Henry's Service Gilman
Non-dealer Mechanic for Volvo
Jan 2010
Help! I need a fair, honest, reputable, reliable mechanic to work on a 2005
Volvo. I've been using the dealer but they are crazy expensive. I'm looking for a
shop that can take care of regular maintenance issues as well as surprise
repairs. All recommendations appreciated. Thank you.
Janne
The Model Garage on Shattuck in Berkeley.
maria
I can't recommend
Bay Auto Center enough. They are located
right next to Laney College, at 610 Oak Street. Check out
their reviews on Yelp, I promise people are not making them
up. My husband and I bought a Volvo from Craigslist that
turned into a money pit, including needing a new engine. BAC
was thorough with their assessment and installed a new
engine within a week. It has been running great ever since.
I love that they do a detailed printed estimate and always
call with the results of their inspection. The guys are
honest and their prices are MUCH cheaper than any
dealership. AND the last time we picked up the car (new
oxygen sensor) they had washed and vacuumed it.
http://www.bayautocenter.com/
happy customer
I've been going to bob sanchez at Arlington auto shop
for 10+ years. He
just moved his shop to Albany on San Pablo ave. He is good at what he
does, reasonably priced and most importantly honest.
Love my mechanic
RC Imports
6501 Fairmount
El Cerrito 510 526 8084
Honest, dependable, capable shop. Highly recommended!
anon
I recommend Walsh Brothers on Harrison (near Gilman) in
Berkeley. They've been working on Volvos for decades and
they are extremely honest and reasonable.
Kimberly
hi,
we have a 1988 volvo and have been extremely happy with
Model Garage on
Telegraph. they are a great staff, they do really good work, have been around
many, many years. i know other volvo owners who use them and have been very
pleased.
hope you'll give them a try!
sally
Volvo mechanic/shop needed
Dec 2009
We are looking for a good mechanic shop in Lamorinda for our 2004 Volvo. The
car is starting to have some issues beside the regular maintenance. We have
been taking it to the dealer in Berkeley but they are expensive and not doing a
very good job of getting the problems fixed. If you have a Volvo and good
experience with a non-dealer mechanic, we would appreciate your recommendation
and referral. Please reply to my email address. Thank you.
lt
Try Montclair Volvo.
Montclair Auto Tech, 5427 Telegraph Ave, Oakland,
REasonably priced and they have done great with my 1990
240dl.
volvo lover
We've been very satisfied with Ackerman's Volvo on San
Pablo in Berkeley. They are honest, fast, and reasonably
priced.
Owner of a '97 Volvo.
Try the Model Garage in Berkeley. They are well known for
being outstanding Volvo mechanics.
Jamie
Volvo mechanic for ELECTRICAL system
March 2009
I need a Volvo mechanic who is great at trouble-shooting and fixing
electrical problems on my 1990 Volvo 760 sedan. Ever since we had to
remove the interior panels to fix a leak due to a replaced windshield it
hasn't been right! Interior dash lights don't work, car seat adjusts
itself on a whim, sometimes windows and signals don't work. Anyone have a
great Volvo electrical person?
Desperate
I know a great mechanic for electrical issues and he specializes on
Volvos and German make cars. His name is Eric and he runs
Precision
Motors at 3068 Broadway in Oakland. He is very straightforward and will
tell you what you NEED to take care of and what you can wait on. He has
always taken the time to explain what is going on with my car and I have
never felt taken advantage of there. Their number is 510-444-5353.
Clara
I highly recommend Walsh Bros. Volvo Repair, near Gilman and San
Pablo in N. Berkeley (510) 525-3302. Jon, the owner, is very
honest, gives explanations with whatever level of detail you need,
and does a great job. They specialize in Volvos, but also repair
other types of cars... they got certified to repair Toyota Prius a
few years back and we take our Prius to Jon as well. These are
great guys!
Julie
June 2008
My husband has a volvo and is in need of a new mechanic. Its
been under warranty so he's been going to the dealer but that
ends soon. We are in San Leandro so Berkeley is not really an
option. Know of anyone trusty/affordable in San Leandro/Castro
Valley area? Thanks!
anon
I highly recommend Roger's Autoworks
on Broadway in Oakland. He specializes in
Volvo's, only recommends the necessary repairs and service. He's been in business a
long time, may not have the most dynamic personality, but he'll take good care of
your Volvo and do it at a fair price. (Good reveiws on Yelp, too) Also, you are
supporting an independent, small business, an added plus.
3022 Broadway
(between 30th St & Brook St)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 465-1705
kath
April 2008
My old Volvo station wagon needs repair. I usually take it to
McKevitt Volvo and they do a good job--but I would love to find
other, more offordable, options.
Thanks,
tb
No question, go to Ackerman's Volvo
repair on San Pablo in
Berkeley. They are great - a small shop that works exclusively
on Volvos. I used to go to McKevitt, too, but Ackerman's is
much less expensive, and I think they are more meticulous.
Plus, it's a certified Green Business and they will donate 5%
of your bill to a school or nonprofit organization.
www.ackermanservicingvolvo.com - 510-549-9330.
Kim
We went to McKevitt for service until our warranty expired on
our 1998 S-70 . . . and then we switched (based on
recommendations) to a well-recommended garage on San Pablo in
El Cerrito. But we had problems there, the main one being that
the ''Service Engine'' light went on, M hooked it up to his
diagnostic computer, learned that the gas cap wasn't screwed on
tight enough (the main cause, we learned, of engine lights) . .
. and then charged us $130 for the ''diagnosis'' plus
tightening the cap. We asked around, and learned that other
mechanics don't do this: they either check the gas cap first
thing (and no charge), or charge a modest sum for computer use.
OK, I'll stop being grumpy. Five years ago, we switched very
happily to Walsh Brothers
in Berkeley, based on recommendations
here, and other write-ups. They are friendly, competent, have
so far been affordable . . . and, I think importantly, they
only work on Volvos, which they know and love.
Good luck.
John
I highly recommend Model Garage
on Shattuck - very close to
Berkeley Bowl. We have taken our 1991 Volvo there for years.
They are fair, knowledgeable, and have great customer service.
They never try to sell you something you don't need. And they
will prioritize work and send you reminders if you can't/don't
want to get everything done in one visit. In fact, when we
found out we were having twins and had to find a car to hold
three car seats, we tried really hard to find a Volvo or Toyota
that would work for us so that we wouldn't have to change
mechanics.
Model Garage Fan
I would highly recommend Henry Chin's Auto Repair
on Dwight,
near Shattuck. They have worked with our three different cars
and treated each one of them well, even our old Fiat! The guys
there are honest and excellent mechanics. Ask for Dan Chin.
Good luck!
843-2700
Cindy
April 2007
Can anyone recommend a service shop for Volvos in Berkeley or
nearby? Please let me know your experience with the shop.
Thanks.
- S70-Owner
Recommended:
Walsh Bros
Nov 2006
We're considering buying a 1-3 year old SUV. Anyone out there
have experience with the Volvo XC90 or Acura MDX? We've kind of
narrowed it down to those two. I'm concerned about the Consumer
Reports negative reviews on the XC90. Is it really that
unreliable? I can't believe that after seeing my parents drive
their volvo station wagon for years and years with few problems.
We like the volve because of the safey feature (and I like rubber
bumpers as opposed to the painted ones-ugh). I currently drive an
old acura and like it, so that's why the MDX is on our list too.
I'm already aware of the poor gas mileage of each (so please
don't go there). Any advice/opinions about these cars would be
appreciated. Thanks!
Never thought I'd get an SUV
Hi,
I looked at both the Volvo and the MDX. We bought the MDX, because you can't beat
Honda for quality. My husband owned two other Acuras and was very satisfied. With
regular maintenance (which was always reasonable), they ran perfectly. I heard from
several friends and my brother that Volvos tend to have little things go wrong. I just
didn't want the hassle. We absolutely love the MDX. My only very small complaint is
that sometimes it sounds like an old sofa when I go over bumps. The dealer has not
been able to determine what it is. It's not a big deal, just a little irritating for a
new car. It started happening within a few months of our buying the car. We've had it
for almost a year and are otherwise thrilled. anon
i have an xc90 v8 and love it - with a couple of wishes. i miss the change drawer and
sunglass holder in my old car. that being said, my car rocks. i take mine in the
mountains in the snow and have taken it offroading - and it handles beautifully. i feel
safe. the 2005 v8 had the anti-roll computer thing that bmw and mercedes has, so on
that front it is safer than the mdx and the other xc90. but i don't know what the new
models have. its fun to drive. i think the 3rd row compromises the leg room of the
second row, but all of the space is smartly designed for maximum use - once i figured
it out. car seats are not easy in the third row, and i think i did it without the bench
seats. it has a built in toddler seat that can kind of move forward which can be cool.
and the middle console can be removed to provide more legroom for a middle passenger in
the second row. one bummer is i need to pay for running boards after paying HOW
MUCH?!?!?! so my daughter could climb in and out. and i was bummed to have to pay volvo
for their cross bars so i could attach my ski rack. i hear the back-up camera is nice
on the MDX, the sensors are fine on the volvo. i would probably buy it again. julia
Hi. I have a 2005 XC90 and considered an MDX as well. I think
the MDX is a slightly better value (i.e. what you pay and what
you get for that), but the XC90's 7-passenger seating really came
in handy for me when I had to shuttle around in-laws this summer,
plus you can't beat Volvo safety. On the minus side, my XC90 has
had 4 recalls in the time I've owned it, the rubber cover on the
parking brake pedal came off and refuses to stay on when I try
put it back on, and just recently the driver's side mirror won't
fold all the the way out after being retracted. Still, I'm
satisified with the XC90, just not
jumping-up-and-down-this-car-rocks satisfied
XC90 owner
We had the Lexus 330 only one year, and sold it because it was
too small. We bought the MDX, after several people who owned
one, recommended it with high reviews! We love it and couldn't
be happier. We thought about the Volvo, back before we bought
the small and pricy Lexus, but 2 seperate people complained about
mechanical problems and that's the last thing a mom of two wants
to deal with. Go for the MDX
Happy customer
I've had my MDX for over four years now and I love, love, love
it! I have absolutely no complaints about it. It's
comfortable to drive, roomy without being obnoxiously large,
and the cargo area is bigger than on other mid-sized SUVs. The
only mechanical problem I've had involved the transmission,
which went out just after I went over 50,000 miles. I've taken
all of my Acuras (the MDX is my 4th) to the Oakland dealership
for maintenance, and they replaced the transmission for free,
even though the car was out of warranty. I would not hesitate
to buy an MDX (or any Acura for that matter).
Trixie
April 2005
I was wondering what kind of experience anyone has had with the
purchase of a Volvo at McKevitt in Berkeley and owning a volvo
in general.
Thank you in advance for sharing.
dj
I haven't shopped
at McKevitt, so can't comment on that. I can say that their
service department is very friendly and customer-oriented (though
not he cheapest).
R.K.
We did ''pick up at the factory'' thing in 1997 and loved it. The McKevitt salesman
was familiar with all the nuances, including how to save big on sales tax and
customs. Free shipping home. We saved about 20% and had the car for a month of
driving around Europe first. When I stopped by six months later, the salesman had
no idea who I was, but that's OK; we weren't looking for new friends.
We had it serviced at McKevitt until the warranty expired, then switched to someone
closer to our home in El Cerrito. The car is 8 years old and running well. If it ever
dies, we'd do the same thing again.
John
We purchased our used Volvo wagon at McKevitt. The overall
purchase was OK, but we discovered that the salespeople (2) we
dealt with in the used car area didn't know a heck of a lot
about these cars. We discovered a number of discrepencies in
what we were told when looking through the owner's manual once
we took the car home.
As far as owning a Volvo, we weren't very happy. It is a
luxury car, and there are some features we miss, such as turbo
and seat memory. But you pay the price for that luxury.
Services are far more expensive (even if you go to an
independent Volvo service place, which I recommend) than for
Japanese cars. Also, the model we had, a '98 V70 turbo wagon,
just wasn't very reliable. Every time the ''check engine'' light
went on, which was often, my husband would say ''Well, there
goes another Thousand Dollars.'' If you go to the snow, the
model we had did not use regular tire chains, you have to buy a
$500. ''spikes spyder'' traction control system. It consists of
a hub you put on your front wheels (or have a mechanic do it)
that stays there through the winter months. Then there is a
plastic ''wheel'' that fits onto the hub when you're in chain
conditions. They are easier to put on than regular chains, but
more of a hassle getting set up for them, plus they cost far
more than conventional chains.
We live in the Berkeley hills, so there is lots of wear and
tear on our brakes in any car we own. On this Volvo, we not
only had to replace brake pads and rotors often, the car went
through tires like crazy. We had to purchase new tires every
year! Also, this car (unlike our Japanese cars) stranded me 3x
in 3+ years of ownership. If you're accustomed to a reliable
Japanese vehichle, watch out and make sure you can afford not
only the purchase price of the Volvo, but also the high cost of
maintaining it. (And the associated towing fees!)
Will never buy another Volvo
April 2005
We are considering getting a VolvoX90, the SUV. If you have
one please let me know how you like it. We would like to do
the factory pick up in Sweden if you have advice on that also.
You should think twice about a Volvo XC. Consumer Reports
considers some years' models among the worst used cars. We have
the 98 version, and it's the most unreliable car I've ever had.
I keep it because it's safe, and we don't really want to car shop
right now, but it's in constant need of repairs (has 55,000 miles
and is on its FOURTH battery) and gets only 12-14 miles/gallon
(mostly city driving). Before you consider a third row seat, be
aware that Volvo recommends that passengers in the third row be
within specific weight and height limits - which coincides with
the range that should be using a booster seat. Since booster
seats must face forward, the third row ends up being a non-usable
seat (if you follow safety recommendations).
R.K.
August 1999
You know you're a mommy when you decide it's time for a Volvo.
I'm interested in finding a 240 DL 2 door sedan, circa 1982-on. But
before I start looking to buy, I'd like to do a little research. Can
anyone tell me if there's an enthusiast's manual or a website (searches
have turned up nothing but sales boards -- no pictures), or even a
book out there that I can buy to bone up on what to look for, what's
a fair price for a 20-year-car that (ideally) has been well kept up?
I even have to pin down what year I want to look for. C'mon guys,
I know you old Volvo drivers are out there! Thanks for any advice
you can give. Cheers, Julie
Check out the Model Garage web site. They have recommendations for years and models
that
I found very useful when researching used Volvos. In fact, they have specific caveats
about
1982 DLs, and other cars in your search range.
http://www.modelgarage.com/yrsmodel.html
Jerome
The Model Garage keeps Berkeley's old volvos running.
See
http://modelgarage.com/yrsmodel.html
Phil
mommys don't drive 2 doors! ;-)
anyway, my experience when deciding to buy a volvo (because of a new family
member) was:
I called various local volvo shops, and talked to mechanics asking what
year is best & why.
what to look out for problem wise etc. I usually start the conversation
out with "do you do per-purchase inspections & how much is it" then proceed
to ask them a bunch of questions. they think you will take it to them for the
inspection (which you might indeed do) so they will spend a little time on the phone
with you. sometimes these shops will even have what you are looking for for sale,
or they can hook you up with someone of their customers.
I ended up with an '87 240 wagon new enough to have the cool headlights,
but old enough not to have the computer crap or power windows.
I was told that '87 up they started putting more & more computer
stuff in the cars & they at first were unreliable. and also early ones
were less reliable mechanically. So I think '85 - '87 was the "sweet spot"
Maybe you could get one of those cool 2 door chop-top versions,
forget what they are called, Bertone or something . . . .
black vinyl low top - cool, breaks thar conservative volvo mold a little
and it sounds like you are a little more "sportif" since you want a 2 door.
http://web.inter.NL.net/hcc/F.D.men/volvo262c.html
(here's a photo of one)
Here's a parts site, which you will need with a 15 year old car:
http://www.volvoworld.com/
some other volvo pages:
http://web.inter.NL.net/hcc/F.D.men/volvo262c.html
http://www.mindspring.com/~khouser/vpage.htm
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/KRickert/linkpage.htm
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/7458/research.html
Good luck, let me know what you find/buy/decide on & why
Larry
Check out Edmunds.com for auto information on all types of vehicles. You can
also link to auto-by-tel for purchase information for new cars. We've bought
three cars this way and have had hassle free transactions at below invoice
prices that were negotiated before we even set foot in a dealership.
A two door car with a kids car seat is incredibly annoying, in my experience.
I have a very reliable '85 DL four door, which is kept running by
Montclair Auto Tech. Ali, the mechanic there, tells me that when I am
ready to buy a new one he can hook me up with someone who is selling one he has taken
care of. You might check with mechanics to see if they have a list of cars, or on the
bulletin boards in Volvo Shops of which in Berkeley there are a plethora.
Volvos in Berkeley come at a premium, so expect to pay more for a fifteen year old
than for most other vehicles.
A great source for used cars is www.craigslist.com. This is a bay
area only list, which has individuals selling their cars. We got a
great deal on our new (well, '95 and new to us) car through them.
Myr
One more thing, whatever the general recommendation is about years
and models, individual cars vary significantly. Check it out or
have someone you trust check it out.
Phil
1987 Volvo sedan without tether anchor
My daughter is just about ready for a bigger car seat (she's in the infant carrier kind
right now.) I'm looking for feedback about the Britax "roundabout" or the "Alpha Omega"
by Cosco, specifically with regards to safety, ease of use, installation etc...
Also - we have a 1987 Volvo sedan and I've been told in order to use new car seats
we will have to have "anchors" installed so we can use the tethers that come with the
new car seats. Any thoughts on where to have this done? how much it will cost?
Thanks
Gabrieal
We also have a 1987 Volvo (but ours is a wagon) and we had car seat
anchors installed about 8 months ago by the folks at McKevitt
Volvo/Nissan. They were very knowledgable telling us a couple different
options for how they could install them. We chose one and they did a
good, quick, and fairly inexpensive job (I think it was $40 for
installing two - we have twins). We did call around to a few other
Volvo mechanics and generally they didn't have much experience with
installing teather anchors.
Michael
See Ali at the Volvo place across Telegraph Ave from Casper's in Oakland (maybe about 55th
Street?); he can retrofit any Volvo to anchor a Britax. Essentially he juryrigs them using a web
strap loop you can get from Britax (and should have gotten with the seat if it's newer than 2
years), or he uses a kit that sells for $15 or so from Volvo. Once you've seen it done, it's very
easy to do yourself.
Laura and Stewart
Note from Myriam:
Ali owns Montclair Auto Tech. His phone number is 510/654-3888.
I drive an '88 volvo--the Britax Roundabout works fine, and is easy to
install. Rockridge Kids can direct you to a guy who installs the tethers (I
forgot his name & #).
Elizabeth
Where to put the infant seat in a 1980 2-door Volvo 240 DL
We have an old (pre-airbags) 1980 2-door Volvo 240 DL and I'm having a
hard time figuring out where to put the infant car seat: The back seat
has in its middle a pull down armrest. I have heard that it is NOT safe
to put the infant car seat in front of this but it should be buckled
into the side seat area on either side of the middle. Can anybody
confirm this? I'm hesitant to put it next to a side "wall" instead of
putting it in the middle as I have always heard where they should be
installed. Furthermore, somebody told me that since there were no
airbags, that I could put it in the front passenger seat (rear facing,
of course) but that makes me too nervous. Any advice would be
appreciated, especially if anybody has had to deal with this same car
type and scenario.
Also, does anybody know of any places you can go to have the car seat
checked to make sure it is installed correctly?
Thank you.
Liz
We also have a 1987 Volvo (but ours is a wagon) and we had car seat
anchors installed about 8 months ago by the folks at McKevitt
Volvo/Nissan. They were very knowledgable telling us a couple different
options for how they could install them. We chose one and they did a
good, quick, and fairly inexpensive job (I think it was $40 for
installing two - we have twins). We did call around to a few other
Volvo mechanics and generally they didn't have much experience with
installing teather anchors.
Michael
See Ali at the Volvo place across Telegraph Ave from Casper's in Oakland (maybe about 55th
Street?); he can retrofit any Volvo to anchor a Britax. Essentially he juryrigs them using a web
strap loop you can get from Britax (and should have gotten with the seat if it's newer than 2
years), or he uses a kit that sells for $15 or so from Volvo. Once you've seen it done, it's very
easy to do yourself.
Laura and Stewart
Note from Myriam:
Ali owns Montclair Auto Tech. His phone number is 510/654-3888.
I drive an '88 volvo--the Britax Roundabout works fine, and is easy to
install. Rockridge Kids can direct you to a guy who installs the tethers (I
forgot his name & #).
Elizabeth
More Volvo Advice
Soheila
I did a search for a Volvo mechanic when we moved to the East Bay in '98. I
called and spoke with The Model Garage, Walsh Bros., DH Walsh Automotive,
Grandma's Garage and Ackerman Volvo--among others. I asked all the same list
of questions of each and included an estimate for a repair. I ended up
getting service at three of the shops I interviewed. I got my doors worked
on ($473 and never fixed) by Grandma, my waterpump changed by Walsh Bros.,
and my doors fixed by Ackerman's. I liked Ackerman best and have gotten
all work done by them ever since.
Walsh Bros did fine work. They have a big shop and clearly do lots of
Volvos--but they are hard to get into quickly (because they are so busy).
They are too rushed to explain what they want to do or have just done.
Bruce Ackerman is my choice. His rates are pretty much the same as Walsh
Bros and the other "specialists". Bruce no longer works on cars--he runs
the shop and spends his time with customers. Unlike Walsh Bros, his shop
is still small enough that he isn't rushed and frenetic. After my telephone
interviews Bruce was my first choice, but I wanted to give a woman mechanic
the benefit of the doubt. Then, I went to Walsh because their volume is so
high I figured they get plenty of practice. I was uneasy about Ackerman's
because they seemed so competent but had so little work--I thought they
must have a bad reputation.
I started out by having Ackerman's check my ailing battery. They did fine
work and seemed honest, so I had them look at the doors Grandma had worked
on. The mechanic took about five minutes to diagnose the problem (remember
I had already spent almost $500 on these doors). When I looked skeptical about
such an easy mechanical fix they took me outside and showed me exactly what
they planned to do and why. Oh. Not only that, if the mechanic had been wrong
and the work had not fixed the problem--I would not have been charged! I
think they call it a guarantee. Finally, I took my car back for a major
tune-up and a "look see". They identified all the big stuff I already
suspected and a few little things I didn't. In the last year-and-a-half
my 16-year-old car has run perfectly and my maintenance costs have been
easonable (not low). Bruce and his mechanics are great!
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