I have been taking my cars to AVS  Specialists since 2008.  At first I went to AVS for convenience as it was close to where I work. Now I go because of Rose and Eddie. I trust Eddie, he explains what needs to be done to keep my car running well. I highly recommend AVS. read more

We have been grateful, satisfied customers at AVS for twenty years! Eddie and his team have been reliable and efficient in keeping our cars running in great shape. From major service to check ups before going on a road trip, Eddie at AVS gives careful attention to our 2014 and 2015 Audis. We highly recommend this top quality car shop. read more

My wife and I have been taking our Audi and Volkswagen to AVS for years. We have never had a problem with the service or repairs and the staff is friendly and attentive. We would not hesitate to take our cars there in the future and recommend their shop to anyone who asks about AVS. Eddie and Rose, the owners, make for a very pleasant experience. read more

I would use caution with this place. They told me that my engine had rodent droppings all over it and suggested a very expensive cleaning. When I asked them to show me the droppings, they got a bit hand wavy about it and were able to show me *one* rodent dropping. I was skeptical, so I took the car home, removed all of the engine coverings and looked all over the engine for more droppings. In fairness, I found two more droppings, but the issue was not nearly as significant as they made it out to be when I was in their shop. To top it all off, they adjusted all four of my tires to a pressure that was too low and, in the case of the rear tires, about 15% below the manufacturer's recommendations. This resulted in my wife getting a low pressure warning, a few days after visiting the shop, while on the highway with the kids. It was easily remedied, but kind of annoying. Maybe this was an unusual experience, but I won't be back and I recommend that you use caution if you bring your car here. read more

BEWARE!!! You've been warned. I probably should sue this guy because consumers have rights. Probably shouldn't have paid him. Here's the deal..... I Dropped the car off and was quoted about $4k-as high as $6k to do the job. When I came to pick up the car, he said I owed him nearly $11,000. WTF???? He had the car for almost a month and showed me pictures of all the work and every step. The work looked very detailed and thorough. GREAT!.... But dude... I bought the car a couple years ago for $12k. You are completely dishonest when you mis-quote. My bad... I should have never paid him and gone to the consumer protection agency and reported him. Watch out for this guy!!! You've been warned! I found out he's done this to a few other people I know! read more

I called twice and e-mailed once thru their website. Never got a response back. Took my business elsewhere.

I recently switched to AVS after a near disastrous experience with another 'German Auto Specialist', I couldn't be happier, this is the service I am always looking for. Eddie knows the vehicles inside and out. My 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDi is now running like a new car. I put a lot of miles per year on my vehicles and need then running tip top and as efficiently as possible. Eddie, Rose and the team are the real deal. Eddie makes you feel like his only customer, I will be bringing all my vehicle here going forward. read more

I brought in my Eurovan camper with a faulty switch. I am so impressed with Eddie and his team. Not only is Eddie a specialist in Eurovans, I felt like he was incredibly focused on my van. His team kept me up to date through text messages (so helpful!) and when I arrived to pick up the van, he sat down with me to outline everything. He is super knowledgeable and his partner is also so friendly and kind. I had a "wow" experience with Eddie and the entire AVS team. Thanks guys! Happy 4th. read more

The AVS team (Eddie, Rose, and Matt) are so knowledgeable about VWs that they have guided me through an entire series of completely overwhelming challenges. (I am not car savvy.) I was introduced to them when my 2009 Tiguan needed to be towed to a mechanic after it stopped being driveable on the expressway. I was new to Berkeley and California - I didn't have a mechanic, and I didn't have anyone to ask for recommendations in this emergency situation. It was a very stressful situation. I called a mechanic with glowing reviews on YELP, and he said you don't want to take your VW to us. You need to go to AVS. They are the best VW mechanics in the East Bay. Rose took my call, talked me through it, and ensured my car was towed to AVS. (The shop was at capacity, so I was grateful they made space for me in my emergency situation.) Since then, Eddie and the team have guided me through a series of complications with the Tiguan and finally assisted me in purchasing a used VW Golf. Eddie inspected the car before I purchased it, and I know I bought a quality used car. I trust this team with my VWs, and I know that I will get great service and that they will text me in the process. The one caveat is that AVS is always busy because they provide their clients with top-door service. They will always keep you in the loop when your vehicle is in the shop, and they are very detail-oriented and will take their time with your car. But, sometimes, they delay responding to a request when your vehicle isn't being serviced because they are so busy. I know this about them, and now I send a second email or text if the issue is urgent. read more

Another 5-star service with Eddie & the AVS team! Always helpful, knowledgeable, and very easy to communicate with. Will return with my Audi for the next service needed. read more

Eddie and Rose are so nice and personable! My daughter had her car fixed and they are very kind, knowledgeable and helpful to her. Price were very reasonable. I'm so lucky to have found the place we can trust! I recommend AVS to anyone!! read more

This review is long overdue since I've been taking my cars to Eddie for well over a decade! This is a great team and I especially want to give a shout-out to Matt. Recently, when I brought my Audi e-tron in for an oil change, he noticed a minor transmission leak, and sent me to his trusted contact at a nearby Audi dealership. (In fact, he reminded me twice, because I forgot to do anything about it the first time, and he wanted to make sure the car would still be under warranty.) Thanks to his reminder, I brought the car in. When the dealership initially said they couldn't find any leak, he worked with Marina at Audi Concord to do more digging to identify the problem. Indeed, there was a leak! The repair on my transmission took almost two weeks. If Matt hadn't 1. found the problem, 2. reminded me twice to call the dealer, 3. sent me to a good dealer, and 4. worked with her and her team to diagnose the problem, this could have set me back thousands of dollars. Instead it cost me $0. AVS, and Matt, you are the absolute best! My highest recommendation. read more

They left a dent in my car and won't help repair. At first I had that warm fuzzy helpful feeling from AVS. Matt said he was an expat of Audi San Francisco and was helpful over the phone. I had high hopes of a great experience. Took my 2008 here for an oil leak. $3,400 later and 2 whole weeks without my car... still leaking oil and more to do. - Although I made an appt. my car was neglected for days because they are understaffed. - 5:1 ratio of me initiating call backs. Patiently waited hours / days past the promised time for an update. They're not organized at all and need a receptionist. - Throughout these two weeks... AVS waited 4 days after I had explicitly given them the approval to order parts. Never got an explanation as to why. - After 2 weeks, Matt tells me there's still another $1000 just to install a $200 Oil filter housing. This is a half hour job max. Call any shop and do the math. - Picked my car up, paid Matt $3,300 and later that night I notice a scratch/dent on the body and a sweet coolant smell from the engine. (See photos) After notifying them I get an email from Eddie days later saying, "what do you want us to do?". After sending them my place of work and schedule for repair, haven't gotten a single word back. At this point they haven't returned a call or email. Unprofessional is a massive understatement. read more

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I was completely blown away by eddie's service to my car and communication with me. It's been a long time since I've felt this taken care of and assured that my car is in good hands and safe to drive. He's a real expert in both cars and customer service. I truly don't think 5 stars is enough. 10 feels more like it. As long as I'm in the Bay Area I'll continue to come back to be serviced by them. read more

Although I have never had my car repaired here, I also know I will NEVER bring my car here. I have been listening to a co worker for over 6 months complaining about the length of time it is taking to fix his car and how it's impossible to reach them to find out what the hell is going on. I look forward to hearing how the lawsuit plays out.. read more

I've been a customer at AVS for several years. Eddie and his team are great and always deliver an excellent customer service. The communication is quick and easy, the quotes are accurate, they respect their deadlines and explain clearly the reparations done on the vehicle. They go above and beyond to help their customers. I'd recommend AVS without hesitation. read more

Update..update (11/11/14)!!! Had my car worked on here back in July. Fast forward to November 2014, now all of a sudden my car is starting to deteriorate. For starters, each time I try to start my car, it won't fire up when I turn the key, all I hear is a clicking sound. On one such morning, on my way to work at 4am, I noticed that headlights were not functioning, so I had to drive the rest of the way to work with my high beams on. This has never happened before having my key cylinder replaced at AVS. I give Andrew at AVS a call, who I once considered my savior for getting me out of a jam, and he gives me the low down. Apparently, he says it's my ignition switch. Andrew says when he was doing the work back in July to have my tumbler replaced, I should've also replaced my ignition switch for the extra $80 when he offered to do it. Well, Andrew, I say, had I known that my car would be failing, 3 months later... why would I NOT have paid an extra $80 to avoid all this. I counter back saying that at no point was he clear to me that my car would be breaking down like this because of an ignition switch. He says it's only going to get worse-- my wind shield wipers will cease to work as well as the dashboard lighting. I told him he should've explained to me at the time when he did the work that this might've resulted if i chose not to go w/ the replacement. In fact, I initially wanted to have the part replaced but opted not to because he said it was "not necessary." Bottom line he was not clear with the consequences to my car when I drove away. I further explained to Andrew that when i called back 15 minutes later in order for him to work on the ignition switch, he said the work was already completed for the tumbler and he could not do it without me incurring more charges. But I should not have any problems. Moving forward, if I chose to have them do the job correctly, it will cost another $300. Come on, Andrew really!!?? ** Here's an example of a person like myself, who knows very little about cars, and relies on the word of an experienced mechanic that got completely taken ADVANTAGE OF. Folks, beware and avoid this spot at all costs. They will swindle you like they did me. From A+ to a complete F-- Andrew and the crew at AVS should be completely ashamed of yourselves for this horrible experience. I wish I had never let you guys touch my car. read more

My VW locked up in engine failure due to the oil pump's inability to pump oil through the system. It took some weeks for this diagnosis. They had to replace the catalytic converter and other corroded parts of the exhaust. I paid more than the car is worth - $5655.95 in Dec. My friends and relatives were horrified at the price, but the repair is supposedly guaranteed. Have only driven the car to the grocery store until this week, when we drove to and from Foster City. On the return trip, the battery warning light went on. Next day on returning from Bart, the engine, battery and oil lights all went on and the car froze. We had to push it. I wrote to AVS - no response! Do I return it to them for further expensive repairs? Did they promise me an undeliverable repair in the first place? Go to the dealer and start over? Oh, and throughout the first repair, I was told that I never got proper service for the car so it's all my fault (believe that's called gas-lighting) read more

Took my car in for engine light and back brakes. They quote me at 300 bucks. Come back and they didn't fix the engine light since they couldn't reproduce the problem with the O2 sensor. The guy tells me they only reset the light and still charged me the 125 for the diagnostic. Guy tells me if it lights up again to bring it in again and they'd take care of it. Ended up paying 420 bucks just for back breaks and labor. Not close to 300 bucks. Then a couple days go by, engine light comes back on. Brought it back. If they would have taken the time to replace the faulty sensor the first time I wouldn't have had to go back a second time. But the real topper to this entire ordeal is that now I have to pay an additional 350 bucks for parts and labor! If they would have replaced the sensor the first time around, I wouldn't have had the need to bring in the car. I felt I should have paid for just the parts considering I already paid for labor the last time I was there. Seeing that I was questioning the charges, they gave me a freakin' coupon for a free car-wash to appease me. I don't think I'll be doing business here again. If I wanted to pay for this much, I would have just brought it to the dealer. This place is not cheap.... Nice folks...but I wouldn't recommend this place for simple stuff. read more

I took my '97 Jetta in to fix some major electrical problems it was having (namely it was possessed by demons who's sole purpose was to torment me through the car alarm, and multiple windows also ceased functioning), Eddie was very helpful and they actually got it back to me on time. BUT, they didn't actually fix the problem, although they charged me an arm an a leg. The windows continue to be very finicky, only working when they feel like it (usually on very cold days when I don't feel like using them), and every time I plan to take it back in, they start working again so I blow it off. Super annoying. read more

Summary: --fixed my car with a simple, fairly low cost fix that both Broadway VW and McNevin (RIP) repeatedly missed --caught and fixed a separate design problem, not part of a recall, that the dealers missed read more

I took my 2000 Jetta to AVS almost a year ago for an oil change, brake pad replacement, and replacement of a failed window mechanism. I received excellent service and a fair price. There was some additional work I needed that bordered on body-shop type repair, and they were honest with me about how they would not be able to do it in the most efficient way, as opposed to pitching me on a project they might have to do improperly. I decided to wait a while so I could make sure I wouldn't regret my praise, but all repairs held up great and I feel this is a trustworthy shop. I'll take my car there for any issues in the future. read more

I live right around the corner from this place. I brought my VW Golf TDI in after I was in a minor accident. They outsourced the body work, but I had them do a tune up and brake job. Eddie seems like a nice guy and communication was good. I plan to take my car back for oil changes and regular service. And they service diesel VWs like mine. BTW, if you have a diesel and you're around AVS, fill up with biodiesel at the Biofuel Oasis which is only about 6 blocks west. ( http://www.yelp.com/biz/AFdm5iLOMydGOKIyeRtx0A ) read more

These people are my car saviors. I have an Audi A4 that I use and abuse - and these guys spend lots of time and effort saving. It's not your corner rando mechanic, these guys aren't cheap and quick. they are real skilled, trustworthy mechanics who take pride in their work, and value their customers. if something needs to be done, they will tell you, if it's not totally necessary at this exact moment, they will tell you. I never have to worry about a second opinion or about frivolous expenses. I will get what needs done, I will pay a fair price for both their skill, labor, and time, and my car will be well taken care of. Call ahead for an appointment - even for an oil change, yes. read more

These guys are the type to go from an A to an F fast. Want to feel taken advantage of and minimized? Go here. They'll talk down to you, answer in shortcuts, fail to address your observations. Living up to every miserable stereotype, they talk fast to sell and then promptly want to be done with you. They practice a lot of customer put-downs, so be sure you go there already feeling bad about yourself. They've got Matt on the front line, who puts out on a good face to start, but beware! That solider will change on you soon. Then there's the owner, smug and exceptionally rude. He makes an appearance from the back room from time to time. On my last visit he waited until the minute after my credit card receipt printed for a hefty bill, then snapped at me. This was not my first purchase. So much for loyalty. They've given 'advice' in direct opposition to what the Audi dealer has stated. Throw your manual in the recycle bin! These guys boast about having worked for Audi in the past, then 'breaking away!' to start their own business. But as I discovered, the service is not better, the rates for labor and parts are the same, and Audi does not endorse these garages, so unless your brother works here, why go this route? This is so far away from an actual Audi experience. Even though AVS wants to believe otherwise, they still make freshmen errors, like failing to reset your backup fob after buying and installing a new battery, which necessitates yet another visit from you in Bay Area traffic so they can do what should have originally been done. When this happened to me before a five-day cross-country drive, and I proactively pointed out the matter, they tried to pretend they caught their own error. My favorite thing to watch: AVS mails out coupons for being a past customer, but then get visibly upset at the cash register when you redeem a coupon. I've seen this more than once.The greatest bit: the coupons are for a whopping $20 or so dollars for repair/service in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. AVS is the definition of bitter and cheap, but you're supposed to be peachy happy when they ring up ungodly sums. Take your vehicle and your self-respect elsewhere! read more

AVS has taken great care of both my 2016 Audi A3 and my 1999 Camry. They know cars. They're professional and responsible and know their business. You won't go wrong with these guys! read more

Eddie at AVS Specialist is the real deal. Honest - hardworking and provides great customer service. His shop is neat and clean and he has a good team working with him. He does what it takes to get your car up and running as soon as possible. I highly recommend AVS Specialists~ read more

Love this place! Awesome, friendly local service. Knowledgeable, thorough, and honest mechanics who work hard to take care of what needs to be done quickly. I started taking my GTI (100k+ mi) in for service on a regular basis a year ago and the car has never run better. read more

These guys, this shop, they know their stuff. Our vehicle has been "a patient" over the years. Serious mechanics who take pride in their work. We feel taken care of. read more

Both Matt and Andrew were super helpful with my Jetta, going above and beyond to help me figure out which parts to get to do the repairs myself (since finances are tight). They offer a free shuttle to certain destinations when you drop off your car, too. Plus their diagnostic fee was less than other places and found a problem that the first mechanic I had gone to missed! read more

Best service ever they worked on my S5 Andrew was the best even came to my work place to check on the car after the work was done

I don't even know enough words of praise to describe how wonderful my experience at AVS has been. My pretty much brand new VW Golf Alltrak got flooded on the INSIDE due to a blocked moonroof drain (apparently this is common in any car that has a panoramic moonroof, so BEWARE!!!). I had left my car unattended under a tree for a couple of weeks, and by the time I found out about the problem, there was half a FOOT of water inside. Eddie at AVS was so kind and reassuring to me, and never made me feel stupid for neglecting my car for so long. This all happened right before Christmas but, even so, they managed to order all of the replacement parts from GERMANY in order to get the job done by early February. Basically, the ENTIRE interior of the car was replaced. Eddie was great about giving me updates, explaining the process, giving me the option of having my insurance company pay, and keeping me posted on their progress of drying out and cleaning my car. I will never go anywhere else! Eddie is truly a GEM. read more

They do seem to be knowledgeable, which is important. And Eddie (the owner) is a great guy to swap jokes with, which is nice too. But boy, are they pricey! Every little thing costs an arm and a leg. Clearing air bag light, literally a 30 second job was 50 bucks. Stupid I for thinking that it could be a freebie just after spending $950 there for timing belt. Oil change was 70 with my own oil. And on top of this they lost engine cover retaining clamp, held the car two days longer than promised, and I had to keep calling them to find out whether the car was ready. Well, just because I drive Audi, does not mean that I don't care how much things cost. And if I am charged through the nose, I expect a better service. read more

I've been taking my 2000 VW Passat to AVS for about a year and a half now. Eddie, the owner, rocks. He's personable and knowledgeable. Like the other reviewer said, Eddie will tell you what work needs to be done right away as well as tell you what repairs can be held off for a while. Matt, the new Office Manager who works the front desk, is also knowledgeable and helpful. I like this place because no one here has ever made me feel like an idiot about my car. Everything is explained clearly. An example of why I like AVS: This past Friday, the power window motor breaks while the window is rolled down. This happened at 5:40. The shop closes at 5:30. Damn. I called anyway and started to leave a message. Eddie picks up the phone sounding concerned and offers to store my car in the garage over the weekend to keep it secure (I didn't need it, but it's nice that the option was there). He said he would put in the order for the part and to bring in the car Monday. So Monday morning rolls around and I bring in the car. The replacement part is already there. I also needed an oil change and a brake light to be replaced so I asked if he could do that work as well. He said that the shop is very busy but he'll try his hardest to get the work done. About six hours later Matt calls and says my car is ready to go. I was fully expecting that they weren't going to have time to fix my car by the end of the day. I was thrilled. Well, not thrilled with a broken window or broken brake light, but I'm glad it's all fixed. And to celebrate, today my car reached 100,000 miles! read more

Simply the best. Eddie will take care of you. He's super knowledgeable (basically the Yoda Jedi master of all things Audi/VW), really easy to talk to, and just an all around sweet guy. I can't recommend this place enough for trustworthy excellent service! read more

2013 update: we are still taking our cars here, so that's a pretty good endorsement considering my initial review was in 2006!

AVS knows Volkswagen better than anyone I've been to. I've tried places more convenient to where I work and realized the confidence in their expertise is worth the minor location inconvenience. I brought my Beetle in for a few minor things yesterday after being a neglectful owner for way too long. Even though the cost was more than expected, everything they found was caught in time to prevent more costly repairs later. Everyone is friendly & knowledgable. Matt took so much time to explain exactly what needed the repair and why. I really came away with a good understanding of what was done. The only reason for 4 of 5 stars, is I always think there's room for improvement :) read more

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER THEIR PHONES??? I had my oil pan and suspension fixed here. The original estimated time was supposed to be less than a week. They kept my car for over two weeks. I wasn't too upset though, because I know as you work on the car, you may see other things wrong, so it takes longer. But during this time, I would call every other day or two to see if it's close to being done. I got the answering maching every single time. My dad tried twice, same thing. we left four messages over a period of 3 days. It got to the point that we had no idea how much longer my car would take, so our insurance company called and left a message. I finally had it and called again. I was in the middle of leaving a pretty angry message, when someone finally picked up the phone mid message. They informed me that the car will be done in a couple of days. They were nice once they answered, but no apology about never returning calls. My car runs fine, but I will never go here again. read more

My first thoughts were how nice to finally find a honest, friendly mechanic. Once they got to my repairs and quotes for few other stuff, I just realized how over priced they were. Just too overpriced and not worth it. Over charged me for few repairs and gave me quite expensive quotes for few other repairs that "needed" immediate attention. Also, they were quite slow in getting back to me with quotes after I dropped off the car in the morning. Was promised call back with details by 10am. Never got a call and had to repeatedly call them to just get the quotes. read more

I've been going to AVS for about ten years now, and Eddie and the guys there are always reliable, clear and straightforward with the information, honest about what needs fixing and when, and they have repeatedly put themselves out to help me when I was stuck. They're generous and conscientious, and the fact that my poor little Golf is still running is a miracle of their skill and persistence. I rely on them, and I would recommend them to anyone who drives an Audi, Volkswagon, or Subaru. read more