- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Magic Auto Detail
Categories: Automotive Car Wash Automotive Auto Detailing Car Wash, Auto Detailing [Edit]
1610 Geary BlvdLower Level of Parking Garage
(between Buchanan St & Webster St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhoods: Japantown, Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights, Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 929-9274
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 5 pm
22 reviews for Magic Auto Detail
22 reviews in English
-
Review from Katie Anne N.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2009
I had an accident in my car yesterday. A curry accident. A real smelly and gnarly curry accident. My mom gave me a bucket of curry to take away (poor starving working person needs tupperwared food from mom still) and I put it in the backseat of my car. Poor decision. The bucket fell over and curry spilled all over 2 jackets and onto a matt-less carpet floor. Yikes. Boyfriend tried to absorb the curry w/ rolls of toilet paper I had purchased earlier. But the smell. Wow. The smell was unforgetable.
Fortunately I searched up and down Yelp and found Magic Auto Detail. I called them and asked for a quick qoute just to clean the back seat floor. I was told about $45 depending on the size of the job. I made an appointment and was given easy direction on where to find them (inside lower level parking garage of Japan town). I arrived and Steve inspected my car and I told him what I wanted. I told him my curry story and how mortified I was that my car was going to smell like curry. I had blasted the heat this morning and the smell was just horrific. I handed over the keys and took off for lunch.
When I came back, the other employee gave me a quick run down on what they did. They shampooed like 5 times, did some other scrub stuff (can't rememeber). The entire car smelled wonderful. Steve said that smells are hard to get out of cars and that if I smelled something later once it was dried, to come back. Wow. They even vacuumed the entire car for me (not just that one side). Very thoughtful of them to do that since I eat in my car (yea, I know. I won't be after this lesson) and I had crumbs everywhere. He told me to come back for a detail and I might just do so when I have more time.
I gave him a tip since it was a good job to me and he was excellent in his communication with me the entire time. He even came up to find me later on (I was paying for my parking ticket) to hand me some calendars and magnets. So nice! I recommend them to anyone whose had accidents in their cars and is too lazy to clean it themselves. -
Review from Lolita D.
Oakland, CA
7/21/2011
Hung up on me not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES. I asked to speak to the service manager to ask a few questions and the guy said "send an email" and hung up. He didn't give me an email address so I called back to get it. Before I could say "I need the email address" he hung up on me again.
Obviously they don't need any more business.Comment from Sug L. of Magic Auto Detail 8/20/2011
We Are Very sorry, Lolita ! This is Steve from Magic Auto… More » -
Review from mae l.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2011
I went there to have my car detail because I was selling it, so I had them clean it inside and out, what a great job when they were finish the car look great so I put it up for sell and the car so in a couple of days. I got more then I thought I would so it was worth those guys detailing it
-
Review from Inna L.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2011
I called in the morning and they were able to take me in that day, yea! They quoted the most reasonable price that I could find (although still pricey, but c'mon, its city standards). He did a fantastic job, very thorough. The interior looked and smelled like new. The exterior looked really great too. It didn't look "like new" like some other detail reviews for other places claim, but I didn't expect it nor did I need it to. I am very satisfied with the results.
The only negative was that because the guy took so much time (I appreciated the thoroughness), I had to pay $2 for parking. After shelling out $180, it seemed silly to ask the guy to pay for it. I didn't have the heart, he worked so hard by himself for several hours. It's still a great deal in the grand scheme of things. I would go back and recommend this to others. Just be reasonable with your expectations- if your car is crappy before, it will still be crappy after- just cleaner. -
Review from Nic W.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2010
There are many other places that are better than this. Do I know this from years of experience getting car details in the city? No. But there has to be better places.
I'm giving them 2 stars because the car is actually very clean. But they tried to upsell me on a wax job for a 13 year old car without even looking at my car first. They scratched the tint on my windows, and when I asked them what happened they magically lost their English skills, denied everything and said the scratches were there before - which they most definitely were not.
Additionally, they put some waxy residue on my windshield wiper blades and it smeared across my windshield. I had to pull over to a gas station and scrub it off so I could drive safely.
For the high price, funky location and shady interactions I will never come back here. -
Review from Brian L.
San Rafael, CA
5/27/2007 1 photo
My baby was badly in need of a wash and wax before a local car meet and I had no time or place to do it myself. I had parked my car in the J-town garage to eat with some friends when I noticed a sign indicating that there was a car wash downstairs.
So I move my car downstairs and order up a basic detail package (forget the exact name of it). When I came back down after eating, my car's exterior was SHINY to a gloss and the interior was CLEAN. I didn't notice any water hoses and it turns out he uses a steam wash! With no chemical runoff at all, it seems that this place is environmentally friendly, too.
As with most "Auto Detail" places, it was a bit more $expensive$ than I'm used to paying to have my car cleaned. However, Steve, the owner is a friendly and funny guy and made me feel at ease. I didn't mind the price so much once I got my car back.
Definitely will be going back there again to have my car serviced with a clay bar. -
Review from emmanuel s.
Brisbane, CA
9/24/2008
I've been to Steve multiple times and while he usually does a better than average job. This time I returned after I had a clear bra put on. I was shocked when I returned to pick up my car and there were dirt lining all around the edges of the clear bra. Further more, the clear bra was somewhat peeling. I think this is due to the fact that he uses a steamer to clean. When I confronted him, he tried to clean some of the edges but made it worse. I pretty much stopped him and left. I hate writing negative reviews but while good intentioned, Steve should be extra careful cleaning cars with clear bras. In short, if you have a clear bra, just save yourself the trouble and possible expense and clean it yourself.
UPDATE:
I just got beack from a bodyshop and it ends up that when Steve tried to clean the dirty edges of the clear Bra with a brush, he scratched it. The body shop had to send it down and buff it out. In the end I still had some scratches. This really sucks as the car is only 3 months old.
Steve also called me the next day to blame the bra instller for a crappy job. But I was really upset about the scratches that he had put on the car and not so much for the dirty edges. If you need any pics to see what I'm talking about , feel free to IM me.
I'm a fair person and hate doing this but I have to be honest with you all. At the very least, if you insist on using him, tell him to stay away from the brush! Good luck! -
Review from Ray C.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2008
Had my 2-wk old Black Sapphire Metallic 335i detailed by Steve today and he did an excellent job. Most people know black paint is one of the hardest colors to detail without scratching, and Steve did it flawlessly, bringing my dust-covered car back to showroom condition. The car was washed, waxed and vacuumed in about 1.5 hours.
I'm planning on visiting Steve on a monthly basis for a waxing and bi-annually for a claying.
Just a side note, Steve takes cash only. -
Review from Tom W.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2009 1 photo
Bottom Line: Ruined my paint and generally was not a value for services rendered.
They did a pretty good job clay barring the car, but they ended up ruining the clearcoat of my black VW GTi. There are swirl marks literally EVERYWHERE, and when the car is now cleaned, there's a nice swirly sheen to it making it look "grayer" than it really is. This is due to using a poor or dirty buffing device. I specifically asked if they used a buffer and he said no -- they were lying.
Don't get me wrong, they got the car relatively clean outside (they completely missed between the spokes of my alloys), but ended up ruining the clear coat. This is a good sign that they don't know what they are doing. I have to now take this to a professional to get repaired as it wouldn't even be worth it to go after this guy in small claims (and he didn't give me a receipt, so that really wouldn't hold up). Hopefully California Detailing can fix it.
I also got the "mini interior detail". Let me tell you -- it was mini. They vacuumed quite well, but that was about it. A little vacuuming and spot glass cleaning is not worth $90+ dollars. I can do that myself in an hour on the weekend.
What's worse is that I tried to use a 10% off coupon twice and he was trying to fidget his way around accepting it, telling me it wasn't the right day, or it expired, whatever. If you publish coupons, you must accept them if valid, no questions asked.
The last interesting tidbit is that on top of the services it was really difficult to see in the lighting in the basement of a PARKING GARAGE. I suggest if you get your car cleaned here, take it outside for a spin and look at it in the sun light before you give this guy any more money. I left him standing there with his hands stretched out waiting for an additional tip which I knew I wasn't going to give based on some of the stuff I already saw in the low light.
Think twice before you come here based on these recommendations below.
Oh, and notice any black cars in the photos above? Nope.Comment from Sug L. of Magic Auto Detail 6/15/2009
We encourage all of our customers who are not 100% satisfied… More » -
Review from Dave K.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/25/2009
My review, which doesn't show up when you look up this listing, is still "hidden". And I wrote this over a year ago. Will it show up now? Will Yelp drop it again because of a business that asked it to be removed? Will I be silenced again this time?
This is what I wrote back on 4/27/2008:
Went for the Premium Exterior Detail since I was a little lazy to do the "twice a year" major detailing myself this time. Expected the car to look ok despite the poor lighting in the Japantown garage. Nothing wrong so far. The weather had been dreary and raining when I had it done so it's finally getting sunny and warm now. It's time to wash my car this weekend and I notice that you can see where the wax residue had not been completely buffed off and left "smudges". I would expect that the attention to detail would be to remove the "smudges" from the wax residue as well as any excess wax that gets caught in the grooves/cracks. Maybe I'm expecting more but for over $200, I think I would have just spent the time doing the detail myself and do it right the first time.
Otherwise, Steve's a friendly guy who seems to want to do right by every customer but I dropped it off and picked it up several hours later and was way too tired to double check the handiwork. I just expected a level of attention to detail that was slightly missing here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/27/2008
Went for the Premium Exterior Detail since I was a little lazy to do the "twice a year" major… Read more »
-
-
Review from Richard B.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2009 1 photo
The attention these guys pay to detail is astonishing. See my pic below of the guy with the torchlight going over to check.
This place is small - just 2 guys. I was immediately impressed with their attentiveness and attention to detail when they walked me round the car as we discussed what needed doing. I went off for lunch, and came back to a car I barely recognised (it had been a while since the previous carwash!) Super service and friendly. Recommended!
Tip:
1. This place is small and personal - book!
2. Its in the eastern carpark under the Japantown mall. Use the Post or Geary entrances (NOT the Fillmore one). They are in the northeastern corner under the big yellow banner. -
Review from Andy S.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2009
My car is new! - well it is now that Magic Auto worked their Magic :)
You should call and book as they are busy! I didn't book :(
but went shopping around Japan Town upstairs, then I walked to Filmore and did a little more.. (love days off) - before I knew it I got a call and they were done!
The attention to detail is 5 stars! I paid $80 which seems like a lot, but my car and I are soooo pleased! Also, I park a block from where I live, so I would pay any price not to have to do 10 trips with a bucket!!
ps: no credit card accepted, take a cheque / cash
happy driving -
Review from David H.
San Francisco, CA
8/22/2008
I don't even know where to begin. After reading a few reviews for Magic Detail, I decided to bring in my dirty-ass 2004 Jetta for a wax and detail job. For those who haven't been there before, it's one level beneath street level, at the far end of the parking garage.
I called about 2 hours ahead of time and made an appointment with Steve, and he told me he could accommodate me. Easy enough to find, but I thought the location was pretty odd...not what I was accustomed to coming from SoCal. But once I met with Steve, I immediately felt at ease and knew my car was going to be in good hands. The man just has a way about him...he's so professional, polite, and well..nice! He examined my car and told me what I did and didn't need. He steered me clear of a few services, and taught me some things I never knew. In the end, I went with a basic Clay Magic Wax for $115.
I picked up my car about 2.5 hours later and damn....it was freaking spotless. Let me say it again....IT WAS FREAKING SPOTLESS. When I ran the back of my hand over the hood, I almost passed out. Even in the dim light I looked and touched the front grill that had 2000 miles worth of grit and dead bugs on it a few hours ago. Guess what? FREAKING SPOTLESS. The interior was immaculate and smelled clean as a whistle too.
In case you haven't picked up on it yet, Steve does a masterful job. He's also one of the nicest guys around. Take your clunker in to Magic Detail...you won't recognize it once he's finished with it. Thank you Steve!!!! -
Review from Ken M.
Oakland, CA
8/25/2008
I don't know why I've waited so long to write a review (especially now that I've wrecked my car), but I definitely agree with all the reviews so far!
I came here upon the recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed! Steve took meticulous care of my red Subaru - and we all know how red cars are... It had been fading (almost pink on some parts) and while I wasn't expecting a miracle, the magic clay wax really brought it back to life; I finally had a shiny red Legacy again!
The best part is that it didn't break my bank to get my car detailed; you just can't beat this bang for the buck! I don't know how Steve does it (seemingly all by himself!) - but dammit, you know I'll be back for regular detailing when I get that damn S2000 I've been saving for!
Oh, the only drawback is the location. I absolutely HATE driving thru SF (especially since I'm located in Oakland), but for that exceptional work - it's worth it. It works out especially well though if you're located near J-town or gonna kill some time out there! -
Review from Katrina O.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2011
My car was a mess when I dropped it off - and looked and smelled brand spanking new when I picked it up. Seriously. Like I just drove it off the lot. Steve and Mogi were friendly, easy-going and meticulous. No streaks on the windows, or watermarks like I usually find. The carpets and leather were flawless - I felt a whole new level of pride driving my car. They do everything by hand and it really makes a difference. Worth every penny.
-
Review from Isabel D.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2009
Yeah Steve!
I am selling my car and he did a great job, within my measly budget. I had some spots on my car which I thought were from birds (ahem) but it was actually white PAINT! Which is totally f***ed up. Neighbors, I'm looking at you. Anyways Steve got it all off and the car looks about as good as a 16-yr-old beater with a million dents could look. It smells pretty, too. -
Review from Toma W.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2008
I was actually shopping around to find an auto detail place for my street/strip/show CRX after deciding to get the car detailed the first time in 4 years after a paint job. So I found Magic Auto thru the Yelp reviews, and OH BOY! The reviews don't lie! Steve is a very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. I picked the Superwax and Basic Interior package for my vehicle which includes Clay Bar. Mind you first that when I brought the car in, there were somethings I was worried about:
- there was a good size scratch on the rear bumper from a previous small fender bender
- the headlights were a little oxidized from age
- some gum/sap that was on my hood and hardened...i was worried if he couldn't take it out
...after 3 hours, I get a call back from Steve to pick up my car. I get down there with my friends and I was on the phone walking with them. Suddenly I hear, "Holy S**T!!!" Then I was like what are they grunting about... Then I looked up. I saw my car gleaming against the lights. It felt like an episode of Pimp My Ride but less obnoxious. I haven't seen my car this clean ever since I took it out of the paint shop years ago. The car felt like smooth silk and the paint finish was a mirror finish. It was even brighter since it was buffed for the first time. So good that the car looked like it was getting ready for a phtoshoot. IT WAS THAT CLEAN! The gum/sap on my hood was ALL GONE! I couldn't believe it! He went ahead and buffed out my headlights...now they look brand new from the dealership. And also went the extra mile to polished my 3pc wheels! I was in shock! The big part I was worried about was my rear bumper. I was crossing my fingers for this. I then looked and it was all gone...all buffed out. I couldn't believe my eyes. Then the real test was the outdoor test, passed with flying colors, getting a lot of good looks from other drivers and pedestrians. That shows your how good Steve's work is! I have been officially "Pimped" by Steve.
I know this is a long review, but I felt the details are worth telling since the other reviews are vague and totally underrates Steve's work. I am thankful for Magic Auto Detail. He actually rekindled the fire for my car and making it more enjoyable to drive. I will totally come back for a 6-month update.
I do have a 1 picture of my car on Yelp....come check it out!
Toma W. -
Review from James K.
El Cerrito, CA
3/17/2008
I ran into Steve while parking my vehicle in Japan Town garage. I walked over to him where his shop is located to ask some questions. He was easy to talk to and enlightened me on waxing vehicles. I was surprised when Steve (owner) explained to me that even new cars need clay bar treatment and waxing. If you wax your vehicle without a clay bar treatment, it can leave swirl marks especially on dark colored cars. Soon after I bought a black Acura TSX, I decided to give him a try. I didn't want to mess up the finish of my new car. I thought my new car looked good and I didn't know what looking good was.
After the "Clay Magic Wax" treatment, my car looked like a jewel. I just had to run my hand over the hood and it felt smoother than a baby's butt. I couldn't believe this was my car!
Steve can't make you look like a Hong Kong movie star, but he sure can make your ride look like it belongs to one without spending a fortune. His price is really down to earth.
He is honest and doesn't cut corners which is very important to me. He is the owner and he does the work himself and it shows.
Thanks Steve. I'll be back when I... I mean my car needs a facial. -
Review from Patty W.
Arlington, VA
4/22/2009
They'd get 5 stars if their rates weren't so high. Otherwise, they did a fantastic job working on my car -- interior and exterior were spotless! I'd use them again with no hesitation.
-
Review from Casey H.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2009
GREAT JOB! I ordered the complete interior detailing because my car was a complete mess from all of the dog hair, dog messes, and roadtrips my car had been through. The car looks brand new and they even washed the outside-- no charge. When I had no cash on me to pay for the garage ticket because it had been over three hours, they gave me the money to pay the ticket, no problem. Great service, great people, great job, and great price. Couldn't have asked for more.
-
Review from Jen V.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2009
Steve is the friendliest person in the world. I was selling my BMW and he cleaned it up perfectly for me. He even managed to buff out a small scratch. Great prices and customer service.
-
Review from Sara O.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2010
I have two kids under the age of 5 and my car was disgusting in ways I won't describe when I brought it in. After an hour and a half, they were STILL working on it and when I left the interior looked brand new. Unbelievably great work, incredibly polite, worth every penny!
