Website for Art's Automotive: www.artsautomotive.com

Re: Maintenance shop for Acura MDX
If you are in Berkeley, or can get the car here, you might try Art's Automotive on San Pablo Ave, one block north of Ashby Avenue. They are a green-certified business, and I have found them to be honest, and not make pricey recommendations, even though I said I was willing to pay (for new parts vs. a lightly used part they had, which would have made no difference in my case.) I have two other friends who were quite satisfied with their service and prices as well (both of them single women). Good luck! Happy Honda Gal

Re: Where to take Outback for service?
Art's Automotive: www.artsautomotive.com Kendra

Re: Non Toyota Dealership Mechanic
You will likely hear this from others - take your Toyota to Art's Automotive - on San Pablo near Ashby. They are honest, reliable and always pleasant to deal with. Happy Art's Customer

Re: Routine maintenance for a Honda
I have two recommendations for Honda servicing, both in West Berkeley. Art's Automotive and Oceanworks both service Japanese cars, both are reliable and environmentally consciencious. I have found both to explain exactly what they feel is needed, will show you the old parts and go through the problem if you like, and are fine to deal with. Oceanworks is probably a little smaller and you will deal with the same people in the office each time, but they usually have a longer wait for an appointment. Bryan in Oakland

Re: Subaru repair in Oakland?
I have a Suburu Outback and Mazda truck, found Art's Automotive on this list, and have never ever been happier with an auto repair shop. They are friendly, as well as exceptionally competent and well-organized and responsible.

Here's a fun story, an example of something that I can't imagine any mechanic or shop I've ever gone to doing. I had a totally oddball problem with my rear windshield washer last year- they'd never seen or heard of it before, but thought they'd most likely find the answer either in the fluid tank and/or pump or inside the back door panel, and gave me an estimate of up to $150.

But no explanation either place- they went online to several sites where mechanics post and share solutions to unusual problems, but nada. So they called me and asked permission to remove the interior panels and follow the tubing to look further for the explanation at no charge to me, just because they'd become so curious about it. Of course I said ''sure'', but they found nothing! I was ready to call it into ''Car Talk'' when a mechanic there remembered he'd once heard of a similar issue with a Mazda sports model that Mazda solved with a little in-line valve.

They said, ''we can try out a work-around by retrofitting your car with this valve, and if it works we'll charge you the $150., if it doesn't we won't charge you anything for any of this''. Well, it worked!

They are in Berkeley, on San Pablo right near Ashby, 540-7093. Cece

Re: Subaru repair in Oakland?
Art's Automotive is on San Pablo, just 2 blocks north of Ashby. If you work in SF you can take the AC Transit bus into the City form Ashby and San Pablo. They are very honest and reasonable, IMHO. Just don't try for an appointment on the day I need one, okay? Anon

Re: Subaru repair in Oakland?
I like Art's Automotive in Berkeley on San Pablo Ave. Not too far from Oakland and might be well worth the trip. good luck! rosie

Re: Subaru Repairs in Berkeley/El Cerrito
Art's Automotive on San Pable near Ashby! I found them on this list, take my Subaru Outback and Mazda truck to them, and think it's the best auto shop I've ever dealt with hands down. Cece

 
Art's Automotive
(510) 540-7093    
2871 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, CA 

re: Mechanic for Jeep
We have two mechanics that we think the world of -- they are both honest and very reliable. I don't know if they service Jeeps, but it's worth a try. 1) Art's Automotive, 2871 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley (near Ashby), 540-7093.

I would suggest checking out Art's Automotive in Berkeley, on San Pablo Ave. near Ashby. They are great there: Let me give you an example from my last experience. I went to the dealer because I was *supposed* to get a tune-up (btw my Honda is an 87). The dealer called me and said that I need about $900 worth of engine work (on top of the tune-up)!! And then told me about a used Honda that one of the mechanics has for sale....hmmmm. I told him not to do anything, that I had to think about it. I went the next morning and picked up the car, and drove straight to Art's. The mechanic looked at the car, and then Art himself and I took a drive, where he explained the engine noises and what they meant. And that I didn't need $900 worth of engine work, let alone a tune-up!! Now to make a long story short, we went over a checklist of things that could be, neeed to be done, when and how far in the future, etc and I left paying way less, and for only the work necessary. I have had previous experience like that there, and so have many others judging by all the love letters on the wall in the office. Good Luck!

I highly recommend Art's Automotive (on San Pablo at Ashby). They specialize in Japanese cars. I first took my car there for a repair my previous mechanic had told me was absolutely necessary (told me twice, even). Art's looked over the car thoroughly and told me no repair was needed; three years later, the part in question is still working fine. All my subsequent experiences with them have been good, too: they're honest, friendly, take the time to explain things, and their rates are competitive (cheaper than my old mechanic). And as the letters on their office wall attest, I'm not their only really happy customer. Oh, and Art's specializes in Japanese cars, too.

Can't say enough (good) about Art's Automotive in Berkeley on San Pablo. They explain everything and often tell me "you could do this, but it could wait." I have gone in saying things like, "I think I need new [something expensive]" and they tell me I don't when it is obvious that they could rip me off for tons of money. They are perfectionists and do great work. They have handouts that explain common problems/repairs. I had been to tons of mechanics in the 7 years I have lived here and now I go nowhere else.

For the Honda mechanic: I would highly recommend Art's Automotive 2871 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley 510/540-7093. They also service Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Acura. Having used many auto repair shops over the years, I feel they are the most fair, honest and particularly helpful (working with you and your schedule) I have ever used. I'm a loyal customer.

for mechanics that work on Honda's and Toyota's- you can't beat Art's Automotive in Berkeley- Customer service, price, and quality is top-of-the-line.

Art's Automotive in Berkeley always does a good job on my Acura. The advantage, however, of going to an actual dealership service department is that they much more often have the parts that your car needs.

I have been very pleased with Art's Automotive on San Pablo Ave. near Ashby (540-7093). They do good work, have always been able to take my car on a moment's notice, and they are honest. One time a friend of mine drove my car and told me he thought the clutch was going. I took it to Art's and they told me it was fine. They could've gotten away with a $600 clutch job, but they were honest about it! Art's only does Japanese cars. Even though I live in Moraga now, I still take my cars to Art's.