convenient. I definitely recommend them. Especially if you are not mechanically savvy (I am), so its reassuring knowing they are honest and wont hassle you into other useless vehicle maintenance.

Maria Santiago

I cannot speak highly enough about Hillcrest Smog Test and Auto Repair. The proprietor is honest, efficient and their prices are beyond reasonable. This is by far the least stressful car-based interaction you will ever have. They are the best!!!!

Jessica Ritz

Called here today and spoke to the manager regarding bringing in a Ferrari for smog testing...she says the dont smog "high end cars". Why? What a missed business opportunity! Smog requirements are exactly the same!

Anonymous User

I called six places around the Hillcrest area and they were by far the cheapest and one of the fastest. They did a great job and were nice to my car. The place does look shady -- but it makes for cheaper service.