Let's face it: auto mechanics tend to be shady. They'll charge you for doodads and widgets that don't exist, they'll artificially pump up the labor costs, they'll steal your identity and max out your credit cards in Vegas on strippers and gasoline. (I'm pretty sure the latter is a thing.) That's why it's such a relief when you discover a genuinely honest repair shop. And if that repair shop happens to deliver five-star service, well hey. Win. Specialized is amazing. I work in the hospitality industry, and as a result I'm a snob when it comes to customer service. It's tough to impress me. That said, I envy the owner of this shop. He/she is lucky enough (or discerning enough) to have assembled a staff that legitimately cares about the customer, and understands how to provide the highest levels of service while maintaining a friendly demeanor. Examples: My audi's check-engine light popped on, so I brought it to Specialized. The mechanic checked the error code, drove it around the block with me, and shrugged. He said, "It might be a faulty sensor, but it's not something you need to spend money on right now. If the light comes on again, bring it back." The light didn't come back on. Money saved. After all, it's pretty obvious I'm a vehicular idiot; another mechanic could have invented an expensive problem, and I wouldn't have known the difference. Flash forward a year. Suddenly I couldn't open the hood of my car, because the mechanism was jammed. Chelsea popped the hood, greased the opening-mechanism, topped off my fluids, and sent me on my way free of charge. Most recently I brought my other car--a Nissan--into the shop due to some weird noises that (of course) disappeared the moment I arrived at the shop. The mechanics found a problem with a belt and fixed it for me, figuring that was the cause of the sound. Nope. The sound remained. Mike called me at work, and apologized for not quieting the noise. Even though the belt was a necessary repair, and one that I would have had to address in the near future, he felt bad that they hadn't been able to determine the problem I'd been experiencing, and offered to locate the problem and fix it for nothing but the cost of the parts. Done and done. Service doesn't get better than this. The only problem is that word is getting out, and these guys are becoming increasingly popluar. So do me a favor and go finance some shady mechanic's Vegas vacation...and leave Specialized alone. I got here first. read more

This is way long overdue. Several years ago I stopped going to Specialized...even though I loved everyone there. And I knew their integrity. AND I had purchased their shop car way back when they were in their old location. I just didn't think I could afford it. So I stopped. I went with another reputable (unnamed) shop in town. They were good but they really didn't know Volvos AND they didn't have the right computer machinery AND they left the decision up to their desk person who was in 'no way' as skilled and knowledgeable as Rick. Recently after paying 2K to this unnamed garage I had further issues with my lemon S 60 Volvo. After being told I needed a part that would cost an additional bunch of money at the un-named place I decided to call Specialized. I felt bad as though I had divorced them. Now Larry runs an awesome ship at the Santa Cruz shop. The vibe is almost worth just visiting...even if you have no repair needs :D They told me I did not even need what the other shop said I needed. That was the first thing. Then they proceeded to spend an umpteen number of hours getting to 'the bottom of the problem.' After a certain number of hours Rick just 'stopped the clock.' He just wanted to figure out why it was not running properly. AND he knew I couldn't pay for kingdom come! THESE GUYS ARE AWESOME...this shop is spectacular. Bob Emmert, the owner should be commended for having the finest shop(s) around. And Larry's management of the SC shop deserves all Volvo owner's business. It is that GOOD. Seriously. And the vibe. You could honestly have your breakfast there. Simply cannot say enough. There you have it. Go NO WHERE ELSE if you have a Volvo...or any car for that matter. xoxo read more

Wow, can't believe there are any negative reviews. This is a large, professional shop. For over 6 years our business has had Specialized provide ALL maintenance on Mercedes' that regularly rack up 80,000 + miles per year. These are driven by sales personnel that cover the entire western states. These are expensive, cutting edge, high tech vehicles a Mercedes dealer charges a fortune to maintain. Specialized has many highly qualified mechanics and the work on any Mercedes is directly managed by a Lady Mercedes Mechanic that spent many years at a top Mercedes dealership. We are fortunate to have Specialized in Santa Cruz County. Beside our current 2017 E300 We still have two E350's in service with over 250,000 miles each. Any problem reported by anyone must have been a rare communication problem where the customer either was not listening or thought they could drive a high class auto and pay peanuts for repairs. Try buying your own windshield wipers or changing your own oil on your Mercedes and you will soon be returning to Specialized. We maintain accurate repair costs per 1,000 miles driven on our autos. Yes, European cars are more expensive per mile to maintain than our Toyota or Ford. If the Safety, engineering and drivability is too expensive for you, buy a Yugo. read more

I have been taking my cars to Specialized for as long as I can remember. They have one consistent quality. Good service, reasonable prices, and they never let me down. They will tell me when things might need replacement or repair the NEXT time I am in for service rather than trying to squeeze every dollar out of me like some repair shops. The staff is great. Go ahead and ask Larry how he is doing. He will come back with a great, uplifting reply. Rick is great too. He can explain what is wrong and why and always calls when the car has some little problem that Gene or one of the other great mechanics found when doing the service. Bob is the owner and always has a nice word when I see him. Did you know that they power their shop with Solar power? Great for the environment and lowers their costs of doing business. I take my Volvo there and last year bought a Mini Cooper. They service those too and keep my cute little red machine purring like a kitten. I highly recommend this place! read more

I have been using Specialized since Bob started the company (used to be "Recycled Volvo/VW). I do as much work as I can myself, but when I have a problem I cannot fix, Specialized has always come through for me. The customer service is without parallel in SC, Larry is my "go-to-guy" for service, always patient and professional. Recently, I was having a Turbo issue with my 850 T-5. Larry diagnosed the problem (Intercooler hose came off), and pointed out some leaky fittings on the radiator, with just a visual inspection. Thanks to Larry, I was able to fix all of my problems in less than an hour's work. Experiences like this, and their in-stock status for many parts, is why I have always taken my Volvos (I am on my fifth Volvo) to Specialized. David C. read more

I have a car that I depend on, it makes sense that we treat our automobiles well, since they make it possible for us to function well in our lives. I appreciate the people who care for my car just like I am about the care providers who care for me or for my family. The folks at Specialized auto has been taking care of my cars since 1989, I can always be certain that Larry and the team at Specialized will be prompt polite and knowledgeable in helping me stay safe and mobile. I know we are blessed to have such a high integrity business in this community, I know that it is folks like these that inspire all of us to do our best. Good work. Specialized***** read more

I recently had my VW 130,000 mile service completed at Specialized Auto and I am very pleased! Everyone is so courteous and helpful there and Tyler L is so great in the Service Department, thanks SO much, Tyler L. I had been informed at last year's 120k service, that a timing belt (and recommended water pump) would be part of the130k service. Tyler had all the parts ordered and ready to go. All went smoothly and I am very satisfied with the work and the service. My only regret is that I forgot about the 15% off thru Costco, but Tyler reduced the cost of the initial estimate, so all is well. Thanks to Tyler L, and all at Specialized Auto! read more

Left my car there a week ago and was suppossed to be done in 2 days. No one even called me with any update. I called after 5 days and they said it would be ready the following day. Here I am still waiting for a call on day 8. I dont know why I brought my Mini here in the first place after they let my wife drive away in her BMW 330i... WITHOUT PUTTING THE RADIATOR IN THE CAR!! Yeah you read that right. They forgot to re-install the radiatior. Hope they remember to put the wheels back on my Mini and call me back someday. Customer service needs improvement at this place for sure. No more specialized for me. read more

I recently bought a used Audi, had them do the presale for 50.00 and went in the first time I needed maintenance. They certainly aren't the cheapest, but I feel like I got what I paid for. Tune up, 4 brakes/rotors, battery & a turn signal for 1100 something. What I liked was that they found a couple other problems that would have doubled the price, but they let me know that it was fine to keep driving with them. They seem honest and it's good to find someone who knows European cars (first one I have owned). I'll definitely go back especially after having some sketchy mechanic experiences (like everyone else). read more

I LOVE coming to Specialized Auto for any of my Auto needs. I feel comfortable and secure in the knowledge that they'll not overcharge or oversell me products I don't need. I came in today thinking I'd have to leave the car for them to service because they're awfully busy but Tyler asked me what the problem was and they were able to fix the problem and get me back on the road safely in a little over an hour! Now that's service! I make a point of recommending Specialized Auto anytime I hear someone has a car problem. I know they'll be taken care of by professionals who know what they're doing. read more

I started using Specialized when I got tired of pain and relying on the Subaru dealership as well as the Honda. I really service that I receive and respectful and courteous. I also really enjoy their honest and thorough diagnosis. And past service for my Subaru and Honda, and now my Lexus. They are very friendly and professional and courteous to both myself and my wife and that's very important to us. We love Specialized Auto so much that we just put the license plate on our car. Thank you very much Antonia and Nalini read more

Specialized Auto is reliable and trustworthy. Most recently due to my oil light coming on and my inability to make an oil change appointment Aaron even offered to top off the oil until I was able to make it in. They care, know cars, have a very professional and efficient system. I've been going here with my cooper because San Jose Mini is very pricey and inconvenient. I've found Specialized Auto to be better in service (all scheduled maintenance) and in price. Online scheduling available too! read more

Nobody likes dealing with car troubles, but being female seems to be more stressful to wonder if you're getting an accurate quote. I have been taking my car here for 3 years now after a friends recommendation and I couldn't be happier. The service people are always honest and straight to the point. Paul has been my main contact person and he always makes me feel comfortable and knowledgeable about my car. If I have a car issue, I know specialized will take care of it fast and easy. read more

Specialized Auto is simply the best auto repair shop in town! The service is outstanding - friendly and always going the extra mile. They also have some of the smartest and most skilled technicians. They found out what was wrong with my car when no other shop I had been to could. What matters most to me is that they are 100% trustworthy - telling me when I don't need repairs and above all doing whatever it takes to make sure things are done right. They are fantastic!!! read more

Aaron The guy who runs this place is abuse extremely rude to elderly people tries to sell them repairs with no guarantee that are triple the value of their car and when the family questioned his ethical responsibility he nothing requires him to advise his customers of that....says we're wasting his time and he should charge us more..... DO NOT GO HERE he intimidated and pressured an 80-year-old man..... read more

Another great outcome at Specialized Auto. Larry Richman and team including Gene West,Martha Flohr,Chelsi and many more helped get my 240 volvo transmission exchanged accurately first time. They do excellent work at a fair price and will follow through if anything changes. I will not take my Eurovan or Volvo anywhere else in this county. Thanks for keeping my old 240s in excellent mechanical shape. read more

I had to get a headrest reconnected to a backseat of my Volvo XC70 (2005). No one had seen this problem before, but Specialized Auto accepted the challenge. I easly scheduled an appointment, brought the car in and was called later in the afternoon that the job was completed. The headrest is even more secure than it was originally and fully functional for lowering the seat. Great work! read more

I had a small accident with my 24 year old/1998 S70 Volvo. As always, Paul, who knows my car well, was very helpful, calm, and efficient. Stu did a great job locating and obtaining two used parts (since new ones are no longer available). Overall, I appreciate the excellent service that Specialized Auto has provided over the past decade. read more