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Bob's Volvo Toyota Specialists [ www.berkeleybobs.com ]
(Berkeley, CA)

I Second That!
2705 San Pablo Avenue ,
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 548-7140
Features and Specialties: Specializes in Air Conditioning work ,Specializes in Brakes & Mufflers ,Specializes in Engine Rebuild Work ,Specializes in Radiator Work ,Offers loaner cars ,Keeps track of your cars repair history for you ,Reminds you when routine maintenance is needed ,Has ASE certified mechanics ,Guarantees all work for at least 1 month or 1000 miles 2,Road tests vehicles when appropriate ,Happily gives binding estimates

Honda, Toyota, Volvo

Please send us any corrections or additions to the above information. If you have experience with this shop, please add your own review!

Survey results:

legend to bar charts
They are always honest 5.0 on scale of 1-5
They are competent 4.0 on scale of 1-5
The repair price is always reasonable 5.0 on scale of 1-5
They fix the problem the first time 4.0 on scale of 1-5
They complete the work in a timely manner 5.0 on scale of 1-5
They respond well when they screw something up 5.0 on scale of 1-5
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs 5.0 on scale of 1-5
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood 4.0 on scale of 1-5
The hours of operation are convenient for customers 4.0 on scale of 1-5
They treat male and female customers in the same manner 5.0 on scale of 1-5
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed) 5.0

Reviewers Comments:

They are the only place I take my Volvo. I went to them even when I lived in Oakland, because they do a good job and are always nice to me and take the time to explain what's going on with my car.

--reviewer #58901, 2004


good fast service,best prices in berkely

--reviewer #25960, 2000


they fixed my volvo when the dealer could not. thanks bobs

--reviewer #25960, 2000


First off I want to start by saying I could not answer the question "They respond well when they screw something up" Cause I never experienced that at Bob's. Bob and his gang of experts are always a pleasure to deal with. I find this fact very refreshing. Do you have a place on your site to recommend for people not to take their cars to? This is great cause Bob and small operations like his need a venue like this to get the good word out about them. Bob and his guys are always fair and accurate when it comes to their quotes. As a woman who never really knew much about cars except, pumping my own gas and cleaning my windshield. Bob has taught me a thing or two, to help me keep my car in great running condition. I also need to tell you that you guys make me laugh loud and hard every Saturday or Sunday. "Thanks" Sincerely Colette Swim

--reviewer #25972, 2000


Sean and Melissa are VERY knowledgeable and competent about Volvos, and they are nice people who take the time to explain things.

--reviewer #60215, 2004


Bob was extremely reasonable with me, and working out the details of a major repair. It would take alot for me not to use him as my regular mechanic. He is an extremely respectable individual who runs a great shop. Thx-Tim

--reviewer #29188, 2001


Bob's has been great to deal with! They tell you up front what you need, and don't try to fix what isn't busted. I had them check the brakes on our Toyota due to some metal on metal sounds. Most shops would have simply told me to replace the shoes and probably the rotors needed turned, but Bob's told us the truth- our pads still had over 30% of the lining intact. They also treat women the same as men. anks Bob's!

--reviewer #29900, 2001


Yes to Bob's. They've kept our '78 Volvo alive with minimal life support. All skill and good will; no hype or pretension.

--reviewer #36817, 2002


much better than the dealer!!!

--reviewer #38130, 2002


Bob and his staff probably raised an eyebrow (or two) when I cruised in with my shiny and dog friendly 1986 Volvo wagon with over 350,000 miles on the original engine. Then they went to work, giving me fair estimates and an honest evaluation of her "seaworthiness." Because they respect and admire many of the older models, and have many years of experience with them, I'm going to keep the wagon for as the body, major parts and Bob's expertise will allow. I ESPECIALLY like the fact that they use Volvo parts and drive Volvos themselves. Under the "mechanic headaches" category of my own, they rate highly for providing transit shuttles for working professionals and for working well with women. I can't evaluate them yet on goofs or consistency, since I've only see them twice. To Bob and folks at the shop: Without hesitation, I'll recommend you to my friends and colleagues. Cheers.

--reviewer #41920, 2002


I trust Bob's completely with my two Volvos, as do my best friends with their Volvo & Toyota. They are completely trustworthy and very nice folks.

--reviewer #57630, 2004


I've used Bob's a number of times for my two Volvo's. Sean and Melissa are great! Unbelievable service levels and a prompt answer to every question. They managed to solve an annoying "surging" problem that my 1994 Volvo had that had been bothering me for six years. Melissa was able to answer all of my questions about the service and parts. Great deal!

--reviewer #55385, 2004


Our 1989 Station wagon's engine finaly broke down after almost 250K miles of good an loyal service. Melissa and Sean Stephens owner of Berkeley Bob's in Berkeley (CA) took the time to review the last several years of repair on the Volvo to evaluate wether or not it was worthwhile to replace the engine or buy another car. Having already replaced other major/expensive parts (transmition, etc.), we decided to go ahead an replace the engine. They found for us a great 80K miles engine and replaced it and it works great. So far, it has run better than the original and we were told that we might be able to drive it for another 200,000 miles. Definitively cheaper than buying a new car. Thank you Melissa and Sean.

--reviewer #63733, 2005


One of the best repair facilities I have visited in years (and I was previously a Fleet Repair Manager for a major rental car company). The shop is clean and convenient for visiting or waiting customers. The employees are honest and incredibly kind and efficient. I would recommend to anyone to bring in their Volvo or Toyota.

--reviewer #83529, 2006


WOW - Bob's Vlvo and Toyota are the BEST - we've been searching for the perfect shop for our Volvo - it's taken YEARS to find you. You just fixed a problem that the dealer couldn't find, after we told the dealer several times what the symptoms were. You're all brilliant! Friendly, courteous, honest - not to mention the incredibly clean shop - and comfy waiting room. We're are so thankful for the faster, quietier car that was given back to us last week. We're yours for life! - Ana & Steve

--reviewer #88460, 2006


They worked on my Prius, to replace one headlight. The cost is outrageous, but they did the work cheaper than the dealer or the estimate from a second independent. They even charged less than their estimate when the mechanic finished the work in one half hour. They were going to replace the $100 (!) high intensity bulb for free, until they found out that the bumper had to be removed to get to the light. They charged me what they paid for the bulb, not the retail price. The retail price was listed at $350. The dealer said his price was $300, including part, labor, and tax. Bob's did it for $165. Friendly, intelligent people.

--reviewer #134949, 2009


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