Soapy Joe’s – Rancho San Diego

I used to love this location and the chain in general. I loved that you could get a half off car wash on your receipt for use in the next 24hrs and I loved the air pressure tool to get all that water out of the spaces between tour windows, doors, etc. Well, both of those are gone now. So since I couldn’t get all that water out of the cracks, I ended up having purple soap lines all down my car by the end of the day. $ 19? You guys lost my business now.

The concept is good until it’s implemented at this branch. I’m a new member. I tried several locations. I had been at this location more than twice. The first few times I went, it went exactly I expected per the term of the written agreement. But last Saturday, June 4^th, 2016. I was drying my car, I popped my hood up to get the liquid between the hood and body. I started with the vacuum cleaner to suck out liquid from hard to get areas. A worker, with enrique embossed on the left chest area of his blue uniform, came up from behind me and says that I should not use the vacuum. His reason was if someone else had to use it in the car it could get quite messy. I thought about it and I agreed it made sense. So instead I used the provided black drying towels to continue. A moment later he came back and told me that I can not use the towels either and continued on to say that I can not pop my hood up while drying. He then written down the decal number that is attached to my windshield. I asked what’s the purpose of having it. He didn’t say a word. I objected and told him it has my personal information on the decal. It can be an invasion of my personal information. I don’t know wether this guy has criminal past and now he has my personal information including my credit card number. He continued to completion. I told him that I would call corporate office to complain because at this pont I really want to beat the shit out this POS turd but I restrained my self from doing so because it’s not worth going to prison over this bullshit. Then he told me his full name is enrique sanchez with his eyes gleaming. I stood and stared back at him waiting for his next move. He went away I continued to dry my car and left. Then I called corporate office. It was closed for the weekend. I left a message to call me back. Let’s see what happens next week IF I get a call back. No customer should have to go through to what I had gone through. It escalated to almost a fist fight over a car wash. That’s bullshit.

I came here because two other nearby car washes were not what I was looking for – one was coin operated and the other was not taking debit/​credit cards. After spending $ 18 on a car wash I had the honor of spending 45 more minutes cleaning the inside of my car and drying off the outside. It was maybe 85 degrees outside so the towels they provided had very little moisture. This is perhaps one of the worst businesses I’ve seen in a long time. No attendant to Help newbys… and then there’s a sign requesting customers spend five minutes at the drying/​interior cleaning section. I decided to spend my money at the car wash in El Cajon on First and Wahington after that experience. It’s a bit of a drive but I think my money and time saved is worth it. Oh and I got a sunburn from spending so much time in the direct sun and no shade

Whenever you use anything automated, you run the risk of getting a scratch on your car. Being that soapy joes uses microfiber brushes, the chances of that happening are way less likely! So it kills me when people say their car was scratched in the wash. You run the same risk of scratching your car by leaving it parked on the street or lot. If you are that concerned, pay for a hand wash somewhere else!
With that being said — 4 stars for soapy joes for having excellent service and a clean, fast, and efficient wash! I have a monthly membership paying $ 35/​month with unlimited magic potion washes (the highest wash) and I love it!
My only concern is that I think they should have your car go through the dryers a bit longer– I spend about 10 – 15 mins just drying the excess water off :/​
All in all I love it here though

Per the response to my review, I emailed them about my damage. As I expected, I never received a response.

Great local self serve wash. If you can plan ahead give yourself extra time and you can pretty much detail your own car. It’s an automated wash so if you’re super picky you probably won’t like this place. My only complaint is they got rid of the hand held air-​blowing machines. I guess too many idiot customers were letting them fling and broke their own windshields. Too bad cause those were the best for blasting water drops from the little crevices and air blowing the dust off the dash and consel.
Gets pretty packed on the weekends and afternoons. If you come within an hour before closing you get a dollar off your package.

For a $ 7 car wash, that’s opened at night, and has a happy hour of $ 2 off, it’s not bad at all for a $ 5 car wash. My SUV did not get scratched.
The attendant was super nice while I was pulling in. He told me to wait a second while he ran back to his post near the entrance of the car wash while I was paying. There was no line 30mins before closing. It’s recommended to go here in the evening because the days can get hot and you will work up a sweat doing self service to your automobile.
You can find coupons if you’re a local for $ 2 off or just go during their happy hour which is 6p to 8p every evening.
My vehicles always come out looking super clean on the outside. It’s up to you to clean the inside. They have a clean towels box and a bucket for dirty towels below along with the 2 vacuums for each side of your car. My only complaint was the high pitched screeching sound of the vacuum when you lifted up or vacuumed the hard surfaces like the trunk/​backspaces.
There’s lots of stalls and spaces for everyone to work on their car. The limit sign says 5 mins but who can do that it took me a little longer than that especially if you have a bigger vehicle.
Overall, for $ 5 you get what you pay for and its fancy and sure beats the gas station car washes.

Oh oh soapy joes. you failed me once again. this time it was at your Rancho Bernardo location… and it was actually with one of your employees named Kevin… now iam hoping that Kevin isn’t one of your managers at this location or any of your locations because if he is… then he really needs to go back to training to learn what the meaning of customer service is… lemme explain… it was Saturday, one week ago. .probably not the vest day to have your wife (iam assuming), and two children’s
visit you while your working. and even more irritating was your attitude that you showed me once you became aware of the fact that you didn’t give a damn that you parked your own car in the area where your customers get air for their cars. and even worse was once you saw me standing there with the air hose in my hand. told me” it’s gonna be awhile «…and then «I have kids»…as he slowly made his way to his car with two of his kids hanging off his shoulder. …no problem kevin… you obviously are struggling with the ones you have… maybe visiting you at work isn’t a good idea… I told you that I desperately needed
air in one of my tires…(which i discovered was almost flat)…you moved even slower… I wouldn’t have even bothered you in the first place if the second parking spot for air would have been available. …but no. that space was already occupied with what looked like a broken down vehicle. Let’s face it Kevin… you failed miserably at doing your job on this particular day and I cancelled my monthly membership because of you… hope your a proud father…

I tried to give these guys a second chance, but clearly I shouldn’t have! I don’t know what it is but they can’t seem to get it together on the customer service end!!!
Yesterday I went down to Soapy Joes to get a car wash. At the payment screen it offered me the option to add a oil change for $ 9.99; normally I like to have my oil changed at the dealer but it was such a great deal I couldn’t resist.
Upon the completion of the car wash, I drove my vehicle over to the oil change station. I handed the employee my receipt, which showed my proof of purchase for the oil change. About ten minutes later he brought me the keys and said I needed to go inside to pay. I stated «I already paid, remember I gave you my paid ticket…» He looked at me in disbelief, which was shocking because I was the only customer. He proceeded to say «okay…well… go inside and they will give you coupon for a free wash.»
I went inside to the pay station. The man at the counter says I owe «$ 1.24» I said, «What do I owe $ 1.24 for? I already pre paid at the time I purchased the car wash.» He said, «I don’t know… I think for the air filter.» I thought that was strange because I had recently had my air filter replaced but since it was only a $ 1.24 I paid it. After paying I said, «Can I have my free car wash coupon?» He said, «No, what are you talking about. You don’t get one.» I said, «The oil tech instructed me to come inside to get my free car wash coupon.» He then proceeded to open the door to the oil station bay and began speaking in Spanish to the associate who told me I would get the free car wash. I have no idea what was said because I do not speak Spanish. I think it’s pretty rude to speak to an employee about a matter that a customer brought up in another language.
After a lengthy conversation in Spanish with oil change tech, the man at the counter un– apologetically said, «he’s wrong you don’t get one.» I proceeded to say, «well that’s not my fault. He said I would get a free car wash and you need to honor that.» He said, «No, I will not honor his mistake!» I said, «this is ridiculous and left.»
Upon getting into my car and reviewing my receipt I noticed that my receipt said theydid not check my air filter and in fact it appears the $ 1.24 fee was for tax. It’s shocking to me that the associate was not capable of reading the receipt and explaining that to me. Instead he claimed they checked something they did not check. Moreover it is false advertisement to claim that the oil change is $ 9.99 and then to be charged and additional fee afterwards. All fees should have been charged at the point of the sale or it should have indicated on the purchase screen that the fee did not include tax and you would have to make a separate payment for the tax fee at the completion of service. Additionally my oil change light/​sensor is still on; they didn’t bother to reset it.
As previously stated, this is not my first issue with the staff. I previously spoke with the manager directly and he assured me he would work with his staff; clearly these employees need quite a bit more training in their job protocol and on customer service.

They will scratch your car!
You’ve been warned.
Just got my Honda back from the body shop where it had to be painted in some areas, wet sanded in others and buffed out. This was brought to the managers attention as soon as it happened. His reply was
«my machines can’t do that»
Three months earlier on my other car the guy at the entrance would use a soapy brush to get some loose dirt off and he scratched the hood. When I told the manager that time his response was.
«That’s normal, all cars have scratches»
Check out the pictures and see for yourself

I had recently installed rims and tires on my car. After having been to this car wash multiple times I came to wash my car. I went through the wash like normal. As I wash drying my car and rims I noticed my rims were gouged and scratched. I have owned two cars that I had rims on. I know how to drive with aftermarket rims installed. I told the manager that the wash had googled my rims. He proceeded to tell me it was my fault and it had happened prior and that there was no way the track in the wash had done that. I had to fill out an incident report. The camera angle he showed me of my car did not show anything and of course you couldn’t tell. They later called to tell me they weren’t going to do anything about it. If you have rims on your car be weary about going through this wash. I no longer go there.

I wish I could give this place negative stars. I have a new 2015 Mustang, took it there today for a basic car wash. When I pulled in something that happened to the system and it shut down come out when it started back up I heard some scraping noises when the apparatus is going over my hood. I got out of the car and looked in my hood and there’s a bunch of scratches, I spoke to the manager, and all he said is somebody must have put boxes all over my hood and scratch my car. He then tried to show me pictures of
what he said was scratches, but all I saw was a bunch of blur. I have 3 vehicles that I used to take into this place, & I personally will never go back here, and I am definitely going to make sure that all my friends know about it also.

I take my truck for an oil change every 3 thousand miles an it’s quick an they do a good job even wipe down the motor an take the initiative to do other things. Pretty cheap as well. Great service

ive been to the rancho bernardo soapy joes many times ans had no issues. i go to el cajon cuz it was on my way to my dads. this place sucked. the attendant did not prescrub my front or back bumperd or tires. i run it thru the wash i get to a drying area and no towels available. i wont ever got back here again

I now have a monthly pass and I use it a lot. The wash is quick I get in and out very fast. Sometimes I don’t even wipe the car down it leaves some spots but not bad. Still a good job for the money.

I have a monthly membership here and its super convenient, its $ 20 a month and I come as much as i want. lately, within the last month i have seen the quality go down. more and more spots not getting clean. and now there is a 5 minute limit for vacuuming… I have an SUV so it takes way more than 5 minutes to vacuum. But you get what you pay for. the service is usually pretty good though.

I took my toyota camry in for a oil change. The guy I spoke to on the phone was awesome and so knowledgeable about the services and pricing. I was in and out within 30 mins at the latest. VEE handled my invoice and was very helpful and efficient. I didn’t catch the mechanics name that did the change but let’s just he was also on his game. I will definitely be going back to them. They made me feel comfortable which is a feeling not felt at most places.

Worst experience in my car wash. I have mercedes S class with rims that cost $ 6k! They scratched during the car wash. when i asked to see manager, because this car is my baby, to ask if they have insurance, it took them half hour to find him. And the only thing he said is sorry. What??? Is that it!!!
And then i went to vacuum my car, the same guy who is that manager came and started lecturing that i cannot use their towels or do vacuuming unless i have done car wash first. Are you kidding me? This is how you guys run the business
I wont use their service no more, even if it is close to my house

Came here today after finding a coupon online. Told me that synthetic oil is required for cars 2010 and newer. My car is a 2009. Set that Its required for 09’s as well. Instead of 17.99 its going to be 89.99. I told them that i wasnt interested and that its not required. The gentlement insisted but he would give me $ 10.00s off. I refused which he changed to 20.00 off. Went to the ford dealership got normal oil for 25.99. Place is a ripoff. Beware.

The price is right but the brushes definitely swirl the clearcoat on cars. I like that they have the pressurized air to get between the seats and console but if you have good paint don’t waste your time.
Bonus it that they now have a bunch more vacuum spots then before the remodel and since they are self serve you can pull up any time and use them.

First time I came late in the evening I felt the car wash was ok I paid 12. Today I went in the afternoon and it was really busy. I paid 15 and my car moved along so fast maybe a minute. My Windows dirty my tires which I paid for to get cleaned were still very dirty. I’m not coming back unless I’m desperate. Only pro is the vacuum.

Always busy and always with amazing customer service! It’s the only place I trust enough to get my car washed. Look for the monthly deals for a more affordable way to take care of your car. They treat you like family and for the month of October are supporting breast cancer. There are 6 locations around San Diego too if this one isn’t close for you.

My wife and I love Soapy Joes. Inexpensive and a nice detail area where u can vacuum and blow water out with compressed air. Plus u can get a free wash on your birthday.
Just visit their website.

I brought in my brand new luxury vehicle that I purchased just two weeks ago. It was in immaculate condition, that is until I drove into Soapy Joe’s for a Super Joe Wash. Immediately after the wash, I noticed a prominent scratch right around the passenger side door and window. Extremely frustrating, as I am exacting about the way I maintain my vehicles. I reached out to management to see if they will remedy the damage and am waiting to hear back. My bigger concern is coming back to Soapy Joe’s because I fear that its automated car wash apparatus caused the damage to my car. The large washing bristles were banging against my car in an abrasive manner making unpleasant squeaking sounds. I think these are what caused mild streaking to my vehicle’s paint. All in all, I think I will opt for hand washes from now on.

I’ve read some of the negative reviews and I’m really surprised. I signed up for their text club and get offers all the time for discounted car washes. The new system is self explanatory and the car wash itself does a great job cleaning vehicles. They have plenty of vacuum stations and I’ve never had to wait. My wife drives a Hyundai Elantra and we’ve gotten the oil changed there numerous times. There’s always clean towels to dry your car off with and the facility is always clean. I will continue to go there and take both my vehicles.

I know its only $ 6.00 for a car wash but at least they should use soap
I had my truck in there today and the first time I went through my truck was wet down and blown off. So I drove through a second time .same thing. My truck was still dirty so I wet a rag and cleaned it my self.
It’s true. You get what you pay for.
I’ll find a different car wash.
Key word. «Wash».

Very professional, especially the owner. Customer care and satisfaction is defiantly held in high regard. Good to know there are still places out there that care like that.

They make all these «improvements & upgrades» going more towards self-​serve automation … I wonder how many employees lost their jobs because of it? Now I have to hand dry my own vehicle! When I take my vehicle to a car wash, I don’t want to have to hand towel it dry myself.
It used to be you could choose the «Express Wash» for $ 6.00 & they would hand towel dry the exterior for you. If you wanted to vacum your vehicle, you could do it yourself by pulling into one of the vacum stations. Now you pay the same but you have to dry your vehicle yourself.
I might as well go to a coin-​op place.

BAD SERVICE, BAD WASH.
I got a coupon in the mail for a free car wash from Soapy Joe’s. This location is pretty close to where I live and my truck was dirty so I thought I’d give them a try.
Drove up and saw a few cars all waiting in the same line, though it appeared to have 3 lanes. One lane was blocked by a sign, another by a man standing there. I assumed he was an employee. He just stared at the pretty girl in the car ahead of me, and made no motion to help anyone.
After a minute or so of waiting, he turned an walked away. It was then I noticed that lane was probably open, so I drove up to the kiosk there. My coupon had a code to scan, the kiosk had a scanner. After a few attempts at scanning, the gate opened an let me through.
If I had been a paying customer I would have had to choose from various levels of service at different prices; all very confusing for a first-​timer. Round a VERY sharp corner that larger vehicles would find difficult, I had to back up a bit to line up with the tire guide. I got out and removed my aerial while the car ahead of me was being brushed all over by a guy wearing rubber boots and holding a large soapy brush. I guess his name was Joe.
When it was my turn, he brushed my windshield and nothing else. I didn’t even have time to ask why because opening the window would have flooded my car with soap and water. A minute later after being sprayed, soaped, slapped, and blown, my truck was «done». The green light says drive away. Nobody there to towel-​dry, so nobody to tip.
I immediately noticed the bird turds and bug splats were mostly still there on my windshield. I can do a better job with the squeegee at the gas station.
When I got home I looked at my receipt (see photo). It says I can get half price off the next wash IF USED ON THE SAME DAY. Who washes their car more than once a day? Well I guess you have to if you want to get it clean at this place.

Good car wash to go for a quick wash
They have the monthly deals which can save you money

They just updated this carwash. All the equipment is new and it does a pretty good job. What I don’t like is that they don’t do your windows any more or wipe down the car at all for you. They have stations that you can vacuum your own car and wipe it down. When I went in I was all dressed up so that was an option for me.

I was recommended to try Soapy Joes, so I did. I was greeted by a man in a nice tie and button up shirt who was happy to help me decipher the process and the choices I had. The car wash choices were limited and I chose the $ 10 Super Joe Wash. It included tires. Approaching the entryway to the tunnel, we were waved on by another man in a long sleeved button up shirt. However, this dapper guy was wearing a bow-​tie! Wow! I kinda felt bad for him and the rest of the staff knowing that if this is a required uniform for them, the summer heat in El Cajon will certainly NOT make them feel dapper, although they LOOK good. Almost TOO good… I mean this is a car wash, not a high end restaurant. I do appreciate the owner wanting to have a «uniform» of sorts for his staff, but can he come down a notch or two in the formality of things?
During the drive (neutral) through the facility, there was plenty of water pressure, plenty of soap and plenty of rinse water. Even the air pressure to blow the water off was PLENTY! It was nice to see lots of (free!) vacuum stations ready for me to pick one and vacuum out my car. I liked the dry microfiber towels available to wipe down the little droplets that the massive blow dry system missed. Although I am used to having my glass cleaned both inside and out from the «other» car wash franchise, I cannot complain for the money I paid and the speed and efficiency this remarkably clean facility provided. I will definitely return when I want a quick car wash. Thumbs up from this Unilocal reviewer!