Valley Wagonworks

Reviews

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

  Rob Ward
6 months ago
I cannot recommend this shop enough.After a bad experience at another well known shop in Berkeley, Mike & Matt were able to quickly guide me through the process needed to get my van back on the road. They answered all of my questions, and were patient while I got my finances in order. At no point did I feel like I was being up-sold on unnecessary additions to my 85 gl vanagon.Having a rebuilt engine installed was a huge decision for my partner & I. Matt did a really clean install, and had the van ready in the time frame discussed. Mike (owner)walked me through the work performed (Matt was out that day) and has always taken time to address my concerns.Since the engine was installed they have stood by their work 100%. I m so glad we took our vanagon to these professionals at Valley Wagon Works. Shops like this are few & far between.Services: Transmission, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection

  Kate Knick Rabbe
4 years ago
Mike at Valley Wagonwerks has serviced our 2003 Eurovan for years, and we love what he s helped us do. In addition to regular things like oil changes and replacing tires, he helped us with the timing chain replacement ($ but needed) and put an exterior electric outlet onto our van so when camping we ca plug in (this is the Weekender, not the camper) directly rather than have to bring a shore-line extension cord through a cracked window. Also, I wanted the rear-facing seat to be safer than the simple lap belt, so he ordered and installed a regular 3-part harness belt. The shop itself always has older and cool VWs to admire, kinda like a curio shop.

  Antony Thier
2 years ago
Mike is a really good guy and mechanic. I have taken my Syncro there for years and the work remains solid. Plan ahead and schedule for repairs as the shop is busy.

  Myles Mason
2 years ago
We were in the area on a trip from Canada in when our fan switch failed in our 82 Westy. I stopped by on the way hoping these guys might have a spare.Mike dropped everything and had us fixed up and out the door in no time. He even managed to keep our 2YO daughter asleep in the back while he made the repairs.Thanks Mike!

  Ashley Brown
10 months ago
Mike is very efficient, knowledgeable, professional and kind. My vehicle was fixed quickly getting me back on the road right when I needed to be. I give Mike and his team an A+. I will definitely be back to Valley Wagonworks again.

  Ginger Maxwell
a year ago
I wish Mike at Valley Wagonworks was close enough to me to be my regular mechanic. He really knows the Eurovan and got mine back on the road, running better than it EVER has! He made some very knowledgable recommendations (but without any pressure) and I am glad I took them. He handled the transmission removal and installation, and some other major and minor repairs. He always took time to explain and show photos. I am loving driving my Eurovan again. THANKS!Service: Transmission repair

  Mark Kroloff
2 years ago
My experience with Michael was very positive. He put in extra work to deal with some of the issues like seats and windows and his charges were very fair given the time it took. My feeling is he really cares about these wonderful vehicles and about the customer, and takes a lot of professional pride in his work, which I like to see in any line of work. All in all, a good experience. Update: I have been to Mike many times since this first review. And he has continued to deserve even more positive reviews. Mike is amazing at diagnosing and fixing Eurovan issues. Although owning one of these vehicles is not cheap, Mike s bills are very fair given the nature of the work that is needed I truly believe he offers good value, because he does things right and also efficiently. All in all, he is great.

  Donya Doroz
a year ago
I called to schedule a diagnostic on my eurovan which my current mechanic had replaced 3 speed sensors without luck. Although Mike said he was swamped with work, he took his valuable time from his day to speak to me and my mechanic about my issue. It turns out there is a 4th speed sensor that maybe the culprit. I'm hoping that fixes my problem. It's not common that people are this kind nowadays. Thank you Mike!

  G Gatley
5 years ago
Valley Wagonworks is the very best shop in town for keeping your VW running in peak form. Mechanic Michael just installed a rebuilt engine in my 1982 van and it is running awesome! A joy to drive. Michael also makes sacrifices to keep his customers happy. Last weekend I showed up to find Michael not feeling well. He attended to my vehicle without hesitation and even gave me a complimentary oil change. Thank you Valley Wagonworks!!

  Xanthe Travlos
7 years ago
My van has found its home at Valley Wagonworks and Michael is the van whisperer. As Vanagon owners know, most of the pieces of my car are a ticking time bomb. Michael's 26 years of working in VW buses shows in his deep understanding and ability to troubleshoot any issue I've ever had. Knowledge and excellence of service aside however, it's his thoughtful, pragmatic approach that sets him apart from any other mechanic I've ever worked with. He understands what to replace when and why, and also what might not be worth the money but worth keeping an eye on. He's kept me on the road and ready for adventures but always with sensitivity to my budget so I feel knowledgeable and in control of parts, fixes and decisions. He's the best!

  Cat Norris
4 years ago
The best. I've taken my '88 Westfalia to many shops closer to where I live but once I went to Valley Wagonworks I've never strayed. They put in my new engine and did many upgrades and repairs. Work is excellent, prices are very fair. Couldn't imagine letting anyone else work on my Westy. You will not be disappointed with the quality of work.

  Edwinhome9
2 years ago
Mike is very knowledgeable and friendly.Looks at ways that he can save you money.And is always upfront and truthful about what your vehicle needs.Not too many good quality honest mechanics when it comes to Westies....but this guy I dare say is as good or better than buslab.If you are looking for a good westfalia / vanagon mechanic in the Bay Area. He is for sure top or maybe top 2 or 3.

  C Michael Kamm
4 years ago
Let's face it, old Vanagons can be challenging. Mike at Valley Wagonworks is honest, experienced and fair. Unlike other shops, he doesn't try to sell you fixes that won't work or that you don't need. His prices are very fair. And he stands behind his work. Can't ask for more.

  Matthew N
a year ago
This place is the BEST. Super professional, timely, and thorough work. The guys at the shop were friendly and went through all the work with me when I picked my 89 Vanagon up. They also answered any questions I had with a smile. Would highly recommend this place.Services: Transmission, Carburetor cleaning, Auto body & trim repair, Exhaust, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, Auto exhaust system repair, Painting, General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto A/C recharge, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Body & Trim, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission replacement, Side view mirror repair, Auto detailing, Transmission repair, Brakes, Auto battery maintenance, Auto tire replacement, A/C installation & repair, Auto windshield replacement, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto interior vacuuming, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil changeServices: Transmission, Carburetor cleaning, Auto body & trim repair, Exhaust, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, Auto exhaust system repair, Painting, General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto A/C recharge, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Body & Trim, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission replacement, Side view mirror repair, Auto detailing, Transmission repair, Brakes, Auto battery maintenance, Auto tire replacement, A/C installation & repair, Auto windshield replacement, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto interior vacuuming, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil change

  Jeff Rueppel
9 months ago
The best. If you love your Eurovan this is the place to go. Make an appointment, might have to wait a few days, that's how busy they are, worth it.

  Todd Reibold
7 years ago
Great guy, expert or should I say master in the vw arts! Went to one mechanic elsewhere in the bay... explained a problem I was having, my van was losing power on highway and then power would come back almost immediately.. they cost me $150, no fix. I went to valley wagon works and explained my vans problem. It ended up being the ecu. He plugged one in that worked at the shop and said drive it around and see if this does the trick. Problem solved just like that! My cost $0. After that, always swear by him! Thank you!!!

  Jonathan Wood
10 years ago
I broke down near Paul's shop on my way back to Canada and I'm glad my Westfalia chose that spot to blow a clutch. Paul and Coby fit me in right away and spent a couple of days helping me out with a new alternator and hoses to make sure I had no more problems on my long journey. They let me and my dog hang out and taught me so much about the van, as I am a new Westy owner. They gave me tips on where to camp on my way back up, let me use the shop shower, in short, amazing place and people.I hope my next breakdown is in San Rafael!

  H Elizabeth Burke MA
10 years ago
Paul is a master VW mechanic, who has helped our vanagon outlast all expectations. He knows VW's like no one else in Marin. We trust him 100% and recommend him highly. Coby is also a great mechanic he happily answers our questions and educates us about our van. m They make a great team! Love you guys and a big bow of thanks Elizabeth & Chris

  Garry Lawler
9 years ago
Paul is a Sensei for VW Westies and Vans. No one touches my 2003 Westy except Paul, he will find and fix things you didn't know you needed and you are always stoked at payment time. Classic Deadhead and great vibes!

  Denise Garrison
7 years ago
Awesome experience, hospitality, a wealth of education on my 73 Westy "JoJo" . You found and sealed the tank..and I am most grateful for that:))a vintage museum to dream...and an area that was really beautiful to explore...super nice peeps in your community:))

  Tenant Interested
5 years ago
I recently moved to the bay and brought my van here. I thought it would be a great shop based on other reviews. I was mistaken. I got overcharged and the work still wasn't done correctly!

  Josh Mooney
7 years ago
Michael is a whiz with Eurovans. He is meticulous and skilled. He loves what he does and he does it very well.

  Larry Ahlin
6 years ago
Awesome VW Mechanic, positive attitude, straight forward.

  Hammer Head
9 years ago
Avoid this shop like the plague. The initial welcome is warm but in the end I spent thousands repairing the damage done at this shop. Other shops charge more money but you will get the service you are looking for.

  Miguel Cabra
6 years ago
The best Vanagon shop in the entire Bay Area. The owner is a a great professional and a really honest man.

  Bow Archer
a year ago
Excellent mechanic and very friendly. Honest estimates and very skilled

  NFG Garage
2 years ago
Mike and Matt are both very knowledgable and professional!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Don Williams
3 years ago
Good compitant people. Sometimes slow to communicate but times are strange..very honest and through.

  phillip falkell
5 years ago
Good service. It was better when my dad owned it. Just my opinion.

  Wolfgang Weber
a year ago
Expert work for VW vans!