Allied Gardens Automotive

I wanted to add to my original review because of the exemplary service that I recently received. My car needed a smog, but unfortunately, due to age and abuse, it didn’t pass. Matt and Ryan worked with me to get the issues fixed in a timely manner at a reasonable price. As I was leaving, I thought about the coming El Nino storms, and mentioned that I might need to replace my windshield wipers. Matt happily changed them out in a matter of minutes. He also fixed a problem that I have been having with my change drawer in the dash at no cost. It was a small favor, but I feel it is that attention to detail that should be highly praised.
Allied Gardens has shown me kindness and respect as a customer. They always explain, with clarity, any issue I am having with my car. I feel like they always have my best interest in mind and care about my safety. They will be my mechanics for years to come. Thanks for all your hard work and effort!

Is this why you called twice to reconcile my bad experience? I am glad I did not answer.
It is important for others to know that I was mistreated. Ryan told me that I would have to pay $ 42 for the failed smog test and that I would have to pay another $ 42 to be re-​tested if I did not get my car serviced there. Another thing, I got two more opinions on my vehicle and need no repairs. I passed smog with flying colors. It is upsetting that your shop tried to take advantage of my business.

Highly recommend this place. Matt and Ryan are always straight with me about what I need done and how long I can put it off, patient to explain anything I don’t understand, and super accommodating to my needs. I started taking my ’98 Tacoma here for routine work and have had 2 emergency fixes, once for the engine misfiring and another for what turned out to be a cracked radiator. Both times they were able to get me in right away, diagnose the problem, and get it fixed within the day. In the case of the radiator, I called to ask about the temperature gauge fluctuating and they said to just bring it in to test it, it would take 15 minutes. I was in a hurry to get on the road to drive 300+ miles and it was already afternoon. Turns out the radiator was cracked, and they bumped my car to the front and had replaced the radiator and hoses for a reasonable price in 5 – 6 hours. While it sucked to be in that situation, Matt was quick to help figure out my transportation needs until they were done, and accommodate my budget. I got on the road later than I wanted, but I did still leave the same day with a brand new radiator. Matt looked up different brand options for all the parts and pieces to get the best price and left the decision to me which to pick, as well as suggesting to replace the hoses at the same time. They always recommend other services but aren’t pushy when declined.
I only wish they were open on the weekend or later into the week day.

Absolutely the best auto repair facility I have dealt with! We have have had the unfortunate situation arise with two cars that we have had breakdown and had to get towed in. Never a fun situation when you have to pay for unexpected auto repairs but Matt and Ryan have always gone above and beyond to make things better. They are completely honest with you from the start and give you detailed information of what exactly is being done. No surprises, no strong up-​sell tactics here. Just honesty and great recommendations for future work if needed. Super nice guys too! Very accommodating and respectful to their customers each and every time. I highly recommend Allied Garden Automotive!!!

Came here upon a recommendation from my cousin. I like to have a primary mechanic for auto repair, and my previous go to up and moved to Temecula. Stopped in for a standard fluid change /​rotation and balance.
Painless undertaking from the phone call making the appointment, to the wait while the work was done. Head Mechanic Matt and the rest of the shop were friendly, understanding, and professional. Because I was staying with the car they bumped me up on priority so I could be on my way. It’s the little things like situational awareness that stand out in establishments like this.
I will no doubt be back for my 100k maintenance or any other major or minor automotive malfunctions and breakdowns.
It’s no good time paying for auto repair or maintenance, even when it’s fairly priced like at Allied. I appreciate them making it as tolerable as is reasonable. Being an adult blows.

I am sorry to put this review here seeing all the other positive experiences and the fact that I do think the guys were trying to be straight with me but here is the experience I had at this location.
Little bit of a backstory, I just moved from Florida. My A/​C was low on refrigerant and was refilled. The refill lasted for about 4,000 miles until I reached Colorado on my move out to here in San Diego. Took it into a mechanic there trying to get it fixed before driving through the desert. He couldn’t not fix it in the time I needed it to take out here but he assured me that it was the compressor and it would have to be replaced.
Coming out here just before I started working I decided to take it into this location. They wanted to check things out and make sure that what the last mechanic was saying was correct. I thought that made sense and they came back with the analysis that it was just a simple switch that is common for this car. I had it replaced but then some other codes had popped up.
They took the car apart again to see what was wrong. The determination came with it being the compressor. I was assured that they had no idea how the mechanic in CO could figure out it was the compressor with the switch itself being faulty. I told them I wanted it replaced. It would take a little bit of time to get the part and put the car back together which was fine.
Then one of the vents was bad. That had to be replaced. They drained the radiator and somehow that ruined the thermostat, so I had to purchase that too. I don’t remember the course of events that transpired here but it started to turning into compounding events.
For the synopsis, the mechanic in CO determined that it was just the compressor. I wonder what would have happened if I just had that replaced. It is a 2008 Audi S4 so I know that they are very complicated cars but, it sat at this shop for 1/1.5 weeks. I needed the car back since I am so busy. This turned into a very expensive process $ 2.4k after all was said and done. To top it off, the A/​C blows cold but it hardly blows out the vents. I still drive with the windows down on hot days because there is no air flow. I figure now I just can’t dump more money into this problem right now with so much else on my plate.
I don’t know if all of these problems were a result of the car or mechanics, this is just my observation. It really did seem like the staff here was not trying to rip me off by showing old parts, explanations of what happened… but there were just so many things that went wrong all at once I don’t know if it truly was the car or what. I just know the whole thing sucked.
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I brought my car here for an oil change and a smog test and they did both for a cheap price in a very short amount of time. The customer service here was absolutely phenomenal. Matt did an amazing job helping me out and making sure I had a pleasant time. Definitely coming here from now on.

Ryan’s a nice guy but I question his charges and the work of his mechanics. I spent over $ 2000 in repairs for my van at Allied Gardens Automotive, but when I took it to another garage they said that Ryan over charged me and also my brake flush was never done. From now on ladies, even gents, get other quotes and check your mechanic’s work. Ryan never called me back after I wanted to come in to have him check my brake fluid. This place also closes at 1700, and there’s no where to park, no courtesy shuttle and I only live a couple of miles away.

I recently took both of my cars here. My Toyota needed AC service and these guys did a great job at a good price. My other car needed a new radiator fan and it was done on the same day since I used night drop off. They give you your options, explain things well and don’t try to rip you off. The mechanics are friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

Been taking our cars here for a long time. Jeff is the most pleasant, fair, reliable «mechanic» experience we’ve EVER had.

I’ve been taking my car here for the last several years and it’s been the best automotive experience to date. They’re honest, friendly and Ryan always explains everything to me in detail so that I know exactly what the repair entails. Plus, they get me the best possible cost and even lent me a loaner free of charge. Hands down the best place to take your vehicle for maintenance!

These guys are awesome. I took my Ranger in for a smog check. During the inspection, Matt found that my timing belt was severely cracked and needed to be replaced ASAP. I ended up doing the work myself but had it not been for a mechanic with a keen eye, I could have ended up with a badly damaged engine. The shop is clean and both of the employees I spoke with were very professional. Matt took the time to bring me in to the service area and show me a couple of smaller items with the engine that needed to be addressed (I ended up swapping a power steering pump and water pump while doing the timing belt). Allied Gardens Automotive has «honesty, value, quality» on their business card. And the honesty part is 100% true. It’s hard to find a shop these days that doesn’t try to bend you over when it comes to up-​sells. I’ll be back for sure. Thanks a lot!

These guys are the best. I usually work on my own car and they are always there to help me out with any advice. When the job is a bit too much for me to do, they are quick and honest about what they would do if it was their own cars. If they think that a belt just needs to be tightened instead of replaced, they will tell you so instead of just doing it anyways, saving you money. Best auto shop there is. The good service has earned them a lifelong customer. I moved to los Angeles and will still make the trip down for them to take care of my car.

These guys are awesome. Quick, professional and really inexpensive. I’ve been going to chain stations for years and these guys were much better to work with and way less expensive. Thanks Ryan for the great service

Came in recently for a smog check. Work was done within the time promised. Ryan was very nice over the phone and in person. He even suggested getting a service I needed but without being pushy at all! Told me to double check my past car service invoices to see if I already got it done. Reasonable prices too!

I have been taking all of my vehicles, both personal and my fleet of 6 delivery trucks to AG Auto since Matt Dugan opened shop. My experience with Matt, Ryan the service writer and the rest of his crew has been nothing short of exceptional. They are honest and operate this business with integrity. They always quickly diagnose my vehicles problem and offer either a ride or a loaner car while the repairs are being made. I have referred many of my friends and neighbors to AG Auto and all those referred have never been disappointed with the customer service, pricing and overall experience from this establishment. I wholeheartedly recommend Matt and his crew for any and all automotive repairs and services.

Great guys, amazing customer service, walked me through every step of what was wrong with my car. They didn’t try to do to much because I told them I’m on a budget (who isn’t) so they told me what absolutely needed to be done, what needed to be done in a couple months (after tax return) and what I need to just «keep an eye on» (as though I actually could). I’ve been suckered in by my dealership’s 45,000 mile checkup and $ 700 later am never going back there, it’s AG Auto from here on out for my cars.

Probably the best shop in San Diego. Especially the manager Ryan. Super knowledgable about his job and passionate. Really made my repairs in a timely manner and super professional. Need auto work done. Go here!!!

I strongly recommend this location for great service. I would choose this over Midas in a heart beat. Matt Dugan provides excellent customer service, fair prices, and outstanding work.
–very satisfied customer

I’ve taken my van in here twice in the past year, and the customer service is simply excellent. The first time, I was driven home while they worked on my vehicle. Then, I was picked up when the work was completed. This time, I was given a loaner car to use over the weekend… for FREE!
Ryan is super friendly and the work is excellent. I highly recommend this place.