You should read this because these stars were hard won. I've been to other shops in Castro Valley over my car's lighting issue. I've been over-charged, bait and switched, wildly underwhelmed, and still, my car's lights didn't work after paying out far too much money. When i brought my car in to these folks, they listened. They were kind. They had a specialist in San Jose who drove up to check on my car, for which they didn't charge extra. They spent extra time making sure they knew exactly what was going on before they even came up with the estimate. They got a good price on the part and didn't throw a huge up-charge on it. On top of all that, and all the time and effort they put into this, they only charged me for an hour of labor. Even better, they got the job done perfectly. Honesty. Integrity. Amazing skills. They may not have the fanciest shop in Castro Valley, but they have the best crew in Castro Valley. I won't be taking my car anywhere else from now on. read more

I truly appreciate the clarity and transparency this place provides. I especially want to give Joey a huge shoutout -- he is kind, professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely makes every client feel valued and comfortable. He always goes above and beyond when explaining the services I'm paying for, as well as any future services I may need. When he provides future services, he offers estimates so you can make a clear decision when the time is right. What I appreciate most is that he takes the time to educate me without ever making me feel pressured into purchasing anything. Joey provides honest guidance, answers every question clearly, and makes the entire experience stress-free. Highly recommend! read more

After Joe charged for $165 and gave estimate for $4,351 for the engine light to my sister's car, I visited them. He said he needs to change the head gasket (not needed), and he wanted to charge 19 hours of labor machining the motor body (it does not even make sense, he lied big time). The car only needed 2 spark plugs :) We now know because we took the car to another shop, asked them to change all 4 spark plugs and their coils, all for $600. We also received an estimate of $1,050 if we ever need to change the head gasket. They are rootless when they see a lady customer. It is a shame, how this people can get 4.9 stars? read more

Prime Automotive - Exorbitant estimate - Auto Repair Near Me - Castro Valley, California

My last review was for the previous owners, happy to report just as good of a review for these guys. I have an older car that is more and more frequently having problems - they're honest about what they can and can't do, and stand by their work, they're quick and efficient and kind. read more

Very fair prices for the area, and they did awesome work. After almost getting scammed by a shop on redwood rd, this shop came to the rescue. I would highly recommend them. read more

Thank you Joe and the rest of the team at Prime Automotive. From the phone call to visit and the repair was awesome! I was having AC problem on my car. I called and spoke to Joe. He explained all what needs to happen. Took my car there and they did an awesome job! Since my car was there I have asked them to do the oil change as well. They are very professional and the place was very clean. Very reasonable price. I highly recommend this place if you need automotive assistance. Thank you Joe and the rest of the team. I will surely be back for next service. very satisfied! read more

Today, I took one of our cars to Prime to check under the car for any damage. I accidentally drove the car to an island divider the night before. First off, when I called, Joey immediately asked if I'm okay and in a safe place since he thought I was calling right after the incident. When I arrived at the shop, Joey immediately took care of the car. After inspecting thoroughly, he patiently showed and pointed out parts under the car are all okay, with no damage. I was so happy and relieved. Later, I asked how much the charge. He said, no charge, it was complimentary, since they didn't do the work. Unfortunately, I didn't have cash with me to tip. Joey even made me comfortable and said not to worry. I've take our 2 cars to this place for oil change. I've met different staff, but one thing is consistent, their good customer service and willingness to work with you. I highly recommend Prime Automotive if you're looking for an honest, good value, and excellent customer service mechanic shop. Thanks, Joey for making my day! read more

Outstanding service! I came in needing my brakes replaced, and the team was incredibly professional, friendly, and helpful from the moment I arrived. They gave me an honest estimate, and were even able to complete the brake service the same day. The whole process was smooth and stress-free. It's rare to find an automotive shop that's this honest, efficient, and customer-focused. Highly recommend to anyone needing brake work or general car service! read more

I've been taking my car (Honda) and my wife's car (VW) to Prime for over a year and are really satisfied with their service....they never spring surprises or added costs on me, just complete the job that is needed. I will continue to go there. read more

Seem like really nice guys, and judging by the other positive reviews, this might be a one off. I recently had a pretty terrible experience. Somehow they wedged the centering ring on backwards. Then it looks like they just took an impact and forced the wheel on. This made the lugs on the wheels unable to be torqued down. Luckily I was able to pull over before my wheel fell off. Seems like I need to replace my studs now too since they are damaged read more

Prime Automotive - Damaged studs and centering ring - Auto Repair Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Very fast and convenient service. Their price is comparable to the Oil Changers and Valvoline shops, BUT they have better service and do NOT try to upsell you on everything. I think their mechanics are more experienced than the oil change monkeys at the other shops. Hope we found a new mechanic for our family!!! read more

We recently moved to Castro Valley, so we had to find a new mechanic for general maintenance like oil changes. I called a couple places near by and found Prime Automotive which was super close to me. I came by around 9 in the morning without an appointment to get an oil change and was helped by Joey right away. He explained what kind of oil and filter is needed for my car and that it might take a little longer if he needed to order the filter. Luckily, he had the filter on hand and the whole process only took 20 minutes or so. Pricing was fair and Joey even gave me a small discount when I mentioned that I was helping my mother-in-law get an oil change for her car. Glad to have found an honest shop nearby! read more

Absolutely do not recommend. They do not stick to their promises and it appears that they do not want any business (at least talking with the Andy guy, almost seems that he has other interests in his office then going a bit enthusiastic to get business). When I called for my 1999 car, he first told me "oh we don't work anything under the year 1997" . I corrected him saying it is actually 1999. Then he said "oh we don't work anything under the year 2000". LOL (he actually did a tune up for me last year and the quoted price and the price he charged me was way more). Honestly, it appears that he is sitting in his parents business but doing more of his personal chores on the computer than actually taking care of the business. read more

Came in for an oil change and transmission fluid flush. I asked the shop to take a look at my A/C unit. I was so impressed when I got the phone call as Joey slowly explained the process he followed to diagnose my issue and gave me a quote. I really appreciate his thoroughness and attention to detail for my little old civic. Thank you Prime Automotive!!! read more

Great experience! Friendly staff with a strong work ethic, while affordable. I will be going to this shop for my auto needs for sure. Highly recommended read more

I was looking for an honest mechanic, since I've been screwed over so many times and payed for repairs that didn't even get worked on. So thank you to the guys at prime automotive. Joey and Rey you are amazing, thank you for doing the engine work that had a leak, replacing my breaks and rotors, that stopped all the squealing. So thank you again and will definitely be coming back. read more

Went for smog check, friendly staff and finished professionally. Checked price around the area and found very reasonable. Worth to try at least not like other places who rip you off and ask for more when you arrive. read more

This was my first time using Prime Automotive (oil change). Oil changes seem overpriced these days, however, their price was more reasonable than other places I had checked. The crew was quick, efficient, and friendly. I plan to use them again. read more

Joey and Ray were extremely polite and checked out my brakes on a Saturday afternoon. I appreciate them both explaining to me where I was at in terms of when I'd need to replace them. I plan on returning when it is indeed time to get brake services and know my car will be in good hands. Thank you so much for helping me out, customer service is A1. read more

I am exceedingly impressed by the quality of work and professionalism shown by this company! I took my car in because the scrape plate under my car came loose. The men working there didn't hesitate to fix it, at no charge!!!! Everyone is so kind and helpful! They made me feel valued and most importantly, safe!!! I will recommend this company for any and ALL automotive repairs to everyone! I am so grateful for their hard work!!! read more

Prime Automotive - The contact information. - Auto Repair Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Fantastic service. I came in with a broken brake light. They fixed immediately without any wait. It took them 2 minutes, and they did not charge me anything - not even for the new bulb. read more

I highly recommend this business. They were able to repair my brakes right away. I had lost a bolt on my brakes and they were making a horrible noise. They took my car right away and I had it back that same day plus I asked for an oil change. I will definitely return when I need service. read more

I came in to get an oil change, change my brakes, and get my lights fixed. Joey was so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable! The overall experience was really great and I really recommend. Definitely will be coming back! :) read more

Thank you Prime Automotive! I had an issue and I showed up on a Monday at 5. I was greeted promptly, and felt comfortable talking to him. They diagnosed it, gave me a quote, and got to work! I was in & out in about any hour! I was so thankful for the eaze of it all. Thank you for doing a good & a swift job! read more

Prime Automotive - Prime Automotive in Castro Valley - Auto Repair Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Joey was communicative and prompt in servicing my old van. I appreciated the detailed overview and honesty in each interaction. The work on my car took 4ish hours when I had anticipated any mechanic to keep it overnight. Joey was transparent in pricing and explained the warranty to me well! I will be returning! read more

My radiator on my Lx470 had a small leak, right before I was scheduled to go out of town. Joey the manager took care of me and assured me I'd have my truck back in time. I had my truck back the next day! I appreciate the transparency and professionalism of Prime Automotive. read more

Getting an oil change is always a pain. Having to find somewhere quick while also price friendly. Called this afternoon regarding pricing and availability, drove in after picking my son up from school. They took my car right away and was done within 20 min. Super quick . He also mentioned things he noticed with the car but no pressure to get them done. Will def come back since it's so close , and very friendly. glad to have found a new oil change place. read more

These guys are awesome! Everyone there was extremely professional and took the time to show me exactly how damaged my brakes were, which really helped me understand the urgency of the repair. I would highly recommend. It is really hard to find mechanics with integrity and professionalism. read more

Amazing customer service! I came in for a smog check and i was helped by Ray and Joe. It was my first time getting my car checked by myself (because i usually have my bf do it for me lol) and they were very nice, courteous, and informative! Definitely going to be recommending this place to my friends and family for services! read more

Finding a good automotive repair place has been a bit of a challenge and I am so happy to have found Prime. I was having some issues with low engine oil and vents and they were able to accommodate me immediately. They were able to diagnose and fix issues I was having within an hour and were reasonably priced. From start to end I felt really taken care of and they did not try to up sell or make up issues with my car. Overall a great experience and the short walk from downtown castro valley is great as you can grab a coffee while they work on your car. Highly recommended and this will be my new go to place for all repairs and maintenance. read more

Got an oil change here. Fast, straightforward, and great value. What more can you ask for?

Took my car for a smog test and it was quick. Joey was great and sincerely seemed to care. He recommended other things that need to be taken care of in the near future but did not feel like he was trying to push for additional services. Definitely recommend to anyone needing a car service. Appreciate the value you are providing to the CV community. read more

Awesome service, extremely helpful staff. They look for the root of your cars issues and don't just slap a band aid on it and send you on your way. They really prove to want to help people with their automotive problems in anyway they can. read more

I've worked with Prime a number of times on two vehicles. They replaced my '06 VW front axles, wheel bearings, and found the oil leak that had evaded me for years. When my '97 Chevy was stolen (and found) recently, Prime was there for me from the jump. They let me tow my vehicle there directly from the yard, questionably operable at best.​​ They gave me time to source new wheels and tires. They discussed cost options with me and helped me find the right mix of OEM and aftermarket parts to keep this unexpected repair job reasonable. Joe, Jose, and Raymond do excellent work, and I will continue to bring my vehicles to them as long as I live close enough to keep using thrm as my 'home shop.' Thank you, Team Prime Automotive! read more

The service at Prime is outstanding. I will never take my car anywhere else now that I've found them. They are honest and don't charge for things that are not needed. I highly recommend them for your auto repair needs! read more

Raymond and Jose are great. Really knowledgeable and transparent. I don't feel like they are ripping me off like other places. They really explain things well and does a great job. Their prices are very reasonable and I would highly recommend them. This is my new go to shop. read more

I went in for a brake inspection and oil change. The brakes sounded like metal on metal so I was prepared for having to get the whole system redone. I was impressed when they came back and let me know that I didn't need new brakes. The pads were fine and there was heat damage from the previous mechanic cutting corners and resurfacing the rotors. They left me know the vehicle was perfectly fine to drive and gave me a quote for what future replacement would be. I felt safe as a woman getting serviced there and not being taken advantage of by an auto shop. Also my oil change was cheaper than the crappy Quick live places. They are my auto shop now! read more

I recently took my car to Prime Automotive for an oil change & brake service after WheelWorks closed on Mission. I am thoroughly impressed with the exceptional level of service provided. I shopped around the numerous car service businesses around Hayward and they gave me the best price with exception service. I ended at this business after getting numerous quotes for two brake pads/rotors replacement with various car service businesses around Hayward. I gave other businesses Prime's quote and no one was able to match their quoted price. When I arrived, the staff was courteous, knowledgeable, and eager to assist. They conducted a comprehensive inspection and clearly explained the issues and necessary repairs. Their transparency along with their timely service exceeded my expectation. When I picked up my car, they also showed me my pure black transmission fluid when it should be red. They recommended I address that when I am able & ready and didn't pressure or scare me into doing it on the spot. I took my car to the big box store for service for years and never had the service tech look at and recommend needed service. After the service, my car's braking system feels like new. I wholeheartedly recommend talking to Joe at Prime Automotive for anyone looking for reliable and professional oil & brake service. They take pride in their work while providing fair pricing. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and attention to detail make them stand out in experience with them. read more

First off, big shoutout to Joe and his team at Prime Automotive. My car is a bit on the older side and I thought it was on it's last legs when my check engine light came on. So, I decided to take my car in expecting to hear the worse. Fortunately, Joe was very familiar with my car and gave me insights on it that I never knew about or even considered. More importantly, he kept it real with me each we spoke and told me there's still a bit of life left in my car. As for the service, it was as smooth as one would want. I dropped my car off and received update calls after they finished diagnostics, before they moved forward with any service, and when the car was ready to be picked up. Pricing was very fair but the customer service is the reason why I'll be a return customer. Much appreciated, Joe! read more

Super great service! Joey is an expert mechanic- he is extremely knowledgeable and very professional and cares about his customers. He is very considerate as he takes the time to carefully communicate and explain complex mechanical issues and proposes possible options so that his customers can best determine which is the optimal solution according to their needs. Joey has earned my trust and future business. read more