Shell Foodmart & Carwash

Usually my car wash spot. But I may be looking elsewhere. Got the whip washed, but it seemed wayyyy shorter than usual and I think the soap was either out, or maybe it was just broke? It seemed like it just «rinsed» my car off.
I considered going in to complain, but my car looked clean. So…
You won this round, Shell.

It’s always crazy busy as they only have 6 pumps. The car wash is bad, but is normally out of order so that’s good.
My issue is that I only put Shell in my car, but when I fill up here my cars range is 50 miles less than any other shell or even Costco when I occasionally get gas there. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s like clockwork. The gas that they sell is of lower quality than every other shell.

Came here to fill up my tank since it was running on empty. I was in the area so we stopped here. I only put Shell in my tank. I keep it consistent. I believe the super was $ 3.15 which isn’t too bad compared to $ 4.00. Gas in some places will be more expensive in the tourist spots and in the rich neighborhoods like La Jolla. Just saying since I look around all neighborhoods.
This station is small and traffic here is crazy. There’s only about 6 pumps and to the other side is a car wash but waited to wash my car since I hear it’s supposed to rain. Getting in and out can be difficult since it’s at a corner so be careful. People speed down both intersections.
It’s highly unlikely that I will return here since I was just in the area but if I am, I most likely will stop here to fill up my tank.

Car wash prices went up and are now $ 7-​$ 9-​$ 10
I find it easier to go inside to pay FIRST. The machine outside can be confusing or doesn’t work. Today I waited extra long because the person in front had to go inside to pay… While 3 cars waited behind them and the car wash wasn’t being used. Oh well. Hopefully they learned.
Employees are still very friendly!
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PREVIOUS REVIEW 4−4−12:
I go here for the Drive Thru Car Wash for $ 6-​$ 8-​$ 10. Simple for what it is. I received friendly service the few times over the years I have needed to go inside.

This is a basic car wash. Anyone expecting a thorough cleaning job from a machine at a Shell gas station is gonna have a bad time lol
Seriously not bad for a few minutes and $ 7

The station may be good but the girl working today at 9:45 obviously lacks common sense and found a way to pair that problem with a stuck up attitude.
It was very simple. I decided to fill up my tank and buy the $ 9 carwash. After filling up I drove thru and afterward noticed that the carwash didn’t do that good of a job. Keep in mind my car wasn’t that dirty. There was still stuff on the front and for some reason the hood was still dirty. I went in and nicely asked if there’s any chance I could run my car thru the wash again because it didn’t do that good of a job and handed her my receipt for proof of purchase. The rude cashier girl says… «Sure…» with an attitude and a long pause, then says again with an attitude «JUST SO YOU KNOW… IT’S GONNA WASH IT THE EXACT SAME WAY… as she handed me the new carwash ticket. I looked up, bit my tongue and said thanks and walked out. I’m happy to say that my car is very clean now as I knew it would be. Common sense says that if you wash something and it’s still dirty then try washing it again but that didn’t occur to this poor soul. The biggest problem was her attitude. Some people should just keep there mouth shut. Needless to say I have been spending at least $ 200 or more at this location every week for years when there are so many other options for gas and car washes. An apology would be nice. Now… instead of only spending the cost of the 2^nd wash which is probably few $‘s if that. They spent the cost of the 2^nd wash and $ 200/​wk for at least a couple more years ($ 20,800). Not too smart.

This is a review for the car wash.
Ripoff, don’t waste your money.
Does a half ass job of cleaning your car, there’s no rotating brush to scrub your car.
Had bird droppings that remained after the wash, even got the ‘deluxe’ wash.
Disappointing.

will not return :)
way more expensive, the clerk had to re ask me 3 times what pump i was trying to pay for

Im writting this review because of a safety concern…
I came here tonight around 9pm to fill up my tank. There are two doors to enter the mini mart, and one of them was locked. I understand that it is a gas station and they need to keep themselves safe, but as a toung woman I do not appriciate having to walk around the gas station at night in order to use the other door.

I only stop by this gas station when I’m coming from work in La Jolla and I’m taking the small roads, I refuse to fill up my car with Arco gas so I chose to come to Shell instead. I love how its conveniently located at an intersection that’s easy to get in and get out of. This gas station is not too busy every time I come.
There’s always this guy playing jazz music at the corner of the shell, I kind of enjoy his music while I’m standing there waiting for my tank to fill up.
Although the gas prices here is a few more cents than the other gas stations, I don’t mind paying that since I love my Nissan and am willing to go the extra mile to take care of it.

** Visited Thursday 1÷27÷11 around 7:30pm. **
I know it may seem lame to review a gas station. In my defense, I am reviewing the Clairemont Shell Foodmart & Carwash Gas Station not necessarily on its own merits, but rather its superiority over the AM/​PM across the street from it.
If you would like to waste a half hour of your life whilst waiting for the plebeian masses to figure out the one way direction for the four pumps that completely conflicts with the traffic from the street entrance, this is NOT the gas station for you!
If you would like questionable fried foods available for purchase a lá carte at reasonable prices yet uncertain quality, this is NOT the gas station for you!
If you would like to pump your gas whilst dodging skeezy disease-​covered transients begging for change and inbred motorists trying to mow you down because they do not understand the previously stated above one-​way system, this is NOT the gas station for you!
If you said yes to any of the above, please buy your gas from the BP Anti-​Christs at AM/​PM across the street.
If, however, you would like twice the amount of pumps under a well-​lit, bum-​free ramada where you do not have to fear impending rape and a clean lot with well-​stocked provisions (window squeegees, paper towels) and commercials force-​fed to you whilst you top off — well, my friend, the Clairemont Shell Foodmart & Carwash Gas Station is your refueling oasis!
Every week, I gladly forego the psycho circus at AM/​PM (and impending bodily harm) by gassing up here. If you live in Clairemont, I suggest you do the same. It’s well worth the extra dime a gallon.
***** for NOT being AM/​PM!
-* for being slightly more expensive for no discernible reason
-* for being inexplicably difficult to get to if you are traveling any direction besides eastbound on Balboa Avenue.

The location is convenient, but other than that… ehhh. There are only 8 pumps, which usually makes for a little wait to find a free pump. Pair that with the relatively small size of the place and sometimes it’s hard to even find an out of the way place to wait for the next available pump.
I was willing to deal with the lines and the fact that the ppg is usually a couple cents higher than other gas stations nearby because it’s pretty much the only station I pass on my way to the 805, but today I went inside to get a nice, cold, refreshing fountain drink only to discover that they don’t have any. While most people want gas from a gas station, I really enjoy a big fountain Dr. Pepper while in the car, especially if I know I’m driving a good distance. This is a huge disappointment for me, as minor as it may be to most.