Henry has always been very helpful, but really went above and beyond this time when I brought him a second hand car I was going to purchase. There were quite a few repairs necessary and Henry offered to help store the car until the paperwork was done for the repairs to begin. The repairs were fairly priced and he also helped me complete the smog check after repairs were done. Really appreciate everything him and his team has done! read more

I took my car here because my friend said they were great. They told me I needed a new clutch so I had the work done. Within a couple days my clutch was messed up again...took it back and they said it was something else....got that fixed and guess what? My clutch is stillllll not right. A different friend of mine took his car there to have something fixed and a week later had to take it back to be reparied again. What do my friend and I have in common? We both drive subaru's...maybe that's the issue, they don't know subaru's. The friend who recommends these guys...he drives a VW. Hmmmm.....maybe that's it. read more

I had an old second-hand car that failed a smog test and was recommended to come here. Called a few days ahead and was told to bring in my car in the morning and given a $120 one-hour diagnostic. As someone who has next to no experience with cars, I was worried about being manipulated, but Henry was honest and patient with his diagnosis and gave us a rundown of the fixes he deemed necessary, plus the estimated cost. By the afternoon, I went to retrieve my car and--surprise--he had already gone ahead and helped me pass my smog retest so I didn't have to do it. Such above and beyond customer service! And the prices came out to be exactly what he estimated. Definitely recommend his service! read more

These guys do TERRIBLE work at RIDICULOUS prices. You will be lucky if you drive out without something falling off or leaking. Their warranties tend to be very short period or low miles, i.e. they won't even back up their own workmanship. read more

Henry is awesome and the best auto mechanic I've been to in 40+ years of taking my cars to the shop. My car didn't pass the CA smog check because of a 'knock sensor' problem diagnosed by a smog check place. The first auto shop I called (5 stars on Yelp) wanted $140 just to inspect the car and diagnose the problem. The fact that *I already knew what the problem was* was irrelevant. And they wouldn't give me an estimate over the phone because they didn't know where the knock sensor was located in my car (that very rare breed of car known as a Honda Accord), and it might be hard and take a long time to reach. Then I called Henry. He told me right away where the knock sensor was located. He gave me an estimate on the phone. He did a fantastic job on the repair and also installed new windshield wipers I'd bought and checked the tires and fluids. But beyond being a super competent and honest mechanic (which is pretty rare in my experience), Henry is a kind, friendly, funny, lovely human being who really cares about people. It seems as if his personality and values have infused his whole staff and clientele, and he's managed to create a special community around him. He also works very hard. Henry, if you read this -- thank you for being awesome, and I hope you find a way to take more vacation time! read more

I depend on a working truck for my income. I also have a high mileage truck that needed work. Anytime/every time I would break down and call them they ALWAYS took me in and got me back on the road incredibly quickly. They also have accounts from Cal and surrounding businesses, because they do great work. When they fix your car it stays fixed. They are honest, quick and very helpful. They let me know my options, new versus used, what the price difference is and what it all means. They take the time to explain how something breaks and what it takes to fix it. With the multiple accounts from surrounding businesses and their large following it's difficult for me to understand how some of these reviews could be negative, but I figure some folk just come to Yelp to bitch, and that aint cool now is it? Dan is the Service manager and is always willing to do whatever he can to help. He's good at his job and it shows. The mechanics there are crazy talented and very humble about it. Lastly, recent I blew up my engine. That's a huge deal. Some would get another truck but Dan went over every option. I said to him when he told me what was going on, "I guess I'll have to buy another truck and that sucks because it'll be another used truck which could just as easily break again." He broke it down by price and options. in the end they got me a new engine and rebuilt the heads and also replaced the rear brakes which I forgot I needed to do, FOR HUNDREDS UNDER THE ESTIMATE THEY GAVE ME. For those of you who had a bad time at the shop I have to think: A) You had a bad attitude to start with B) Have no idea what is going on with your car C) Have a horrible disposition and just like to say nasty things D) Defective parts happen but to no fault of the shop, shit happens dude E) All of the above I've had numerous problems with my truck, because I use it all day every day and it has 200K miles on it. Every problem they fixed, stayed fixed. If they can they've given me breaks and if a job came in under their estimate they adjust the price to my favor. They are far to busy to screw you, they have way to much work to care about that type of thing. read more

Henry Chin's Auto Care - Thanks to Henry's mechanics I was able to travel hundreds of miles with the comfort of knowing I was safe! - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I took my car to Henry with a broken window after paying 250 at the Toyota service center just for them to tell me what was wrong. They gave me a 1450 dollar quote, Henry said over the phone he could probably do it for 1000. He checked out the car and had it back to me fully functioning within 20 hrs. No aftermarket parts and he did it for less than 1000. He also fixed some other issues and gave me a great explanation of what was wrong. Take your car here for great service! read more

Henry is one of the nicest guys you'll meet. He truly goes the extra mile and is both knowledgeable and ethical. When I brought my dad's car in for servicing he told me that I could wait longer than we'd been told by the dealer - who does that?!? Since then, Henry has always gone the extra mile and I'm so appreciative to have a mechanic I can TRUST. He's a rare, old school guy and I'm glad to have found him. read more

I've been a loyal customer of this mechanic since 2000. Very trustworthy, fair priced establishment, that really goes the extra mile. I really feel taken care of here; I've picked up my car from regular maintenance to find they'd buffed out scratches from me hitting a pole in my works parking structure. Little things like that really mean a lot. They are also great about accommodating my requests...like making sure my engine is clean when I get home from Burning Man each year. :) I have recommended them to many friends who have become regular customers themselves. Great business with stellar customer service. read more

Junior went above and beyond. My car was parked a block down the street because my roommate towed it there, and he didn't mind pushing it to their shop. They had diagnosed the problem, fixed it, and had it back to me within two hours. The total charge was less than their minimum diagnostic charge ($90, and I only paid $87 total) and he replaced my turn signal bulb for free on the spot after I had paid. Hustead's Auto Body down the street had recommended them, and I'm so glad they did. read more

I found out about Henry through word of mouth a few years ago. He has always taken very good care of our vehicles and what I really appreciate about him is that he has never "talked down" to me or tried to patronize me. As a woman, this is the type of behavior I have come to expect from a mechanic. Not Henry! He explains everything in detail and takes the time to answer any questions. He tries hard to work within a budget and it's just a pleasure to go there. It's a great feeling to have a mechanic I can trust. Even though I've moved to Castro Valley I still take me vehicle back to Henry in Berkeley - he's that good. read more

I went in bc the maintenance required light popped up in my car. I was waiting for it to go away since my car seemed to be working perfectly fine. It stayed lit up for about 2 weeks, so I decided to get it checked out. When I gave him my info, he noticed that my car was due for an oil change at 90,000 miles and this as the cause of the light. I informed him that I just got it changed. He told me that I needed to go back to the place I got it done so they can reset my car. He went to back my car out and decided to just reset it for me. I really appreciate how he didn't try to scam me. I would definitely come back if something was actually wrong with my car! read more

Henry Chin's has always delivered on routine car servicing and repairs. I've used them for years and across various business cycles. It's a small shop and conveniently located. read more

Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind! I went to get my tire pressure checked, but they discovered my tires have been worn out to the point of cracking. Henry found the most affordable tires for me in order to save money because I was not about to keep the car for long. He even noticed dents on the roof of my car and fixed it for me right after he handed me my keys. I definitely recommend this place. As soon as you meet the staff, you'll know immediately that you're in good hands. read more

What a good experience I had @ Henry Chin's Auto Care! Have recently moved back to the area and to have found a professional, courteous, personable and in my experience honest and ethical auto care provider has made my week!! Was met by Daniel Chin at the service desk with prompt and friendly service and accommodated my issue immediately-my car windows were off track and unable to close-Daniel was able to repair the issue right away without having to replace parts. I left very satisfied with positive, friendly knowledge this is where I'll return for future service and heartily recommend Henry Chin's Auto Care to Berkeley residents. read more

I've been meaning to write this review for a while now. I trust Henry Chin's Auto Care 100%! They have amazing customer service and they really look out for their clients. They've done numerous jobs for me like replace a water pump and I even had to have a whole new clutch put in at one point. I even cried there because I was so stressed out about my car and they were so nice haha. Once I picked my car up from them and heard a funny noise a week later and called them about it and they immediately looked at it, fixed it with no charge PLUS I wasn't going to be able to pick up my car before it closed because I was at work and I was super stressed out about it so they offered to drive my car to my work in Oakland and even paid for my metered parking!!!! read more

I am hesitant to write this review. I don't want to fight for an appointment. Just kidding. I can't recommend this business enough. Everyone is courteous and professional. We bring all our cars for service here because we know the work will be quick and thorough and done well. Always honest and looking for ways to save their customers' money. There is no up selling here. read more

The first time I took an old VW I just bought here. They ran a diagnostic on the car, and come to find out it had been rigged to run for a short time. The car didn't even start after that, and would have cost me more then the car was worth to fix. The owner, ( I'm so sorry I forgot your name) was so nice. It was late,he waited with me a couple hours to get a tow truck before closing. The best part, he never charged me. He just said, bring the next one to me, and call it even. So I did just that. Found a great Honda that still runs. I also bring my Lexus there too. Ever time I go there he is quick, and the most reliable, honest guy you could have work on your car. I will never go anywhere else. I recommend him to everyone ! read more

I am always so pleased when I go there. They have worked on my cars and the service is very good. Never any troubles.

I have been coming here for years and have had 4 cars worked on by them. Foreign, domestic, old and new. My current car has 195K miles on it. All the maintenance has been done at Henry Chin's, except a few more-convenient oil changes. The service is excellent, they are fast, and affordable. I have complete confidence they will handle any job I throw at them. I called them at 4:00 on a Friday after discovering a radiator leak. Dan told me to bring it in. I drove carefully over from Walnut Creek. By 5:30, I had a new radiator and was driving away with another satisfying experience. They literally attacked my problem and had me back on the road without breaking my wallet. Over a year prior to that, I had a 1968 Pontiac that had a failing transmission. They tore it out, rebuilt it, and identified/fixed a few safety issues that I wasn't aware of. There have been a few parts that I thought needed replacing. After their inspection, they said the belt, brakes, and water pump had plenty of life in them. Dan also said it would be unethical for him to recommend replacing them, even after I wanted to. So, I didn't and I still have those parts working on my vehicle. Great service, great work, and awesome prices. True Americana, a unique, family-run small business. All those guys are great and I try to bring a snack in whenever I visit. Yes, I recommend them to my friends. I wish I could send them more business, but most of my people are a little too far from them. Though, I don't mind the drive. read more

I've had the same reoccuring problem that has not been fixed. Adam B 5/19/2010, Eunice D 10/10/2011, and Brian J. 6/29/2011 have all had problems that were not fixed and required repeated visits. It seems my experience is not unique. read more

I just wanted to add a solid review for these guys, since I think they run an honest shop. My gf hates to deal with mechanics, so when she needed her brakes replaced, she asked me to help. I searched these guys out through yelp and word of mouth. So I braced myself and called them, hoping for the best. After 80,000 miles on the original pads, I expected to pay a little extra for turned (re-smoothed) rotors. They took a look and said we should replace the rotors because they were so worn out. I thought, "Wow, rotors that wear out before the pads?" We're talking stock rotors and pads on this Corolla. So I decided to check *that* out. I found out that yes, Toyota rotors *DO* often wear out with the pads. Cheers for Toyota. Neither had ever been replaced on this car (nor had they needed to...). But after 80K miles, it was time. The quote they gave was right in the zone for that amount of parts and labor. I didn't mind having the new parts. I checked with the dealer and the work would have cost at least $120 more there... That was 11K miles ago, and the brakes have worked without a hitch. In fact, my gf stopped thru on her own a couple weeks ago with a battery question and said they we're cool with her. Running an auto shop is tough, cuz people don't really know their cars. If you're informed, is less easy to get taken advantage of. Know what questions to ask and don't settle for vague half answers. That said, I got full answers from these guys and their work backed up their words. Saludos to Henry and his crew. read more

These guys are great. Dan and Henry have taken care of our cars (and kept the older models on the road) for more than 15 years. They bend over backwards to provide affordable fixes, and to advise you on what "really needs to be done right now," and "what you should probably take care of in the next 6-12 months." They're always friendly, and always reliable, and treat us non-mechanics with respect and candor. Thanks, guys! read more

DO NOT GO HERE!! This place will RIP YOU OFF and they are NOT honest! I brought my car in because the brakes weren't working. I looked it up on the internet and found out that a lot of people have had the same problem on my same car and so I googled the part that was causing the problem and saw that the most expensive place that was selling the part was selling it for $150. I also watched a YouTube video of somebody replacing that part in my same car that lasted 7 minutes. Some of it was edited, so for the sake of simplicity, I figured I would be willing to pay somebody an hours worth of work to replace it since I didn't want to do it myself. This garage charges $120 per hour for labor, so I figured, with taxes and fees, it shouldn't be more than $300. This place wanted to charge me $900!!!! UNBELIEVABLE! When I said I saw the part online for $150, they told me to bring my own part and they would install it for $350!! When I said I watched somebody doing it on YouTube and it took them less than an hour to do it, he said, "then why don't you do it yourself!" If I wanted to do it myself why would I have brought my car to a garage??? DO NOT TRUST THESE PEOPLE! read more

Very kind, unintimidating, professionals that provided excellence service at a very reasonable cost. Highly recommend!!

On my recent trip home to Los Angeles from Marin, my car lost all the water and coolant on the freeway. My daughter, who lives in Oakland, recommended that I have it towed to Henry's shop in Berkeley. I showed up at 7:30 AM Monday morning, and Henry was kind enough to fit me in and replace the radiator so that I could be on my way again by noon. The work was well done and reasonably priced, and I want to add my recommendation both for the quality of the work and for the thoughtful customer service. If I lived in the East Bay this would be the shop I would go to. read more

I love this place! I went in for the first time to get an oil change a few months ago. Once the person who was helping me got into my car, they told me that my oil life indicated that I wasn't anywhere close to needing an oil change yet. I really appreciated their honesty, especially because it can be hard to find mechanics that you can trust. Once I finally really did need an oil change, I came here again. They took me in last minute, and finished the oil change service super fast. They also conducted a long list of checks on my car and topped off the air in my tires for me! I would highly recommend this place. read more

AMAZING!! I wish I could give them more starts. I called in to see when I could take my car for an oil change and they were able to get me in their schedule that same day!! They are all very friendly and kind. Henry is a very cool guy. I highly recommend this shop! Fast service too!! read more

Henry is incredibly knowledgeable and fair with his prices. He took care of my car in a timely manner and went above and beyond. I can't recommend him enough! read more

I ended up on the side of the street in tears, shaking and calling the police after my encounter here. This morning I attempted to drop off a friend's car at Henry Chin's. I arrived first thing and was somewhat lacklusterily greeted by a man in his late-30's of Asian descent (which from other poor reviews I am guessing is Dan). He began to ask for personal info - address, phone number, email. I declined his questions stating I was only dropping off the car for a friend and any repair confirmation would need to go through her, which she set up the day before with someone at the auto shop. He told me it must have been his colleague and I needed to supply all the info again. I started to give him her info, letting him know she lives in Australia and I am sure if he communicated with his colleague, she conveyed how the repair communication should be executed. That is when things turned bad and he got extremely rude and aggressive. He said he would not reach out to his coworker because he didn't arrive until noon, then proceeded to tell me to leave and he didn't want my business and I can get "my ass out". I was shocked how quickly this encounter escalated. I muttered, "What a motherf**ker. Regardless, at this point I was more than happy to leave, tell him his behavior was disgusting and as I turned to leave, he flew around the counter, pulled out his phone and proceeded to block my car, shoving the phone in my face and videoing. He wasn't a huge guy but the proceeding few minutes were quite scary. I tried to shield my face as he continued to yell how he was going to post my "stupid bitch face" on Yelp, "This is going on Yelp!" he pounced around the garage and my car like a drug-filled clown. "There are cameras! There are cameras!" Not sure what the cameras caught except my entering the shop, speaking a few minutes, maybe a hand thrown in the air (I'm Italian, I can't help it) walking away and then getting videoed trying to leave and attacked by a certifibly insane "business owner". Eventually, I backed out of the garage and pulled to the side of the road because I was pretty shaken. He proceeded to run after my car, and film me saying, "You're going on the internet". (If that is the case, thank God I did my brows today). I ended up calling the police and filing a report. Pretty much, if you are a woman, or any human being that does not want to do business with someone so agressively unstable, stay far, far away. read more

Henry helped me out so much and went above and beyond when it came to servicing my car! They' were incredibly kind and helpful, can't recommend these guys enough! read more

My friends and I have been taking our cars to Henry Chin's Auto Care for years. These guys are the real deal. Affordable, honest, reliable. It restores your faith in people doing good work, with integrity and a customer satisfaction approach. Recently, due to the expertise, and fair minded approach of Henry Chin's a friend of mine was able to negotiate a great trade-in price on a car, due to Henry Chin's estimate of a repair that was nearly $3,000 less than what a local dealership wanted to charge. Armed with this information she was able to get a great trade-in price. It also reinforced our continued patronage of Henry Chin's . They just gave us good information. So we will keep bringing our cars back to Henry Chin's when they need work, because we know that we are getting the very best service, at the very best price. read more

Henry Chin's Auto is awesome and I'm sorry I took so long to finish this review. Compared to the dealership where I usually take my RAV 4, Henry Chin's Auto saved me tons of money and did an excellent job repairing my air conditioner compressor bearing and and clutch, and also replacing my 02 sensor. Thanks, Henry Chin's Auto!! _ Janis S., Albany. read more

They've been taking care of my cars for years. Absolutely fantastic, honest, and reliable service. I'm beyond grateful that I can rely on and trust these guys. read more

They gave me incredible service. I dropped my car off a little later in the afternoon, but they still went out to pick up the parts and fixed my car fairly quickly given the circumstances. They were also very respectful and straightforward--I was afraid of feeling cheated out of my purchase or scammed, but their service made me feel exactly the opposite. I had a great experience here, and I would definitely recommend Henry Chin's to anyone. read more

I moved here 2 years ago, and Chin's Auto Care was a strong recommendation from a friend at work. I have used them 3 times so far, and I have had excellent service every time. They have become my mechanic in the Bay Area. read more

I haven't had to come here for a while because I have a newer car now, but they've worked on all my cars. I owe them a positive review for the years of great service and fast turnaround. My phone calls have always been answered by Dan, who is friendly, informed, and totally organized. I've never been treated like a pest for checking up on my car even though I have a million questions. He's also advised me on which used cars are best to shop for. They don't have a loaner car but they do have a good arrangement with the nearby Enterprise Car Rental at Shattuck and Ashby for a lower rate. For accident repairs, Henry Chin's works with Shattuck Auto Collision Center, who also do fantastic work. read more

Henry did an inspection of my vehicle before I had to leave on a long drive to Oregon. He found a battery issue and suggested a replacement. My Mazda also had leaking front struts. But once Henry learned I was leaving the state (11 hour drive), he said just wait and get the struts replaced cheaper in Oregon, as it wouldn't cause me any issues for the drive. Appreciated the honesty and that he saved me a few bucks, too. read more

Brought my 01 Camry into Chin's as recently, her brakes have been squeaking in the past couple of months and have been feeling loose. Was calling around to different shops to see how much it would cost, Henry's gave me the best price by far. He first inspected each brake to determine where the problem was coming from and called me to let me know the problem were that all the rotors were worn down beyond their life (10% on the front, 15% on the back). He told me what he was going to do as well as the price and after we agreed, the car was ready within two hours. Extremely fast service, and when I drove the car, no more squeaking! The brakes are also much tighter and I have much more confidence in my car again! Highly recommend Henry's service! read more

I initially thought Henry was very friendly and patient and willing to explain things, so I kept coming to his shop for repairs, but my experience with him today was quite different than before. I brought my car in because the check engine light was on and asked him to check another issue of a rattle. In my previous experiences, he said diagnostic work was $90 (now $100), but would be applied to the repair. When I picked up the car after the diagnostic work was done and estimates given, I noticed I was charged $100 twice. He did not communicate it would be $100 for each issue, but I let it go because I figured it would be applied to the repair I was going to do on the car. His colleague Dan provided a list of things that needed repair, and I chose the oxygen sensor (which they explained was the cause of the check engine light) and the rear shocks, electing to do the more costly work later. When I picked up the car after the repairs were done, I noticed that I was charged $80 more than the estimate. Also, the check engine light came on again after a few hours. I called to tell them that, and Dan was very short on the phone and told me to bring it back in. When I spoke with Henry on the phone about these issues, he did not acknowledge or apologize for the poor customer service or the possible miscommunication on their part. When I brought my car in to get the check engine light checked again, I asked Henry again about the difference in estimated charges and real charges. After him going in circles with his explanations, I finally made out that he did not apply the $100 diagnostic charge to the repair of the rear shocks, because that wasn't the original issue I asked him to check. This was never communicated to me directly or clearly, that the diagnostic fee only gets applied to the specific issue we request to check. He has only said, time again, that the diagnostic fee "goes towards the repair." In this case, he came back with a list of issues which made it seem like the rear shocks were part of the initial problem. It was never made clear that it was a separate issue from the initial rattling issue, and that the $100 would not go toward repairing this "new issue" they discovered. So, problem #1 - poor, unclear communication that leaves out a lot of important information regarding charges and diagnostic fees. When I told Henry this was never communicated clearly to me, he said it was my fault for not asking. Problem #2 - blaming the customer Then there was the original issue of the check engine light. When I called back initially telling them it came back on, Dan's short response was "the guy might have replaced the wrong sensor. I don't know, I wasn't the one checking his work." Really? So you're telling me there was no central oversight and a mistake could have been made. So when I brought it back in, Henry said that it's not uncommon for customers to come in several times for the check engine light to eventually get resolved, because they have to go through each item to see if it actually solves the problem. If this is the case, then why was I told that the check engine light was a problem with the oxygen sensor? Back to problem #1, and problem #3 - ineffective repair work. But, with all these major issues, the biggest problem was: Problem #4 - Henry's attitude was unyielding and argumentative, never acknowledging or apologizing for poor communication and lack of clear, direct communication on costs to the customer, blaming me for not specifically asking for clarification (which I thought I didn't have to do because I thought I could trust him to communicate repair needs and costs clearly and directly). Don't fooled folks, Henry may seem nice and friendly and accommodating in the beginning, but if and when he is questioned later, he does not acknowledge any fault on his end, blames the customer and fights with them. He was testy, unprofessional and back peddles when confronted. At the end, his attitude was so off-putting and frustrating I left without resolving my check engine light issue, not wanting to deal with his self-righteous, combative attitude going forward. I may have to end up paying double for duplicate work, but his attitude was so bad that I could not work with him going forward. Problem #5 - dismal customer service when confronted with issues on costs and repair ineffectiveness. I know he's got good reviews otherwise, but I can tell you that I was also mistakenly led to believe he was a nice guy who provides attentive customer service. That disappears and morphs into someone who is not nice and who does not even try to take the customer's viewpoint when confronted with questions about his service. read more