Fremont Auto Works

My Odyssey came from the factory with a defective AC system that was overcharged with refrigerant. Ben diagnosed it quickly, evacuated it and recharged it in a couple hours time. Been blowing cold this hot summer. Thanks again!

No idea why this place has so many 5* reviews, but my first impression of this place was terrible. Came in to get my AC fixed, and they did a very sloppy job. They left a hose loose under my hood, and it blew off just 1 day after I got my car back, splattering AC coolant all over the engine. In addition I got a new check engine light, which I discovered came from leaving the fuel cap hanging open.

They did rectify all these problems will no additional charge, but I will not be returning.

Great service! The owners are very friendly and thorough at explaining the problem and fix for your car. The cost was reasonable as well. We paid $509 plus tax for two brake shoes, brake drums and labor. I would recommend this shop!

Aside from Ben and his wife being nice and attentive. Ben is well-versed and very thorough in explaining in detail what the issue is related to the vehicle. Prices are fair compared to other places. I've been very happy with their services since I started taking my Lexus IS300 to them.

TL;DR:
trustworthy, affordable, excellent, and fast work! It is incredibly hard to find an honest mechanic who won't see a girl and automatically think, "How much can I upcharge her today?" You don't get that vibe from this family-run business as Ben is upfront and meticulously explains what is broken, and what needs to be fixed in great Layman terms.

Speed:
Unfortunately, the first time I heard about this place was when my car stopped in the middle of the road. On a whim, I decided to come here on the referral of my tow truck driver who raved about Ben's honest and affordable work.

Even though I stopped by in the middle of the day with no appointments, Ben was able to fit me in and got me my car back within 1 business day (they're closed on weekends).

I have taken my car back ever since and depending on if you have an appointment and the labor of the work, you can count on having your car back within the same or by the next day.

Communication:
Once Ben has had enough time to diagnose the issue, he will give you a call regarding the issue, explain your options, and the price, and will only fix the issue with your approval.

I don't typically leave reviews, but looking back I have been coming to Ben for the past few years for my auto issues - oil change, tire rotation/alignment, some bumper problem, trunk problem and maybe other things I can't remember. Despite his busy schedule, we are always treated with a smile and respect, and he always makes the process very easy and smooth.

This time round I needed my tires aligned fast before my road trip next week. Ben was reluctant at first to book me in last minute due to his busy schedule, but was nice enough to slot me in and agreed to work on it during downtime.

Dropped my car off early in the morning and sure enough, just a few hours later I got a call saying it's ready. He handed us the paper with the technical tire degrees and the usual stuff, this time with a box of cookies too for holiday!

Though what made the experience this time especially memorable was the fact that my goofy butt managed to lock myself out of the other car I came with, and that after explaining to Ben the situation, he spent some time helping us unlocking the car from the outside. He somehow managed chatting/keeping us comfortable, responding to his calls from other customers, and working on unlocking the car essentially all at once. Ben honestly saved us so much headache. Super grateful that he was willing to help us out there. 5/5 for all the past encounters and especially this one.

Oh and yes, the steering wheel did feel a ton better after the alignment (and it was great).

Reliable service.
Fair price.
I needed service before a "road trip/vacation ".
My regular place (Bruce's Tires) had no appointments available.
I call Auto Works and got a Friday AM appointment without a problem and it was done by late afternoon.
Oil change and complete system check.

My daughter is in East Bay for school. She had a starter go out, and being mechanically inclined with some tools she attempted to change it out. Unfortunately, she broke a starter bolt, complicating matters beyond her skill. Fremont Auto Works said the repair would be
rather involved, and gave her a fair bid. They got the bolt removed , and the starter in, as promised. They even came in under their initial estimate. It's great to have a mechanic you can trust, for your college kid, when they are away. Her experience was great, and she will be back for any other necessary service.

We use to always bring our cars to the dealership for service until we found Fremont Auto Works. We've had mechanical work and auto body work done here, and they are amazing. They're honest and don't try to rip you off with extras. I recently brought my car in because it wouldn't start. Ben said he'll check the battery first before running a bunch of expensive diagnostics. Well, it turned out to be the battery, which he replaced, and now the car is running great.

I only wish they were on my insurance's preferred vendor list.

Wow, I can't believe I haven't updated this review in 14 years. In that time, I've changed my car three times, but every time I've had an issue, Ben is THE guy! What I think makes Ben stand out as a mechanic is that he listens to you! He wants to know about the onset of the car problem, your description of the issue, the sounds your car is making, etc. And by the time you've told him your story, and he's asked a few clarifying questions, he has a few diagnoses to share. I love that he actually takes the time to explain what he thinks the problem is, in layman's terms, and why he thinks xyz will fix the issue or help in the diagnostic process. He's transparent and honest - still incredibly rare qualities to come by in a mechanic, and let's be honest - in a human. Whenever a friend asks me about a mechanic I'd recommend, that's Fremont Auto Works. Full stop. No need to look any further. Well worth any bridge toll fee and exorbitant fuel prices for the level of peace of mind that Ben offers me. There hasn't been a problem that he can't fix!

They recently moved, but don't worry - it's still the same general place, just down the alley toward the back. The new place looks bigger, and has a bigger front desk to handle all the customers. I think there are a few more parking spaces too! Both Ben and Tiffany are excellent at customer service - prompt phone calls back if they don't answer on the first ring.

Wherever you go Ben/Fremont Auto Works, I'll follow. I'm sure I'm not alone in that level of loyalty.