The team at Don's is the best. honest they charge half of what your dealership will charge you. They will tell you when other people are ripping you off. And they never will. Go read more

Took my old '98 explorer to Don's for the first time about a month ago when it was having some engine troubles. The whole experience was great. Dropped off the vehicle in the morning and within a few hours got a call explaining that I had some spark plugs and wiring that was old and needed replacing, along with a very reasonable quote on the cost. After agreeing to the work they ordered the necessary parts, got them in and completed the work the following day. Everyone I interacted with was friendly and my car has been in great shape ever since. read more

The best people in the world! They have been taking care of me for 10 years. Dave and Carol know my old Ford Explorer well and are always honest about price, what repairs need to be made and I always leave with a smile on my face. read more

These folks are the best! They got me in for what I thought was a serious problem right away, diagnosed it, repaired it, all in less than 1 business day. And they were honest enough to let me know it wasn't as serious as I thought, so I got outta there for a totally reasonable amount of money. Go see these guys, you'll be happy that you did. Thanks Dave! read more

The crew at Don's have been keeping my '63 Ranchero on the road for over 6 years. They've done everything from rebuilding the motor to fixing a faulty brake light switch. They are real problem solvers. They'll let you know if a job is beyond their ability or just not a good idea. Their rates aren't too high either. read more

This place is amazing. My car broke down on a 3- day weekend. No only did they look at my car asap, they gave me a fair estimate too. So given the 2 hour window they estimated, I took off for lunch. Not only did they call back in less than 2 hours, my total was $50 less than the estimate! & they even called to make sure I got home ok! THE best shop in SF ever! :) Thank you soooo much for being the coolest people on earth!! S. read more

Scope of Work: replace thermostat 2001 Isuzu Rodeo I have a very reliable SUV with low mileage, it does sustain occasional collisions typical to living in the urban congestion of San Francisco, but has been very useful to me. This weekend I noticed a few warning signs in the radiator system, and was able to drive the car to Don's, where it had other systems serviced a few years ago. Even on almost no notice, the Don's crew became thoroughly involved, planning and proposing remedial work. We agreed that like almost all auto design engineers, this possible work would be complex because of limited or zero space needed for tool allowance to change the thermostat. The engine itself would have be suspended and pulled back to get proper inspection and service of the block and to put in new parts. At this point I was very grateful that the Don's crew accepted the challenge and moved forward --and once the rigging was set up and completed, the work assignment was rapidly completed. What is special about this shop is the incredible attitude they put into the work they take on. And once they start into the project, there comes a display of very high level craft skill. The customer service is exceptional. Without hesitation I give Don's Auto Service my highest recommendation. Mike D (San Francisco) read more

I took my car here to get service for an oil change/typical maintenance plus to check my brakes checked out. Normally I take my car in to get fixed at my cousin's shop but since Don's is closer to my house (and lately I've been REALLY busy) I decided to come here to get my car serviced for an oil change/maintenance and to get my brakes replaced. I've come to Don's previously to get a smog check and was satisfied with their work. Based on the reviews here I decided to give them a go. Don and his wife are very nice and friendly people. They definitely give off a friendly neighborhood vibe and are honest people. They charged me a reasonable price for the work they performed. Unfortunately for me, the work they performed on my car was sub-par. I knew I needed to get my brakes replaced and Don replaced the back pair. I noticed that after I picked up my car, my brakes were still squeaking and my parking brake was making weird noises. After replacing my brakes they should not be making such noises at all. I took my car back into my cousin to assess the work that had been done to see what was wrong. It turns out they used generic brakes instead of specifically using my car brand's brakes (which is why they were squeaking). My cousin went to the car dealership to buy the brakes needed for my car and replaced them. Also they did not do a good job sawing off my hand brake and did not align it property when putting it back on (which was why it was making weird noises). Basically it would have been better to bring it to my cousin's shop in the first place b/c all of the work had to be re-done. I spend around $250.00 for my work at Don's and had to spend another $275.00 at my cousin's shop to re-do all of the mediocre work done by this shop. Lesson learned... I'm not bringing my car here again. They get 1-star b/c they were really nice people. . read more

So happy to have found Don's Auto! When someone tried to steal my car, I was frantically trying to find a mechanic who could help get my ignition replaced ASAP. I stumbled upon this shop via Yelp and I could not be more happy with the service I received. Carol is the MVP and was beyond helpful in helping coordinate, find parts, etc. She really went above and beyond to make sure everything was fixed in only a handful of days, and the pricing was very reasonable too! I will definitely be going back here in the future, and highly recommend Don's Auto to anyone looking for a good mechanic shop that can do quick, effective, and affordable work. read more

My neighborhood mechanic with a neighborhood feel. Solid mechanic work (we've had a timing belt changed, oil changes etc.). Fair prices. Can't make it for closing time? They'll work with you on an after-hours pick up. Stress gone. read more

Having worked in the auto industry, I'm very particular about the mechanics who work on my car. The staff at Don's were friendly, knowledgeable and highly detail oriented. Don't mind the messy garage, these guys are master mechanics. I highly recommend their service to anyone. I'd noticed some unusual burning smells that other mechanics had brushed off, but Don's discovered that the valve cap was seeping. Even though it was a holiday weekend, the entire staff was warm and friendly and didn't rush us. They even set the clock in my car (You want an OCD mechanic-hard to find!). After discussing various pricing options, I got a great deal and left breathing a sigh of relief. When you find a good mechanic, you want the world to know about it. Go see Don's! read more

I've taken my car in numerous times for problems ranging from legitimate (that time the concrete column came out of nowhere and smashed into my rearview mirror) to careless (you mean I can just pop out my break lights and replace them that easily?!). Every time, it's been a great experience and I feel like I'm getting reliable advice/service. I'll be back without a doubt. read more

Great service, in by 7:30 out by 10, charged me $70, for something another shop quoted me $300, hopefully found an honest mechanic.

I love Don's been taking my car(s) there for a couple or few years now. Always honest, always reliable.

Great service, great folks. I was selling my mini-van and the buyer took it to AAA to have it looked at. There was a leak around the engine block that the AAA guy said indicated the block was leaking and it'd cost at least $800 to get fixed. Needless to say the buyer passed. So I took it to Don's for a second opinion... turned out to be a leaky hose. Total cost = 40.00. I've since had them do some other minor stuff and it's always well done. Very pleasant to deal with, too. read more

You know how it feels to walk into a totally unfamiliar environment and be immediately comforted, quickly put at-ease and relieved of all anxiety as to how things might go from there? No? Then have your car or truck break down for reasons known or unknown (I neglected mine until it just refused to keep going without some TLC) and get it towed to Don's Auto Service. Carol and da krewe will treat you right. read more

i love this place they're fast and reasonable. I have had my brakes done, two flats taken care of and recently had my alternator replaced. While I recommend an appointment, I just dropped in 3 out of 4 x's. I rate like this If I love a place I'm gonna come on Yelp and 5 star them, if I hate a place they gotta really be bad as I'm pretty easy going and can tell when a waiter or customer service person is having a bad day vs the joint sucks regularly. Not gonna stomp a place for one bad day/experience. read more

I brought in my girlfriend's Honda Civic because I'd bottomed it out on a dirt road and it was creaking. I dropped it off in the morning and expected to hear back from them a few days later. Instead, they called me back at noon and said there was a rock lodged up under the bumper and I needed a new front axle. Ouch, I though, this is going to be expensive. They said it would be $250. OK, that's not too bad... I said to go ahead. I got a call back three hours later to tell me they'd found an axle and installed it. I picked up the car after work. The total bill was $250 -- including labor! Same day axle replacement? Holy crap, these guys are great. Car is now creak-free and feels like a solid car again. read more

Don's Auto Service just installed a new carburetor on our 1972 Ford F250. This truck is OLD and HEAVY! It has glass and ladder racks, a Tommy Lift and a large tool compartment on the side bed. This doesn't account for all the heavy equipment, materials and crew (^_^). Let's just say our truck runs HEAVY! Out of the shop this truck took off like JET! It can go up hills without any struggles like before. On the down side, we have to learn how to drive our truck again. It's too fast! We now have a construction Hot-Rod Truck. Our 46 year old truck got a top operation and it now runs like a teenager. We didn't believe this was possible. Dr. Don's Auto service is the place to go. We are VERY happy with their service. read more

I dread car-maintenance. Like going to the dentist; a necessary evil if you want them to function properly (or at all). Simply put, these guys make it pain-free and almost enjoyable...like Nitrous Oxide...they are the laughing gas of auto repair. read more

Don's Auto Service is a great place everyone very friendly They do excellent work and the price is right and fast. Easy parking in front of location. I highly recommend Don's auto service. Awesome service. Thank you :) This was my second time there and I will be back with My other cars read more

What a breath of fresh air. Wait this is an auto shop. Hot damn. These people are awesome. Called down the street (Pacific Heights), "how much for a smog check? $65? Ok, thanks." Called Don's. "$40.25 out the door." Done Jackie. Not only are these guys and gals 100% above board, they are super nice and friendly. They pulled a car out of the way, put mine up on the machine and had me out of there in under 20 minutes. I almost thought I was in wonderland. This place is a find. read more

Super friendly staff. Don is earnest and repairs were timely. Both times I had my engine repaired here the total came out to less than the estimate. I never had to wait to drop off or pick up my truck read more

This shop is spot on! I called them on Monday & explained that my brake petal went down to the floor and felt super squishy. He, Dave, told me to tow it to his shop because it sounded like my brakes were out...eek! I did as he said, got it to the shop, left it there for a couple of hours, & it was done. Turned out they had to change the brake lines because something was leaking or something. As a women I am very Leary of auto shops...yes, perhaps I watch a little too much Finney on your side, but you don't have to worry at Don's:) I am stoked to have an awesome, non-slimy mechanic! read more

This is a bit late, but better late than never! I had an intermittent 'check engine' light on my 2004 Honda Element for at least 10 years or so. I've been bringing my car into other shops for maintenance, and no one was able to figure out why this was happening...that is...until I brought the car into Don's last month. They found the trouble (a 'knock sensor', whatever that is), and replaced the part that day. My 'check engine' light has been dark ever since. So - I can't recommend them highly enough! Also - the people at Don's...well...they're the kind of people I ran into regularly when I first moved to San Francisco (1972)...warm, friendly, folksy. Not many of us/them around these days...but that's another story! read more

Trustworthy staple of the neighborhood. Dave was wonderful and charming. They quickly figured out what was wrong with my car, and even helped me build a case to get some money back from CarMax for missing the problem when I bought the car a few months ago. read more

I had high hopes for this place with good reviews and in my neighborhood. Initial experience with scheduling, drop-off etc... was very efficient. I needed 2 things done. An ABS wheel sensor and wire changed, and an oil change. I know how to do these things, I am just too busy to do them right now. I also happen to have an engineering degree, have done extensive custom wiring and modifications for this car, and I also happen to be a woman. I was called sweetie twice by the main guy there. The second time I stopped him and corrected him. Welcome to 2017. However he responded well to my feedback so I was willing to move on from this. However, when I picked up the car I learned they had done some kind of full maintenance inspection including a battery load test. I did not ask for this to be done. They did it anyway and got defensive when I questioned why. Mind you, in my car to access the battery you have to remove a cover that has multiple added wires and relays I have fixed to it. So imagine my frustration when I find that my stereo will now not boot. It has some kind of internal fault. Powers up but won't boot. I call this morning and speak to someone and he tries to take me through a "is there a blown fuse?". Yeah thanks, I learned how to diagnose a blown fuse when I was 7. Took no responsibility at all and in no way would recognize the striking coincidence that they did some kind of battery load test and moved my electronics around, and now the stereo is dead. Who knows what kind of surge/dirty power/etc... went through my car's electrical system when they did this not-asked-for work? So now the stereo is off to warranty repair (hopefully they will cover it) and I am off to a weekend in Tahoe with no stereo. Fun times! read more

Yes it's true...Don's Auto Service is as good as it gets. Everyone at Don's deserves a "Hats Off Salute" In today's world of seemingly shallow business practices, Don's takes the opposite approach. Fair pricing, Honest diagnosis, Fast service and best of all they really care about you and your situation. Take it from me. I have been going to Don's Auto Service now for several years. They have been keeping me going in my 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 and there isn't anything that they have not been able to repair on it. They just completed installing a new motor after the original was finally worn out (at 160K) Truck was in for less than a week and I drove away yesterday with a brand new motor complete with a 100k / 36 months warranty. Don's Rocks!!! read more

Don's Auto Service has been around for a very long time, so you know they must be good. I have taken several vehicles to them for smogs over the years and I've always been treated with respect and professionalism. I have known both owners for more than 30 years and will not take my vehicles anywhere else. I know other shops that will just do what they want and then charge you whatever they can to make a buck, but not at this place! These people are some of the last honest mechanics out there. Even though I no longer live in the Bay Area, I will still continue to take my vehicles to Don's Auto Service because I trust that they will treat me, and my car, right! read more

When I bought my 2000 Focus zx3, I decided this was going to be the car I kept for the rest of my life. Well after many visits to the ford dealer for maintenance and after my warranty ran out I had to look for a place to bring my car that didn't cost me a fortune to maintain. Ford charged way to much and didn't seem to care. The answer to my wishes was right down my street on San Jose Ave...Dons Auto Service. It was love at first sight when I talked to the people that worked there and they treated me like family. I've been going there for years now, my car runs like a dream and their prices, I feel are fair and reasonable and...........THEY SURE KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. I would give them 6 STARS if I could. Jack Bossard, San Francisco read more

best ever. unfortunately, i found dave and cathy in 2005 cuz i destroyed my mother's volvo (yes, its almost impossible but my nickname is Calamity Slutsky) .... and Dave sold me his son's mazda to tide me over till i could buy the crazy honda i still drive today! i've sent numerous people there and have been there with all my cars and they are the best! also, dave looks like a rock star and cathy is on facebook! what more do u need to know. read more

I've been a few times now. I am always greeted with a friendly hi and a conversation that makes me feel like a human, despite my lack of insight into the inner workings of my car. I was given very honest advice and options, and tips for the future. They were able to complete my oil change and a break replacement in the same day, calling with updates and a willingness to stay open a few minutes late if I didn't get there exactly on time (luckily I did but thanks for the option!). I don't want to say I hope I'm in there again soon but next time I need my car looked at, I'll be back. I love these guys! read more

Hands down, the best. I'm so cheap, I squeek. Needless to say, I drive a 15 year old corolla wagon. Don's keeps me and the 'rolla truckin!

Don's Auto Service...it truly is as good as it gets! A wise someone once said to me, "Mike C, besides family, you need 3 important people in your life...1) a Doctor...2) a Lawyer...3) and a great Auto Mechanic. So true. I got the great doctor...never needed a lawyer (fingers crossed) and after years of trial and error, have had the perfect auto mechanic/team for the past 8 years! Note: this conclusion doesn't come easily for someone like me (meaning, no easy going Honda or Toyota that needs a this or that every few years)...I'm talking about 3 separate newer used cars in the past 8 years (the first two left my possession due to other driver's errors/accidents) and the general maintenance they require and two vintage/classic cars (that get their fair share of road time...why have them if you ain't gonna drive them!) that Dave and his team have always been happy to work on (I hope). So here's why I love the team at Don's Auto: Dave (Don's son) is truly an amazing mechanic (along with Hector and Kevin) who always gives it to me straight...no BS...no extra selling...no replacing parts that still have life in them. They give an honest appraisal when you first come in, call if anything changes and presents great options so you can decide what road to take. And, to top it all off, most things are done the same day! Plus, they actually take the time afterwards to review what was done, anything to keep an eye on for down the road and any warranties that are applicable for replaced parts! That last part there is really about Carol who runs the front desk/office (let's say she's the "Service" to Dave and Team's "Auto"). As a whole, everyone there is cheerful, friendly and extremely appreciative of your business (and, that includes Don...the watcher of everything "Don's Auto"...hey, it's his name on the door...he wants to make sure his customers are treated right). I won't go into any specific car-related scenario as there's plenty of great stories in their other positive reviews (though I did just see them about trouble with an old truck that they went above and beyond to make sure all was correct and fixed right and tight)...but wanted just share the belief that if you're concerned about getting your auto fixed right and at a truly honest price, Don's Auto Service is the place to go. Hands down. No doubt about it. I feel that way...will feel that way...and the 7 friends who've gone to Don's based on my adamant recommendations wholeheartedly feels that way. Small, family businesses are truly the backbone of this country/economy and we need to do what we can to support the longevity of this. read more

I've been coming to Don's on and off for 10 years. It's true there are some jobs that they don't want to do - and will tell you to go somewhere else, but I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I probably wouldn't want to work on my volkswagon transmission either! My father was also a mechanic, so I have been around shops quite a bit, and the great thing about Don and his shop is that they are not trying to take you for a ride. They diagnose problems quickly and only suggest the relevant repairs unlike dealers who would sooner replace 4 parts than 1. I have often gone in sure that I would owe hundreds of dollars and come out with a 72$ bill. They have been especially good with brakes and engine check-up items for me. read more

Wow a honest upfront repair shop in san francisco Took my car in for rear brakes at 745am and it was done at 915am and at a very fair price. No waiting room but many cafes's down the street. The owner and his son are there working as well so I feel I am contributing to the local economy not some chain and Carol who handles the phones and keeps everyone on their toes is awesome to chat with. read more

I went in for my first CA smog test. Everybody that I dealt with at Don's Auto was fantastic. My main person made me feel like I have known him for years. I felt right at home and got a great deal. I passed the smog test (apparently Subaru autos are almost a gimmie for the test), and I was on my way. I did not even have time to sit down before they were finished. Since I recently moved to San Francisco I did not have a repair shop that I could trust. I do now...Don's Auto is my car's new home away from home. read more

I was really impressed with the customer service here. I was going overseas, and I had to renew my car registration before I left. My car had to be smogged, and I foolishly left it to the very last minute. I called the shop, and they said they could get the job done in about 20 minutes. So I raced over there. When I arrived, they asked for the smog test info I'd gotten with my renewal notice. "What smog test info?" I said. Turns out there are different smog tests, and they needed to know which one my car needed. I didn't have the info with me, and I have to admit I was a little pissy at the prospect of having to go back home and get it. The woman at the desk was really nice to me anyway. She really wanted to find a way to solve the problem. Then one of the mechanics came over, and he knew what kind of test my car needed. So I didn't have to make a trip home, and they got the test done really quickly. I left a happy customer. read more

The service is very good. The Owner takes what arrives first. I would suggest that you arrive early in order to get your car serviced properly. read more

This place was fantastic. I brought in my car to check for a whole in a tire, and the guys spotted the tiniest of holes and fixed it on the spot, with no wait. They also did a light-speed tire rotation and were friendly the whole time. I always dread going into auto shops because I have zero car knowledge, but these guys made me feel welcomed rather than making me feel like, well, an idiot. Prices seemed very reasonable too. Thanks guys! read more