Such a pleasure dealing with KT. He replaced shift cables and water pump in my 2007 Porsche Cayman S. Great work, great communication.

I had a broken water pump. It was very helpful in giving me details, explaining and showing me the problems. They ordered the parts and had it fixed very quickly. Would definitely recommend! read more

My 22 year old Audi went in for an oil change and evaluating of a coolant leakage. Within hours, KT called back with the result of a compression test, pointing to the 2 sources leakage. Parts needed to be ordered, but I got the car back the next day. I really appreciate the expedient and professional service with fair pricing. Dieter Scherer read more

My parents gave me an aged vehicle after it had already racked up over 300,000 miles on it. My wife and I have been using it as a second vehicle...until something went wrong. Last month, my wife called to let me know that there was a horrendous sound coming from under the hood and the vehicle had lost power steering. For weeks, I played "armchair mechanic" and searched online auto repair forums for a proper diagnosis. There was a wide array of opinions about the problem -- ranging from a bad transmission (gasp) to other moderate fixes. After setting upon what I thought to be the answer, I confirmed the symptoms and diagnosis with my dad. Now, all I needed to find was an honest and fair mechanic who wouldn't burn my wallet. An honest mechanic? It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? My initial calls to local area mechanics were horrible. Some of the mechanics were already preparing me for the worst -- transmission replacement or something equally as expensive -- even BEFORE they looked at the vehicle. One local mechanic (I won't name names) even wanted to charge me just to listen to his diagnosis over the phone. My dad and I were convinced that the problem was the idler pulley. Hey...if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, has feathers like, well, you get it. I explained this assumption to all of the mechanics that I spoke with, but most just shrugged their shoulders and told me that they would figure it out on their own. They just wanted me to drop off the vehicle and leave it at that. Those who would listen offered a massive estimate for the repair. I called a mechanic that I knew in Texas and asked for an estimate on what it would cost to have the idler pulley replaced. He gave me an estimate for parts and labor. It wasn't too bad; however, I didn't have much more money than that to work with. Besides, this is California -- the land of high taxes and inflated prices. Would I be able to find a mechanic in this area that could fix the vehicle without breaking the bank? A final Google search led me to Yelp...and to Dave's Auto Repair. The Yelp reviews looked good...and a neighbor told me she only trusts her car with Dave. Sure enough, Dave immediately struck me as an honest guy. I arrived to find Dave explaining to a customer with an expensive vehicle that his car's electrical system was fine...and that he just had a bad bulb in his headlight. He charged the man a $5 bill to replace the bulb and called it a day. Needless to say, I was impressed...because a lesser mechanic or shop owner could have easily taken advantage of a man who WANTED to spend money to fix his vehicle. After this, Dave listened patiently, politely and attentively to my own internet-diagnosis. He immediately walked over to my car (with me), looked under the hood and confirmed what I suspected. Now, I just needed an estimate. Surprisingly, Dave's estimate was even LOWER than the estimate given to me by my friend in Texas! In fact, it was quite a bit lower! As a result, there was another issue in my vehicle (a not-so-pressing fan motor replacement) for which I asked for an estimate. Dave would be able to fix BOTH things for less than the price of what most mechanics wanted to charge me to simply replace an idler pulley! I agreed...handed over my keys to Dave...and he let me know that the vehicle should be done early the next day. I picked up the vehicle and it ran beautifully! Since the lack of an idler pulley drains power, Dave had even charged my battery overnight at no cost! I am impressed with Dave's Auto Repair. My old SUV was treated with the same attentive care as a brand new luxury vehicle. Kudos to Dave for his fender-side manner. I will now trust him with ALL of our vehicles' repairs. read more

KT and his team are great. No fears about Dave being gone (I had those same fears). Once I met KT and team they were responsive, professional, perfectly knowledgeable and did all my repairs quickly and completely. I've been there twice since the transition and I will continue to go to them for my car care. read more

Competent and convenient. Best thing I like about them is that they give you a loaner car, and their services are cheaper than other loaner car alternatives (like dealers). Also quite good service - when I had a followup issue KT came to my work, took my car and left me a loaner. Repairs done fairly quickly too. read more

Looking at so many 5-star reviews, only reason I can think of is that people in this area are just too busy to get a second opinion / quote from other equally highly rated repair shops. I spent double to get the alternator of my Odyssey replaced. Yes I was too lazy to have my car towed to another shop for 1/2 of replacement cost. I learned the lesson so I went to another 5-star shop in Santa Clara to get my brake pads replaced at 1/3 of price of what Dave's quoted. Yes, their quote was 3 times higher compared to that shop which uses genuine Honda parts only! Most recently, occasionally I could not start my Odyssey and was wondering if it was due to the alternator replaced by Dave's 8 months ago. I was asked to bring in the car for diagnosis. I was hoping they just checked the alternator but in the end I was charged for diagnosing something else (without letting me know first). This could be due to miscommunication but Dave insisted to charge the full diagnostic fees. The thing is if I really want to have my car diagnosed, I would go to another nearby shop which charges half of the fees for the same operation. What can I say? I am just puzzled. Why are people willing to pay 2X or even 3X for car repairs. Are you paying for the location as housing price in Palo Alto is indeed 2 or even 3X more expensive compared to some neighborhood cities. I will not get my car repaired there, nor diagnosed! read more

KT is the best. Excellent service. He even took my car to a dealership to get a recall done. Reliable and honest.

I paid $100 to get a used car inspected (I suppose Patrick forgot to mention the Stanford student discount). The feedback on the car was minimal but sufficient...but he quoted me $1300 for a timing belt replacement!!! I guess he thought I wouldn't double check his estimate? Beware of the overall rating...the 5 star rating is hugely inaccurate. read more

I live down the street from these guys. My Camry was getting finicky starting, so took it to them to look at. They fixed it for a fair price, and I've had no problems since. More importantly, for me, I felt like Dave was a pretty honest guy (I don't know him, but that's the vibe I got). Next time I have car issues, I'm going back here. read more

Chuck, the service manager, is AWESOME! He is professional, knowledgeable, nice, and patient. I was first scared by the weird noise under the hood after I drove through a puddle, so I swang by. Chuck did a quick check and scheduled an inspection for me, for FREE. After the inspection, they did a quick and easy fix to get rid of the noise. Free still. They also suggested three services that can be done recently but no push, no hard sell at all. If ever I need to get any service done on my car, I'll definitely come back to Chuck. Oh, forgot to mention that Chuck also offered a free loaner car on the inspection day because I got some issue on my uber account. read more

I was also a customer of Ole's Car Shop in Palo Alto before he retired. I was happy to find out that Dave's been recommended by Ole to continue his work. Dave's very professional and the location was easy to get to. My car was ready when he promised and he waited around for me after 6 on a Friday to pick it up. He seems like a very honest technician and I would go back for service on my beloved G35. read more

I was looking around for someone to perform a same-day transmission fluid change on what turned out to be a rather busy weekend for auto repairs when one of the mechanics who turned me away recommended I check with Dave. I'm glad I did! From the time I first called him up, I was confident I made the right choice. Dave himself picked up the phone and, without having to look up my car, knew exactly how long it would take to service my car and that he had the transmission fluid he would need for the job. He even explained that I probably didn't need one of the other services I requested at the same time. I was told that if I made it there in the next half hour, he would be able to squeeze me in and turn me around within 2 hours. To top it off, they have automatic text notifications for when your vehicle is being serviced! All in all, I would highly recommend Dave and his crew! read more

My husband loves his car! He literally has a name for the car (who does that?). And Daves's is the only place he trusts his beloved car with! Service here is fast, professional, and efficient. They will tell you exactly what your car needs and the cost of it. Come here and you won't regret it. Your car will thank you! read more

I recently moved back to the area and was looking for a good, honest, repair shop for my Honda with over 100K miles on it. I found it at Dave's. I didn't meet Dave but everyone there really knew what they were doing and I was totally satisfied with their service, thoroughness, attitude and pricing. The other reviews on Yelp were helpful in choosing this shop and they are right on. They have me as a customer from now on.... read more

I recently had my shocks replaced by KT and his team and I was not disappointed. They were up front with pricing and the work was excellent. If you are looking for honest and efficient mechanics this is the place to go to. read more

What a great find! Took my mini cooper in due to a light coming on and it turned out to be a light bulb in the tail light that needed replacing. Honest place with great service and fair prices. My new go to mechanic: read more

Always great and reliable service. KT is honest and work is quick and reliable. He will not try to up sell you crap you don't need for your vehicle. Highly recommended! read more

All these other positive reviews are spot on, Dave is the mechanic you've been hoping to find. I live up in Sacramento, but go to school at Stanford, and last time I drove down to campus this summer I had a car problem and was not able to drive it back home. I went to Dave based on his Yelp reviews, and was not disappointed. Even though I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to cars, Dave explained everything to me simply and pointedly. It was a new experience to be treated as a human at a repair shop. Even the receptionist was kind and got me in contact with Dave immediately. He momentarily left what he was doing, listened to where I said the problem was, and checked out my car real quick, giving me a diagnosis and price range on the spot. I immediately felt so comfortable with Dave that I was able to leave my car there (because I had a train home to catch) and have him call me with the quote. I picked up the car on a weekend (convenient location right off the 101) when the shop was closed and have had no problems since. If I ever have car trouble again down at school, I will return to Dave's. read more

This is a top-notch auto repair shop. They are quick and affordable. I bring in my 2002 Toyota Camry to this shop when I need an oil change or something fixed on the car. KT explains the work that needs to be done and why, which is very helpful. KT is always incredibly responsive via email and text message. Thanks for taking such great care of my car!!! read more

Chuck is awesome. That should nearly be enough said. I called about my car, and he had me bring it in for an initial look. They were able to see me that same afternoon. The work that needed to be done for a full diagnostic could be done the next day. Turns out, it was a pretty simple fix and they replaced a couple other parts that looked like they needed wear. I got emailed updates about this throughout the process, with photos, and Chuck called to follow up and get approval for any and all repairs. They're also reasonably priced. Another great part? I didn't need to arrange a ride with a friend, deal with a rental car, or even call Uber; they have a loaner that you can use without charge! I'm totally trusting Dave's from now on! read more

I have been a client of KT for about three years now. He has kept my 2007 BMW 335i on the road, much longer than I expected. My car had left me stranded, and when my friend came to pick me up, he said, "I know a good mechanic," and he called KT, told him what was going on. KT had him check a couple of things under the hood and said, it's the water pump. I had my car towed to KT the next day. I was previously super loyal to the BMW dealership before meeting KT. I realized that they were overcharging me and fixing issues that were minor just to make money. Anytime, something goes wrong with my car; I take it to KT. It has been the AC, the starter, and of course the original issue with the water pump. He also does my normal maintenance as well such as tune ups and oil changes. Last time, I took it to KT, he said my turbos were bad, and it was probably time to retire my baby. The amount of labor to repair was more then the car was worth. I am still driving her, though, and that is a testament to KT's good work! KT honestly diagnosis the issues with your car, his prices are reasonable, and he even has loaner cars for you, if needed. I will continue to use KT for anything car related even though a new car is on the horizon. read more

Amazing service!! I called Dave's about two issues with my car - a damaged bumper and speakers that weren't working. Dave gave me the name of an excellent Auto Body place to take care of the bumper. He also, after listening to my description of the problem with the speaker, recalled hearing about a similar issue. He referred me to several internet sites that had a DIY solution to my speaker issue. Dave was so helpful that I did not even have to visit his repair store. He was the definition of helpful and professional; he saved me money and time letting know how to fix the problem myself. While I did not have to go in to Dave's this time, I know where I will go whenever I have an issue with my car! Thank you! read more

Good people. Honest work, got my prius motor replaced and they handled everything very efficiently.

My boyfriend brought his car here to get his brake pads replaced... we were quoted a huge price at another shop and thought it was a good idea to get a second opinion. KT was SO awesome and quoted us so much less than the other shop!! We were so pleased- he was professional, kind, and got the work done super quick. KT was willing to stay late so we could get the car there (after closing... so thank you SO MUCH) on Monday, and got the car returned on Friday. Overall awesome experience and would DEFINITELY recommend to anyone. THANK YOU KT!!! read more

My brakes were super squeaky and I called KT to schedule an appointment to check them out. He got me in on the same day, called to give me the options of repairs, and completed the work in four hours -- then he let me grab my keys from a lock box after hours. I could not have asked for better service. His shop was packed and it's clear why-- advanced motor works provides excellent service. Thanks KT & team!! read more

I took my car to Dave's for the first time, when it was overheating. The first thing that impressed me when I called was that he cautioned me to not drive it anymore, and to have it towed instead, to avoid causing damage to the engine or other parts. Once I arrived with the car, he told me how long it would take to identify the problem, and he called me within that time. His pricing was fair, so I approved the repairs, and he called me again, as promised, when they were complete. In addition to the process going smoothly, Dave clearly explained the reasons behind the overheating problem and what work needed to be done and why. He also mentioned a few additional repairs I might want to consider having done on my car, in the near future, and patiently answered all of my questions He did not push more work on me; he just shared what his mechanics had found, which included a low battery and cracked CV boots, so I was aware of those non-urgent items and could consider having them fixed before they became bigger problems. I greatly appreciate the positive experience I had with Dave's Auto Repair and would not hesitate to take my car there again or recommend him to friends or family. read more

I brought my car to Dave's few days ago for car maintenance services. I met KT, the new manager of the shop. KT is very professional. He carefully checked up and on my and tell me exactly what my car needed to be fixed. Within few hours, the car was ready and the waiting time is much shorter than at other car shops. Overall, I highly recommend Dave's Auto for the good services, professionalism, and reasonable price. Very happy with the experience. read more

Totally agree with Karen Z! I have been a happy & loyal Dave's customer since he opened, and Ole's before him. THINGS HAVE CHANGED; DO NOT GO HERE. I called to make an appt for standard maintenance and was scheduled for almost 2 weeks out. As, I was told, it was a "big service" and the day would be reserved for my car. hmm.. OK.. It wasn't an emergency. When I arrived, there were cars parked everywhere. I went inside and the place was a mess with parts on the floor all around the office and paperwork everywhere. The new guy checking me said I did not have an appt. Apparently, it had been written up, but not booked. They took my car, but said they were really busy and would try to get to it the next day. I got a message saying that only an oil change and tire rotation was need and it would be $159. I got another call the next day listing a bunch of work and it would be $850. (I begrudgingly approved it.) Then another call the following day saying I needed new brakes all round. I looked up my previous receipts and inspection records (Thank you Chuck & Dave!) My rear brakes has been replaced 10k miles ago and the inspection 5k miles ago showed very little wear. And now supposedly I need new ones? I don't think so! It's a bummer to loose such a great car shop; but it's the opposite of great now! read more

KT is awesome to work with. I take my personal vehicles there and our company car. He is super nice, prices are great, he communicates well while he is working on your vehicle, he will follow up after you have visited them, and I have had 2nd opinions done after he has given a quote and his has always been lower. I highly recommend this shop. read more

This shop is the only place I need to think of when it comes to my mechanical needs. Friendly and knowledgeable team with low prices and quality work. They always have a loaner car available for me so my life is not on hold do to car troubles. Thank you KT and the team for the great experience. read more

Very happy with Dave's. The first time I went in, Dave took a look at my problem and sent me on to a body shop to do the work. Even recommended a fabulous shop that did a great job. I've been back about 3 times since then for maintenance on my two cars. Most recently, he really had an opportunity to charge me for something that was not needed but he did not, and instead was very honest and upfront about it all. Dave and Patrick are both very friendly and answer all my random car maintenance questions very patiently. I will continue to take my cars here exclusively. read more

Great, trustworthy place to get your car checked and fixed..! Appointment flexibility and loaner car use is possible while your car is in the shop. Will continue to get my Toyota Yaris checked here. read more

I've lived in Oregon, Arizona and California and worked with a lot of mechanics, and I state my word this business is a trustworthy mechanic that follows the rules and knows what they're talking about. KT and his team are honest, knowledgeable, trustworthy and also repair innovators. Thanks for revamping my 200,000 mile 2008 Escalade for another 200,000 miles! Front Suspension replace, Evap repair, seat heater/cooler repair, power window gear replacement, rear air shock lifetime replacement, front seats rebuilt through a third party excellent work! read more

Dave at Dave's Auto Repair runs a great business. He is honest, personable and always putting the customer first. I brought in my 72 Mercedes for an overhaul. He did a beautiful job and gave me an excellent referral to a Mercedes specialist when that became necessary. Smart, thoughtful, a great diagnostician and considerate. Highly recommend! read more

KT is an exceptional mechanic. Damn near a Wizard!! He was recommended to me by a good friend, and I've received nothing but great service at a great price over the two years since I've been bringing my car in. I couldn't be happier. My car is a 2001 hand-me-down, and KT and the staff are making it run very well indeed. The car had not been maintained well before I received it, but today, it shifts well, brakes well and gets 33 miles to the gallon!! It didn't do any of these things before KT started working on it. So, "Hats off" to KT and the Staff. Again, I couldn't be happier with the Service!!!! read more

Karen Z. just triggered my own flashback from the past when Patrick was there handling a lot of the business while Dave was out. Even in those days service was excellent but I had issues from the mechanic that broke my car seat and tried to hide the evidence. The crack on the side of seat was very apparent that his size and weight was just over the limit. That set aside, they were once a good team. Patrick made the difference! They also use to provide a loaner vehicle to save renting for the day just fill the gas tank upon return a plus. read more

KT is amazing. He has great communication skills, is incredibly knowledgeable and is a nice, trustworthy guy as well! The work on our car was thorough, detailed, cost-effective and completed promptly and properly (2004 Honda Civic Hybrid needing new transmission). I am so happy he has taken over management of this business. I will use Dave's for as long as he is there! read more

Dave no longer owns it. Suspicious of their recommendation and tried to hold onto my car.

This is a follow-up review from my previous bad bad experience. I would have never come back to here to give a review again if I wasn't sent an email from this place reminding me about a "150,000" miles services needed for my sold car. It is certainly not surprising to see Taylor's recent one star review and others who gives this place a one star review. Well, just to update, at that time he suggested a $800-$900 timing belt replacement while doing mechanical check. Guess what? When I sold the car I just found on the service record from my previous owner that the car already had a timing-belt replacement just right before I became the owner. Just to give people a better idea, my car was a 99 Volvo. I purchased the vehicle when it had around 100,000 miles on it. Do some research and find how long a new timing belt lasts for this type of vehicle: 105,000 miles. That means I had only used less than 30,000 miles for that time belt from the time I bought and till the time I sold the car. Replacement definitely NOT! Anyway, I use "YELP" a lot to look up good places to dine, to have good mechanics, etc. It really upsets me when the reviews I read is opposite of the truth in reality. To keep "YELP" a better place, I am obliged to give this review. Also, I highly suggest people to not look at the overall review. But to look on the buttom left side and click on the "filtered" reviews. It definitely gives you a better idea! read more