This place is wonderful! I have taken my Honda Civic here for a few years now and I love the service. The prices are reasonable, and their work is always high quality. What I love best about Berkeley Minicar is that, before doing any work on the car, they will describe the problem, give you a few different ways of fixing it (if there are more than 1) and then give you an opinion on which is the best fix vs cost. The only thing I don't like about them is that they're only open M-F!! Other than that, I'll be taking my Honda here hands down. read more

I started bringing my car here for service and repair about a year and a half ago, because the older Honda Accord station wagon I had just bought had been serviced there. These people are great --- knowledgeable, service-oriented and their prices are very reasonable. I had been going to another company in Oakland that I had been satisfied with, but BMC bested them in every regard. Only problem is that they are not open on Saturdays, but it is worth it to me to work my schedule around to get my car to them, and I live in San Leandro. I can't understand the negative comments I saw from some folks --- except the guy who expected people to check out his car for free --- duh! read more

Convenient location, swift service, and they did a great job. Inexpensive, great experience.

My parents have been bringing their cars to Berkeley Minicar for years. I've also had my Honda Accord serviced here. Quick, friendly, professional service. Most importantly, they are honest and straight forward. Highly recommended! read more

I just wanted to give a shout out to Sean Black from Berkeley Minicar who worked on my 17 year old daughter's Honda after she "bumped" the front end while parking. Sean fixed the damage perfectly, but also made sure that her car was safe and in good working order. He genuinely cared that she had a safe car to drive to school everyday. He is as honest as they come and an awesome mechanic. Thank you Sean Black! read more

Berkeley Minicar is by far one of the more premier Honda , Acura shops in the East Bay Area. I have been bringing my cars here for years. Superior staff, superior service at a fair price. Sean Black has been my mechanic of choice, his recommendations, knowledge and technical expertise, priceless! read more

Very courteous and willing to spend the time to discuss your car of van problems in great depth and detail!

Had my car towed in there. Had serious problems. They fixed it, and charged me $150 less than the estimate. That was a surprise.

Berkeley Mini-Car is Awesome! They serviced my 96 Civic for the last 5 years of my graduate studies at Berkeley, and I must say that they have my highest recommendation of all mechanics that I have encountered in various states. Jim, the Manager, is wonderful; I am very grateful to him for all his advice over the years. All best Berkeley Mini-Car! read more

When I need service or repair I shop around. Most recently I wanted some basic service on my Scion - change the two accessory belts, change the coolant with genuine toyota coolant, and replace the brake fluid. I got a straightforward quote that was the lowest of the shops I polled. I called and scheduled an appointment and wanted the first thing Monday morning. Jim told me that he didn't have the belts in the shop, but since I was calling a few days ahead he would get them in advance. On the day of the appointment, my wife took in the car. She is not car savvy, but she had my email exchange in getting the quote. They were done in less than 2 hours, and the price matched the qoute. They 100% met my expectations and did the work at the best price I could find from a reputable shop. I had a very similar experience here last year when doing a much more expensive job - timing belt replacement on my Odyssey. Same story - not only did they give me the best quote using genuine Honda parts, they did the work quickly, the actual price matched the quote and the job was done right. Great shop. thank you read more

BEST MECHANICS EVER!!!! As a girl who just moved to the area with non-Cali license plates, I could have easily been taken advantage of by any mechanic. I don't know about cars and I was clearly freaking out about how much noise my car was making. I got it towed to Berkeley Minicar and they said everything was fine. They put my car up, drove it around, checked everything and still couldn't find anything. Turns out, there must have been a rat or something in car. HOWEVER, any other place would have charged just to take a look at it. They didn't charge me anything! And they were so nice and helpful. Best personalities to deal with!!! Very honest. Very concerned. Even amazing manners (which you can't say for many mechanic/car shops)! They definitely got a customer for life! They even called back a couple days later to check up on me!! What more could anyone ever ask for from an auto shop?!!! Definitely check this place out! You won't be disappointed by Jim or the other nice gentleman (forgot his name though). They're amazing people! read more

I've NEVER had such a good experience with a car-fixing place. I didn't know where to look, and I didn't trust any auto repair places, and I kept putting off fixing my car out of fear of people who are just out to have my money. I'd been to Oceanside for my Honda and they just wanted to fix things that were only a little bit broken and charge me more than I deem my car to be worth. I'd also been to Berkeley Auto Care, where it seemed they were awash with so much business that they could over-charge me because-who cares? There are tons more college girls to rip off in this town. But at Berkeley Minicar, Jim at the front desk is so knowledgeable and also very sweet. He is attuned to the needs of the vehicles, the employees, his business, and (most importantly) his clients. Everyone there was just honest, principled, and hard-working. I am on a serious budget he recognized that all I needed was that my car run sustainably and not be dangerous. Jim didn't try to convince me to take the highest-priced upgrade or to pay for services and parts I couldn't afford. He just did his job: fixed things and made them right! Berkeley Minicar actually listened to my needs and gave them to me! And I trust that they will do that with all their clients. I recommend them whole-heartedly; you can definitely trust them. read more

My first experience at Berkeley Minicar was great. They were on time opening and efficient at their check-in process. I had four items to be checked on my 2000 Acura. The biggest concern was the Service Engine light. After reading the codes, the mechanic could have charged a lot for the repairs indicated by the two codes. But instead, he explained both of them to me, made his suggestion as to how to proceed, and reset the service engine light. Very cordial and accommodating. I will absolutely go back. read more

I took a used car here to have them inspect it before I bought it. I called first thing on a Monday and they were able to do it that afternoon. I thought the price was appropriate, and the guy took his time to walk me through everything afterwards (and I could actually follow him). The place is clean, the people were professional, and I was happy. read more

This place is the best!!!!!!! My whole family drive Hondas and we all love this place!!!!! read more

The best independent garage servicing Hondas. They take their time to definitively diagnose your car. They don't sell you things that you don't need. I worked with James who is candid and very kind. He spent a great deal of time diagnosing a problem. After he finally found the cause he said it could be repaired, but the repair would be expensive due to the cost of the part. He said since the repair is not mechanical that he advised against spending the money. A garage that you can trust. read more

I've taken my ancient Honda here for years, even before moving to the city, and it's still worth shlepping to Berkeley for. The service is beyond belief fabulous and their diagnostic abilities have probably saved my life several times (found a leaking hose once I hadn't even asked about, etc. and hardly charged me anything for it). Would give them more than five stars if I could. (And did I mention the owner has a wicked sense of humor?) read more

I got introduced to Berkeley Minicar the old fashioned way..."wom" word of mouth. Well, kindda. I was sitting one weekend waiting for a haircut (the $12 type - but I'm digressing) and I asked another guy who was also waiting for a haircut if he knew of a good place for an oil change. He mentioned Berkeley Minicar and I smiled and nodded my head making a mental note to check up the name. Then this guy turns around and says he's got their business card and proceeds to hand me their card. Now that's a coincidence. I do some research and I find out that they do have a good reputation. I wasn't disappointed. I had one of my scheduled maintenance work done here for a reasonable price. My guess is that they are probably one of the best Honda service people in NoCal and the key to their success is integrity. They're not likely to lie and cheat you and what you pay is fair. (I never thought I'd give 5 stars to a car service shop....) read more

these guys are great! thanks berkeley minicar.

Horrible service, treated me like an idiot because when I didn't understand their car talk. Took my car back for a minor problem and they wouldn't even take 5 minutes to fix it. read more

They've been taking care of my car (a 1987 Honda Accord DX hatchback) since I gave up on the local Honda dealer, a decade or so ago. They have been just great. Honest, not exorbitantly priced, good at diagnosis, on budget and on time, and they almost always get it right the first time. On the rare occasion that they make a mistake (one time their price for an oxygen sensor was WAY more than the price on Amazon), they'll find a way to make it right. Nancy, the front desk person, rolls her eyes whenever I roll in, but I like her, and Jim N. the service manager is terrific, as is mechanic Jerry who (poor guy) usually gets stuck working on my beast. They do Hondas (and now Toyotas) only. Highly recommended. 5 stars. - Phil L., Berkeley, CA. read more

Hard to find a good shop that you can trust. This is the best, most friendly, most responsive and most honest shop I have found in the Bay Area by far. Highly recommended. read more

Long overdue Review!!! Not many honest repair shops around. As a Female, I'm always Leary. Once I was referred to Berkeley Mini Car, my mind was at ease, after a few repairs. I started to feel, I had a repair shop I could finally trust. I drive a distance for the service, just because I trust there work and do not feel ripped off. There is one experience that sticks in my mind from a few years ago. I spoke to Jim about an issue, I was experiencing, fast forward My car had to be towed to the shop shortly after, they couldn't fix or it may have been a warranty situation can't remember (Trans) but, referred me to Oakland Acura dealer, Car is older so I stop going to the Dealership. I didn't like Concord Acura. Jim told me what needed to be done called the dealership and, told me if it was any more than a certain amount or I had any issues to call him immediately. Well, I was hesitant, dealership hummmm but, the service there was just as great and, the Service Manager had gotten the call to take good care of me. I commend Jim for his caring heart in making you feel comfortable and most importantly he's Fair. I wouldn't go any where else, well worth the drive from Antioch to Berkeley. read more

I have been using Berkeley Mini Car for maintenance and repair on my vehicles since 1989. They are the best--honest, thorough, excellent customer service. In fact, when it came to buy a new car, I bought a Honda instead of a Toyota simply because of Berkeley Mini Car (they only service Hondas). read more

They've always been great but they got even better IMO when they snagged Jim away from Berkeley Honda. He and the owner make a perfect pair behind the counter and it's always a tonic to see them and experience their wry humor... Today, I wanted a last-minute oil and filter change in preparation for a longish drive tomorrow. I happened to be near the Chevron station at Ashby and Telegraph, and so I asked them first if they could do it. Their answer was yes, if I left the car there for four hours, and it would be $100. I instead drove down to Berkeley Minicar, where Jim told me he could do it within the hour. I didn't even ask for an estimate. Less than an hour later, the car was done, and the total was only $45 and included an extra $10 for replacing of a melted brake light that Jim had noticed. He probably saved my life for that extra ten bucks... He handed me the removed melted brake light like a surgeon handing you the diseased body part he'd just removed...This place is worth a schlep from wherever in the greater Bay Area you are living. read more

Recently had some break work done on my Corolla. The mechanic, Sean, was very helpful in explaining the condition of my brakes and doing the minimum needed to get me back on the road. I'm grateful for his work and his info. read more

i love you berkeley minicar! i just moved back to the east bay and was sad to leave my great mechanic in sf, but yelp has shown me the way. my a/c was busted for about 4 years before coming here...i brought it in before work and got my oil changed and my a/c checked out, in time for me to pick it up after work. i was a little scared by the line that had formed when they opened at 8:30, but we were all checked in efficiently and friendly-like. my only complaint is that it's about a 1/2 hour walk from bart to pick up the car in the afternoon. apparently ac transit stops nearby, so maybe i'll try that next time! read more

Hands down the best mechanic shop I have ever been to. I've been taking my 1993 Honda Accord Wagon here for over 15 years, and owe it's continued reliability to their excellent care and service. I trust that my car will continue to run to 300k because of Jim and his professional and trustworthy staff. Every repair has been done quickly, thoroughly, and at a reasonable cost. They have always been completely transparent in terms of informing me of every detail and issue that may arise in the future. My future car purchases will be driven by the ability to continue to use them (they only work on Honda/Acura, although they have just started working on Toyotas). read more

I am shocked to hear the few poor reviews!! I have never had anything but good service and knowledgeable workers who are honest and helpful, do good work, and charge reasonable prices. They never fix what doesn't need fixing (they tell me it doesn't need fixing) and they always do a good job on what does. Plus they are on time and friendly! read more

I have had nothing but great experiences here. I started coming here after realizing that they charged about 1/2-2/3 of what my previous mechanic charged. They are super nice, explain things thoroughly, and are super honest-- twice they even recommended that I don't waste my money for things that I thought I needed fixed on my car (saying I could do without it). I'm a loyal customer. read more

I have brought my Honda Elements here for years. (And recommended this location to anyone else seeking Honda service.) Very upfront and honest as to what they feel needs (and doesn't need) to be done. In fact, they are several times just a phone call or email away. I cannot say enough about them. And their prices are extremely fair. In my mind, once you have found a good mechanic that you trust, why would I go anywhere else? read more

I've been taking my various Hondas to Berkeley Minicar since the early 1980s, from my 1978 Accord to my wife's 2007 CR-V. The shop is clean, the people in charge friendly and business-like, and they always give me an option to do certain work or put it off until a later service. As noted by another review, I can bring my own oil and they don't complain about that. Finally, I've never had a problem picking up the car at the time specified. Sometimes the car is done earlier. I still see a range of older Hondas in the shop, and I believe they've finally expanded to Acura as well, had my TSX serviced here as well. No problems recommending the shop. read more

I've been a Happy and Loyal customer of Berkeley Mini-Car for over 25 years. Thanks to a neighbor's referral, I've had the Best Car Care, Customer Service, and sometimes therapy when my 1987 Honda Accord has had regular or urgent care needs. Jim, Nancy, Mark and the entire BMC crew are Awesome. My Accord is still my preferred daily car at 308,000 miles....it's runs smoothly and reliably thanks to BMC. I've even been able to call them from the road, with a travel concern, and get a walk through solution until I could get safely home. (Wow). Now our 2011 Honda Pilot and our son's 2000 Honda Civic are under their care. I never doubt their analysis or their solution options....they're honest and knowledgeable. If a garage can give one that kind of peace of mind, there's no need to look elsewhere. THANKS & CHEERS 2 BMC! read more

Berkeley Minicar did an amazing job! The staff is incredibly nice and very helpful. Jim talked me through everything that I needed to know, and even explained how the system in my car will indicate which services I need. I will definitely be using these guys again in the future! read more

They've been here for practically forever. They are in it for the long haul and won't try to sell you bullshit service. If you have an old Honda, you should take it here. read more

Efficient, helpful, honest, and friendly, I have total confidence in this repair shop. A mechanically inclined friend of mine suggested I take my 2004 Honda to this shop when I was having minor issues, so I called the shop and whoever I talked to walked me through my minor issues and I didn't need to take it in. That happened twice - different issues, problems solved. When it came time to do major maintenance and repair, including replacing the timing belt, I called around for a range of estimates, and Berkeley Minicar came out ahead, both in terms of what they were able to do and the price they did it for. Glad to have found them and will continue taking my car to this repair shop even though I live in San Francisco. (My local Honda dealer not only charges far too much but also neglected to put the oil plug in properly last time they changed the oil and then suggested a $2000 "fix" for the leak, and my local independent shop also does not inspire confidence.) read more

The best place to get your car fixed or just maintained. I have been taking my Acura to Sean Black for the 11 years I have owned it. He does maintenance on it as if it was his own, and I have never been happier with a mechanic..... read more

I've brought my old '88 Honda (which no other garage I found was even willing to service anymore!) to this place a few times now and each time they have fixed the problem for a reasonable price, have had resolved the issue completely. They have also always been pretty fast -- dropping it off in the morning and picking it up that evening. Great helpful and friendly staff too. read more

Berkeley Minicar are serious, do a good job and won't rip you off. Will definitely continue to take my Honda there.

I have been taking one or another Honda to these guys for about 8 years and have always been satisfied. They have been punctual, they are friendly despite the busy nature of the work, and on several occasions they have helped me for free on little problems like sticky window cranks, frozen lock cylinders etc. when they could have run the meter and charged me. I trust them enough that I had a choice to buy a new Honda or a new Toyota a year ago and I went with the Honda largely because I could get it worked on there. I only wish they did Subarus so that my wife's car could get fixed there too. read more