My car broke down, and I brought it to Gilmore's Auto. Josh truly understands how stressful it can be to have your car break down. His communication was kind and professional. Josh took the time to diagnose the issue and test-drive the car, then honestly recommended that I have it towed to the dealership because it is covered under warranty. His communication was excellent, and I truly appreciated how honest, helpful, and fair he was throughout the process. I highly recommend Gilmore's Auto! read more

Although this shop does very good work I really can't recommend them anymore due to their very high prices. Just a couple of weeks ago they gave me an estimate to repair one of my cars that didn't sound right to me, so I took it to another well known shop in Walnut Creek and saved several hundred dollars for the same exact repair, using the same OEM parts. Needless to say, I will not be going to Gilmore's in the future because of their high prices. read more

I've been bringing my cars and trucks there for almost 20 years ! They've always been fair and honest and did the job perfectly! They have values you just don't find anymore! read more

Excellent communication and honest information as well as above and beyond customer service. Josh really helped me with a difficult situation. He also personally drove me home. read more

Took my 2005 tahoe in for rear main seal, valley pan and valve cover gasket service and the work was done quick and more importantly I have confidence in my daily driver. Josh is honest and fair with his recommendations as he had talked me out of doing brakes right away when the dealer mentioned it needed to be done immediately. Highly recommend! read more

Gilmores Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I called for a quote for a simple oil change and tire rotation on my 2011 Volkswagen. Was told they don't work on "those vehicles" and that I would be better served going to Jiffy Lube if I'm looking for "cheap oil changes" because they don't do things for "cheap". Huh? I was calling to do business with them.. Not sure who is answering the phones, but I guess I'll be taking my business somewhere else. Never knew mechanics got so offensive about people asking for quotes. read more

Trump photos, Bibles and finger waving... Should've been my first, second and third clue to GTFO! No thank you. Costs are way too high for the level of (terrible) service you get here. When I went back to question a service for brakes, which started squeaking a couple weeks later, I was blasted with accusations, questions and he made a mechanic GET IN MY CAR AND DRIVE AROUND WITH ME TO VERIFY THE SOUND! Are you kidding me?! You don't trust your customer enough to take their word?! Save your time, your money and your well-being and skip this place. read more

I have an older Ford vehicle, specifically a 1988 Bronco XLT. I was having an intermittent no start issue and I'd spent $$$ at another shop that works on older vehicles out of Concord, and it still wasn't fixed. I called WC Ford, and a service manager recommended this shop. I'm glad I took it here. Phil and the guys were relentless in sorting this problem out, and they finally fixed it. They were professional, knowledgeable, as well as experienced when troubleshooting. Communication was solid and I appreciated the fact that they didn't charge me for extra time in trying to troubleshoot. I know it was a PITA to figure it out, but they came through. I highly recommend this business and I'd advise against relying on the 1 star reviews. To put someone's political and religious preferences in a review is asinine. They were straight with another customer about what kind of cars they work on, and if you don't like the price take your business elsewhere. Why you'd whine about such topics on Yelp is beyond me. Toughen up yelpers or move on! read more

it's always a pleasure to work with Phil. I've had my cars worked on by him for many years. Always feel safe after leaving my appointment. Only found two things on my list that weren't addressed on my recent visit...1-squeaking when backing up my vehicle; 2-the broken cup holder was not replaced. Will definitely be back. Thanks Phil. read more

I haven't used a mechanic in 12 years due to mistrust and working on my own cars. I went there on a recommendation from a friend I trust and I have to say they were excellent. They only did the work they needed to do they sent me pics of parts that needed work, then they did it all quickly. No upselling or trying to cash in on un needed work. It's been 6 months and everything they did is working perfectly. This is the only place I will trust with my vehicle from now on read more

This location, and Phil the owner, has been around for decades. I like to check out different mechanics around WC on occasion, especially since the demographic of the area makes it prone to higher prices. Oddly, I had no idea this was next door to another shop I used to frequent (and relocated). Phil answered when I called and could take me exactly when I wanted to drop off the car. I'm fairly well-versed in the cost of basic services (out of necessity and shopping around often) so when I was given a quote over the phone, I didn't have to challenge it, nor was I presented with a different cost when I paid for the services - oil change and transmission fluid change. I take my German car elsewhere, but I'd definitely take my Japanese cars here. read more

I had to wander around for 20 minutes to find Phil. I had to cancel a prior appointment and rescheduled for the day I showed up, but somehow he goofed on that and didn't have me down. Anyhow, I got the scheduled maintenance done at a reasonable price. Ok experience, but I won't go back. Mostly because any business that prominently hangs photos of the Trump family - with the white supremacist, neo-Nazi rally cry comes with it - is not one that I want to support. It makes for a hostile, "go back to your country" atmosphere. No thanks. read more

Seriously you should go to Gilmore's- as a young woman I get ripped off left and right by mechanics but this business is very ethical and treats customers really well. They not only did a free oil change for me from a coupon, but they did a full diagnostic of my old car and took pictures of current and possible future problems, took the time to explain them in detail to me and my options should I want to do repairs anywhere in the future, listed them on the receipt so I would have a written record, and emailed me the photos. They didn't pressure me into spending any money at all, they genuinely just wanted to help me out with any car issues. I've never received so much honesty or service that went above and beyond from a mechanic before. read more

I'm so thankful that I found this place. Some background info: As a new resident in Walnut Creek, I didn't know a good place to service my car, adding the crazy work schedule, I didn't have time for researching good auto shops so I just took it to the dealer near my apartment. I was quoted for over $1200 for a $40k mileage service! I took out a few "recommended" items, only did the bare minimum (oil change, top fluid etc), still ended up paying almost $500. I had a feeling of getting ripped off, but didn't look into it. A couple days ago I had to take my car in again for a free factory recall repair, during the process they called me saying that my rear brake is down to 2mm, recommended immediate replacement for $550, which I declined. But then I was worried about the brake so I started researching auto shops around, found Gilmore's on yelp, read through all the reviews and decided to give them a try. Turned out my rear brake was still at 6mm, no wonder why I didn't sense anything wrong with the car. I don't understand how the dealer could come up with a # that far off. I also replaced the spark plugs at Gilmore's, Phil was very patient answering all my questions, also gave a very reasonable quote (dealer's previous quote was $80 more, no surprise there), and got the job done within 2 hours, even though they had a full shop of cars. That's how you do business and earn customers' trust. 5 stars all around! read more

I found myself in need of a good mechanic and after asking around I was referred to Gilmore's My friend who had been a mechanic in the past said his good friend has a shop and was the best and most honest he knew I have been taking all of my vehicles there now for over a year and will refer every know Not only are they honest but they fix things to make your car run better. Not just put in a new part I won't go anywhere else Thank you Phil read more

I am very happy with the great service I received at Gilmore's. I would highly recommend them to everyone. Honest, reliable and knowledgeable. Thank you for your good work on my car, I'll be back when I need service again. Gerry Griffin read more

Needed to get work done on my car. As this is generally something I dread, I wasn't looking forward to knowing what the final price would be to fix an oil leak and replace the clutch on my '00 Honda Civic. Usually a customer at Concord Honda, I went there for an estimate. Some friends recommended Gilmore's Auto Service, so I called them for a quote, too. Their price was significantly cheaper. Phil was very helpful and called me to ask whether or not I'd like for them to fix something else they'd found while doing the scheduled repairs. He didn't try to sell me on anything, was very straightforward, and told me what the cost would be to add this fix. My car was done as promised and I got both a phone call and a text telling me so. When I said I wasn't sure I could make it back by closing time, Phil offered extra time since he'd be in the office late that day. Overall, a very pleasant experience. I'll be taking my car here again in the future. Phil is very trustworthy and does excellent work. read more

Had a pre-sale inspection done here. It was expensive compared to other shops I've used and still the vehicle condition report lacked detail. The cost estimates for the recommended work turned out to be unrealistically low. read more

Excellent and honest service, friendly. Phil is a solid guy. Very thorough. I'll be back.

It is hard to find a truly honest mechanic, but Phil & his crew are fair, honest & work with integrity. I am thankful for Gilmore's where I never have to wonder if the work is sub-par. Their work truly IS as good as it gets!! read more

I have getting our cars serviced with Phil for several years. He and his staff are kind and informative regarding exactly what was wrong with my car. The prices for repair are also reasonable. read more

I wish I would have started to go here years ago when I first heard great things about the place. It would have saved me from bad mechanics I've experienced with the vehicles I had. . Now I've been going here some years now. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend it!!! . If you're looking for excellent, honest mechanics, this IS the place. You won't be disappointed and you won't be ripped off. . This IS as good as it gets! GO HERE! read more

Phil and his team are awesome! I have a 77 toyota pickup and had an impossible time finding someone who would work on it. Phil said he could do anything mechanical. He solved countless problems for me. When he did work I wouldn't be able to see he took pictures and showed me before and after shots, he updated me multiple times throughout his process always taking time to thoroughly explain the issue. Phil's pricing is fair, he never once inflated his charges and on at least one occasion I know he undercharged me. Each time I was there I saw a variety of vehicles, from classic cars to imports to moms van - Phil can work on it all and in my experience ALWAYS does high quality and lasting work. read more

Phil fit us in on short notice to do a pre-purchase inspection on a used vehicle. He was very friendly, thorough and gave us his honest opinion about the car. His inspection helped us make our decision and we're very happy with our purchase. Thanks Phil! read more

Hands down, top quality service. Gilmore's Auto Service was recommended to us by a family friend and we cannot say enough about the quality of service and professionalism we received when we brought our car in. In an industry that can make you nervous if you are going to be treated right, this place immediately takes your fears away. The owner, Phil, really knows his stuff. read more

We've had several cars repaired or serviced here over the past 6-7 years. They're honest and do the job right. I've run into too many shops that seem to seem to want to run the bill up. What I like about Phil is that he never try's to sell you something you don't need, does the work right, and charges a fair price. Last week they repaired a wheel bearing and seal on our son's Explorer. Once again it was great experience. I'd recommend Gilmore's to anyone looking for a great shop. read more

This place is great!! After moving to walnut creek 4 years and thoroughly researching local auto shops I decided to go with Gilmore's Auto and I've never been disappointed! Everyone here is very friendly and works hard. The owner Phil is a always approachable and available at the front desk to offer great customer service and give honest quotes. He even charges less if able to find cheaper parts, offers you a ride if needed, and a Snapple on the way out on a hot day! Always a job well done! :) read more

Called a bunch of places to figure out where I needed to get my breaks replaced and an oil change. Phil at Gilmores Auto Service was the ONLY person to do his best to give me an estimate over the phone so I didn't have to drive all over to bring my car in to get the best estimate. He made me feel comfortable and did his best to make me happy! His wife and daughter in law even gave me a ride back home. Genuine family and awesome customer service. I will go back to them any time we need auto repairs! Thank you Phil and family for such a smooth and wonderful experience. :). read more

This place is my go to place for servicing my car. I feel as though Phil is honest and he will tell you exactly what you need done so your car runs smoothly. I feel like I can trust Gilmore's Auto Service and I don't have to worry about being taken advantage of. They are great guys, always friendly and helpful! read more

Yes I was visiting from Washington house sitting in Walnut Creek when my starter went out on my car well I thought it was my battery which still had 6 days till the warranty expired but no such luck. I waited 5 hours for AAA to come and by then everything was closed. I found Gilmore's in the phone book and read all the great reviews on Yelp so the next morning I called the and they said they would take the car but it would be a few days. so I took the car in they were really a great bunch of people they have me a ride home and actually ended up fixing my car that day and they came and picked me up also. Their rates are very reasonable and I can't thank them enough for taking care of me. Now my friends say they wanna start taking their car there. Great job guys. read more

Small shop and somewhat accommodating. It took awhile to get back the estimate and it was extremely high in my opinion. I have had many engines replaced, but this was the highest price quote ever. I know costs have gone up, but so has additional fluff markup. This seems to happen when you have a lot of older reviews...maybe when prices were fair. Since they now get a lot customers because we all rely on the reviews, their heads and prices swell....that doesn't mean they are not nice, nor shouldn't charge as they wish, however I want other potential clients to know that the prices here are no better than a dealership and at a dealership it is more likely that you get fast response. read more

We have been taking our cars to Gilmores for 15 years. They have been a joy to work with and have helped us eek many more years out of our cars. They have given us great advice on purchasing new (used) cars and have always worked hard to meet our needs time wise. We highly recommend them. read more

Phil was so nice and knowledgeable! I'm always worried about the type of person I'm taking my car to, but he was fantastic!

Having received a flyer in the mail I decided to give Gilmore's a try. I went to the business address to see first hand what kind of an outfit Gilmore's would be. I met the owner Phil Sanders and immediately had a warm feeling that one is dealing with a knowledgeable individual. We hit it off on the right note. Although my "project" was just a routine service, I felt comfortable that my car was in good hands and that the service was conducted along the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Based on my experience I highly recommend Gilmore's as a viable alternative to a dealership-provided service. Phil left me with the feeling that I am dealing with an honest and forthright business partner. read more

Had a great experience here. The owner was friendly and nice and they give a free oil change as a welcome to the community. Will definitely make them my main stop. read more

Very professional, friendly, honest, and walked me through various options. Phil was more interested in helping me get my car fixed properly and making my experience a good one rather than collecting money. I live nearby and was driven home and picked up once they finished with my car. Would recommend. read more

Gilmore's Auto is a well kept secret tucked in off North Broadway (near the Post Office) in Walnut Creek. Owner, Phil Sanders, actually hears what the customer says and is very detailed and thorough when servicing your vehicle. Phil is honest and trustworthy and knows what he's doing. I HIGHLY recommend Gilmore's Auto Service. Arguably, no other auto service business anywhere comes close to offering what Gilmore's does. read more

We brought my daughters 2000 Camry in for an unknown noise/problem. They took a look at it, suggested various things that needed to be serviced. She took care of the immediate needs and the car runs so much better. They let us know what can wait while she saves money. Thanks for the help and the explanations. The peace of mind that her car is running well. read more

I called Gilmore's at about 2PM on a Thursday, concerning a soft grinding sound near my left front wheel. Phil said it sounded like it was an axle shaft or hub bearing. He asked if I could bring it in on Monday. I told him I kinda needed the car to go to Tahoe on Monday, and a wedding over on the coast on Saturday. Phil asked if I could bring it in Friday morning, and they would see if they could get to it on Friday. I said I couldn't bring it in on Friday, but could bring it it immediately. He said OK. I brought it in, and before close of business on Thursday, they had a diagnosis, and by 4PM on Friday it was done. Super work and faster than I imagined. And Phil is one of the most pleasant people to deal with, as well. Thanks much! Rich C. read more

Our Ford Ranger went from a rough idle to a failure to run. Dead in a parking lot with a code for the check engine light we called Gilmore's because it was nearby. Phil was able to advise us on whether it might be reasonable to drive the few blocks to the garage. Based on his sound advice we had the truck towed. We showed up a few minutes before closing on Friday. Ruining his chances of closing in time Phil drove the puckup onto the lot (with difficulty) then checked us in. He explained the usual mechanical part suspects that would cause the problem. He gave us an estimate for the diagnosis and said he would start Monday. When he called to tell us what the he found we told him to proceed. In the afternoon he called to tell us that the truck was fixed and running well. A test drive had been done to verify that the engine was repaired. He noted that during the test drive he heared a non-engine noise that might be the early sign of a worn bearing and he noted a failed taillight bulb. He asked if we wanted him to investigate the identified noise. We had him replace the taillight bulb and chose to monitor the noise. The repair cost seemed reasonable and we were pleased with his explanation of the problem, the identification of other maintenance concens all without sales pressure or manipulation to increase the bill. Our experience was what we had hoped for from a repair shop. Finding an honest and thorough mechanic can be difficult. Phil met this higher standard and we feel lucky to have found him. read more