About Business
Residents of Paramount, CA, Downey have long trusted Heralds Garage Brake and lamp & smog check station for their expert Car Repair needs. Whether you need assistance with Auto repair shop, Air conditioning repair service, Auto body shop or general Car Repair support, they are well-equipped to help. They are well-regarded for their quality of work, maintaining a 4.3/5 rating with 123 reviews. Throughout Downey, and particularly in Paramount, CA, Heralds Garage Brake and lamp & smog check station is recognized for upholding the highest standards of the Car Repair industry. Don't hesitate to contact Heralds Garage Brake and lamp & smog check station for any Car Repair inquiries or to schedule a visit to their Paramount, CA facility.
Google Reviews
Kimberly Ziemann
★
☆☆☆☆
11 years ago
CUSTOMER BEWARE!!!!!! Being a lady I knew it would be a challenge to get help from and honest car repair shop so I did like everyone else asked friend for referrals and googled different shops in our area read the reviews. After reading many reviews and talking to a few shops and talking things over with my husband and father we decided that we would take the car to HERALDS GARAGE. Good reviews and seemed honest. The guy Joe that answered asked me a few questions Whats Wrong? What Yr? What Model? etc. So I explained to him what we were told by the tow truck driver that towed the car for us and tested the battery and fuel pump pressure. Indicating that the fuel pump is no good due to it not creating/holding pressure. My first question to Joe was how much to test and make sure it was the fuel pump. He never stated to me the cost of the test just gave me a quote on the part and labor to fix it which was $400.( $250 for the part & rest in labor)(my homework was $230 for lifetime part labor ??) So I said okay let me get it towed to your shop. When we arrived he was telling us some other things that could cause the fuel pump from not working like fuse out....etc. He will test and get back to us before he starts. Never received a call back we had to call him to find out what was up? He tells us that it was going to be another $100 because when he called his dealer back to order the part they increased the price $80. I started to think that he was not being honest with me, so I had my husband call and ask questions before we proceed with the repair. Joe calls me in the morning to ask what to do I go ahead and give him the okay to fix my dads car with the understanding that it will cost $500 total and would be done in 3 hours. An hour goes by Joe calls again telling me that there is something more (serious) wrong with the car and starts to say its electrical???? I then asked him again how much would he charge for a test to see what was going on. He tells me $80 per hr until he figures it out(he states: electrical can be difficult to figure out.) I decide that was to much we will pick up the car. Before I hung up I asked if there was a charge or anything and once again Joe never stated anything to me. With my doubt feeling I call my husband to tell him the new news. I have him call the shop once again to ask questions and boy to our surprise Joe got very defensive. He didn't like being called out on his dishonesty. He told my husband that we needed to move the car asap. Explaining to him that we both work and we will get there asap. Joe response was why can't your father in law come and get it he doesn't do anything during the day. Wow so rude! My husband calls me back to tell me there is a $75 charge for the test before you can pick up the car. I then call back to verify the charge and he get nasty with me and starts saying he had our conversation recorded and 16 video cameras on his property to proof me wrong and that he stands by his word. I told him he doesn't have to get nasty we will be there asap with a tow truck to pick up the car. Once my husband arrived at HERALD'S GARAGE to pick up the car Joe told him to get off his property!!!!! That he has friends in the sheriff dept. and will have him put in jail before the end of the night. They shared a few words.... then tow truck arrived towing the car from this so called repair shop once for GOOD. Wow what a way to represent your shop and business of 40 yrs. Very unprofessional, rude. Bottom line do your home work before walking in to this shop because he will SCAM YOU. Will be calling the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU and making a verbal complaint due to his treats and unprofessional attitude. FYI: Took car somewhere else had the car fixed RIGHT. Just the fuel pump nothing electrical wrong with it. Now my dad is back on the road :-)
Arturo Reyna
★★★★
☆
Edited 3 months ago
12\2025 4 star: star smog check for my sedan was $60. The operator was working on another car. It took a little longer than other places but only about an extra 10-15 minutes. I would recommend 2023 4 star: It can be pricey and if you go for a smog check, make sure the technician is in, there is only one and he did go to lunch.
fernie garcia
★★★★★
11 years ago
Ever since the 1st time i went to get service, i had to go back just because of the time and effort they put into my car. This place is never a disappointment. Joe sure knows how to get a job done as needed. I had issues with my car, & nasty noises other mechanics could not repair, unfortunately.. On the other hand, my car is up and running since i get maintenance often from Herald's Garage, Thanks Guys for such awesome work, and also being honest & sincere!
Jason Cho
★★★★★
8 years ago
So I hear that this shop used to be just OKAY but my recent visit with new owner was awesome. I met Fernando at the shop and I guess he's the new owner? For my break pads and oil change, i dont know if he is the cheapest in town but he was very honest about everything with very reasonable price. This guy is funny too l. I think I'll come back for other stuff.
Jessamine Hernandez
★
☆☆☆☆
6 years ago
I brought my car due to white smoke coming from the exhaust. I took it here because of the high reviews.Turns out he is a scam! He was charging $789 for spark plugs and other sensor systems. I said okay. Took it to my personal mechanic ran it through the machine twice and turns out nothing was wrong!! He just wanted my money!! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SHOP!
Susan Calhoun
★★★★★
11 years ago
I logged on to write about my most recent experience at Herald's Garage and noticed a review from Kimberly. It sounds as if she went to an entirely different place! I have taken my cars to Joe at Herald's for several years, and he has always answered my questions, done excellent work and treated me with respect. He is honest and charges a fair price. I took my Honda Accord to Herald's because the rubber seal around the windshield was peeling off. The windshield had cracked and was recently replaced out of state. Joe told me right away that the wrong kind of glue had been used. He said he could reseal the loose area, but recommended removing the windshield, cleaning out all the glue and then resealing the entire windshield with the correct compound. But he said it might break during the process. He gave me an estimate for both options. I told him to go ahead with the removal. He called me back later that afternoon and said the work was finished, the windshield was fine, and I could pick up the car immediately. The whole car was clean and looked great! Thanks again, Joe. I wouldn't take my cars anywhere else! Susan Calhoun I
Israel Villarreal
★★★★★
2 years ago
Just took my car for an oil change and they took care of me right away and for a fair price. They seem very honest and professional. Definitely will be coming back to them.
Klarc Korver
★★★★★
11 years ago
Herald's Garage was recommended to me by both friends and family. I've been taking my wife and I's car there for almost 4 years now. Joe and the rest of the crew are top notch, honest, hard working folks. Prices have always been more than fair and communication is superb. I highly recommend taking your vehicles here. I've never had an issue and don't plan to. It can be hard finding a mechanic in the city that is honest and fair but I guarantee you'll be satisfied with the work done at Herald's Garage!
Matthew Geer
★★★★★
11 years ago
My family and I have been taking our cars to Joe at Herald's Garage for years. My car is a 2000 Honda Civic, so it's getting up there, but because of the great service I've received it still runs as well as it did on the day I bought it. Joe is honest, his prices are fair, and he gets your car back to you as fast as he can. Every time I need to replace a part he holds on to the old parts so I can examine them myself. On top of all that, he's a friendly guy that cares about his customers. I live in the Valley now, but I make the hour drive to Herald's Garage any time I need my car serviced. I've recommended him to friends over the years, and no one has been disappointed. You won't either. 5 stars!
Brittanye Plourde
★★★★★
7 years ago
Awesome customer service, very open and transparent communication. Owner does what he says he will do, and answers all questions and offers Solutions. Great experience. I've been coming here since the previous owner Joe was there. I will continue to return, as new owner Fernando was great. His wife was very nice as well.
drone junkee
★★★★★
4 years ago
Before I came to Harold's garage I took my truck to another mechanic to get it smogged. The mechanic told me to pass smog I must replace the catalytic converters and that would cost me $2,500. So I went to Harold's garage get a second opinion because they have great reviews. It only took Fernando 5 minutes to determine that my catalytic converters were not the problem. it was just an oxygen sensor and that would only cost me $65 plus labor. I was so happy! They replaced the oxygen sensor and my truck passed the smog test. All of this for less than $200 as opposed to $2,500 that the first mechanic quoted me. This place is great Fernando is honest and friendly and they do great work. The place has a positive energy I get a good vibe when I'm there. I highly recommend Gerald's garage for Smog and Auto repair at a price that's fair!
Al Yoldas
★★★★★
4 years ago
Fernando is a very knowledgeable and experienced tech for any brand vehicle diagnosis and repairs. I take my vehicle for routine service and repairs and I even tell my friends and coworkers to use him. When it comes to car repair, you must have honest shop otherwise it may cost you tons and that s what I had here. I am glad to support honest another local businesses here and recommend anyone.
Walt Lusk
★★★★★
Edited 4 years ago
Been coming here for years. They are fast, very competitive, and honest. Joe, the owner, will only work on exactly what I ask, no more and no less. They do not go and look for problems to fix; they are too busy and honest for that. Sure, they check out my car for issues, but do not fix anything without my complete approval. They are fast, friendly, honest and do the work right the first time. Trust your new or old car to a great, honest and fast repair.
Jose Salomon
★★★★★
2 years ago
I like Fernando and David..yes they are good and prices are just..
Ai Rorello
★★★★★
4 years ago
[Copy/Pasting my Yelp review just to spread the love] Been coming here for nearly five years and we absolutely love the customer service we've received each and every year (we have two cars and do a *lot* of commuting, so that's the only reason why we've had to come in so often). Sadly, this will be our last time getting our car checked-up here since we'll be moving out of state - but this shop has definitely raised the bar of what we expect from car repair shops. Each and every time we've had our car repaired or had its oil changed in *OTHER* shops (including nation-wide big name car shops... looking at you, Jiffy Lube), we'd get the usual run-around of this-needs-fixing-that-needs-fixing, you-need-these-parts, you-need-this-cleaned-out... But whenever we'd go back to this shop and tell them what the other shops recommended, they'd give the car a thorough look-through and find that NONE of the recommended actions were needed, nor even recommended. They've even found some minor issues that the other shops hadn't noticed. From our experience, they're not the cheapest, but they're definitely the most reliable. They've always been honest with their work, customer care, and quotes. And if they can't offer a fix, or they don't have a specialty in some of the jobs, they have always given us the contact information of other shops that can help us. Honestly can't say enough good things about them, they're an amazing car shop and we'll seriously miss their kindness and thoroughness. We'll be bringing them a homemade cheesecake once our car's final repairs are done (we'll need it in tip-top shape for a cross-country trip) as an extra thank you for all the help they've given us over the years.
Aquiles Baesa
★★★★★
a year ago
I'm a returning customer for 2 decades trust the service the quality still the same even under the new owners. Be ready ti pay for the quality
Christine Stinnett
★
☆☆☆☆
2 years ago
I been going here for a few years it's been fine prices kinda high but doable work stayed good . But I just went there a week ago and they charged me over $500 for an oil change and a hose to be replaced. I also had a noise in my car that clicks and I've been trying to get it fixed but been waiting because it wasn't affecting anything until recently. They told me it would be another 400 and something dollars. I found out about another mechanic down the street my daughter goes to. I took it down there. I told him what I needed done. He was able to fix my car for $170 I'm very disappointed in the prices recently because I come here enough that I've given them money and been a good client but I will not be coming back anymore. If you want a good mechanic that's affordable and trustworthy, try Pete's in Long Beach
Ruby Garcia
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
Don’t come to this place. Came for a safety inspection and he did not pass my vehicle he stated the body shop did a poor installment in the back bumper and must get fixed. Charged $300 must pay even if it doesn’t pass this is bs
Ryan Amini
★★★★★
4 months ago
Harold Autobody did a great job on my car. Fast, professional, and reliable. Highly recommend!
Ashlie Anderson
★★★★★
4 months ago
I have taken my car here three times this year: spectacular customer service, quality care and great explanation of repairs.
