Auto repair shop · San Diego, CA · reviewed since 2013
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%91+49.6Reliability 24%85+20.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%51+3.6Craft & service penalty96−0.4Experts Score= 88Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.88SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#53 of 148 auto repair shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 65%
4.8★★★★★554 Google reviews · 22 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.97★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.7%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate University City Service Center 4.8 out of 5 based on 554 reviews, with the owner responding to 10% of them. Many customers describe the shop as dependable, highlighting quick turnaround times, clear communication, and fair pricing for services like oil changes, brake repairs, and major engine work. However, a subset of low-star reviews cites concerns about overcharging, unnecessary repairs, and occasional negligence, including instances of vehicle damage or unresolved mechanical issues that led to safety hazards.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 554 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 554 Google reviews (336 with written comments, 4 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 10% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 20, 2026.
Service: Auto Repair Shop serving San Diego, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other auto repair shops
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
This companyAuto Repair Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.University City Service Center: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
91
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.University City Service Center: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
85
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.University City Service Center: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
96
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.University City Service Center: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.University City Service Center: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.University City Service Center: 51/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.C
51
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
554 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars51192%
4 stars193%
3 stars00%
2 stars61%
1 star183%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 336 written reviews
95%praise
Praise51995%
Complaints265%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
98%fair
Great price7835%
Reasonable13661%
Overpriced42%
Not sure52%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Speed & response11321%
Staff & attitude10319%
Honesty & trust9918%
Price & value9117%
Quality & results7814%
Would recommend356%
Communication265%
What customers talk about
We read 336 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“My family has been coming here for over 50 years and the service is phenomenal- always courteous, trustworthy and on time.”
“They are honest, professional, and the turnaround on their services is very quick.”
“The main guy was horribly rude when I questioned the work and disagreed with him.”
“They are always reasonably priced and very dependable.”
“The cost at Toyota dealers is actually less than what these scammers charged us almost a year back.”
“Fair rates, customer service work ethic, extensive car knowledge, they go the distance for customers.”
“Overcharged, over-diagnosed, and the 'fix' was broken within a year.”
“Excellent service on our drive shaft replacement, super customer relations and taken care of on a a Saturday.”
“Yesterday I took my car to the official dealership and got confirmed that my rear break pads and rotors were severely damaged.”
“Well highly recommend going here for car service or repair.”
“From my experience, do yourself a favour and stay away from University City Service.”
“I had a broken spark plug stuck in my engine and they were very clear on what they had to do.”
People customers mention
Scott22 reviews
Brian16 reviews
Bryan4 reviews
Honda3 reviews
Shell3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired University City Service Center for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Christine3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 4 days ago★★★★★
My family has been coming here for over 50 years and the service is phenomenal- always courteous, trustworthy and on time. Keep up the good work!
Great priceBrakesExhaustAuto engine tuning+ Punctuality+ Quality+ Professionalism
StephanieLocal Guide · 99 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 days ago★★★★★
Really appreciate the support from the staff. Everyone does a great job. I appreciate that they provide quick updates and estimates.
Cherie3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I always have wonderful Service! I appreciate your reminders to come and have it check up. You are very efficient and I feel very comfortable taking my cars there.
General repairs & maintenanceOil change
Oleg5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
These guys are awesome! I have been coming here for years and have had University City Service Center service all of my family’s vehicles. They are honest, professional, and the turnaround on their services is very quick.
Alfredo6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I had a broken spark plug stuck in my engine and they were very clear on what they had to do. They were able to take it out and do an oil change service as well right after fixing my problem. Well highly recommend going here for car service or repair. Very helpful and fast turnaround.
Great price
Nina2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Love this place and recommend to everyone. Honest and smart and kind and thoughtful.
Positive: Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Services: Brakes, Exhaust, Auto engine tuning
Response from the owner · 5 years ago
Thank you for your continued support. There’s nothing more important to us than the satisfaction of the customer, and the greatest joy in this business comes from seeing the generations of customers coming in from the same family and watching their families grow alongside our own.
Stephanie HaskellLocal Guide · 99 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Stephanie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I always have wonderful Service! I appreciate your reminders to come and have it check up. You are very efficient and I feel very comfortable taking my cars there.
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change
Sandy Sherman3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sandy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
These guys are awesome! I have been coming here for years and have had University City Service Center service all of my family’s vehicles. They are honest, professional, and the turnaround on their services is very quick.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Tires, Auto battery replacement, Steering & suspension repair, Auto exhaust system repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment, Transmission repair, Brakes, Air conditioning, Smog certification
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Always appreciate your business, Oleg, and very much appreciate the positive review.
Alfredo Escobedo6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alfredo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had a broken spark plug stuck in my engine and they were very clear on what they had to do. They were able to take it out and do an oil change service as well right after fixing my problem. Well highly recommend going here for car service or repair. Very helpful and fast turnaround.
Price assessment: Great price
Nina Gilbert2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My family and I are long-time customers of UC Service Center and the gas station … for decades. Three generations as customers. Brian, Scott, Logan and the whole team are excellent. I can’t remember her name (so very sorry!) but the woman who works with them is excellent. Service, break/fix, smog test, you name it — they treat people and vehicles with amazing care and attention. Fair rates, customer service work ethic, extensive car knowledge, they go the distance for customers. Offers an Auto Club discount. After-hours car pick up at the station is very convenient. On the daily, they will help you with oil & fluid checks when indicator lights illuminate and then take care of everything right then & there (if fluid replacement is needed). No charge, no hassle and always so patient even when they are clearly busy. Highly, highly recommend.
Excellent service on our drive shaft replacement, super customer relations and taken care of on a a Saturday. We were leaving to Nor Cal on Sunday morning. Thanx for everything!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Service not listed
Farrell Kelly4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Farrell has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
