Santa Monica Auto Service

I had some issues w/my '93 Subaru Impreza (don't judge. it has less than 75k miles on it.), and somehow, in a hail mary pass sort of way, i managed to get it started, and into santa monica motors' parking lot. left the keys in the night drop, and gave them a ring the next afternoon.josh was really good at explaining just what was wrong, what needed to be done, and how quickly they'd be able to turn it around. i did have to get a rental car for two days, but i picked my car up and all seemed to be well.but then, i drove the car to the bank, came out, and...my car wouldn't start. obviously i was super upset, but josh immediately sent one of his guys to try starting my car. they took me back to the shop, brought my car back, set me up with a rental fiat (!!), and i was on my way.turns out there was another problem involving carbon buildup in the engine (i think? i am so terrible at automobiles), and they were able to fix it the next day. a week out, and the car is running great. these guys are awesome, and they were quick to fix/make up for the issues they didn't solve at first. HIGHLY recommended if you are on the westside.

I had some issues wmy '93 Subaru Impreza don't judge. it has less than 75k miles on it., and somehow, in a hail mary pass sort of way, i managed to get it started, and into santa monica motors' parking lot. left the keys in the night drop, and gave them a ring the next afternoon.josh was really good at explaining just what was wrong, what needed to be done, and how quickly they'd be able to turn it around. i did have to get a rental car for two days, but i picked my car up and all seemed to be well.but then, i drove the car to the bank, came out, and...my car wouldn't start. obviously i was super upset, but josh immediately sent one of his guys to try starting my car. they took me back to the shop, brought my car back, set me up with a rental fiat !!, and i was on my way.turns out there was another problem involving carbon buildup in the engine i think? i am so terrible at automobiles, and they were able to fix it the next day. a week out, and the car is running great. these guys are awesome, and they were quick to fixmake up for the issues they didn't solve at first. HIGHLY recommended if you are on the westside.

Josh is the man I will refer this shop to anyone I ever come across with a car problem. Best Mechanics I've ever worked with.

I've lived in LA for close to 30 years, so I've done a lot of smog checks. This place is without a doubt the best I've ever dealt with. As said by others, Bob is terrific. Honest. Helpful. HUMAN. He told me exactly how long things would take -- and was off by 5 minutes, in my favor -- suggested places for coffee or breakfast while waiting, explained my test results and gave advice on how to keep my car running at its best. To be clear - he did NOT recommend service or anything that would make money for his business. He offered tips that I could do to keep my car running its best. Then he gave me directions to AAA so I could get my registration in today, pick up my tags and not have to send a thing to the DMV. Finally, he called me about an hour later to find out if I'd left a scarf in the waiting area. It wasn't mine -- but he was calling everyone who'd been there to make sure it was claimed by its owner. THAT's service! My highest recommendation. I will never go anywhere else for a smog check.

I needed a smog check to renew my registration. This place was right down the street from my office and had great reviews, so thought I'd check them out. I called for an appointment around 11:45am and Bob informed me they don't take them, and that the current wait time was about an hour (it was during the lunch hour, so makes sense they'd be backed up), but promised not to keep any longer than I needed to be. Took my car in around 1pm and was informed the wait time was at least 1.5 hours now. I decided to take a leisurely lunch at Z Garden down the street, since I was there and might as well knock it out. About 1 hour and 45 mins later they called and let me know my car was ready (I could keep an eye on it from my seat at Z Garden), and was told it passed with flying colors as Bob shook my hand. They also checked my tire pressure while they were at it, which is a nice little extra. $10 off with the coupon printed off their website. Total cost was $55. Since they send your report info to the DMV immediately, I was able to make a quick stop at the dmv website right after I left and registration successfully renewed! I recommend - friendly, efficient service - but please call ahead so you know how long you'll be waiting. The approximation was spot on.

Always great

Yet another good experience at SMM... the problem with my car was diagnosed, the part was ordered, and we're back on the road again, for a lot less money than I had expected. Josh is an excellent communicator, and I trust these guys to find the root cause of any problem with my cars.

The entire crew does a great job, but Josh stands out as the best manager I have ever dealt with in my entire life. -Wes Alderson.

Got a $2500 estimate somewhere else and was told to 'take my car out back and shoot it". Santa Monica Motors fixed her up for $200 and she is running like a dream. Problem had previously been misdiagnosed repeatedly.

SM Motors is an excellent shop. Everyone is professional, friendly, and trustworthy, and the work is first rate. I'd recommend them to anyone.