These folks are great. Deeply knowledgeable about Volvos, easy to work with, and pretty flexible in fitting in diagnostic stuff without a ton of notice. Today, they fit me in last minute and took the whole undercarriage off my car to look for a leak and discovered the source of the problem in less than 2 hours from initial call to resolution. Thanks Walsh Brothers! read more

Worst service. Damaged the exterior of my vehicle but didn't acknowledge it until I pointed it out and refused to try to fix the issue. Recommend finding a different shop. read more

Walsh Brothers have done amazing job my volvo70 . It runs great like it comes out of production finish line.

Awesome staff doing top notch work. If you drive an older European car like all the real ones do, don't take that beauty to anyone else. Why would you do that? Did you hit your head or something? Stop messing around and get your car to Walsh bros. And wear your seatbelt for crying out loud. People are worried about you. read more

Legit! I need a new oil pan because the drip plug was stripped and wouldn't tighten or loosen. I was hoping to have someone re-thread it to save on the cost. I spoke with Carlos, and he mentioned that it would likely be difficult to rethread it because there wasn't going to be enough metal. Carlos said they could replace it for $250. They even offered to change the oil if I supplied the oil and filter for no additional cost. I brought the car in around 2 pm and the work was done the same day. Before going with Walsh Bros, I called around other shops to get a quote. To find out who was being honest with me, I pretended that I didn't know the labor time involved in the repair. A lot of them quoted me 3 hours of labor and a much higher cost ($750+). My Toyota Corolla has an exposed oil pan that doesn't require removing that engine to replace it shouldn't take much time at all. Glad that I didn't go with one of those dishonest shops. Walsh Bros is legit. My new favorite shop (used to be Berkeley Auto Care on Telegraph ave.) read more

I love them more than I can say. They go so far above and beyond for their customers, service like you really don't find anywhere anymore. I only found them about 4 years ago after taking my Volvos 240 and S60 out to the former Lawrence Volvo in Walnut Creek since 1993 and I am so glad I did. They have gone above and beyond for me again and again, and I appreciate them so much. I stopped in to their new place last week - they were literally just moving in but took me anyway, replaced my broken turn signal light in about 10 minutes. New place is great - very convenient! Great prices too - love Walsh Brothers! read more

I just posted a lengthy 5 star rating on Google. This is a fantastic lady owned business. They never upsale me on anything . They have been taking care of my non Volvo 2017 Ram and my 2000 Buick Lasabre. I trust them and keep being more & more impressed by them. I also appreciate that they don't have lines or treat me as a number.. I'm so grateful that I was able to find someone kind, honest, and reasonably priced to work on my car. They are trustworthy and they rock!!!! read more

Walsh Brothers has been the shop for our 22 year old Volvo wagon for over 5 years. They're always fair with us, and they treat my wife with respect. It doesn't hurt that they're just a few blocks away. If you have an old Volvo that needs some love, I'd recommend them in a heartbeat: they'll keep it running for you. read more

Once again, the outstanding technicians at Walsh brothers, Carlos and Greg especially, did a fantastic job rebuilding the transfer case on my Volvo cross-country wagon. Louise was fantastic about communicating all my options for getting new versus rebuilt parts, as well as the timing of all the work. The repairs were done on time and quite affordably. This is an outstanding shop with great technicians and great customer communications. I highly recommend them for all your service needs. read more

Walsh Bros has consistently done a great job with my car, and I'm happy to have found them as my regular mechanic. I bought a used C30 and brought it to Walsh Bros for an inspection. They did a thorough, quick job and were open and communicative throughout the whole process. Later on when a tiny crack on my coolant case grew and began to leak, Louise the owner stayed behind after closing to make sure I could bring my car in and have it ready the next day. Overall the quality of work has been very good, and they've been extremely open, pleasant and easy to work with. read more

Well - I had posted a ' Negative Review ' previously. However - I recently found out that John the Ex-Owner has passed away. I called there twice since & his wife was always nice to me over the telephone. I still have 'A Brand New ' Engine Undercarriage Cover ' & An Electric Sunroof Motor I had ordered from E-bay. Still in Bubblewrap, but have since ' Retired my ' 96 Volvo 850 GLT.. I do not want my ' previous review ' to affect ' Her Operation ' of Walsh's Automotive. Too - I have an old friend who said he had good luck with them. I suppose ' It's a Hot or Miss ' w/Auto Repair !!!!! read more

When I heard that Walsh Bros. was moving I was prepared to drive for a long long time in traffic to their new location. The service I have gotten on my 85 Volvo has been perfect. How glad I was to learn that they are now located right in Berkeley at Ashby and Shattuck Avenues -- 2051 Ashby Ave. Both Louise and Carlos have a wonderful way of talking about cars that I am easily able to understand. Also when they say something that is exactly what they mean, and I always know it will be done just as they have said. That would be enough for me to keep coming back, but there is more. They will fix something they see, that we have not discussed, and just fix it-- at no charge. For example -- I had a bent fender for a long time and after I picked up my Volvo and drove it home I noticed that fender was fixed! I hate to recommend places because then I am responsible if something goes wrong. With Walsh Bros. I don't have to worry about that -- that's how certain I am about recommending Walsh Bros when ever I can. read more

Been coming here for five years now and I can't imagine going anywhere else. Lou and Carlos are incredible and have gone above and beyond to keep my 99 Sienna in working order. I don't have a lot of money to spend and often end up asking which repairs are vital and which ones I can put off. Instead of strong arming me into giving them all my money for repairs I can't afford, they are extremely up front about which things I can live without. People come first here and my van is running strong at 230k miles. If you need a trustworthy mechanic, this is your spot. read more

I'm a fairly new customer to Walsh Brothers, and a super-happy one. I have a '93 Volvo 240 and a 2012 Volvo S60 - bought both at the dealership in Walnut Creek and went there for years and years for service. They were always great - first the family-owned Lawrence Volvo and now the new owners. I was very happy driving out there to take my cars for service, always. But in the last year, obviously, I needed something closer. So when the 240 broke down last September, I called Walsh. They were unbelievably fantastic. Carlos and Louise explained the work clearly, kept in constant touch with updates, completed everything so fast, and even delivered the car back to my house, as I did not have other transportation. I was amazed. Prices very good and fair too. This past week, I was there twice - the 240 again, and yesterday it was time to get the S60 serviced too. Same thing - completely fantastic experiences. Louise and Carlos are the nicest people in the world to work with. They even give loaners. I had a V70 yesterday for the few hours it took them to complete everything, which was really great. Love this local long-time business! Will be taking my Volvos here from now on. They are the best! read more

I LOVE this garage. I've been coming here since December 1996, when I first met the owner at the time Jon P. He was a maven, a force of nature, the best mechanic in town. He had a genuine love for machines- I remember seeing him take on various projects, such as a complete Porsche engine restoration. You could tell he wouldn't cut any corners, and was passionate about his craft. So so utterly sad that he has passed on, but this place is still so great, with his partner Louise at the helm!!! These people are honest, intelligent, and deserve your business. Although I've taken 3 different Volvo cars here, they are well set up to work on your Toyota, Honda, Subaru, hybrid, etc. They will be upfront and tell you what needs to be fixed now, and what can wait for the next service. Go Walsh Brothers!!! They keep you rolling. read more

Saved me $800 by opting to swap in a used ignition control unit when I had asked them to look for ways to save money. $250 out the door! Trusted these folks for decades! read more

Had to find a new mechanic when mine moved away for my beloved 1986 245 wagon. Didn't need anything too complicated and was pleased with their people and work. read more

I have a 1991 Volvo 240DL wagon. I've had it for 17 years, and a couple years ago shipped it here from Philadelphia. The wagon has been idle for these 2.5 years. I was ready to send it to pasture, but under the advice of other Volvo neighbors, I took mine to Walsh Brothers to see if it is worth any further investment. (The scrap yard offered to pick it up for $5) Louise was great scheduling me and walking me through the process. John was the owner/mechanic on hand who evaluated the car. He was able to pinpoint problems that I should fix Now and some for Later. He said he realized that most people can't afford to fix everything on their car all at once, so he set a priority list for what should be done. He also explained and showed me in layman's terms what was not working and why. It was like listening to a really good auto shop teacher. Upon picking up the car, he didn't even charge me for the evaluation, knowing that I'll be back to do the essential repair which will cost me $500. The investment will allow me to keep the car or sell it for more than $2000, so regardless, that's better than $5 from a wrecker. read more

I accidentally backed my Volvo wagon into my low ceilinged garage with the hatch up. Yikes! I thought I knocked the house down. The hatch was damaged (as was the garage door trim). A nearby auto-body shop gave an estimate which included installing a brand-new hatch door. $$$! I brought it to Louise at Walsh Brothers for another opinion. She and Carlos thought it might just need new hinges (not an easy job but better then replacing the whole door). They weren't sure but were willing to try. Two days later I've got it back and the hatch works beautifully. I am grateful a garage like Walsh Brothers exists. They are willing and have the talent and expertise to take on a less than usual job as well as typical repairs and maintenance (I've been coming here for 20 years). They repaired my car using less resources and less $$ than I was quoted from the body shop. Thank you Walsh brothers! read more

This used to be my go to Volvo shop... they were ALWAYS friendly, on-time, efficient with fair prices and good work. I could just drop in there with a broken light or needing wiper blades and they would take care of things on the spot. It was great to have an honest shop I could depend on. But my last visit there was the opposite of every other experience I'd had there. The work was shoddy and late, very late. in fact I called at the estimated hour of pick-up and was told they hadn't even begun the work yet, although the part I had ordered had been there for hours. And, worse yet, they went substantially over the agreed on estimate, by 30%. Notably, the owner of the shop is now managing it. In hindsight I can see that the former manager, Rick, was the reason I kept going back there. He managed the shop well. I trusted him. It's not that I feel I was tricked or taken advantage of by the current manager/owner. That is not the case. He is also very friendly and I'm certain he means well. I just feel he truly dropped the ball and mismanaged our dealings. I have since had my car examined by another Volvo mechanic and they were very surprised at the poor job done on my car. I will not be returning to Walsh Brothers after years of loyalty to them. They need a new manager. read more

This place.... I haven't been there in a while but when I went a few years back, this is really not the garage where you want to bring your volvo. They always overcharged me, the work was not well done. For instance, I bought the car from them and they said they would install the radio for free. Few weeks later, I come in with my radio to get it installed and they wanted to charge me. They finally did the installation (maybe in 30 mins or less.... i don't know) but the radio was crooked, the speakers not really holding.... One other thing, they couldn't find what the problem was with my signals. I went to some other garage and guess what, in 10 mins the guy fixed it, and it has been working great since. Good place to go (if kearny still works there) is Swedish motors in Walnut creek. I will review it promptly. read more

I had volvo I use to take to this shop, I did gaskets replacement and few more things, very nice people and professional on volvo. Its a volvo garage so they know what they're doing. The price little high compare other mechanics. read more

Alright... I can't BELIEVE I haven't reviewed this shop yet! Well, here it goes..: I have been to this shop over 3 years with 3 different cars (1987 Sedan Volvo, 1997 Sedan Volvo, and 2014 Outback Subaru) . Before going to Walsh Brothers Inc (make sure it's THIS one...) I always felt like I was being 'talked down to' and swindled, but with EVERY interaction I have had with the Walsh Brothers Inc crew---I feel like a more confident car owner than ever before. Walsh Brothers will break down any issue with your car in a very organized and detailed manner. They will give you the BEST PRICE IN THE BAY (BY FAR) and will treat you like a human being with a brain... Imagine that! Being a young 20something woman, car dealerships and mechanics have always been so uncomfortable to deal with. But with Walsh Brothers Inc, they will help you with your car, all of your problems/nervousness with it AND they are very involved in the community! I STRONGLY suggest you take ANY vehicle you have there... All of my family and friends hear the same thing :) YAY to Walsh Bros! read more

My S80 can be a pain but the guys at Walsh are the best, in my opinion. Honest, quick, to the point, no hassle, reasonably priced. Can't ask for more. I think they're doing a great job. Call ahead and drop off your car when they open early in the morning. If all goes well, usually the car can be picked up again by evening. Another great thing is that someone there will take you to BART or a bus stop so that you're not stranded. Good service or what? read more

I purchased a volvo for my first car about two years ago, and have always taken it to Walsh Brothers for repair work on the good word from a close friend (who got 330,000 miles out of her '84 wagon). Since my first visit, they have given me many reasons to trust them and continue to bring my business to their excellent shop. Work is done quickly and professionally, and they explain what, where, why, and how much for all fixes. I have had nothing but good experiences with this repair shop so far, and plan on bringing in my volvo until the day it dies (probably not for a long time considering the care it has gotten from Walsh Brothers). They work on many cars besides volvos, just give them a call and they will let you know if they can service your car. read more

It's impossible for me to give five stars here, since car repair and maintenance is so expensive no matter how nice. It's true also I haven't used that many car service places, so my comparisons are limited. Having said that, their service is excellent and friendly. The location near North Berkeley Bart is handy (put my bicycle in the back of the car), and also closeness to Cal Sailing Club. I've taken my 2005 V70 here more than a few times. No beer and no vegan food sadly, but since it's Berkeley, there's plenty nearby. read more

I work around the corner from Walsh, so I am "lucky" in that whenever my car has serious problems, they are close by. Unfortunately, my car has had serious problems (it's a 2003 325i BMW) more than twice a year since getting it. Four nights ago I was getting off work a little early for the holiday, just before 5pm. I get in my car as usual with plans to go grab last minute groceries and in turning the ignition key, the car chugs-chugs-chugs and falls away. Nothing. Emergency alerts pop on that I should check the engine and the battery. I tried again to turn it on and it chugged a little harder, to the point that I could get the car OUT of my parking spot and in line to pull onto the street. And then it died again. It's now getting dark, everyone is leaving the office, heading to their holiday hosts for their Thanksgiving escapes and I'm panicking/regretting that I fell in love with a ten year old BMW. I get on the phone with my Dad and midway through our conversation I realize that Walsh might still be open--they might actually BE open even though it's the day before Thanksgiving. So I abruptly ditch Dad (sorry, Dad) and call up Walsh in a panic. They picked up and I explained what happened--and then dribbled out my panicked last-minute requests: "Is there any way you guys can push the car the two blocks up to Walsh? Or should I call a tow-truck (eliminating one of my four freebie tows on my AAA insurance)? I can get home by walking up to BART, but I don't want to just leave it here off the side of a street." Not only did Jon come out to take a look at it, he also towed my car with just a taught line latched onto the back of one of their Volvos. The gals who run the front end of the shop helped keep my bag safe while I was running around trying to help push my car when I could. At one point there were four of us all together making my car go up the driveway. Group effort! They were sympathetic and kind to me, even though I felt like an idiot. After getting my car inside the shop, they went one step further and loaned me a car--a good, sturdy Volvo. That loaner car has been my solid companion for this holiday. I don't know what is wrong with my car this time. I am not looking forward to finding out what new and spectacular reason is the cause of its sudden decline (sometimes the reasons in the past really have been incredibly ridiculous.) The point of this story is: it was dark, it was late, everyone in their right mind after a long workday before a holiday wanted to just go home and be with their families. But, Walsh Bros came to my rescue and went above and beyond what could be expected. They didn't jibe me for the liability I like to call my car. They immediately assessed what little they could in the dark. And even though the options were limited, the timing was poor, they tried--they have consistently tried to help me when I am in a bind. And I whole-heartedly thank them for it and will gladly tell anyone where to go for car maintenance. Now I'm going to go research on every BMW site what latest issue this might be and cringe. read more

Easily the best auto repair shop I've been to. They helped me quickly with an alternator issue, and had my car running smoothly a day later. The people who helped me there (Louise, Valerie, Carlos) all had a thoughtful, warm, patient, and straightforward manner. I knew I could trust them to handle my car and give me a reasonable rate, and they all delivered. These are good people in Berkeley worth supporting. I will be going back for all my car issues from now on. read more

I had written a glowing review about Walsh Brothers a few months ago. I have to add. On Friday I took my car in to get serviced. I had my four year old with me. I was struggling to get my stroller out of my car and Jon came over to help. Between the two of us we could not get it to open. I scratched the stroller idea and decided to just leave the car. My son was not happy about walking. Jon gave him a really cool little Volvo car. When I picked up my car my invoice listed the servives done to my car. Not only had my car been serviced. But it had its tires rotated and balenced. And, Jon had fixed my stroller.* Not only is Walsh Brothers the best shop around. They care about their customers well being and do wonderful work. Thank you! read more

I was referred to Jon at Walsh Bros., by Steve's Auto in Albany, as they couldn't assist with my repair. Although I've owned Volvo's in the past (5 of 'em to be exact), I now own a vintage Benz. I've gone to other repair shops who wanted to charge me an arm-and-a-leg for parts and service I really didn't need - just because it was a Benz! Jon was open, honest, and up-front with me about what was required, provided a very close cost estimate, and got the work done faster than I anticipated. read more

Great shop. They were very straightforward with diagnosing my car's problem and clearly communicated the steps need to resolve the issue. A friendly team that I'm happy to refer a friend to! read more

If you have an older Volvo (I drive an '84 244 GL) this is the only spot I trust to do the bigger jobs I don't want to do myself. Great service and workmanship every time. I've tried nearly half a dozen other shops in the area over the last few years and this is the only one I've returned to. Don't screw up and go anywhere else, this is the one. The last surviving knowledgeable & honest Volvo shop in the Berkeley area. read more

Time to change mechanics. I have an older, but low mileage Volvo. I am neither a mechanic nor a hobbiest. I would like my expensive mechanic to take some ownership. Things have changed. Mostly at the front desk. If you know what's wrong John can fix it. Excellent mechanics, perhaps when they take their time. Latest experience, (similar to last) - Had some minor work done, left the place with the check engine light on (which wasn't on before) (I expect a mechanic to have a brief look at the vehicle to suggest further work.) I went back the next day and politely mentioned that. The lady at the front standing there with her hands in her pocket didn't say anything till I repeated the problem, then she said so what do you want me to do about it? I said read the codes and tell me if I have to leave it. She said I'd have to leave it, or book an appointment. So I went to a qualified mechanic down the street, who spent less than a minute reading the code, telling me if I planned to keep the car another 6 months, he'd do a sensor repair, turned off the code light and that was that. read more

My Volvo had problems for years that no one else could solve. The power would slowly drain from it until the battery went dead. I called AAA so many times to tow it that they finally threatened to revoke my membership. At first I was going to a dealer to get it fixed. They would tell me that they could find nothing wrong with the car, recharge the battery, and send me home to repeat the cycle (but not without a bill.) Finally I got fed up and looked for a new mechanic. The first time I brought my Volvo to Walsh Brothers, they discovered a short in the ceiling light that was causing the power drain. No one else had been able to figure this out. The mechanics at Walsh Brothers said they could either replace the ceiling light, or if I wanted to save money they could just disable it. I appreciated that they looked for ways to make the repairs cost less. I went back to them a number of times because the car was kind of a lemon, but it seemed like they always gave me fair prices and good service. On one occasion when I came to them with a problem, they checked it out and said that it was caused by something they did last time the car was in -- and didn't charge me to fix it. It was an impressive demonstration of honesty! read more

My family and I have been going to Walsh Brothers for many years! They are very professional, kind, smart and honest!! They are also very accommodating and will come to your rescue when needed. I cannot recommend them enough!! read more

Walsh Brothers is full of honest, talented and kind professionals! I rank auto repairs at the top of my stressful routine errands list. But I always feel lucky to be able to bring my car here, because of the quality of their work and integrity of their staff. read more

Great service! I brought my 2007 Mercedes in for Ac repair. I was quoted anywhere from $250-$1000 at large chains and Walsh did it for less! Very nice owner and quick service! I am so glad I came here! read more

I was passing through Berkeley when my engine warning light came on. Google directed me to Walsh Brothers, where I was given immediate attention. The owner and staff there were extremely friendly and got me back on the road in a half hour. The charge? Eleven dollars and 44 cents! I am seriously tempted to get all my routine service there even though I live 400 miles away! read more

I brought my Volvo into the dealership for a check engine light. They quoted me $3000 just to 'check out' what the problem was. I took it to Walsh Brothers to have a second opinion and they fixed the problem for $130. Also, Rick told me to bring my car back in if the light turned on again and he would look at it again/ reimburse me for the original maintanence. Finally, when I had another light go on they suggested that I go back to the dealership (I was reluctant) because it was still covered under my warranty and they couldn't fix it for free. Last, but not least, they know you by first name and remember you when you call in. Gotta love service like that! read more

This is old info but since I was on this site specifically to find Walsh Brothers again, I thought I should take the time to write a review. In the fall of 2012 I dropped my son off at Berkeley and just as we arrived our Ford Explorer started steaming. Unfortunately for me, it was 5:00pm on a Saturday and there were no shops to call. I spent an extra night in town and called triple A for a tow. The driver gave me a list of mechanics nearby. I called 3 who wouldn't take me since Monday morning is a busy time. Walsh Brothers agreed to take a look. After arriving they took some guesses at what was going on and it looked like it was going to cost quite a bit of money to get out of town. Because it was an over-heating situation the repair took some trial and error - it had to cool down before they could try things then heat it back up to see if that did the trick. Honestly, I don't remember how much it ultimately cost me but I remember that it was much less than the original estimate. They were very kind and honest. I appreciated that they fit me in on a busy day. When I left I told them I hoped I never saw them again - as a joke. Now my son is having car trouble and I'm sending him there. read more