Very professional and upfront about everything. I went in for an oil change and they found a couple other issues that needed attention. They sent me a very detailed report, including photos of the other items. Prices are fair and they finished everything pretty quickly. I will definitely be going back for all future maintenance! read more

Fred's was recommended to me by a co-worker over 20 years ago as being exceptionally trustworthy, especially for women who are not always treated honestly at car service/repair shops. Fred's has lived up to this recommendation for me over the years and I plan to keep taking my car there for the next 20 years! read more

Fred is the man. Fred is the bomb. Fred speaks truth to power. I recently brought in my twenty-something, 100,000+ miles-havin'-on-it hoopty for what I was pretty sure was a relatively minor oil leak. Fred said, "Don't worry, Jimmy J. We'll take care of it!" (Gotta love that can-do attitude. It's what's made America so fucking great.) An hour or so later Fred called me back with some news. It wasn't good news. No, it wasn't good news at all. In fact, I don't mind telling you, it was bad news. Bad, awful news. Not at all the kind of news that might validate a can-do attitude. It seemed that the oil leak, which was in itself of the fatal variety, was the least of my rig's concerns. Quoth Fred, "I can't say how much longer this car will last, but I can definitely say that it is on its last legs and it isn't worth the money required to keep it running, " at which point he rattled off a veritable laundry list of end-of-life issues that the car was facing. I said, "That can't be! It's a Toyota! Toyota's never die! Certainly not before 350,000 miles!" Fred said, "Trust me." Now, think about it. Fred could easily have blown huge columns of smoke up my ass and made a bundle in the process. He could have called me and said, "Hey, Jimmy J., we took care of that oil leak, but we found that your catatonic bivalve rhapsodizer is shot. I can get you an after market and slap it on for about $250." "Okay," like, an idiot, I would have probably said. Then an hour later, another call: "Jimmy J., I hate to tell you this, but your flamboyance inhibitor is hanging by a thread. I can hook you up for about $325." "Okay," like the dumbass I am, I would have probably replied. Then another call: "Jimmy J., I don't know how to tell you this, we were just finishing up when your car fell off the lift. It's going to be another $1750." "Okay," like a retarded fuck that should be drawing SSDI benefits I would have likely responded. I mean, that's the way I would roll if I were a mechanic. Lucky for me (and you) Fred's got scruples, and plenty of 'em. Fred only said (and I'm paraphrasing), "Get in here and get this piece of shit outta here." I did, and he only charged me $50 for the pre-mortem. Rather like Diogenes, I have spent the better part of the past quarter century pinballing around Alameda in search of one honest mechanic. I believe I've finally found him. read more

Read all these reviews recently, and decided to take my car here to check out a steering problem it was having. Fred's demeanor is about the worst i've ever encountered in 30 years of taking cars to mechanics, in about 10 different cities in the U.S. In fact, I've never encountered someone so grumpy and listless who owns his own business. Rather remarkable that he has the client base that he does. That said, I can't speak to the quality of his work. His estimate was high, and he charged me $150 for the analysis -- way more than i've ever paid for an estimate, particularly for the amount of work involved. Also a great way to drive away a potential new customer. A good mechanic could have diagnosed the problem in about 45 minutes, which is what happened at the shop I took it to later. I ended up taking my car to a shop in Berkeley that specializes in Volvos, and they did the work for about $200 less than Fred's estimate. And with much better customer service. read more

All the review say Fred is amazing, honest, wonderful... And maybe he is... but YOU'LL PAY UP THE BUTT FOR IT!!!! He gave me a quote that was $500 more then the highest of the other three quotes I got for the repairs needed...(Freds: $1366.34, shop 2: $998.00, shop 3: $789.00) Obviously I will NOT be going with his shop.... I don't know about all these previous reviews but I don't care how well he treats his customers, other shops do just as well, and I'm not "tipping" Freds $500 bucks for the good experience... Proceed with you wallet in mind if you take your car here... I did find a great shop that was recommended by a friend. He's been in the biz for 23 years, only works on Mercedes, and could do the work Fred needed 6.5 hours for in 3.5...! Oh! And it took Fred 2 days to finally get to my car and tell me what was wrong to begin with and it's gonna take a half a day for him to get it back to me so I can take it somewhere else... read more

Highly recommend good service and honest service showed me everything and didn't charge me for anything but the issue and fit me in as I was a last minute check in. As military member that is beyond appreciated especially with me deploying soon. I was able to have my car fixed and serviced which took a lot of stress off me. Go to Fred's! read more

Been a regular at Fred's for a year. Please read this closely if you're considering auto work there. 1. My car needed follow-up work THREE times after Fred charged me $1700 for repairs. The follow-up work reflected poorly on the workmanship at his shop: for example, not cleaning the last oil spill, making it difficult for other mechanics to see the new problems. My mechanic from home even found a screw from the power steering in the oil pan. You know, an errant screw just hanging out there. He also said they sublet my car to fix the A/C, which meant my price was 5x higher than someone else may charge. 2. After they held my car for three days, I didn't drive it more than 6 miles before it broke down in the Posey tube. Turns out the radiator cap had broken in the repair and they hadn't fixed it. No refund. 3. After $1700 in repairs, I had to pay $1000 elsewhere to get the oil leak, the job for which I originally took it in, fixed. The mechanic also caught other problems - whereas Fred assured me there was nothing else wrong with my car, for prices 2-3x what others cost. This shop caused me weeks of repairs, untold anxiety and I caution you against using them. I hesitated to write this review because I had used them before this repair , but I'm out $3000 dollars, have had a car out of commission on and off since mid-July, and was charged far too much for it. read more

This place was highly recommended by my neighbor. It's so hard to find a place where you can trust. I always leave other mechanics feeling like I'm being taken advantage of. I came in just to have my lights fixed and it was fixed in 5 minutes and was charged something so minimal. I was impressed and left feeling great. Now I will be recommending this place to others. read more

Straightforward honest and timely service with everything explained clearly for those of us who are not mechanics - thank you!

We have taken numerous cars to Fred's over the years, none of them worth putting too much into and every time they've worked with us to determine what really needed to be done and what we could let slide. They explain things clearly and thoroughly and we've never had something fail on us. Can't recommend highly enough. read more

Awesome service! Really nice and friendly and informative. Definitely my new go to mechanic in the Bay Area.

FRED's a great guy. He has helped me a lot, and gave me great advice in regards to cars. Great customer service, and very personable. Thanks Fred, I appreciate you. read more

Incredible service at Fred's. The entire staff was so helpful and kind! Shout out to Barry for working with my schedule and al his excellent work he did, as well as the other mechanics. I will definitely be bringing my car back to them when the time comes. Highly recommend taking your car here! read more

I generally like and try to do my own work, but sometimes when you are in over your head you need to go to a pro. And let me tell you Fred and his crew are just that. They do excellent work, are reasonably priced and have a great turn around time. You can even bring in your own parts if you like. If I'm in a situation again that requires taking the car in to a shop, Fred's Wrench House is the only place for me. read more

The mechanic who is my "go to" couldn't figure out why my car wasn't running on all cylinders. He kept saying my catalytic converter was bad. My neighbor found out about Fred's from his friend and we went there. Turns out it was my fuel injector. They fixed it in a few hours and although it wasn't cheap, at least they figured out the problem. I will be going back, that's for sure. Nice people and they know what they are doing! Thanks!!!! read more

High labor rate ($100/hr) but worth it. The owner is honest and communicative, and the mechanics are excellent. I went here on the recommendation of my regular mechanic (Art's Automotive in Berkeley, which only does Japanese cars). I brought a Chevy in that wouldn't start, and I was convinced that it needed an expensive part. The mechanic found the real problem, which was a much cheaper repair. So big points for honesty and value. All the work I've had done here was completed not just on time, but *sooner* than estimated. Every part of my experience with this garage has been positive. Even though the garage is over 10 miles from my place, I'll go to Fred's for any serious work on my Chevy. Fred's gets my highest recommendation. read more

I took my truck in because it felt like it was miss firing, I got a new PVC valve and a new hose in my valve cover. He said, it was all fixed.. $125 dollars, later. got to the corner after leaving and it was still not running right. I took it back the next day.. they had it for a few hours, told me to come pick it up they couldn't find anything wrong with it...geeze! my 23 y/o son teases me about how crappy it sounds and runs and Fred can't find anything wrong, Fred pretty much said it was my imagination. It was a very frustrating experience, see ladies even guy's get the business. lousy customer service, he was pretty arrogant and lacks. In my business I don't get paid till it's fixed and the customer is satisfied. It was the fuel pump!! Fred read more

These guys are the ones that extend the life of my 1985 Mustang. I love that car and these guys apparently love that car as well. Its nice to know that your car is in the hand of mechanics that care. I can attest that they do a great job and also these guys will not scam you like others. They even call me back and tell me that they overcalculated the quote and I'm going to pay less. They find out that some parts dont need to be replaced, just need a little clean up. You dont see that kind of integrity on mechanics these days. Kudos for Fred's Wrenchouse. read more

Had a check-up and oil change. I liked the vintage office area and the antique bird cage clock from Shanghai. Fred is a very nice business person. Had a very good feeling about the entire experience. Would trust them to do more extensive repairs. read more

After 3 blown head gaskets and lots of steam exiting my car, it was time for a replacement. I called a half dozen places before being directed here, and they didn't blink an eye when I asked for a replacement, not a rebuild. They came back quick with a reasonable quote, had my car in there 2 days later. The first engine they received wasn't up to their standard, so they called me up to discuss my options. Ended up with a 0 mile rebuilt engine for thousands less than getting mine rebuilt. They also let me know about some other problems that should be remedied while the engine was out for basically the cost of parts, awesome! Completely professional, great communicators, and will pretty much do any car job you ask of them. I totally trust these guys to work on my car from now on. read more

Fred's Wrenchouse is the only place I'll ever take my Chevy. As a young 20-something college girl I know what I look like when I walk into an autoshop alone - free money. However, Fred has always treated me with respect and never talks down to me when explaining what's wrong with my car. He's patient with questions and will give you a list of what needs to be fixed now, and what needs to be fixed but can wait. Service at Fred's is always the best. Fred knows me not only by name, but by the make, model and color of my car. Labor may be $100/hr, but his prices and work is always high quality and fair. Yesterday I dropped off my car because the trunk was broken - it wouldn't close. He called me that afternoon to explain that there was nothing wrong with my trunk or latch. The lever to pop the trunk next to my seat had been bent, which left the latch in the "release" position. He straightened out the lever and bam! Problem solved. Fred will fix your car the right way right away. Fred's Wrenchouse is the best!! read more

Our car recently came out of warrantee and we needed a major service and inspection. We made an appointment with Fred and his crew and he got our car running like a dream, recommended replacing the breaks (which I knew needed to be done) and pointed out some things that needn't be fixed now, but should be watched. Fred and his crew are fast, very reasonably priced, easy to find and nice as can be. I recommend Fred to my friends, employees, family members and anyone who needs detail-oriented and friendly car repair services! read more

Years ago I was the clueless owner of one of those hideously bright red Oldsmobile Achievas. I was a single female and had blown several thousands of bucks already in Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco auto mechanic shops. Each shop told me my problem was fixed. And of course each mechanic had a different diagnosis. Each pretended he'd fixed things. Then my car would break down again in the middle of nowhere. Life is rough when you aren't educated about cars. By the time I found my way to Fred in Alameda, I was beyond cynical. "Listen," I told Fred on sight," One day an honest mechanic is going to figure out how to keep my car from falling asleep in the middle of long drives through obscure townships, or I'm going to properly shackle myself into the front seat and drive off the Bay Bridge. It's tempting even though I have a profound fear of deep water." Fred diagnosed the problem, explained it graphically but without condescension, fixed my car (!!!), and charged me a very reasonable fee. Fred treated me with respect and renewed my faith in human decency. He was a real light in my darkest automotive hour. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone. Best mechanic I know. read more

Fred is so cool. He is straight up and will not jerk you around. He told me that my car was a piece of junk and that he would rather me save up for a new one that for me to keep paying him to keep it barely running. Thanks Fred! I love my new car. read more

Fred and his team are the BEST! The brake light went on in my 'little' car and I did not want to take it to the Dealership Service Department- knowing they would take me to the cleaners. Fred and team were very detailed and checked all my brake lines, filled the brake fluid and cleaned my brakes! It does not get better than that! The 'Dealership' has a 39 point check when you have an oil change and are suppose to top off all fluids....so why was my brake fluid almost empty? Maybe they didn't top off all the fluids- 'cause if they did- the brake light would not have gone off! 5 Stars for Fred and his team. I used Uber to take me home while being serviced and to bring me back when my car was ready. No doubt- take your business here! Thanks, Fred! read more

Took my car to Fred's for a smog check and annual safety check. Asked Fred about how the engine was sounding different. They found and replaced sagging engine mounts, saving the old parts to show me the issues. Engine sure sounds better now. They also located and fixed an annoying little noise that started with the clutch spring after fixing the mounts. I can count on Fred to give me an honest and fair assessment of what's going on and what it will take to fix things. Then, to do a great job at a reasonable price! read more

I took my 96 4Runner here as a high school student on a budget under the referral of a neighbor. Alot of reviews mention the high hourly work cost, but I found that it was reasonable considering that Toyota charges the same thing just to pull the truck on the lot almost. I took my truck here for what ended up being a blown headgasket, $1200 at the least, probably more. He worked with toyota and ended up getting toyota to pay for it in full after the dealership said it wouldnt honor the recall (Toyota of Alameda since closed, gee wonder why?). After that I took my truck there for the 100k maintinence. with the same great service! read more

Listen people out there dont take your car to this place if your a different ethnicity with a better car than these guys the guy fred was supposed to fix my car and he did not have the best attitude when he told me to "come pick this thing up".I got my car back two days later after taking it in,he left the screws off on my egr and he also left my cold air intake system screws very loose also the parts were falling over and he had me driving the car like this on the freeway a couple of times till i found out.He also sent me a joking email afterwards since the service saying get ready for future car problems.I called him angry and he was talking like it wasnt a big deal and he said "oh just bring it by and ill put some screws on it. read more

Don't ever let anyone tell you there's such a thing as a "free car". I got a car that needed a lot of work, but was going to be easy since I just had to sell mine to pay for it. Well it was way more work than expected. That was no one's fault except Ford's. I was expecting to pay 2x what Fred charged me, so thankfully it wasn't near as bad as it could have been. Fred's has skilled mechanics, honest owners, and a fast turnaround time. I live in the city, but I am very loyal when I find a place like Fred's. This is the place you want to do all your work. read more

Wonderful, informed and conscious service considering the horrifically stressful times. Costs were low and they walked me through all costs of the day plus advice on upkeep to do when I can afford it. They're kind, smart and all around good people 10/10 would recommend read more

Fred's da man! My car was not going into gear as intended. As per usual when anything happens with my car, I, expert mechanic that I am, made a dire diagnosis-- I needed a new transmission. Furthermore, this would cost a bazillion dollars. Everything on a car costs a bazillion dollars in my head. I drove into Fred's garage with no notice, it was quiet, so he popped the hood right then, took a look, told me I needed some transmission fluid, topped me off and closed the hood. I said, "That's it?" He said, "Yep." I said, "How much do I owe you?" He said, "Nothing." I said, "Get outta here!" He said, "No, you get outta here, you're good to go." And I did and I was. Seriously? In this day and age...amazing. read more

I'm glad I came to Fred's Fantastic Garage- Highly recommended. You're in good hands here. read more

What a really nice guy Fred is. He's been taking care of Helen's truck for years now, and that truck is in great condition, even though it's 19 years old. Fred is the best. read more

Fred and his son are super accommodating and nice! They do a great job and would recommend their work to anyone! If you live in the area, please give them a try!! :) read more

I gave Fred's a try after a few local Alameda friends telling me it was the spot to go to take in my car. Usually I go to Tony's Motor Services on Eagle and Park St. but my car is over heating so I couldn't drive it far. Fred's was a mistake for me. I brought my car in Thursday and they didn't even call me until right before closing and by the time i saw they called it was too late and they wouldn't open back up until Monday. They should've told me they would be closed during the weekend otherwise I wouldn't have taken it there ESPECIALLY on a Thursday. Plus, he told me he couldn't even look at it until late Thursday but hopefully Friday, for $50....what a waste of money I spent there. AND I must've called like 5 times after he called me on Friday, about 4 more times on Monday morning and the 5th time they finally answered. They didn't even bother to try me again and call to let me know about my car. According to others, I guess Fred's is good but they upcharge and have higher rates than others. But trust me, you can find MUCH cheaper places (that won't do a crappy job on your car). I don't plan going back there...ever. read more

I'll preface with the fact that I never got around to using Fred or any of the staff at the Wrenchhouse. I recently called to get a quote for an A/C repair and the gentleman at Fred's made me feel like a complete moron for even asking what it might cost. Dear Fred, customer service is half the battle, man. Hire people that understand that. read more

Flat out no place like Fred's. Seriously. For honesty, integrity, excellent work..my only concern is that he'll get too much business :0)

I've always been leery where to take my rare, classic muscle car but gave Fred's a try and have been going ever since. Professional car care, fair prices and excellent service are the foundations of this business. I've had intake gaskets, oil changes, and shifter linkage work done and there is next to nothing they wont do. Fred is a really nice guy too and I appreciate the extra attention he spends to explain and detail the work they do here. I'm very crazy and protective of my car. Fred is one of the very, very few I now trust with it. read more

Took my car in for an oil change and brake work -- service was great and prices are very affordable! It's always a little nerve wracking trying to find a good mechanic that you know you can trust but I will definitely be bringing my car here from now on. Barry, Fred's son, is a great guy! I like that the business is family-owned and operated and that they're longtime Alameda residents. They really make you feel like you're part of the family and they definitely take pride in their work. read more

Fred and his mechanics have always done a good job for me. They also don't treat me like a fool because I'm a woman. I've always dropped the car off in the morning and picked it up later that afternoon, ready to go. When my window got broken, Fred talked me through the differences between genuine replacement glass and aftermarket glass and how much each would cost. When they've found problems while doing other work on the car, they've let me know promptly and also let me know if it needs to be fixed now or can be fixed later and if so, how much later. I recently moved out of Alameda and I'm still taking my car here. read more