Unitech

These guys know Korean cars well, and they are scrupulously honest. I once had them recommend that I not fix a problem (slow stering fluid leak) because the car wasn't worth putting that money into it. Another time they told me that slight valve noise on start-up was normal, not a problem. Clutch replacement was inexpensive and fast. With Hyundai reliability, these guys have real job security.

shop's address is 753 Folger Ave, Berkeley, CA Phone is 510.843.9118 Bunta did all the repairs and maintenance on my Dodge Colt Vista for about 10 years before my daughter rolled it on the freeway on Christmas eve, 1997. The car had over 200,000 miles on it and ran like new. I don't know whether this was due more to Bunta or to the high quality of Mitsubishi-the maker of the Vista. In any event, my impression of Unitech is that the work, reliability, and honesty, is of the highest caliber.

Two brothers operate this shop. It is immaculate and they take pride in their work, and remember the customer and the car. They keep precise, detailed records on what they have done in a file. They have helped me keep my 10 year old Toyota operating reliably and without huge expense. They always come in at or under the estimate, and will adjust the work to the amount I can pay [high mileage servicing]. They solved an esoteric electrical problem [wrongly wired alarm system was shorting out and draining battery]. They work by appointment, so it is necessary to wait a few days to get in, but they always are finished when they promise. The neighborhood is okay during the day, and is on the Emeryville Go-Round bus to link to BART. I would not hang around here at night. They are equally fair to men and women, and seem to have a loyal, repeat customer base. I have never seen a dissatified customer, but *have* seen lots of regulars returning. They also made a thrifty referral to another shop for refilling the air conditioning [something they do not do.]

I bought my friend's old 1988 Subaru GL -- needed the low range 4wd, figured I'd take the chance of putting it back into reliable condition. Well, this would have made more sense if the first three mechanics I tried (all claiming Subaru expertise) had known what they were doing Bundtha at Unitech really knows what he's doing. He takes the time to explain, he spotted a number of things done wrong or never noticed by the other Subaru shops I'd tried, and I've finally got the car driving reliably for the nasty steep forest roads where I take it on camping trips. I'll recommend Unitech --- I'd say "without reservation" but as others noted earlier, you _do_ need to make a reservation, plan ahead, call ahead and he'll tell you when he'll have room and time to work on your car. The shop is right on one of the Transbay bus routes if you want to drop it off early in the morning; and you can get a ride or bus to BART as well.

These guys reviewed an elderly car my brother gave me after I crashed mine. They made a thorough list of what would need fixing, then suggested I just drive it into the ground! Of course, if I continued to drive it, get the safety items fixed first, which I did. I was pretty impressed.

I was pleased with how they took the time needed to explain my options when they diagnosed the problem. I was treated with respect and felt comfortable asking any questions I had. Their prices are very reasonable.