Alex's dad Sam Koka was my mechanic for 20 years. Always honest, fair and great in communicating with someone who doesn't understand car mechanics. Alex has taken over (made it his own), and my experience has been exactly the same! He recently went above and beyond with my car repairs. I've been recommending Alex to several people and will continue to do so. Also, I look forward to working with Alex for years to come. But hopefully, not often!!! Ha! read more

Took my car in for an oil change and distributor swap. I supplied the part and was told that not only was the part wrong, but that my car had the wrong motor in it. I was flabbergasted to say the least and stressed beyond words. Well, that wasn't true at all, the part was wrong but not the motor. Took me down a serious rabbit hole trying to verify the motor, but finally a shop installed the proper part based on my VIN number, and we good. Never had a shop experience like that ever, never want to again. Yikes! read more

Alex and his guys are top notch! Honest and thorough work, even completing difficult jobs in a tight timeline. I recommend AK Auto to everyone I know! read more

AK auto is the best shop in town! Alex has been so helpful with everything my cars need over the years. This shop is my go-to for all of my servicing needs.. Alex is honest, his shop is clean and offers great pricing compared to the dealership pricing I used to take my car to. read more

Alex makes communication, transparency, common sense and integrity seem so easy, why can't literally every other mechanic in the world do it?! read more

My car stopped working and I was able to get in that same day. Less than 24 hours later my car was back to me and working better than before. They do great work at a reasonable price and communicate well at every step. Highly recommend. (Plus they let me keep the part they replaced, which is fun!) read more

Great service all around. Easy to book an appointment. Great communication. Pricing is fair.

Everything!! Alex is so informative and was helpful in many ways. I will recommend him to anyone in need of repairs!

We've used AK Auto for a decade, even when it was owned by Alex's father Sam and it was SK Auto. We've loved coming here, but I particularly want to talk about recent amazing experience we've had with Alex's service and communication: A few days before Thanksgiving, my Hyundai Sonata was stolen in SF and found in the Mission district a day before Thanksgiving. I contacted Alex right away once the police told me of all the damage that had been done: ignition punched out; window broken; not drivable. Alex responded right away and let me know we could bring it in. Each step of the way, he provided me with a very detailed quote, what his recommendations were and wouldn't do the repairs without my approval. We got lots of work done that the car needed after its' adventure around the City and Alex was so communicative. He even recommended some things we could buy that he's bought himself outside of the shop to aide towards anti-theft prevention. We appreciate Alex, his quality of service and communication so much. He is so great to work with AND has very reasonable prices. Go to him! read more

Had been looking around for a local shop and one that I could trust wouldn't try to up sell me things I didn't need but also new how to work on both my diesel and gas trucks. Found my one stop shop for all of my vehicle needs. Can't thank Alex enough for the quality work he does with his mechanic. Always gives the good news and the bad news and options on how to proceed with the most long term success. Really appreciate that I by a fluke was able to find them and give them a try. Thanks AK Auto from one very satisfied customer. read more

At the beginning of this year, my catalytic converter was stolen. I don't know much about cars and definitely needed my car to be able to get to work. My insurance informed me that the mechanics they work with probably don't have the part in stock for a few weeks, which turned out to be true. I sent out one of those mass yelp requests for help. Alex at AK Auto got back to me almost immediately. He was very informative about parts and provided me information about an aircraft cable to prevent future thefts. He said he had the parts and would be able to install ASAP. He worked with my insurance to get all this situated. Once my insurance approved of the fix, I was able to drop my car off the next day. They fixed my car before the end of the day! Pickup and drop off were so easy and no extra nonsense or pressure, which I was worried about and have experienced with other mechanics! Thanks so much! I don't even live in Alameda and I would bring my car here again. Definitely recommend. read more

I got charged $180 for a diagnosis. Seems high....especially if it doesn't go towards the service.

I continue to highly recommend AK Auto for honesty, integrity and great communication skills. I recently purchase a used Honda Accord that required some repairs. One item, an intermittent airbag fault indicator, was problematic in restoring to normal operation. Alex was able to diagnose a fault with the aid of his computer readout. He ordered the necessary part, a seat belt buckle replacement. He then spent several hours labor with the installation and testing. It turns out this did not correct the problem and he said it might be a computer module issue which would require a dealer to correctly diagnose and make the necessary repair. With all of our cars, Alex has always been extremely dependable with servicing along with good workmanship and fair pricing. Note he did not charge me for the labor performed and refunded me the cost of the seat belt buckle. This is a testament to his honesty. Needless to say, AK Auto will continue to be our go-to shop for auto servicing. read more

Alex(owner) was extremely communicative and worked with me in a friendly, down to earth manner, while maintaining solid professionalism. I really appreciated his time explaining the work that needed to be done beforehand and how the process went when the work was completed. My truck is tip top again and I'm grateful to have found the shop. Would recommend you bring whatever you've got to for an honest diagnosis. Fast turnaround too! read more

My car needed a lot of work done to it after driving across the country and SK Auto was able to do it all in one day! The owner is very friendly and for the first time in my life it was a great experience to go to the mechanic. My brakes and rotors needed replaced in addition to an oil change and tire rotation etc. This auto shop has very reasonable prices and great customer service. They even vacuumed my car out which I never even requested. Amazing! I will be sure to come back here again. read more

Moved from outta town - Alex was a referral from a trusted friend who has been going to him for years. He did not disappoint! Alex and his shop is super friendly, very communicative, honest and does what it takes to get the job done. Bonus* he was able to accommodate my schedule and house my ride while outta town. Over the top excellent service. I'll be back! Thanks Alex ! read more

Sam, for years, and now his son Alex provide wonderful service for my Hondas, from new car service through helping me with the sale of the first one. I now have my second Honda - a a hybrid with the same careful and attentive service. They also kept my Chevy Silverado 4WD running well to take long trips towing my horse trailer. They can keep any vehicle working at its peak performance without emptying your wallet. My family also uses SK Auto with the same results which is competent auto service at fair prices. read more

Alex was really helpful not only in replacing my brake pads quickly but also taking the time to explain services my car needed without being condescending or pressuring me to get everything done right away. I will definitely be going back for future services on my car and with any concerns that come up so I get an honest opinion that cares about both the future of my car and my budget. read more

I must have had the best luck of my life with SK Auto. I was driving home from work (graveyard shift) and my car died out on Webster morning traffic in the middle of the road in front of Subway. A mechanic came out of subway grabbing his morning sandwich and helped push my car over to the shop he works at (maybe owns?) that's right behind Otaez. He diagnosed the issue immediately and gave me a quote that even the least experienced car guy would know was beyond reasonable. He was able to squeeze me into his busy schedule that day and told me to come back at 4pm and I should be good to go. I arrive at 3:30 to check on things and he's vacuuming out the floors of my car, already replaced the alternator, advised me of loose vacuum hose that he secured for me, checked my tire inflation levels, and asked if I wanted an oil change while I was there (he saw my sticker past due by 300 miles) and took care of that before letting me drive off. Amazing experience, super friendly and accommodating. I don't think I'll ever visit another shop if I can avoid it. The straightforward, no bs, customer service is what more places need. He didn't try to sell me on any extra nonsense like other shops. Thank you Alex! read more

I took my car to AK auto because the Battery light on even though I just changed the Battery. They recommended a diagnostic. So I agreed, then I received a call saying the alternator is the problem and needed to be changed. I asked for a receipt from the manufacturer that has the price and the warranty for the car parts since he claims its an original part and Alex agrees. He goes ahead and change the alternator. I received a text that says that the car is ready. Im happy I go to pick up the car. I asked for the diagnostic report that Im paying 155$ for the car !! He says ohh yeah we checked and it was the alternator !! So no report !! Alex starts stuttering what you mean this is the report !! So I let that slide. (Strike one) I asked about the the receipt for the car parts that he bought form the Manufacturer !! He gives me I receipt from his shop ?? So I let that go. At this point he is screaming *this is crazy* and put a cheap act that I totally ignored. (Strike two) Lastly, I asked for the one year warranty on the alternator !! He says very confidently, its on the shop receipt !! I read the receipt there is nothing mentioning warranty ! So I go back and ask him again can you highlight it for me ! He takes it read it and was like huh *anyway everyone knows that it has a one year warranty*....then he grabs a rusty pen and writes one year warranty with his own hand writing and gives it to me. (Strike three) I go online to check the price of the original Alternator ? I found out that they overcharged me for the car part. (Strike four) The most disrespectful unprofessional experience I had with a mechanic. Very dis-honest Never coming here again and you shouldn't go. read more

I've been coming here since 2014 and have had nothing but good experiences. Alex has always been honest with me about what my car needed and would go out of his way to find cheaper parts online in order to reduce my bill. When my window was smashed, the auto glass shop on Park Street quoted me $1,115, but I called Alex for a second opinion and he replaced my window for $230. This is just one example of the kind of help I've received here. 10/10 would recommend. read more

I had such a pleasant experience when I came to get my axle replaced here last week. I used yelp as I always do to find what I gather to be the best spot based off the reviews. My old mechanic closed during COVID and never reopened, so alas it was time to find a new one. Things that immediately stuck out to me at AK Auto: 1) It's a very, very clean shop and office (at least the cleanest auto repair shop I've ever seen) 2) Customer service is top notch, like- they vacuumed my entire car out for me...for free. 3) They said they found a nail in one of my tires while checking tire pressures and even included on my repair order the best place to have it repaired 4) While they did find 3 other things that needed attention that I wasn't aware, Alex (the owner) wasn't pushy about it and didn't try to immediately up sell me, rather he noted them down on the repair order and prioritized them in order of most important to what I could hold off on for a little longer. And 5) Alex told me he would only need the car for no more then 3 hours and it was ready (and vacuumed) in less then that. My old mechanic would keep my car for days sometimes and I just felt like that was normal I guess. These guys are quick. Overall I was very pleased with my find on yelp and will surely be back to get the other things fixed after the holidays. read more

AK did a much needed safety inspection of my car after only a day wait. He spotted the front wheels axle failing ( I had suspected this already) and quoted a very fair price, to be completed same day! And so it was. I have already scheduled my second car to be inspected the next week. AK is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and fair in price. What more do I need? read more

I am very happy with the service so far. I got a prompt appointment from Alex, the minor service was completed in less than a day, the price was reasonable, and he inspected the car thoroughly. I plan to return! read more

Brought my car here on 3 or 4 occasions, mostly during emergency situations and each time Alex has promptly taken the car in to fix it. This last time was we brought it in was the biggest job it's had but it was a long time coming. Alex took it in right away and took care of it. Within 5 days, my car now drives like new! What we appreciate about this place is the professionalism, knowledge and dependability we experience each time we've come here. Thank you Alex for all you do! read more

I can not recommend AK auto enough. I've been coming to this shop for 2 decades. Honest, trustworthy, consistently reliable workmanship, not once have I been disappointed coming here! read more

Love this place! So happy to have a car repair service that I can trust! Great customer service at a reasonable price.

Excellent service. Responds promptly. Honest. Doesn't recommend things that don't need to be done. I appreciate that.

Very responsive and quick turnaround. Resolved our issue. Car's running great. Definitely going back.

Great shop, Alex is amazing,trained by the best at Mercedez in Oakland and graduates as one of the best. He continues to bring his hi quality standards to his Dads shop who also prides himself in excellent customer service. I have used this shop since they opened and have never been disappointed. I know how many shops overpriced the work on a Mercedez, not Sam and Alex, great work for a fair price. I read some of the negative comments I definitely can't agree with. If one needs brakes?? We'll be specific front or rear, or both, it's hard to guess Keep up the good work at SK, you're the BEST read more

I have lived in Alameda over 20 years and tried various auto mechanics. However, after Sam took care of us, I go nowhere else--and send anyone I know there with full confidence. Sam, and his stand-up son, run a clean, honest, careful business that you can trust and rely on. First class community attitude and reception. Reasonable and fair pricing. And nice, positive people. read more

Keeping our older but beloved cars - 2012 Audi Q5 3.2 and 2001 4Runner Limited - running smoothly is important to us and Alex makes it convenient and affordable. Suspension, brakes, engine work, etc. Thanks Alex and team! read more

I had a check engine light come on, and I went from first phone call to issue resolved within 5 hours. My car's o2 sensors got replaced for a reasonable price. read more

Literally the only place I take my cars! I live in Sacramento and still come here because a good machnaic is hard to find! Great people amazing service! read more

Great service. Super friendly. Tells you how it is and doesn't keep you in the dark. A little pricey but you get what you pay for when it comes to auto shops and this is one I would recommend if you care about your vehicle. read more

This review is long over due as i have been taking my families Mercedes to Alex for years now. They make sure to find the best price on replacement parts and will explain in detail the issues with the car. Never had an issue with their work as it is always done professionally and in a timely matter. read more

This place tried to rip me off today. I asked for an estimate for a starter, and I get a speech about everything else that can be wrong. Im told I need diagnostic tests and road tests to duplicate the problems. Never go back. I needed a starter. Got one at the Shell Station. Old one had worn posts. read more

I have been taking all my family cars to Alex for the past 8 years. Hes work on my foreigns, domestics, and classics. Hes a one of the best mechanics i haven known. Whether it may be issues with my vehicle or recommendations on performance parts i should go with. He always open and friendly to guide me in the right direction. The guys knows his cars, i send everyone to him. You cant beat his prices either he keeps everything honest. read more

Came here with what I thought were minor issues on my car after getting work done at a previous mechanic only a month before. Not only did everything get done quickly, but there were multiple issues that the previous mechanic didn't acknowledge. The young man working there pays a lot of attention to detail and try's to make sure you are off his lot in the safest vehicle possible. The turn around time was unbelievable, these people work hard and efficient. I will never go to another shop again, thank you SK Auto. read more

Sam is awesome. Granted, I worked a bit with his wife, but I genuinely got the best, most attentive service for this hellish Audi I owned. He never tried to stiff me, and I wish I had taken that car to him sooner as I had poored a lot of money into the car. He would give me rides back to my apartment. Just a great guy and great service. read more