Silicon Valley Auto Repair

I got a new PT Cruiser in January that comes with free tune-ups from the dealer for 5 years. Of course, this means I haven't been going to QTU. My mother still does, however, and last time she was in there, they asked her about me! They'd wondered where I'd been. I thought it was very nice that they remembered me enough to ask my mom about it. When I got my new car, I was thrilled with the 5 years of free service, but actually a little sad that I wouldn't be going to QTU anymore. This is one more example of why. I went to this Quality Tune-Up when they first opened, simply because I found a coupon for an oil change in the paper and they weren't too far from home. This was in 2002. Since then, they have continued to earn my business. To wit: - When my car came in with an engine problem, they diagnosed it but couldn't fix it. Since they couldn't fix it, they didn't charge me for their 30-minute diagnosis. - I drive a PT Cruiser, which has a very unusual engine placement. (It's essentially put in sideways.) This makes repairs more difficult and it often goes over their estimated time. Nevertheless, I don't believe they have ever charged me more for a longer repair time. On one occasion, they actually cut their labor cost when a part cost more than expected, even though the repair took them an hour longer than they thought. - My transmission just needed replacing. They had it fixed in half the time I'd expected, offered free labor if the new tranny goes out before the warranty expires (the warranty usually only covers the part), and covered the cost of a rental car for three days. I once heard it said that a good repair shop is the one the dealers take their cars to. Well, I saw a Porsche with dealer plates in their garage. All this, plus their always prompt and courteous service for oil changes and other basic tune-ups, are why I always recommend them to my friends and family, and why they get cookies from me at Christmas.

As I drove my car into the parking lot, I was asked if I needed help the moment I turned my engine off, literally. I've had great experiences with the San Leandro location, so I expected the same here. Sure enough, I was right! George is the guy that helped me and he quickly drove my car onto the hydraulic lift after telling him I needed an oil and filter change. Taking a look at my engine, he suggested I flush out my engine oil as the oil looked pretty sludgy. He pointed out the condition of the oil as he asked me to look under the hood with him. I was in and out much faster than I expected. Granted, I was here on a weekday at 11:00 AM. George told me they get pretty busy on weekends, so be sure to come early if you can't sneak away from work during the week. HONEST, fast and friendly service with a smile. Be sure to ask for George, he's a really nice guy!

First come, first serve on oil changes. Service was fast. The guy told me its $20 for tire rotation even though their menu inside shows $15 for it. I was having second thoughts about this place.. But after looking at my tires he said I don't need tire rotation. How many car shops will tell you you don't need something? Props for that.

I've brought in my car several time for minor issues since I really did NOT want to to it myself (oil change, minor tune-ups, brakes) and the techs here really took care of the problems my car had. Too many places will try to take advantage of car owners but I don't get that feeling here. The last time I was here, the Service Tech suggested I change the fluid for the power steering. I am not sure it was really necessary but I DO know P/S fluid is not supposed to be that weird color the Tech showed me. Another time they took care of the brakes. I really, REALLY did not want to do it myself and spent about $300 to replace rotors, drums, pads, shoes. Was it worth it? My car stops without screeching like a 14yr old hitting puberty so yes. And yes, I have also changed the Fuel Filter myself a long time ago on another car. Which is why I let professionals change it now since making two trips to the parts store (wrong filter the first time :p ), one to Target to get some kitty litter to pick up the small gas spill on the driveway and wasting 2 hours going back and fourth to the stores was really annoying. Open on Sundays! Thank you!

My car started making crazy noises on a Friday evening and was so freaked out that there was something wrong with the engine. I wasn't able to bring it in on Saturday, so I had to try and find a place that was open on Sunday....which was close to impossible. Quality Tune-Up gets 5 stars, just for being open on Sunday when almost no one else is. Mark, who I think is the manager, reassured me right when I brought it in that it wasn't the engine and would be able to take care of it. Since I have a Saab, it's always a little funky getting it fixed and finding the parts for my crazy Swedish car so I rented a car thinking I'd need it a few days. Mark was able to have my car ready by the next afternoon, even with it needing quite a few random repairs. I was really happy with this place. They were efficient, seemed very honest, and best of all, were respectful and gave great service to both me and my mom throughout the whole ordeal. I also really appreciated that they didn't try to charge us for lots of things I probably didn't need just because we were women. Mark also offered for me to come in any time and he'd check all my fluids and top them off, free of charge. I felt very taken care of and was put at ease from the beginning. I'm definitely going to go back when I need an oil change or anything else and will feel comfortable knowing that I'll be treated with respect and like a valued customer.

Being female, I was not surprised when I was treated like I don't know what I am talking about when I went to other car repair places (I don't remember their names, unfortunately). I have repaired my own car on numerous occassions, and have a "knack" for knowing what the problems are when something goes wrong with my cars, so I really do know about cars (I just don't have all the necessary equipment, or the time) After debating with several mechanics about what my car needed, I was told to check out Quality Tune up. I went there, and was pleased that nobody argued with me or treated me like an ignoramous. In fact, they did exactly what needed to be done (what I wanted) and in a timely manner, for a reasonable price. I have been there every time I needed anything done on my cars, and have never been dissappointed! They are WONDERFUL!!!

They're honest and competent. Need I say more?

I only trust Raf and Sergio to touch my car from now on. I got a 100K tuneup recently and my Toyota Highlander has not been more happier! It hasnt run this great since I bought the car 6 years ago. I love my car and I need to take it to a trusty, good mechanic. I feel really lucky to have found this place thats so close to work . Very friendly, informative and nice bunch of guys.

I like coming here for times when I get lazy to do certain jobs like fuel filter changes (gasoline showers are NOT fun!) or for smog checks. The manager/owner Mark is a very friendly guy who will chat with you and not just tell you how much you owe. If you aren't comfortable doing your own routine maintenance on your car like oil changes, tire rotations, belts, and such this would be a great option for you. Naturally, they do try to sell you on small "add-ons" like power steering flush and fuel system cleaners, but I just politely decline.