parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/services/mechanic.html
I just checked the UCB recommendations for auto mechanics. But what I want is just a recommendation for a simple oil change. Preferably a place that I could just drop in and get my car's oil changed--no appointment necessary. Nori Oil Change- It's not a lot of work to change the oil and filter on most cars. All one needs is the appropriate wrench, oil of the right weight, a new filter,a drip pan, a plastic gallon jug and a funnel (for disposing of the used oil in the drip pan), and newspaper. For some newer cars, accessing the filter is tough without blocks for the front wheels, but those are around the cost of one oil change. Keeping Car Windshield Oil-free I have a problem with oil (probably that kicks up from the roadway) on my windshield. When it rains, with oil and water mix and make a terrible mess. I have tried a number of cleaning products, but haven't come up with a sure-fire one that will completely remove the accumulation of oil. I always clean the wipers at the same time since there is obviously oil on them, too. I've thought of replacing the wipers, but until I find a way to really clean the window, I'd prefer not to do that. It is so effective in "sheeting" the rain off the windshield that I sometimes do not use my wipers, even in heavy downpours. Looks kind of dangerous, I know, but the wipers actually impair my view under these conditions. Bruce -the owner- runs the cleanest garage I've ever seen. All the people are nice, and they give us a ride to and from the house whenever we take the car in (a big plus for me). He also keeps a running list of stuff we need to get done on the car. Roberta I highly recommend Ackerman's Volvo in Berkeley. Bruce Ackerman has been our Volvo mechanic since the mid 80's. We've seen him grow from a one man operation to the business he has today. The only that has changed is that he is even more service oriented than he was in the past. He always gives a triage of what needs to be fixed right away and what can wait. In January, my car broke down at 630pm in a not so good area. He was and gave me the code to his gate so the tow truck driver could drop off the car. This was helpful since I was pregnant and had my toddler with me. Lastly, he has driven me home and picked me up when my husband couldn't help out with the transportation logistics. Good Luck Gloria From: Katherine I have to recommend my volvo mechanic--Bruce Ackerman, Ackerman's Volvo, 2220 San Pablo Avenue, 549-9330. There are a wealth of good volvo mechanics in the area, but I like him alot. He is such a professional, you can completely trust him with your car. He is not cheap but his prices are competitive with others that specialize in volvos. He runs a responsible business (environmentally), and contributes to the Berkeley Education Fund which supports Berkeley public schools. I have an old 1978 volvo wagon that I have been slowly "restoring" (his word--I used to say "fix") at his garage. It's been a choice between spending money on a newer model or spending money on repairs as they come along. I've been enjoying this car and it's running great for an old car. If I buy an 89 to 93 Volvo wagon (740 or 940), will it last for another five years? Do these cars (740 & 940 wagons) require a lot of servicing and repair? Does anyone have experience with buying a car through Autometrics (on San Pablo next to REI) or having a car serviced there? I looked at the UC Parents Web site, but didn't find Autometrics listed. I would appreciate any advice/recommendations about buying a used Volvo wagon and the general reliability of these cars. Heather (See replies above under the various shops) Albany Hill Automotive Aug. He has taught Auto Mechanics courses at community colleges, really knows his stuff, and is reliable and trustworthy. Michael Re: mechanic for Chrysler/Plymouth mini-van (Sept 2001) Try Evan Meyer at Albany Hill Auto, 558-2100, 660 San Pablo Avenue, Albany. Evan has been our Plymouth Voyager's mechanic for six years now. He communicates very clearly, tries to save us money, and he does good work. Louise Albany Hill Auto on San Pablo Avenue and Castro, 2 blocks north of Solano Avenue works on American cars. Albany Hill Auto is owned by Dana Meyer, who's shop Dana Meyer Foreign Car Service is across the street at 700 San Pablo. Dana has had the Dana Meyer shop for about 25 years and has an excellent reputation. June I highly recommend Albany Hill Auto for your needs. Dana Meyer runs Dana Meyer's auto just a few doors down. Albany Hill Auto works primarily with American cars,and they are great! Best, Beth Re: Toyota Car Repair Albany Hill where Made In Japan on San Pablo in Albany used to be is a great place. Willie, who used to be with Made in Japan is now with Albany Hill. Marie Allied Automotive From: Ed Regarding auto repairs. I had my alternator and battery replaced, but when i went to pick it up, it wasn't ready. After waiting an hour, for them to find the correct battery, I simply asked them to put the old battery back in so i could go when the owner began to verbally abuse me (language not fit to be repeated anywhere) and threaten me. I was so shocked by this that I asked my neighbor who had driven me down to witness this behavior and he too was aghast. I might add that I am experienced with doing my own repairs, but simply don't have time to do it anymore. Given that this was the owner and that he treated me in such a manner, I can only imagine what this shop might do to a less informed customer. The reason I went to this shop in the first place was because of the muffler shop next door, same name, Allied Muffler, where i received excellent service. I have since been taking my cars to McKevitt Volvo, where I have been very satisfied, although their prices are a bit higher than some non--dealers, and Bauers Volkswagen. From: Susan This is in response to the person who had a terrible experience at Allied Automotive on Gilman--the same thing happened to us! We took our car in for its 60,000 mile check up and they ended up doing $800 worth of damage to the car--when we complained we were treated so nastily that we realized the only way we would ever get satisfaction would probably be to take them to small claims court. So we gave up and took our car to Kraft Automotive off Grand in Piedmont. They are wonderful, professional, and I can't recommend them highly enough. Art's Automotive RE: Nissan Art's Automotive on San Pablo near Ashby. They will explain everything and outline the options available. I've recommended them several times on this board, and there are some recs for them also on the Berkeley Parents Web site. You won't find more fair, competent, knowledgeable, or efficient mechanics anywhere. Everyone down to the office staff treats you like a human being, their prices are very fair, they never do any work that you don't need, and they will explain everything in excruciating detail. They only work on Japanese cars and know them better than anyone. Laura Aug 2002 RE: Acura You can't go wrong with Art's Automotive on San Pablo near Ashby. The shop only services certain types of cars (Acura is one). Art and his employees are knowledgeable, patient, responsive and trustworthy. Back in my impoverished days, I had a car that needed a LOT of work that I couldn't afford all at once. Art's helped me figure out which repairs needed to made immediately and which could wait. I also had a friend I referred who insisted, based on her knowledge of cars, that she needed a certain expensive repair. She went to Art's asking for the repair, and they told her that she actually needed a much less expensive repair. Bay Area Checkbook consumer magazine always gives Art's a top rating. They are not the least expensive, but you will save money by taking your car there. If only I could get customer service this good at every business I patronize! I never thought I could say I love a mechanic, but I love them. They explain everything they do in distinctly not patronizing way. They work on my Toyota, but they do other Japanese makes as well. Rebecca Art's Automotive works on some Subaru station wagons, it depends on the year the car was made....
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