I've been visiting Chau at VN Auto/Foreign Car Repair for a few years now, ever since my 93-plus-year-old neighbor (whose life wisdom I do not question) told me, "Go to Chau." I have obeyed ever since. I've brought him VWs, Subarus - basically any car that dealership service departments have tried to hold for ransom. Compared to their sub-standard, over-priced "care," Chau is a magician. A wizard. A mechanical therapist. The man routinely fixes things in minutes, waves his hand, and sends me off on my merry way without charging me a dime. In return, I attempt to restock his wine cellar... although I'm pretty sure he's a connoisseur and I'm just the amateur who brings him "grape-based beverages." He's an excellent mechanic with a can-do attitude, the kind of person who inspires both trust and mild suspicion that he might secretly be a superhero. The only downside? He's so good and so beloved that sometimes I have to wait a couple of days to get into his shop. But honestly - totally worth it. My cars are happier than I am after a three-day weekend. Highly recommend. read more

the best, so nice, so helpful, super knowledgeable and not out to swindle you by any means

Super friendly professional, and very reliable.... The owner Chow always there and his really good with the price and getting the job done. read more

VN Auto Repair is hands down my most reliable and sincere auto repair shop in San Rafael. Mr. Chau is extremely nice and always greets us with a warm welcome. He knows exactly what to do for my car at a more affordable price, as I probably would be charged thousands in other shops. Would come here again and again! Thank you so much for your kind work, dedication, and professionalism, Mr. Chau! read more

I've only been there once, hence 4 stars but if the next time I go & it's a good as the 1st time, I'll give it 5 stars. They seem very honest, did a great brake job and very timely. read more

A San Rafael native recommended VN Auto Repair years ago, and Chau's never let me down. Even when it seems like they have more business than they can handle (which is always, because they're just that good) he'll find a way to get you in and fix your car quickly, and it really will be fixed. This is the honest mechanic you're looking for. read more

Chau and his assistant are great guys. They satisfy the two most important features of an auto repair shop. They are honest and they know what they are doing. They are also really nice guys. I've been taking my 2002 Toyota Camry to them for several years. I've got an old car and he realizes that. For example, the main control for the automatic windows failed recently. He replaced it with an after market part (new) which was probably half the price of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. I feel fortunate that he works on my car. read more

Great place to take your car for oil changes to any repair. Chau is the best! Super honest.

Fabulous auto repair shop, attentive to customer issues with extremely competent mechanics on staff. Chau always - repeat, always - discusses the choice of replacement parts prior to installation. Aftermarket parts are less expensive, and the choice is up to the customer. I generally chose aftermarket parts for that reasons, and they have warranty coverage. Support your local merchant, read more

I've been going to V N auto repair for well over 20 years. They are friendly, capable and fair with their repairs. They go over and above to take care of people. read more

VN Auto was recommended to me by a current customer. I called and got Chau, he was very friendly professional and gave an estimate for a radiator repair on VW. The price was great, got the work done fast and properly per Manufacturer specs. Chai is very honest knowledgeable professional friendly. VN Auto has earned my advocacy for above listed reasons. Check them out you'll be glad and know why they have so many 5 star reviews. read more

do not take your car here. they replaced my catalytic converters with aftermarket catalytic converters! i am asking my insurnce company to investigate them and with the bbb they do shity work and are fruads read more

VN Auto Repair - Aftermarket Catalytic Converters On a sequoia suv Do not go to them. Avoid being ripped off by these cons. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

Never before have I felt so safe with an auto repair company. My husband and I now strictly use VN for all of our services. They prove to be fast, effective and efficient both with time and money and best of all they never skip on customer service. Chau, who works the front desk, is the friendliest man you will ever meet. I'm so happy with the service we receive here and wanted to spread the love. Highly recommend! :) read more

VN Auto Repair - Their 2013 Christmas gifts to their customers. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Rafael, California

As my car was reaching its 50k warranty, I realized that the days of mere oil changes are over. I needed a GOOD mechanic. And not just any mechanic. My Mercedes-owning friend has been going to Chau for years. Chau and his team of mechanics are Vietnamese. If you have a problem understanding accents this may not be the place for you. You wouldn't ever want to leave your dog with the wrong pet sitter. Don't leave your car with the wrong mechanic either. Peace of mind means a lot, and I highly recommend VN Car Repair in San Rafael. Would an independent city-girl car owner drive across the GG Bridge to Larkspur (of all places) to find an honest mechanic? Hell, YEAH! I It's happened to the brightest of us. Girl buys car. Girl drives car. Girl pays attention to warranty (or not). Girl can't fix car by herself or understand what's going on under the hood. Enter the car repair guy. He may just lie to your face about your car needs. He may insist "for safety reasons" and starts spewing off a long al la carte list of parts and services that clearly add up to a brand new wardrobe. What's a girl to do? Believe him? Get a 2nd opinion? (as if we have time for that). Call VN Auto Repair and make an appointment for your foreign or domestic car. They are open from 8am Monday through Friday and it's a reverse commute from SF. Chau actually showed me the super dirty air filter and worn brake pads that he replaced. He gave me options and suggestions. This is why I trust him with my car. I saw a BMW, Porsche and other fancy cars drive in and out of his garage. Finding that right mechanic is truly important. Kind of like finding the right boyfriend- He can't JUST be reliable . Or JUST be talented at what he does for a living. Or have honesty as his sole virtue. He must be that perfect combination- that trustworthy, skillful, friendly mechanic who: - Is there for you when you need him - won't waste your time or rip you off - gets the job done without any drama. Be kind to my mechanic. He probably does not know what Yelp is, so mention 'referred by Suzanne and Michelle' and I believe you will be well taken care of. Chau may not be the LAST reputable/honest mechanic, but wouldn't it be nice to have that piece of mind that you aren't going to get screwed over? read more

Three words: Awesome of Awesomeness Wait...does "of" really count as a third word? I had to get my rear brake pads replaced on my Mini S Cooper. Vroom, Vroom! The Dealership was expensive (a no-brainer there), so before I decided to head back to a previous shop in the city where I had my front pads replaced, I decided to check out two shops near my work in San Rafael. "VN Auto Repair" was the conqueror in price versus "Dependable Tire and Brakes," and most importantly, they were just everything that you want out of an auto service/repair shop: Dependable and just straight-up honest. Crazy thing is...both of these shops are literally right next to each other. read more

Okay, it was only some bulbs that were out, the headlight and the running light. But it's a Mini and it was not obvious to me how to change this stuff and yeah, I'm a girl. I was charged a ton when I used to have a New Beetle because of how they practically have to disassemble the front end to get to the headlight, so I was expecting anything. Anyway, I was gunshy to go to my usual Briitsh motors repair place because they're always sooooo busy and also not cheap. I found VN through Yelp...called...they said "bring it down". Not only did they change out the light, while I waited, they had another specialty light that happened to be out, DELIVERED within 5 minutes of a quick phone call. Unreal. But the best part was when I asked "what do I owe you?" the guy just shrugs and says "20 dollars?" Heck, the light by itself was $10. I was in and out within 15 minutes and they couldn't have been NICER. And we're talkin' car repair here remember. I'm going back for sure next time I have real issues, which, with the Mini, could be in about 15 minutes. read more

Came highly recommended. Having electrical issues, took my car in. Left it one week. They never called me to tell me what was going on with my car. I had to call them every time to follow-up and ask. Never fixed the problem. Told me the next time it occurs call them right away. I week later, same issue, called three times, no return phone call. My take away, they know what they know, and clearly that is why folks are happy. But if they do not know, they have bad service, bad attitude, bad follow through. read more

Chau was great, couldn't have been better. My car started wobbling whenever I braked above 30 mph. Plus, I had clipped my headlight while trying to park in Chinatown. I dropped my car off on Thursday morning (their lot was filled with cars) and we quickly talked about the problems. I got a call later in the day on Thursday to confirm the price and I picked it up on Friday. Friendly, fast and efficient...I have found my new mechanic. read more

It doesn't get any better than this. Chau is absolutely amazing- great work at a steal. I had to get the upper and lower radiator hoses done, replace the thermostat, brake fluid flush, and coolant flush. Chau gave me a quote over the phone, and I called to set up an appt. He said he was busy Wed so we set up to have me drop off the car on Thurs when the shop opened and I would pick it up by 4. He actually had let me drop my car off on Wed because it was just easier for me to drop the car off earlier. Well, he ended up having the car finished on Wed anyway so I picked it up the next morning. He also called me to tell me that there was an oil leak related to my timing belt tensioner and told me how much it would cost before he did anything. What a guy! Picked up my car the next day and the price I paid for all that work was less than what he quoted. You'll be in goods hand with Chau and VN Auto Repair! read more

I ended up finding VN by using Yelp, stranded at the Golden Gate Bridge with a Ford truck which died on me. My usual mechanics were on vacation over the Hoidays, and so I call VN. They were totally there for me the entire ordeal. I ended up needing a new engine, which they installed in a week, and even finished a day early. I now feel like I have a new regular mechanic, and will spread the word. read more

These guys are AWESOME. Never in my life have I seen a shop soooo clean! Chau is super efficient, friendly and he will not try to sell you work you don't need. Fixed my axle on my Audi same day I dropped it off (with no notice I might add) It was an emergency and I asked the tow truck driver to take me somewhere he trusted and I am forever grateful. I trust VN's referrals too; I needed a body shop recommendation and he brought my car to Orlandi's Body and Fender--those guys are excellent too. Final review on them will come shortly but so far, so good. I have my new mechanic. Thank You Chau! read more

My wife's auto needed a new clutch confirmed for me with familiarity with clutches going out, and confirmation from the tow truck operator, and finally from the San Rafael Honda dealership. Having just gotten a complete Hybrid system battery in her Honda replaced under Warranty she wanted them to check it out. Thus, we had it towed there and she paid the fee to have them confirm...you need a new clutch! We like to pay cash for everything and the pocketbook is pretty darn important! I called 4 auto repair shops with good reviews in YELP as the referral from an associate was not acceptable to my wife because of not changing a clutch in a HYBRID. How many have clutches and how many have been around long enough to go out? Nevertheless of the 4, it helped convince my wife to pick VN Auto Repair as Chau had changed a clutch in a Hybrid automobile and gave a very nice quote without hesitation. We loved his Aquarium with those lovely shrimp as well as exotic fish! His attitude towards you is terrific and he explained why we most likely could get the flywheel machined the first time you change a clutch. I knew the dealer recommends replacing it and I asked about it. He has not seen problems with machining the existing one on the first clutch replacement. Savings is nice! When we came to pick up her car he showed us the old clutch and rounded off the cost to my favor. We felt quite comfortable with Chau as we chatted a little bit with him about our 23 yr. old daughter's move to N Y C. He is a for real good guy and has a nice sense of humor. Yep, we are going back for the next required work! read more

Wow! A GREAT team of guys down there. From the owners to the workers, everyone is friendly and helpful! They gave me honest and straight forward answers to my questions. A breathe of fresh air for auto repair in Marin County. I've lived in Marin County for over 33 years and have had many cars and mechanics... these guys are trustworthy AND reliable AND priced fair, which is all I want from my mechanics! Since having them work on my 90's honda civic, I've also brought them other cars from my family and friends, such as cadillacs, jaguar's, BMW, toyota's, Lexus, Infiniti, ford, chevy's & even a collectors 1972 Buick and Rolls Royce!!! Give these guys a try and you'll never need to find another mechanic in the Marin County San Francisco Bay Area again, you'll thank me later. read more

Took my Grand Caravan into VN to fix a thermostat issue...they fixed it quickly, without fuss and got me mobile quickly! Excellent service, reasonable prices and I love the building they are in. Thanks to all. read more

This is the best repair shop I've ever encountered! I own a pick-up truck and my wife owns a small car and we have been coming to VN Auto Repair for a couple years now and each experience has been great. For example I'll just tell the story of our last visit with each car. For the pick-up, the truck was driving rough and smoke was coming out of the tail pipe and I brought it by VN for Chau to see. He hooked me up to his diagnostic computer and told me the problem was an injector that needed to be replaced but he could not do it because it's a diesel engine. Chau did not charge me and gave me the name of a shop that could do the work. At this same visit he recommend a tire shop in the area and their work was great (but that's another review). My wife's small car was also running rough and the source was somewhere under the passenger compartment, Chau told us it was a cracked exhaust system and replacement would run us over a thousand just for the parts alone! Chau's guys were able to weld the broken part and get the car running great for less than a hundred dollars! In our other experiences with VN, Chau always holds onto replaced parts for you to inspect and verify the need for repair. He has waited for us after closing to pick up our vehicles when we were delayed in traffic. He takes all forms of payment (cash, check, card). And Chau always greets you with a smile and concern for your problem. If you live in Northern Marin this is the auto repair shop for you! read more

Chau is a good man. He seems to be honest and to the point. That being said, I'd appreciate it if all of the electrical systems were checked before I was given my car back. Replacing a starter and not double-checking that all of the adjunct electricals (lights, etc.), worked is pretty basic mechanical follow through. Yes. I would take my car back to him. Maybe it was just an "off" day. read more

I've been a client of VN Auto Repair for over a decade now, and am just as loyal as before! Look no further for the best mechanic! He continues to take excellent care of my car, my friend and client's cars. My former reviews are just as authentic as this commentary today! read more

VN Auto Repair is a great shop. Located in downtown San Rafael, the mechanics are trustworthy, very efficient, knowledgeable and best of all will not cheat you! I have been bringing my car here on and off for a few years, and I have always had nothing but great service. And it was a lot quicker, than other places I have brought my car. read more

Chau is the best. Fast service, honest, friendly. Saves you money on parts. Makes no unneeded repairs. 5 STARS!!

Chau have been my mechanic for about 3 years with my wife's car and mine. If I could give him 10 stars I'll do it. Honest, fast, reliable, professional. I totally recommend him, he's the best. read more

Just another standard visit to VN: after being told by an oil change place that my busted radiator would cost $550 to fix, Chau replaced it for $375. Oh and he let me borrow his car so I could go home while I waited. This was from 3:30-5 p.m. on a Friday. Just when I thought Chau and Niem couldn't be any more awesome, they go and do this. read more

This guy is going to go out of business soon, he's too honest and doesn't try to up sell. A honest mechanic is unheard of; its like saying I've found a honest Realtor. When I went there I thought I'd be charged a fortune as there were Porsche, BMW and a Lotus in the garage but was pleasantly surprised when I got the bill. Top quality work for a bargain. read more

Perfect work, kind and humble, helpful, charming, clean and on time. What more could anyone ask for? I wish I had discovered them years ago! read more

How on earth does VN auto only have 8 reviews (ALL 5 stars!) when I see everyone in Marin with the license plate cover? Everywhere! VN auto is AWESOME - the one and only shop I trust to give me honest service and advice. They will tell me if I really need to do a repair, or if there is a cheaper solution that will last me *just* a bit longer until I really need it. I take both of my cars to them (Mini and Subaru) and they're always very knowledgeable with both of them. Love these guys! read more

VN was awesome. They were recommended by a friend after VW tried to tell me it would cost $2800 to fix my clutch problem, after they charged me $200 for a diagnostic on top of that. I went to see Chau at VN and it cost only $500 for a master cylinder! VW would have taken out the transmission and charged me thousands just to find out that wasn't the problem. My car has only 48,000 miles on it so the clutch didn't make sense to me as the cause. Needless to say, I am now a loyal VN customer. read more

Even though our van died 3 days before our appointment for service, VN still had it in and out of the shop within 24 hrs! Considering they had to order parts for our scheduled maintenance, as well as diagnose and perform another repair, all without any notice, I think the turn-around was great. The shop's beautiful and clean. Chau and Niam were both helpful and we couldn't be happier. Well, maybe if it didn't break in the first place... read more

Our family has been taken all our cars to Chau for over 10 years. Chau is honest and always looking out for your best interest when it comes to repairing/servicing your car. I trust Chau implicitly and that's not something I do easily. This is the first repair shop that has earned repeat business from me. Take your car here for all repairs...you will not regret it and will probably gain a mechanic for life!!! read more

Highly recommend this auto repair store to everyone. They are professional and fixed my problem immediately. And they offer reasonable price. read more

The only independent shop I trust with my car. Been going here for years. Straight forward when it comes to diagnosis and actual work that needs to be done. No worrying about dealing with some sales advisor trying to upsell you things. Talk to my man Chau! You won't be sorry!!! read more

Highly recommend VN Auto simply the best customer service by knowledgable mechanics there is.