I recently brought my 2003 Ford Focus into Top Shop Auto for what should have been a very straightforward issue. They charged $280 just to diagnose it, and even then, they weren't able to actually fix the problem because they said they couldn't find the part. For a car as basic and common as a Ford Focus, that didn't sit right with me. What was more disappointing was the overall experience. The communication wasn't helpful, and the attitude felt dismissive rather than solution-oriented. If you're going to charge that much for diagnosis, I would expect clearer answers or at least some guidance on next steps. It also felt like their focus has shifted since moving locations. There seemed to be a lot of attention on vintage and specialty vehicles, and less interest in helping someone with a standard daily driver. At this point, I'm getting a second opinion because I don't feel confident in the diagnosis or the value of the service provided. read more

Recently after having my motor installed at another shop, It seemed that something was wrong. I took it to Top shop, to have them take a look at it, There were definitely some issues that needed to be addressed to get it dialed in. Dan conducted the inspection and Frank sent the quote. I also had them install a new gauge cluster which came out nice amongst the other things that had to be done ie starter, fuel regulator and hard line. Dan a special thanks to you and the team for getting me right. We still have more things to do. I'm just getting started read more

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Great communication, quality service, fair pricing and friendly staff. Happy to have a quality auto shop to rely on in Top Shop Auto!

Diagnosed and fixed several mechanical issues with my Mitsubishi 3000GT, including a dragging clutch, cracked header, broken transfer case, and leaking front steering rack. It's running better than it has for years. read more

Top Shop Auto - Auto Repair Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Very attentive and great pricing. I always appreciate the follow up from them. Def will be a customer for awhile.

Took my '65 Shelby in to have the engine dialed in after a carb change. Dan got the job done professionally, well and came in under the estimate. Honest shop, great work. I'll be back. read more

Top shop is top notch! Apart from the excellent diagnostic and mechanical repair we've had done here, they restore headlights WOW!!?! read more

Top Shop Auto - These headlights where horrible. - Auto Repair Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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My experience at Top Shop Auto was great. Frank and his team put a lot of effort into trying and helping me to get my 1939 Buick to use as a daily driver. This is a serious shop. They can diagnose and repair modern cars, but be creative with older cars since not all the parts are available and even some need to be rebuilt. If you need work or help with your car, this friendly shop has the capacity to do just about anything with an appointment. Thank you Frank for helping me get my Buick on the road again! read more

Top Shop Auto - Auto Repair Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I'm so glad that we have found this facility to take care of our classic cars. Although we don't have a huge collection, we have vehicles that have been sympathetically restored and we want to keep them as as original as possible. The staff at this shop has very experienced technicians that deal with a large variety of vehicles. Many shops in the East Bay don't have the depth of experience to work on classics. They diagnose the issue, summarize the repair in writing and repair it and give you tips without pushing additional work. The have been very accommodating to my family, and I will gladly continue to do business with them. read more

Overall a good shop with good communication. Transparent about what is going to be done. I acknowledge that I accepted the price updates along the way and paid the invoice while seeing the prices they were quoting. In retrospect these prices are a little high. Was hoping this would be my go to shop for my Landcruiser but after having them do something fairly simple balloon up to over $1k the shop rate is just too much for me to return. They replaced a seat belt buckle and spliced in a pig tail for the seat position sensor. Curious to see what the hourly is. To be honest though i'm more in the wrong than they are for letting them continue at the prices they were giving me. At some point I should have just decided to do this myself or taken somewhere else due to cost. To wrap up, they did a good job, had good, service and I cant really knock the quality or staff, its truly just a lot for what in the end was about 200 dollars in parts and taking a seat out/soldering some wiring. So assuming they spent 3 hours with the car soldering the connector plus seat belt would be like 300 an hour shop rate? read more

Top Shop Auto should be avoided at all costs by anyone who cares about their vehicles. Not only will they overcharge you for services provided, they will also not even perform the service for which you are being overcharged. AVOID AT ALL COSTS read more

Brought my 1997 Toyota "80 Series" Landcruiser to Top Shop Auto to find out a nagging but typical oil leak from my vehicle Upon my arrival, I was greeted cordially and met with "Cam". Cam would be conducting the inspection on my 1997 Land Cruiser. After just an hour & a half, I was invited into the shop to do a walk around of my Land Cruiser with Cam and for him to show & explain to me what he had discovered. Short and sweet, Cam explained areas of attention what is needed AND what isn't needed now as I had initially presumed. Cam explained to me what he believes would need attention now and also explained to me other common problems often found on my vehicle with the amount of mileage and time for this particular Land Cruiser. Cam was not only professional and knowledgeable, but personable as well. The entire staff up to include Jim and the owner were nothing more than nice and courteous. I truly appreciated the hospitality and the service given to me. Just so folks know, I live in the Southbay and yet I drove up north to have my vehicle examined / serviced by Top Shop Auto of Lafayette. I will see these guys again soon! read more

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They are always very helpful and go above and beyond with your car maintenance and repair issues.

Quick repair of a wheel hub and bearing assembly on a 2016 Ram 1500. $572 out the door. Parts were priced as expected. Diagnostic was $180, and dropped to $90 after service. Labor was quite high at $271 for a 60-90 minute job. Between the high labor rate and not waiving diagnostics, this shop is not cheap. First impression: Overall happy with the service. Shop seems very technically capable. I just moved to the area however, and I'll be continuing to hunt for a go-to shop that is more economical for the simple stuff. Thanks for the quick service Top Shop. read more

Had a great experience yesterday. Battery was dead on my Civic so I got a jump and brought it in, and they were able to assist me immediately. I dealt with Frank and he was super nice and down to earth. I've only had this car for less than a year, so I was surprised to see that I needed to enter a code to unlock the radio. Before I even had a chance to ask him if he knew what to do with that, he came in and asked me if I knew what the code was and I said no. He went into my glove box, found the code and reset it for me! I was in and out in under 15 minutes and the entire thing cost me $141 with parts, tax and labor! He totally saved my ass. They are specialists in Japanese cars like Honda, Acura and Toyota, so if you own one of those, bring it here, you will be in good hands. read more

I took Frank to court over this issue. Unfortunately, the judge ruled in his favor. I did not catch it during the hearing but now realize Frank lied in his testimony. A large part of my contention is Top Shop installed a 2nd Cardine battery in my car after the initial one they recommended failed. During this process, Rick from Top Shop told me they are not recommending Cardone to other customers because the product has had too many problems. I presented to the court that Top Shop should not have installed a 2nd Cardone battery since they weren't using that line anymore. In court, the judge asked Frank is Top Shop still uses the Cardone hybrid battery currently - he replied they still do. This is a lie - Cardone has exited the hybrid battery business, their product is not even on the market. I did not catch this at the time and failed to bring this up. Good for Frank that he dodged a bullet by lying in court. Nice to see somebody with zero integrity get away with screwing the customer. read more

Good folks. Honest to the core. On time and fair pricing. I'll go back. Staff were open and informative.

Awesome and amazing customer service! I desperately needed new wiper blades on a rainy day and found Top Shop Auto with a quick online search. Called and talked to Kevin, who agreed to take me in without an appointment. I drove in, looked for Kevin, and he changed my blades on the spot. I received the "royal treatment" on a day when I was so stressed. It's rare to find a place where you are welcomed and taken care of so meticulously. Thank you so much! I can't say enough how impressed and grateful I am! read more

I love this place! As a single young female with minimal knowledge about cars and even more minimal disposable $$, Top Shop Auto is the only place I go for repairs. The guys that run the shop always give honest information and realistic estimates. I never feel like I am being tricked into services that aren't really necessary. This week my engine light came on during a busy time when I really needed my car. I was concerned about the time crunch and the guys at Top Shop Auto were diagnose the problem, order new parts and fix the issue all before the early afternoon (at a price FAR less than any dealership). I also appreciate how they are easy to get a hold of and really keep you in the loop. Very grateful for the guys at Top Shop! read more

I have taken my 2018 Crosstrek numerous times here and I am highly satisfied by the overall service! I've been to the dealership and several other mechanics, and every time either the price wasn't right or the work done had me come back the same day to fix a problem I found. I am really glad I found a reliable and honest mechanic to take my car to! read more

Top shop provides excellent service! I have brought my car for years. They are very good about telling you what needs to be done, and not trying to sell you things you don't need. They are solution finders. read more

There's only one auto shop I really trust. When I initially called whoever answered took the time to ask me about my car, what I was experiencing, dove into some of the details. Upon arriving, Frank walked me through how they were going to inspect the issue. Thoroughly appreciate the sincerity of the shop, it's obvious they care and try to do right by others. A friend originally had recommended me two years back or so. They were good to that car, and to this new one. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM (drove from San Jose). read more

I just learned this week that Rick is no longer working at Top Shop Auto. The reason for the change is not clear. He was the one I trusted the most so I'm giving 3 stars until I learn more about what happened. Update to 5 star rating. Spoke with Frank the owner and I feel comfortable with him now managing the shop. First rate person. read more

Very responsive and delivered a good job on time. Keep us informed along the way and agreed. Oats ahead of taking on work. Worked with us to establish the priorities and defer the less critical items. Always focussed on safety. We have been back a couple of times now. Always seem to fit our projects in. read more

Probably the best customer service and treatment that I've have ever received at an auto shop. Frank and Tim were so knowledgeable and courteous, even after the brake issue that my car was brought in for wasn't reproducible, they were patient and educated me on options, as well as how the part operated (they literally brought out a brake and talked me through the operations). There was also free WiFi and water, as well as plenty of reading material, for their customers as they wait. Clean waiting room. Will definitely return for my car needs! read more

I brought my car in for a wheel alignment pre-inspection after getting my front passenger wheel replaced. Jim and Frank are nicest people around who treats clients with respect and integrity. In their own words "just like family". Thank you! You have my family and friends business from now on. read more

They did an extensive service on my 09 Subaru Forester including a head gasket replacement. Runs great and they gave me a great price.

Got recommended here by Frank from Frank and Paul's Auto Repair. Apparently Frank partially owns this auto shop also. Called Top Shop Auto to schedule an oil change and left a voicemail. Within the same day, got a callback from Rick who scheduled my appointment. Very upfront and straight forward with the pricing and what parts they use (Chevron Havoline and OEM Oil Filter). Got there about 10min before my scheduled appointment to make sure I can find the place (Up the ramp/hill across the El Charro/Starbucks). First thing I noticed when I came into the garage was that the place didn't smell like car parts and oil, they keep a very good job at keeping the entire garage clean and well aired. Rick and his crew quoted me about 1-1.5hrs so I decided to stick around. Luckily they had WiFi so I was able to do some work while I waited. Next thing I know, the entire oil change was done and it only took about 45min! The time Rick gave was an estimate Im assuming to finish the job which is understandable. Overall, this place was great and awesome service! Definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a decent auto shop! read more

Top Shop Auto - Top Shop Auto is up this ramp! Don't miss it! - Auto Repair Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Even though it was just a routine service, they took the time to check everything on the car to ensure my long road trip would be safe. I'll definitely use them again. read more

Benn going to Top Shoo for many years. Straight shooters. Honest guys and do great work on all my cars. Frank the owner has always been helpful and honest with me over the years. Cant go wrong. read more

Our 2013 Toyota Tundra stopped accelerating readily on the freeway, and the problem was diagnosed and addressed, to the tune of $3215, quite a chunk of money for us. We are quite happy that the truck can be driven safely again, but I'd like to have had some explanation of why these very expensive parts, air injection system pumps and valves, wore out given the light use the truck has had over its 10 years - whether driving habits played a role, or the parts have a life span of 10 years no matter how seldom the truck is driven, or perhaps rarely using the truck on the freeway is deleterious to these parts. My 20-year-old Chevrolet Suburban never had this problem, despite having been subjected to a similar combination of light use but heavy loads. Oh well, I can probably look that information up online somewhere. A minor complaint : usually when I pick up a vehicle in a shop, it is driven up out front, or at the least, when asked where to find it, I am pointed in the right direction. I had to hunt in the pouring rain because it was not in the section of the parking lot the check-out person had indicated with a vague gesture. read more

They always do a good job and I trust them to tell me the truth about my repairs. I appreciate that. I was getting emergency warnings about my power steering. Turned out I needed a battery. Yay! I also have a strut issue, but they told me it wasn't an emergency and I'll get that done when I can save up for it. Nice to defer items to a more comfortable time. Thanks! read more

We take all of our cars to top shop. They take care of our kids cars and make sure they're safe and reliable and take care of my Jeep as well. They do great work, are fair, take care of and care about their customers and are very nice to work with. They're also experts on over-landing and off-roading, so that is an added bonus with my Jeep. I highly recommend them. read more

I had heard two very different opinions about my brake system problem. One shop wanted to replace virtually all my parts including calipers, and the Honda dealership in Walnut Creek didn't think any work was needed for a few more months. My car had severe vibration on long downhills. Top Shop provided the much-needed middle-of-the-road opinion, and took the time to educate me on A. What the problem was (the calipers didn't factor into it) B. Why it's a problem on many minivans, and C. How to use my gears and brakes correctly to keep the problem from coming right back (as it did after Honda "fixed" the same thing last year). I so appreciated the extra time, thought, and effort - and on top of that, the work was done on the same day. Very responsive and helpful, with only genuine Honda parts. read more

Top Shop Auto is truly on top of our list of places to take our Toyota Solara. Their comfortable lodge is nestled on top of a beautiful tree-lined hill with easy access, right off of Mount Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. Robert and Paul were easy to talk with, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our dead battery was the culprit, but I mistakenly thought it was the starter motor because the battery still had voltage. Well, they quickly cleared a path through the various electrical symptoms that were presented to find the core of our problem. We came to pick it up the next day and were happy to see the car in tip-top shape with the new battery, air-filled tires, topped-off fluid levels and a small bill to cover everything. Once again, Yelp comes through with another winner - this time a new rest stop for our Camry-Solara when the going gets rough! read more

I'm reluctantly writing this review because after a couple of weeks I'm still bothered by the treatment i received at Top Shop. I was driving my car and my alternator light came on my dash. This light comes on when the battery is discharging and usually indicates an alternator problem. I explained to Tim who works the front desk that the battery was a month old, so this is a no brainer; it's the alternator. Well, here's the problem. I got a call saying it's $1,177 to replace the alternator. This sounded very high but they had me over a barrel so I okayed the work. If I wanted to go elsewhere, Top Shop would charge me $106 to get my car back because they had diagnosed the problem and wanted a half hour labor charge. Well, I come back and sit in the office while the tech. works on the car. He replaces the alternator in an hour and a half. I ask to review the bill with Tim (who would be the last guy I would let work the front desk, his manner is surly) and he explains to me that their labor charge is $212 an hour and 1/2 hour to diagnose and 2 1/2 hours to replace the alternator. I tell Tim the tech wasn't breaking any speed records and he did it in 1 & 1/2 hours. Tim says they use a service that gives them guidance on how long it takes for a particular job so they can charge me in total 3 hours for a 1 & 1/2 hour job. I ask Tim, don't you think you should charge me for how long it actually takes? On top of this they are charging me $461 for the rebuilt alternator part. This, I believe, is an overcharge for the part. Tim reluctantly knocked a 1/2 hour off the labor charge and sternly said he would not do this in the future. Well Top Shop is not in my future. These guys are guilty of padding the bill. What should have been a $500--$700 job cost me $1063. Shame on you Top Shop. Two stars instead of one because so far the car works fine. read more

I was seriously amazed. The place is immaculate. Rick takes his time with every customer. He gives you back your old parts if you want them. He offered me a few days to make sure that what they fixed actually solved the problem, and then I could pay. The guys in the back definitely know what they are doing. I hope to never take my Subaru anywhere else! I'm updating my review. Top Shop expanded and is now even better. These guys are honest and the prices are reasonable. You won't be disappointed. It's a bit tough to find but it's directly across from Starbucks and up the hill. I walk down and work in Starbucks until they call me. Give it a try! read more

Top Shop attempts to maximize revenue at their customers' expense, from my experience. I encourage you to look for another repair shop. My teenage sons drive a 2012 Jeep Compass and when a warning light popped up on the dash accompanied by intermittent loss of engine power, I looked on Yelp for an alternative to the high cost of service at the local Jeep Dealership. Top Shop Auto was highly rated and close to home. I called Top Shop and a professional employee said they charged a $165 diagnostic fee after which they would call with a repair estimate. I brought the Jeep to Top Shop a couple of days later on Friday at 10am and Frank, the owner, checked in the Jeep. What happened later on Friday is as follows: 1:11pm Frank called me and said the Crankshaft Position Sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The cost of the repair would be $902 which included $82 for diagnosis, $30 for a new sensor and $790 for 4 hours of labor and other charges. I told Frank (owner) that $900 (and 4 hours) seemed like a lot to replace a $30 part. He said the need to remove many engine components to replace the sensor. I told Frank I would get back to him on my decision about the repair. 2:00pm I researched the cost of replacing a failed Crankshaft Position Sensor and found multiple sources that estimated labor cost of $130 to $166 (see below). 3:00pm I picked up car and told the Top Shop employee (Frank was not there) that online sources such as Repair Pal and Your Mechanic estimated this repair should be less than $200 (see below) and Top Shop's price was more than 3x this amount. The employee said Frank had adjusted the price to reflect 3.5 hours of labor instead of 4.0 hours to make it more affordable and the adjusted price was $754 ($82 for diagnostic, $30 for a new sensor and $642 for labor and other). I said no thanks and took the car. I also told the employee that I was willing to talk to Frank if he wanted my feedback about Top Shop pricing. 3:47pm Frank called my cell to discuss my comments and I told him his price was more than 3x the market price and more than 2x what the dealership (Walnut Creek Jeep) charged, which is usually the most expensive service option. I also told him I didn't like being taken advantage of. 4:03pm Frank called back and left a vmail that he talked to the company that provides service hour estimates that Top Shop uses to price repairs and Frank discovered that the repair should have been for 1.5 hours not 3.5 (or 4) and the out the door price (in addition to the $82 diagnostic charge I already paid) would be $277. A few comments: - Frank and I spoke for 3 minutes during the 3:47pm call. He called me back and left a voicemail with a substantially lower price at 4:03pm. Frank's voicemail stated that he spoke with the company that provides repair time estimates and discovered the original time estimate was in error (i.e., too high) and offered the 3rd price of $277. Frank's message implies he was able to contact the company that provides Top Shop's repair time estimates, talked to the technician that estimates times for the 2012 Jeep Compass, had a conversation about Crankshaft Sensor replacement times, recalculated the hours from 3.5 (or 4) to 1.5...and did all of this in 13 minutes on a Friday afternoon at 4pm. I find that hard to believe. You have to ask yourself, if a business owner gets caught overpricing his service (3x vs the market) and blames it on a vendor mistake what else is untrue. - The fact is that Top Shop's price for the Crankshaft Sensor replacement changed 2 times in less than 3 hours from $820 at 1:11pm to $672 at 3:00pm to $277 at 4:03pm. This experience makes feels like Top Shop pricing is aimed at the customer's maximum pain (price) threshold rather than driven by the time of the repair. - Lafayette is an affluent community and this seems to me to be an owner and/or company that tries to maximize revenue at their customers' expense. Based on my experience, I strongly encourage you to look for another repair shop. Note: Given the bad experience with Top Shop I wanted a low drama and reliable repair. So I went back to the Jeep dealer in Walnut Creek which charged $350 total for the repair ($31 for the new sensor, $319 for the labor). read more

always very happy with the service great texting and only payment options very responsive super helpful while trying to deal with it all while at work. very reliable and respectful read more

This was reputable, but Rick and an excellent mechanic left in 2018. The owner overprices every little thing.