I received a letter today from the law offices of Milton Katz asking me to remove my original review. Apparently Dale took offense with my last paragraph when I urge people to stay away because they are "crooks". Mr. Katz accused me of defamation and libel, indicating that I was causing damage to the reputation of this business. Since I cannot remove or edit the original review at this time, please note that I am retracting the sentence where I'm referring to them as "crooks". However, the rest of the narrative stands. It accurately describes our experience with this business. Also, I am not the only person who has given 1-2 stars to this business. I suggest you read them. You'll find similar experiences to mine. read more

Thank you for your time and help... my son and I are so thankful for Dale.. very professional and easy to work with.. you have made my life so much easier and happy.. I wish I could find more people like Dale... we all miss Phil... but we know he is still helping Dale in many ways... thank you, thank you, thank you for a great experience at your shop... blessing your way always and forever... thank you for everything.... read more

Found this auto mechanic based on reviews. Would not recommend. I would have been better off throwing 200+ dollars away because they didn't fix the issue. read more

Dale and crew are a solid group of mechanics, and they are incredibly affordable considering the cost of getting anything checked or fixed in the Bay Area. I'm a big fan of Phil, Dale's partner, who will tell you straight, and often fixes smaller odds n ends that he catches while doing the main work, without overcharging (a good example is that he fixed my headlight and turn signal and only charged for parts). Plus he's got that grumpy swagger that I feel every true mechanic should have, if he's not blowing smoke or screwing you over. Dale can be a little snide depending on if he likes you or not, and whether or not you take his full advice on what needs to be fixed.....Phil will fix whatever it is you're coming in to address, and will make sure that you're safe getting on the road again, without trying to push you for more repairs. All in all, they are solid dudes and have been working on my pickup for about the last year and a half, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable mechanic who will give you an honest assessment for your wheels. read more

Can I give negative stars? These guys are shady. shaaa-dy. I brought my saab in for some major repairs, the bill was pricey, I was suspicious. They had it done all of these major repairs in a day. One of the repairs, an electrical problem, wasn't fixed - so I called right away. Phil said - the problem was fixed, the bulb must be out - bring it in I throw in a new bulb for you. I checked into everything, yea one bulb was out. I brought i back in - he replaced 4 bulbs and tried to charge me for it. Then when I protested that nothing was wrong with three of those - he pulled ot some old, blown bulbs from his desk and claimed they were mine - which they were not. On top of that, my heated seats weren't working when I picked it up the first time, Dale told me it was the heating and it would require alot of time to look into it and that I'd have to leave it with them for like a week, but they'd work out the price with me since they'd already gouged me on my initial repairs... etc. etc. Turned out it was the fuse. To me an honest mechanic would have said - did you check the fuses - First. Maybe its cuz I'm a woman - but I'm NEVER going back there again - and advise EVERYONE to avoid it. Save yourself the frustration, anguish and MONEY! read more

Dale and Phil have been dealing with my Saab for years. They're honest and no frills and upfront. They'll tell you if they have used parts they can use to save on costs. Good guys. Get to know them if you own a Saab. read more

Dale and Phil are the best mechanics in SF. My Saab has been coming to them since I bought it 4 years ago and they have kept it in tip top shape. I am sure they have saved me tons of money over the years! Wouldn't go anywhere else in SF... read more

I stopped by there today because of an abnormal issue with my '08 Volvo (not starting, giving alert system fault error). The crew is friendly and understands different types of cars. With one glance, he was able to spot the issue. I can trust them to take care of other repair needs and will do business with them. read more

It was a Saturday afternoon, and I had accidentally jammed one of those window sticky sunshields inside my car window, and it would no longer roll up or down. I called around to about 10 different auto shops in SF, and received responses that they were too busy to look at my car, or didn't have appointment until later that week, until I found Dale's. They told me to bring the car in and they'd take a look. I drove over there, and right away some nice fellows (including either Dale or Phil) helped me unjam my window in less than a minute using brute force. I had mentally prepared myself to pay $300-500 because that's what the other mechanics I had spoken to on the phone earlier were quoting, but Dale/Phil just laughed and told me it was free when I asked if I could pay them. I'm so grateful that they came through for me, and will bring my car to them in the future!! read more

I've been bringing my '98 VW to Dale and Phil for a decade now, and I'm always happy with their work. I find it deeply reassuring to have car mechanics who know me and my car and who're looking out for me, my safety, and my budget. I particularly recommend them as a woman who doesn't know a lot about cars--they try to make sure I understand what they're doing and I never feel dismissed or condescended to when I ask them for more information--Phil in particular gives amazing customer service when I'm feeling confused or uncertain. I feel like their advice has always steered me right, and they're great at being the calm, reassuring voice of pragmatism when I'm frazzled about an unexpected repair. Thanks, guys! read more

Just got back from picking up my 1999 Toyota Corolla from Dales Auto Service, and I am totally satisfied with their service. Dale and Phil were able to locate a "thumping" noise from the engine compartment. And they had it fixed in less than 2 hours on a late Friday afternoon. I took the same vehicle to another auto service shop, and they were unable to locate the "noise".They had also had done the 60k maintainance on my 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid. Not only did they do the job in a day, the cost was far less than the NISSAN dealer and other mechanics in the area. Although, the shop looks kinda "funky", the fast and quality repair, and fair service rates is well worth it. When my 2000 Ford Expedition needs service, I will also take it to Dale's. . read more

Great service, great guys. I called on Friday to get a quote to have my crankshaft seal and oil pump o-ring replaced, they quoted me $200. I asked if they can fix it on Saturday, Phil said to bring it in at 9am, which I did. They had it done by noon and for $180. When I brought my car in it was almost out of gas, when I was driving home I noticed I had almost 1/3 of a tank, WTF, I think he put gas in my car!!!!!! Going back for sure! read more

I had two experiences with this place after finding it on Yelp. First time was a simple replacement task. It seemed like an easy going and fairly inexpensive service. Second time was more involved. I don't know enough about cars to comment on details, but it comes down to $1500 job was suggested to take care of a problem. I took the car to my old trusted repair shop which took care of it for $200. I would say these guys either don't know enough or not quite honest. read more

I just completed another wonderful experience at Dale's Auto Service. Dale is a kind man and a superb mechanic--skilled, knowledgable and resourceful. He has not only kept my 2000 Saab station wagon running smoothly and passing its smog test, I swear it's peppier when I drive it home than when I brought it in even if it's only for a headlight repair. Now that we've lost Phil, if Dale carries out his plan to retire, it will be s sad day for the shrinking community of Saab owners. read more

Love these guys. Mainly worked with Phil who really knows his stuff and is very honest on what needs fixing and what does not. Have taken my Saab 9-3 to them for routine maintenance. Highly recommend them especially if you have a Saab but I think they should do just great for other European models as well. read more

I've had the worst luck with mechanics. The guys at the dealership would salivate with that "Here comes the sucker " smile on their faces every time I'd go in for mandatory service. Then there was the grumpy mechanic who was great at fixing the car, but had to gripe about it afterward. "Hello Prozac!" For a spell I settled on the mechanics who never seemed to have grease under their nails. Were they getting mani-pedi's? They wore jumpsuits but they might as well have been wearing Hugo Boss suits because those jumps suits were always spotless. They looked like museum curators not car mechanics. But Dale is the real deal. Skeptical, yet desperate, I brought the beast in for the 60K and a new thermostat. I received a realistic estimate, a ride to the train and a promise to have the work done by days end. Job was completed to satisfaction. His shop was full and he couldn't keep the car overnight, so he waited after hours for me. When I showed up not only was my car fixed, but he said those three words every guy wants to hear: "Want a beer?" Dale's Auto services most car types, including finicky imports. 5 yelpstars for Dale, Phil and the rest of the boys!! read more

I have been taking my 1997 Saab to Dale's for 6 years now. I don't trust my baby with any other mechanic. Dale is honest, reliable, and has never tried to take advantage of the fact that I am a woman who knows much of nothing about cars. (Unlike Burlingame Saab. I saved myself $700 by opening my mouth and talking car talk to them) I recommend Dale's for your Saab or any other vehicle. If he ever closed his doors, I would have to sell my car. Enjoy! read more

Choosing Dale's over Planet Saab is a no brainer. Yeah, the shop isn't as neat and pristine as Planet Saab, but these guys REALLY know their stuff and 1) they are honest and do what they say they are going to do (see my review of Planet Saab from 2011 - a really embarrassing experience for them) and 2) they are cheaper. In addition, they saved all the parts they replaced without me having to ask them to do so. No hesitation to go back and recommend these guys. read more

Once more I needed to fix my 1987 Saab 900...this time it needed a head gasket,and fan for the radiator radiator ,I didn't know there were 2 fans on this car..anyway,I took it to Dales Auto Service at 151 Turk St in San Francisco...These guy's, Dale ,Phil,and the rest of the guys are true professionals,and I mean that in the old sense of the word...they really do great work,don't try and sell you stuff you don't need,smart friendly guys who will get your auto back on the road read more

Dale is a car-whisperer. i have a 1987 Buick Century I inherited from my grandfather, and when things go wrong, Dale's ability to diagnose stuff over the phone is truly impressive. Like Car Talk on NPR. Once I left my neighborhood mechanic who had tried all day to figure out what was wrong w/ my stalled car, I was seriously ready to throw in the towel. My coworker insisted I call Dale before giving up hope. And I'm so glad I did. It was a broken drive train, which Dale diagnosed over the phone. I've been relying on Dale to keep my heirloom alive ever since. Beyond reasonable prices. For a reliable, skilled auto shop, Dale and his crew are the answer. read more

After being quoted about $500 from Embarcadero Automotive for a very simple vacuum hose job I decided to look elsewhere and found Dale's. First impressions were mixed as the shop is a bit tatty looking but the " Saab Reanimator" sign and tasteful graffiti outside (looks like they kindly let some taggers loose on their shopfront) gave me hope. They charged me $120 for the same job and did a bunch of extra stuff for nothing. I found them friendly and communicative and willl certainly go back . Recommended. read more

Dale is the best. If you have a Saab there's no question he's your guy, but even with anything else he knows what he's doing and will give you the fairest prices in town. Great guy, great shop! read more

Love these guys. I have never had such a good auto repair experience. Honestly I shopped around and could have gotten the repairs cheaper but I was willing to pay more for the great service. They're close to my office plus they got my vehicle back to me usually same day. I really appreciate their hard work and dedication! read more

Well I have nothing but great things to say. I have read the negative reviews and while I don't question their story I am surprised to read them. Anyway I have nothing but confidence in Dale and the people that work for him. read more

Best place to take your ride, especially a Saab. Have been coming to Dale for years.

I have been going to Dale's for the last 10 years, first with my Saab and now with my Mazda. I trust Dale and Phil explicitly. I know nothing about cars, and they know that, yet they never take advantage of me. In fact, when I have brought my car in thinking the brakes were bad, instead of saying yes just to get more money out of me, they told me no and I got out of there for less. Anything that actually is wrong with the car, they have always fixed perfectly and for a very reasonable charge. I highly recommend Dale's to anyone who needs a trustworthy mechanic. read more

Only 4 because I gotta go here more before I feel comfortable giving 5. I'm not a huge car guy, but i have learned quite a bit over the years since i like knowing how things work. On that note, I felt like i was getting great service and fair prices on the things he recommended. He took a lot of time to explain the things he saw wrong and whether they were must fixes or could be put off. His knowledge level seemed to be very high. Their prices seemed to be good, but it's so hard to compare with this stuff. In the end they did a pretty tough rush job and didn't try to pile on extra. I'll definitely go back again when I need my next work done. read more

Dale's has taken care of my cars, my sister's, and many of my friends' cars over a decade. They are honest, knowledgeable and skilled mechanics who have provided me with great service and peace of mind. They evaluate what would be best for the car and the customer. I always feel as though I've been treated very fairly, usually even better than I could ever expect. I actually don't hate going to the mechanic when I bring my car to Dale's. read more

Saabs, of any vintage, are mercurial as are often their owners. Which is why it's best to have the opposite as your mechanic. Dale is that --- steady, impervious; he knows these cars through and through. But he also has good business sense and hired a terrific mechanic, Mr. Hao, who is thoughtful, meticulous, and relentless. You won't find better. At the end of the day he keeps you on the road safely and surely, without that endless list of what still needs to be done, without all the malarkey, and at a reasonable price --- for these kinds of cars. The garage itself is a shadowy soundstage of disassemblage and ruin, but don't be put off. read more

Dale charged me $150 for an oil change. Then I took the car to another mechanic who said the oil had not been changed. Phil always says he is "sick", with a cigarette hanging in his mouth. Dale has a hard time with things like changing light bulbs, had to bring it back because they used the wrong kind. Don't trust. read more

I have been bringing my Saab 9-5 to Dale for over two years. He and Phil have been fair and honest. They have consistently provided the right support at the right time. They are great about trying to identify a cost-effective solution (as opposed to the standard expensive one) to last me a while longer before spending the big bucks. They have never been late and have always worked to offer the help I need. Only once have I had to bring the car back for follow-up work from a repair/maintenance and that was a tiny thing. I see myself going to them for a good long while. So, why four instead of five stars? It may not be anything they can do about. But, repairs on Saabs are pricey. I have spent less here than at other places. But, it's still not cheap. read more

Great customer service and comfort that I was being treated fairly & honestly as a female customer with an old Saab. Phil & Dale know what theyre doing & a pleasure to work with!! read more

We brought our 1990 SAAB sedan into Dale's to identify and stop sources of leaks and deal with an electrical problem. They were, as always, thorough, clear in their pricing, and meticulous in conversations with us about alternatives. We authorized the work and arrived to pay the bill, only to find it lower than our estimate. Phil explained that one of the items identified for servicing to limit leaks was not a problem after they disassembled part of the engine, so they didn't charge for the diagnostic. Highly recommended. read more

Best mechanics in Sf my parents have been going to them for over 20 years! They're completely honest and smart guys who will figure out what's going on with your car. Wouldn't take my car anywhere else! read more

Not recommended. Immediately after an alternator replacement my belt broke causing over 1000$ in follow up repairs. The garage that fixed the car then found the alternator was not properly installed, Dale claimed the belt issue was unrelated to the alternator work. Not trustworthy. read more

I have stuck with these guys for over 10 years when it comes to keeping my 16 year old car on the road! I have complete confidence that they have my best interest in mind... and they are good guys to boot! Highly recommended!!! read more

I will travel over Phil and Dale to get to these guys with my Saab. They take such good care of my wheels that I can drive a really sweet car and not worry about it breaking down. These guys are the BEST. read more

I'm sad that Dale's Auto got pushed out of Mission where I could walk over. I don't like new location, but I trust them so much I will continue to go there - just picked up my car this morning that needed a new water pump. I've been taking cars and having Dale and Phil work on them for about 20 years. Also feel it's a perfect place for women to take vehicles and be treated with respect. I'm sixty and had many bad experiences before finding them around 40. Just wish they weren't on Turk but will continue going. It's worth it. read more

As a woman who knows a little bit about car trouble, I got tired of being taken as a patsy when I took my car in. Dale loves Saabs and I took my Saab there for many years, as well as a Ford and now a Toyota. They've always been very straightforward and honest with me. I also like that I can order parts and tires online and then bring it to them and they'll put them on for me. read more

Dale and Phil have been fixing my Saabs since 2001 over in Potrero Hill. At their new 150 Turk location they're providing the same excellent service. They're incredibly experienced with Saabs and always provide good estimates and top notch communication. I recommend them without reservation! read more