University City Service Center

Feb 06, 2025

Got quote for routers and brakes for under $600 Other places charge a lot more

Jan 17, 2025

Excellent work ethic

Jan 07, 2025

I spent 2k to fix what they supposedly repaired.

Jan 07, 2025

Super friendly business, but I kind of feel like they were trying to rip me off. I popped in to ask they could patch my tire since I had a nail in it. They told me it was too close to the edge and that I needed to get a new tire. I also asked to get some help in putting in some push clips for the mudflap (it was loose) - to which mechanic replied I would need to replace the whole entire mudflap. The mechanic was super nice and seemed to care about my tire needs, but I said thank you and went to a different tire shop called SoCal Tires on Clairemont drive. They patched up my tire in about 20 minutes and I’m driving off smoothly for $30. I had also ordered the push clips myself from Amazon for a whopping $9.99 and easily fixed the loose mudflap on my own. Long story short University City Service Center basically wanted to charge me $150+ I went to SoCal Tires and Amazon and spent $40. That was my experience. Hope this review helps. *** update: I appreciate the comment on erring on the side of caution. My patched tire seems to be doing great 1 month + later. Stay kind :)

Nov 07, 2024

These guys are quite amazing -- always able, with quick precise work... I especially thank Scott for his attention to detaiL .... rock ON !

Oct 07, 2024

I've been coming here for four years and have had nothing but excellent service and repairs and fair prices. Oil changes, new tires, new battery, they do it all. I feel lucky to have found such a reliable, fast, and communicative car service center.

Sep 07, 2024

Bryan and team were so helpful with my car issues. Very communicative, informative and extremely nice. I would recommend anyone get work done here.

Aug 07, 2024

Quick accurate diagnosis when our car was brought there by tow truck (precautionary) recently. Very fast turnaround and not unreasonable price. Professional, skilled and friendly technicians.

Jun 07, 2024

Been going here for years for smog checks, team is fast, efficient, and friendly.

May 07, 2024

These guys are there for you in a pinch. Had my front right tire blow out half a block up the street and even though they were closing up for the day, Kellen was a real Good Samaritan. I had a spare tire and he helped out with the tools and know-how. Helpful guys here.

May 07, 2024

This place is so friendly and I’m so happy they were right there. The workers are beyond charismatic. I was helped by a gentleman named scott and he was happy to see me, happy to help, and happy to be of service. Friendly workers, SUPER quick service (like, these people were BUSY and still taking care of everyone in a snap) Scott, you were my gaurdian Angel today thank you SO so much for your help.

Mar 07, 2024

Excellent customer service and top notch work for a reasonable price

Mar 07, 2024

Stay away! The quality of service is not what it used to be. I have come for repairs many times before. Last time I had work done on my BMW and the front of my hood was completely scratched. The mechanic had not used a blanket while working under the hood. Nobody told me about the damage when I picked up my car and the problem never got resolved. Very unprofessional and careless. I will not return!

Feb 07, 2024

Brian and Scott are awesome

Feb 07, 2024

DONT EVER GO HERE. I went to get an oil change here and the worker also recommended to do a brake fluid change which I agreed to. After a brake fluid change, I experienced a near-fatal incident on the highway. A loose screw left by the worker caused a brake fluid leak, rendering my brakes useless. I strongly advise against trusting them with any vehicle maintenance, that worker should honestly be fired.

Feb 07, 2024

Flat tire repair here. It's behind the gas station

Feb 07, 2024

Got my car smogged in no time :-)

Feb 07, 2024

I got a flat tire at Balboa Park. I took it to a nearby tire shop initially and was told it would take 1.5 hour for repair and cost $40. I decided to drive a bit further to the university city service center. They took care of the flat in less than 10 min for $15. Friendly, fast, hassle free. What’s not to like?

Feb 07, 2024

I had the worst experience here. I dropped off my car first thing in the morning for an oil change. I didn't hear from them all day which isn't unusual. I figured they just forgot to call me again. I went to go pick it up at the end of the day and they told me they didn't have my car. I checked outside and my car was still there. The guy working finally found my key in the back. It turns out they just forgot about my car. No service was done to it. The guy was hesitant to give me my key. I told him I needed my car and he finally gave me my key. It was a huge waste of time for me. I'm pretty disappointed because this place is close to my house. However, I really don't trust this establishment anymore.

Feb 07, 2024

I went here to get my SMOG check done, I had no appointment and they where able to fit me in. The SMOG check was done quickly and was reported to DMV promptly. Recommended to anyone who is looking to do a SMOG check!!!

Feb 07, 2024

Pat is my go-to guy here for anything mechanical or smog related. Recommended...

Feb 07, 2024

Terribly rude. Not professional at all. My car was making a noise when I drove, so I let them check the break - they said everything was fine. Yesterday I took my car to the official dealership and got confirmed that my rear break pads and rotors were severely damaged.

Feb 07, 2024

This shop is legendary for quality, honest work. I’ve had my cars worked on here for over 30 years. The same mechanics have been here all that time as well, which says a lot. I now live 500 miles away, but I still brought my car here when I was getting dishonest advice from a dealership where I live. There isn’t enough space here to list every time they’ve gone above and beyond, but this says it all: one time my car died in another part of town, and the tow driver told me what shop my insurance would pay to take me. I told him I wanted to go to UC Service Center. That will cost you extra, he said. I said that was okay. His response: “Do you know how many people pay extra to go to that shop? I’m going to start going there!”

Feb 07, 2024

1 year ago I bought my first car which was a used Toyota Camry and we went to this place to get a routine check up. The place was nearby and had good ratings so we went ahead. They said we had to change the brake pads and engine oil, the bill came out to be around 1000. The next day we realised that they left the engine oil valve open with engine oil leaking all over. But they took care of it for free, even though they tried to deflect it initially. Now after a year we took our car for servicing at Toyota and they said the brake pads they used were of cheap quality and even though it’s not been a year since we changed it, we have to change it again. The cost at Toyota dealers is actually less than what these scammers charged us almost a year back. So please save yourself some headache and money and go to the official dealers. These people are not only negligent but also scammers.

Feb 07, 2024

Family has gotten service here for years, no complaints

Feb 07, 2024

Had a flat tire during a family road trip. This shop was open early in the morning 7am, fixed my tire in less than 15 min for $15 👏.

Feb 07, 2024

Had to get a break and headlight (lamp) inspection for the DMV. They were great. Dropped the car off on my way to work and it was done way before my way home. No issues and so glad I found university city service center. It’s not easy to find a place with the certification for the inspection.

Feb 07, 2024

I usually don't write a review about any service. But, I am fed up with this services. Each time, they will come up with some extra maintenance recommendation. Last time I had to go there three times because it repair one things and other things break. For example, I went there for oil change and tire rotation. They charge me ~$100 for that with some service recommendation. Then I went there to check my radiator leaking (as per their recommendation), they charge me $515 to replace the radiator.After the service, I notice the car brake was not functioning as before and about to run into an accident. I called and went back to check what's going on and they told me to come back on next business day because it closed. Also, the radiator leaks were not resolved completely and the hoods was not closing properly. So, I had to go there again. They charge me another $294 for brake adjustment and themost & gascake repair. I would expect that radiator issues should have been taken care off without extra labor cost.Not sure I will use this service anymore!

Feb 07, 2024

Simply the best auto shop in San Diego, they exceed my expectations of customer service and core values

Feb 07, 2024

Terrible experience. I brought my car in for some repair. At the end they charged me for putting extra oil because my car had burned oil. Never told me why my car burned a quart of oil. Found out it was a badly clogged pcv valve. They only plug their scanner and fix what it tells them, they don’t care about other things. Don’t be fooled by seeing the shop busy. Busy means they will do the very minimum, sometimes overlooking very important things. They changed a break paddle because he said your car might think it’s breaking while you are not. After they changed that, now I notice the problem which I never did before and if I go there, he will dismiss it as it’s just in my head. Without mentioning overcharging… had a ton of service done there and he still charged me $75 diagnosis for something my $20 obd scanner showed, and paid $680 worth of work

Feb 07, 2024

They used to be great but the past couple years have been bad enough for me to start looking elsewhere. I think the mechanics they have now just don't know what they are doing. My father works on cars and said it sounded like these guys couldn't figure out the problem so they are just throwing parts at it, which costs the customer the money and makes the business a profit. I have an older vehicle so I understand I'm going to need more stuff done, but a couple years ago I went and had $2,700 worth of stuff fixed/maintained and had to go back 3 times, about every other month, after that. The last thing I just had done was to fix a leak, and then a few weeks later my check engine light comes back on, same codes, and I notice there's clearly something leaking based on the spot on the ground where I park. I know they say to take it back if it's the problem they just fixed but I just don't trust them anymore. I don't think they are intentionally doing anything bad. I think they just aren't as competent anymore. I hope they get their act together because I really did like them.

Feb 07, 2024

i will always come here for any car mainetence. i feel like i am cared about and treated well and they always accommodate me and my cars needs. thank you!

Feb 07, 2023

Great service and very convenient ! Been coming here since I moved here 6 years ago. Scott and Brian are very helpful.

Feb 07, 2023

Went for SMOG test yesterday for two cars. Great staff all around. I would consider going here for other services as well