Berkeley Auto Repair and Smog

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Erica Jackson
a month ago
Sol was very helpful! I called the day before for an urgent repair on my car s heater hose and was able to bring my car in the very next day. My car was ready for pickup by the time my shift ended. Straight to the point and didn t try to push other things on me like other shops do (especially as a lady.) Definitely will be coming back here should Sadie have any other issues!

  Joel H
3 weeks ago
Efficient and courteous, just like the last time I needed to get a smog check. Nothing fancy needed, but they did have an original playstation in the waiting room...that kinda blew my mind. Awesome for an older dude like myself.Thank you BARS!

  Joshua Goldberg
2 months ago
A few days ago my car was dangerously overheating and it was late in the afternoon and since I need it every day, I panicked and found this shop in W. Berk. because they re open late. So I called without an appointment and the owner, Sol, told me to bring it by and they would look at it that evening. I was hoping they might be able to perform a quick repair that evening, so I hung out at Acme bar for hours, waiting on the verdict and Sol ended up calling me at 8:30pm to let me know that it wouldn t be ready, b/c they needed to get parts the next day to perform the repairs, which was understandable. Over the next day+ Sol continued to communicate well with me over text and phone calls so I knew what was happening and when I came to pick it up the following day the mechanic on duty explained to me that it was the water pump, and without prompting he went and got the pump that had been pulled out and showed me where and why it had failed, which, in my opinion is the hallmark of a trustworthy mechanic. Most importantly, they caught it in time and prevented it from badly overheating the engine and blowing the head gasket so it was a well spent $800. Don t expect a nice waiting room, or even a clean chair to sit down on this is the quintessential hole in the wall mechanic shop that you can t even get into cause it s piled full of broken down cars, but I will be back again if I have any more late-night/emergency repairs.Thanks Sol!

  Berkeley Gardener
2 months ago
Had a good experience the first time I went. Then once he had my trust he lies about the cost of parts and when he will be able to get my car back to me. Car was in the shop for weeks with no work done. Recently also did some work on my car and found he lied about another "fix" told me he was getting a part he never actually put in the car. Workers seem unhappy and are forced to work long into the night or risk being fired. Take your car anywhere else.

  Annette Bennett
a month ago
Replaced my brakes and rotors here, had it done within the day. Cheaper than the other places I checked with. Sol is super helpful and funny. Wouldn t be bummed if something else on my car broke so I could come back.

  Fiona Stewart
3 months ago
My car was having trouble starting up and Sol s place was one of the only shops open. He was able to look at my car immediately and ran a diagnostics test. A pleasant experience overall and he seemed very knowledgeable.

  c2L5OoO
4 months ago
I was really lucky to find this place after Jiffy Lube did what Jiffy Lube does. It was almost closing time but Sol greeted me cheerfully. He paused what he was doing to come look at the oil filter I hadn t been able to remove in 3 days worth of attempts. He went and got a monster of a tool and removed the filter in 4 seconds. We cracked some jokes and I asked how much I owed and he told me nothing. I had never been there before. I tipped him the $20 I would ve tipped the other guys. I left feeling good about my new auto repair shop

  Daniel Kroll
9 months ago
Excellent and prompt service, and very reasonable pricing! I can't say enough great things about the service I got from Sol. He diagnosed my "check engine" light immediately and was extremely knowledgeable about the repairs that were needed (replacing the spark plugs and coil). He did the repairs quickly and expertly and explained everything in a friendly and good humored way. Look no further. Better Call Sol!

  Ashvin Nair
9 months ago
Sol is really great, super friendly and honest. I've been going to this shop for 3-4 years now and I'm happy each time. Most recently my engine was having issues and I was expecting a big expensive repair but he found a loose connection to fix and repaired it for very cheap.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Rachelle928
8 months ago
We got the chance to meet a great team, Sol, Scotty, Jr and their friend Dwight due to a failing alternator. Our car broke down for the second time literally in front of their shop and like Doctors they brought our car to life again and got to work. One joked and said they were the best in the Bay Area, but I would choose these guys over any place in the state of California. Citizens in the Bay Area, y'all are very lucky to have these guys, I hope they thrive in the way they all desire for the shop and their lives. Thank you for helping to get us home safely guys : )

  Raya D
a year ago
This place fixed our flat tire when all the shops were closed on the New Year's Day. Thank you so much! Highly recommended!

  TAMARA SUTTON
5 months ago
They are wonderful there.Very polite,,and the service is fast there. Ive been going there for years and the prices HAVENT increased at all!!

  Sam
a year ago
Called to arrange for a smog check (2015 car) and Sol fit me in easily & had the whole thing wrapped up within 15 minutes.Sol especially was courteous and friendly, as was the rest of the staff, and I appreciate that this is one of the few smog check spots in Berkeley that is actually open past 5pm!Will definitely return whenever I'm due for a smog check again. And I imagine it's a great place for repairs as well!Services: Smog certification, Emissions testing

  Christopher Soria
a year ago
Sol is the only mechanic I would trust with my car. He s an honest man who had the opportunity to charge me much more for something that ended up only requiring a tightening of a few bolts. If you worry about mechanics not giving you the proper quotes and assessment, go here! Sol will not lead you astray.

  M V
a year ago
I highly recommend this business for repairs and smog. Sol was friendly, efficient, & knowledgeable. He diagnosed my truck issues and repaired. I knew I had a spark plug issue but I waited too long to replace but Sol took good care of me. Don't hesitate to use this business if you need repairs. Thanks Sol!Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenanceServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance

  Jocee J
3 weeks ago
Very fast service...busy place... folks are friendly and knowledgeable!

  Reanna Gray
2 years ago
Finally I have found an amazing and trustworthy mechanic!! If you want your car not only fixed but have superb customer service, Sal is your guy! He went above and beyond for me and I will forever take my car and give this person my business! Do your self a favor and avoid the sketchy, cold, and non personal interactions you usually have at the mechanic and just call Sal!Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Kade Birkhahn
2 years ago
Sol was amazing. He is an awesome mechanic who took the time to explain to me his process and gave my 2012 Jetta superlative service. He is certainly an underrated mechanic and I highly recommend reaching out to Sol for any of your car repair needs.

  Cassandra Brown
2 years ago
Sol has been a good mechanic and person to me. I learn things from him every time I have to come in, and he even stayed after hours for me when it too SEVEN hours and FOUR companies to get my truck, which had an attempted theft, the 3 miles from my house to his shop. Thanks, Sol. You're an golden nugget, my dude.

  Shun O
2 years ago
Sol runs a small shop between himself and another worker. He's an honest man providing great value and is willing to go the extra mile to explain and provide the best option for you. Was able to diagnose my check engine light and install a new CAT to pass my smog test.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Smog certification, Emissions testingServices: General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Smog certification, Emissions testing

  Lukas Alexander Piroth
2 years ago
Sol is reliable and texts back everytime within seconds or minutes. He works very fast, we got our car back within one day. He does not charge for diagnosing the problem, only for repair if you then decide to. He replaced the water pump in our 2006 BMW 330Ci because we lost coolant. Afterwards, we were not sure why the coolant was still decreasing so he checked again for free. We wanted to give him money but he wouldn't take it.I can recommend this place!Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Francine Stovall
2 years ago
Well, I'm very happy to recommend Berkeley Auto Repair... I found the prices to be fair and the work was great. Sol took his time in explaining the details and what he would do and he did it! I couldn't be happier, thank you, Sol

  Daniel Breach
2 years ago
My car started overheating and smoking on a Saturday. I brought it in on Sunday (only shop in the area that was open on a Sunday) with just 20 minutes notice. He walked me through what the possible problems were, what he was going to try first, and how much it would cost, explaining everything clearly. Fixed it the same day for a great price; I couldn't have been happier.

  Antoine Harris
a year ago
The owner is very polite and courteous. Prices are very reasonable. The work is of great quality. Never had an issue with any vehicle I brought to his establishment after repair s.Services: Transmission, BrakesServices: Transmission, Brakes

  Mac Borozan
3 years ago
Amazing shop! I will not trust anyone else with my 2002 land cruiser. Sol is relaiable and trustworthy, honest costs, not like any other lot. Highly recommend!

  Fauz Kassamali
4 years ago
My family and I are regular customers at the shop. We have had our four vehicles maintained here for years. The work done has ranged from periodic smog tests and oil changes, to major repair work. With every visit, we have been fully satisfied with the end results. Moreover, their prices are very fair.

  Roderick Munson
2 years ago
I highly recommend this shop . Customer service the old school way,and the work was excellent,and prices that beat "ALL" others. If you go ask for Saul. He'll take great care of you.

  Avram J Ellman
6 months ago
Excellent service, super fast and straightforward and honest. Will definitely be going back.

  SC Jones
2 years ago
Sol is a great mechanic, and perhaps more importantly, an honest man.

  Keven Wilson
3 years ago
Great guy!I thought that I needed a new alternator, turned out I only had a loose wire. Didn t charge me anything, saved me $700. I will definitely come back if anything else goes wrong on my cars.