I waited to write this review after time had passed just to validate how wrong Tim ended up being about diagnosing my subaru outback. I saw all the great reviews and I was referred here by a trusted friend when my car started having oil in the coolant reservoir. Tim told me his next availability was 2 weeks away so I waited and towed my car in the night before my appointment. I never received a call about my car so I called and checked in 2 days later and he tells me he didnt look at my car yet because he didnt write down my info and forgot about my appointment. He calls me later to tell me that theres definitely a bad headgasket and it was too expensive to make sense to repair and my car was basically toast. I paid around $300 and took my car home. I drove on the car a good 300 miles and it ran smoothly so I decided to get a second opinion. I looked up subaru specialty and took it to ackermans in berkeley and without even looking at it yet, he immediately said " you have a bad pcv valve" and it's a common issue because there wasn't evidence of the coolant in the oil reservoir so the leak was one directional. He replaced the valve for $280 and its been a year and half- it fixed the problem! I didnt want to write a bad review but after all this time Im so grateful I found Bruce at ackermans so if youre a subaru owner looking for help, reconsider this place. If I would've trusted his diagnosis I would've retired a car for a silly valve part... read more

I had a friend refer me here a couple years ago when I needed some work on my Ford Expedition and a previous shop I loved lost their manager and things became very shady with their repairs and paperwork. The owner, Tim, here is awesome - professional, straightforward, honest and tells you exactly what you need or don't need done. My ford has been in a couple more times now for an odd smell coming from the engine and basic maintenance. Always gets the work done and a very fair rate. He mentioned they work on European cars after I mentioned I had a Mini and since then now have an Audi... after the estimate at Audi for a brake job, I said thanks but no thanks to Audi and came here. At around half the price, Tim apologized for the expensive parts as apparently my Audi has the most expensive ones.. no problem, I will take that price any day. Tim also reviewed other items on the list of "things to do" from Audi and noted when things may actually need to be done or if I can wait longer. Super personable, love supporting our local shop and trust him with all of my vehicles! read more

After having a good experience with the front brake works 2 months ago, I took the same car back for rear brake pads and rotors replacement. Julio called me when the work was almost done. So far so smooth. Competitive price and honest/good work. read more

See all

I really appreciated the assessment they did on my car when the ABS light came on and insight they offered on the options. Completely fair prices and honest breakdown of the estimate. I plan to continue using them for future car needs. I didn't get that weird *girl at a mechanic* feeling I've had in the past at other shops. read more

I asked for a quote on a timing belt to see who would respond with a quote for a timing belt + water pump and who would try to snag me with a low price then upsell me when I came in. They were honest and straightforward from the start. read more

Brought my Class B motor home in for a check engine light. It was too big for the service bay, but they tested and performed the service they could. That apparently was just what I needed. The light is out. What led to the five stars however, is not only the willingness to attempt the work, but the knowledgeable mechanic (I think he was the owner.) He told me what was wrong and how to confirm the problem had been resolved. I'll be doing that in the next few days, but for now, I couldn't be more impressed nor could I recommend more highly. read more

They fixed our Volvo AC and were reasonable with the price. Say hi to the dog in the office.

Writing this review for my brother, Richard Tim, the owner, was very helpful. thought one of my wheels had a break problem, making a lot of noise. He was booked and not available but he was able to help me by having an employee drive with me to make sure my car was at least safe enough to drive. Turns out I had a puncture in my tire but I am grateful for Tim's help. Stand-up guy! read more

Advanced auto is the best shop in town. Tim is extremely honest, knowledgeable, attentive, and stands by his work. My whole family goes straight to him when anything is wrong with their vehicle. Highly recommend advanced auto read more

Heads Up: Working in Office Without Masks June 1, 2020 This is a great company. Good people. Excellent customer service and vehicle service. They fixed my AC quickly and within the price range that I was expecting. I came away feeling they are highly competent and friendly. If you need to enter the office during the pandemic, be advised. read more

I had to get my car towed here once, it was recommended by my insurance and I'm really glad it was. The guys here were so nice, they helped me get my car running good again. They didn't overcharge me, even though they did a lot to help me out and they were super helpful. I would bring my car all the way here again even though I live far. read more

My car started making a concerning noise and no lights came on on my dash I took it to the local auto zone (great folks btw) and the diagnosis came clean but that didn't explain why it started to make the noise. So the next day headed out to find a place to have it be looked at and even though they were a mechanic short and they were really busy they made time for us to not only diagnose it but they were also able to fix the problem in the same day. I felt they were genuine, efficient, not condescending and for that they found themselves a new returning customer. Great stuff. read more

Brought my car in on very short notice and they were able to look at it the same day, they kept me notified on the status of my car and had brakes, rotors, a water pump and a thermostat installed and ready to go literally the next day. I would absolutely recommend them and will be bringing my vehicles to them from now on. read more

I had my '97 4runner brakes replaced by Tim and his team. I provided all new parts and they did a fantastic job with the installation. It was fast and price was very fair. And Tim has texted me twice to ask how everything is going with the vehicle. I am a regular customer now. read more

Tim was great! He explained all the codes on my car, estimates of how much it may cause and the reality of what the current state of my car. Advanced auto works will give you the autonomy to decide what you want to do with your vehicle and will give you the rationale. I have decided to buy another vehicle due to spending $$$ for my car outweighs the benefits. It has 201K miles and has served it's purpose. Thanks to Tim, I have made an informed decision. We should support our local business like advance auto works. read more

What a fabulous experience. I had heard about Advanced Auto from the owners of my company and they did not disappoint. They were quick, efficient, and had amazing communication. I had my timing belt and water pump changed out and it was completed in less than a day. Stellar service, great quality, and they were fast. Thank you for your help! read more

I received excellent customer service from Advanced Auto Works. I had problems installing new headlight bulbs in my 2008 BMW. And somehow a small flashlight fell into the engine and got lost there. Advanced Auto Works had done work on my son's 2007 Audi and they did a lot of work for a fair price and got his car running smoothly again. So I called them and Julio was very helpful and installed my headlight bulb for free. Then I had a problem with the other headlight that had been installed incorrectly so I went back and they again fixed it for free and even spent the time to put my car on the lift and retrieve the flashlight from the engine. I will definitely go back. I trust them with my and my family's cars to do honest and quality work. Thank you Advanced Auto Works! read more

Amazing customer service! Tom was great, and easy to work with. They went above and beyond! Nice to know that I now have a mechanic in town that I can trust! Definitely recommend read more

Tom was awesome! Did what he said he would do and was finished on time. Very personable and made me feel comfortable leaving him my vehicle. I would recommend Tom and his team anytime. read more

This place was honest, quick and efficient! All qualities hard to find in a mechanic shop, especially as a woman!Tim was great. He consulted and advised me on what my Audi needed and he Saved Me Thousands ! Very grateful for this place. My car drove like new and I got home (300miles away)safely and fastly lol. Thanks Advanced Auto Works! read more

The best auto repair shop I've ever been to. These guys were so so helpful, reliable, and straightforward with everything. They talk to you throughout the entire process and keep you updated on your vehicle. Great prices and great work. They'll get your vehicle back to you when you need it, even same day. They saved my Jeep Wrangler right before a long trip I couldn't miss! I couldn't be more thankful for Advanced Auto Works in Livermore!!! I will be back. read more

Good service. Very professional and how he handled the estimate. Admitted that it would take a while to get the work done since it was a major job. Didn't make any promises but got it done quickly. I appreciate the honesty and professionalism. Highly recommend them. read more

I have not had my car repaired here but it is local and I called, spoke to Tim and was so pleased with his genuine and honest help that I felt I had to reward good customer service. I called with a "how much would it be to ..... question and told him how much the dealer had quoted me. He said that it was about right as that part is quite expensive. He didnt have to take time to do that, so thank you. read more

Need an ac replaced and they got me in the day of that I called, with my car back to me before close! Great work

Wow what a great experience! Julio was the gentleman that helped me and he did a fantastic job. Great customer service I felt like not only a customer but was welcomed like a friend. He helped me talk to my insurance about the best deal for me and actually helped me not get screwed over by them and saved me a ton of money. I highly recommend this place and shoutout to Julio for being so great to me. 5 stars all around! read more

This was the only shop that could give me an accurate estimate over the phone for my low beam lights on my mercedes. All the other places wanted me to come by and take a look before they could estimate. This place gave me an accurate and competitive estimate and stuck to it. No problems at all. Polite service and approachable. Great job! read more

this is a present update of our latest experience that emphasizes how Tim, Tom and Julio know how to take care of our cars, in sickness and in health. Most recently, our older ford ranger xlt 2001 that has given us non-repeating symptoms associated with the ambient temperature that was difficult to find a cause. we want to keep this truck alive for our camper. My web search for my truck's symptoms was not encouraging: several time-consuming steps needed to be done that appeared to cost more than the truck was worth. The good news from the mechanics at Advanced Auto Works was that they found the problem in short order at a cost we could live with. In short, they have the exceptional expertise to diagnose difficult-to-find-causes. i highly recommend this company for old and newer cars as they represent our car-care-givers whom we have come to trust read more

Tim will do what he promises and give you educated reasons why he won't take shortcuts. Great service because he is organized and has a system that works. Give him a try you won't be disappointed. read more

Their website posts a special for A/C check+Freon for $89 till 8/4/18. Call to confirm but was told their software company made a mistake and the price should be $200. That is the most expensive charge from the 5 shops I called. I am glad I called first and did not waste a trip! read more

My son's car failed to start when he was trying to leave Livermore feed, right next door to advanced auto. I was called over and started trouble shooting and tried to jump start the car. Still would not turn over. It was just after 5 and Tom from the shop was just getting ready to leave. He saw that we were having trouble and jumped right in to help diagnose the issue. In less than 5 mins, he called it, it was the starter - common for my car and mileage. He opened up the shop, gave me a quote and I left the car with him. The quote was reasonable. What was good to see was that he ordered new OEM vs recon or aftermarket parts. He had the car working, ready for pickup the next day by noon. There are some great shops in Livermore, but from the ones that I've been to I always felt like they are trying to get over. This was straight up, no upsell just a "we'll take care of it and get you going". I have an issue with my truck, so I'll be taking it Advanced Auto. read more

Tim and his team run an excellent business. They are professional, on time, and courteous. They have common sense solutions to the problems and suggest practical ways and give choices on how to deal with car problems. I truly appreciate how the team treat you like a true customer, every time. They don't forget that. That is important. Advanced Auto works is simply excellent! read more

I take the work trucks from my daughter and son in law's business to Tim and he has always been great, both on turning them around quickly but also with fair pricing. I now have other members of my family taking their cars there. Highly recommend read more

I have needed work done on my 01 Ford Expodition a few times now and have dropped my car with both Tim and Tom. Left with an estimate so I knew what to expect.Had the work done quickly even at the last minute drop off. Was pleasantly surprised to find all things didn't need replacing.The shop has integrity, they could have charged me more for unnecessary parts and labor. Thanks guys! Its good to have an honest mechanic close by.Andrea B read more

Honest and expertise from Tim and his shop; always has time and great advice. A real find in the auto industry--helped our daughter in the past and most recently of Great assistance with our pt! read more

Advanced Autocare is the only place I take my cars. They are fast and reliable. They don't try to talk me into fixing things that don't need to be fixed. The level of service they provide lets you know they value their customers. read more

Great service! Very quick and reasonable rates. Quality of service and follow up is awesome! Tim is a great guy, explained the problem very well. read more

My Dodge 1500 truck A/C stopped working, these guys did great work and done quickly!! Very pleased.

Always professional, Tim is the only mechanic I trust my vehicles with. Very fair and the service is fast. Thanks Tim! I will continue to recommend. read more