Why can't every auto shop be as honest, awesome, and fun to visit as this place? I wish I *still* owned a VW so I could come here and: 1) Be 100% sure I was dealing with honest people 2) Be 100% sure I was getting good service 3) Be 100% sure my car was actually getting fixed 4) Be 100% sure it would be fixed on time. 5) Be 100% sure I wasn't being jacked (especially important for women!)! Too bad other shops don't emulate these guys! I miss you BAS! read more

Honest, accessible, knowledgeable, friendly. No dicking me around with lies about parts or labor or other crap either. It's happened with other places in the past. I called and Roger took my VW in the following morning to have all kinds of horrible, dangerous garbage on it fixed. In short, these dudes conduct the kind of business that a platform like Yelp is set up to reward. Pay these guys a visit if you're in the area and need something tweaked on a Volkswagen because they really know their sh*t. read more

The last of a dying breed of honest mechanics. Ive been coming here a while now and they are always honest about what i need to maintain my audi and keep me safe and running. All the mechanics seem to be very knowledgable of cars overall, but their expertise on vw and audi is unmatched. I went to the dealership a few times and realized they were overcharging like crazy. I WILL NEVER EVER GO TO A DEALER FOR ANYTHING unless it is free. These guys have even done jobs or fixed little things for free since i have become more of a regular. Great shop! Greater mechanics. I will not go anywhere else. Not even if its a little cheaper. I have done that and have had one too many bad diagnosis's and ended up spending way more. read more

This place is f4king(!) awesome!! I saw them turn away business because the people wanted something that would not help them! They are not fancy. Just really good people offering a good service at fair prices. read more

Took my old Passat to these guys just about 20 minutes ago to have them take a look at my headlight. The lightbulb went off about a week ago, and even though I replaced it, the light wouldn't come back on. When I called Berkeley Auto Service, they told me they had been booked until early next week. However, I needed the work done before tomorrow since I have to drive to LA at night, and having a broken headlight would definitely be a sweet reason for the CHP to pull me over and write me a fat ticket (esp. in Kern county - personal experience). So, after hearing that I needed the job done before the long drive, Mikael agreed to quickly take a look at the car to see if it was a minor issue that could be fixed sometime tomorrow. He popped up the hood, did the magic, and - voila - the headlight is on. Apparently, you're not supposed to touch the halogen lightbulb with your hands as it the oil from your fingers burns it! Good thing to know (and tell that guy at O'Reillys, who handled my lightbulb). Did I mention that these guys didn't make me pay either? They have 5 star ratings for a reason, folks :) Definitely coming back in the nearest future to get other things fixed. read more

This is a great place to take your Volkswagen cars. I have taken my 2003 Passat Wagon to Roger for about 2 years now. They just did the timing belt and water pump that was due. Did a great job as always. Roger does not charge labor separately for different parts. Once opened, they do everything that's needed in the same labor/time. I must say that they are inexpensive, honest, and straight-forward in their work. Roger also made some good recommendations when I needed tires. Overall a really good business with honest people. read more

I've brought my 2004 Jetta TDI here for two years now. Mike, Roger, and the team are as good as it gets: fair, communicative, and honest. I'm not mechanically experienced but I'm interested in what needs doing and why - I take each problem as a learning experience. These guys always seem to have a part around from a previous job that they will dig up, unprompted, to explain how and why it needs service. They always lay out my options and give me time to consider them. I only hope they'll continue to be around as long as my trusty Jetta. read more

Quick, friendly, relatively inexpensive, and seem honest!! Huge improvement over Precision People's repair where we went before who were very expensive AND tried to cheat us (tried to sell us a $1000 timing belt replacement when our belt was brand new.) read more

Carlos and crew were very professionally and understanding-- did great work and were punctual. Very pleased with the service here.

years ago, I was quoted some repair for my vw, in sunnyvale of approximately $1100. Being a former mechanic, I knew that the estimate was not so~~ I was moving to Oakland are and was looking to find a nice mechanic in the area. I happened to come across to berkeley auto repair. I walked in the shop and noticed several pictures and other vw gadgets! I knew that this was the place. After Roger looked at my car, the price was $110 and a couple hours later he called and said that I need a head cover gasket, which brought the amount up to 160 total!! What a difference of the price in sunnyvale!! Roger is awesome!! All Rogers are, LOL. I live in Watsonville now and thinking about driving my ride to berkeley in order to get trusted service!! Watch out Roger, Rogers is coming to your neighborhood again!!! Thanks, Rogers read more

I have been bringing my 1992 VW Cabriolet to Berkeley Auto Service for the past 2 years, and I have always been extremely satisfied with the work Roger and his brother have done. The major jobs they've done involved replacing a clutch and an oil pump, on separate occasions, but I've also turned to them for a number of small items and had them play detective when I think my car is sick. Before then, I had taken my car to Bauer Auto Repair on University -- I'm still kicking myself for all the money I basically flushed down the toilet by going there. While the price for labor maybe a little bit higher at Berkeley Auto than other other shops, the quality of the work is excellent. Roger never makes me feel guilty for not babying my car, can provide references for other work when I need it (i.e. body work and glass repairs), and has never tried to convince me to have work done that was unnecessary. (Roger is not only a top-notch mechanic, he's also a pretty funny guy with an interesting past that maybe he'll tell you about sometime.) The shop is always busy, so of course it's best to call ahead and try to arrange something in advance when you see it coming. On the occasions where something drastic has happened they've been able to make time. I totally trust Roger and his crew -- if only I had a couple of thousand bucks lying around to fix everything on my car I'd see them more often! read more

I went on a web search frenzy looking for a "reputable" automotive repair shop, after learning my Jetta had leaked all of the engine oil from the oil filter. I had reservations about finding an honest mechanic using Yelp. I am happy to report that Berkeley Auto Service is more than what I expected. I took my car in at 11 am and told, Roger what I suspected was wrong with my car. He said he would take care of the problem. At 2: 40 pm I get a call from him and said that my car was ready for pick up. Simple as that! I get to the shop, and he tells me what repairs were done, the cost of repair (a more than reasonable price), and that was that. Roger did not try to sell me any other service and/or parts. No mechanic jargon whatsoever. I highly recommend taking your vehicle to Berkeley Auto Service for honest, quick and reliable auto service. My Jetta is running perfectly. read more

Way cool!! Dan helped me out big time today!! Check engine light came on while driving across the Bay Bridge and the motor lost most of its power only giving me enough power to maintain freeway speed and get off the freeway. FYI I was over 100 miles from home I called Berkeley Auto Service since it was the closest shop on Google maps. Dan said they were all booked but since I was still drive able he would at least hook it up to diagnostic and let me know whats up. Turns out there was a loose wire at the turbo solenoid (no turbo, no power). He spliced a new connector and sent me on my way. 2010 Jetta Sportwagon TDI Thank you Berkeley Auto Service!!! read more

There are a few people you should keep handy in your phonebook that you can refer to and one of them is a trusted mechanic's contact. Roger fills that spot in my phone book. Growing up you hear about the horror stories of shady mechanics and over charges at dealerships. I just bought a new volkswagen and wanted to do some suspension work, checked on Yelp and found Roger. After answering my multiple phone calls, Roger did an awesome job on the suspension install and a super great rate compared to the local tuning shops in the bay. He even went out of the way in offering my mom a ride to and from bart after I had her drop off the car for me. For any future tuning or service needs I will just hit my speed dial for Roger's shop. read more

I'm a mechanic and I'd recommend this team. I went in after having my first child and no time to turn wrenches. Berkeley Auto Service was honest and communicated well throughout the repairs. I will be a customer. read more

Roger ROCKS! I've been his appreciative customer for more than15 years--over the course of four "older" VW campers which he always managed to substantially extend the lifespan of at the most reasonable price (I'm a musician--"reasonable price" means everything) I now live in LA and occasionally call for over-the-phone advice. Michael Masley read more

So glad to find Berkeley Auto Service! Brought our Fiat in for maintenance, as well as a mystery rattle that the crew here had no trouble solving. Carlos was welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful, explaining each step and component of the bill. I got to pet the little grey cat others have mentioned too :) read more

Wow. wow, wow, wow. Roger saved my week. No, really. I was having a phenomenally bad week; the kind where all you can do is laugh because you're clearly just in some sort of messed up sitcom episode. Well, on top of everything that was happening, my car decided to flood during a torrential downpour. There was about 6 inches of standing water in front of my passenger seat. Now, I have no idea what to do in these situations, so I ended up first at Broadway Volkswagen. I don't like or trust that shop, but I knew them. They ended up quoting me a lot and I would have had to leave my car with them for a while. But at least I had learned what the problem was. After covering my car with an attractive blue tarp and hosing out the water, I started researching auto mechanics. I had no idea who to go to! But some various internet recommendations led me to this shop and I thought I'd probably be safe and not ripped off like I knew Broadway VW would. The next morning, I called to see if I could get an appointment. At first, when I said that I had a problem with my car, without explaining the problem, Roger said they had appointments for next week. But when I told him what the problem was, he managed to fit me in that afternoon and did the job... at no cost. I am so, so, so happy I've now found a place I can trust to take my baby to. I've been putting off some maintenance for this reason, and I am far, far happier to give my little monies to them than the evil Broadway VW shop. read more

I was referred here by a friend and I am so glad that I came here! I was putting off much-needed repairs to my VW since moving to Oakland last August and. Roger, Mikael and Dan set my worries at ease. They went above and beyond to get my car good as new and even took the time to show me all the parts that they replaced and patiently explained how and why each repair was necessary. I had initially planned to repair only one or two things that I had budgeted for but was so impressed with the quality and the demeanor of the staff that I decided to get everything crossed off my "to do" list over 2 weeks. I initially got quotes for needed repairs from the dealer when I took my car in for a product recall. Roger said he could do all the repairs for less and he was true to his word. I feel really safe now driving my car and have peace of mind that I didn't have before about being able to take my car somewhere if I ever have any questions and trust that the competent, friendly and accommodating staff at Berkeley Auto Service will be there to help me out and get me back on the road. read more

I have been a happy customer of Berkeley Auto Service for over 6 years! Primarily they work on VW and Audis, but they will be very honest in giving accurate estimates and repair anything with an engine under the hood. Roger - with incredible patience - has answered many of my phone calls as I was looking for a used car and given unlimited tech advise in what to look and how to spot a lemon. He also gave a friend of mine a couple of free pre-purchase inspections on a couple of different used vehicles. My friend became one of his most faithful customer after that. Bottom line: Roger and his team are great mechanics and a bunch of good personable people! read more

These guys know what they are doing, and do it well! 1999 VW Passat serviced today to replace a cracked oil pan - great service, care and advise on maintenance! You will be in great hands here! read more

These guys were super friendly and accommodating. Carlos was super helpful on the phone, which also saved me some trips (harder without the car!) Ended up having a bigger problem than I thought I would, I panicked and expected it to cost $$$$, but they worked with me to keep it on the cheaper side. These folks even helped me back out onto San Pablo, which as an admittedly timid driver really shows me these guys go out of their way for their customers. Bonus: they have an adorable shop cat you might spot around. read more

Okay, so I'm a chick that quite honestly doesn't know anything about the engine of my car, have been ripped off by not only the auto dealer but random service people who I've brought my car too, and have been left with a highly suspicious attitude towards any auto service business. But I LOVE Roger and Berkeley Auto Service! They've always been fair, have never given me any wierd "How'd you get a drivers license?" looks (even after I told them I drove my car into a sidewalk), and have given superb service at a very fair price. I never doubt that they actually looked into whatever issue my car might be having, but that they give a good once over of the car, in general. I highly recommend Berkeley Auto Service, especially to other women who are wary of auto repair places. Roger and his crew are honest and reliable. read more

Berkeley Auto Service really came through for me. I had planned to rent a trailer and drive back with all my stuff, but my car ('05 VW Jetta Wagon TDI) was lacking in power and needed some work. I brought it in on a Thursday morning to get a review of breaks, oil, and other major systems. They discovered that it really needed a new clutch. Oy! I sort of knew this as I could hear it starting to slip a bit and it was having more and more trouble getting up hills. Even more of a problem I needed to drive back to N. Idaho and had precious little time to prepare in order to be back by Sunday night. They worked extra hard and squeezed me in on their own time to get me rolling so I could pack up Friday evening and be home on time. What I got back was what felt like a brand new engine. I had a completely uneventful and enjoyable drive north. The car was so responsive and peppy.... no more worry passing the trucks on I95. Thank you Carlos! I will miss you guys. And my car is likely to miss you too. read more

I've been taking my 1996 VW Passat GLX VR6 to Berkeley Auto Service for about a year and a half now. Roger and his brother Dan and their shop are very knowledgable mechanics. They do great work for VWs (fun and exciting cars but notorious for a medley of problems). Berkeley Auto shop has done the following on my car: oil changes (with synthetic oil), CV boots/joints, secondary auxiliary air pump (unnecessary but had to be done to get rid of the check engine light for smog check), door handle replacements, tire rotations (free of charge), and some other small things. Once, Roger took my car out to lunch and when I got it back, he left a little snack for me - a bag of bbq flavored sunflower seeds! Cost of labor is on the high side, but they are very well worth it if you treasure your tempermental VW like I do. read more

Just to echo everyone else, Roger and Co. did an amazing and speedy job. I called on Monday and got an appointment for Thursday. I took my 1999 VW Cabrio for a new timing belt at appx 9:30 am. Roger said he'd take a look and call me in an hour to give me a rundown of the services and estimates. He called me at 11:15 am and quoted me $150 parts + $200 labor for the timing belt replacement. He also told me I needed a new shifter rod bushing "b/c they should be the size of a golf ball and mine was tiny"...(quoted $100 for both parts/labor). He suggested other services but was very upfront about what was really needed (i.e., i could put off the $280 tuneup). By 4pm, Roger called to tell me my car was ready to go. He also told me he replaced my cooling housing (which had a steady leak) because he didn't feel comfortable not fixing it. He said he only charged me for the parts ($20) and not for labor. This was definitely the most easy auto repair experience I've ever had. I really felt like I wasn't being jerked around and Roger gave it to me straight. I'd been going to Bauer's for the past six years, but after this experience... I have a feeling I was being "upsold" on a lot of work that wasn't essential at that moment. In this recession, I appreciate the forthrightness in what needs to be done NOW and what can wait. Take your VW to Berkeley Auto Service!! You won't regret it! read more

If you own a Volkswagen there is seriously no better place other than the dealership to get your car serviced. These guys treat you well and fair. Dan the man. Check them out. read more

I've been going here for years and I can't say enough good things about Roger and his team. Roger is good people; he is easy to talk to and work with. I never feel like he is recommending unnecessary work. It's important to me to feel that my mechanic is both honest and good at the job, and this place ticks off both of those requirements. read more

Roger was great - he didn't overcharge, his prices were very, very fair, and they were done with my car lickety split. I will always take my Jetta there - they are awesome. read more

Roger is awesome! I have been taking my car here for the past 9 years and my car is in perfect condition. I have only taken my car to another mechanic once and I regretted it. Roger had to fix the mess the other mechanic caused. He has always been honest, on time and fairly priced. We recently had to buy a second car (for more space, but still keeping the first vw) and we decided on another VW because I can't imagine taking my car to another mechanic. read more

I just went through my most nerve-wracking experience in car ownership (trying to fix some tricky electronic stuff in very short notice to sell the car to the only buyer I could find) and I am so, so, so happy I had Roger and team by my side. They are as knowledgeable and honest as it gets, but also resourceful (with contacts in VW when things get ugly or just obscure, as in messing w/ electronics), dedicated (as in working until 9pm on a Friday so I could sell the car next day) and corageous (fighting with the dealer for me and challenging their diagnostics). They are also fascinating personalities, but that's another story. If I still had my VW, I would be definitely taking it here every single time I needed something done. read more

I spoke with Carlos on the phone and brought my subaru in for a new transmission. Great timely service, had my car running again in 2 days.

I've got a 1998 GTI bought new in 1998. I've been taking my car to Roger after the 2 year warranty ran out. Roger has taken care of my car for over 8 years and I receive exceptional service every time. Roger will never sell you something you don't need. If you are looking for an honest, and experienced VW mechanic for your VW, this is the place! read more

My Audi A4 had problems with throttle body. Guys at Berkeley Auto Service repaired my car very quickly and made a discount! Great service and perfect quality of work - I recommend this Auto Service to everyone who has problems with their German cars! read more

Good work & good staff! I bought a Living Social deal for 2 synthetic oil changes (w/tire rotation) for the price of one. Although the location isn't that close to home the reviews were good and the price was good as well so I opted in and glad I did. *1st visit was fairly quick, we were next in line and waited. *2nd visit wasn't so quick but Ronnie (the manager) did tell me earlier in the week that he'd been busy and when I got there he told me it would possibly be a couple of hours before they could get to my car so I expect a bit of a wait. My daughter and I walked to get lunch and catch a movie about 12:15 by the time we got back my car was done (4:00)! With finding something to do in the area, it was painless. read more

Berkeley Auto Service is the hookup! Was referred by a family member and I was helped out by Carlos. My key fob was no longer working and my key was freely spinning in my door, mean I could not lock my car for a very long time. I dropped my car off in the morning and when I came back, Carlos had not only fixed me key but ALSO my fob. I was sooo happy. This really means a lot to me. It was more than I ever could've expected for a great price. Will definitely return for any other issues I have. Thanks! read more

Great place to take my car they definately know what theyre doing and what my car needs. I have been to other places that are really shady and try to get extra money out of me or tell me more things are wrong than reality. Not here! They go straight to the point and my car is happy after visiting. No need to go often because they do a great job from the start. read more

These guys are honest, friendly, and skilled. Roger and Mikhael were courteous, got to the bottom of a tricky electrical issue that could have required hundreds more in "diagnosis". They specialize in VW's and I had a Camry but they had a Camry expert there too. The starter died, and I had just replaced it, thought it may be solenoid, but they found it was an old car alarm electronics wiring that was falsely tricking the starter to not receive power. Great, fast analysis and discovery of what typically could be a very expensive and unnecessary problem. The other dealers were quoting me at least 125 just to even look at the problem, these guys found and fixed it for less than that in a couple hours. I wouldn't hesitate to go there again, in fact I'm recommending this to my sister who just bought a Passat. Thanks guys, nice work! Kelly read more

My beloved 2003 VW Beetle had long had a clacking noise. In 2011 I took it to the dealer where I had purchased the car. They charged me $2,000, and the clacking noise returned within two weeks. I did not have the spirit to go back and argue with them, so I just accepted the loss and took my VW to get oil changes at a fast oil change establishment for the next 2.5 years. The clacking noise was ever present, but otherwise the car ran very well. Now, in January 2013, I finally took the car into Berkeley Auto Service, which had gotten such good reviews from others. They have been astonishingly great. They worked on this car for two days, trying to find the source of the clacking, which they succeeded in doing. Then they fixed some tricky electrical problems, as well as checking everything imaginable in the car. The price was so reasonable, I could not believe my ears! They are terrific. Thank you, Berkeley Auto Service! read more

Our 2007 VW Eos was leaking oil like crazy. We'd had the engine seriously rebuilt twice, once under warranty, once just a year previously that we'd paid for. But this is my favorite car ever - monster sunroof! Hard-top convertible! So fun to drive! So before we bought a replacement I brought it to Roger. We paid him for his time to do a complete examination of the car. He guesstimated it would take $3,000 to get in the engine and figure out what's going on and fix it. We said "Go ahead," because what kind of car can we buy for $3,000? Made an appointment for 3 weeks away - he is really busy. Brought it in. Didn't hear anything day 1. Day 2 I call and he says, "Good news, it's just your turbo unit", replaced it for $300, under $500 when you count the first exam. It's running great, I'm still driving my favorite vehicle EVER. So grateful. read more