I shopped around for a rear brake job, liked the price here, a recommendation from my friend for Midas helped and that they could perform the work immediately. No work is done without your consent. They honored a coupon I found on line. Paul is a funny guy, which is exactly what was needed after a stressful Monday at the office. I like their convenience to BART n AC Transit lines from SF. The shop and lot are clean. The staff is friendly and compliment each other. I took advantage of the early bird drop off service. Job well done! read more

Paul, who is the owner of this Midas near the El Cerrito DMV is awesome! I had 2 vehicles that had some previous issues from another business I took them to to get fixed and wasted money on. Never again will I ever go back there! Anyway, I wanted my vehicles to get fixed by someone who knows what they are doing, I can trust and is reliable. My mother referred me to Paul, since she has done business with him before. Paul is very friendly and very HONEST! The man told me flat out what was wrong(even when I showed him the work that was done to both vehicles) and told me upfront if it was worth the money and time for him to fix the cars. His whole thing about it was, he knew we didn't have much money and didn't want us to waste money. So, I had him attempt to fix the cars and he to no avail, they remained in a bad place. Paul told me to get rid of them and get another car. He referred me to Doherty's rentals for a temporary car and to see if anything was for sale. Paul also didn't charge me for anything. He just wanted me to find a more reliable car. Thank you Paul for the honesty and dealing with us for a while. I took your advice and got a way better vehicle and sold the others. read more

I came in 4 A wheel balance and alignment I understood that they were busy and a couple cars ahead of me but they managed to get me done by the end of the day. Even though I came in in the middle of the day. They informed me that even though it might not be the alignment or balance it could be the tires I'm still happy that they managed to serve me by the end of the day read more

Went to this Midas to have my air conditioning repaired late in the afternoon while working in Richmond. I was greeted so warmly, and thoroughly entertained by Paul, the owner of this franchisee, who is as good with people as I've probably ever seen. Unfortunately Paul had to humorously (okay, hilariously) break the news to me that my AC repair was not as simple as a freon refill. They had tried the freon refill, fired up the "Great Red Shark" (my car - bonus points if you can identify the film that inspired the name!!), but it still blew warm. Paul promptly called his trusty electrical person who was completely booked at that late hour (as I am terrific at procrastinating... a professional of sorts sometimes!) but ensured he'd be available at my next convenience, which was unfortunately a week later as I was headed out of town. Paul sent me on my way, post freon, without charging me, as the work hadn't been completed trusting that I'd come back the next week. That's some serious family-friend style treatment for a shop I'd only heard of through yelp. Fast forward to this morning, my day off. I rolled out of bed, hopped in the car with my kombucha, and drove off to El Cerrito with an empty belly. I got to Paul's shop and he let me know the electrician was en route and that it could take a while. I sighed and asked if there was any better breakfast option than the three fine dining establishments of Denny's, Carrows, and IHop within a reasonable distance. Paul laughed and offered to drop me off at a better joint about a mile away. I accepted; anything for a decent breakfast! I came back around an hour and a half later, sat outside and chatted with a couple of people who had been going to the shop forever (and seemed to know mechanics on a first name basis) and then got the great news that my car was basically done. Even the electrician had a rockin' sense of humor as he said "shoot, if I knew the car belonged to you, I wouldn't have been doing donuts in it" ;) All in all, fair prices, straight up/stand up dude, and excellent service. Paul is so entertaining that it's worth a drive from Walnut Creek for even the smallest service. Midas is lucky to have someone like Paul representing their name. As an aside, Paul mentioned the technical name of my manual pre-repair air conditioning system: "2 and 55".... lol! read more

I'm giving Midas the rating more on the description "Meh. I've experienced better" than on the number of stars. First, let me say that Paul seems like a really nice guy that knows his stuff and is very helpful. I would definitely recommend these guys for small or routine repairs. There are a couple of reasons why I was drawn to Midas and will go back (conditionally). I commute to the South Bay for work, so I am usually unable to drop my car off and wait for the service to be done. Midas is open on Saturdays which is a big plus for me. A second plus is that they are conveniently located next to a Budget car rental and when I recently had a more extensive service performed, they obtained a rental for me for no extra charge (that I could see). Budget also told me that because the car was being rented through Midas, they would waive the under 25 years old charge that I usually have. Now on to the cons. I called Paul up on a Saturday asking if they would be able to do an oil change/routine service for me and how much it would cost. He said I could bring it in right away and they could have it done within a couple of hours for $35. Given that they were going to check the rest of my car, the price seemed reasonable enough to me. Just for reference, R&R charges $50 for just an oil change and Fairmount Auto Service charges $30. Anyway, I had last taken my car to Fairmount for a service and had been very happy with it. But, Fairmount is not open on the weekend and I needed a quick fix because I was planning to drive my 140,000 mile car to LA the next weekend. John at Fairmount had suggested that the timing belt on my car should be checked the next time I came in. He budgeted the labor and parts for a new one at roughly $600-700. I asked Paul to take a look at this when they performed the routine service. He said it wouldn't be a problem and noted that if my car hadn't gotten a new timing belt within the last 80,000 miles or so, it was due. I agreed and he indicated that this would cost roughly $700-800. I know that Midas is a franchise so this is where I assumed the difference was made up between them and Fairmount. Not a big deal though. What bugged me, though, was that after we scheduled an appointment to get the job done, I was handed a bill for $950 and he also said that if he needed to change the water pump, it would cost an additional $150. Both my dad and my roommate were there when he had said it would cost $700-800 all in. Maybe I'm reading into this a bit too much, but it seemed like a rather large markup for my taste. If he had just been up front and gave me the number, I likely would have still gone with him anyway. In short, I'm giving a rating of two stars, though depending on what you're having done to your car, they could easily get an "A-OK" rating as well. As I said before, I'll be happy to go back and give Midas my business for oil changes and routine checkups, but if I'm told something more drastic needs to be done, I'll see if Fairmount can take a look as well just to get a better idea of the price discrepancy. Despite Paul's friendliness and helpfulness, I still came away feeling like I had just taken my car to the dealership. read more

I live close to them but would rather, drop off my car somewhere else. Personally i was not treated nicely on my first visit with the estimate a lot over than it would cost. I went there second time for the uber inspection since most MIDAS were participating as an inspection stations but they had this big hand written sign hanging on the door that they are not doing UBER. Fine so we do have this yelp thing to point out my dislikes. Definately not going back to spend my money there. read more

I brought my car here because it was over heating I left and about twenty minutes later they said I need a new battery because the over heating drained my battery and they couldn't even check what was wrong till it was fixed. I bought a new battery and they tell me that the electric water pump is broken and it's going to cost $1500. I agree to the outrageous amount and let them fix my car. I get my car they didn't even put the battery on right. They left my trunk filled with screws and "forgot" to put the battery cover back on. One month later my car is having the same issues. They clearly didn't fix anything they scammed me into paying over $1700 in repairs. I wouldn't go here. They take advantage of people who are in need. read more

I have gone to Midas' for years and this is one of my favorites. Paul is the owner and he is very friendly and knowledgable. They do all of my maintentance on my car and I always receive good service and decent (honest) pricing. I have even had Paul tell me that something did not need to be replaced which I wish I could say for more garages. I would highly recommend this MIdas over any I have dealt witrh before (this is my 5th around the Bay by the way). read more

They won't use any parts u bring in not even your own oil and filter. Don't waste your time here

I had been going here for years and really thought I'd found a gem of a place. Then things that my husband said didn't need addressing kept coming up... I figured they knew better (not that I was being cheated). Long story short, my car got lots of air filters it didn't need... my filters cost $7 on amazon and I was charged $36 here (parts only). I was told they needed changing at 40% of the mileage that my owner's manual said (which I read later), Anyhow, I was stupid enough to trust a friendly face... the staff is all incredibly congenial, but they are more interested in profits than honesty. It is a great price for an oil change, but, seriously, know your car if you agree to anything more. read more

I've had a relationship with this garage and it's owner, Paul, for about 15 years now and I once again I was reminded of why I come back to the El Cerrito Midas. My wife's car was having a charging problem (Toyota Corolla with over 240k). I knew it would probably be the alternator. The mechanics replaced it and we picked the car up. A few days later when the charging dash light came on again, Paul said "drop it by and I'll get to the bottom of it". We did so, transportation was arranged for my wife, they found the fault (a bad connection), fixed it and didn't charge us a dime. My point is that the El Cerrito Midas is a straight-up garage, with good mechanics, good ethics and they build relationships with the community. There is a reason why they have repeat business and good reviews overall. Good job again to Paul and the staff at Midas of El Cerrito! read more

I visited Midas on a Saturday morning to get a basic oil change. Even though I was the third person there, and the first two were getting quick smog checks, I had to wait an hour and 15 minutes before my car was ready. One customer came in after me for an oil change and they said it would take 2 hours. He stormed out, and instead of evaluating what they could do to minimize the wait time for their customers, the staff proceeded to mock him after he left and say "Well, everyone's different!" No, everyone wants to go on with their day and not be tied to your shop for hours without a car. I also wasn't satisfied with the responses I got to a couple questions I had about my car. I asked the guys to check on an apparent leak of clear fluid to maybe see if there was a crack somewhere. After the servicing was done, I asked about it and the guy's response was that they couldn't find any cracks so it could be the AC condensation or..."sometimes if it rains outside, you get damp and then water drips onto the ground." I'm sorry, it's summer. And we're in a drought. Try again. Lastly, one thing that irked me is that unlike just about every other shop I've been to, no one comes out to your car to greet you and take your key. I awkwardly sat in my car for a few minutes before one of the employees just happened to walk by my car and direct me where to park. Their focus is definitely not on customer service at this Midas. read more

I got a flat tire on the way home from work. I went to another tire place in El Cerrito but they were too busy to help me. I went to Midas and Paul, the owner, said they could take care of me right away. They didn't have my specific tire, but they put another tire on my wheel and ordered my tire. I came back two days later and they changed the tire. They did a great job with everything, but when I drove away, the sensor on my dashboard still showed different p.s.i. levels for the four tires. I came back, and the tires had not been all equalized at 36 p.s.i. They added air to the tires so that they were all the same. Everything has been fine since. read more

These are some of the best people you could take your car to! They have been taking care of myself and my car for 3 1/2 years and I have zero complaints! Everything from oil changes to replacing the side view mirror I knocked off while backing out of my driveway. Paul even helped me out with my tail light fix it ticket! I wouldn't go anywhere else. I have grown to know and love everyone and it's great to go to a place where they care about you and remember your face!! read more

Great spot for fast tires at an affordable price and they are open on Saturdays! I live in the area and they were nice enough to drop me off at my house while they took care of the tires and then get me again when they were done. read more

These guys are legit. I don't expect much from a place you just end up at to replace a tire. Pleasantly surprised by their customer service, speed, and overall job. Super friendly. Great price. They have a customer for life. read more

I love Paul!! A wonderful, friendly business owner. He has a new customer for life. Service with a smile!!! And my new brakes feel great! Thanks Paul!! read more

I am happy to have found Midas in El Cerrito where Paul and Chris truly do care and want to help you out with your car needs as best they can. I was lucky enough to find them when the catalytic converter was stolen out of my Toyota 4runner at the BART station (ugh!). I guess there has been a lot of these lately and they have been working on other 4runners w/the same problem and had available stock on the exact part I needed. They were sympathetic and as soon as I got there, they had my car up on the rack to fix within 10 minutes! Waiting in their waiting room was a pleasant experience - I was able to watch some college basketball on the TV and chatted with other customers who were in and out - the place was consistently busy with people dropping off and picking up their cars every 5 minutes. You could tell that they have a loyal following of customers and everyone is happy leaving their car in more than capable hands. Since I was there, I decided to also get an oil change and my wiper blades changed - (might as well do it all at once!) and they were more than accommodating. I never felt like I was getting sold on anything extra and got good advice on the maintenance needs of my car. Paul is sooo nice, funny, and will share tons of car stories if you ask! He and Chris definitely know their stuff. I was out of there in 45 minutes and will be bringing my car back for all repair needs. I have just moved to the area and am so happy to have found my mechanics of choice! Trust me, go to Paul and Chris for excellent customer service and quality work! read more

Paul is a great person to work with honest and reliable!. I will continue to bring my car here for any small issues and oil changes. He doesn't try to up sell you on anything just tells you what you need to do and that's it. Would recommend Paul! and Thanks to Ray as well~!!! L.S. Bargain Shopper read more

Very friendly and prompt service. I walked in and was immediately greeted. I brought my truck in for an oil change and tire rotation for $34.95. Service was done in less than an hour. Only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because a courtesy inspection was included and I think giving a customer a print out of what was inspected and what the results were would be nice. read more

Midas El Cerrito/Richmond is awesome!!! I have taken my car there for two separate unexpected events and the service was Great. I took my car here the first time because of proximity to my home and the Good Yelp Reviews. As always, you Yelpers did not disappoint. Paul and the entire staff are professional, welcoming and efficient. Not knowing very much about cars, I often get a bit nervous going to a repair shop for the chance of being taken advantage of. Paul takes the time to ask questions, determine the appropriate parts and proceed with excellent service. You leave feeling like you were taken care of by a friend and the cost is extremely fair. I highly recommend this location for your car repair needs. read more

I was a bit hasty in my initial review. Even though they messed up with the time issue, they were very nice and cooperative in getting me on my way. I also get a good, honest vibe from them, which is saying a lot with my past experiences with auto mechanics. They definitely seem to understand the importance of building an honest customer relationship that pays more in the long run rather than trying to make more money initially through lies or creating problems. I am going back soon to have them fix my broken heater. I'll let you know how that goes. read more

This place has great customer service. I spoke with Ron on several occasions and he was very helpful. Patrick worked on my car last weekend and did great as well. I saw how they interacted with other customers and they gave good advice. I will be taking my car here from now on for the routine maintenance. Thank you guys for making my experience easy. It was just a basic oil change but good customer service is hard to find these days. read more

Scammers! Called and said they would do a strut replacement for $275 dollars higher than the Sears at Hilltop. Once I got the car there they wanted an extra $40.00 Steve the brother's owner is a big fat liar. I got so mad today!!! read more

I LOVE this Midas. I finally don't feel like I'm being taken advantage of or ripped off for being a girl at an auto repair shop. Paul, the owner, is awesome! He is honest and doesn't try and tell you "oh by the way you need this and this and this also". He is honest and fair with prices and I got my car an hour earlier than promised! I also needed my car smogged and he offered to get it done by this guy down the street. That didnt work out due to timing but just the offer was awesome and showed he really cares about his customers. I will definitely come back! read more

I've been coming to this Midas for a few years and I'll never take my car to any other mechanic. Their work is trustworthy, competitively priced and Paul is always funny, honest and flexible with accommodating our schedules. And when Paul diagnosed an ongoing problem that turned out to be the fault of another mechanic, he didn't charge me for the inspection. All around, great service!! read more

Got a flat on a car that has an uncommon tire size. When we went to the dealer it was going to cost an arm and a leg for an extremely small tire. So we drove on over to Midas and told them our situation. Paul was such a nice guy and he even made us laugh a couple of times, great customer service. We told him what the dealer was trying to charge us and that they said they couldn't even get a tire delivered for an entire week! Paul was able to get the tires the following morning and for an extremely reasonable price that we where happy to pay. I would definitely recommend Paul and his team! read more

The owner I believe his name is Paul.... he is a good man and even better business man, he's fair and his prices aren't outrageously high either. Our car needed a bearing fixed he saw that and found another problem and worked it out for us.... stop by u won't regret it. read more

Excellent service. The guys working there are very courteous, funny, and helpful in getting your car serviced. I highly recommend. read more

I had trouble with my brakes that caused them to squeak so loudly, that you could hear them half a block away. Now, just for a little background. I took my car into Brake Masters in Sacramento just two months ago for a break job. I have had trouble with my brakes ever since that encounter. Paul and his crew did a great job with my car! Paul and Ron really listened to me about the complaints I had about my brakes and a few other minor problems I was having with my Saturn. I am very pleased with them and I will be returning to them in the future for any other car care needs I may have!! read more

Great with my daughter! Replaced her batteries in her Leap Pad free of charge while we waited.

Any other competitor can perform the same thing and I'm sure just as well. So what separates you from your competitor? Customer service! And Paul is the man! First here but won't be the last! He was polite, friendly, professionally and funny. He made me confident in their work and want to return again. I even got stuck in traffic on the way to pick up my vehicle and he stayed a bit after hours to make sure I got my car. If I could give additional stars I would. read more

High integrity business and leadership. Go see Paul, Chris, or Michael. read more

I came here last week and The service I got from Paul was amazing he is the owner I believe and he had my car ready in that same day. Day before 4 the of July!! I will for sure come back again. read more

I can not recommended them enough. My car shut off after work today at 2pm. I was freaking out. I had my infant waiting at daycare. Paul pulled 2 technicians from what they were doing to help me immediately. They fixed my car and I was back on the road by 240. I am so grateful for them!! read more

Before I went to these guys, I dropped off my car for a brake inspection at Sears Auto in Richmond. I knew I need new rear brake shoes and they told me I had a wheel cylinder leak. On top of that, I would need new drums, brake fluid exchange and wheel alignment. I knew they were just trying to upsell me on things I didn't need. Most of all, I just didn't trust those guys. So I took my car to Midas. Paul helped me and was incredibly friendly and cool. I asked him to replace the rear brake shoes and of course they found the cylinder leak as well. However, all they recommended was the shoes and wheel cylinder repair. My drums were fine. I was relieved. I ended up spending about $200 less than I would have at Sears. I really felt like I was treated like a human being here. Would definitely return. read more

I have been going to Paul for 11 years now. He is the only mechanic I trust. He is honest and competent. His work is thorough and always correct. Also, his prices are reasonable. This guy WON'T rip you off. Bring your car here and you can sleep easy knowing the right job was done right. read more

Excellent service, great customer attention, and they have completed quality work without overpriced costs. Happy to have reviewed and trusted the other yelp reviewers here on this location, and I will be back! read more

If I could I'd put zero stars .. terrible service .. first visit oil filter housing change wasn't done right ( used the wrong application twice) leaked all of full synthetic oil out (replaced at cost to me ) when I got home . Second of all the cover underneath wasn't put back on properly and came off on me while on the Richmond bridge. Third the car was given back to me with oil smudged on interior door panel (brand new door panels I received from Lexus factory warranty )which they made a poor attempt to clean . I spent close to $1000 on suspension work and alignment .. I negotiated a price with Paul the manager that included a tire rotation. Due to Paul's advice I didn't rotate at the time I was told come back , because he wanted me to ride with new alignment ( I believe just wanted me to come back for oil change when rotation Is included for free ) when I was ready for oil change and he'd take care of it , well I came back today around 6,000 miles later and was told he can't rotate them now. I left I will never spend another penny with that franchise . He argued the fact that tires can't have worn that much in the miles I've put on but its all in his computer what mileage was and is now . I was doing as recommended and looks like I'm going to have to buy a set of 2 expensive pirelli tires much sooner than expected. Seems like a scam considering they sell tires there also ..CONSUMER BEWARE . They will try to get by doing the minimum and charging maximum read more

Very good place for most repairs. If they get it right you'll save 20% over most other places.They don't rip you off by charging item by item code rates. Experts at brakes,etc. A real shop with real people and a working owner with an old style gritty (+) attitude! read more