07/03/2016

I have my vehicles repaired at Brake Shop for the past two years. I've always been treated well and the staff are very friendly. I was always been very pleased with their services. They have serviced my cars in a timely and notably affordable manner. They have absolutely gained my business because they always get the job done. I highly recommend this place, I know you won't be disappointed!

Rafaela C.

Source: YELP

29/07/2016

Actually it should be negative stars! Joe / Joseph was the rudest human I think I my have ever encountered! I even tried to joke with him by saying "Are you having a bad day?" he replied "NO, I'm fine" I then said "Wow, you mean you are grumpy like this all the time!" And that was even said in a cute and joking way!! He's just someone I hope to never see again!! Life is to darn short!
There was a lady in there that had an oil change the day before and she was back because they neglected to tighten the drain plug upon completion, leaving her driveway covered in oil and she expressed to me her encounter with good ol Joe was about as pleasant as mine (only worse) he was on a personal phone call and totally ignored her until he was ready to be rude to her!!
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR......GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!

Debbie C.

Source: YELP

14/08/2016

warning!! if you really want to experience a really bad and ruuuude customer service, this is the spot!!! joseph is the grumpiest and rudest person ive ever, ever met in my 27 years of life!!! i even got traumatized....the 6 times i walked in, in his office,....yelling at customers the whole time.....

Ivan N Mari R.

Source: YELP

28/05/2015

We had a great experience with brake stop and auto repair. They diagnosed the mechanical problem, provided me with an estimate, fixed it fast and got me back on the road. I appreciate the professional service and will be returning for all my repair needs.
Thanks again,
Megan

Megan C.

Source: YELP

17/09/2015

Just got off the phone with Joseph inquiring about a brake special. Asked if rotors were included and he asked "why do u think you need rotors.,.?" I then replied I just wanted to know prices just in case I do. He then said they aren't included and made me read the special back to him to validate his point that rotors weren't included. The most condescending tone of voice as well! Called another location and San Diego and the gentlemen there were so incredibly nice and informative. I will make the drive to San Diego!
Reading other reviews and Joseph is mentioned a lot for being rude

Williams L.

Source: YELP

26/07/2016

I dropped off my car and picked it up from the same sales associate an older gentleman. His customer service skills definitely need some improvement. He was speaking on the phone when I drop my car off and when I picked it up. I drop my vehicle off around 1 a.m. for an oil change I had a coupon that said it was 16.25. Since it was a truck I obviously expected it to be a little bit more expensive. However I did not think it would be $35. Apparently I was charged $8 for an oil filter. Doesn't an oil change include the oil and oil filter? That's the way I thought it works. That's the way it worked when I did oil changes. I brought my own oil as well which actually cost more than the oil change. Didn't receive a discount for bringing my own oil either. Lastly I got a call at 5:40 saying that my truck was ready and I need to hurry up and get down there because they close at 6 p.m. . When I replied that a little more notice would have been helpful their response was yeah well we were busy. Definitely didn't look that busy and it sure doesn't take four and a half hours to do an oil change more like 20 minutes. Even easier when the customer brings his own oil. I also found another coupon on their website showing the oil price change of $14.95. Definitely not going back.

Jerry G.

Source: YELP

07/08/2015

It's so disappointing that we had to do business with these people..
My husband and I walked into another uhaul office and were unable to reserve what we wanted there but the guy was able to reserve a truck at a nearby auto shop... Bringing us here.
As we walk in no one is near the front desk. A few mins go by and finally a man approaches...but continues to sit on the other side of the desk and get on the phone. Totally disregarding us standing there. Eventually he asks what we need and we say we have to pick up a uhaul. He rudely replies with "the lady that deals with that is out running errands, take a seat, she'll be here in 15 mins"........ Okay?
20 or so minutes later, a lady walks in frantically apologizing, which I appreciated unlike the old grouch who treated us earlier. We ask for an extra day which she grants us for free. I also appreciated that. She explains the truck is at 1/4 tank and we must return it at that.. However when we receive the truck it's actually at 1/8.. She says she'll go back and fix it for us and that it's not a big deal to bring it back at 1/8th. Though we wanted a copy showing the change, she gave an excuse about giving us proof.
We arrive to our destination with an 1/8th tank and are told it must be at 1/4.. She never changed it. So at that moment, we call and the old grouch answers with "she's out running errands, call back in 15" and hangs up before we could say another word.
Are you freakin kidding me??? I couldn't be angrier. $30 for an 1/8th tank, thanks.

Michelle V.

Source: YELP

04/06/2016

very nice customer service.recomended to every one..................

Thomas L.

Source: YELP

25/07/2015

Very friendly, super nice staff! Stayed open late to fix our breaks and really explained why we needed them. Highly recommend

Kris B.

Source: YELP

11/08/2015

I am moving out of state tomorrow. I had several things to do, rent a I haul, get my oil changed and fix my tow package in my car. I have been running around like a mad man trying to get everything done. Brake Stop was able to do all these things for me in about an hour! I was very grateful for their help, and now I will be able to leave tomorrow on schedule without having to worry about my car situation. Richard helped me out and was very understanding.

Justin L.

Source: YELP

07/03/2015

Walked in on Saturday morning around 10:30 with a SuprrSaver coupon for an oil change. Instantly her demeanor changed when she saw my coupon. All of a sudden my hour wait for an oil change went to 1 1/2 hours. It was as if they didn't want my business. I sat in the parking lot and watched the bays. One was open and there wasn't any work being done on any vehicle.

Medic M.

Source: YELP

19/11/2014

I went to this location for a few different items from just an oil change to wheel bearing replacement and 125k mile service. They were honest and up front about charges and work. About a year later I went to sell my car and realized I lost the maintenance record. It was easy to get in touch and get this info from them. They even offered a discount since I worked so close, just had to show them my badge.
Only downside was on one visit where they took a few hours longer than promised, but to their defense it was a very busy day. Bottom line is I would certainly recommend them for any maintenance service.

Sam S.

Source: YELP

23/06/2015

Looking for reliable and trustworthy service. Brake and stop of san marcos is the best place. I was relieved to get a fair price. I had my oil changed and service repairs. Done with no longer than one hour wait. I recommend them to my family and friends. Laura in Vista.

Laura Y.

Source: YELP

21/10/2014

Not sure if the negative reviews are legit or competitors, but my wife and I have been bringing our vehicles here for nearly seven years and have received outstanding service from Joseph and his staff every single time.
We use Brake Stop primarily for oil changes, brakes, tires and light maintenance. The prices are always fair, the work is performed correctly and as previously stated, the service has been great. So, I absolutely recommend them.

Aaron C.

Source: YELP

25/02/2015

Do not bring you vehicles here for any major work. These guys drove my car to Escondido when it wasn't driveable. I brought it in for transmission problems, my car wouldn't shift past 20 mph and red lined at 25 mph. yet they still drove it to Escondido so their "other shop could look at it". I specifically say do not drive it, for fear of further damage to my vehicle. They will bullshit you and tell you what you want to hear. Please go elsewhere! Do not be that sucker! I drive a 07 Mercedes Benz c350.

Donnie G.

Source: YELP

31/03/2013

I found an awesome deal for Brake Stop on Living Social, so I thought I'd give them a try. I walked right in on a Friday morning, they were courteous and efficient, and I was out for a very small amount of money.
I've only used these guys for an oil change, but I'd be happy to go back to them in a heart beat!

Jes G.

Source: YELP

02/06/2014

Bad customer service. I stored my motorhome here and about 2 months of paying for storage I had planned a camping trip. Went to pick up the motorhome and realized it had been broken into. After cleaning it up, it looked like someone had been sleeping and living in it. A few things was stolen and I wasn't asking for compensation in that way. Just for a refund for the time I wasn't using the storage. Didn't get it. Just the deposit was refunded.
From day one, I didn't feel comfortable storing my motorhome here. I guess next time, I'll go with my gut feeling.

Victoria E.

Source: YELP

07/04/2015

Went to get a price on labor to change a brake caliper and the price was too high ($203.00) After removing the rim on a vehicle it just takes a clamp to seal the brake line and two bolts to remove the caliper, release brake presure with valve and unscrew. Your best bet is to buy the part yourself for $40-$60 at Auto Zone and have a personal mechanic do it for $40-$70 or you can YouTube it to do it yourself

James F.

Source: YELP

14/02/2015

Please done come here for any kind of customer service. We had to come here to pick up a u haul. The guy behind the counter had no one and yet he made us wait saying someone would be with us We waited and waited while the guy sat on the phone. Aweful! Anyone with this horrible of service shouldn't be in service

Kim E.

Source: YELP

05/03/2014

aside from the representative who handles the uhaul rentals, this place is horrible.
i decided to rent a truck from this place as it was close to my condo. apparently they only have 1 representative who's responsible for all the truck rentals since this place functions primarily as a brake and auto repair place.
i only needed the truck for a few hours but since i was renting it on a saturday and they were closed sundays, i was told that even though i only reserved it for 5 hours i could technically return it anytime sunday and i would not be charged for any overages. even still, i returned the truck by the end of the business day saturday.
unfortunately, when i looked at my credit card transaction history the following monday, i was charged double for the rental. i called back the Brake & Auto place and whoever answered the phone (I believe his name was Joe) was very short and rude that "the person who handles the uhaul rentals isn't in, you'll have to call back later." wouldn't even let me leave a message. so i called back later, and once again the same guy answers the phone and tells me in a similarly short and rude fashion that he isn't there.
long story short, when i finally get a hold of the uhaul rep and explain to him my frustrations, he said he'd take care of it because "the system automatically charged you for another day because we didn't close your file til Monday when you rented the truck Saturday." and unfortunately, instead of adjusting the double charge back (which was about $140) to a single charge ($70), or refunding the double charge and charging just the single charge, their system charged an additional $70.
it's not so much the correct dollar amount confusion that had me frustrated as it was the fact that it was a huge headache just to talk to a representative that could help me after they completely butchered the charging of my bill to my credit card. the employee not responsible for uhaul rentals "Joe" was rude and not helpful. sure, their system initially charged me $210 instead of $70, but that was taken care of over a period of 4 days when it should never have been an issue.
save yourself the headache and avoid this place completely.
-civilities.

Joy M.

Source: YELP

20/09/2013

I've come here TWICE to use their U-Haul Services. First, I want to be clear, this is NOT a review for U-Haul.
The first time I used them, we returned out U-Haul truck with the same level of fuel as when we picked it up. Upon return, I asked for a 'check-in' and receipt for he charges. The guy shooed me away so quickly, saying "it's fine, we'll email it to you!".
That's odd because my experience with U-Haul in the past, was to do a look around, check fuel, mileage, etc, then leave receipt in hand.
I insisted again to leave with a receipt, to be told again, "I'll email it to you!", but in a less friendly tone. So I left.
2 days later, I discover a $100 charge to my card! When I called, I spoke to a guy there named Edgar. Although friendly, he said, "Oh shoot, they weren't supposed to charge you. I'll reimburse your money next week!!!" NEXT WEEK??!! Seriously! That money shouldn't have even been taken and now I have to wait a week! I called everyday, asked for Edgar (for a week) until my $100 was credited to my account!
The second experience was even worse. I'd thought it would be different as I believe in second chances...Nope!
I reserved another U-haul, this time bringing my parents in for car service. The U-haul experience was slightly better than the first, BUT the car service experience..!!!
My Dad needed his tires rotated and aligned. He was quoted a reasonable price by Joseph. However, Joseph must have been having a bad day because he was less than interested in our business. He rudely didn't even look us in the eye, was sharp and shot with his answers.
My Dad decided to wait for the service, upon check out, Joseph explained that the brakes were, "Metal on metal!". My dad JUST got his brakes done. So he asked if he could see it. Joseph rudely said "sure go to the back the mechanic will show you." Sure enough! brake pads intact, no metal on metal, NOTHING! Normal wear and tear on the brakes!
My Dad just paid and left. Mentioning how RUDE Joseph was. Being a girl, and always skeptical of being taken advantage of, I DO NOT recommend anyone going here for car service or U-Haul rentals. Both experiences were bad, customer service is LOWER than LOW!

Iris M.

Source: YELP

07/03/2015

DO NOT GO HERE!!! I'm only giving it a star because you can't give it zero. They charge a ridiculous price to just look at your car and then tried to con me into spending $800 on things I didn't even need!!! I took it somewhere else to have it looked at and they fixed it for way cheaper and my car runs perfectly. These people will rip you off!!! Do not give them business.

Chandler W.

Source: YELP

11/07/2015

OMG. Let's start off by saying, yes, this is a repair shop and yes, I'm using a coupon. I walked in and stood at the "open" window, waiting for the man "Joseph" to serve on me. He was siting about 10 ft away on the other end of a glass window. It took him about 2 minutes to acknowledge me and then slid his side of the window open and ask what he could do. I told him I needed a smog check and he rudely demanded my dmv paperwork. From the start, he made me feel like I was putting him out. I handed him the paperwork and he immediately got on the phone and started chatting with a buddy about his plans for the weekend. He continued to chat on the phone the whole time he checked me in. He even printed out the paperwork and had me sign...while still on the phone. Wow, I maybe only spending $22.95 but the least he could do is spare 5 minutes of his valuable time and pay attention to his customer. Really sad - Joseph, you should be nicer to your customers.

Gicell S.

Source: YELP

09/07/2013

How do you get a smog test for $110? By not listening to other reviews on Yelp!
If you take one minute to search Smog Test locations, you will find coupons for $30 plus Smog Certificate. If you have a car that requires California's new STAR program, your options are suddenly cut dramatically for this very simple service. So, I decided to settle for convenience and headed to my nearest STAR station at the standard rate...
I was quoted at $60 for the service, I sucked it up and told myself I am paying for the convenience. Thirty minutes later, I am briefed that my car passed (Always that voice in your head, "Yay!"), but it did not pass the functional test, so I would need a retest. ("Boo!"). BUT during the test it was discovered that my car needed a new gas cap! Sound familiar from another review on here? I was charged $18.99 for a gas cap! Yeah I know a cap can affect the test, but it also throws a code on the OBD. Really my complaint is the price.
So $73 dollars down the drain for a mindless service that equated to nothing as of yet, I am told to drive my car and get the computers updated, and return for a retest for $25. This is usually when a trustworthy business tells the customer to come back for a FREE retest.
Still asking myself why I went back, I returned, the car passed, and my attempt at negotiating a deal for the retest failed because the manager doesn't give a shit about the customer. But he does like to act like he is giving you a break on the prices. . At the end of the day I spent another $38 and started a Yelp account.
Brake Stop is the kind of business that floats by in the slimy auto shop world, taking advantage of unknowledgeable customers. There are no benefits to this business besides the convenient shopping center across the street, because who likes sitting in waiting rooms?

Finley B.

Source: YELP

07/06/2014

Bad customer service! I walked in and wasn't even acknowledged for a smog check! My fianc took his truck in and they quoted him an unnecessary amount of money to have brakes changed! $500! We payed far less than that!

Amber C.

Source: YELP

31/07/2014

I went here with a coupon from Pennysaver. It said ALL SMOGS $29.95. I had a pick up truck with a diesel engine. They wanted to charge an extra $10
. I told him the coupon said all smogs were $29.95 he said $39.95 plus certificate. It is a bait and switch operation. I was surprised they wouldn't do it for $29 because the shop was completely empty & this was the middle of the day. Anyway I went to another coupon place they did it for $30 incl. cert. and it took about 8 minutes.

Joe V.

Source: YELP

19/06/2015

I bought a groupon last year for this business containing 3 oil changes and 12 point checks good for a whole year! I bought it last year around August. Since then I haven't been able to take my car in due to deployments. This week my wife was able to take it in and unfortunately she wasn't able to get anything done due to a 2 hour wait that would interfere with her work schedule and mine as well. Now I had called earlier that day and ask to make an appointment BUT the gentleman I spoke to told me not to worry that I didn't need to make one because they would take the car immediately even when I told him it would be an appointment for late in the afternoon. So today My wife took my car back and a lady at the front desk told her she couldn't take her groupon because the location on the groupon wasn't for this location in San Macros which is dumb because I took it to the San Marcos location the very first time I bought the damn thing and they accepted just fine!! Also the address on the groupon says San Marcos but contains the actual address to Escondido. the woman at the front desk didn't care and turned her away!! Prior to this attempt at an oil change my wife experience horrible customer service from the front desk workers, when she arrived neither of the 2 gentleman at the desk acknowledged her until she spoke up and asked for the oil change, VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!! When I called the first time the guy asked if I can be put on hold and when I said yes he simply set the phone down and continued his conversation with someone else, I listened to there entire convo for a good 10 min till he realized I wasn't actually on hold. Also with the 12 point check I heard the mechanic tell the front desk guy to tell me my transmission needs to be looked at on my next visit, the front desk guy fail to ever tell me this... What am I paying for? GARBAGE

eric g.

Source: YELP

22/05/2013

Piss poor service. I walked in to rent a Uhaul but the older guy was just rude and told me I need to wait for the "kid" who handles the rentals. He quickly turned and walked away. Do you know how many uhauls rental locations are within 5 mile radius? If you don't believe this review, do me a favor and go to
to view this locations bad reviews.

Isaac S.

Source: YELP

27/06/2013

Will never go back to this place.
I had a coupon for a $19.95 smog check. My car passed but I was told the gas cap on my car did not meet standards. I have had this sam gas cap since I bought this car 8 years ago and it has always passed the smog test. I had to buy a cap from them for
$18.00. Or... I could bay a cap from somewhere else and pay Brake Stop for a smog retest! What!
This is an awful place and I will never go there again.

John M.

Source: YELP

22/08/2013

If I could give less than 1 star I would. This place is an absolute joke and their mechanics are scam artists. Do not... I repeat... Do not take your car here! My husband is a former auto mechanic and witnessed them messing up the alignment on our car/ cheating the computer print out. I had a friend who took his car here and they didn't even reattach the air filter.

Shanno G.

Source: YELP

01/08/2013

Excellent Mechanic - Highly recommend Brake Stop and Auto Repair...I thought I was going to have to take my Audi to the dealer and pay big bucks, but they fixed my car and kept me in warranty status...I am so thankful, its hard to find good mechanics that don't charge a ton of money. They were really nice and gave me updates while I waited in their lobby. Gave me bottled water and made sure I was comfortable. Excellent Service!!

Jason B.

Source: YELP

15/07/2014

I have never been so disappointed in service in my life. We paid 500 for sensors to be fixed and once we go in to pay they tell us it needs the alternator done along with other things that they should have told us initially. We tell them no, and leave and the light comes on and car starts smoking!!!! This was not happening before and they want 1500 for it! I HATE this place and would never suggest it to ANYONE.

Neva E.

Source: YELP

18/09/2014

I WILL NEVER!!! EVER WILL I GO THERE AGAIN!! I went in for a simple smog check since I found a coupon in the Penny Saver for $29.99 I thought I would try them out...... The estimate I was quoted said $39.99 plus the $8.95 for the certificate, I reminded the old man about the coupon.... He grabbed the Penny Saver from the counter and threw it across the room! WOW really?? I politely asked him approximately how much time it would take and he ignored me! It ended up taking about 45 minutes which seemed a bit long since there was only one other customer there. My car failed because my check engine light coincidentally came on right when they were doing the test! I've had my car for almost 6 years and not once has the check engine light been on! Then he goes to tell me that they can see what's wrong with it for $98 and fix it for under $500.... WTF?? He doesn't even know whats wrong with it to quote me something like that?? Now I'm stuck with the mysterious check engine light on and a failed smog test! THESE PEOPLE ARE MONEY HUNGRY AND EXTREMELY DISHONEST! I would of rather paid full price somewhere else and get honest work! THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DOES NOT EXIST UNLESS YOUR SPENDING LOTS OF $$$$ THERE! POOR POOR SERVICE!

Francine C.

Source: YELP

14/09/2013

Went in for a smog test. Very friendly service. In and out in 30 min on a Saturday. Conveniently located across the street from a shopping center so it's easy to spend your waiting time shopping or getting coffee.

C L.

Source: YELP

04/04/2013

Brake Stop & Auto Repair is the best auto repair shop I found at San Marcos and vicinity. They were professional, courteous and efficient services. I just had my car smog check from them few days ago. I'd be happy to go back to them and recommend all folks need reliable auto repairs.

Ken T.

Source: YELP

19/06/2013

The old man at the front desk was incredibly rude to start off this review, i waited for 20 minutes for him to talk on the phone and walk around the shop before he helped me. While he was helping me a customer called and his response to them was you need to call back later. What kind of business tells customers that! They tested my engine and on my receipt wrote down the wrong engine type, did they test my car wrong? Throughout him telling me my car didn't pass he threw in I needed a new gas cap and after I paid I realized he had charged me for one without telling me he was going to charge me. Upon finding out what I needed to do to pass the smog test I told a friend who had a hobby in cars and he told me the guy was trying to charge me $300 dollars for a $10 piece and 20 minutes of labor. Oh yeah and my appointment took 30 minutes longer than I was originally told. Take your business elsewhere

Th D.

Source: YELP

19/03/2016

No problems with the car before I went in after they did the clutch and timing chain it was two weeks later after I told him I had no transportation and rented the car I need the car back when I went in to get the car they had me sign paperwork that says the valve is knocking and air conditioner doesn't work the air conditioner pulley was froze up I just wanted the car out of there this was last year and the car still does not run please don't take your car there

Chris P.

Source: YPAGE

21/08/2013

Finding an honest mechanic in this day and age is tough. Richard is wonderful, he won't over charge you or try to do work on your car that is not needed. I've had a couple bad experiences in the area with other mechanic shops, and this place is just top notch. Everyone should take their car here to be serviced. I highly recommend this place.. Good service, good prices, and HONEST!

celia.bethurum

Source: YPAGE

29/01/2016

Rosy Estrada

Source: FBOOK

10/07/2013

Angi Robinson

Source: FBOOK

29/06/2016

Minus many stars....I agree with couple of other reviewers. Do yourself a favor and go to a different shop. The guy at the window, joe, was on the phone the whole time when I first arrived to check in and when I picked up my car. He was talking to his friend about personal things not even business. He is rude with no customer service etiquette. When I dropped the car off for oil change, i specifically underlined the words "rotate tires" on the coupon. Before i drove away, i noticed the tires were not rotated. When I asked him, he rudely asked if I had asked for it. "Bring it back tomorrow and I will do it" he said. I had left my car there for 5 hours and I was not about to go back and spend more time there. Besides, I don't trust this guy. I will ask for my money back.

Flora Biglaryan

Source: GPLAC

23/11/2012

Do yourself a favor and go to a different shop. I couldn't pay my registration online because the electronic transmission to DMV didn't work. I was told to come back to get a free retest to fix this problem. After taking a half day from work to get this done, I was told by the older man in the front desk that they couldn't do anything and I have to go to DMV to get this fix. He didn't even considered the retest at all which is the reason I came back. For someone who works 7 days a week and often at sea, this is very inconvenient that's the reason why I'm trying to do my transaction online. Now I will have to find another car and most likely pay late payment. I would rate this repair shop even lower if I could.

Allan dela Cruz

Source: GPLAC

24/07/2013

Richard and Joe were very friendly and made me feel very comfortable about them working on my car. They changed my serpentine belt out and gave me an oil change in less than in hour. Great Job! I highly recommend Brake Stop and Auto Repair!

Celia Young

Source: GPLAC

23/11/2013

The guy at the window was on the phone the whole time. He was talking to his friend about personal things not even business. I saw the car was done but he closed the window to the register because he was on the phone. So I decided to wait until he might notice me or get off the phone. I ended up walking up to him and demanded my keys to leave.

Timothy Wang

Source: GPLAC

06/08/2013

Easy to find, shopping and restaurants nearby... get your oil changed well before you get back from eating lunch.

Holly Stevens

Source: GPLAC

07/08/2013

Convenient location

I noticed this shop was in walking distance of one of my favorite restaurants a while back and when oil change time came up, I went here instead of the dealership. heck, my lunch and the oil change together were probably the same price…

Ann S

Source: CLOBB