Sam and Brady are both very knowledgeable in the complexities of modern foreign automotive systems design and diagnostics. I was a professional mechanic in another lifetime and I've been an amateur mechanic all my life so I know a thing or two about cars. These guys are both humble, extremely eligible, willing to discuss your vehicle's issues to whatever extent is necessary for you to understand what is happening and how they intend to address the issue. And if they're not the best resource to address your car's issue (some things are best left to dealerships with access to factory diagnostic and repair tools), they will tell you. I do maintenance on my pickup myself, but I bring out 2018 Volvo XC90 to these guys exclusively. My wife has brought all of her cars here for 20+ years. They are honest, fair, and have very reasonable rates that won't drain your bank account like a dealership will. I assure you we've saved thousands of dollars by bringing our cars to these guys over the years and have never once received anything but exemplary, correct care. This will be my go-to shop for every car I ever own that they are equipped to service and repair. 100% HIGHLY recommend these guys! read more

Honest mechanic, did a good job on my 2014 Honda Civic and explained the issues. Also they advised me that one service I requested (brake replacement) wasn't needed yet and I could come back next year for it. They have earned my returning business. read more

I busted my oil pan on Labor Day I called the closes location to me and Brady answered in a very professional manner and told me the honest truth about when my car could get worked on so I arrived the day of the service with a tow truck within minutes my car was being worked on by Sam who also deserves to be acknowledged because his professionalism got my car back to 100% working thank you guys for all your hard work and I hope this helps your business get more recognition than before stay strong and have a blessed day Thank you again read more

- This is an extremely under-rated place - I've routinely gone here for various fixes and service over the years - I can trust that they'll do a great job AND charge fairly, which IMO is rare read more

The mechanic, Sam, is very knowledgeable and knows a lot more than just fixing cars. He's got a lot of experience on racetracks so if you're interested in getting your weekend track car dialed in I strongly suggest you ask him for his opinion and what he can do for you. A-1 has done work on my Japanese and European vehicles and they pretty much do it all. Great place for repairs and alignments with honest and competetive pricing. It's an honest automotive repair shop for your family to go to for years to come. read more

Great service! I have been going to this shop for my regular auto maintenance for three years now. Brady was very honest about the dented oil pan replacement the time I needed a replacement. When the pan was replaced I realized my mileage went up. All other times the maintenance was just replacement of oil and small parts like o-rings and the total charge comes out to be $96. read more

I was in a pinch and needed to get my Tesla (yes, non-foreign car) looked at before my long road trip for the holiday weekend and they were located down the street from my office. Andre greeted me and Sam worked on my car. In and out within minutes! They both were very friendly, extremely professional and transparent with what was going on. (Thank you both, seriously!!) Recommending them to all my BMW/VW friends read more

Brady is the best! I called about needing a battery replacement and he made it happen that same day! Amazing customer service, explanation throughout the process and fair price. Will absolutely be bringing our car back for future service. read more

Brady and team were incredibly helpful when I randomly called one afternoon complaining of a sudden round rumbling underneath my car. They found the problem, proposed a solution and got the work done in time and on budget.. And by the way, they made sure I had a rental to safely make it back home... I can't say enough about their kindness and professional manner. read more

A-1 first timer. Brought my car in this morning for a service that was so minor, the shop owner provided as a courtesy. I had received estimates from other shops for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs of labor over the phone! The shop is very clean. Warm and friendly customer service - straight forward and honest. Restaurants and coffee a short walk away. I highly recommend and will be coming back! read more

I was working on my 09 WRX and broke a rusty caliper bolt. I saw A-1 was close by shop, gave them a call asked them if they could help remove the threaded shaft. Rolled my car over, got a reasonable quote, gave them my keys, and got my car back the next day. They were quick, professional, and had great communication. Thanks! read more

This is an update to my previous review from a couple years back. With the change of ownership of A-1 Foreign Auto Repair, Brady (new owner) had decided to keep the tradition of great quality service from start to finish with the shop. He had taken our vehicle a couple weeks ago (from this date) and squeezed it in for engine trouble when I had called it in. In the course of a couple hours, the shop was able to diagnose what was causing the problem. Brady took the initiative to order parts to make sure they would arrive in the afternoon so he can take care of the problem and make sure he could return our vehicle safely to us for use again the same day. After picking it up, I left feeling confident with what I had paid for the work & services done to the vehicle. We will be returning again for another positive experience. read more

I feel like I can trust this business for all of my vehicles. He is honest and does good work. He also gets the job done when he says he is going to. Very good service. I highly recommend this place. It's hard to find a business like this. Keep up the good work. read more

A good, reliable repair garage. I always have my cars serviced here. Experienced technicians and service personnel.

My 2008 Saab had an issue with the electronic sensors that trigger the airbags, so a very important safety aspect of my car. A-1 went above and beyond to find a well functioning used passenger seat with a functioning sensor (it is built into the seat cushion). Saab, or what is remaining of Saab and selling new parts that happen to be available would have charged $2,000 for a new passenger seat. This saved me about $1,800. Cathy and John have a great network to get quality parts and take pride in offering us customers the best service value for our dollars. read more

This is far the best car repair shop in the Bay Area hands down! The costumer support is excellent. Front office communication is super friendly. Repair skills are above the usual. They can fix any car in a timely manner. They did a wonderful job with my car. Other places said this problem was impossible to fix. They made me very happy!!! read more

Not a bad experience. I contacted the shop via yelp; and they offered a few brake inspection. I visually inspected the brakes; and thought that they needed to be replaced - and since my BAS lights came on - I brought the car in for that work to be done. After an initial misunderstanding about what was to be done (I casually mentioned that the BAS light came on and turned off; and that's why I came in for brake work) - they inspected the car. Guess what. I was wrong; the brakes did not need to be done; and were in perfect order. The could have easily had told me that they needed to be repaired; but was absolutely honest with me. They quotes a few services that needed to be done on the car - based on inspection and left the decision up to me. The only thing I wanted done was AC service; which they don't do. They were going to refer me to a shop; but when I picked up the car, I forgot to ask. I might give them a call to get that referral :-) A good shop. Honest. And when it comes time to replace my brakes, they have my business. Thanks! read more

I've gone to this business for about 5 years now - they kept me happy on the first try and I've liked them more and more on every subsequent appointment. Both for emergencies and periodic maintenance. They have capable staff, good rapport, and I walk away each time feeling like I've gotten more support than I could have hoped for. Issues I didn't know I had we're fixed for free, or slight annoyances in my car were addressed (also often free) as an aside effort from my requested fix. I was motivated to write this review because they fixed an interior side paneling issue I had known about and chose not to address. When I brought my car in for a more pressing issue they did it for free simply because they happened to have the requisite part on-hand. Highly recommend, especially for BMW-related issues. read more

My husband recommended me to come here. First time went here on February. I was scared in the morning on my way to work the engine light service was on! So, i called Kathy & email her what is going on! Thanks GOD, Kathy told to bring my car soon to her shop. I had rent car for a day from HERTZ as she recommended me. Overall Kathy& John service, they are ReAlly good job, fast and straightforward ! I like that! And i came back again recently, and they are the same thing! I do recommended this place! read more

This review is for the "Smog Service" only. I drove by A-1 Foreign Auto Repair and stopped in to get a smog check for the DMV. It was really quick (15 minutes) including paperwork and payment. The staff was nice and quick. I'd come here again if I needed a smog check. read more

Original 2017: Came in with no appointment, late on a Friday, for a smog and they were super nice about it! It didn't cost much more then any other place and its conveniently located! We will be coming back with our Honda! Update 2018: Went in for an oil change and tire rotation - really over priced and they didn't screw in the cover all the way so a week later I had to pull off the highway to an America's tires to get it secured. They are still really nice but sorry lose a star for that. read more

I've been using A-1 Foreign Auto for a number of years to service my 2008 Saab and the repairs have always been spot on, quick and reasonable. That's what you need in an auto technician when dealing with an aftermarket vehicle. (Esp. since going to the "official" places always feels like you're just asking to be ripped off.) But today they went above and beyond the usual - diagnosing a particularly tricky problem, keeping me apprised of their progress, looking for ways to fix it without parts costing more than a vacation to Mexico. And they did it! Thanks to Kathy and John yet again. It's such a relief to have trustworthy experts on your side. read more

Great service and professionalism! There were a few delays due to backorders and COVID, but they managed to be very accommodating. Would highly recommend. read more

Great place! I was happy they were able to fix my car in a timely manner. It was a bit pricey, but when it comes to cars when isn't it ? So far so good - no overheating and my car is running smooth again. The tow truck took it in Friday end of day and they didn't charge overnight fees for the weekend! Appreciate and thankful for the family friend referral ! Strongly recommend! Especially because it's a family owned and run business. I'll be back for my 90,000 miles check up. Oh my car is an 2008 Audi. read more

New to the area, and so glad I find this auto shop. I got straightforward information, suggestion and service from A-1. They only do what is required, and really take good care of my car. I drop off my car for a regular maintenance with some items in mind. Before I left, they did a check and identify some small issue I didn't notice. The whole process is straightforward, and they only did what is required, nothing more, nothing less, with good communication. I also have some scratches on the side that I'm reluctant to pay $$$ to deal with. I told them to leave as is. When I pick up the car, Kathy told me they did some cleanup to the scratch (and didn't charge anything). When I check the car on sunlight, it looks much better. Will definitely use their service for any auto-related issues. read more

Had my BMW X3 serviced at A1. Clean, neat and pleasant staff. Efficient service! Good value compare to at BMW dealership.

As of right now I see no problems with the shop , it looks well run, staff is amazing. Work is quick and proper. Mechanics definitely know what they are doing and don't sacrifice quality for time. They are very truthful and give you a full detailed list of things that are needed (including pricing) and also things that were run item by item. Absolutely love the shop and have already recommended this shop to about 5 different people just because both times I brought my car they left an astonishing impression on me. Definitely recommend. read more

Took my '10 Mini Cooper for check engine service. Kathy gave me a fair quote and was straight forward. The issue was a thermostat heater and needed replacement. Drain old and put new coolant to reach and replace thermostat. Only took about 6 hours to get everything completed. Warranty was great with German parts. Highly recommend!! A+++ with 5 stars. read more

I spent thousands there on 2 different cars. For most of the repairs I had to return the next day because they did not fix the right problem. $600 one day, $300 or $400 the next day, and one time the car would not start on the 3rd morning !! Did you know the actual mechanics are apprentices ?? The man that owns it seems very nice, but the end result is thousands spent and misdiagnosis.... The young guy working in the office told me I had driven 50 miles over the warranty for the part, so I would have to pay $400 for the work--less than 1 year after they originally fixed it. A hard-ss. That was the last straw. read more

Quality , Quality and Quality! Did I mention great customer service too. I've known John and Cathy for many years now and I've brought every car we own both business and personal to them when the car or truck needs to be worked on. The only place I trust for safety and reliability for my family when we are driving! Only the "Best" in family owned and operated! read more

Went in needing a brake light for my Audi A3. All the other shops were too busy for just a small job. Not A1. They took care me and I was on my way. read more

Excellent repair shop. Andrei and his partner are friendly and are true experts with all cars, especially European cars. My ML350 was towed in because of a broken water pump, and these guys fixed everything perfectly! read more

5 stars all the way! I went in because my car was shaking and I heard that it happens when the tires are a little flat or not balanced. John took a quick look around my car and noticed that my tread was dangerously worn... Like you can see the wire mesh worn! I was on my way to Tahoe that afternoon and I could've blown a tire!!!! He quickly got his peeps to change my tire to my full size spare. Another time I went in for a smog check. For some reason, my VIN number didn't match the actual vehicle I was driving... Uh, I've had this car for 7 years and noone knew! The computer kept showing that I was driving a Honda. No, sir, it's a TOYOTA. I'm quite certain of it. Well, they fixed that and my smog passed with typical high mileage colors... With over 300K miles on it some numbers will be a little atypical :) Thank you so much for GREAT service!!!! read more

We've been coming here for sometime now and they always go above and beyond. They are very honest and do amazing work. I had a diagnostic done one of my vehicles and they recommended what needed to be done and did not try to oversell. Best news is the work that needed to be completed was still under the manufacture's warranty and recommend I take it to the dealership to save me money. Again, very honest and I'm grateful I have a shop I can trust. read more

This is an outstanding shop. My Toyota Prius's steering was too loose and, per the dealer, needed a new rack and pinion. I took the car to A-1 Foreign Auto Repair. They had hoped that replacing the inner tie rods would take care of the problem, and they tried that but concluded that the rack and pinion indeed needed to be replaced. The price they quoted me for a rack and pinion replacement was half that of the dealer's. The job was completed promptly and neatly. The car now runs and steers perfectly. Kathy (front desk) is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and her husband, John, is an expert mechanic. They are honest and trustworthy. I only wish I had discovered A-1 Foreign Auto Repair sooner. A+ experience. read more

A-1 helped me diagnose and fix my rear brakes. Got it all fixed within a day! Friendly staff! Will continue to take my car there.

Great place to take a Volvo. John and Kathy are wonderful people that give honest assessments and do great work. 10/10 would recommend to anyone with a foreign car. read more

I went here on a recommendation from a cab driver. (not the best I understand) I went to get a smog and a fix on something fairly simple. The estimate was $1200, I went to the dealership and it was $350 for the same repair. read more

I know my car is in good hands when I bring it here! Kathy and John are so knowledgable and I trust them 100% with my 2012 Audi A4. I recommend this place to anyone who wants real talk about their car issues, no bull and no hidden charges. read more

Great job fixing our 2004 Acura TSX! New rear brakes and fixed power door locks. Fast, reasonably-priced, great communication.