FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
What are your hours?
We’re open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We’re closed Sunday. Early drop-off is available if those times are tight, just let us know.
Where are you located?
We’re at 3470 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92104, right on the boulevard in the North Park / Normal Heights area. Walk-ins are welcome and early drop-off is available. If you have any trouble finding us, call (619) 280-8400 and we’ll help you out.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just drop off?
Walk-ins are welcome, we actually prefer them, so you can come by anytime during shop hours. If you’d rather lock in a time you can book online or call us at (619) 280-8400, and early drop-off is available if you want to leave the car before we open the bay.
Do you work on my car?
We specialize in Honda, Toyota, Lexus, and Acura, and we work on all Japanese makes. We’re comfortable with hybrids, including hybrid battery service, and we’ll take other makes when it’s a good fit. Call us at (619) 280-8400 with your year, make, and model and we’ll confirm we can help.
What's your labor rate, and can I get an estimate?
Every job gets a written quote before any work starts, so you know the cost up front with no surprises. Our labor rate is $150 an hour and can flex with how involved the job is. For an accurate number we usually need to see the vehicle, so give us a call at (619) 280-8400 and we’ll walk you through the next step.
Is there a diagnostic fee? Are inspections free?
Quick inspections like brake and maintenance checks are free. If an issue needs real diagnosis, our diagnostic is $150, and if you go ahead with the repair here that $150 is credited toward the work. Air conditioning and electrical diagnostics are the exception: those are $150 and are not credited back.
I got a quote from another shop. Can you give me a second opinion?
Absolutely, second opinions are a big part of what we do. For most brake, maintenance, and visible-issue quotes we’ll take a look for free and tell you straight what the car needs and what it doesn’t. If the problem needs real diagnostic time to pin down, our diagnostic is $150, and that $150 is credited toward the repair if you have the work done with us. Call (619) 280-8400 or just come by.
What services do you offer?
We’re a full-service independent shop. We handle oil changes and scheduled/factory maintenance, brakes, check engine light diagnosis, engine and transmission service and repair, batteries and charging systems, electrical diagnosis and repair, steering and suspension, exhaust and muffler work, HVAC (heating and AC) repair, fuel system cleaning, timing belts, vehicle diagnostics, windows and mirrors, wiper replacement, hybrid service including hybrid battery service, and full inspections including pre-purchase inspections.
Do you do alignments, smog, or tires?
Tires, wheel alignment, and smog checks we arrange through trusted partners, so we can still take care of those for you, just not in our own bays. For anything you don’t see listed, give us a call and we’ll tell you straight whether it’s something we handle.
Do you work on hybrids?
Yes. We service hybrids, including hybrid battery service, which fits naturally with our Honda and Toyota focus. Call us with your year, make, and model and we’ll confirm.
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Most of our work is backed by a 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty. For engine, transmission, and AC repairs the coverage can vary depending on the job and the parts, so we’ll spell out the exact warranty in writing on your estimate. We can install parts you supply, but customer-supplied parts and the labor to install them aren’t covered by our warranty.
How long will my car take? Do you have a loaner or shuttle?
Turnaround depends on the job and what we find, so we’ll give you a realistic timeframe once we’ve looked at the vehicle. You’re welcome to wait in our clean waiting area (free coffee, snacks, wi-fi, and a quiet room), or use early drop-off if that’s easier. We don’t offer loaners or a shuttle.
Do you do pre-purchase or safety inspections?
Yes. We do vehicle safety inspections, and we offer a pre-purchase (used-car) inspection for $150, great if you’re thinking about buying a used Honda or Toyota and want to know what you’re getting into. Call us at (619) 280-8400 to set one up.
Are you a dealership? Why come to you instead of the dealer?
We’re an independent, family-owned shop, not a dealership. We focus on Honda and Toyota, we give you a written quote before any work, and our goal is to keep your car running for the long haul rather than sell you things you don’t need.
What payment methods do you accept? Do you offer financing?
We accept all common payment methods. We don’t offer financing or payment plans, and you’ll see the full written quote before any work begins.
Do you speak any languages besides English?
Yes. Between our team we speak English, Arabic, Aramaic, Farsi, Dutch, and some Spanish, so if English isn’t your first language, there’s a good chance we can help you in yours.
My car is overheating, smoking, smells like fuel, or a warning light is on. What should I do?
Pull over when it’s safe and call us at (619) 280-8400 before you drive any further. We can’t diagnose over the phone, but we’ll talk through your next step, and if it isn’t safe to drive we can point you to Speedee Towing.