Excellent service, fast, pleasant. They quoted me $45 to change my Jeep's oil and $20 to check the brake linings and I was in and out in 40 minutes. They rotated my tires, filled them with air and didn't try to charge me any more than the quote or say I needed add'l work done. read more

I rarely write reviews but was compelled to do so: Don's Auto Service has been my auto mechanic since I moved back into San Francisco, purchased my home, and established myself in my local community. I have been in Don's Auto Service's family for more than eleven years. You see, I'm a relationship guy, and I'm "Old School" that way. I prefer to establish long standing relationships with the services I use close to home. Don's Auto Service has been consistently fair in pricing and clarifies all work needed before actually doing the work and charging me (others have done that); The owner and all of the employees explain my vehicle's mechanics in a simple to understand language at my level and without judgement; Don (the owner) and Carol (working the phones) personally give me effective referrals for other vehicle related services that guide me to those business owners (like Don's Auto Service) and as a result, I have established long lasting relationships with those services; Don & Carol guide me through my future vehicle needs so that there are no surprises and I have an opportunity to prepare for future costs (I call them my SUV doctor). I am writing this particular review because in the past year, I became the owner of a travel trailer, and while I am a novice exploring and camping, I continue to check-in with the team at Don's Auto Service to confirm that I am appropriately using my tow vehicle as it was intended and providing my vehicle the service updates on a regular basis. I got practical advise on methods of towing from Don personally, and continue to receive feedback that my vehicle is in excellent condition, they go the extra mile and make sure I have no worries on the road. Because of our relationship (today and for the life of my vehicles), I maintain peace of mind on all my vehicle concerns and rest assured that I have one less complication. Thank you to Don, Carol, and the team of experts at Don's Auto Service for your customer service, family values, and personal care that you provide me past, present, and future! Best, Chaz read more

I brought my mini cooper in for a 50K service check at Don's today. I was impressed with their friendliest and helpfulness. It felt like a real honest shop - with honest prices. read more

Don's Auto Service is the best place I've ever taken my car to. She loves it and wants to go all the time.

Just had a FANTASTIC experience here. After being told by a different place that the thread on my oil can cap was stripped and they'd **try** to tap it but I'd probably need to spend $687 on a new oil can, I brought it here, where Don fixed it FOR FREE. Seriously. I have this weird sensation of not feeling ripped off upon leaving a car place. And in case it didn't go without saying from the above, they're super duper nice there. Thanks Don's!! read more

Came here after reviewing all the great Yelper's comments...and I have to agree with them. My needs were minimal - the tire pressure warning light came on and I, knowing nothing about cars except how to fill them with gas, was worried. All the lines for Toyota service shops were not picking up so I called Don's. I reached a friendly guy who said to come on over, waited just a few minutes for them to clear out all the cars - busy on a Friday morning, and received one-on-one attention from a nice guy who filled my tires with air and told me to come back if the light comes on again, meaning theres a possibility of a nail in the tire. The final charge? $2. Can't beat that. read more

These guys are way cool and always give the "what's up" nod when I walk by. They have the cheapest smog check around. They're quick and efficent. read more

Went again in Oct. 2009 for a smog check and passed with flying colors. Don's makes this painless, fast, and they are all so friendly will recommend to anyone. read more

Went there a few weeks ago for a major tuneup on my '91 Nissan NX and found them to be honest and reliable. They did overfill my crankcase when they changed my oil, but when I pointed out the problem to them, they quickly drained off some excess oil to fix it. Nice neighborhoody father-son mechanics. read more

As a perspective customer, I was very disappointed with the customer service I received. I asked if I could come in for an oil change today. The gentleman on the phone didn't know--and couldn't answer--whether they had an oil filter for my car. And he couldn't answer whether it would be possible for me to get serviced today! I asked if I could come in half an hour and he was like "well, it all depends". I get that "this isn't jiffy lube" (which the man on the phone felt the need to rudely tell me) but at least be able to say whether it's possible to bring my car in to get serviced today! read more

straight up, $40.25 for a smog cert. in and out within less than 20 minutes, totally cool and friendly people, exactly as the reviews here described. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

The reviews were right. Honest repair shop, quick, friendly and competent service for the right price. They fix what is broken and that's all. I'll go back. read more

Very talented mechanics and great office staff. I called before I went over and explained what I needed. They told me to come on over and they took care of me right away for a VERY reasonable price. Highly impressed with this garage. read more

These guys are amazing. Truly. I am from out of town and was having some car trouble. Carol is totally amazing and will work with you on anything. So personable. I brought my car in which needed some new parts and they worked with me on places to get the best prices. Unbelievable. Amazing. My car was ready super quick and is ready to go across country again. If it weren't for these truly wonderful people, my car would not have survived my time in SF. read more

Bottom line, $32+8.25 = 40.25 for smog check with cert. No tricks or games as advertised. Great price, friendly and straight forward people. I will do business with them again in the future. . read more

It's been over 20 years since I've been to an auto garage and I'd had nothing but unpleasant and expensive memories so I was surprised and very impressed with the service I got here. I rolled in to get a battery change and I was driving out within 15 minutes. The cost was reasonable and everyone was friendly. I'll definitely be returning next time I have a problem. read more

Have been to Don's in the past for a smog check and have been happy every time. They are speedy, efficient and only cost $40. Plus, you don't need a coupon, like the place on Potrero. Plus, Dave Nugent (son of the man who started the biz) is humorous with his wry remarks, honest and friendly. read more

We love this place! We have been taking our cars here for years and everyone here has been helpful, friendly and wonderful! They take care of our cars efficiently and give honest assessments about what needs to be done. Absolutely the best auto service that I have ever had! read more

I love these guys. I've been going to Don's auto for almost 5 years and they have never _steered_ me wrong. The price is always reasonable, the service is friendly and my over driven Toyota is a testament to the garage because it just keeps going and going. My vehicle is very important to my business so I'm really happy to have found Don's Auto. I trust them implicitly. read more

One time I went there and I had to leave my car to get fixed so Don drove me to work. He offerd to pick me up too, but I took the bus. You could not ask for better service. They are honest, straight forward, and sincere. The last time I had to spend a bunch of money on my car they gave me a warranty for the parts and service. Plus, how many mechanics drive you to work??!! read more

What a great place. Dave took me right in for my smog check and everyone was so friendly. Their shop labor rate looks lower than most, and based upon the other clients conversations, I could see a lot of customer loyalty. What I liked most was all of the pieces of unusual equipment everywhere that show me they are craftspeople and problem solvers who can do almost any kind of custom repair. As an engineer who has worked with craftspeople like this, I was very impressed with their ability to "do it themselves" rather than farm out problems that require refabricating parts for more unusual repairs. I'm actually looking forward to my next repair! read more

I can't say enough good things about this shop. Every single person in it engaged me and had a sense of humor. I went there because it had the cheapest smog check in the neighborhood, and judging from what I've heard from others it is also one of, if not the, cheapest in the city. They even directed me to nearby coffee shops where I could bide my time. (Speaking of time, it only took ten minutes! During which they advised me of tricks I could pull to take a few dents out of my car at home. Unheard of!) All of the other customers in the shop I saw left with shiny happy smiles and promises to return. And as a woman who is relatively clueless about cars beyond the wash, wax, gas, and inflating of the tires sort of upkeep, they NEVER make me feel like a dumbass. Please, go here. read more

Drove by here needing a smog check, didn't have an appointment. I was in and out within a half hour. Good price at $32 plus certificate. Looks like they do good work, too. (place by my house charges $35 and that's allegedly cheap for SF). read more

You know how eveyone want the mechanic who is honest, and trouble shoots your problem thoroughly? That mechanic who fixes your exact problem at half the price of the greedy bastards who try to rip you off? Don is THAT GUY!! I've used them for 5 years now. And, Don's never drops the ball. They have always quoted accurate prices and timeframes. Don' read more

I love Don's! The first time I called them they tried to trouble shoot me over the phone to see if the problem could be fixed, saving me the trip to the shop. When I did have to go in, they were honest, straight forward, and did cost saving repairs to get me back on the road quickly and safely. read more

I just bought a used Subaru Outback and had it for a month before I noticed an oil leak. I was worried I might have bought a lemon, so I took it to Don's expecting bleak news. Turns out it was just a leaky oil-filter adapter. They diagnosed the problem lickety split and called my attention to a few hoses I might want replaced. They were honest and courteous--everything you want from a mechanic. I'll be sure to use Don's again. read more

I have been going here for the past 5 years and have always wanted to write a review but ..., well today I took my car in and decided that this is it. I have to write a review. In Summary : The place rocks, the best I have ever come across I am not a car guy - I am not the kind who loves to change the car oil myself or spend a spendid sunny San Francisco day washing my car or discussing radiator issues in detail. I go to a car mechanic shop so they can do all that, not rip me off and advise me on what REALLY needs to be done. Don's understands customers and does not recommend unnecessary stuff (ever been to Jiffy Lube, Dealer Service Center !!!), figures out the problem quickly and gets you up and running quickly (they open at 7 and if there are no real issues you could be driving to work at 8.30). I cannot think of a better auto service place. read more

First I would like to say that I should have written this review about 4 years ago when I had my first experience with the amazing staff here. However had I done that I would not be able to report that over the years, Don's auto has provided me with the best repair service I have ever had. I found them through a friend at my old job. He recommended them to me after he had taken his car in and needed a part replaced. They replaced it, he paid and went on his way. Now here is the cool part. They called him a few days later and told him they had over charged him for the part and had to refund him the difference. WTF! Have you ever heard of a mechanic this honest? I haven't. That's when I started taking my car in. They have done tune ups, replaced steering fluid lines, and put out a fire once when I pulled my smoking car up to their garage, replaced windows, and some electrical, and have answered stupid questions I had about my car and how to take care of it. When they had to refer out work for stuff they couldn't do, they have sent me to equally fine outfits They have been nothing but fair, and honest, and a good value. When I get a new car. I plan on buying what they suggest, and doing what they tell me to do. So, bottom line, if you need a mechanic, these are the guys to go to. They are the best in the bay area. read more

Dave took my car in right away, late in the day, fixed my oil leak and several other things that he saw needed attention for no extra charge. Great staff and super service. What more do you need. I highly recommend them. Gary read more

Dons Auto is great. I have been here twice to repair a flat tire and both times I was in and out in about 10 minutes with a job well done for a low price. In addition the people there are very friendly and helpful and gave me advice on their parts of my car like the brakes without me having to pay or ask. Overall helpful, friendly, quick, and effective. And they open at 7am so I can come in before work easily. Highly recommend for helpful car service. read more

I just had another incredibly great experience with Don's Auto. We were sure there was something wrong with the suspension or steering on our car. It just didn't "feel right." Expecting a big painful repair bill. Took it to Don's Auto and they checked it all out, found a nail in our tire, fixed that, and charged a minimal amount because they didn't have to do any repair work to the steering/suspension. I used to take my car to the dealer because I thought I could rest assured they would fix it right, use all the right parts, etc. What I found, however, is that they would predict an indiscriminate amount based on what they thought might be wrong, and then charge me that much. The dealer once estimated $600 to fix the non-functioning headlights on my car --- I took it to Don's Auto and they changed a couple of fuses, installed a new battery, and I was on my way for only $170. I feel pretty sure I would have paid all $600 to the dealer. Don's Auto actually trouble-shoots your car and then fixes what's wrong with it for a fair price. They don't "fix" something that isn't broken! read more

The Clutch went out on my 2004 Accord--(lasted 90K, can't complain). I knew this was an expensive job so I asked for friends' recommendations. My first call was to Clement Street Garage who quoted me a price of $1,750!! (plus a bunch of "potential" costs like refinishing the flywheel) That seemed really high to me, so I called Don's who quoted me a price of $1,250 (including refinishing the flywheel). Done the next day. Total price $1,285. I'd forgotten what it's like to drive with a fully functioning clutch--the car has a new lease on life. The short and sweet: Don's is fairly priced, highly skilled, and the kind of real, no BS people that you want to do business with. My highest recommendation! read more

I've been taking my 20 year Toyota to these guys since it was only 10. These guys are competent, polite, and completely trustworthy-- and pretty reasonably priced to boot. Today I had a routine flat that I knew they would fix right away. I put up coffee to brew at 6:52, drove over on the spare tire, and was back home (I do live close) at 7:16 to drink the fresh pot. Thanks Dave! read more

What can I tell you. My car was due for it's 60k service (actually a bit overdue) I called the dealer and he gave me a price. I called another shop and their quote was about half. I called Don's and they gave me a great price. The thing with garages/mechanics is trust. Well, people of SF, I'd say trust the folks at Don's. read more

I'm so glad I found Don's. They are super friendly and the prices are reasonable. I feel confident in their work and appreciate the way they go out of their way to accommodate my auto needs. read more

Overnight tuneup. Reasonable price. Not feeling like I'm being ripped off / talked down to / hit on because I'm a woman. Three blocks from my apartment. Nice ladies behind the desk who are also rescuers of feral cats. Small business that's been around awhile. Detailed receipt showing what was done and an explanation of why. Recommendations for "things to watch out for" with no sales pitch. Did I mention nice people? What's NOT to like?! Thanks for sending me here, Yelp. I owe you a beer. read more

I love Don's! We first took our car there for its smog inspection, which was a piece of cake thanks to the friendly service Don's place gave us. Later, we took the car in for some brake work and also asked to have an oil change since we were due for one. Don warned us that he wasn't the cheapest place in town for an oil change - how many places would tell you that? - but we had him do it anyway. Most recently we had an intermittent electrical problem that we took to Don. He told us that the computer diagnostic test cost about $70, which sounded fair to us. They ran our car through the diagnostic, couldn't find any problems (darn those intermittent issues) and called us to pick up the car. Here's the shocker: They didn't charge us for the diagnostic since there was nothing wrong! This is unreal! I've never seen such decency from a mechanic. So I'm here to tell all you Yelpers, take your car to Don's! Update (5/6/2008): We had our car into Don's again today, this time for a smog check and a general checkup (we knew that it was having problems, but we didn't know exactly what). The smog check was fine, and the general checkup revealed a leaking brake caliper and a leaking oil filter, which they replaced along with the oil. They found some other issues, too, which will probably need some attention in the future, and they gave us their honest opinion - that we probably don't want to keep this car long term, as it is likely to have more and more problems. And it cost under $400 for everything. Who else will do the work for that price all in one day AND level with you about the fact that you should probably ditch your car instead of coming back again and again to pay them for repairs? The people there are amazingly friendly, too. We're so lucky to have found a good shop! read more

So DANG real that I baked them a PIE! REALLY!!! Such a relief to find honest, hard working, fair, and down to earth people like Dave and his staff, to fix your car. Good people! They have saved me tons of money, and tons of stress. I highly recommend Don's. read more

Just great- fast, cheaper smog check than most, very friendly. I'll definitely go back.

Don's Auto Service is amazing. I took my car in to get both sets of wheel bearings replaced. They did the work in two days and charged me less than their estimate. read more