I drove ancient Volvos for nearly 20 years. Don and Peter, the co-owners of Model Garage, and their team are the among best, fairest and friendliest mechanics I've ever had the pleasure to deal with. If you drive a Volvo or Toyota, the only cars they work on, and live in or near Berkeley, I'd recommend them in heart beat. They've been in business for about 30 years now and they've never had to advertise. They run a good, honest business. read more

I LOVE Model Garage. Especially Don. Don and Peter are Berkeley's version of the Car Talk guys. They are funny, older guys who have been taking care of Volvo's and Toyota's since the beginning of time. I found this place after my old faithful, underground mechanic moved to LA to be Jay Leno's personal mechanic. I was very upset and thought I would never find a honest and family owned mechanic. I stumbled on Model Garage and have been blissfully happy ever since. I totally recommend this place. Check it out! read more

I took my early-model Prius to Model Garage after a bad experience at the local Toyota dealer, Toyota of Berkeley. Dealing with Model Garage was simple, straightforward, and easy. They're thorough, knowledgeable, honest, patient, and friendly. They even throw in small fixes (like replacing a light bulb) for free. Model Garage is now my local hero! I love supporting small local businesses, and with one as good as this, it's easy to stay loyal. If you're looking for Toyota or Volvo repairs in the East Bay, definitely go to Model Garage first. read more

My point of view may be slightly skewed, having previously taking my 2002 XC70 (since new) to McKevitt Motors, and having experienced their chronically poor service habits for many years. That said, I think I will take my car to the Model Garage for the rest of its natural life. They are courteous, knowledgable, friendly and definitely attuned to providing great service at a good value to Volvo and Toyota owners. If you own either brand and you live in Berkeley, this is the ONLY place you should have your car serviced. To date, I've had minor electrical and major suspension work performed. All work was completed ahead of schedule and at the stated price. I price-shopped both procedures and Model Garage was slightly lower than Royal (SF) and significantly less than McKevitt (Berkeley). One day I stopped in without a schedule because of a failed bulb. They replaced it on the spot & refused to bill me - the service tech said, "to remind them when they do the next service". Think that would ever happen at McKevitt?? read more

I have been going to The Model Garage since I had my first car in the mid 80's. It was a Datsun and since The Model Garage doesn't service these types of cars I have switched to Toyotas. Love going there and still miss Peter! read more

As always, terrific service with a smile and sometimes a joke, plus sporadic musical accompaniment by Don on the Sax. These guys have been servicing our Volvos since back when dirt was cheap, and they just get better and better. read more

I have a 2001 Toyota that I have always had serviced at the dealer. My check engine light went on and when I brought it to the dealer they said it was an engine oxygen sensor and would be $700-$800. That seemed crazy $$ and would be the repair that was finally going to push me into a new car. I looked online at what the repair should be and saw more in the $400 range. I called the dealer back and he said - no, it was $700-800 and it would take 2 days. I looked on Yelp and saw the other reviews for The Model Garage. I called them and he said that would be more like $300. I brought my car in, they confirmed it was the oxygen sensor and had my car back to me that day. Now the 2nd sensor went (my car has 4 of these sensors) and brought it back to Model. Same deal - it was done in one day for $315. I got 2 repairs for less than the cost of one at the dealer. If only The Model Garage worked on Mercedes or Hondas - we'd bring all our cars there!! read more

The Model Garage team is unfailingly helpful, informative, charming, and kind. I am looking for a new car and am limiting my choices to brands they service; wouldn't dream of going anywhere else! read more

I have been to model garage a couple of times. The second time I had some communication issues which admittedly were not only their fault (after all there are two parties communicating so I guess I take half the responsibility for not being totally clear). No plus or minus points. I appreciate that Don called me to sort things out so plus (+) points for them caring. Negative (-) points that they could not figure out why my cruise control was not working after supposedly taking the steering column apart. Don told me I might need a new computer control unit and that he would need to call around for the price. Took my car to the dealer and in less than an hour they had replaced a frayed wire and fixed the cruise control! My vehicle took longer than they originally quoted however they did inform of this and since I didn't need it I was okay with that. Not horrible but not great either. read more

Model Garage has been my car maintenance place of choice for so many years now (from 2003-2007 and 2012-present). They will absolutely take care of your car -- and they are SO HONEST and have such great service. I trust them with my beloved Prius -- enough said! read more

I own a Volvo S60 and would never dream of taking it anyplace else. The quality of work and customer service is always the best of the best. Being able to take my car to the Model Garage is one of the best things about owning a Volvo. Highest recommendation. read more

I feel so badly that I took my car here. I'll spare you the sob story, but if you want to choose a mechanic that cares about the work they do, go to Berkeley Bob's. Colin and his team are great, they solved an issue these guys overlooked (a time bomb they were kind enough to leave after my 150k service). Especially if you drive a Volvo, (cars with "intricate" engineering) go to a shop that takes pride in their work and your machine; go to Berkeley Bob's, don't waste money here. read more

I've lived in Berkeley for 15 years, and searched for a mechanic who knows my car inside and out, and is patient and respectful enough to tell me exactly what's going on--and who even suggests that some repairs can be put off for awhile. I've found that in Model Garage. The atmosphere is not only comfortable (they've been there for decades, have a woman mechanic, obvious staff camaraderie, cool paraphernalia and photos, etc.), but Don and co. talk with me, not down to me, about my aging Volvo's innards. Their popularity is evident in the number of customers who want to chat with Don, so the line can get long. But when you step up to the counter, you get his undivided attention. And that's worth it. If I had four thumbs, they'd all be up. read more

Fantastic. Couldn't be better. My car was finished in less time than initially expected. All the work agreed to, came in slightly less than the estimate (not more). I left Model Garage feeling happy and looking forward to taking my Volvo in again - I am not exaggerating. No one likes taking their car in but somehow Model Garage does it so right, it's enjoyable.They explain things well, do what they say, are nice, an absolute pleasure to deal with. Too bad in this day - those qualities are so rare. And, yes, my car repairs are done well. I can feel it when I drive away. What they fix stays fixed. I've had the same Volvo 11 years, 190,000 miles, tried other independent mechanics - but, in my experience - Model Garage is the best. read more

This is the best auto service shop I've ever been to in my life! Bruce was so warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and kind. I brought my Lexus here for a regular maintenance service, and felt so well taken care of. Prices are honest and affordable, and they are thorough and detail-oriented. These guys are the best! read more

We have a 1996 Volvo 850 that we bought for our daughter to commute to and from school. It has about 170,000 miles on it and looks a little worn. We take it to the Model Garage and I completely trust these guys to care of it for us. The previous owner also took the car there and the staff gave me a clear and truthful idea of what I would be buying. I love their advice on buying used Volvos and Toyotas on the website. I also like that they have all kinds of people working there, including women mechanics. read more

I have a Volvo 240DL. It's a great wagon but it's coming up on it's 22nd year. I had my front right ball bearing loose, I had my lights all not working and it needs some work on the muffler. A belt needed replacing and my tail pipe was about to fall off. Their prices are a little hirer than average but it's worth it and the guys at the garage are super flexible with your means. They helped me figure out how to pay for my list of things that I needed done, which is a relief because I love my car and I want to be in good hands. None of the mechanics are super young, so they all know what they are doing with my older car because they started out working on my model. It's a relief to pull in and see a smile at my old girl rather that a grimace. They helped me prioritize what needed to be done first and helped to connect me to a specialist that I would need. They know EVERYONE worth knowing in the volvo world (I am sure they are just as amazing with Toyotas too). Having me f%}^ed over horribly by mechanics before- I feel their price is right on the mark for the honest, quick and efficient work they do. I don't know what I will do when I move to the east coast next year. THANK YOU ROBERT! read more

I have had a very bad luck in this place each time I visit, I am now having to take my car to a new garage 3 hours ride to get it fixed. They overcharge for every minor issue here read more

Just had a routine service completed on my Volvo wagon, and Bruce was friendly, professional, and communicated clearly. No surprises and the work was finished on time. I'll be back for the next major service. read more

Took in our 2016 Volvo XC70 because of a weird transient rattling noise in the front left of the car. Sounded like some nuts and bolts being shaken in a can...or something. Model Garage test drove the car and said there was definitely something not as usual, and suggested I take it to the dealer for service since the car was under warranty. Took car to dealer, who said they couldn't hear anything. Got the car back and of course the noise continued to intermittently occur. Took it back to Model Garage today and asked them to take a crack at it. They kept the car for several hours, pulled off the left front wheel, and found a little 3 inch piece of wood that had somehow flipped into the wheel / brake space and was trapped there. Everytime it bounced into the spinning wheel/brake it would be spun off at high speed and rattle around in that little "box," including bouncing off a thin plate that shields that area. Made a hell of a racket. Nice diagnosis! Charged me a reasonable amount for their time, odd problem fixed. Another win for Model Garage. These guys are good. Patronize them. read more

Good service with a goal of doing the job right. Had to use a used part. When one arrived that wasn't a good one, rather than just install it anyway, they looked for and found a better one, which is the kind of shop and service I was looking for. I will be back. read more

Could not have been better. They answered the phone quickly and scheduled an appointment without the usual transfers and holds associated with trying to schedule a dealer appointment. They set my expectation at 2 hours for a, while I waited in the lobby, 5k service. They were done in an hour and 15 minutes! The cost was exactly what they said it would be. I have finally found my car maintenance and repair place! Consider me a lifetime customer. read more

I really needed someone to be able to install a battery ASAP and do the computer sync on my volvo. Although I wasn't a past customer they were very helpful, fit me in to get the work done and couldn't have been nicer to deal with. TheyI will definitely return and appreciate their professionalism. read more

Great service, nice working with people who know what there doing, right off the bat I could tell by how clean the shop was, no back yard mechanics here...thanks Robert for your help! read more

These guys rock. I've been using them since 1996 first on our two old Volvos and now on our two Priuses. That have helped us get all of these cars above 100,000 miles. AND one of the Volvos and one of the Priuses made above 200,000 miles! They are always fair and reasonable and stand behind their work. Don is such a good person I hope he never retires. Or at least works until I replace all of my cars with EVs. Love em! read more

Great, great, great. What else can one say about Model Garage? So far, good diagnosis, good repairs, clear explanations, and nice atmosphere (yes, it's important). read more

I had a great experience with this shop. Beside getting my Prius tuned up, the people were helpful, patiently answered all my questions, followed up on the things we discussed, and communicated clearly about the logistics of dropping off and picking up my car. I am happy to have found this car shop in my new neighborhood. read more

The Model Garage was very professional and gave me a fair rate on the transmission service for my ancient car. I barely had to wait to speak to anyone after I arrived, and they had my car ready at the promised time. Would definitely go again, especially with a car that is long out of warranty. read more

I am really shocked that I am having to write a negative review for this place, which I have used several times in the past and found generally trustworthy. They do good work and the owner, Dana, is a nice guy. However, I didn't get Dana this time (I'm not sure if he may be retired or not). I won't name employee names, but I really was only having some minor starting problems with my car so I thought I would take the car in for a look under the hood. I was eventually told that I needed a battery change and it would run me $200. They guy I spoke to said (on the phone) "but I won't charge you the inspection fee because that would bring your bill up to about $340." When my car was repaired and I got to the garage to pick up my car, this same mechanic hands me the bill, and guess what the charge was: $340. I reminded him of what he had said on the phone, but he lied straight out of his mouth and tried to pretend I was talking about some other charge. Boy, did I let him have it! He finally agreed to only charge me the $200 (as he had, after all, said he would on the phone), but he continued to act as if I was the mistaken one. Shame, shame, shame on this garage for trying to pull the wool over people's eyes. I am sorry to say I will NEVER, EVER take my car here again. read more

Took my Volvo to Model Garage today after being disappointed in another Berkeley Volvo shop... 100x better than my other experience. Don was friendly and you could tell these guys and girls know their stuff. If you are in Berkeley/ Oakland, dont hesitate to bring in your car. This is the place. read more

I've been going to the Model Garage ever since I got my first car and I wouldn't feel right taking it anywhere else. I have a 96' Toyota Corolla and it has never broken down on me because they do such a great job on PREVENTATIVE CARE!! I've even noticed that they clean my windows! :) I'm for quality over quantity especially when it comes to my car... and the model garage is DEFINITELY QUALITY! It's rare to find a mechanic that you KNOW you can trust... but if anyone's trustworthy it's the mechanics at the Model Garage... :) read more

I'd heard good things about this place for years, but did not check them out until this month. They did a very quick fix on a couple of small problems with my 2001 Toyota Corolla - zoomed right in on the issues without a lot of time-wasting or unnecessary services. Friendly, helpful, very fair pricing - and some wonderful floating stepladder art to keep me entertained as I waited. read more

Major repair was performed in a reasonable time at a reasonable price. Thanks!

I've been taking my Toyota vehicles to the Model Garage for many years. They are always kind, professional, prompt, HONEST, and excellent at diagnosing, repairing, and servicing my car. They always fit me in if there is an emergency. Love the Model Garage! read more

The Model Garage crew is the best! We've been going there for decades. They are thorough, fair and honest.

Excellent service and intelligent diagnostic methods. It is clear that Model Garage is a place that does not seek to push up the bill but, rather, finds the most cost effective way to address a problem. I will definitely return. read more

I have been taking my Lexus to these guys for a few years now and am very pleased with them. They are professional, friendly, honest, and provide great service at very reasonable rates. They are also very flexible and accommodate your schedule as best possible. I've had nothing but great experiences to date and highly recommend them. read more

I'm always skeptical of a garage with such high Yelp ratings, but I have to say this place seems like it deserves them. They got my beat-up old car running smoothly again, but more importantly, they were very courteous and direct with me throughout the process. They told me about several smaller problems with my car while they fixed the big ones, but they didn't try to lie and make the smaller issues seem more urgent than they really were in order to upsell me--most garages will try to do just that. read more

Totally excellent service. Thorough inspection of car, thoughtful prioritization of needed and optional repairs, accurate estimate and good problem-solving. Bruce is really good at explaining the why's and hows--making the experience educational and kind of fun. The best garage and service team I've ever encountered. read more

My Lexus 2007 SUV 400 RH would'nt start and the battery had just been replaced ---"Oh Boy", I thought has to be an electrical issue. I did not want to wait a week and take it to a dealer. I did a quick Google search and luckily found "The Model Garage". They took the car right away. Both Robert and Bruce at the desk are helpful, courteous, and most of all honest! Bruce even suggested that just by using a "spare" key it might start! Anyway, they quickly diagnosed the problem (an auxillary battery), and kept the bill low. I would highly recommend this business! read more