Cactus Car Care & Smog

my son’s car was in an accident in September and was total lossed. We needed a brake and light inspection after repairs to re-​register the car. Cactus is one of the only shops that does this in the tri valley area. They’re price is $ 65 per inspection (there are two) and after calling around found this to be the going price. I called and spoke to the owner, Jonathon, and he told me when would be the best to come in. We brought the car into the small shop. The owner wasn’t there but his daughter was working the front desk. She was very friendly and got the mechanics to come in and talk to me. I spoke with Jesus and let him know that the running lights on the drivers side was not working and he said he would check it out and call me. He told me that the inspection could take 2hrs and that he would call if done before that. We walked down to the shopping center (15min walk) to have lunch. They did ask if we needed a ride but opted to walk. He called an hour and 20 min later letting me know the car was ready. Turned out to be a loose fuse. He did have to replace a bulb for the license plate but it was CHEAP! These guys are honest and hard working! Would definitely go there again!

These guys are the best of the best honest, upfront and always have great rates for services
I took my car there yesterday as the dealer said I need brakes, Cactus checked out my car and it turns out i will not need brakes for overt 10 months, My wife brings her car here I do not even have to go with her because they will not take advantage of a woman like most places do. I highly recommend Cactus Car Care for all you car needs

I have been taking all my cars to Cactus to have them smog’d for over 10 years. Jonathan has always been fast and courteous, and answered any questions I had. I would not take my cars anywhere else!

I just took my car in for a smog check. The price was good and was done in about 20 minutes. I barely had time to finish reading my emails. I will definitely go back.

Amazing service. Affordable and super fast.

I have been taking my automobiles to Cactus Care for over 15 years. The one thing that I most like and appreciate is the honesty of the owner Jonathan and his technicians. They always tell you exact ally what is wrong with your automobile, and you can believe that is the truth. They stand behind their work. They are respectful, attentive and courteous. You get in and get out no long waits. Excellent mechanics.
They Saved The Day Again, Major work done at a price I could afford, in a timely manner, and very good explanation of what was done. Thanks Johnathan, and associates.
Great Great Mechanics
Asale Kimaada

Be very careful going to this shop. After running my debit card to pay for 20 headlight bulb replacement (another rip off at that), I started getting unauthorized charges. Go to another, more reputable shop!

My husband took his car there after the A/​C is his car (my old car) stopped working. He went to the oil changer next door and asked if they did anything with A/​Cs and they suggested Cactus. So without consulting me or looking into this place’s reputation, he took it. Turns out it was a part that I’ve never heard of and ended up costing over $ 500. But what really chaps my hide is that they replaced the radiator cap without asking or telling my husband, for a hefty fee of $ 90. Really? Ninety dollars for a radiator cap? I’ve had one replaced on my daughter’s Honda for less than $ 15!!!
UPDATE: My husband drove to the store later and the A/​C decided it didn’t want to work again. So even after $ 500, it’s not still working.

Common crooked mechanic. Came in because my car was stuck in park and i couldnt get it into gear. Guy at the front desk said i needed a new shift interlock solenoid. Quoted me over 300 for parts and labor. Got several second opinions and learned that this is a common issue and only requires the replacement of a brake light switch as the shift interlock solenoid almost never breaks. Replaced and installed myself for 30 bucks. If you don’t know much about cars then don’t come here, they will tale advantage of your lack of knowledge, and try and overcharge you!

A greed to
W ork on my car,
E ven though they had to stay past closing.
S uper nice.
O n it.
M ust have rolled their
E yes when I smiled sweetly and politely begged them to inspect my car at the end of the day.
What’s that spell???

No need to go anywhere else, Jonathan and his boys at Cactus are great. No surprises, just honest, effective, and fair priced work. Been using them for about a year now with multiple vehicles and I will go out of my way to get my vehicles to them for service.
Very quick SMOG service too and $ 30 less than several other quotes I got.
Thanks guys :]
— Justen

I’ve got to agree with the other posters, even though I didn’t get anything fixed here, I know they’re honest. I was worried about some squeaking, the dude took my tire off right then and there, looked at it and after a few minutes said I was good, it’s just funky brake noise, get it checked in another 5K miles. Didn’t charge me or anything. Good shop!

Have had lots of friends recommend this shop to us. We had a falling out with the shop we usually use and decided to give them a try. We were very pleased– they we informative, helpful and knowledgeable. They charged exactly what they said they would seemed fair on price.
We will definately be returning next time we need repairs (or smog)!

Great people, great value. I have taken both of my cars to them many times in the past few years. I trust these guys to do a good job and not rip me off.

I used them a while back when my radiator totally died on me. Everyone was very nice. I had called around and gotten quotes from a few places and they were the most reasonable and I had found my parts cheaper than they had and they were totally cool with using who I had found. They literally had my car for less than 24 hours and everything went well. I’d recommend to anyone in the area.

The owner is really nice and upfront. I had a pretty major repair done here, and they even gave me the option of buying new vs. used parts (which many shops won’t tell you). It’s been running fine ever since.