This spot is an absolute hidden gem in a small town! The owner really puts her honest work and charges a fair price.. It's gotten more popular lately so actually this time, I had to make an appointment. But she's pretty flexible with the time and date, and it is literally right across my neighborhood I don't even need a rental car or Uber to come back. A day or two, I am assured my car is good to go and is reliable. It's also conveniently located nearby a decent brunch place so I dropped my car in the morning, get a cup of coffee and pick up the car the next day. I wanted an overall tune-up and check-up, and had a little fix of this and that. (Oil change, transmission fluid, coolant level, break fluid, battery, headlight and backlight, etc) Once your car is out of the garage, you know your car is ready for other trips for a while. Overall, very reliable and reasonable. I already referred to other colleagues in Berkeley and a loyal customer! read more

I am very pleased with the service at Grandma's Garage. My car is six years old and has fewer than 12k miles on it (I am a grandma myself), so I merely had the oil changed a couple of times and never took it to be serviced. I feel confident that Phoebe is honest and knowledgeable and that she checked everything thoroughly and carefully. I am so happy that i found someone I feel I can trust to take care of me and my ride! read more

Phoebe is everything I want in a mechanic--thorough, honest, and won't tell you work needs to be done unless it really does. How many mechanics these days will tell you that something "needs to be done soon, but doesn't need to be done today"? Love this approach. Grandma's Garage is a gem. read more

Great rates! Honest communications! She knows what she is doing. She's our mechanic and recommend her highly! And she a woman!!! read more

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Grandma's Garage to the rescue!! Here I am, stuck in morning rush hour traffic, and a guy rolled down his window and yelled that my car was leaking gas on the freeway... yikes! So I pulled off the first exit I could (Gilman) and looked up the nearest car repair I could find. I'm so thankful - Phoebe was able to see me right away and was very helpful and knowledgeable. This being an emergency, they could have charged whatever they wanted but the cost was totally reasonable. Clearly a reliable and honest business. I'm very appreciative and highly recommend. read more

Grandma's really helped me out in a pinch! My splash guard fell off and then a bunch of the rest of the front end of my car started falling off too. I was only in town for a couple of days on my way from LA to Portland. I didn't have time to order parts. She referred me to a nearby salvage yard so I could get the parts immediately if available. She gave me a great DIY workaround for how to cheaply and easily do a temporary fix that would get me through the rest of my trip if they didn't have what I needed. She helped me zip tie the loose pieces of my car together to make it functional and keep the problems from getting worse on a long drive. Thanks Grandma! read more

My friend recommended Grandma's Garage to me, and they were terrific. Upfront and true to their word about costs. Answered all of my questions in detail. Went for a general look over after the car had been sitting for a while and also making a loud squealing noise on starting. They replaced a belt, told me about something optional I could replace, and had a look at everything else. Car is running great and no more loud squealing. read more

I'm reluctant to tell you all about this great shop, but out of respect for Nancy and Phoebe's honest, efficient, affordable, and excellent work I feel obligated to spread the word. Nancy is totally honest. I've had mechanic's I've trusted before, but Nancy is something more than trustworthy ... she is earnest and concerned for her clients / cars. Phoebe seems to be Nancy's understudy but if Phoebe lacks a bit of Nancy's experience (both have plenty!) she makes up for it in detailed, thoughtful work. They will always keep the parts they replaced so you can see the damage or wear. Most mechanics will do this at special request, Grandma's does it automatically. They are very understanding about our financial limits. When I asked to have the suspension replaced on my 1990 Corolla Nancy talked me down: she said it wasn't a safety issue (true) and the cost would be so high that we should instead save that money for our next car. She TURNED DOWN MONEY! And when we did replace the Corolla we brought our next car straight to Nancy (actually, we had her evaluate it before we even made the purchase). Once I brought in a mystery problem (running rough, felt like it would die) and Nancy and Phoebe addressed the cheapest possibilities first. When they realized the problem was the fuel rail (it had been replaced ~10,000 miles before so it was a very unlikely suspect) Nancy replaced it and didn't charge me for 4 hours (!!!) of diagnostic labor, just the parts. I asked why and she explained that it would have increased my quote too much and she found it an interesting problem to figure out. Wow. They support Green measures in Berkeley, they run a clean and adorable shop with clever friendly dogs, they are supremely trustworthy, their prices are excellent. Others may offer lower hourly rates but they make up the difference by adding extra labor time; Nancy charges a fair price and never nickle and dimes you for an extra few minutes. Grandma's can do warranty services (i.e., 30,000 major service) and provide documentation to keep your warranty valid ... and for about half the price of the dealership! You simply cannot find a better mechanic or reasonable price in the Bay Area. We return from Benicia and hope Grandma's never closes because we need them! read more

Yes!! Even Better than it gets!! Phoebe is like one of those new (techi) Machines! Took her no time at all to RESOLVE my Messed Up Electrical Wiring from previous owner. Along with her EXPERT Repair Work-- Phoebe will not charge you for ANY Surprise Repairs! When I drive away from Grandma's I feel SAFE knowing that I just received her "PSN " (the Phoebe Safety Net)--- Wishing her a Prosperous Healthy Happy 2014! Thank you Phoebe read more

I have been a client of Grandma's Garage for forever. Nancy and Phoebe are extraordinary mechanics. Recently, my plumbing truck was in dire need of mysterious repairs. Phoebe worked through the weekend to solve the mystery and my truck was out of the shop by Sunday afternoon. Suspenseful indeed. This duo are honest, informative, efficient and just do it! read more

While my own experience has remained positive, my partner had a very different experience - he got regular phone updates and it seemed like the rather long timing on his repairs was due to ordering new parts....but when he got his car back, he had a major issue. He had to pull over on the freeway due to a clunky sound and found that 2 of 3 lugnuts on his wheel were loose and one was missing. This could have been a seriously dangerous situation with fatal outcomes, and while I like to hope it was a fluke, or that someone was sabotaging or robbing the garage, it seems like whoever at Grandma's was working on his car was either not paying attention or generally irresponsible. When we called, they weren't particularly apologetic, or even surprised. What's up with that? Cheap prices and supporting locally owned businesses can't be beat, but if it comes at the cost of safety I'll go elsewhere. I hope to get more answers from Grandma's next time we interact. read more

Phoebe is the BEST. I went to her after a friend recommended her. The friend has been going to Grandma's Garage for 15+ years. Points: - the mechanic was honest. I am a first time car owner and she could have added charges without me knowing for sure, but she didn't. She gave me a truthful assessment and I didn't have to front like I know about cars. There was an instance where she could have slapped on a temporary fix but instead invested her time in creating me something that would last. - price was extremely fair. - mechanic was communicative and called me throughout the repair to keep me in the loop. Job well done. Excited to call GG's my go to mechanic. read more

Phoebe is a great and extremely conscientious mechanic. I've had my Nissan Sentra serviced at Grandma's a few times, and every time she provides me with updates on the progress and always provides a fair price. When I had to get my power steering replaced, it was going to be a $2,500+ job at other places, but Phoebe was the only mechanic to locate and offer a gently used part (and for about 1/2 the price), which would work for my needs given the age of the car. She doesn't upsell you at all. Phoebe knows her clients well too. I know people who have brought their cars to her for decades. Highly recommend Grandma's and Phoebe! read more

I think we've been coming here for 20 years. Through a VW, a Supra, and two Toyotas [including our 2010 Prius]. Quickly affirming what others have said; HONEST HONEST HONEST. SMART. LOCAL. EFFICIENT. FUN. TIP-TOP AT THEIR WORK. Plus you get to talk to the dogs, shoot the breeze a little, get insider recommendations to the tire dealer across the street, and you will ALWAYS feel SAFE and SECURE about your car's drivability if you bring it here. read more

As a former mechanic, I'm often frustrated by my experiences in having my car serviced. Grandma's Garage is awesome. Their personalized service and extensive knowledge made for a great experience. read more

I have a long history of being duped by mechanics, and I am happy to say that Grandma's Garage has ended this streak. Phoebe was direct and honest, and did not suggest any unnecessary/excessive repairs on my car. For me, this is a big plus. The whole process was easy and straightforward, and it is quite a relief to have a go-to car-repair shop in the area. Highly recommended. read more

a shop where the dogs outnumber the mechanics...just my kinda place. it's a tiny shop, so don't go if you're high-maintenance uber princess. but if you want good honest work, and are flexible enough to work with their schedule (hey, busy's a good thing!), then check 'em out! read more

These ladies took my car in with just a days' notice, were super friendly, let me know what was entailed with the 30,000 mile check up and what could be eliminated to save me some money. I got just the basics for what I feel was a very fair price. Will definitely be returning. read more

I have been a client of Grandmas since shortly after I bought my car, and have been totally satisfied with their work. Our joint goal was to keep my car going until it cost more to maintain it vs. purchase a new car. I have since moved to Oregon and took my Toyota in for a last check up, oil change, etc. After an oil change, new right front axle and oil pump, oil still leaked ( and smelled!) Phoebe had the car to trouble shoot and due to it being late in the day, offered to have me use her car so she could work on mine, drive it to her home and see how it responded. The next day (the day before I was to drive to Oregon to meet the movers) there was fluid all over my garage floor and I couldn't get it into any gear. After a call to a truly mortified Phoebe, we had it towed to Grandmas where Phoebe waited for us. It was 9pm. She spent half the night at the garage (we were in a motel) and let us know the next morning that the new axle was faulty from the factory. (Who knew??) She ordered a new one and my car was ready by noon and we were on the road. Both of the last two visits to the garage were at no charge -- "We stand behind our work." --and, they do. My car has not even dared to drip a drop. I just wish they made house calls out of state....... Thank you, Phoebe and Nancy!!! -- Mary M. read more

Great service, great folks. Hearts the size of Alaska. Tim, the electrical system repairman who shares a shop with 'em, is a whiz, and honest as the day is long. read more

I'm on my 4th car with Grandma's Garage, because: 1) I always get a clear explanation of what/why work needs to be done-- an immediate safety issue, or needs doing within a certain time, or can be deferred indefinitely. 2) Absolutely trustworthy people. 3) I have never--not in more than 20 years--had to take my cars back for Grandma's work to be redone. It's done right the first time. 4) They really pay attention to the status of the car, even if I'm taking it in only for a simple oil change. If there's something I should be watching for, they alert me. Terrific service--I live on the Peninsula, but take my car to them in Berkeley, they're that good. read more

Down to Earth, un-intimidating, friendly women mechanics whom you can go to and act out the sound your car makes and they don't bat an eye or make you feel dumb. Plus you get the feeling they are really, really honest and are trying to give you the best deal--they have even made suggestions on how I can limit work done to that most necessary/cost efficient. I am sure men, too, are ripped off by mechanics; I also have always felt particularly vulnerable being a woman and not knowing much about cars when I step into a car shop; I feel very confident with their Grandma's work. A great, green, woman-run business!!! read more

Wonderful, prompt, friendly, no-nonsense service and expert advice; extremely reasonable price. I brought my car in for an oil change after reviewing positive Yelp reviews. Phoebe not only did my oil change, she did a thorough once over, caught a few problems, explained all in layman's terms and then offered a more detailed consult with my mechanic-trained son who confirmed all. I will be bringing my car to Phoebe for all service from now on. read more

I really enjoyed my experience at Grandma's garage. Very friendly and made my car-maintenance experience one of great ease. Not knowing much about cars myself, I worry people will take advantage and suggest I need things done that I actually don't. Not to worry here! They completed the work in a timely manner and explained everything. I will definitely be back for the next tune-up! And it was my prius that got serviced. read more

Phoebe and Nancy before her have cared for my Honda Accords for more than 15 years. I can echo the praises of all the other reviewers and now am looking for a newer car but one that has to be of the kind that Phoebe will work on! read more

Phoebe is the BEST!!! We have been taking my LEXUS with 270,000 miles on it to Phoebe for all of our repair needs and she has never let us down. Not only is she very good, she is FAIR and HONEST which is unheard of!! Thank you Phoebe!! YOU ROCK!!! read more