German ("Herman") will go above and beyond for your automotive needs. He was able to help me out when I needed work done to my car and was very accommodating for my time. The shop is very clean and well kept, a clear sign that the team who work there are organized and take care of their tools, which ultimately is a reflection of how they will perform their service. I came here again recently to get some tires changed and was able to get it done quickly during my lunch break. Amazing! His prices are very competitive and cares about his customers. He took care of my Honda S2000 and I'll be coming back for more work in the future. read more

Auto Analysts - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

I first saw German Lara ("Herman") a few years ago when he solved a problem that Ellis Brookes (the GM dealer of record for SAAB in San Francisco) could not solve. I had the highest end model SAAB ever made -- and under warranty. Ellis Brookes sucked (now out of business); Back then, Auto Analysts solved the issue. I have recently re-discovered Auto Analysts at their new location at 6th and Harrison. I agree with Peter C, Kelly S and every other 5-star review for this shop. (If you look at my history of reviews, that's rare; And I'm an early-adopter of Yelp = 2006!) I now take my car to no one else but Auto Analysts. I am proud of my car, and relieved that I can trust it with the most honest and competent mechanic(s) in San Francisco. Auto Analyst is an apt name for this rare operation. They are truly forensic in their analysis -- and will target every eff-up with any component, micro-controller or part that any previous technician has messed up in your car, including the dealer. p.s. I am so high on this shop that I've probably just sold a half a dozen Uber drivers on word-of-mouth endorsements, alone, for service to their own vehicles while my car was under the care of German and his staff. read more

Auto Analysts - A clean shop finding mistakes that previous garages in San Francisco tried to fake and/or cover-up. Issues; crash sensors, condenser, etc. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I have a Mercedes Sprinter that is having some engine issue. Took in to German at Auto Analysts, he quickly identified the issue and got my van back on the road in no time! Save $$$$, no need to take it to the dealership. If you need any service done on your Mercedes, I would highly recommend you take it to Auto Analysts. Honest, Knowledgeable, reasonable pricing read more

Look for the "Embarcadero Automotive" sign on the outside. Great and friendly service!

Herman is the best mechanic/ car expert I know. He has kept our 2006 BMW running like new for years while being professional and his prices are reasonable. He makes sure we understand the work to be done, is clear about timelines and keeps us informed during repairs.... all in all a pleasure to work with. read more

HONEST, FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE at a FAIR PRICE. If you need a mechanic in the San Francisco this is your place, I can't recommend them enough. It is truly a family run shop, from mom Vilma in the office, brothers Herman & Caesar, and sister. I started going to Auto Analysts years ago at the recommendation of a neighbor, even followed them to their new location on Howard St. I have an old Saab they have patiently serviced. Anytime something goes wrong I know I can call Herman and he will take care of me. No one likes spending money on car repairs but when that day comes it's great to have a go-to garage who does honest work at a good price. Plus I'd rather give my business to a local, family run business instead of some big corporate chain. They can do it all from regular maintenance to big repairs. Bring your car here once you will have found your garage for life! Thank you for taking car of me all these years!!! read more

Very happy with these guys. Very transparent about what they're doing. Honest brokers at a fair price (if you consider anything in SF fairly priced). read more

This family owned business really takes care of me and my car. Unfortunately they've been caught up in the mess of the new subway construction in SF which makes it more difficult to get there. But it is definitely worth it!!!! You won't find a more honest and reliable tech crew to take care of your vehicle and give you good sensible advice! read more

Herman is the man. Sent him a bunch of my own cars and always delivers on his quality of work

Very responsive and super reliable! I have taken my cars here for several years and they always do a great job at an affordable price. They are very trustworthy, which is hard to come by these days. Highly recommend them for anything. read more

Very honest service, quick response and affordable prices. German is super helpful, I've come twice and plan to be a recurrent

Had an excellent experience here. They did a really thorough job figuring out why my car had been overheating. German ("Her-MAHN") is such a cool guy: nice, friendly, super knowledgeable. he methodically explains in layman's terms what they are doing. Most mechanics take advantage of people like me who don't understand cars, and make you feel stupid. Not so here. He takes his time and walks you through every step; he opens the hood and explains exactly what parts do, and really makes an effort to keep repair costs to a minimum. The place is clean, and everyone is really gracious. I will definitely only be using Auto Analysts from now on. read more

It is hard to find a trustworthy and reliable mechanic these days and Auto Analysts fits the bill. They have been always been knowledgable, courteous and fairly priced for all the work they have done on my SUV. I have had three smashed windows in three years and German and his crew have always taken care of me as quickly as possible. They have also done the normal engine tune up and oil changes for me and I have always drove away satisfied. This family owned business is run the right way. read more

Set up an appointment for my porsche service. It Was completed timely at a great price. German is very personable and will take the time to answer any questions. I was recommended by a fellow Porsche owner. I would recommend this shop and will have my next service completed here. read more

I too many positive things to say about my first experience with Auto Analysts than I can list here. I knew immediately upon speaking to German that I'd stumbled onto diamond in the otherwise rough and expensive world of VW Vanagon and BMW repair. First and foremost: German has integrity and confidence in the value of Auto Analysts' work and expertise. This manifests itself in many ways that make his business and communication style stand out from previous experiences you've had. If you have some experience wrenching yourself, instead of being threatened by your DIY abilities like most garages, he's happy to empower you and lend some advice that will assist you in doing the job yourself, if you can. I can tell you this is a rare quality among garages. He is not looking for ways to manipulate, or add hours to your invoice like the bigger name shops in the vanagon scene. Auto Analysts' proficiency across many makes/models and styles of vehicles is impressive. Whether it's a beefy T3 Syncro offroad build or a speedy vintage BMW, German and his crew have the wherewithal you need to get it running, updated, or tricked out with aftermarket parts. In my case, they ran the gamut, fixing frustrating timing issues allowing me to pass smog, to adding very obscure/niche aftermarket accessories unique to this vehicle. All at a price that didn't take advantage of the hype or trendiness that may surround your vehicle. I will return to Auto Analysts for all my future mechanic needs, from my ancient Vanagons to my current BMW, I know I'm in good hands. read more

Is Customer Service and Car Quality Care Important to you? If your answer is yes, then Auto Analysts is the place for you. I have taken my car to AA many times they are amazing!! They call me when my car is ready and give me updates on it's progress. I am a strong believer in supporting a family business!! Everyone is so friendly and they always go above and beyond for me. Overall, I have never felt better taken care of and I would never consider taking my car anywhere else. Trust your car to Auto Analysts! read more

Great for an oil-change if you happen to live a couple of blocks away, but that is about it. Not the place for serious repairs or service if you have a nicer car. They broke more things on my car than they fixed on my last 2 visits, and even let their shop dog run around in the back seat of my car, nice. read more

I've been going to Auto Analysts for about 7 years now and I've been very happy with their service. (First with my BMW 3-series and now with my Jeep Wrangler.) They've always been great about getting to my car quickly, whether it was a simple oil change or actual repairs. Very friendly and professional, and they've never over-charged me or tried to "fix" something that didn't need repair. My only bad experience was a replacement ball joint that went bad after a day, but it's hard for me to know if this was a poor install or just a bad part from the manufacturer. But ignoring this one incident they've keep both of my rides in great condition. Overall I would definitely recommend their service (and already have). read more

Fantastic diagnostics and service. Herman is THE BEST! Highly recommend this mechanic!

Herman was prompt and ready for me with a smile when I arrived. My complete brake job overhaul was done in a timely manner, and the car was ready for me to go that afternoon. I highly recommend this shop- it was my first time going there, and I was very pleased with the service I received. I think Herman is honest, I think he cares about his customers, and I would definitely come back with other car issues. Try them, you'll like them! read more

Got a BMW, Mercedes or Volvo? Tired of getting reamed by dealers? Then you should check out Auto Analysts. They're an independent shop in SOMA that does great work at a fair price. Weird, huh? As an independent shop, Auto Analysts doesn't have the overhead of a dealer. So they charge you what it costs them in parts and labor. Period. No funny stuff, and they'll walk you through all the charges if you ask them. They have nothing to hide, and they do good work--I used to race cars in my youth so I know my way around an internal combustion engine and they're legit. When I first moved to San Francisco, we bought a 1995 BMW 5-series, and had to find a new mechanic -- next door to my office was Auto Analysts (they've since moved and I followed them). I noticed that most of the local NBC-TV affiliate employees took their cars there, so I tried them out. When I walked over to pick my car up, a man in his 60s walked over to me and said, "You are new here. I am Cesar. This is my shop." Needless to say, I was impressed that he knew his clientele that personally. Frankly, he couldn't have made a better first impression. From then on, I took my car there for every service and every problem. They did a great job maintaining my car and it was in top condition when we sold it with almost 250,000 miles on it. SERVICES: Oil change, Detailing, Troubleshooting, Repair, Safety Inspection, Pre-purchase Inspection, Diagnostics and probably other stuff MAKES: Most European cars -- Volvo, Mercedes, and BMW CANDY: Yes, lots. read more

For 20 years Auto Analysts has serviced every BMW I've had. I won't take my car anywhere else -- it's just that simple! Great service, fair prices, very knowledgeable, and a company you can trust -- in this day and age, that's really special. read more

AutoAnalysts are the very, very best. I've been going to them with my 1994 BMW for over 10 years. It now has 200,000 miles on it and it's still going strong because of AutoAnalysts. They listen and don't try to "over fix" you. I feel really secure knowing they are taking care of my car. I've told friends about them and they are now loyal clients too. They've taken such good care of my car. Plus they're a family of wonderful people. Last year I came in after running over something with my car and seriously damaging it on my way home after my brother had died that day. When I brought my car in I was an emotional mess. They fixed my car, of course, but way more than that, they fixed something on my car for free that I'd put off for years (it wasn't anything essential but it was very inconvenient) because I'd been a long-time loyal client and they knew I was hurting. These are the best people in the world and they do a fantastic job taking care of your car--and you! read more

I brought my 2009 mini Cooper and to be looked at as a second opinion. I was originally quoted by another shop that it was going to require the head gasket of the engine to be replaced. This quote was approximately $3000 at minimum. As it turned out, the issue had to do with oil filter housing and all the seals having to do that. What was originally minimum of $3000 ended up costing approximately $750. While in there he did find that the drive belt needed to be replaced and a couple other things. So all in, it ended up costing me $1400. Without a question they have gained a new client in me. I will gladly recommend them to anyone. German is super honest and forthright. They're pricing is competitive. However, the true value is in the level of customer service. Not only did they do the repair in a timely manner, but the car got vacuumed and washed. Things I was not expecting. Also, German's mom is a joy to interact with. As a family run business they are the best! read more

I like these guys as people, but not as my mechanic. Both my friend and I have had to take our cars back multiple times to fix the same repair. We both switched mechanics and started going to specialists for our cars - different ones I might add. The wrong parts were put on my car and it was put back together incorrectly for two different repairs. In addition a third repair was just not done correctly and I still have an oil leak. Details of the repairs: I took my car in and asked if I had any leaks because I had to start commuting to work in the south bay. They assured me I had no leaks, but I kept smelling oil. Took my car in to a dedicated british car specialist and it turns out that not only did I have one but I had 3 leaks, all of which were clearly visible. My hub, my engine and my transfer case all were leaking. I had already paid for the hub and engine leak repair at auto analysts. Turns out they put the wrong parts on the hub repair (which I had to take back to auto analysts 3 times during the original repair process) and it was still leaking and they left a bolt off my hub when they put it back on and bent the bolt. The engine repair was still leaking that they fixed and my transfer case was leaking on my exhaust causing the burning oil smell i complained about. The final straw for me was when my new mechanic told me they put my new serpentine belt on improperly. My new mechanic was really nice and did the repairs for half the price of the original repairs and fixed the belt for free. Well when you average $1K per repair for driving a luxury car, you don't want to have to pay for it twice. I figured cut my losses rather than take it back to auto analysts to have them re-repair a botched repair job. I probably spend about $5K at auto analysts in one year and spent another $3K fixing the same repairs. The same goes for my friend. Really disappointing because they are really nice people. read more

Where do I begin? I've had the great pleasure of knowing the Lara family and giving them my car business for 20 years. In that time, auto analysts has cared for three of my cars, sold all three for me, managed the cross country move for two, and has basically gone the extra mile (pun intended) to make sure all of my car needs are met every single time I've come in. If it has to do with automobiles, basically they can handle it: quickly, thoroughly, expertly, and - a rarity in the auto shop world - HONESTLY. They lay out all the options BEFORE work begins, explaining their findings in laymen's terms. they differentiate between what needs to be done now, vs what can wait until later, and what is completely optional. This is especially great for people on tight budgets, like me! They do an excellent job diagnosing unusual car issues, and they stand behind their work. No matter what you bring your car in for, they do a complimentary 20 (maybe 30, I forget) point preventative check on your car to make sure it's running well. As if the great service isn't enough reason to come in, once you're there you might find yourself staying a while to chat with them. I don't think I'm the only one who's hung out long after my car was done, chatting and catching up. :-) I've recommended auto analysts to countless friends over the years, and all have been thrilled with their work. If there were 6 stars, I'd be giving them to these guys! read more

It's not often that you want to be "Customers of the Year" at a mechanic's, but I'm proud to hold that title for 2008-9 at Auto Analysts. German and Cesar Lara came to the rescue three times for our family, after our beloved/cursed VW skidded on I-80, was crushed by a renegade street sweeper, and then got slammed by a falling tree. They worked with us and our insurance company to save our car from being totaled twice, and got our car back on the road. The body repairs and rebuilt suspension looked and felt great; the new paint job gleamed. We also relied on them for an engine replacement after a fluke mechanical defect (yes, in the same cursed VW). AA did a thorough and careful job of diagnosing the extent of the damage, helped us evaluate our repair options, and sourced a rebuilt engine. They even loaned us a car during that time. With its new engine, our car drives smoothly and powerfully, and we look forward to many more years of service thanks to AA. Support a great local family business! read more

German and the rest of the team always keep us rolling. We come here for all our automotive repair and maintenance needs. We've got an older Toyota Sienna that we use a a delivery vehicle, and Auto Analysts always gives our car back in a timely manner, with professionalism, and a fair price. Wow, they even hook you up with a complimentary car wash. Great service is not lost on this team. read more

I love Auto Analysts! Everyone I know takes there cars to Auto Analysts. It is family owned and it shows - they treat you and your car like family. They are open on Saturdays, have a pool table and TV in the waiting room, and have candy at the front desk. :) The shop dog is pretty cute too! read more

Experienced the greatest service here today! My new mechanic in the city from now on. Wish I've known about them for the past 5 years.

Auto Analysts is quite possibly the last honest auto shop in the city. This is a family run business - Herman & Cesar do much of the repair work while their sister Stella & Mom work the office. I trust everyone here without question and I have referred them to all my friends - their focus is on German cars & Saab's. read more

This guy's are GOOD i took my bmw for the first time there i talk to german nice guy he explain to me the problem in one hour he calls me back with the estimate, next day was done. and half price from the dealer good people i recommend this family to any body,and i support the family business as long as they honest. read more

A very nice family owned operation. I have followed them from their old location (a block from my office) to where they are now.

Thanks German my car is working very well. My collision was against a ladder that was left unattended in the middle lane of I- 380. I will recommend him and his group to my kids. German did a great job fixing my car. read more

I LOVE THIS FAMILY. They always get the job done, and do it well. Plus they are reliable, nice and pretty cost-friendly!!

Just took my car back in for a AC/Heater issue. The dealership wanted $900 to fix and I about fell over. I called German and less than 12 hours later, my total bill was less that $95 or less than the actual part cost at the dealership. I appreciate the quick honest service and will continue to come back. read more

We recently moved to SF and needed to find a shop to service our import. After calling about six to eight places I realized I felt best about Auto Analysts (it helped that they were listed on Car Talk's website - from NPR). We had standard work done on the car (new brakes and radiator fluid). They were extremely friendly and 100% honest (with my fiance and I). I even asked if they could trade out one of the rear rims with the spare (because the rear rim bent on our move somehow) and they did it for free. Oh, also, they aren't necessarily the cheapest place in town but they use factory parts (and are the cheapest place that uses factory parts from what I could tell). Using factory parts is important to me.....so that also won them points. read more

I brought a C230 Kompressor over to Auto Analysts to get serviced. I didn't have any problems until about a week after the repair when I was driving my car down to San Diego. I had to refill my car with oil twice because it was leaking. I brought it to a trusted repair shop in San Diego and he was convinced that I brought the car to a Jiffy Lube because the oil home casing was cracked. Oil leaked all throughout my vehicle causing a number of electrical problems and just problems in general. When I called them to tell them what happened and they denied having anything to do with the cracked oil casing. He told me that I was driving my car recklessly and drove over a curb or one of the parking blockers and cracked it that way. Wrong, I drive my Susy with care, I love my car and my car loves me. I strongly suggest you improve your customer service and try looking into some of your mechanics. read more

Awesome family run business.... Fair, friendly and thorough. Thanks guys!

I just went to Auto Analysts for the first time and I was very pleased with the quality of work, high level of customer service and quick turn around time. They called me each step of the way to let me know what was wrong and to get my approval to move forward. Everyone I encountered was very friendly and helpful. I am definitely going to be bringing my car back the next time I need a repair! read more