I've been going to these guys for about 7 years now. They've worked on 3 different family cars. They still get 5 stars. Can I give more than 5 stars?! I still love Model Garage and trust them 100%. I am only going to ever buy Toyotas so Model stays my mechanic forever read more

I think this place rests on its laurels. I took my Volvo 240 there twice and their labor prices were outrageous. They charged me $60 to replace a fuse ($5 part and 5 minutes of labor). I had a fuel pump relay replaced and the charge was $265 ($50 part and a repair very easily done by any handy person in very little time). I know it takes some time to diagnose problems. But I think their approach is to maximize labor on your car, rather than offer a strategy to take the lowest-cost shortest-labor route. Addendum: My care runs fine. After the above repair I noticed: 1) fuse box cover never put back on and it now doesn't have the knob to keep it attached, 2) interior panel is loose and flapping - they must have had to remove it to gain access to the replacement part but never reattached it, and 3) a metal part left on my dash. I called them and they said come on by any time and they will take care of the first 2 items. But why did they leave my care like that in the first place? Sloppy. read more

I was a Model Garage customer for quite a while. They do great work with Volvos and really know their stuff. However, I've recently confronted some pricing issues. First, they overcharge for parts. If you look on the internet, you'll find the same parts for half the price. So they're either purchasing low and benefitting from an outrageous markup or they haven't found cheaper suppliers. Second of all, they charge an arm and a leg for labor. A simple tune-up at Model Garage, which basically amounts to an oil change, will cost in the neighborhood of $150. Like I said, they're excellent mechanics. But I ran the numbers and couldn't justify the cost. Thanks for your help in the past though, MG. read more

The friendliest, most comprehensive, honest and competent shop we've ever used. You can't go wrong with them!

These guys were great. My Camry was making a worrying wr-wr-wr-wr sound before the engine would start, and they took it in right away, figured out the problem, and I was out of there in 1.5hrs, without having even booked an appointment first. The price was fair, and everyone I spoke with seemed knowledgeable. Moreover, everyone there seemed to be happy to be working there, and liked their colleagues enough for some entertaining banter. A wonderful experience! read more

I have been going to model garage for 32 years if you want your car to be repaired volvo or lexus ,toyota this is the place to get it done right they don't fix what is not broke you can trust the model garage. read more

This place totally sucks! The female mechanic has a chip on her shoulder. Very unprofessional and rude. read more

Don and the crew are great. Honest, reliable, knowledgeable and very helpful. Don takes the time to explain what needs to be done for repairs/services. (I like to ask questions.) Brought my Volvo to Model Garage in 2007, and I have been doing that ever since. Never regretted it. Highly recommended. read more

The Model Garage is a great place for Toyota service! Our family just bought a used Sienna and needed to have a few things checked out on the car. The service writer Don was really friendly and very helpful over the phone and in person. When it was time to pick up the car, he explained everything that the mechanic, Gayle, had done and her recommendations for future work. He used clear language and was able to give me an idea of the likely cost and relative urgency of several upcoming jobs. The bill for the work was spot on his estimate too. I'll be a repeat customer for sure! read more

Honest and reasonable about what to do and not to do with an old car driven by teenagers (making it safe, not pretty). Would not take my volvo anywhere else. read more

I had a bad experience at the local Firestone repair shop, so I decided to find another place to fix a radiator problem on my Toyota Camry. After looking on Yelp, I found the Model Garage in Berkeley. They are conveniently located about 2 blocks from the Ashby BART station, which is essential for my commute to work after dropping off my car. Model Garage quickly diagnosed the problem with my radiator and fixed it for a very reasonable price. The employees were very professional and courteous. I will definitely come back here for future service on my Toyota! read more

When we moved back to Berkeley in 1990, trusted friends recommended The Model Garage as THE place to go with our Volvo. Twenty years and several cars later, we have never had any reason to stray. We only buy Volvo and Toyota cars so we will not need to find new mechanics, because we figure no one can beat The Model Garage. Finding a reliable mechanic that you can trust, is as important as finding a reliable car that you can afford. So using the Model Garage is a twofer! We have been going here for decades now, and give our highest rating. I suspect the cranky reviews might be from cranky folks, but of course, no one is perfect. However, the Model Garage is as close to perfect as they can humanly be. Always honest, fair, and accommodating, they will tell you what your car needs right away for safety, and what you can wait on until your ship comes in. They are real people who understand budgets, families, and priorities. We count on them and feel that they care about us. In addition, they are personable, friendly, respectful, and smart problem solvers. In working with them over the long haul, my appreciation for this venerable veritable Berkeley institution has only grown steadily stronger. Thanks for being there over the years Don, Peter, and everyone at The Model Garage. read more

They are the real deal. We have been taking our cars there since about 1987 or so. It's just the right way to do business that I can call them and they actually know who I am, and what I drive. Gail kept our 1983 Tercel running until the interior started rotting. Now she keeps the 2001 Prius running. When they moved from the original site on Dwight, there was a hearing at Berkeley City Council. Some neighbors objected. (I don't think they do any more.) At the Council meeting customer after satisfied customer testified to the way Don and Peter had kept their old Volvo running. It's not quite the same without Peter, but me and the rest of the customers are working on Robert. I trust Don and the gang to have made the right choice for the shop and for its community. -phil read more

We have been using The Model Garage for several years. They beat the high prices at the dealer while providing honest, professional, competent and friendly service. About two months ago while caring for my 93 year old mother, who was in hospice in Southern California, our vehicle was stolen. The vehicle was recovered shortly before my mother passed away. The vehicle was towed 400 miles to Model Garage. (Thank you AAA.) Some damage to the body, lots of damage to the electronics and mechanical parts. Robert, Doreen, Betsy and Kyle (who must be a automotive sorcerer) took over while we were in SoCal attending to all the details around the passing of my mother. Upon our return a few weeks later, there was our car, literally better than the day we purchased it 5 years ago. They arranged all the bodywork, repaired the mechanical and electrical issues, rekeyed the car, handled the insurance issues and had it detailed. Homeric. read more

I can't say enough positive things about this shop. We have been going here ever since we moved to Berkeley 4 years ago and have never been happier with a mechanic. They are honest, sincere, do great work, and I never feel they are trying to "hose" me or get me to fix things that aren't broken. If you need a shop that specializes in Volvos, look no further than The Model Garage! read more

I've been coming here for over 10 years with 3 different cars now (volvo and toyota). 4 is around the corner and I wouldn't want to take it anywhere else. I absolutely trust them and am grateful for the work they do. read more

Great shop all around. Don is a Volvo expert and a endless source of knowledge, he is very patient and always found time to answer my questions. They have service my Volvo for four years and I have zero complaints. read more

I have been taking my car to the Model Garage for over 10 years and I have nothing but trust for them. Thanks you!!! read more

Four & 1/2 stars. My housemate recently referred me to Model Garage and I couldn't be happier. I've been looking for honest and reliable service for years since giving up on the dealer for that! Their prices are extremely reasonable and the staff at the front desk are friendly. They're within walking distance to Ashby BART. The minus 1/2 star is for the fact they're not open on weekends and close at 5:25p on weekdays! read more

Robert was amazing! My car is old and temperamental. He found the part I needed and installed it and it looks as good as new. Other mechanics couldn't do either of these things. My car is happy so I'm happy. Thanks Robert, having a mechanic you can trust is a wonderful! read more

Amazing fast service that helped me out in a pinch. These guys are just plain honest and do a great job at repair. I can't recommend them more highly! Service charge was quite reasonable. read more

I have been in Berkeley with the wrong vehicle make until about 5 years ago. This place is pure Berkeley! Kind, honest, professional, detailed and delivered with a real sense of humor. They will diagnose and do whatever is necessary for the health of your vehicle and nothing more unless you want it (ever been in a situation where you were told this and that needs to be replaced ASAP and it really didn't? - that just doesn't happen here). Honesty in this trade has historically been a bit of an oxymoron. Not here and reading long time customers, not ever. Imagine a shop where you can trust what they say, do the job correctly and not overcharge you. This is the place. Don't just trust what I am writing here. Read the reviews. This place is real and a true Berkeley treasure. Bless you Model Garage. read more

This place is the best. I'm am slightly biased, but i would not take my car anywhere else. If you have a toyota (mine is a 96 corolla) this is the place. You get what you pay for, as well as very honest accurate information. I second all the good comments about the friendly folks that work here, they are lovely. read more

The Model Garage helped me with a running problem on my 2005 Lexus IS 300 a couple of months ago when my check engine light came on. It wasn't just that everything was done perfectly in a reasonable amount of time, it was that they first tried to see if the fix the computer was telling them was correct. It was a large bill but they took the time to see if actually needed to be done or if there was a less expensive way. THAT'S a garage you can trust. Taking it back in today for more maintenance! read more

Took my 2007 Prius in to have the driver's side headlight changed. First thing I noticed was that everyone seemed to be in a great mood! They were attentive, courteous, honest, and speedy. Will definitely be back. read more

Honest. We took in our car after coming from another repair shop that indicated we needed multiple repairs. They took a closer look and said everything actually checked out and there was no need to spend money now. We will be back. read more

I got the appointment when I wanted, and my car was finished in four hours--I was a little afraid it could be over the weekend, so I was pleasantly surprised. The guy who checked me in is skilled at giving a worst-case-scenario on the price, and then enjoys telling you a lower price, leaving you feeling relieved with what you actually pay. And relieved is a good feeling, so I'll take it. And I'll be back. Plus online booking, kind people, nobody made fun of me for driving while dragging the undercarriage for, oh, 10 miles...pretty great. read more

These guys are hilarious. And also know what they're doing. It's like having Car Talk right in our own bay area backyard. My parents have been going to them for years, and I get why. Now that I have my own Toyota, I get to enjoy Model Garage's help directly. read more

The people at the Model Garage are fabulous! I have been going there only a few years now but I regret not knowing about them before. I can't imagine going any place else. They are first of all, and most important to me, trustworthy. I don't have to worry about them suggesting I do work that not's really necessary or overcharging me. They are always respectful, friendly and customer focused. Only one thing that I can think of to make it a better experience would be for them to offer transportation to and from their shop. Charlotte read more

I've used the Model Garage for more than 30 years - when they were still located on Dwight Way and the founders, Don and Peter, were young men. They have kept a succession of my aging Volvo Wagons in top condition. They are the exception that proves the rule - an absolutely honest and competent auto repair shop! Our youngest daughter came home from the hospital in a Volvo maintained by the Model Garage, and she now brings her Toyota to them for service all the way from Santa Cruz where she now lives. She's now 33. The bottom line - they have always told me the truth about my vehicles - even when I didn't want to hear it (we all develop an irrational fondness for some of our vehicles). How many repair shops have tried to talk you out of an expensive repair? read more

Add me to the list of repeat happy customers We've been customers for years. First, our Volvo and now our Prius V undergoing the usual maintenance schedules without incident.....And then this!!!! Something had crawled up into the air system of our Prius and died. The smell was pretty horrific and persisted for several weeks without much diminution. Initially, my Spidey sense kicked in, which led me to check the main air filter and blower. No luck and no time to tear the dash apart like they do in the movies. So-oo, on to Model Garage. Robert, a very experienced service advisor, had not seen this problem in a Prius V but vowed that they would give it their best and they did. It was a 6" dead rat buried under the windshield wiper cover assembly right next to the air intake. To all the people at Model Garage, Great job! read more

Talked to Bruce over the phone today Friday about my yota runner engine problem. Cool guy.. answered and explained all my questions plus advise to try other other shop as they are closed till Sunday. read more

Thank you Lord! Finally, honest mechanics! They have worked on an old Volvo station wagon until it was no longer wise to spend money on it....(they helped me to make the decision to get rid of it) and our Toyota Camry. Our only complaint is that they don't work on Honda cars, but they pointed us in the right direction to get great Honda work done in Berkeley (Berkeley Minicar) Thank you, MODEL GARAGE! We proudly display the Model Garage license plate holder. !! read more

I'm delighted to see all these great reviews, but not surprised. These guys are the real deal. We've been taking our cars there for 20 years. read more

I took my 2005 Volvo XC70 in to Model Garage for its 90K check up. Everyone I dealt with was super conscientious, kind, attentive, respectful. Details of what would be done were fully explained to me before the work was done, and also when I picked up the car. It was done on time, at a reasonable price, and I was happy. I was even given a referral for a car transport company that I will need later this year. What a great experience! Their customer service could not have been better. read more

My Volvos have gotten great, honest service for the past 12 years at Model. Even complex issues with my cars have been solved by the mechanics there. As long as I am a Volvo or Toyota owner, I will be a Model customer. read more

The guys working in the office were professional and courteous. The pricing was very fair and the mechanics did a great job. Overall a great experience -- I highly recommend! read more

I don't trust anyone else to fix my car! Model Garage has always patiently worked with me to figure out the most cost-effective way to keep my prius going. They are incredibly honest and even reimbursed me one time when they overcharged for air conditioner repairs! I recommend Model Garage everyone :) read more

Model Garage always takes excellent care of my car; they are skilled and honest, friendly and helpful, and reasonably priced. Who could ask for more? I've been taking my cars there for 20 years, and, after trying several other local garages (including dealers)-- They are the best! read more

With a mechanic, i feel that trust is everything, since i am in no position to determine if a diagnosis is correct or a part is needed. I trusted the model garage based on Yelp reviews and have been taking my car there for about a year. This time, the shop showed me their honesty. They did a service last week for me and somehow a valve broke that led to an oil leak. I took the car back and with zero hassle, they set me up with a rental and fixed the car free of charge, no questions asked. I think the fix ended up costing them more than my original repair, but I felt they put their promise to the customer first. Bravo for honest people! take your car there for peace of mind. read more