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Review Highlights
“They were honest and told me I'll need new rotors up front, but the pads were only at 50% so I have about a yr until its necessary.” in 7 reviews
“Fast and reliable service They took all the glass out and even dried my car since there was so much water from the rain coming in.” in 3 reviews
“Very professional and friendly.” in 2 reviews
About the Business
Business owner information
![Photo of Robert R.](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/assets/srv0/yelp_styleguide/bf5ff8a79310/assets/img/default_avatars/user_medium_square.png)
Robert R.
Our customer base has increase in years of good and reliable service.. please find here enclosed all pertaining information. we are also open for comments so you may send us an e-mail; we'll make sure to read your message and respond accordingly. We are certain that our prices are the most competitive and beat dealer's prices for 30k, 60k, 90k car services.
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Overall rating
93 reviews
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- Olivia R.San Francisco, CA81342Jul 16, 2024
I have brought my car to Robert's Auto Lab a few times now and each time I have been more than satisfied with the care and the cost for repair.
The first time the engine light was on so I called and made an appointment to have him diagnose the problem. Fortunately it was a minor issue so he did not charge me to fix the issue. I knew from that moment he earned my trust.
The second time, the timing belt needed to be replaced. It took 3 days and I got the car back in time to take my weekend holiday.
The last time I brought my car in, my Jetta was having issues with car turning off. He recommended that I take my car to the dealership since it was a hybrid engine and it would cost too much to fix at his shop. Most or some mechanics would have charged me just to look at it.
If you are looking for a solid, honest mechanic with strong record of service in the area, Robert is your guy.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - May 12, 2023
We had the worst experience at Alameda Auto Lab.
We called up Robert and he talked through an issue of the engine light coming on. He said, "no problem", and that he can fix it.
We dropped off the car on a Tuesday. Usually car repair guys call by the end of the day, but no call from Robert. In fact, no call on Wednesday. By Thursday, I called and left a message. But no return call. Finally on Saturday he calls and says provides an estimate for $450.
I ask for the part number of the part he's installing and lookup on the dealer website what they charge. Robert charges $150 for a $43 dollar part from the dealer! What a mark up.
Well, we were carless and in a bind, so we approved the exorbantly expensive repair. He said the car would be ready on Monday, but that he'd call to confirm.
Monday came and went, no call from Robert. Then Tuesday went by with no call. Finally on Wednesday - a call! The car was ready.
Came to pick up the car, paid, and then....
.... as we are driving away the check engine light came on. Issue wasn't fixed.
Drove straight to the dealer. He replaced the EXACT same part for $43. Works great now.
Stay away from this place.Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 0Oh no 1Business owner information
Robert R.
Jun 20, 2023
John,
We appreciate you choosing Alameda Auto Lab, though it is unfortunate that our service did not work out for you. When there is a TSB/recall on a vehicle we always recommend going to the dealership since those repairs are covered by them and you either do not end up paying out of pocket or it comes at a very little cost. Though you gave us a 1-star review, we are still happy you were able to get the repairs done at the dealership and we wish you nothing but the best.
Regards,
Management - Joe F.Alameda, CA116Jun 15, 2024Updated review2 check-ins
The Alameda auto lab is an exceptional shop. They fit me in even though I was late to my appointment and performed great services on my car and changed my tires and less than two hours. Would highly recommend them for anyone requiring services big or small.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Dec 29, 2014Previous reviewWhat a great shop. I was 5 hours late (due to work) to my scheduled appointment and Robert still managed to get all my tires replaced in a short period of time without sacrificing quality. Will definitely recommend anyone to come here to experience great work ethic and flexibility that this shop demonstrates!
- Rockford S.Oakland, CA076Jul 17, 2023
Long story short: They'll fix your AC, it might break in about a year, and then they'll refuse to answer your calls afterward unless you call with a different number.
I truly wish I had never come here. My AC broke right before a cross country move to Ohio. I asked them to fix it without getting a second opinion. Something was clogged and it ran me over two grand, which is reasonable from what I can tell. They fixed it and I got across the country just fine.
My issues with them are the following. My AC broke a little over a year after the repair and I had to get it fixed again. I remembered they had some type of insurance policy, and so I attempted to call Robert. He didn't pick up, so I left a message. A week goes by and I don't hear from him. So I called again. I think I called him seven or eight times over the course of a few months, all within their working hours. He never picks up or calls back. So guess what, I one time after I call him I call I decide to call him with a different phone within a minute, and he picks up immediately! I can only assume this guy was dodging my calls which is super shady.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1Business owner information
Robert R.
Sep 11, 2023
Rockford,
It is unfortunate to have earned a negative review from you when it has been over a year since we have worked on your car and also since you have driven the vehicle out of state. Our warranty on repairs is 4 months and this is well out of that time frame. There could have been a number of things that caused the AC to fail for a repair that was done over a year ago and on a cross country drive. We do apologize if it seemed we were dodging you, but it does get quite busy in the shop and we try to get our customers back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. Though you felt our work was unsatisfactory, we do appreciate you giving us a try.
Regards,
Management - Adrienne P.Civic Center, Stockton, CA0141May 14, 2024
This place is located in such an inconvenient area. It's so crowded, and you have to drive into the garage or warehouse to have your car worked on. I paid $100 for a diagnostic check and that wasn't even going to go towards the price of the services that I needed. I was quoted $1100 to have rear brake pads and rotors replaced. I called around to five other places and got quotes hundreds of dollars less than Alameda Auto lab. The place that I ended up going to, told me that I needed back brakes and rotors and that my front ones were fine. I asked if they were sure because I was told that I needed to have both of them replaced. They informed me that the front brake pads and rotors looked absolutely fine but the brakes in the back do need to be fixed. It cost me about $700 cheaper than what I was quoted. I told the guy at Alameda auto lab that I couldn't afford to get the service done at the time, he said why don't you just start with the back and if you pay cash I'll knock off $50. I definitely felt like they were trying to swindle me because I'm a woman and get extra money out of me. I would not recommend this place.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert R.
May 24, 2024
Adrienne,
We appreciate you coming in to Alameda Auto Lab, but we would like to clear up some of the misinformation from your review. Initially, you brought your car into us and mentioned that you felt like your transmission was making noise. We let you know that it would be $100 up front to run diagnostics and we would tell you the exact issue that your vehicle was experiencing. The cost of diagnostics would go towards your repairs if you decide to go with us to fix the problem. Upon inspecting your car, we had come to the conclusion that it was not your transmission, but it was your rear brakes that were the problem. When we called you and told you about it, you requested the cost of what it would be to replace all 4 together instead of just the rear brakes. The cost for all 4 brakes replaced would have been $1100. We apologize if you had misunderstood us as the price for just the rear brakes would have been cheaper and when you picked up your car, we offered $50 off the service to try and help you out. We have served the city of Alameda for quite a long time and treat each and every one of customers fairly and with the respect they deserve. It is unfortunate that you felt that we were trying to take advantage of you, but we can assure you that was not the case.
Though it did not work out with you getting your repairs done at our shop, we still appreciate you taking the time to come in to our shop and give us a try. We are happy you got your repairs done and wish you all the best.
Regards,
Management - Abby V.Alameda, CA83823May 15, 2023
Bob has taken care of both of our cars. I really trust the mechanics here in diagnosing and fixing the issue. It's great to have a local mechanic that you can trust and really wants to do the best for you.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Angelina R.San Leandro, CA02Oct 13, 2023
Roberto and crew are top notch.. always professional and kind. Work is always done perfectly and in a timely manner, our cars run great after visit. Quality of service is fantastic from start to finish. I recommend the auto shop %.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Greg D.South Beach, Newport, OR1592Aug 31, 2023
We were traveling through town with 15-month old twins and got a fat tire. They were able to find a very tiny leak in our valve stem and replace it for $40 within an hour and we were back on the road. Proprietor was nice. The shop has some 20s/30s Fords and other classics hanging around you can look at while you wait.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Bob D.Alameda, CA9654Jan 5, 2023
We've been taking our vehicles to Robert and his team for almost 10 years. They're honest, accommodating and provide a great value. He's kept our cars in great shape and I'm happy to have a mechanic that I can rely on.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Naycho B.Alameda, CA2244124Jan 11, 2022
Robert at Alameda Auto Lab is awesome. I found this place because I needed propane for my bbq grill. And low and behold when everywhere else was out of propane I was directed to an auto mechanic. Might I add they have since serviced two of my vehicles.
What I really appreciate about this place is that the technicians do not leave your vehicles dirty after they work on it.
Thank you Auto LabHelpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0