This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Based on recent feedback, Auto Best in Santa Ana, CA earns 78/100. Many cite professional, communicative service from Sayed, quick turnarounds for smog, brake/light, safety and salvage inspections, and help with DMV/BAR steps. Wait times are generally short. The biggest friction is pricing: several reviewers report higher-than-local rates, shifting quotes, and paid reinspections, while others found costs fair. Customer service is often praised, though a minority allege poor transparency. No clear data on parts inventory, yard layout, or parts-finding—this shop appears service-focused.
What clients say about Auto Best in Santa Ana (CA)
Very helpful and quick service with great prices. The team was professional, efficient, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend!
I went to this place referred by a motorcycle place for a safety check for my Harley he was honest and great he’s a real nice guy who knows his stuff I highly recommend him thank you
Came in to get the Vehicle Safety Inspection needed to get registration for my out of state rebuild title vehicle and had everything ready quickly! It was a pleasure doing business with the owner of the shop!
I was so pleasantly surprised by my experience here with Sayed. Not only did he do an amazing job with my vehicle after I had taken it to several other mechanics, but he is honest and thorough. There was a small comfortable waiting room with water, magazines, and so much more than I expected, honestly. I highly recommend him and will definitely be sending more business and returning with my own vehicle. BTW his communication was above and beyond from my very first text
I came to *Auto Best Smog Check* to get a smog test done, and unfortunately, my car didn’t pass. But Sayed was incredibly helpful — he didn’t just send me on my way. He took the time to explain the *BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) vehicle retirement program*, something I wasn’t even fully aware of. He walked me through the whole process and guided me step-by-step on how to apply and get compensated. Super knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely wants to help people. Highly recommend this shop and especially Sayed if you want honest service and expert guidance!
Shop owner-proprietor Sayed is a gentleman as well as a professional. His candor matches his expertise, and through the stressful experience of Salvage Titling my vehicle, he was up front about complications, repairs and (California’s frustrating) regulations. This process is not easy or inexpensive, no matter what the accident inspector says, so you need an inspection/repairs shop that does honest work. Auto Best is such a place. Recommended.
I'm writing a review to warn people about this guy! I don't write negative reviews, but this guy is a bit shady and a little bit of a con artist!
He quoted $150 for a brake and light inspection and when asked if he does free reinspection, he doesn't give you a straight forward answer and makes you believe he doesn't have issues with passing vehicles. I was not able to use my $20 online coupon because he said he's already giving me a discount from $299. When my car did not pass, he told me he would reinspect for $100 more. I'm reading other reviews about this guy and he's been shady to other customers about pricing and his work. Please don't go here! It's better to pay a little more and get a free reinspection and straight answers!
To those that are reading this, I would like to add confidence in your choice to use Auto Best. My wife and I have chosen to have our cars serviced by Sayed because of his detail to service, the quality of the service and excellent communication. We have never felt uncomfortable with asking questions and the work performed has always been done properly. Sayed uses the theory, "measure twice" theory, always giving us options before completing the work. I have all the confidence that Sayed will treat you as he has treated our family, with respect and excellent quality of work.
Sayed really came through for me. Was able to get me in for VSI and smog inspection same day last Thursday and at a very fair price so I could handle my salvage with the DMV. Would recommend to all and will be back for future service.
The place is shady. The guy kept changing his prices and acting like he was giving me a deal. 140 bucks for him to fail My inspection over a tail light color. Then charge me another $120 the next day to reinspect me changing a light bulb. And had the nerve to act like he was doing me a favor by passing me. Another guy rolled up asking about illegitimate emissions test.. weird place
I asked him before I do brakes and lights inspection if the car is going to fail and he told me I can’t tell you that. then he proceeded to fail my car based on a crack in the windshield and a crack in one of the headlights he could have literally seen the windshield and the headlight and told me he can’t pass it, but he chose to get paid in cash because he doesn’t accept credit cards or debit cards just so he can fail the car. All he cares about is getting paid and he doesn’t care about customers.
Sayeed was very tentative and thorough for the vehicle safety inspect I paid him to do. I had just bought a salvage Audi and was concerned about some of the issues it could have that I didn't notice when buying the car. Sayeed came back to me with a clean report and assured me that the vehicle I bought was very safe and in good shape. He gave me some recommendations to maintain the vehicle in the future and sent me on my way. Thank you!
Been coming here for years, I always bring both my vehicles here. Will be coming back as always and will recommend anyone to use auto best as your shop. Thanks auto best! You truly are the best!
Update November 2024: since I cannot leave another review, once again back to my main place for smogs! Always a great , fast and professional service! Thanks I'll be seeing you soon for my other vehicle!
Seems like a scam artist.quoted me 100 dollars then doubled the price because it's two different tests. I told him I only brought the 100 and he said I could just pay him rest when I brought the car back to fix whatever he found wrong. Wait so what your saying is you are going to find something wrong before you even inspect the car. Felt super weird.
I really like this place, not only was Sayed helpful but also informative. Honest and prompt service and low prices. He didn’t hesitate when I mentioned a Google discount. I have recommended others to his shop since is hard to find a place where they treat you well and also with respect and mostly everyone just wants to take advantage instead of helping. Thank you Sayed. If you bring your vehicle do please ask Sayed(manager)about a Google discount and he will honor it, I’m sure you will be a repeat customer.
The service was fast and convenient. But, paid $300 for brake and light, and next day asked at the shop across the Santa Ana DMV, and was told the price is $100.00. I didn't think there could be such a big difference, but I didn't take the time to shop around.
This guy's a swindler. He told me $120 For a break and light inspectionI and when I got here it changed to $200. I wish I would've not spent my money here but again he got me with the 120 and then through an extra 80 dollars on top . way over Priced look around find somewhere else don't come here.
Great experience! The manager, Sayed, was very friendly and quick to answer phone calls when I asked about service options. He helped me complete my smog check and brake & light inspection with no issues. He also referred me to an affordable place to get my flat tire patched. Excellent service.
Very easy to work with and doesn't try to up charge like the three shops I tried before this one. So glad I found this shop , got my smog done and was able to get everything needed for DMV and got some other work done too. My cousin was able to do his break and light inspection here too so this shop does alot of different things which helps too! Definitely will be back when my car needs.
This is the most honest and reliable auto smog, emissions and auto service location I ever found. The honesty and integrity of the owner Mr. Sayed is absolutely cannot be compare with any other service center. I’m a proud customer of this service center for years. I always taken care with great respect and with unbeatable service fees. As I have faith and trust build up over the years and I certainly recommend this location 100% for every individual to give a try and I’m 100% positive that you’ll never look into any other service center ever. Mr. Sayed - his honesty is the key reason for me to keep my ongoing relationship for years to his service center. For sure you’ll never be fooled in this service center, because Mr. Sayed is an very honest auto technician. I wish Mr. Sayed all best and his service center.
Definitely a great shop for brake and light inspections and smog checks. I take many cars and have always had good service and upfront work and explanation of what is best for my cars maintenance. Good idea to call first and see how long the wait is, or what is the best time to come in before going in. I usually just call an hour or so before i want to go in and make sure they are not too busy. Service is good and good prices
I've been going to Sayed at Auto Best for emissions testing & smog cert for 8 years now and get only kind, reliable service. Price upfront. No hidden fees. I always grab a few business cards to hand out to friends in need, and recommend people to him as much as possible. Hard worker. Handles business. Very kind customer service.
I took my car there for brake and lamp inspection. They help me with fast service, 100%great experience. I recommend all my friends and family to Auto Best.
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