My cars transmission stopped working and I couldn't use it at all- in desperation, I called many places in berkeley and this Auto Service was able to take me in the moment I called. They were able to work on my car and fixed it that same day. I especially recommend Carlos- he was very empathetic and got to the point, found the problem fast (which another mechanic could not figure out). My car is perfect now and I am very thankful they were able to help me so last minute. I recommend 10/10! read more

Traveling through Berkeley from out of town and had an emergency with my 2006 Jetta. Found Berkeley Auto Service on my phone, they got me right in, fixed it, and on my way! So friendly, honest and experienced! read more

This place rock's! !Dan set my 2.0t straight! !definitely quality work and he took the time to explain everything in detail, also was kind enough to answer all my questions and gave me a few tips...great place wouldn't even consider going anywhere else read more

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I had a great experience. The work they did on my 2013 Audi A4 was fast, competent and inexpensive.

I came here after a bad experience at another shop. These guys make me feel good about bringing my car to them. They are honest, upfront, willing to work with you on what services you can afford and what really needs to be done. Good turn around time on short notice. Very nice over the phone with me and my wife. I was a bicycle mechanic for many years and don't know much about cars, but can tell they're good mechanics. They talk to you about what's going on and write good service orders. read more

After reading the reviews and my brother's experience with his Audi, I thought I have found the trust worthy VW/Audi auto shop. However, I did not have a very good experience there. I brought my Beetle for timing belt change, and asked them to check on a coolant leak problem. I got back the car on the same day (very pleased about that), but I found that the driver side automatic door lock switch doesn't have tension to bounce back to its original place. I asked the owner, he said nobody touched it, because we did engine work... this kind of switch always have similar problem. I let it go and drove the car back home. No doubt that they did a great job on changing the timing belt, and water pump, but the coolant started to leak again after couple weeks. I called the owner again, to see what the problem was and brought the car back to the shop. He called me back and said he replaced the coolant temperature sensor that he replaced earlier, because its seal did not seal the coolant very well, and there's no charge for the replacement. When picking up the car, the automatic transmission stick gear switch button cover came off. I thought just popping the cover back in should be fine, and drove home. However, the coolant leak problem did not get fixed, and now the gear switch button seems to loose tension just like the door switch. For the button problem: After the button got depressed, a lot of the times it stays depressed and never bounce back. I looked at it closely, and it is clear that it got replaced for some reason. The original button had some wears after years of depressing, such as smooth stripes on the button's surface after years rubbing with the plastic cover (yes, I did notice this detail). The "new" button doesn't have any of those wears. For the coolant problem: Since I have some professional auto mechanic tools and Bentley manual for my car, I decided to dig to the problem myself to see what's up. It turns out that they used silicon glue to seal the plastic coolant housing with the engine block, instead of using the o-ring as printed in the manual. After I bought the o-ring from dealer for $6, putted it in and put everything back together, a lot of work, but the problem got fixed. That's my story, and thanks for reading. read more

Roger runs a very good shop. He has a legion of loyal return customers of which I am one. Why? He's really knows Volkswagon and Audi and can bring his years of experience to bear when it comes to diagnosis of problems. He's good at coming up with cheaper solutions if they are available and above all puts a premium on fairness. Shout out to his brother Dan who is a very talented mechanic and able to explain every step of a repair with patience and clarity. They keep my VR6 GTI running great! read more

Took my VW as to BaS as advised by other auto repair shop. Had problems with oil loss and CV axle. Had oil work and CV boot replacement for around 1000$. The following day there was extensive oil on the road under the car's hood. Checked the level: all gone. And cv axle made the same noise as before, as if was never fixed. Took the car back: had some oil work again (thanks God, for free this time - "on the house", I was told - well, thank you, so nice of you). As far as the cv axle, was told cv boot replacement didn't solve the problem, and entire axle has to be replaced (money paid for previous work already, but this one would not be free - so, wasted 300$ in the first place). What you think? The oil is all gone again, and is resting peacefully on the ground where the car is parked. My first ever bad comment. Didn't want to do it, but 1000$ spent did not solve any problem read more

My bumper got hit by a car and was basically falling off. I googled the closest car shop and stopped by. Even though Dan informed that his shop only serviced German cars, he took the time to help and guide me with my Chevy Spark. He was so generous with his time, quick fix skills and suggestions for how to go about securing a finite and affordable replacement. I was desperate and he saved the day. Thanks, Dan! read more

This will be quick. Went to dealer, estimate for repairs was $2500. Took it to Roger at BAS, estimate was $800-$850. Final bill: $643. If you have a VW, there's no need to look any more for a mechanic. These are your guys. read more

Great place to go. The owners are personable and extremely knowledgeable, but most importantly they're HONEST. I went to an official VW dealer in Sacramento and told me I needed to do about $1300 in repairs and upkeep for my brakes and my radiator. They told me my front and back brakes were shot, and I was basically on the verge of of my car not being able to brake, and I needed to replace a few pivotal parts of my cooling apparatus for the car. Now, anybody who tells you that your car is about to explode and the sky is falling is a bit untrustworthy, and since I heard great reviews about this place I decided to get a second opinion. They agreed to the radiator needing to be upkept and the front brakes needing to be replaced, but the price: $750. The back brakes still had 30% left on them and didn't need to be replaced yet they said. I said yes, and within a day my car was back and running. I highly recommend this place! read more

Five stars all the way! I recently left my other mechanic, and couldn't have been happier with my new mechanic, Dan at Berkeley Auto Service! I left my last mechanic after 5 years of being with them, but left VERY unhappy with their service. I called Dan mid afternoon thursday, needing my car fixed by friday afternoon. He said they were booked for an entire week, but I told him my story, and he took my car right then and there and had it fixed within less than 24 hours. Not only was it fixed, but it was fixed for about 350$ less than my last mechanic, and he also checked my car for other issues along the way (which should be normal, but my last mechanic was just sucking at that). These guys were wonderful! My saviors!!! read more

Car shopping. I picked this place out of a (Yelp) hat at short notice, for what I thought would be a quick check of the car I already imagined myself driving. They found over $1000 of work due in the next six months, as well as two or three potentially more serious problems. They showed me what was wrong so that I could understand and judge for myself. I'm extremely thankful. And I'm amused that the car in question had been maintained at an even more highly (Yelp) rated VW/Audi mechanic - who must have forgotten to put the engine cover back on after a service, in addition to other missteps. These are good guys. And while they're changing your oil, you can walk up a few blocks to shop at GV. read more

Dan is the MAN! I've been taking my VW here for years. Dan has always been forthcoming and clear about the difference between what absolutely has to be done (to keep rolling) VS. what should be done (routine maintenance). Cars can almost always use a little something (especially vdubs) but he won't bs you and fabricate problems that don't exist. My husband and I are such fans of his, that when considering purchasing a new vehicle we decided on another VW. We honestly couldn't imagine going to a different mechanic. We brought the prospective vehicle to Dan for a pre purchase inspection, and WOW was it impressive to see him in action! He was like a doctor examining and diagnosing a patient. He pulled out a spark plug and knew just from looking at it how long ago it had been replaced. The seller was watching too and was astounded by his accuracy. He has a wealth of knowledge regarding the intricacies and quirks specific to Volkswagens. Bottom line, if you have a VW don't waste your time going elsewhere (especially AVS-they will take your money and leave you for dead). We are Berkeley Auto Service customers for life! read more

I knew owning an Audi was going to costly to maintain, so I was just getting ready to trade my A4 Avant in for another car when my car was leaking coolant and the engine light went on. But a friend recommended Roger at Berkeley Auto Service and after much thought, decided to give it one more try. They gave me a rough estimate over the phone and then checked out the car for a couple of hours and called me back with the bad news. But at least I was prepared. Three days later, my car is running like new and should last for another 100k miles. I'll let you know how the next 10k miles go, which will be in about 3 months... read more

Dan the man! Extremely honest and fair. Dan came recommended from my friends dad that works as a mechanic nearby. He did not disappoint. I always come here for repairs. Thank you guys!! read more

Super friendly staff! Most auto repair shops I've been to act like they don't want to see you. Berkeley auto service is opposite. They're very welcoming and super nice. Just to note - they primarily work on VW and Audi's and work by appointment only. They're super busy so call ahead today! read more

I went in with high hopes with all the good reviews, but I did NOT have a good experience. I took my car in for a basic maintenance service, as I was going on a long road trip. The man I spoke with was nice, and I was told that my shocks were leaking and had to be replaced. I agreed to the service, as I was told it would only be a hundred or so dollars more, a $700 total, with the implication that the cost of labor was included. When I went to pick up my car, I was shocked to see that my bill amounted to over $1300, with them grossly overcharging for everything, (they charged $90 for the motor oil itself before the labor). I do not mind paying for the work done, but I was not told an accurate total, and was not given an itemized estimate until I was supposed to pay, even after I asked for one. I would say this is price gouging, a maintenance service and shocks should NOT be $1300. Would not recommend. read more

This is a great auto shop for VWs. I found them after I stopped going to the dealer to have my EOS worked on. I kicked myself for not finding this place earlier. Roger, the owner, is so much more honest and straight forward than the dealer, not to mention the prices are much more reasonable. If you have a VW don't hesitate to call Berkeley Auto Service! read more

Roger and his brother are exactly what you look for when you are looking for trustworthy mechanics. I purchased a used VW from Roger a few years ago and he has been my guy since then. Prices are reasonable and most importantly I TRUST HIM! 5 stars all the way. read more

roger is the man. i used to bring my old gti here back in the day but not in the neighborhood anymore. i might be back there soon, and cant be happy enough to bring my vw/audi to them for an honest opinion, no gouging and only fixing what needs to be fixed on a reasonable budget. these guys know their audi/vw, but are humble enough to be honorable and nice mechanics. is that even possible? here, it is. read more

These guys are awesome. Straightforward, succinct and helpful. I took my old (old) Audi here to assess whether the car was even worth fixing and these guys laid it all out on the table and provided honest feedback. An itemized and detailed work scope was provided with a follow up visit that was equally as clear and detailed when I picked up my car. These guys walked me through all of the parts that needed replacement and the labor was clearly delineated. Trustworthy with great customer service. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else! read more

Everyone's review did not let me down! I've been searching high and low for a place to get my VW repaired and Roger was the man! Thank you!

I have been bringing my car here for a couple of years and I am never disappointed. I receive great service and a great deal. The guys here are friendly and are always ready to squeeze me in when I need it. read more

Roger is the man. He took care of my VW as well as anyone for a couple years while I was out in CA. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place to anyone who drives a VW in the Bay Area. Much better than going to the local stealership. read more

Roger is THE BEST!! He will be straight with you and will help you make wise car decisions. I took my second hand Jetta to Roger and his crew for 10 years. When she finally reached high miles I arranged for an end of life discussion with Roger. He recommended a DNR and helped me through my best options for replacement transportation. I decided on a second hand golf with low miles and guess where she gets serviced now?? read more

I would give Roger and his crew 10 stars if I could. Roger is a super nice guy, PLUS honest, professional, and extremely knowledgeable about VWs. I brought in my '04 Touareg b/c the tire sensors were acting weird, and he took everything apart, cleaned the sensors, checked the tires, and got everything back up and running, thus saving me a trip to a VW dealership for service. I wandered in the shops on San Pablo while I waited (Broome Brush for breakfast, then book browsing at Black Oak Books, some shopping at the Eco Center, and finally some tea at Caffe Trieste), and got a call a few hours later, exactly as Roger promised. The car is working great, and the cost of the service was very reasonable. I will go to Roger from now on for all my VW maintenance! read more

These guys know VWs. If you have ever owned one, you know they are great cars but they need a mechanic who knows what he/she is doing. Roger and his crew are those guys. Our '98 Jetta keeps going and going... every time we think it's something awful and we will have to junk it, Roger manages to fix it for a reasonable amount of money. 170K and counting. Even the smog guy was impressed - said our mechanic must know what he is doing when he got our car tuned up to pass. We don't really live convenient to Berkeley for car dropoff but just can't bring ourselves to take them elsewhere. Been going there for 10 years now. read more

Super nice honest auto shop. Family owned place that really values customer service and repeat business. They also saved me $$$! Oh they specialize in VWs mostly. read more

Mike was very thorough in explaining the issues I have going on with my car. He was able to discover an issue caused by my last mechanic and fix that along with analyzing my emission failure and the potential for future costs. If I choose to stick with my Audi for the repairs needed, they will be getting my service. I'm glad I chose to stop in. read more

I like to travel. I drove to Nevada desert (2,000 miles trip) and Arizona route 66 (1,500 miles trip) with my old (200,000 miles) Camry V6. Never had problems: the car was checked and tuned up by Roger. Top quality work by a mechanic who knows a lot about cars. If there is something he is not sure of, he takes the car to a Toyota expert: that's the one! read more

honest, fair and sweet don't often go in the same sentence as 'mechanic' but they do for Roger! I almost dont want to switch cars because I dont want to have to find a new mechanic. read more

Adding to the chorus: Roger is honest, responsive, and reasonable. As an added bonus, he's familiar with biodiesel issues. Two thumbs up!

My 2001 Jetta has been a workhorse, but suddenly everything is breaking. Roger did a thorough inspection, called me, and said it wouldn't be fair to fix my car because the repairs would cost more than the car is worth. No one likes to hear that their car is a goner, but you have to appreciate this guy's integrity! read more

Yes, a great and honest mechanic DOES exist and his name is Roger. This place is the best.

What a gem! They fixed our 2004 Jetta TDI when we thought it was beyond repair--and for a very affordable price too! The care and competency of the shop was remarkable and not something you run across very often. They saved us money by using a recycled part, replaced our headlight bulb and put a new battery in our key! Thank you, thank you! You all are the best. read more

I have had my Passat 98 for 7 of its ten year life. And for the most part it has been a good reliable car. But VW are funny and the first few years I had repairs by the dealership and by others, and I always felt patronized and dismissed. The prices always felt too high. Then I was recommended to Roger and he's what all the reviewers have said...Great. Mostly because he is priced well and does great work and works with you. I don't know if I will get another VW (the electrical has been a true issue) but if you do have VW in your life, go to Roger. read more

This review is much delayed but now that I'm looking for a mechanic in a new city...you know the deal. I lived in the Bay for many, many a moon. I had taken my little 98 Golf aka Belle to a place in SF when I first moved there. It had super clean floors, and they wore long white coats. While they were nice enough and seemed honest but not very friendly, not really forthcoming about what repairs to start saving for. I really wasn't in a position to go to a spa myself let alone send my car to one. Move to the East Bay ! I needed a mechanic and found stellar reviews about Berkeley Auto on San Pablo in the Berkeley Parents something... I made an appointment for Belle. The guys there were nice, straightforward about what I needed to do, what could wait and what needed to be planned for. They are very confident in the quality of their work and given the trust we put in our cars to be safe and reliable, I'm not mad at them at all. More people should take pride in their craft/ trade/ profession. Right now, being in a new city - which Roger and crew got my little ride ready for the trip - I am very much wish that the shop were not a state away because Berkeley Auto is a trustworthy resource. (and I don't easily trust.) read more

These guys are great. Danny, especially, has been so accommodating and is always willing to go the extra mile and help out. I have countless examples of times they have saved me money, and clearly explained everything that was going on so that I could make the executive decision in an informed way ... The latest example was when I discovered something was wrong with my engine after it didn't pass the smog test. Danny fixed the part, charging me only for the part, and then took the car to the smog retest himself! I'm extremely thankful. Talk about going above and beyond. Everyone else is incredibly kind and personable. They make you feel welcome, and are honest and up front. I highly recommend them! read more

Roger has taken care of three cars for my family - 2000 V6 Passat; 2000 V6 Jetta; 2001 Turbo Jetta. He is amazingly good - he stands behind his work, and he always looks for a least cost option to get that car running smoothly. These guys are as good as it gets. read more