CR is my go to automotive repair shop. Darwin and Jimmy are as hardworking and honest as they come. I cannot overstate how much I recommend CR Automotive. read more

They're very pricey, but I think most automobile mechanic work is that way these days. That said, their work is excellent and their estimate on price and timing is always accurate. read more

I was overdue for an oil change, and despite always going to the BMW dealer or authorized BMW service providers, I decided to give CR Automotive a try as I love supporting local businesses. They ensured the oil and filter were the right ones for my car and model, and I appreciated that they verified the information and showed me the product they ordered. They are professional and do what they say they're going to do on time, at at a reasonable price. I appreciated they checked brakes, tires, wiper blades etc. and provided a report card. It was a nice surprise. I would not hesitate to go back, and highly recommend CR Automotive. read more

I needed last minute, before the holidays, repair and inspection. Jimmy mDe room for me on the schedule and did a quality job on my car. So grateful! read more

I took my vehicle here once and that was all I needed to see how unprofessional and terrible the service here is I wouldn't trust this mechanic with an oil change avoid at all cost if you value your vehicle read more

CR Automotive is truly one of the best places to get your car checked. As a woman, I always worry that I'll be ripped off & over charged. But I wasn't! Darwin did my oil change & I got my car smogged here & will continue to service my car here. read more

Great Auto Repair Shop! We have used CR for over 11 years for routine maintenance, repairs, upgrades on 4 of our cars. Both foreign and domestic. New and 50 year old classics. They do a great job, master mechanics, great communicators, EV and Hybrids, Smog Station. read more

One of the best shops in all of marin county if not the entire Bay Area. The owner is extremely knowledgeable and not only will fix your problem but educate you in the process. Very reliable and has the highest level of customer service and client care. read more

Always excellent service. I've been going there for 30 years. Reasonable price for great work. Never had a problem!

I did not realize my car needed a smog until I was paying the registration online, since I called CR Automotive and Jimmy told me I can come in right away, once arrived he was able to finish it around 20 minutes. Very nice guy and price is very reasonable. There is a beer garden restaurant right next door, a good spot to hang while waiting. Highly recommend! read more

Cr Automotive - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Mill Valley, California

I needed some help in figuring out what was causing the excess oil leakage on my daughter's car in advance of her intended 2,100 mile drive. After no luck anywhere in pinpointing what was causing the leaks and/or where they were coming from, I was directed to go the CR Automotive in Tam Junction which is in the edge of Mill Valley, CA by another shop that had tried to help fix the car but did not have the resources to finish the job to meet my schedule - my daughter needed the car to drive to a project that was 2,100 miles away. I went to CR Automotive and met with Jimmie , the owner, and I explained my problem to him - he opened the hood and, to my surprise, very quickly assessed the problems and what would be needed to fix them. He said he would check if the parts were available but didn't see how they could start the job before the coming Monday - it was now 2:30 on Friday. I said I unfortunately wouldn't have the car then as my daughter was leaving before that . I asked what he thought were the most serious issues and would the car make it 2,100 miles ? Jimmie went back into his office and came back out carrying a document which he handed to me - it was an estimate for the full repair that was needed. Jimmie said sign here and we'll have it ready for you by 5:00 this afternoon . . . Without doubt, this is where you want to take your car no matter what is needed read more

I needed a overdue model on a 24 foot sprinter van. They got me in next morning, and got me out of there in 30 minutes. Super friendly super super helpful. Easy to get to. Good guys. Thanks CR automotive. read more

This place is sketchy at best. They will not provide service records for a car that I just purchased. I even asked them to cut out the previous owners personal information. Any place that will not accommodate that request, is less than trust worthy. Marin is a small place. Word gets around pretty quick. Good luck with future business. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS!!!! read more

Darwin did a thorough job diagnosing what was ACTUALLY wrong with my car and then took the time to explain it to me completely to make sure I understood. He brought me to my car to physically point out what was wrong (eg. black transmission fluid, pinched air filter, mice damage) and even drew me a diagram for the parts I missed. He was also very kind in speaking to my car-knowledgable brother over the phone to discuss the issue with him as well. I showed up as a walk-in at 9am and he took the car right then and worked at it all day until closing time, ordering all the necessary parts throughout the day, which was awesome because I had to leave town that evening. I didn't feel any pressure from him to spend more than I should. If I lived in the area, Darwin would be my go-to-guy for vehicle servicing. read more

I started coming here out of convenience as it's closer to home and I'll keep coming here. Darwin gave me helpful tips about repairs needed done on my car while I was asking them for a quote. Their guestimate for time require is accurate if you have an appointment which is nice. Friendly guys, they've educated me on car issues when I'm there with old parts to show me. read more

I had an issue with a rattling noise in my 2008 Mazda 3. I spent hundreds at another mechanic who couldn't figure it out. Darwin accurately diagnosed the problem and fixed it without parts replacement. Couldn't be happier with the result. read more

Consistently good service and reasonable pricing. Super smart mechanics who are also friendly and responsive. We have used CR for at least 10 years for big repairs as well as minor stuff like tire repair. read more

I drive an old 1990 Ford Bronco, & being this old I really try to avoid spending too much on repairs/ upkeep! I have been going to Darwin & crew for 3 years & they have always been honest & upfront, choosing to repair or use reconditioned parts before new expensive ones. Also, always warning of potential future possible risks or failures! I live in the City but will always travel out there to have my car taken care of. read more

Honest, Accurate and Fair. My girlfriend knows nothing about cars and they have had plenty of chances to take advantage of her and yet they never do. They fix her car and when I suggested a incorrect diagnosis (that would have cost her more money), they let me know that I was wrong and it would be a wasted expense. I recently brought a car by that I was going to purchase and they did a diagnositic evaluation for $120. It took more than an hour, included a test drive, and they explained many things that I was unaware of from my test ride. I am amazed that reviewers complain of the diagnostic charge. It costs time and time is money. The computer gives an often vague code: ex. fuel system. But figuring what in the fuel system is the problem takes time. read more

My cars timing belt snapped while driving on the freeway and I needed to get it fixed. AAA recommended CR and the tow truck dropped my car off there. Darwin could have overcharged and underdelivered but he was extremely responsive, helpful and understanding, charging me a reasonable price for an expensive job and turning it around quickly. Really appreciated his honesty and helpful recommendations. Would definitely take my car there again. read more

I highly recommend C and R. Darwin and Jimmy went above and beyond my expectations to fix my truck. Diagnosis was quick and accurate and they worked all day so I could have it in time for the weekend. I have been taking three vehicles to C and R for about 10 years. read more

Brought my CRV in for an oil change this afternoon. I am very happy with the service I received. My wait was under an hour and the price was right. I was weary after reading some of the negative reviews but am very happy I took the chance. I will definitely be going back. read more

Got my tires changed, and they forgot do the alignment after they replaced them, so 2 of the brand new tires were worn out on one side at the following oil change (5k). Replaced again 2 tires out of 4, asked them to check the alignment and now I have again 2 tires that need to be replaced again after only 3000 miles, clearly have not been aligned. They will never see me again. read more

So my husband says these guys are straight up crooks, I wanted to trust these guys, but now, I agree with him. We've taken both our cars here (convenient, on the way to work and close enough to a cafe to hang out and wait while repairs are done) after a referral from a friend who said she thought the owner (darwin) was straight-up and honest... After spending way too much here, I won't go back ever. Here's my advice to people if they go here: 1. get a print out before trusting them with their quote and 2. ask to SEE what is wrong - as what they say is a 'problem' that needs immediate fixing, sometimes isn't a problem at all.... I originally went in for a 'strange noise' and I was told that my wheel bearings needed to be fixed ASAP because they were damaged - I had to fix them now or I could risk the wheels falling off... BUT, they couldn't completely tell if that was causing the noise because of the rain, so I went in when it was dry out and they found a 'bigger problem' that needed addressing ASAP and the wheel bearings could wait 3 months! - why was it so urgent before and then all of the sudden not... Then after the 'bigger' problem was found, they gave me a price of $1200, but I would have to come back the following work day because they couldn't get to it then. When I came back to get the work done, it was all of the sudden $400 more than what Darwin initially told me (without doing any more diagnosis or work)... and because he never printed out the estimate that he showed me on the computer screen from the the day before, he said I was mistaken!!! I am 100% sure that was the quote, because I was already freaking out about $1200, let alone $1600!!! - BELIEVE ME, I am not one to make a mistake about this - i meticulously check everything, but I trusted them... at this point, I literally cried... he was straight faced and said because I didn't have the print out, he didn't believe the quote!!!! but, he would 'offer' a 10% discount off the labor!!! (after trying to charge me $400 more than he quoted me the other day!)... How can someone be so dishonest??? and then to top that off, he tried to charge me for the estimate that i had ALREADY paid for ... Anyhow, after taking to another garage - who said the estimate was bogus (nothing is 'urgent' and the parts are all in good shape - i saw them with my own eyes) and not to mention the quotes were on the high side... I will never go back here and hope that other people don't get suckered. They seem nice, but as with most sneaky people they are 'trying to make a buck' off of people like me - trusting and a little clueless about cars... read more

My car's aftermarket alarm was causing the car to stall or not start. It came with the car and I had no idea what brand it was. Car was towed to CR Automotive (it stalled in the area). I spoke with Jimmy on the phone and explained the situation and that I wanted to disable the alarm. He told me that they didn't have the right plans for the alarm to easily disable it. and, rather than incur extra cost and time he recommended I bring it to an alarm specialist.. So while they did no work there, I feel the honesty shown was refreshing and worth a 5 star review. read more

I took my car in for a check engine light. They ran the computer and it said there were two O2 sensors out. I have know idea what the hell this is so I said ok fix it. It was 358$. Surprise surprise the check engine light never went away. I came back in and they said i didn't ask them to run a diagnostic. So either I get money back for parts only and basically give them 200$ labor for doing nothing but letting me down, or get diagnostic done to find the problem. Basically they changed the sensors for no reason when that wasn't even the problem. I will never go there again and I recommend just going to the dealer even if labor cost are a little more. read more

They were able to help us immediately, good customer service, and it was quick! Would recommend! The man helping us was nice as well. (Fixed our car battery) read more

I took my classic car in on thursday to have a safety inspection and told them about my car tending to stall or lose power. I asked them to diagnose what could be causing this and they said they would try. They did not call or contact me about the car. I had to call everyday to check the status and they kept saying it was being worked on so I waited. They told me a list of repairs that it needed and I agreed on having them done. They said the car needed new tires and an alignment so i trusted that. They asked for a deposit so I gave them one which ended up being "forgotten" about as the lady at the front desk said when I came to pick up the car. I picked up my car on monday and about a half mile down the road i merged onto the highway and my car lost power. I managed to pull to the side of the highway and called them and explained what was wrong and they said i never mentioned the issue. Which is a complete lie. Thats the exact reason I brought the car into their shop in the first place!!!!! I got the car to start up again and continued driving it.. it felt like the steering wheel was about to fall off (which was not happening the day before i brought the car in) and the car was swaying back and forth to the left and right as if it was about to roll or flip over. It felt really unstable and the car would not drive straight when I would let go of the steering wheel (granted I know my car has no power steering but this is not the issue)... I took the car back to the shop they said they would go over everything and fix it and have it ready the next morning on tuesday. I pick up the car today and its still doing the same thing.. still losing power and the steering wheel still feels very loose and it feels as if it never had an alignment. I call them back and they explain to me that "its an old car and its suppose to feel that way, its not the same as your other new car (which they have done an oil change on) so you just have to get used to it we dont know what to tell you" that is complete bullshit!! I understand the different mechanics of classic and modern cars but I also know when something doesnt feel right. The car was not swaying and unable to handle before i took it to their shop. On top of this they ended up charging me $530 more than they quoted me for and "forgot" about the deposit I gave them they day i took the car in. So this completely stressed me out and im assuming that since im a young female they are trying to manipulate me and use my lack of knowledge to rip me off. Not feeling these mechanics at all do not plan on returning to them regardless of them being AAA approved they really screwed me over. I cannot afford their faults. I took the car to another shop in San Rafael today and they told me the reason its driving this way is because the front bearings need to be replaced... Will see what happens with this. read more

When my car's brakes failed over 80 miles from home, I was concerned about getting service from an unknown quantity. Then C.R. Automotive on Shoreline in Mill Valley, CA came to the rescue, exceeding my expectations with their exemplary service. Their gracious tow truck driver responded quickly, alleviating a dangerous situation on the freeway, then C.R.'s owner, Darwin, showing an awareness of my vehicle's idiosyncrasies suggested several sensible repair options for major work. He stayed in touch until my car was ready to go, billed the job at a very reasonable hourly rate, and ensured that I would make it to my scheduled afternoon appointment. Kudos to the conscientious team at C.R. Automotive. read more

Last month I was in need of repair of my 1991 Infiniti, and I chose CR Automotive of Mill Valley, CA from AAA's list of approved repair shops. The problem was a leaking fuel injector. One injector had to be replaced but CR replaced all 6 of them at $159 each and told me that I aalso needed new cables and gaskets. The bill was about $1500. The day after repairs, the "check engine" light came on and I returned the car to the shop. This time they said that the Engine Computer needed to be replaced for about $400 plus labor,and that if I didn't have the computer replaced, there was a serious hazard of the engine catching fire or exploding. I didn't believe them. I talked to the Service Manager of the San Rafael Infiniti dealership. He said this was very unlikely. I checked "YELP" and found 7 reviews of CR Automotive. All 7 were negative! So I took my car to another repair shop and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. CR just didn't reset the computer. Now I feel that I have been cheated by CR Automotive. read more

No, don't go. Charged me over $1,000 to tell me my car was done. And I had my car towed there, because it was recommended thru my Triple A account! Instead of Triple A, ask a friend. read more

Brought in my Mini Cooper for a front end noise. The mechanics inspected my car, and told me it needed a replacement of struts, that was where the noise came from. Straight up honest, and reliable. No BS around, is what I wanted. I am happy with quick service and they've given me a very very reasonable price. Highly rec. this place to everyone :) read more

Cr Automotive - Sign near the sign walk.... - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Mill Valley, California

We used to just get our cars smog tested here, but now we have all of our work done here. Great service at fair prices. These guys can figure out exactly what is needed. Very happy! read more

I took my car to this place because it was suggested by AAA. After having used them as my mechanics for over a year I can confidently say they are either incompetent or dishonest. Several times I would go in for something routine only to be told that I needed to replace that entire system at a cost multiple times the expected cost. I once bought two tires from them for $100 more then it cost me to buy all four of the same brand/model tire at another shop. The final straw was when I took my car in for a diagnostic and was told that I needed to replace a part that they had replaced less then a year prior. No surprise, when I took the car in to another shop for the diagnostic they didn't suggest replacing that part. Also, on two occasions I had to have things fixed related to work that they had done at further cost. The service was friendly and generally on time but unless you have money to burn I would find someone else. read more

I have been taking our cars to CR Automotive for at least 15 years -- starting with when Richard was the owner/operator and now with Darwin and Jimmy as the owners/operators. We've taken many cars there over the years -- mostly Honda Civics, but also a Honda Accord, a Volvo, a Saturn and a Nissan. I was very satisfied with Richard's service, and continue to be very satisfied with Darwin and Jimmy. I always feel they give you the "straight scoop" on the work that needs to be done, always are looking out to help reduce the costs involved, and have, on more than one occasion, done repairs on very short notice to help with a difficult situation. I feel they are hardworking and do a great job! read more

Excellent business. They were able to diagnose several problems, prioritize them (as far as how long until I needed to have repairs done), and even found less expensive ways to solve problems. They easily could have replaced entire electrical systems, but only replaced what they really felt was necessary - which in one case made a $200 job (a quote from another business) cost $16. I move a lot, and I have a hard time finding honest car mechanics. These guys are top notch. read more

CR Automotive looks after my safety when they check over my car at each oil change and before I go on longer trips out of town. But even a good maintenance program does not stop the occasional malfunction of parts. When I had my fuel pump go bad the other day, which the AAA guy said was common for vehicles, AAA pulled my car from San Francisco to Mill Valley so that I could get it repaired properly at CR Automotive. Not only did they repair my car, but also they checked to make sure the system that powers my fuel pump was working properly so that I can be confident in the car being dependable again. It is good to have the people at CR Automotive to rely on for the maintenance and repair of my cars. Thank you. read more

My car was overheating on Christmas Eve day while driving into SF. I had AAA tow it to CR Automotive on the recommendations of AAA. The Monday after the holiday I received a call from Darwin that my thermostat was not working. I said to go ahead and get it fixed and call me when it was done. I picked the car up about 2 PM that day and while driving back north 40 plus miles to my home, the car started to overheat again! I called and talked to Darwin the next day and he didn't seem fazed by the outcome and or offer to make good on his work. Since I lived so far from his location and having a car that is still overheating I took it to a local shop, which took another week, two visits and a $509 more to identify problem. CR Automotive installed a cheap aftermarket part that was failing and didn't test the system to see if it was working. Sending me down the road with the same problem and $128.49 price tag! I wouldn't let this shop work on my lawn mower! read more

wow, the review i wrote last week was removed . . . ??? PLEASE DON'T REMOVE REVIEWS! anyway, when i came up to mill valley from the city i asked around for a good mechanic. i started taking my car to cr automotive after the recommendation of a few friends. i was never super confident with their work. on a couple of occasions there was something not right about my car after picking it up from them. on one occasion the lower half of my engine fell out. but yeah, the last time i had an issue with my car i brought it back to cr; (the reason why my car had fallen apart sounded reasonable, but not air tight). they said there were more oil leeks than originally diagnosed, and said that my head gasket needed to be replaced. i had them do the work. when i picked up my car a few days later, there was something terribly wrong. there was a noise that sounded almost "hollow" coming from the right side of the car. there was an incessant squealing when i drove down the street. not trusting cr, i brought my car to marin auto works on miller st in m.v. they checked out everything and found that the manifold gasket had not been secured properly when the guys at cr had put my car back together; in order to replace the head gasket they would have had to come in contact with the manifold gasket. this is what was causing the "hollow" sound; the exhaust system wasn't sealed. m.a.w. also fixed my back brakes (the most logical cause of the high pitched squeals), and a couple of other really important things that cr missed (there was a problem with my steering that could have gotten worse and dangerous left unchecked/unfixed). i would never recommend cr. i would avoid them at all costs. read more

I've been doing the Don Quixote quest for awhile now, dreamin' the impossible dream of finding a good car mechanic in Southern Marin that's close enough to a bus stop that I can drop my car in the morning, catch a bus to work in SF, and take the bus back to pick it up in the evening. Long ago, when this place was owned/run by Richard, CR Automotive was great. Some years ago Richard sold the business and now it's not quite as reliable. For some things -general maintenance, engine work like timing belts and water pumps and so forth- these guys have been just fine. But if it's something big, or over a few hundred bucks, then I suggest at least getting another opinion. Case in point: I took one of my cars to CR because I was having trouble getting the manual transmission into 1st gear and thought the clutch might be going. They drove it and said it needed a whole new transmission. When asked how they could tell it was the transmission and not the clutch, the guy replied "experience". A new transmission would cost about $2500 -and several hundred more for a new clutch, which should be replaced since they were in there anyway- so I decided to check with Aamco in San Rafael. They guy at Aamco took about 30 seconds to say it was just the clutch that needed replacing and the transmission was in great shape. Clutch replaced, car works great. The scary thing is that if I had taken the advice of the "experienced" guy at CR Automotive, then my car would probably be working just as well as it does now, but I would have forked over $2500 more than necessary. And so the quest continues. read more