Last minute need to check out a car I was buying for my daughter - Brian was able to get me same day (I only had the car for 3 hours) they checked it out for me, gave me a list of what I needed to get fixed. It just made me feel so much better about buying the car. Thank you guys so much, exceptional service!
Been going here for the past 5 years and bring all of my cars even though I've moved further away. They got my 12 year old car to pass its biennial smog test on the first try. That meant a lot to me because 2 years ago it failed repeatedly until Drive Auto made the fixes it needed. The fixes held for 2 years and now I've got 2 more years to squeeze out of the old car until the next test.
Been going here for the past 5 years and bring all of my cars even though I've moved further away. They got my 12 year old car to pass its biennial smog test on the first try. That meant a lot to me because 2 years ago it failed repeatedly until Drive Auto made the fixes it needed. The fixes held for 2 years and now I've got 2 more years to squeeze out of the old car until the next test.
Services
DRIVE AutoCare enhances automotive value, comfort and safety. Forevermore, we will be obsessive in our quest to exceed the expectations of our community with trustworthy advice and legendary service. In 1980, California Import Auto opened at the corner of Highway 101 and Cliff Street in Solana Beach.
DRIVE AutoCare is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call DRIVE AutoCare N. Cedros Solana Beach) (858) 793-0560, DRIVE AutoCare (Hwy 101 Solana Beach) (858) 755-5015 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.
DRIVE AutoCare only sells the top tire brands with a history of safety and performance. We carry a wide range of tires including touring and performance tires to ensure your car or truck has the right tires for a safe and comfortable ride. A household name in America, Firestone offers a broad selection of car, truck, and sport utility vehicle tires-whether your goal is to hit your performance goals or stay roadworthy in all types of weather.
Building a business in a beautiful city like Solana Beach, we have a lot to be proud of. Our neighborhood has amazing beaches, parks, hiking trails, and an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife. Enriched with a strong sense of community, DRIVE AutoCare is committed to responsible car repair and service.
STAR Certified Smog Check Stations provide a higher level of smog check and repair services. Smog Depot is a STAR Smog Test & Repair Station which means we are licensed by the State of California to test and perform emissions-related repairs. We have state-of-the-art equipment and we can usually complete your smog inspection in 20 minutes or less!
Reviews (22)
Robert Porter
Feb 01, 2022
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Pamela Arivett
Jan 21, 2022
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I took my Porsche in for a wheel alignment at Drive Auto Repair. They’re located near all the wonderful shops and restaurants on Cedros in Solana Beach. The staff was polite and efficient. I droppped the car off with them and walked to Lofty’s for a fabulous lunch. I got a call that my car was ready. The price was lowest around the valley and I was pleased with my car’s performance after the alignment. I plan to take my other car in as well. Thank you Drive Auto for great service!
William Dynan
Nov 24, 2021
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Paul and his team at DRIVE are incredibly helpful, honest, and professional. I used their SMOG service a few months ago and it was fast and reasonably priced. Due to the quality of their service I have been back twice for diagnostic issues with my 2001 Jeep Cherokee and received excellent service both times fully explaining my issue. Each time they diagnosed the problem and since neither were critical to the safety/drivability they simply gave me an estimate and I did not feel like I was being pressured into getting the repair done.
Their SMOG is walk-in service and for other appointments it has
Their SMOG is walk-in service and for other appointments it has
Jeff Heden
Nov 21, 2021
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Very friendly and responsive. Surprised that a 1 axle alignment would cost $200. May shop around next time.
Asked them for estimate to furnish and install 4 new Michelin tires. Was over $2,000 while Costco was $1,430. I want to give DRIVE this order but they need to match it. That is real life. I understand if they don’t. Overall an excellent shop with great people.
Asked them for estimate to furnish and install 4 new Michelin tires. Was over $2,000 while Costco was $1,430. I want to give DRIVE this order but they need to match it. That is real life. I understand if they don’t. Overall an excellent shop with great people.
Derek Michael
Nov 20, 2021
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Kate Flannery
Nov 05, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I had a great first experience with Drive. They diagnosed a tough to figure out repair on my car. Easy to drop and pick up, good communication and a fair price. I’m glad to have found a good local spot.
Services: Electrical, General repairs & maintenance
I had a great first experience with Drive. They diagnosed a tough to figure out repair on my car. Easy to drop and pick up, good communication and a fair price. I’m glad to have found a good local spot.
Services: Electrical, General repairs & maintenance
Michele Soares
Oct 30, 2021
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Sandra Nelson
Sep 28, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I have had a wheel alignment twice at Drive Auto Care. Each time they were friendly and professional, and the service was provided in a timely manner. I will be a returning customer when I have the need. I definitely recommend Drive Auto Care.
Service: Wheel alignment
I have had a wheel alignment twice at Drive Auto Care. Each time they were friendly and professional, and the service was provided in a timely manner. I will be a returning customer when I have the need. I definitely recommend Drive Auto Care.
Service: Wheel alignment
Hudson Church
Aug 18, 2021
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Sarah Whitesell
Jun 16, 2021
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I was in town from Phoenix and my car was not doing so well. The sparks and coils went out the day before I was suppose to drive home. The team at Drive was so nice and accommodating and got me in immediately even though they seemed booked and busy. I was shocked when I got a call at 7pm because they stayed late to ensure I got my diagnosis and my car was ready to go the next afternoon. They took the time to talk to me and my Husband a couple times (he was home in AZ and I'm somewhat clueless about cars). They have very fair prices, and a nice clean shop. I wish they had a location in Phoenix because
Rina E.
Jun 16, 2021
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I don't know what I would do without Drive AutoCare and the wonderful people who work there!! I've been going to Drive for 4 years now and every experience shows me that they don't just care for cars but also the people who drive them. Paul and Annie are truly the best of the best, and when I've been in a crisis with the car, they have come through as if I was family, except that I'm not. I trust them 500% and recommend them to anyone who needs a wonderful, honest, local auto shop. They are best of the best.
Jerry K.
May 16, 2019
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Krysten D.
Aug 09, 2018
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I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. Smog test was not $44.95 (with $15 coupon) as Michael states in a comment below, cost is $53.20. I went to Lee Rollins Firestone in Miramar afterwards on the same day for an oil change and they quoted me $45 for the smog test. I messed up, bummer. The wait time, however, was only 30 min.
Marco G.
Sep 15, 2016
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Smog Depot has a small reception area staffed with one or two people. Don't expect to be greeted or acknowledged when walking in though. However, you should expect a lot of eye rolling and groaning by the supervisor/owner/manager(?) if you dare to ask scheduling questions.
What did surprise me was that the same rude supervisor suddenly became friendly as he went into describing the technical details of the smog test results. Just keeping that guy in the back of the shop instead of customer facing would yield this place at least another star.
Now as for the smog test itself, they ran a quick
What did surprise me was that the same rude supervisor suddenly became friendly as he went into describing the technical details of the smog test results. Just keeping that guy in the back of the shop instead of customer facing would yield this place at least another star.
Now as for the smog test itself, they ran a quick
Ben M.
Nov 30, 2015
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One of my favorite things is to go somewhere that I never been and have it live up to my expectations.
I called Smog Depot after finding a coupon online. The guy on the phone quoted me a price said to come right down there was no wait. I arrived to a clean but small shop and pulled right in. The two people behind the counter were polite and efficient and wasted no time getting my information so they could start my service even though the phone was ringing off the hook and they were pretty busy.
I have a 14-year old van that requires smog test every renewal. I'm always worried that it&apos
I called Smog Depot after finding a coupon online. The guy on the phone quoted me a price said to come right down there was no wait. I arrived to a clean but small shop and pulled right in. The two people behind the counter were polite and efficient and wasted no time getting my information so they could start my service even though the phone was ringing off the hook and they were pretty busy.
I have a 14-year old van that requires smog test every renewal. I'm always worried that it&apos
Jo B.
Nov 17, 2015
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We went to a smog place in Del Mar that couldn't do the car smog and recommended us to a place on Encinitas he said they are trustworthy. Instead of driving all the way there I checked on my phone for a closer place and found Smog Depot in Solana Beach. I called and was told he would match the price of $53.75 with his coupon deal , same that Encinitas charges. He claims he told us in detail that a 1995 car may require another charge which neither one of us recalled but he says he says the same thing on all his calls. He did not say it would require it nor tell us the charge would be $73.00
Dan M.
May 02, 2015
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Staff is super friendly, no gimmicks, don't try to make you do unnecessary work. Had some work done to find a issue with my evap system and they were more than helpful at a very competitive price compared to other shops for the same service! Great to deal with and I let all my friends know to visit smog depot!
Thomas M.
Mar 31, 2015
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Marny J.
Sep 10, 2013
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You would think just going to get smogged would not warrant a YELP. NOT TRUE! Sean and the guys at Smog Depot seriously helped me out with my car (which was determined to NOT be smogged). We got it done and they totally went out of their way for me. And you know smogging is not how they make their $$ so I would use them for alignment services or go to their brother shop, California Imports for other work as well. Also totally amazing service and great people at Cal Import, especially Mike. Thanks guys!!
Hayley M.
May 31, 2013
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Easy-peasy. I dropped my car off--a 2002 Mercury Sable--with no appointment at around 8:30 on a Tuesday. They told me it would be about 20 minutes, so I went for a quick run down the Highway 101 into Cardiff (gorgeous!). I got back about 30 minutes later and everything was all ready to go! They also send the certificate to the DMV for you.
DEFINITELY bring this coupon with you: http://www.smogtips.com/Solana-Beach-Smog-Check-Station-Test-Only-Center.cfm. Having $15 off makes it about $53, give or take, which matched up with all the other smog check places I looked into--otherwise it's kind
DEFINITELY bring this coupon with you: http://www.smogtips.com/Solana-Beach-Smog-Check-Station-Test-Only-Center.cfm. Having $15 off makes it about $53, give or take, which matched up with all the other smog check places I looked into--otherwise it's kind
G. V.
Apr 25, 2013
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Jay T.
Jun 26, 2012
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I was very pleased today with Smog Depot on N Cedros in Solana Beach. I had searched online for smog test centers, found this one on http://www.smogtips.com/ and got a $15 off coupon. I read 2 Yelp reviews from 2011 -- one 5-star and one 1-star. I was concerned about the price issue, so I called and verified the total cost (including the filing fees to DMV). The net cost to me was $55.20 and the work was done within about 20 minutes. Net-net, I was pleased.
