We've found our mechanic for life. Dave is honest, hard-working, and it all comes at a fair deal price. I only regret we did not find Dave earlier! We recently had an issues with our Vovlo XC90's A/C. Dave helped me start diagnosing the issue on my own, quickly verified the problem in his shop, and even already had the needed parts ready to go. When it turned out that the repair might take a little longer than same day, which would have created a problem for our logistics, Dave got extra help and did the job is no time the same day. At closing time our car was ready and in great condition. What's more, I asked Dave for recommendations on where to get some body work done and Dave recommended an equally honest and fair shop. Good people, though and through. We'll be customers for as long as we live in the Bay Area! read more

This automotive shop is TOP NOTCH. Dave, the owner is a man of integrity. He takes his business very seriously. He doesn't try to gauge you with extra fees. He is thorough with his assessment and tells you exactly what's wrong with the car. If the problem is an urgent matter or it can wait couple of months, he will be honest. I have brought 3 cars here (my whole family has used him), and I am always recommending him to others in the bay area. He is an honest man, and when he says he has a deadline, he sticks to it! read more

A lot can be said about customers that repetitively do business with the same companies. Especially when it small businesses. Dave (of Performance Techniques of Campbell) recently did another great job on my 2008 S 80, Volvo, my daily driver that I have never cut corners on. It's such a great car! His service included a long list of items, and the price was incredibly fair. It is wonderful to know that I have a place I can take my favorite car with a technician who is super experienced (a total pro) at service and maintenance. Whether you have a Volvo, or any other vehicle , Dave will do a great job to be sure it's well taken care of. He is also great about taking care of his clients! He communicates well, stays on schedule, and this time he even washed my car! I highly recommend Performance Techniques! read more

I took a 2001 Volvo that hadn't been driven in quite some time. David did a great job explaining what needed to be fixed and what could wait. He spent quite a bit of his time helping us understand how certain things work and gave us lots of tips, like insurance info and other general car info for my son who is a first time driver. He went above and beyond and I feel very comfortable with their work. read more

After spending more than $200 for a diagnosis and safety check more than a month and a half ago, I'm still waiting on a repair quote. I understand shops get busy, but after numerous follow ups on my behalf (and ZERO on theirs), that doesn't feel like a very good excuse anymore. This type of run around has passed bad service and is bordering on disrespectful. I brought my wagon here because the previous experience I had was wonderful. This has left a bad taste in my mouth. read more

Dave and Wendy are the best! They take great care of our cars and we are treated fairly!

This place is awesome. They are straight forward, they take the time to explain the work, got it done same day, and got a fair deal. Bob and the crew are down to earth, friendly people who make you feel taken care of. I had to go in for my 100K and brakes. The Ranger is noticeably driving better. I've been to a lot of mechanics and this has been my best experience so far. If you're thinking about it, go check them out. read more

Best $150 I ever spent to replace a fuse. No kidding. I had a check engine light and faulty brake booster that I had spent hundreds of dollars to fix, to no avail. I almost spent $1,200 on a new catalytic converter. After dropping it off at Performance Techniques, they were able to refer to the factory electrical diagram and determine it was a fuse. Great service! I highly recommend Performance Techniques! read more

I have been doing business with Performance Techniques for over 7 years and am very pleased with the work they perform. In fact I take all my 4 cars to Dave and his team for all the regular maintenance, services, repair work, etc. I have found Dave's team to be thorough, upfront with what is necessary and what is not, performing only the work that is required, notifying me of upcoming work that will need to be done, and thoroughness on dealing with warranty issues. Thanks to Dave's team for providing such great service over these years. After having done business with dealers who overcharge, do more work than is necessary, and doing repeat 'preventive maintenance' work that really is nothing more than the mechanic saying he did work that he didn't do because he gets paid commission, it is refreshing to work with PT and find honest, hard working team that really wants satisfied customers. I go to PT because I get great service, low and reasonable prices, and can trust to get the work done on time. I don't need 9 customer service reps, free coffee, expensive loaner cars, and high prices which I can get at any dealership in the bay area. I go to PT because it's fast, reasonable and high quality work. thanks to Dave and team, it's great working with you and I look forward to being a customer in the future. read more

The only reason I even have a Volvo is because I know that Dave is there to work on it. I'll be in the market for a used vehicle soon, and will likely buy a Volvo because I KNOW I have access to a top notch shop when things need fixing. Now, that said, Dave's not for everyone. He's one part genius, one part perfectionist and one part soup-nazi. I mean that in the best possible way. For example: KRAMER: You suffer for your soup. SOUP NAZI: Yes. That is right. KRAMER: You demand perfection from yourself, and from your soup. SOUP NAZI: How can I tolerate any less from my customers? I'll summarize: Dave knows cars, really knows Volvos, and knows what's best for your Volvo. In many ways, the Volvo IS the customer. He's simply not capable of doing anything other than providing your car with the very best care. He treats them all like his children. Possibly better...I'm not really sure. He'd sooner rub you the wrong way than return your vehicle in any condition less than correct. If he tells you the car needs something done, it needs it. Don't argue! He'll fix it right and charge you a fair price to do it. If it's an optional thing and you could choose to wait a bit, he'll let you know and won't ever push for un-needed repairs. ...and his office manager talks to herself constantly. In full sentences. It's really adorable. read more

Unfortunately, I am having to file a complaint with the Bureau of Automotive Repair inasmuch as I was told by a smog check that he put the wrong catalytic converter on my car and overcharged me for doing so. That is not the worse problem, however. I put a stop payment on my check and when I called to talk to him, he wouldn't let me speak. He kept talking over me and interrupting. I explained that I was not out to cheat him but that I didn't want to be cheated either and that I would pay him after we heard from the BAR. I hung up when he started threatening me. I am an older woman and he frightened me. He was referred to me by someone Iike and trust. When I first when to him, the repairs were not satisfactory but I was sick and didn't have the energy or wherewithal to take it back so I considered it my fault so let it go. This, however, is beyond the pale. He sounds like a nice and reasonable man and I guess he is until he is questioned and then watch it, his anger comes blasting out! This man is scary. read more

I only take my Volvo to Performance Techniques for service. Dave's experience is vast and you can trust his assessment of repairs needed or recommendations to keep things running. There is never a high-pressure sell - you just get clear facts, along with an expert opinion. read more

Bad experience. I brought my 2007 Volvo in to them on a recommendation, and as an alternative to the dealership service. I needed a diagnosis for a vibration and wheel alignment. They had plenty of appointments available, but no shuttle or loaner vehicles, so I scheduled a time when I could wait for the inspection and alignment, approximately 2 hours. An hour later, I'm informed that the vibration is from 2 bent rims, and that I needed front suspension parts replaced before the alignment could be done. I had an extended warranty plan and the Tech, Sal, told me that they would call the warranty company to see if the parts were covered, then follow up with me and reschedule the car back in if they parts were covered. If not, they would let me know what the total repair cost was. He also told me there would be a 60.00 charge for the wheel/tire balancing service (even though 2 wheels were bent they went ahead and performed the balancing service). I thought OK, they spent time looking around and are following up with the insurance company. I paid the 60 bucks and awaited their call. Three days later on a Friday I afternoon, I plan on calling the shop, but kept getting distracted at work. At 5pm, they finally call to tell me they contacted the warranty company and where still awaiting a response. I thought it was odd as the insurance company had been prompt in the past, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt and held tight. The following Monday comes and no follow up from Performance Technique. I call them again and Bridgette tells me they are still waiting on the insurance company, but she would have Sal call me back to update me. Forty minutes goes by and no word. I decide to call the insurance company at 4:45pm and get through in 2 minutes; They told me they had no record of any repair case open from Performance Techniques, or for my car. When I asked about coverage for my repair they replied that the parts and labor needed for my repairs were, in fact, covered. I called the shop back and I get passed to Sal. He tells me there was a misunderstanding between himself and Dave, the owner, as to which parts needed to be ordered for my car and who was to order them, blah blah - never mentioning the insurance company contact situation. It was obvious they dropped the ball and never called the insurance company. I clearly reminded him of the events and made sure they understood they dropped the ball, wasted my time, and lost me as a customer. Twenty four hours has gone by and no followup call from the owner, Dave, either. Thus I Yelp. They can't be trusted to make a simple phone call, follow up when they say they will, or tell the truth about why they didn't. No way they should be trusted to do anything more complicated than that. read more

They successfully debugged a fuel vapour issue that multiple trips to another mechanic did not solve. No job is too big or small for Dave & Co. read more

Even though I don't have a Volvo, I will bring my Mini Cooper here for servicing because I trust Dave and his crew implicitly. Dave is honest, forthright, fair and always takes the time to explain what's wrong and how best to fix it. Thanks to Dave and his assistant Wendy for the best service around. read more

If you have a Volvo and you are taking it to a dealer for service, you are making a big mistake. Dave and his shop - Performance Techniques, in Campbell - are extraordinary. Dave has taken care of 4 Volvos for us, over more than 20 years, and has been better with our Saab than a Saab specialty shop. Most importantly, Dave is an honest, forthright and very good person to deal with. His technical skill and diagnostic ability are amazing and he does or closely oversees all the work in his small shop. His prices are fair, sometimes surprisingly inexpensive, and I have never seen him do any questionable or unneeded work. In fact, if there is an expensive repair needed, Dave will bring up alternatives. Since we drive cars into the ground, that has come up a lot with us. It is the best auto maintenance/repair shop my wife and I - and now our daughter - have ever gone to in over 50 years. Jeff S. read more

Dave and his staff have taken good care of my '02 Volvo XC70 for years. Never an over-sell and always a timely turn around. I appreciate their integrity, intelligence and friendliness. read more

Maminski and his people have been good for over 8 years with my vehicle. Recently Imy kid's car had that screwy problem that other shops could not solve. Dave took it and went way out of his way to fix it and ready to drive. No effort on our part. These folks are some of the best in the Bay Area. Really great service that is hard to find . You can trust this shop. Dave goes beyond what is expected. read more

I have been having Performance Techniques service my 2000 XC Volvo for over 5 years. I have found Dave to be honest and the repairs have been reasonable. I would recommend this repair service. You are not paying for a fancy show room, or getting free rental car while your car is in the shop. There is no cushy waiting room. What you do get is good repair that you can trust. Yv - read more

I'm the original owner of my 2001 Volvo and still drive it. For the first five years, I took it to Volvo dealers for scheduled maintenance. I tried Performance Techniques 8 years ago and have been using them ever since. A friend's recommendation and better prices brought me there. I was hooked after the first service, delighted that my car then ran the way it did when new. Driving became fun again. Why hadn't the service techs at Volvo dealerships been able to do that? Dave and his service techs consistently do excellent work. I've never had problems with something they've fixed. Other reasons I highly recommend Dave and his techs: - His expert knowledge of servicing Volvos. - How he lists and prioritizes current and future service needs. I trust him when he says a repair needs to be done soon, as I do when he says it's safe to hold off, knowing he'll continue to monitor its progress at my next scheduled service. - I understand his explanations and he takes time to answer all my questions, before I agree to have the work done. read more

VOLVO REPAIR Also thought this would be a good place b/c on check-in, owner Dave seemed to have expertise of Volvo dealer but with customer's interests in mind. Following a lot of work done on my car based on diagnostic assessment, one day after picking up my car, I experienced problems with worn belt problems and had to limp to closest garage for help. Basic items like belts should have been caught before Performance Techniques' mechanic released the car -- and it had been with Performance for several days. So, I feel stranded: I was hoping to find a reliable, independent Volvo repair -- but my experience with Performance was pricey, incomplete and time consuming experience. read more

At first I thought this was a good place. Dave seemed to get the job done and the cost was within line of what I wanted to pay but I have to tell you. When they send a tech home because he isn't feeling good and you have made an appointment they had better honor their end of the deal. I called at 1:30 to find out when I could pickup the car and they explained too me, well we had this happen to us can we keep your car overnight. All this for an oil change. I was pissed and decided enough was enough as this wasn't the first time when I had too make a call to them only to find out "Things have changed". Dave was telling me I had a leak in the radiator and that I should consider changing it out. Well when I took it to the new shop that has earned my business I had mentioned this to them. The new shop pressure checked it, looked over the tanks and the hoses and didn't find a problem with it. Needless to say I should really thank Dave and his staff as I have found a great shop and intend on using them, that is the new shop! read more

I've been taking my Volvo to Performance Techniques for several years & I can honestly say that the quality of work & customer service I receive is fantastic. Growing up, I watched & listened to my dad as a mechanic. I'll always remember his amazing ability to troubleshoot & his integrity. Needless to say, Dave had some pretty big shoes to fill! I appreciate Dave's knowledge, experience, & honesty. He's so patient - he takes the time to explain everything to me & answers all of my questions. Dave & his staff are truly the BEST! read more

Dave and his staff are great! I have been coming here for well over 7 years. They are always responsive and do great work at a reasonable rate unlike the dealerships! Dave spend the time to explain what is happening with your vehicle. If you have a Volvo I recommend that you come to Performance Techniques! read more

There are mechanics, honest mechanics, and then there are those rarest of breeds: the mechanics who really care about cars. When we first brought our old 240 Wagon to PT we were hopping for honest work at a fair price. When we got the car back we were amazed. In the five year's we'd owned it, it had never run so well. We've been going to PT for over ten years now, and their work has always been superb, and their pricing good. read more

It is a great place. Dave and Bridget are very knowledgeable when it comes to Volvo's ! But I was even more happy with the cost. Much less than the other's. I also like the follow up e-mail's that remind me to schedule services such as oil changes, services etc. read more

I went in there because the driver side window of my volvo wouldn't roll up. He easily took the window switch out of the door panel. He attached a new switch and it wouldn't roll up. He said he knew of another thing to try. He got out a hammer and gently hit the motor in the door. The window rolled right up. I had been trying to get the window to roll up for hours. He did it easily in a few minutes and didn't charge me anything for it. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely go here again. read more

Performance Techniques has been taking care of our cars for over twelve years. We live in Santa Cruz now and drive over-the-hill for service. I won't trust anyone else with my Volvo XC 90. Dave has so much industry knowledge and experience... he can diagnose any problem quickly and knows how to fix it. Love his team: Craig, Wendy are always so friendly and professional. The best-of-the-best in the Bay Area. read more

I broke my Volvo's passenger side door mirror (plastic only). I asked my mechanic in another shop. He told me that exchanging whole door mirror assembly is only way to fix and it's expensive. I was disappointed and found Performance Techniques on Yelp. Dave told me that he could put plastic only and I didn't need to replace other portion. I went to Performance Techniques one week later and Dave fixed it in 30 minutes. I could save time and money very much. Dave is very honest and good mechanic. I'm very happy. read more

Five stars is not enough! When I finally took my housemate's advice and took my randomly overheating 2001 Honda Civic to Performance Techniques, I had already gotten two diagnostics from two other auto shops that left me feeling like neither shop really knew what was going on. The first told me they could not find a problem and that I needed to "wait for it to get worse, then bring it in for us to diagnose". No joke. The second immediately told me it was a blown head gasket that would cost me a minimum of $1500 to fix. When I picked up the car and printed diagnostic from these opportunists the next day, it stated that they had found cloudy residue in my oil and that this was the proof of the blown head gasket. I knew this conclusion was false because they told me it was the head gasket within minutes of me dropping off my car - in other words, they had not had time to determine that it was the head gasket nor do the lengthy process involved in determining exactly which one of the three types of head gasket leaks from which the car was suffering (oil, gas or exhaust being the three things inspected to determine where the leak is occurring and how it is making the car suffer). So, after spending the entirety of my two days off on bogus diagnostics, I sucked it up and drove from Santa Cruz County to Campbell and met with Dave. The reason I can so clearly and eloquently describe to you the details of this whole mess is because Dave was the first mechanic IN MY LIFE to take the time and energy to explain to me, as if I was an adult that would understand, what was going on with the car. It was true that it was a mysterious problem that was not immediately apparent, but he basically kept troubleshooting and narrowing down the issue by weeding out what was not the problem (and, low and behold, no cloudy oil to be found!). He did all of this at a minimum of cost to me and he kept me in the loop every second of the way. I have honestly never met a more honest and thorough businessman EVER in my life. Car troubles leave us laymen perplexed and vulnerable. Car mechanics are in a recession proof industry and whatever they say needs to be done, we follow because we need our four wheels. As you can see from my experience, mechanics are sometimes ignorant and/or greedy and try to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge. Dave got the heart of my car's problem in two days and at a fraction of the cost falsely replacing a head gasket would have cost me. Not only did he save me time and money, but he treated me like an adult and included me in the process every step of the way. My car is running better and, although it will not live forever, he got me a couple of years to sort out my situation and get a new car. Had I blindly given the "blown head gasket" guys my $1500+, my car would have had endured unnecessary repairs and I would not have the financial option of getting a new car. Plus, I learned LOADS and now am truly not the naive blonde female with "SUCKER" stamped on her forehead. I will now never look elsewhere for auto help. Bottom line, If you want efficient, honest and thorough work, Performance Techniques is the shop for you. read more