Pony Express Car Wash

For the price of the car washes this place is A-​Ok-​Meh at the Max. Let me first start off by explaining the good the bad and Ugly, Responsible and Not responsibility that this business has. And things you should and should not expect when you Wash your car here.
Good: Inexpensive, Free Vacuums* Fast Service and Mix Prices that fits your budget and good Service*.
Bad: Water Spots, Soap Spots, Scratches, Dirty Vacuums*.
Ugly: Dirty car cleaning sponges (what cleans your car), Really Dirty Vacuums on Dirt, And Customer service has been bad more than once*.
So why? People should understand that when you go to a Conveyor belt, Automatic Car Wash there needs to be certain expectations, If you car has not been washed for a long time. DO NOT use and automatic car wash for several reasons. It will ruin and scratch the life out of your car. The Dirt has accumulated and Automatic car washes will not remove it all including some Bird Poop. But if you do Pre-​Rinse and regular car wash your car and patience it then you should expect a Good Car wash. This is because allot of the people in front of you waiting to get a car wash do not care for your car and seam to forget that they are using the same cleaning tools that remove the dirt on there car and its going to be used on yours. (this is not PONY EXPRESS CAR WASH) fault. BUT they do have a HUGE responsibility and play a role on this on your car wash experience let me explain why. After going from the Grand Opening of this place until yesterday for several many many weeks the consistency of this car wash has gotten really disappointing and even concerning. Water spots are starting to happen more and more and left over soaps in areas that should not be. After examining the Sponges and cleaning machines that they use in PONY EXPRESS allot of it does not get maintenance or cleaned correctly, this directly affects Anyone who washes there car in this place. The SPONGES that are used to clean your car are full of dirt, Oil, Sand and really nasty stuff. NO ONE IS POWER WASHING those Sponges or STEAM washing them and they are becoming so bad that even if you pre-​rinse your car, your car will end up with dirt and even SCRATCHES from the action of Sponges and machines hitting your car. This can happen over time, but should not happens every single time you go for a car wash. So who to Blame right? Sure the machines get used for Hundreds of HRS in a months to clean clean cars, but Who ever is suppose to clean those machines are doing a POOR, HORRIBLE JOB. The OWNER is responsible for keeping the Sponges Clean, Replacing them and making sure that they remain as clean as possible to less the chance of cars getting scratch and having water spot issues and dirt and Soap spots. Solutions, and Suggestions? — Replace the Sponges and hire Professional Steaming Industrial Machine Cleaning people to help remove the dirt that gets trapped and scratches New Cars and Cars who are Properly Maintenance by the Owner.
Vacuums*: The Vacuums on this place are DIRTY and feel grimy. Yes they get used allot and this is to be expected. Except for the fact that Half of them sit on DIRT and the OWNER has the responsibility to Solve this Issue. Simple Solutions that i have seen in other places. Put FAKE GRASS, Cement, Fill it with Plastic Sponge like the one from the Playgrounds so Dirty does not get stuck in the vacuum hose and the customer does that drag that in there vehicle, because the customer does deserve a better Experience.
Lastly. Play the Blame Game* I have talked kindly to workers and the worst thing you can do is tell your customer that its there fault and its there cars fault that, soap scum, spots and scratches happen. TAKE responsibility for not cleaning your machines that are causing issues with customers, Customers are responsible to maintain there cars. If your car is Dirty and has not been washed for a while, Hand wash it prd. If your car is a little dusty and expect a decent car wash. Unfortunately at this moment Pony Express does not offer that anymore in My Opinion. Been washing my Cars for 20+ Years from pro to places to Mom and Pop places, Pony has some Basic things to improve Anyone experience. I hope this visit again in future once those things are fixed and review again.

For the price its not a bad little car wash but this place can get busy. The prices are from 6 – 12 bucks the vacuums are free just don’t don’t take all day. It is what it is so remember that. Its not a detailing center and nobody is going to vacuum, clean your windows, clean your wheels or dress your tires.
This is a do it yourself carwash the only thing missing here is a gas station. The staff is cool and one employee came over as soon as I pulled in the vacuum station to dry off one of my mirrors. I guess I was suppose to tip him but he left in a hurry.
Anyway this car wash is decent for the price and the vacuums are free, the wash is quick but this place is jammed packed.

I went in yesterday and purchased their $ 12 dollar package and was very dissappointed. I paid the $ 2 extra for the hand applied wheel finish. I got home and had to rewash the whole lower panel of my van and the hood. My windshield still looked very dirty. Your better off washing your own car. It did not remove anything other than dust. My van was purchased new 4 months ago so the finish is excellent. The wheels had no shine at all. I will not go back.

I go to a similar concept in OC. That one is 5 bucks. At this place the cheapest wash is 6, and there is a worker who guides you into a spot so you can vacuum. Not really necessary I thought, but still tipped him a buck for standing outside in this scorching weather. Car was about 90 percent clean after going through the tunnel. Vacuums were good but a little more suction would be nice. (Insert joke here) Definitely worth the money. Was efficient and painless and my Vee Dub is blinging once again.

good car wash I come here at least three times a month to keep my car clean. nice people I always get the $ 10 wash (I have my own tire shine). Never had a problem with these guys they’re nice and approachable.

I was looking around for a good car wash that also offered vacuums and found reviews for this car wash. I have driven past this car wash probably hundreds of times and never thought twice about it but after reading the reviews I decided to give it a shot. Well, I have found my new car wash. Let me start by saying this I paid for the cheapest car wash which was $ 6. My car was pretty filthy and the car wash did a good job getting rid of most of the dirt. My windshield was sparkly clean, no dirt residue remaining. The only part that could have been better was that my car still had some bird poop left on the doors, but for $ 6 I am not complaining. The free vacuums were awesome. They didn’t have the best suction I’ve seen but pretty close and considering I didn’t have to pay extra well they are perfect for me. They offer an unlimited car wash option for $ 20/​month which is pretty good. The employees were also very friendly. I will definitely be back.

Been a customer for years. Great people and a shiny and clean car for $ 6 including free vacuum. Can’t beat that!

Friendly workers and good prices :) doesn’t completely clean off all the bug residue but offers good service.

Been going to this car wash since it opened and have always had a good experience. Staff is friendly and car gets washed decently along with free vacuums that are better then most other places. For those who are nit picky about how their experience sucked or personal bs. Get off your high horses and go to some overpriced detaling wash in la jolla. Last time I checked this is lemon grove and were dam lucky to have this car wash instead of that crappy dealership we had before this place opened lolzzz… peace

I’m a little annoyed…
I have came here a total of 5 times now, I always get the most cheapest car wash deal they offer — which is for $ 6. I figure it gets the dirt off and the job done.
Today I came in around 11 am… the gentleman taking your payment before you get near the entrance talked me into getting the more pricer car wash… Which is $ 12! Not a big deal, but I like the fact that is would clean my wheels/​rims (which were filthy). Well let’s just say when my car came out of the tube I parked to use the vacuum. As I stepped out I noticed there was water still all over my car and the windshield had water spots! I figured oh one of the guys in the blue polos will be by to wipe it down/​clean for me… as they always have. HOWEVER, not this time. While there was a ton of guys walking around helping others… I for once was not helped. I’m not sure if they are supposed to wipe your car down dry normally, or if the the 5 other times they have done it was out of kindness.
I wish they gave you a receipt or something… I do not think it was fair that the time I actually paid more… I got the worst results? Makes no sense but whatever!

Once a month, I bring all 3 of my vehicles by for their baths. Have been doing so since they opened.
With only 1 exception, the guys (and gals) that run the show are great. They are super friendly and very helpful. The 1 guy that was a bit of a tool I haven’t seen for a while so I’m assuming he hit the road.
Even when it’s busy on the weekends, they manage to keep everything moving pretty darn smooth.
Is it a perfect car wash? No, it’s a machine car wash that you do the drying and vacuuming. There will be some bug splats that you’ll need to scrub on for a minute. If you want a spotless wash, you’ll need to go pay for a more expensive hand wash or detail elsewhere which usually comes with a bunch of goop on the dash and your seats adjusted all over the place.
My one gripe that keeps me from giving 5 stars is the fact that people in the parking lot there find it somehow necessary to blast/​bump their awful profane noise/​music to everyone on the property while they dry/​vacuum their rides and none of the employees seem to do anything about it. Today was ridiculous, 3 different people just letting it rip, it was awful hearing what people think is ok to broadcast. I’m not prude, I listen to foul language music, but in my car, at a reasonable volume, not forcing everyone else to listen to it. This past summer I took my diesel truck thru the wash and left it idling while I dried it off and vacuumed it. Had my dog in the truck with the AC going so only 1 door open at a time. I get told to shut my truck off because it stinks. Sorry, not happening, especially since nothing gets said to the people bumping their tunes.
I’ll keep coming here because it’s convenient and well priced, I just hope maybe something can be done about the loud stereos.
**EDIT/​UPDATE 1÷17÷16: went by this afternoon to clean the cars. Noticed right away, no bump bump explicit verse explicit verse noise/​music blasting thru the vacuum area. The manager came over to let me (I guess I’m easy to spot? Lol!) know the owners had seen my review and pointed to the new sign they had made asking folks to keep their music at a moderate volume and/​or kid friendly. It seems to have worked, it was way more enjoyable this visit. Thanks guys, now 5 stars without hesitation!

My first time here was the week they opened the car wash for business, I was not disappointed in my experience. Since then I’ve been washing my car here at least once a month. After your first $ 12 wash (which is the most expensive one) every wash after that is only $ 10 as long as you keep your air freshener, which I always do.
The employees are great and they 100% care about the happiness of customers. They walk you through each step if it’s your first time and are always available to answer any other questions.
You do have to bring your own towels… I never do, but I do purchase window wipes and dashboard wipes from their vending machine every single time I’m there.
The vacuums are really powerful as well, I’ve gotten dog fur completely off of the seats and carpets.
Always pleased to be a customer here

This is a pretty decent place to go and get your car washed and where you can vacuum afterwards.
The people that work here are nice and helpful with guiding you through the car wash and are willing to help you wipe down the left over water that ends up on your vehicle.
They also give you a free air freshener with your purchase.
The vacuums that they have to help you with your vehicle are nice and were able to help get rid of stuck in puppy hair.
Would recommend coming in and giving them a shot.

I love Little Pony car wash! I’ve lived in the area a couple of years and finally gave them a shot a few months ago. I haven’t gone elsewhere since.
I have the unlimited monthly package. For $ 19.99 it’s a great deal. I go at least once a week to remove doggy hair and drool. This is nothing fancy but definitely does the job.
The attendants are always nice, I’ve never experienced rudeness. They direct you onto the belt (which is a drive on belt, so much nicer knowing you’re not potentially going to scratch a wheel). You go through the wash in neutral and watch your car get clean.
Their vacuums are strong enough to get all my dogs hair out of the seats and carpet. The parking spaces where you vacuum are large so you never worry that you’re going to hit someone or vise versa.
It can get crowded during peak hours but that’s to be expected for such a great deal. I try going places during non peak times anyway so this isn’t a huge concern for me.
I do see some water spots on the car if I don’t dry certain places myself. This is not a big deal to me but may be to some people. If you bring a cloth with you this can be easily remedied. If you’re expecting no water spots you need to remember you’re at a completely touch less car wash — it’s going to happen.

Rude employee– laughed at me for choosing the $ 6 express wash. I asked him what was so funny-​he said we have $ 12 washes. What?

my kids call this the DR Seuss car wash and they really like the three colors of soap bubbles.
wth, it’s worth a few dollars to see them that excited. Freaking difficult to access though,
unless you have a Smart car or Honda

I’m not sure what’s going on with their management but I’m a monthly member über driver and my rate at the beginning was 19.99. They then told me a week later they were going to start charging me 24.99 because I am a fleet vehicle when I clearly stated when I signed on that I was an Über driver. That ticked me off. That’s 72.00 a year! Secondly the rate then started dropping to 19.99 again a few months ago up until yesterday. They charged me an extra 5.00 without even asking me beforehand that they were going to raise the rate yet again! While some of the guys do have cool personalities, their business ethics and managerial effectiveness are the worst I have ever seen. Would I recommend coming here? No, not unless you like being ripped off every once in a while.

A 5 star car wash? Is that even possible? With Pony Express, I think so! When I got there, the assistant complimented my 20 year old, not easily complimentable car, and was so friendly and helpful. He mentioned that he hadn’t seen me before, I told him I just moved to the area, and he expressed his hope of me returning. That will definitely be the case.
The cheapest wash is $ 6, and the automatic belt worked very well! You don’t have to drive into grooves, which I know can be a concern for people not wanting to scratch their wheels. Also there’s a spotless drying, so fewer watermarks. In addition, they have REALLY STRONG self-​serve vacuums, which makes the price even better.
See you next time, Pony Express!

Wow love this car wash… really like the way it gets most everything off my car. and no brushes…
My car is new and I don’t want it messed up.
What I like alot is the strength of the vacuum and the great jasmine air freshners.
I’ll keep coming back…

First time here. Moved to La Mesa a few weeks ago and have been looking for a cash wash place. I see this one every time going and coming home from work. So decided to give it a try before work. Great place!!! Glad I came here. Washes are quick and left my Mustang looking great! This will be my new spot! I received a complimentary tire shine for it being my first time which was awesome. Everyone is very professional and courteous. I would of rated it 5 stars if I was told there was a monthly car wash club where I get unlimited washed for a preset monetary amount. Which I would of definitely purchased if I would of known. It would of saved me a few bucks. Oh well next time I know. Look forward to coming back.