I live in Austin but bought a 1970 Bronco sight unseen from a private owner in Chico. Before I bought it, I had it taken to Payless 4-Wheel for a complete mechanical check-up to ensure there weren't major issues with the vehicle. They identified a few odds and ends that I would need to fix but gave it a clean bill of health. $400 well spent I thought! I bought and had the car shipped to Austin, started it up (it was difficult to start) and drove it to my mechanic to address the issues Payless found. While driving, it dangerously pulled hard to the right when braking at high speeds. My mechanic looked over the vehicle and verified both front and back brakes were bad and the back needed new drums, the fuel pressure tested low which he later found a leaking fuel line and bad fuel pump (this was causing the starting issue). He also identified a “tick” in the engine that could be heard when revving. The tick, which Payless completely missed, led to me needing a new engine. We were able to drive the Bronco home but ultimately had to have it towed to the engine shop. All in all, I spent well over $4000 for a new engine, the things my mechanic found as well as list of odds and ends (a number of leaks, a loose tie rod and loose u-joint) that Payless identified.
I spoke to Bill the owner immediately after learning it would need a new engine along with all the other things Payless had missed. He agreed to reimburse me. He never did, and he hasn’t responded to me since (2 months later).
I would do everything in my power to steer clear of these guys. Bill talks a good game- he certainly did with me, but when it comes down to it, I’m living proof that Payless clearly cuts corners and there is no quality to their work. Unless your smart enough to check their work, they will take advantage of you- beware!

Took my car here when I was broke, desperate, and new in town. The owner and mechanics were friendly and warm and gave me a great price on my repair. My car never had an issue after that! Felt comfortable taking my car to smog with them and would have taken it back for any other issue. I am a brown woman, so I'm shocked to hear someone had a racist experience- I'm fortunate to not have experienced such treatment whatsoever. I felt right at home there and would definitely return again.

Racists!!!!! THe owner is old and rachety and wasn't blatant about his racism. Purposely got the order wrong and refused to listen to me. Worst customer service I have ever had in my entire life. Gives new meaning to the slang 'ratchet'. I will tell everybody I can possibly think of about how rude he is. I can't believe this kind of person can stay in business as long as he has. It will all catch up to him eventually andI hope I'm there when it happens.
1 star because its required and there is not a negative star rating. if there were I would give it a rating of -100. We need to get people like this out of our community.

I have taken all my cars and trucks to Payless for repairs and smog tests since I moved to Chico over 25 years ago. I think Mark has always been there and the mechanics are top notch! The mechanics have found problems quickly because they have tons of experience and have always charged me a fair price. All the people who have written complaining abut their prices must think they make money by performing smog checks. 35.00 Smog checks are a loss for them. My smog test last week failed because of a cracked hose ( Which by the way another shop did not diagnose after being there twice) Payless charged me a little over 70.00 bucks for everything! That is honest and more than a good deal. They are highly recommended!