Jeffrey, the owner is a pretty cool and friendly guy. I happened to call ahead for an oil change, 0w20 synthetic -- for my 2013 Civic, got priced at $59 bucks, which was a fair price after asking around. I chose to come to Patti's and happened to walk into some city inspection. Quite an interesting scene. Was in and out in about 15 minutes? Quick and painless oil change. Was happy that I got a few bucks off from his estimate. For my car at least, they used Valvoline oil (didn't specify type), which in itself is a mid-range oil, not the best nor the worst. From the receipt, I could see the price was marked up a bit on the oil... Bueno: Service and owner is nice No bueno: Pricing is fair, but wish there was more detail on type of oil/different oils offered. May return, but I would always recommend you check out other mechanics and get these details. read more

First of all, once you go to Patti's you will never look at cars the same way again. Mostly because you will realize how duped you are by every other mechanic on the planet. Patti and Jeff will take care of you. Bottom line: Get on their good side. It will save you a lot of money. I have been going to Patti's for 10 years and have taken at least 3 separate vehicles to be serviced there, including family members' cars. I have referred all my friends there. Every time I have ever gotten some random person to look at my car, they tell me something is wrong with it, and Jeff and Patti will cut straight to the truth. They will be honest with you. Of course, they have their opinions about things, and they will let you know what they think about everything else if you ask them. It feels good to know mechanics (and people) like them. If you go to them once, you'll become a regular soon enough. read more

I have had two really good experiences with Patti's Auto Care. I have been to several places in Berkeley and this is hands-down my favorite for honest, reliable and affordable service. read more

Super helpful and quick. Erica is really great - she makes having to go the auto repair shop a nice experience

I recommend Patties over any dealership or any other shop around to anyone who asks. Jeff, the owner is a super nice guy who always gives me the honest price (which are always great deals) and my Toyota Corolla has never been better ever since I started going there. From small jobs like patching your tires or getting oil changes, to doing full service work, these guys are truly the best. I really trust them and give them 5 stars everytime! read more

I've been taking my 2012 Honda Fit to Patti's since I relocated to The Bay Area, and couldn't be more pleased with the quality of service (and lack of misogyny) the folks there provide. Patti's was recommended to me by my partner, who was born-and-raised in Oakland/Berkeley; I am so glad I called! The team at Patti's professionalism, care and personalized service really is spot-on... they are straightforward about information + services needed + time estimates, and allow me the space to consider options and to make my own decision. I couldn't recommend Patti's more (literally - I can't choose more than five stars!) - thanks for all you do! read more

I have not been in a while, due to having a much more reliable car. When I have used Patti's I have been incredibly satisfied. I once went in and was told the issue was minor and I could spend the money to get it fixed but they would advise against it! No charge for checking it out in the first place. The place is as honest as they come. read more

I was desperately in need of a good mechanic - seriously about to scrap my car. My neighbor recommended I just stop by Pattie's Auto and just see what Donny had to say before calling the scrap yard. I hobbled my car down to Donny and he listened to my engine and got me back on the road for nothing. Then a few days later I brought it in for him to look at it in detail and he recommended a couple of repairs, totally renewing my faith in my car. Same day service both times. In my experience, there are two kinds of mechanics: those that try to charge you money at every turn and those that try to save you money at every turn - really trying to keep the customer's priorities in mind. Pattie and Donny are the latter. A great find. read more

I have had many car mechanics and Jeffrey is by far the best. First of all, he's kind and not condescending to young women - Instead of the usual misogyny, he brings wit and funny comments about Occam's razor. He's never impatient about answering questions. When I came in most recently, worried that the transmission had died, he didn't charge me at all to check it out. He is a courteous professional who fixes your vehicle without adding any random costs. For as long as I live in Berkeley, I won't go anywhere else! read more

We love Patti's. They have worked on our Toytoa, Nissan, and checked out a potential car we didn't buy (which they didn't charge us for, as he could see it was in an accident in about 4 minutes). Patti's is a buisness you can trust. They are easy going, funny, and flexible. We've been going there about 3 years, after 2 friends recommended them. read more

I have been going to Patti's since 2006 and I have not been disappointed with their automotive (and customer) service. Even though I moved out of the East Bay, I'll still drive from SF to Berkeley so that my Subaru will be worked on by Patti's. They really take the time out to explain what's wrong and how they'll repair it, if needed. I really appreciate talking to Jeff especially when he goes out of his way to search for other OEM parts so that my repair costs don't reach the sky. I've got 135k+ miles on my car and friends comment on how tip-top it runs. I highly recommend Patti's. read more

High quality mechanic. My girlfriend brought her car here and they gave her an honest assessment and price. Will be back in the future.

I know I can get an honest opinion about what is probably wrong with my car, not just the normal,service needs but weird noises or performance issues I don't understand. And besides being honest, the price is always fair. Patti actually talks to her mechanics. They are in and out talking to her abort the cars, and she is out on the floor with them. Not a "hands off" approach, but Patti is very involved and knowledgeable about lots of cars. read more

I've been taking my Tundra to Patti's since 2004, and I cannot even begin to recognize my experiences with those of the one-star reviewers. Jeffrey has kept my truck in top-notch condition from its initial mileage of 9,000 to its current 230,000+. I have always been treated respectfully and professionally, his recommendations have always been on target, and I've never felt overcharged. He truly is one of a kind, and I'm very grateful. read more

Came in for a Pre purchase inspection. The staff were courteous and had a quick 1 hour turnaround time (I went in at 10 am on a Friday). The waiting area was comfortable and I got to meet their cute dog :) The inspection identified all the wear-and-tear issues that I needed to get fixed, namely dirty transmission fluid, a filthy air filter, and leaking valve gaskets. Taking off a star because the prices quoted for performing the repairs were a little high so I went to other shops for those. Additionally, there was some misinformation (likely unintentional) about the timing belt - I was told that since it was 5 years old it might need replacing but in reality it has an 8 year lifespan which I confirmed with the Lexus dealer who installed it. Would have spent $900 on an unnecessary repair if I didn't do my research. Also, this is not Patti's fault, but some general advice for other customers - Try to avoid jump-starting another person's car from yours right before taking your car for an inspection. I helped a neighbor jump her car from mine and then immediately drove 2 miles to Patti's. This resulted in the battery test reading an abnormally low value (despite the battery being nearly brand new) and Patti's recommended I replace it. However once I drove some more and fully recharged it, a second test showed it was in perfect condition. Again, not Patti's fault but I almost made an unnecessary fix. read more

I was on the hunt for a mechanic that could do an independent pre-purchase check on a VW for me. I was unpleasantly surprised to find almost every Berkeley mechanic is closed on both Saturdays and Sundays. Insanity! I was able to sweet talk Jeffrey at Patti's Auto Care into doing a pre-purchase check for me on a Saturday morning. The service was prompt, friendly, and gave me the confidence I needed to go ahead with the car purchase. Thanks! read more

My friends and I were visiting from LA and the check engine light in our van came on during our trip up. I called several auto body shops and everybody was rude and very unhelpful. I called Jeffrey and he was super nice and helpful! I wish his shop was located in LA so I could go to him for all my car needs! Great customer service! read more

I suffered through 4 months of a nonfunctioning AC because of ridiculously expensive quotes I received from other mechanics. And then I called Patti's. Sweet, cold, air-conditioned relief, Patti's is thy name! I called in for a quote and to check to see if they had the part and time available to fix my A/C - not only did they fix it in the same day, they also gave me my car back at the promised time and actually charged me less than their initial quote. They charged me a FRACTION of what the other mechanics in Berkeley had quoted - and I called around to about 5 or 6 places. Patti's has friendly and responsive service, not to mention *very* reasonable prices... I will be bringing my car in for all future car repairs. Thank you Jeff and Patti's Auto Care! read more

Do not trust these guys. Broke down on the 15 minute ride home the last TWO times I brought my car here. Donnie went so far as to blame my driving style for the breakdowns...it's a 15 minute drive in traffic... Donnie not only did a poor job with every aspect of the repair process -- gave incorrect advice as confirmed by other mechanics at his own shop -- but was also an absolute nightmare to work with. When I asked him to more thoroughly explain his reasoning for putting in a new thermostat rather than testing the existing one first, he went on an insecure tirade about how he "went to college" therefore he knows what he's doing. I would love to see where that degree is from. He did this all while calling me "punkin" over the phone. Adorable. Donnie also gave incorrect estimates, no matter how many times I confirmed with him and clearly asked if that included all parts and all labor. When I was in his office disputing charges another customer was doing the exact same thing! He claimed we were "hearing what we wanted to hear"...because I apparently want to hear that I owe them $1,000+ in a week long time frame, sure. I can only hope this clown didn't cause any more damage to the car that will surface in a few weeks. He was not thorough, not knowledgeable, and blatantly mislead if not deliberately lied to me on several occasions. read more

Took my car there to be inspected and he told the buyer about all sorts of problems that do not seem to be real and refused to tell me anything. Let alone they should be giving a written report on inspections. read more

I checked Patti's reviews and only one review mattered: the negative one. In fact, the reason I picked Patti's to do the car inspection for a potential purchase is because of the negative review, which was clearly written by an insane person who doesn't know the value of cars. I thought to myself, "this shop hates crooks." I was not disappointed. When I made the appointment to have a 1999 Mazda Miata inspected, the shop manager informed me that the owner likes to do these himself. Also, bc of their one terrible review, they now let people know in advance that they will not lift the car, nor will they charge you if the car is not worth fully inspecting. In other words, they refuse to take your money unless it's worthwhile. The inspection was thorough and he pointed to the parts that were obviously corroded. Since I had just finished watching a video on replacing a valve cover gasket, I was educated on what he was showing me and agreed wholeheartedly. My boyfriend was there and confirmed that the prices quoted were absolutely fair. Jeffrey helped me negotiate a fair price for the vehicle. I paid more than kkb median bc it was worth it. But I had the necessary info to help negotiate a fair price. And now my Miata has a doctor if she ever needs one. P.S. Jeffrey has some amazing stories. Smart guy who has lived a rich life. It was a great experience all around. read more

I took my Jetta here for an oil change and they did a great job. Mentioned things that were wrong with the car that I already had suspected. They are super upfront about costs, and I'll be taking my little vw here for a 50K inspection and repair. read more

I would give this 0 stars if possible. I went there for an oil change and quote for a 80K tune up. The owner was very talkative about everything but my car. Left the car there for the day and came back to a laundry list of things wrong with the car. The owner suggested I do not drive it and get a rental car. Got me all freaked out because I had to drive it to LA that weekend. Charged me $180 for the oil change and the diagnosis. My gut told me something was off, so I drove it to LA without a problem. But a few days later, I noticed leaking under my car then the oil light came on. Took it into a mechanic in LA, who told me the oil plug thing that keeps the oil in was completely missing. Someone at Patti's failed to check if it was on correctly. Patti's quality of work is beyond poor. If they can't get an oil change right, what can they do right? read more

Ten years and two cars ago, I came to Patti's with my troubled '91 Sentra, after an unhappy experience at a different Berkeley car shop. As a young woman I know some mechanics will try to take advantage, assuming you know jack about cars. But Patti's proved they're not that shop. I had a transmission problem and Jeffrey quoted me $1500 for a new one. I was poor and it was an agonizing decision, but I didn't have money for a new car. So I left it to them and Jeffrey calls the next day. Their wizard of a mechanic discovered just one part of the transmission they could replace for about $300-350 (don't remember exactly). I could have kissed them all. I was there again this week & will keep coming back. Take your business to Patti's Auto Care! You couldn't hope for a friendlier or more honest business! read more

One of Patti's best services is inspecting used cars that a client considers buying. I've done that twice recently, but sometimes the potential sellers aren't pleased. I recently brought in a car, which Jeffry gave a look at (for free BTW), which I ended up deciding not to buy. I'm pleased with the service I received. The seller, as John Z, has posted a bogus Yelp review, that claims we waited an hour (we didn't) and that he paid $100 (it was free). Jeffry works for the client (me), not the seller of the vehicle, even when he's doing it for nothing. He and the mechanics at Patty's always do a great job. I have almost never seen a negative review by a bona fide client on this or any other site. read more

Loose exhaust manifold, $42. Witty banter with Patti's husband, priceless. This place rocks! Honest, candid, kick-ass people who put their customers first. A true local business. read more

I was surprised to see the positive reviews of this place. They insulted our car, which is a great vehicle and every time we brought it in, they said there was something major wrong with it- now I don't know if we just wasted a ton of $$$ and got taken for a ride. Beware and go to Art's, they are more professional and know what they are talking about. Also, Beware if you are a woman... there was so much inappropriate sexual conversation going on directed at us ranging from mild comments to explicit conversation about pornography. Don't go here. Every time we got our car back, it was worse than before. They never completed a job and we went back and they fixed the wrong thing again. Go to Art's, they are more professional and know what they are talking about. read more

[Warning: This is my first review EVER!!] My experience with Patti's Auto Care was and is the impetus behind my first foray into online review writing. From my first telephone interaction with the friendly and responsive Ashley (sp?) to my face-to-face dealings with the principal (Patti's hubby), I have had nothing but a positive experience with this company. Based on reading their reviews on Yelp, I selected Patti's for MAJOR repair work on my aging (20+ years) vehicle: CV boots, engine mounts, shocks, brakes, plus everything that falls under "major servicing". They returned my car to me in humming condition and didn't consign me to the poor house in doing so. I'm in love with my Camry all over again. Their pricing was extremely fair. This is my new car repair shop. I will take my other 10+ year-old vehicle in for servicing shortly and expect that I will receive the same level of service. I've already recommended this outfit to all of my co-workers and the parent groups at my kids' school. My husband has shared our experience with his law office co-workers, as well. We are satisfied, repeat customers. I look forward to doing business with Patti's once again. read more

I've taken in my car (2001 Toyota Avalon) a total of four times. The last two times were within the last two wks for a fuel injection issue and a sticky accelerator and both times Jeffrey (owner) knew exactly what was happening with my car. He understood the symptoms and knew how to treat the issue. Even gave a few options to cut costs with same quality of service. I hate auto repair shops, but I love going to this service shop. It meets all my needs. Not to mention the customer service staff is super friendly, honest, and organized. I love it! read more

The staff of this store is a really really nice guy! Just when I was driving along the San Pablo Ave, I found my licence plate broken and ready to fall. The staff here helped me fixed it for free, with warmest service I could imagine. This really helped me fix an urgent problem and made my day! read more

Ignore any one star reviewers. Jeffrey & crew at Patti's are awesome. Honest, reliable, straight forward mechanics. These guys don't sell you Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt, they just tell it like it is. I asked about a leak on my axle after another mechanic told me to get it looked at. Patti's could have sold me a few hundred dollars worth of parts and labor, but instead they told me it wasn't a big deal and the axle would be fine for another couple years, and to just bring it in when I hear a clicking noise as that's the first indicator for replacement. You can trust these guys and know you're not going to get a raw deal! read more

I had a good experience here. I've only brought my truck into one other place in berkeley, and that place was shady. This place seemed fine. The staff was very nice and accommodating. They changed my oil and topped off my fluids for ~$45. I will update if my car does not continue to be healthy. Plus the service was fast, I didn't even get through my walk in the area and they were done. read more

I was so impressed by the service at Patti's that I am writing my first Yelp review. I had brake light issues on my 2001 Honda. I tried replacing the bulbs and checked the fuses, but they still didn't work. I went to the Honda dealer who said they would diagnose the problem for $140. I called Patti's in the morning and Patti actually gave me some valuable diagnoses on the telephone saying it couldn't be the switch because the middle brake light still worked. She said I could come by before 5 PM that night for a quick look. She was not there, but was called and the mechanic came out to take a look. He found a second set of bulbs that I didn't even know were there and replaced them. The "repair" took two minutes and cost $2.00!!! Now that's honesty and service that will bring me back to Patti's for all of my auto repair needs. I didn't know that service like that still existed. Thank you everyone at Patti's! read more

Patti's was recommended to me by a friend, and I will be giving that friend a *very* big hug next time I see her. Staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and very accommodating. Also, most importantly, I didn't feel like I was being taken advantage of! I really don't write these reviews very often, but I was inspired by the great service. Thanks, guys! Definitely 5 stars! read more

This place has great service. They're quick & well priced. I suspected that I needed a strut replacement & they confirmed it. I was in the next day & got it fixed by that afternoon for a little over $600. For a frame of reference, the other well rated & well respected shops were quoting me $700-800 & a few day wait for an appointment. read more

I decided to give this place another chance. I'm super sick, but need to get my check engine light checked. They were so wonderful and quick with getting the issue resolved. They also knew about my previous review and wanted to make sure that I had a better experience. I found out they have fired the horrible guy that I had a horrible experience with! I will keep coming back now that they have gotten rid of that jerk. Im so happy I went back. read more

My car was slow to start, so I called in to see if there was an open time. Found this spot on Yelp as my usual mechanic was closed today. They said they could see me after another customer. I came in and the took a look at my car, and gave me an honest assessment. Really appreciate the directness and no B.S. - made my morning a lot easier. Will definitely come back for future needs! read more

I trust Patti's completely. While I was looking for a used car, I took several cars to Patti's for pre-purchase inspections. Their expertise - the mechanics and the whole team really, Erica and Jeffrey - was impressive. I recently purchased a vehicle, after they took a look at it, and I feel fully confident that the car is safe and reliable. I'll definitely be taking the new care there for all servicing! read more

These people were really friendly when they smogged my car, and there's a nice waiting area. They noted a problem with the computer that they probably could have given me a hard time about, but they didn't and I'm seriously grateful. There were no customers when I came in midday, so I got in and out really fast. Good location for walking around and shopping if you do get stuck with a longer wait though. read more

Nice owner, great service! Highly recommend. I called that morning to get an appointment, he was busy but squeezed me in!