Fast easy service ... Carlos helped me out in emergency...fair prices Coming back to get 4 new run flat tires Dee read more

Berkeley Auto Service - Dee - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

I am sad to leave a bad review, but it feels important for the benefit of the community. Very new car owner, have a 2012 Prius. The check engine light went on. Carlos gave me a diagnosis of bad spark plug and ignition coil, also quoted me a few other things like the filter and break for over $3000. After denying other services, I did spark plug and ignition coil and two filters. It was over $1600 dollar. (Way over priced according to Google.) Soon after, I started hearing rattling sound coming out of the front of the car. I went back. Carlos was perplexed at first, then upon some "looking and hearing", told me that it's from the transmission - gears getting old and rattling, $5000 to replace the transmission and I should consider selling the car as is. I was very sad and confused. Finally got the wisdom to go to another shop that many friends had recommended. This shop seemed to know their job much better. Upon hearing my description of the symptom, already guessed that it's the head gasket, which is very common in gen 3 Prius at this mileage, and very worth fixing than selling. The diagnosis confirmed that it was the head gasket. I went to gasket master and fixed it for under $2000. Be careful. read more

I went to hella mechanics to go fix my bmw and not one shop knew was the issue‍ I literally went to Berkeley Auto and literally in 10 mins Carlos told me what was wrong and said he can fix it quick and didn't over charge me. Carlos has great customer service and i was very satisfied with with the work he does very clean and gets the job done where the actual problem is not where most shops tryna scam you into thinkin that you need a lot of work done when it's actually something else that wasn't the case with Carlos. on god i recommend yall to go check em out i promise yall wont be disappointed because im not and my car is driving like its brand new and im hella satisfied ‼‼ read more

Berkeley Auto Service - Carlos got my beamer back to driving ‼‼ - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

I stopped by a month ago needing help putting windshield wipers on. The gentlemen here were nice courteous and put the new windshield wipers on for free and refused a tip. If I need anything done quickly I will definitely come back to this great local spot. read more

This place and the owner are just amazing ! I needed my car checked out same day they took me in 40 mins before closing which they were extremely nice to do! They immediately found the issue and were able to give me a diagnosis and estimate on the spot. My car was ready with in two days which honestly is better than some places! I was able to drive my car to LA and back ! Super grateful for Carlos and his crew to help me solve my issues and make it an easy and clean experience!!! Def going to make this my go to mechanic in the Bay Area read more

Had a tire repair and was able to get Carlos to fix it quickly at a reasonable price. Got a fast response through yelp, friendly service, and professional. read more

Took me in day of and serviced my car well for affordable pricing. Communicative and kind!

Did not reply to the request I sent. I provided all needed details including the service I need, car details - vin and model and year. He just responded, " Call me" Not recommended. read more

Brought my car in for an intermittent fan/ electrical issue. Due to the inconsistent nature of the problem, I wasn't expecting an easy diagnosis, but was fine with paying for the diagnostic/inspection fee (which seems to be standard nowadays) just for a look. They ended up not really finding the issue (my car really behaved that day) but to my pleasant surprise, Carlos waved the fee, so they basically spent time looking into my car for free! I'll make sure to bring my car back if the issue crops up again. Thank you Carlos!! read more

Carlos was very professional and thorough in his work. He charged me a very reasonable price.

I went to this shop to see if they were honest and fair with their pricing, and unfortunately, that was not the case. They charged me $283 for a diagnostic scan, which is outrageous considering most shops offer this for free. Then, they tried to sell me a $1,200 coolant flush and hose replacement. I have professional automotive experience, so I let them do the job to evaluate their work. The hose they replaced is right on top of the engine bay, an easy fix that takes minutes. After they finished, I inspected everything and found that they never flushed the coolant at all--they only replaced the hose but charged for a full flush. A real coolant flush costs around $80 max at a reputable shop. This experience showed me that they overcharge for basic services and recommend unnecessary repairs. If you're looking for fair pricing and honest work, I'd recommend going elsewhere. read more

Refused to provide a quote for an alternator replacement. I asked for a quote and of the 5 shops this was sent to, 4 of them was able to either give a estimate quote or at least asked for vin number before giving a quote, and on the other hand there is Carlos, who responded with "take your car here tomorrow at 9:30". Like what? This is a car repair shop, not a Chinese restaurant. Get off your high horse, and learn how to talk to customers. What gave you this attitude? You think you are the only car repair shop in town? Upon checking all the other reviews, it looks like the good reviews were mostly from before Carlos took over the ownership of the shop, which was once a great family-owned reputable business. No more! read more

Preface: Caveat emptor. Offerings below are cited by another poster, the high Yelp ratings mostly comes from way older reviews, like some of mine, when brothers Roger and Dan Ramirez ran the shop. Like some of the other posters (Damien J, Martin S, and sadly many others), I was a long-standing customer, as far back as 1996 when Roger and Dan ran the shop. Carlos (Roger and Dan's nephew) took over the place about 2+ years ago. Sadly Berkeley Auto Service no longer lives up to the high level of integrity and stellar service offerings for what once was an honorable business. Carlos tried to scam me recently. He expected me to drive to the shop for a brake pads and rotors quote. While on the phone, I shared I was on a VERY tight budget, but he STILL quoted me over $2K for both axles!! To dovetail on Glenn K's post, "The sensation was being treated like a check book instead of a person." I received a printed, itemized FREE quote for BOTH axles around $1250 from a reputable shop near Sacramento -- parts $665 + Labor $534 not including taxes. After multiple requests to Carlos for a written estimate, which Roger, Dan and other mechanics afford customers, a written estimate was NEVER delivered by Carlos. I emailed Carlos back last week, and asked him to provide me a written quote. As of the moment I am writing this review, I have STILL not received one for the cost of JUST the front axle, JUST rear axle and, for BOTH axles. Clearly there were communications breakdowns during voice modulations on the telephone. Assert your agency and ask for a written quote. Perhaps if Carlos practiced issuing WRITTEN quotes, instead of verbal ones, this would avert confusion for customers. Instead, and also based on his response, he would prefer to deflect and make excuses instead of stand to account and honor FACTS conveyed here. By all means, draw your own conclusions... Agreed. By all means DO go somewhere else. For the record, Carlos was ALWAYS paid in full for ALL work completed. Clearly he misrepresents himself. *Sigh* read more

I rolled in 2 minutes before closing with some part of my undercarriage dragging, and they kindly got my car on the lift and rebolted it in place, and wished me a happy new year. I will definitely be back! read more

Berkeley Auto has great service! They were efficient and made my visit amazing. Truly great at what they do!

After a driver under the influence hit my parked car, Carlos saved my wheels and my pocketbook by talking me through what needed to be done, coming up with some options, and not fixing things that I didn't ask to have fixed. Everything felt very clear, and even when they were delays to order parts, Carlos was quick to let me know about them. I have never felt talked down to as a woman coming here (I especially appreciate that Carlos and I have developed a rapport, where I feel I can trust him to tell me when something is a thing I can easily do myself!), and I love hanging out with the shop cat! I don't have any qualms coming here if I need more intricate service, I feel like the work has been excellent value, and whether it is fixing my car suspension, or replacing a water pump, Carlos has been fantastic to work with. read more

By far the best place to have your Honda serviced. The Service Advisors are very knowledgeable and prescriptive about what service(s) are needed. Of all the places I have had my car serviced they are a 10! Kudos to Eddy, Dave, Amand, Sean and Adolfo! They are the best! read more

My vehicle got a bit mangled when a car ran through a red light and drove into my car. Berkeley Auto Service was open and nearby so I went there after calling the insurance company. Unfortunately, they do not work on collisions, but I was so impressed by their customer service. Not only did one of the men working there look under my hood and under my car to check a leak, but he ran across the street and helped me find the owner of a shop who could assist me. Such stellar service, even for someone like myself who was not a customer. Everyone, check out and support this business if you can. Such amazing folx and community heroes in my eyes. They made a hectic and stressful day a lot better. Thank you!!! read more

Berkeley Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

The staff helped me after hours they saved my dangling oil panel. They also speak Spanish. They were friendly and quick to help. I will definitely bring my car in next time. read more

Berkeley Auto Service - Sign - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

Unbelievable! This never happens anymore... Carlos diagnosed and fixed my problem FOR FREE!!! I'm almost embarrassed to write this... A piece of metal garbage had gotten stuck in the wheel, making an incredibly horrible screeching noise while driving. He could easily have charged me $900 and claimed it was worn bearings or fouled brakes etc. Took him and his son 10 minutes to find the problem and get me back on my way. All asked for was a pizza! Putting in a plug for Arinell Pizza while I'm at it... read more

Berkeley Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

Honest guys I met with Carlos for my old PT cruiser he told me what exactly what was wrong with different from other places and offer me a fair price read more

Carlos and his team help clean and repair my son's jeep in no time. The service was top notch and will definitely use their service for all of our future car checkups and repairs. read more

I regret to say the attention to my aging Volvo was surprisingly cursory and more costly than I believe it should have been. The substantive work was the installation of a cam position sensor. Plus an additional 150.00 for an inspection that failed to note the emergency brake did not work and the brake lights were not working. They were familiar with the car, as the person who I got it from had had it serviced by Berkeley Auto. I should have thought they already knew the car well. By comparison when I brought my Corolla to Patty's Auto Care for a wheel alignment, the mechanic did a thorough inspection and pointed out several items for my attention because that is just what they do when a vehicle comes in for the first time. There was no charge for looking at the common areas of concern for that car. I dealt with Carlos at Berkeley Auto. His demeanor was not friendly. He told me I should replace suspension bushings and tie rod ends on a car with 245,000 miles that he had told the former owner was so worn out that further repairs did not make sense. The sensation was being treated like a check book instead of a person. read more

These guys have some system that is clearly designed to steal your personal information and sell it. I asked about it and the guy said he wouldn't work on my car and was a real jerk about it. Stay away from this place. They're not trustworthy. Follow up - the owner and some of his guys came out to threaten me after they refused to help. Calling me names, threatening me and showing their true colors. Wow. Just wow. read more

Amazing service! After a 5 min call, they had me set up to repair my car the very next morning at a very fair price. 10/10!

A family owned business who are honest and committed to helping people. I brought my car in with an ignition issue and David took care of me quickly and communicated throughout the entire process! I felt super relieved to know that my car was in good hands. I felt like the service was incredibly professional, friendly, and reasonable. I'd definitely recommend this shop to my friends and family. Their cat Martín is also a wonderful addition to the family business! read more

My car battery died. I had my insurance company come jump it so I could go back to the advance auto where I bought the battery. Upon getting into my car (Honda), it flashed a message about check the charge. I knew something else was wrong. Knowing my car would die again upon turning it off, I was in a rush to find somewhere to take the car. The places near my house were booked for weeks (after holiday break). My partner helped me search and came across Berkeley auto service. He called on my behalf and Carlos told him to bring the car in. I was grateful to have another option other than the Honda dealer. He immediately told me it was both the battery and alternator (as expected). It was expensive, but on par with what I found on google for estimated repair costs. They were transparent and communicative with the turnaround time (had to be kept overnight to wait for the part). They contacted me when my car was ready, and followed up a few days later to make sure everything was fine, which I thought was nice. I would bring my car back here. BONUS: there is a grey cat that hangs out there. read more

Berkeley Auto Service - Grey shop cat - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

Carlos is awesome. My car had a bracket or joint of some kind hanging down from the bottom of the car. I called him up, he said just bring it in. Ten minutes later he'd fixed it. He didn't even want to charge me. I'm not kidding, I've never once had such an easy time getting a car fixed! read more

it was my first visit here and Carlos fixed my vehicle on the spot, & super fast too! I'll be returning for my vehicle repair needs for sure! Clean shop, very affordable & a gorgeous shop cat read more

Called to get a quote for a basic maintenance service ( A1 for a Honda- oil change and tire rotation) and the man who answered was rude, it's as if I was bothering him, very snappy. In all my 15+ years of owning my car it was the first time someone told me I had to come in with the car to give me a quote for a service code because he could not give me a quote through the phone. I am going through some financial struggles at the moment and want to weigh my options where I take my business. Maybe this person staff/ boss whatever he is has no need in life at present, has the luxury to turn away customers with his garbage attitude. Next time he opens his mouth to feed himself, he should remember where the source of his income comes from. read more

This business has changed ownership a couple of years ago and the seemingly high rating that Yelp shows mostly comes from way older reviews - take it with a grain of salt and beware because things have taken a turn for the worst lately. I landed on this place a looooong time ago because the original owner, Roger, was a renowned Audi guy and amazing with customers. He did great work and was trustworthy so naturally, I was super pleased -- no wonder his shop had a good reputation and racked up solid reviews on here. With that said, Carlos, the new owner/business manager, brings in an entirely different story. He incarnates that shady mechanic that we all dread. He'll start by charging you a $150/$200 diagnostic fee before doing any actual work, even if you come prepared with specific items to get done and are not interested in anything else, or if the work is obvious or about standard maintenance. He quoted me on a replacement part at 10x the price I eventually got elsewhere, without being able to provide a part number or even a more specific description. I confronted him about his practices; he was prepared with explanations that barely made any sense at all. He was completely uninterested in learning and ultimately told me he did not care for my business to my face, with another patron nearby. Cherry on the cake: I eventually got what I assume is a service automated follow-up text (I replied to warn him about this impending gloomy review) but my response got totally ignored. This guy does not have a care in the world: he's here to make money and being a mechanic is only a facade. Long story short: don't bother, and go next door. There are plenty of other mechanics nearby that will do a fantastic job for a much better price and without deceptive tactics. read more

Carlos ' team is very honest and quick. I already knew what was going on so he did not charge me diagnostics. He did exactly what I wanted and turned out perfect! read more

I went to BAS with a electrical light switch I bought online for my old (1995) mercury Village van, but since I was moving I did not have time together it installed by the original garage who diagnosed the problemm. I came to Carlos at BAS and he installed it free!! I now have my new mechanic for the life of this car in Berkeley! He also is a very personable guy with a very interesting personal story. Joe Berry read more

Carlos was quick and attentive in his service. He responded to me within minutes when I had a question. He provided a thorough examination of my car and helped get my car into good shape again so I could have peace of mind for an upcoming lengthy trip. I would certainly recommend. read more

Did not take my car there, heard all I needed on the phone from this guy. I called to ask for a brake job, his whole attitude was off and he seemed extremely sketchy based on the things he was saying. After he provided a quote (which was way over priced), I had some follow up questions. He literally just said no I don't do this and hung up on me. Rude service, don't bother. I already had better customer service with other shops for quotes. read more

Carlos did a great job on my Audi Quattro breaks. I highly recommend Berkeley Auto Service.

I can't recommend Berkeley Auto Service highly enough. After my car misfired on a Monday evening, I was able to make an appointment for the next morning at 9am. Carlos clearly explained what was wrong with my car and provided an accurate estimate on the repairs. He also made sure to order high quality replacement parts and charge a fair price for the labor (both of which were clearly laid out on the bill). Finding a reliable mechanic can be tough so I am glad to have found this location! read more

We've taken our small Fiat to Berkeley Auto Service three times now and have appreciated their honesty and the quality of their service. Carlos is super communicative, and they use some software to communicate their quotes that makes both the proposed service and past service history all very clear and easy to understand. I also appreciate that Carlos doesn't hard sell: he and his team seem very no-nonsense in explaining our options. We'll keep coming here! read more

Great service and great advice! I could make this my regular mechanic. I'll definitely be going back.

Back again, after logging in almost 8,000 miles since mid-June of this year for ONLY an oil change and to repair a couple of lights that hit time to death this 'lap'--one was the result of an inelastic collision dispensed by a driver misjudging depth and distance. Yeah, mechanical and electrical stuff eventually fails; that's just how it is. Considering my VW GTI 'The Missle' is almost 11 years old, having a headlight fail after being in service over 10 years is a pretty good result in my opinion. What's fantastic about this visit, is NOTHING else required repair!! That says something about Carlos', his son David, the institution Hung, and all the other gear heads that work in this shop. And this is why I've been a stalwart patron of Berkeley Auto Service since April 1996. That says something... Calm, courteous, and competent mechanics in this house. Understatement. read more