High Street Hand Car Wash

On Monday, 090307, memorial day, I had my girlfriend bring her father's vehicle in for an oil change. She was quoted a price of about $50.00 but was not provided a written estimate. As she waited for the work to be completed she was told a new air filter was needed. Later she was summoned to the office and told they didn't have the air filter but had done a motor flush instead. This was done without her being told of the price change for the service. She learned of the price difference when she received a bill in excess of $100. I spoke with Joseph MACANTANGAY, who identified himself as the car wash manager. Joseph told me they do not provide a written cost estimate of the work and claimed she had said "ok" to the additional work. When I told Joseph she had not been told the price of the revised work, he said she was lying and their employees wouldn't lie. He said their employees not only tell the customer what the cost is but show them the cost on the computer screen. This was not done. The oil change manager was gone for the day. Joseph suggested I speak with him the next business day. When I asked for that manager's name, I was given two different names.

Joseph said they have numerous problems with people not wanting to pay for their services. Joseph could not explain why it was that since this was such a big problem they do not offer written estimates to their customers.

I've been going here for years to get my oil changed and car washed. The price for both is about $40 and it's been great until lately. The last two times I went, they were after me to get my engine flushed. The price was a little steep, so the first time I said I'd take it to my mech. I didn't bother doing it, and on my next visit I was told that I needed a flush. Again I said I'd go to my mechanic. They warned that my check oil light would come on again within an hour after I left because the oil would get very dirty quickly. I said I'd take my chances. Sure enough, the light came on an hour after I left. I decided it must be bad and went to a local oil changers to see what they would charge to flush it. I'd always assumed this would be the type of place to recommend unneeded service, but since I thought I knew what the problem was I decided to go ahead. The mechanic took a look and asked why I wanted a flush since the oil was totally clean. I explained to her that my check oil light was on and I'd just had the oil changed. She took a look and said High Street must have forgotten to re-set it. She did this in minutes, and 2 months later it still hasn't come back on. I told her I smelled a rat and would be bringing my car to her shop in the future.

The carwash on the other hand is fantastic, and I probably will go back for car washes only.

I went to High Street because of a recommendation. I'd passed by before and the place is always packed, especially on the weekends. Popular does not always equal good so I was hesitant to go until a friend emphatically recommended their services.

I got the $21.95 wash which includes the basics plus tires, a spray-on wax, and one other thing that I am forgetting. I went at 8:30a on a Thursday and there was only one car ahead of mine. The whole thing took less than 20 minutes and my car was sparkly and clean. The inside looked good too although it was pretty clean to begin with.

Before I got into my car I tried to move my power seat back to the position I liked. It didn't budge. I called the attendant over, Joseph, I think, and he looked under the hood and checked the fuses by sight. No luck. I was confused and a bit peeved thinking they did an engine clean and had now messed up my seats. Joseph called Rey over and Rey drove me 2 minutes to a European auto repair shop to have my car looked at. The guy there checked the fuse with a machine and said it was good and it seemed the motor just went out. Rey drove me back to High Street and now my car is at the dealership.

Rey and Joseph went above and beyond trying to help me remedy my car's situation. The seat motor was not their fault and they still aimed to provide excellent service. Even when I was peeved they never stopped smiling. I called to thank them just now and to let them know I am a life-long customer.

Got an excellent car wash/clean last Saturday (08/12/2006). Used to go to SouthShore Car Wash in Alameda but their quality's not as good as it was. I spring for a full wash ("the Works" at High Street Car Wash) about twice a year and expect a thorough cleaning inside and out. High Street did just that. Took about 25 minutes and I couldn't find a single thing to complain about... believe me, I looked!

PROS: fair price, efficient service, quality job
CONS: quirky location, but it works...

This is usually where i get my oil changed for my car now, because it is cheap, not because it is excellent service or that they do a quality job. They do a ok job that gets it done for my car and the wait is usually short so the time to get my car oil changed is minimal amount of time which I appreciate because waiting a long time is one of pet peeves. If you want cheap service that is decent come here it is perfect for you.