My 2008 Scion xD started making a noise while driving that didn't feel right. I was catsitting off of Cedar Street and dropped in on V after a neighbor recommended him. He took me and my car in, diagnosed the problem, and said he would have it back today, perhaps tomorrow. Well...he had it back to me within the same day, showed me the part, pretty much saying it was a good thing I came in. Very nice man ...I am very happy !! Highly recommend ! read more

V is great! As of Sept 2026 the shop is no longer physically at this space but if you're local, give him a call. Chances are he can come to you, until he finds a new permanent location. He's very knowledgeble and straightforward. read more

Been going to Peter for years. Extremely honest and trustworthy. No frills. Recommend highly.

Before V, I took my car to Peter. V was HIS mechanic. When Peter retired, V took over the shop. Honest, smart, skilled, chill and we always get a nice laugh in. I've been going to "Peters Automotive" for...40 years! And Peter left his fabulous welded animal sculptures of car parts in the glass kiosk. Peter was an icon in Berkeley, V is an asset. Great value. read more

V is evidently an experienced and knowledgeable mechanic, and a man of integrity. He was able to pinpoint the problem with our car's clutch immediately upon arrival. Initially we thought it was a hydraulic issue, but he took a look at the release fork and saw there was too much play. He suggested a full clutch replacement, which is customary when an internal clutch component fails. He quoted us a very reasonable amount and told us it would be done in a week. But he called us the next day and told us it was good for pick up! We were in disbelief he did a full clutch swap in that time, but the car shifts gears like new now. The clutch catches beautifully, with extremely smooth shifts, and there's no gear rattle on the lower gears when coasting in gear anymore. He did a stunning job and clearly used quality parts, and we will be recommending his shop to our friends. read more

Vee is so trustworthy and always gives you a fair price and does the work well. It is so rare to find a mechanic you can trust like him.

Through a dealer service center, I discovered that I needed new brake pads. I did some price checking, and (not surprisingly) Peter's and other non-dealers were much cheaper. I decided to go with Peter's because of price, and they also didn't mandate that I change my roters (which other auto repair shops required). I was charged ~$185 to replace my front brake pads which was more than $150 cheaper than the dealer. V worked on my car, and he was great and very responsive. read more

My son is at school in Berkeley while we are down in Southern California. It's a bit nerve-racking trying to get repair work done when you are not local but the shop has been very helpful. In my son's latest repair, his 08 Ford Focus needed a hose replaced. The shop was busy but they kept us informed. There was a hiccup and the vehicle needed to go back. They were very apologetic and stood behind their work. I wouldn't hesitate to go back. Great Trustworthy Shop. read more

I just got an oil change at the garage I've gone to for years where the owner retired and sold it to someone else. I was told that I need about $3K worth of work on a car that isn't very old. My friend suggested that I bring the car to Vee and I did. He said that I don't need to do anything for awhile and when he saw the bill for the oil change, he thought it was very high. Vee is now our new family mechanic!!!! read more

Let me premise this by saying I'm an auto technician of 8 years who is currently in school. I called Peter's automotive asking them to do a simple 20 minute job for 1987 BMW. The car is a incredibly simple car to work on. The owner, "V", very rudely said he doesnt work on BMWs and hung up to phone before I could say anything. Terrible customer service. Don't take your car to a shop that cant work on a car that, as they are likely to mess up anything more complex. Not only that, but poor customer service usually indicates dishonesty. I called the next shop down the road, and they didn't care what car I had. read more

Vu was my third opinion on 2 different cars with POSSIBLE issues; so it turned out that one car had NO ISSUES ie non leaking radiator only an upper radiator hose replacement -,au contraire to the expensive mechanic in alameda - and no exhaust leak at all in short: we're at least $1.8k saved over fear monger!!! that said the other car - rav4 - is burning oil - c'est la vie with that model/year; honesty, integrity, kindness, and honor; thanks Vu!! coming back as needed; and thanks for the tip that Subarus rarely if ever need a valve adjust for 2016 on; subaru, toyota, honda specialist !! read more

V is the best. After being quoted for over $10k of work from the Subaru dealership, we were in the process of selling our car since the repairs would cost more than the car. I decided to take my car to V to get a second opinion and I am so glad I did. He was able to check out the car and was very honest about work that was urgent and work that can wait. He caught that my timing belt needed to be replaced-something the dealership missed. V was able to squeeze us in last minute, we got an honest assessment of the car. We will be back, and will be bringing our other car to V as well. 10 stars! Thanks V!! read more

I love everything about this auto shop - the small, old time garage, the neighborhood location which makes getting there so easy, the fast, competent and affordable service, but most of all = the owner, David, who took over from Peter - the longtime owner who retired after leaving his mark as a Berkeley icon. David is so smart, honest and helpful - there is no hustle, no push for unnecessary expenses, truly a mechanic this old lady trusts implicitly. read more

Another shop literally quoted me Twice what Peters (Vy?) did. He did a very straightforward break down for break pad repair, I dropped off my car, it was easy to pay over the phone and pick up. read more

Vee is very nice. I paid half the price for a tune up then my former mechanic. Good service.

V's shop is down the street from the house I live in. Twice now, I have had issues with my 2000 Honda Accord. Both times he diagnosed the problem in a day and fixed my car shortly thereafter. Inexpensive and professional. I recomend him. read more

So, I'm driving along and my clutch sticks to the floor. It's 5pm. I pull over. Nothing. Won't budge and I'm 90 minutes away from my house. I'm pissed off and worried about missing all my meetings the next day, as well as worried about how expensive this is all going to cost. I call Peter's and they're booked up for the day, but they say, "Bring it over and just drop the keys off in the slot." We arrive with the tow truck 15 minutes after the shop is closed but they're still cleaning up and he takes down my info, but since I live so far away he takes a quick look at it. In maybe 10 minutes total, he tops off some fluids, checks around the engine, wiggles a couple things, then pulls the clutch off the floor and gets my car working again! Here's someone who has decades of expertise, fixes a problem that would've cost me a ton of money, does it faster than anyone and is even willing to do it AFTER HOURS to help me out. Since it only took him 10 minutes he REFUSES to let me pay him. I insist, but he won't budge. (He would only allow me to write him a yelp review as a 'thank you') Transmission jobs are usually BIG money for mechanics. This type of integrity doesn't just renew my faith in mechanics, it renews it in humanity. I am completely blown away. Thank you so much. THE BEST!!!! read more

Very friendly, helpful and professional service from owner V, with no condescending attitude like at many shops. Fair prices and prompt turnaround. I'll be back soon when our other car needs service. read more

Vee is literally the best! Anytime someone asks me about my car, I never fail to tell them about this awesome mechanic that I've been going to for about a year now. If you need a mechanic (and whether you know anything about cars or not), Vee is definitely your guy. He is honest, reliable, knowledgeable, and never condescending. He is super nice and helpful too -- I've stopped by at least 3 different times with short questions about my car, and Vee always makes time for me! Example 1: I've had a problem with the cigarette lighter part of my car for about a year now, such that I have never been able to charge my phone while in the car. Before I found out about Vee, I brought it in to another mechanic who told me it would be expensive to fix it because he would have to take out the whole center compartment because the wire needed to be pulled or something or the other. Vee just fixed it in 5 minutes today because he knew right away what the problem was AND he didn't even charge me for it! Moral of this story: Vee is smart, knowledgeable, helpful and nice! Example 2: After leaving my car parked for about a month because I was traveling, I came back and noticed that there was a weird grinding sound whenever I drove the car. I brought it to Vee; he immediately jumped into the car and we drove it around, and he then told me not to worry about it, it was because I hadn't driven it for a while. Again, he didn't charge me for it! Moral of this story: Vee is honest, smart, knowledgeable, helpful, and nice! Example 3: My car was having hella problems 1 year ago: it was stalling ALL the time and finally I had to get it towed. It was after hours for the shop, but I basically had the tow truck drop it off on Vee's lot over the weekend. Vee did not mind at all even though I gave him no notice, and he fixed it up for me. It was an extensive repair but Vee's price was very reasonable (I checked the prices in the area, and I am a legit penny hoarder). One year on, my old '96 honda accord is still doing great! Moral of this story: Vee is reasonable, honest, smart, knowledgeable, helpful, and nice! He also tops up my fluids whenever I stop by, whether I had something done or did not. Even though this review might make Vee super busy in the future, I don't mind because he deserves it! tl;dr: VEE IS AMAZING. Go to him; you won't regret it! read more

A friend/neighbor referred me to Peter's several months ago to get my driver's side mirror housing fixed. He was really easy to talk to and was honest about the work and price. I brought my car in on a weekday late morning/early afternoon. The nice part about getting work done here is that's it's about a 20-minute walk to Gourmet Ghetto borough in Berkeley. I hung out at Philz Coffee and worked on my laptop while he worked on my car. Only took a couple of hours. The only negative aspect of Peter's Automotive is that they're not open on weekends. However, the friendly service and close location to a coffee shop where I can get work done kind of makes up for it. I will definitely be going back to Peter's! read more

Vee is an incredible mechanic and a total pleasure to deal with. THE BEST!!! As founder of a non-profit, volunteer based, totally broke, community organization, I cannot say enough about Vee. Not only about his abilities, but also his willingness to go the extra mile in helping us take care of our donated 2000 Honda Odyssey XL. HE IS A GIFT! * HONEST! - One of the most valuable traits for auto mechanics. * PATIENT! - Available to explain what is happening, even if you need it repeated. * REASONABLE! - The cost of repairs is very reasonable. If you look at those searches online that give estimates of rates charged in your neighborhood, Vee is always in the range on the lower ends. Repairs are always on time I just wish he worked on my personal car, it is American made. read more

After years of feeling taken advantage of by mechanics, I finally found a totally honest, reliable, and reasonably-priced one. Vee is THE BEST, hands down. Of all the repairs he's done on my car, none of the problems has ever returned--he fixes it reliably the first time. His prices are far more reasonable than any other mechanic I've visited, and when I can do something easily myself, or the repair isn't worth making, he'll tell me. I have saved so much time, money, and stress by going to Vee at Peter's Automotive. Even when I was living in Davis, I would take my car to him on my trips to the Bay Area--he's that good! He's also very nice and helpful. I highly recommend! read more

Have brought my Hyundai Elantra in a few times in the last couple of years for service, each time the result was less expensive than expected. have found V to be honest and quick. Happy to recommend him to anyone read more

Wow, no body has ever yelped this place yet! I happen to hear great things about this shop and decided to go check it out. You can't go wrong! Gives you the best service here. Great prices for the work. I recommend all my family and friends to patron this place. The owner which just goes by "V" is a great guy and knows his stuff. Very well trained and experienced. Good thing to remember is to call first and schedule an appointment to drop it off. Car will be ready when promised. I love Berkeley, and this is another reason. read more

Vee is honest,smart,reliable and inventive. It doesn't get any better than this.

Vee is amazing. He's serviced my Honda for the last 2.5 years and every time has provided quality care and affordable prices. He is the happiest and most honest mechanic I have ever worked with- genuinely LOVES what he does and will not rip you off. I highly recommend working with Vee if you are looking for someone who works fast, efficiently, and with integrity in his work. read more

I was knee deep in the process of purchasing a great used car, but needed a mechanic to look at it and give me advice that very day. It was Thanksgiving week, so several places I called were closed. I spoke with V at Peter's Automotive and he was very friendly and welcomed me to come in on short notice. I am so thankful for V! I brought the car in and he stopped what he was doing to talk to me about the vehicle and assess it. He was thorough and gave me solid, professional, honest advice during and after his inspection. His co-worker (sorry, I don't recall your name!) was extremely helpful and nice as well! I greatly appreciate their expertise and personalized attention. read more

Peter's Automotive is reliable, reasonable and all around great to deal with. Peter found a worthy heir for his shop when he passed it to Vee. read more

Every once in a while, I get one of these treats from the Universe that makes me feel so adored. Discovering Peter's Auto and "V" is definitely one of these. I used to take Buggy to a place in the city, and didn't even know where to start once we moved to the East Bay. I always thought Peter's little shop looked nostalgic-y cool in our hood. Well, Buggy needed just a little work, which took us there. V was awesome--friendly, communicative, and super fair. He took the time to check out stuff I hadn't asked about (and saved me major bucks and troubles with his find) and went ahead and fixed it same day. He didn't come up with any random unnecessary work, and charged a very fair price. He's a nice guy, easy to talk to, and clearly good at and enjoying his work. Buggy and I really appreciate having him nearby :) read more

I am really glad I called V and asked a question about my car because my car is not starting everytime after I get gas. I provided few possibilities and he had gave me the answer for my car problem frustration. Now I just need to get my car to an repair shop and fix it thanks to V. read more

I agree with the other reviewer. V is absolutely awesome. A friend whom I respect highly told me that V is the last honest auto mechanic around - and he's right! I'd been ripped off for years by different mechanics and thought I'd just have to live with that since I know absolutely nothing about cars, and it's all too obvious that that's the case. But V is incredibly honest and really seems to know everything about cars. He knows exactly when you really need to fix a problem and when you can let it slide. I have to admit I had some doubts about some of the things he told me not to worry about, but he was always right in the long run! Those things never got me into trouble, but I'm sure that if I'd gone to any other auto mechanic, they would have capitalized on my anxiety and taken me for a ride... read more

Through living in Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond and I now commute from Vallejo to stand by my five star rating based on over two decades of Peter and Vee's straight shooter, efficient all around excellent automotive services. Friends recommended this place and I remain grateful ... Michelle read more

Took my endeavor here for a transmission tune-up! They are so knowledgeable and friendly, and I got my car half a day later. It's also the only shop in Berkeley I could get to so I am very grateful to have found them! Vee's a beast, and he is extremely intuitive with auto mechanics. read more

I have been going to Peter's Automotive for many years, when Peter was running it, and now since Vee is running it. Peter was always honest, his prices reasonable, and tried to keep old cars in good running shape. He chose Vee to take over when he retired, and V is just as good; he's thorough, very honest and his prices are very reasonable. He will never tell you you need something you don't need, and he will try and save you money if he can without compromising safety. His work is good and I highly recommend him! read more

I am so thankful to have found this shop! "V", the owner and mechanic is awesome! He is honest and helpful, and will tell you straight up what your car needs to be safe, and what he recommends. I have been taking my car here for a couple of years now. He has always given me excellent service at a reasonable price. He really knows his trade. He is prompt and reliable too. I recommend Peter's Automotive to all my friends. It's the kind of business you can rely on for consistent, excellent service with a smile. read more

This guy "V" is a disaster. Quoted 1100 for a timing belt and the bill ended up at 1600. Timing belt broke a year or two later and I found out was not installed properly. Grins from ear to ear while telling me everything is going to be OK. Shoddy work, untrustworthy, DO NOT USE THIS GARAGE. read more