Came in with a Volvo to ask about services, electrical issue. Tech was less than helpful or seemingly interested in helping. No parking.

My son somehow managed to lodge a rock in the door and it would not close. I was so stressed about getting it fixed and literally drove over with the door tied up with rope worried I would have to have it taken apart or rebuilt. Dave was able to get the latch reset and working in less than five minutes. He was so incredibly kind about the whole thing and I really appreciated his taking the time to fix my issue. My neighbor has been going to Dave Scholl for years and told me great things, so I will definitely be scheduling my service here. It's so great to have a local Volvo expert in town! read more

Dave saved my bacon. Day before Thanksgiving trip he gave my Volvo his personal attention and performed an innovative fix to a stuck gas cap door. Thanks Dave! GL read more

My 2001 V70 XC purrs after much-needed service at Dave's; good price and speedy service.

Great customer, excellent communication, honest with integrity. Recommend highly! Thanks Dave and Terry! read more

Heading home after some time away in SB, we discovered our car was losing coolant. Dave made time to diagnose and fix the problem so we could get on our way. He was certainly our life saver that day. If we lived in SB we would become a regular. Thanks! read more

This man was completely rude to me on the phone and acted like I didn't know what I was talking about when I called in reference to my Volvo 240 wagon. I have been a proud owner of seven Volvos, and I understand their intricacies ~therefore I know when I need new shocks~ despite the fact that I am a woman. Is it so difficult to communicate on a telephone in a polite manor ? Such a bad reputation mechanics have for being know-it-alls, and this contributes to that generalization, which is unfortunate. There are classy and confident mechanics out there~ just have to find them... read more

My family has always trusted Dave Scholl with caring for our Volvos (with good reason!). Reading the other reviews, I couldn't help but notice how markedly out of place the few the one or two star reviews appear, as the vast majority give Dave Scholl Automotive an enthusiastic five stars. Additionally, what stands out even more is that the negative ones are virtually identical, sharing the same complaint, which is absolutely NOTHING to do with the quality of Mr. Scholl's work. Rather their displeasure primarily stems from the fact that Dave is not an overly gregarious individual who does not relish engaging in small talk with his customers. It is not his nature to come bounding out, beaming ear to ear, waxing lyrical about the beautiful weather we're having, and "How 'bout them Dodgers?!". Myself, I respect that he is simply a reserved individual: perhaps a bit terse - but polite, and entirely genuine. You will not be paying bargain basement prices for work done here, but Dave is trustworthy and fair. When I am hurtling down the 101 in my 3,200 lb Volvo, going.......um, the speed limit of course (haha), I'm not thinking to myself "Boy, I sure wish I'd gone to 'El Cheapo Express' and saved seventy bucks on my brakes!" Lastly, presumably Dave does not encourage us to expound upon our theories regarding the source and/or solution to a problem because - now I'm only guessing here - but if we are bringing our cars to him we are probably not master mechanics - otherwise we'd be taking care of any issues ourselves. Don't get the wrong idea, Dave Scholl is a very nice and friendly individual. But he Dave is also a professional; he knows what he is doing and just wants to get on with his work. His time is valuable and labor is expensive: do you expect your lawyer to chat merrily with you - and every other client they see that day for 20 minutes (and for free)? It is unreasonable and absurd for one to expect Mr. Scholl to do so either. Trustworthy, experienced, and a truly decent guy (and his wife is EXTREMELY friendly, BTW!) - five stars all day long! read more

Took my '99 V70 in to confirm what I believed to be an ABS module failure from my research online. He diagnosed it as such and also informed me that my transmission speed sensor was faulty. Good information. Much appreciated. I dunno if he doesn't like college-aged kids or what, but this guy was not amiable in the least. I got vague, one-word answers to my questions (I learned not to ask too many after a while). All in all, he didn't seem too happy to have my business, so I don't think I'll be coming back. Thanks for the info Dave. Not all of us kids are spoiled brats. I just wanted to know what was wrong with my car so that I could fix it. read more

Dave is a great guy and a straight shooter. Very reasonable. He's not free, but he doesn't overcharge. I totally trust him He's helped me so much and never charged for advice or his generous gift of time read more

I was sold on Dave after 1 visit. He does great work at reasonable price. I highly recommend him!

After my sister recently passed away I took the Volvo she had left to me to get smogged. It did not pass so the Smog Station gave me a print out of the repairs needed to get it through and referred me to Dave Scholl for repairs. I was pleased to find out that he had known my sister and had already worked on her car so even when he called saying it needed another $165 worth of work over his original estimate of $372 I trusted that the added work was necessary. However, I was surprised when I came to pick up the car and the final bill was $702.41. Knowing nothing about auto mechanics I couldn't understand a word of his explanation for these added costs, something about taking parts on and off, charging me $160 an hour to figure it out. Anyway having no choice but to pay him I did and took it to be smogged. The car passed, but the inspector told me that although Mr. Scholl had referenced repairing one of the necessary issues, the code came up "Pending" in their computer meaning that although it passed inspection the car was not fully repaired and the problem would reoccur shortly which it did so I contacted Mr. Scholl and politely asked if he would complete the repair properly without charging me again but he refused. What gets me even angrier about this whole thing is that I have since found receipts showing that my sister, an unemployed senior, without even a social security income and a terminal illness had already paid nearly $2500 over the previous nine months (over $1300 the year before) which, combined with my payment of another $700, makes an overall total of nearly $3200 paid to Mr. Scholl in less than a year for a car worth little over $2000! Really? Be careful of this guy~He's very bad news read more

Started taking my Volvo here after I got tired of getting incredibly expensive estimates from the dealership. A co-worker recommended Dave Scholl's work, and I now see why. He does a great job, is honest and friendly, and definitely a better value. Highly recommended. read more

I am on my second Volvo wagon here in santa Barbara. Dave started caring for my first and I was sold. I never doubt anything he tells me because of proven car success and reasonable rates. He is flexible about prioritizing the bigger items first if it is going to be horribly expensive. Dave is one reason I continue to drive a Volvo. read more

Huge new Dave Scholl fan here - forever grateful. I bought a used Volvo in LA and was driving it back home to the Bay Area with my teenaged daughter today when suddenly, while stopping in Santa Barbara for a short, late afternoon break, a horrendous grinding noise started coming from the rear drivers side wheel area. Quick search on Yelp for Volvo repair found Dave and I called him up and explained the situation. Though it was already 4:30 in the afternoon Dave said, "Come on down to the shop and I can take a look right now". Got to the shop in minutes and Dave quickly diagnosed the issue (inner brake pad was totally gone - metal on metal and rotor needed replacing). He was able to call and get the parts delivered super quickly and said he could have me back on the road in an hour or so. He showed me the problem and helped me take photos to document the issue. Cannot thank Dave Scholl enough for his helpfulness, expertise, and unbelievably fast diagnosis and repair. Thank you Dave! read more

I would not recommend this mechanic to anyone. We had a terrible experience when we took our Volvo to get repaired. He did the job, charged $400 and a few days later it was making the same noise again...so we took it back, he checked it and said that it was something completely different (but affecting the same parts he had replaced) and it would cost $2,500!!!! He said he missed it because the car was not running when he got it but we still got charged $90 for him to check it and do absolutely NOTHING to the car! He did not make us sign any papers before doing the repair but we still paid him (we really shouldn't have - that was part of the initial repair) When I asked him to explain further and break down the cost of the repair, he basically tried to give me an explanation but just based on no facts. So for the $490 that we paid him, the car is still in the same condition if not worst. Beware of this mechanic, he's definitely not an honest one. Don't take your car there, its not worth it your time and money. read more

Dave Scholl is the place to go for your Volvo in Santa Barbara. He knows the Volvo like a nobody else. . Just call or go by. If he can t do it he can tell u who can. read more

Found out after had work authorized, I could have saved $200./elsewhere on the radiator. After all the hype and commercials about Dave Scholl Auto, I could have not been more unhappy. Not only were all the "prices" not itemized, he was quite short with me and also showed no respect towards my college-aged son, since he had many questions and was such a costly repair (s). Since he couldn't be bothered by "itemizing" the parts, labor, and discount, (which was over $2k for a 1997 Volvo), we took it elsewhere, and had it all done for under $1k, and a couple of the parts Scholl had on his list, were not even needed. If you want to sit down w/a pro, who will explain each part, be patient, and talk over such a large estimate with you without gouging you......DON'T Go here!!!! :( read more

For over 20 years Dave has maintained my Volvos. His estimates are accurate, the work is excellent. I run my Volvos for the distance, typically between 250 and 300 K. Do unexpected repairs occur? Yes, unexpected events may occur in the real world. When something unexpected arises, Dave calls, describes in detail, the exact item in need of repair and the costs both for parts and labor. If working with a journey level mechanic is intimidating feel free to go to the Beverly Hills Dealership, toss your plastic over the counter and practice acceptance. read more

My aunt and uncle were in town . They had some car trouble, we asked around on who worked on Volvo in town. We took it down to the shop, and Dave diagnosed and repaired it in a jiffy. I would definitely recommend Dave Scholl automotive. By the way their shop dog Cody is an awesome Chocolate lab. read more

One reason I bought a Volvo is that I knew I could take it here for service. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

Dave is the best of the Swedish craftsmen, revered in their native land , as economical with their words as they are with there tolerance of all things yuppie. It you feel you are slumming when you leave Montecito or that your newly polished bs degree validates anything other than your desperate need for a 50 unit course in economic and emotional reality this is not the shop for you, No manicured male doll at the gate taking orders and administering feel good therapy. Just a small team of highly talented, honest Volvo specialists. Fifteen years ago my trusty 740 died out near gavoita. Although I had asked to be towed to a large shop the driver recommended Dave and called ahead. I answered David's questions whil we were driving and then he abruptly ended the conversation. Dave met us at the gate and before the tow driver had the car on the ground Dave had replaced the fuel pump relay and the car was running. The bill was super reasonable and the service fantastic. He had the courtesy not to point out other issues . In the interim the car has been serviced by another swede in Santa Monica with a very similar work ethic and a few whinney reviews. I indicated the general area of the water leak to Dave and a few minutes later he had the problem diagnosed , a list of the needed parts and the cost which was again very modest. There's an old joke about swedes that helps explain the culture . Rolf comes home from another day of hard work to confronted by his wife ......... Rolf , it's been twenty years since you said you loved me . Puzzled he replies. Ya , you are right and if it ever changes I will let you know....... read more

My family has take our Volvo's to Dave for 20+ years. He is a great mechanic with fair prices. Santa Barbara is lucky to have Dave!

A great, old-school mechanic who is always on site when I go there. I was taking my Volvo there in the early 2000s and just returned after a 15 year hiatus and he is just as reliable and reasonable. read more

Dave's one star reviews are not deserved. I have taken many Volvos to him over the years as has my son. He's a bit surly, doesn't talk much, and looks at you sometimes as if he's just waiting for you to shut up so he can get down to business. His wife Terry helps him and she's quite the opposite, very personable. Anyway, Dave is an excellent mechanic and more importantly, very honest. Volvos aren't cheap to fix, he's not a low end mechanic, but not any more expensive than the other ones and you get absolutely no bull shit from Dave. So if you want a one hour dissertation on what's wrong with your car, or detailed itemized to the penny estimates, go somewhere else, but if you want your car fixed, fixed competently, and at the going rate, Dave is the guy. He will not do a repair unless it is necessary and when you pick up your car, you know you are good to go. read more

Dave has been taking care of my cars for more than 10 years. He is a person of real integrity, and a great mechanic. You can trust him to do good work at a fair price. I couldn't recommend him more highly. read more

After a prominent local shop took three days to give me a quote well north of $1000 to fix my Dodge's turn signal problem, together with a bill for $150 for the "inspection," plus a load of BS, I went to Dave. To be fair, the BS was free. Dave fixed the problem in 30 minutes for $150-. No BS. I'll be going to Dave from now on. read more

I have been going to Dave Scholl's Automotive Server Center for over 20 years. Because of his superior knowledge of Volvos, my 1993 940 Wagon runs as if new. Everything works! His fees are reasonable and his Integrity is impeccable. Sally Patterson read more

Was passing through Santa Barbara overnight and showed up at Dave's place 10 minutes before opening hoping to resolve a 'check engine' and surging issue with my XC70. Dave said he would have a look at it and within an hour and a half, I was out of there with a newly replaced fuel sensor that the computer found faulty and that he had in stock. The car ran great the rest of the trip. Really appreciated the short notice service and the very fair price. read more

I have been taking my cars to Dave Scholl for almost 20 years - yikes, where does time go?!! He is by far the most honest, knowledgeable mechanic I have ever known. His "bedside manner" might be lacking, but if you want a person who has integrity and knows your Volvo inside and out, this is the shop for you. His wife, who manages the store, is one of the kindest, most fun people you will ever meet - certainly making up for Dave's stoic, reserved Norwegian personality! You can trust Dave and his staff to make your ride dependable and safe without breaking the bank. read more

High Quality, reasonable service and extremely honest person. Dave actually recommended a money saving for a major repair at another shop for my son. We will only bring our cars to Dave. I am sold! -3 Volvo Family read more