Steve's Auto Care (Albany, CA) Mechanic(s): Steve
744 San Pablo Ave. , Albany, CA 94706 (510) 526-3906 /2nd. shop: (510) 965-9400/12267 San Pablo Ave. (Richmond)
Features and Specialties:

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Survey results:

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

Reviewers Comments:

my acura just got totalled so, like reviewer #54725, i, regrettably, will not be going to steve anymore. i say regrettably because i appreciated how well steve took care of my care. he takes every problem seriously and looks into it with the thoroughness of a sleuth or neurologist. he treats every customer as an informed consumer who wants to know what is wrong, how it can be fixed and what the options are. highest praises to steve, luis, mitch. i will miss you.

I have been fortunate to have had several extremely competent and honest mechanics over the years. but Steve of Steve's Auto Care really can't be matched. I just cannot say enough wonderful things about this shop. Steve's technical knowledge and skill (especially regarding Hondas)are truly extraordinary and he makes sure all work in his shop is done right (he clearly does an excellent job hiring and/or supervising the mechanics who work for him) As far as honesty goes, any customer who walks into the shop can absolutely trust Steve (and his extremely knowledgeable and amiable service manager Mitch) as much as he or she would trust a close family member. These guys take tremendous pride not only in their technical expertise, but also in the way they treat all their customers. Sadly, since I moved to the east coast a year ago the trip to Steve's Auto (i.e., 3,000 miles) has become just a bit too long for me--but it's tempting! Today, a year after leaving California, I called Steve from Maryland for some advice. Although he would certainly have recognized me in person, I'm pretty sure he didn't remember me by name, yet he nevertheless spent 15 minutes on the phone with me, giving me excellent advice on dealing with some repair issues and probably saving me hundreds of dollars, although he knows he is unlikely ever to receive another penny of my business. He is just a really, really good guy with an extreme passion for cars (especially Hondas) and for helping people who don't happen to be expert mechanics. I wish I could still bring my car to Steve's Auto, but I can't--if you can, you should!

Steve and Mitch are two of the most honest and dependable mechanics I have had the pleasure of dealing with. I had a 1977 celica which I was having problems with. It turned out mitch had one in highschool and he alread knew my problem by hearing it without opening the hood! These guys are great I highly recomend them.

I moved to the area last year and my '92 Nissan didn't pass the smog test. I self-diagnosed a faulty EGR (~$100 part) that I couldn't replace myself. I took the car to Steve's and they ordered the part for me. As they were going to install the part, they discovered that the EGR was fine, there was just a bad hose connected to it. So they replaced the hose and saved me at least $100 in parts/labor. I was very impressed by this and Steve taking the time to explain some other things I could do to improve my chances of passing the smog test. After the new hose and a few of the things he suggested, my car passed the smog test. I recently moved away and am very sorry that Steve's is too far away for the occasional service. I would recommend this shop to family and friends.

I found out about Steve's Auto care from many folks in my neighborhood, which to me is a very good sign. All of the glowing recommendations appear to be true. So far, I only did a routine check up, but they are very curteous, very friendly, and very informative. When my wife went to pick up the car they made her feel just as comfortable and spoke in plain terms. They gave us a realistic assesment of the situation, and did not try to squeeze more money out of us. We will definitely be returning to them.

I've been going to Steve's for years and years and keep referring my friends and family to them (for which Steve's may or may not thank me). I always feel well cared for there, especially by Steve himself, who has gone well above the call of duty iby giving advice and helping me with various stupid mechanical projects of my own. Also, I think they've improved over the years- these days they don't tend to overbook, so my car is always ready when they say it will be, or before.

Steve runs a very trustworthy and reliable shop of mechanics. I've always been treated with respect, courtesy and honesty. Steve really seems to put the customer's interest at heart. I'm currently living in Germany, but when I move back to the Bay Area, Steve will be my mechanic. They specialize in Toyotas and Hondas: of course, those are good cars anyway, but Steve would be a reason to get one of those as well, just to know I had a good mechanic to deal with the car.

You can be frank with these guys. In return they don't pull any punches and give you the straight scoop. I'm a used-car kinda guy and I always have found that their pre-purchase checkout has steered me in the right direction. They are not the lowest priced in the neighborhood, but Steve keeps only the most talented and scrupulous mechanics, they are well supervised and organized, and the confidence that the job is getting done right is always worth more than they charge. I've recommended them to many friends and acquaintances and really know of no one who hasn't been happy with the results.

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