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Verified by Business
Check engine light
Auto general diagnosis
Tire Pressure Monitoring System diagno…
Auto vibration diagnosis
Engine oil light diagnosis
Auto noise diagnosis
Auto no-start diagnosis
Auto diagnosis or inspection
Review Highlights
“Robert, the owner, diagnosed my car and found the problems the same afternoon I towed it to them.” in 21 reviews
“I recommend you guys to everyone who has a vehicle that's either a Subaru, Volvo, Toyota or Psion I believe.” in 35 reviews
“Their popularity is evident in the number of customers who want to chat with Don, so the line can get long.” in 18 reviews
About the Business
Business owner information
![Photo of Robert P.](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/buphoto/YUf7mkZj5NMy3ZyB9Rne8A/90s.jpg)
Robert P.
The Model Garage, in Berkeley CA, is an independent auto repair shop (not a dealership) that specializes in Volvo, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Honda, Acura and Scion cars. We have current factory diagnostic systems for all of the cars we service. Our five mechanics are conscientious professionals who will keep your car purring. We offer, customer-friendly service and repair. In business since 1981, we love dealing with the customers in our area. Quality and honesty are our strengths.
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Overall rating
187 reviews
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- Peter D.Piedmont, CA02Mar 22, 2024
Alright - I had to share this.
I've been going to Model Garage for probably about 5 years now. Not necessarily cheap - but I've always been VERY HAPPY with the work.
A couple of weeks ago I brought my beloved old Toyota Land Cruiser in for some work. They diagnosed the problem, proposed a fix, and recommended a couple of other related things they thought I should do at the same time. The estimate was pretty steep. But I decided to go ahead with the work. (Did I mention 'beloved'?)
A week or so later, I got a call from one of the service managers saying my car was done. Not only that, he informed me that the service tech found a simpler way to do the fix and that the actual charge would be about 40% CHEAPER than they had originally estimated! Unbelievable!
Like I said - they're probably not the cheapest for any given project. But totally reliable and trustworthy. And that can count for A LOT.
I wouldn't take my car anywhere else (assuming it's a brand they actually work on).Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert P.
Mar 28, 2024
Thank you Peter, I am so happy we could get your car fixed and back to you sooner than expected. We are happy to help whenever you need us. Doreen-Model Garage
- Sondy B.Oakland, CA03Aug 30, 2024
I've been going to Model garage for 25 years. The service is top notch and everyone is so nice and kind. I highly recommend them.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jan 4, 2024
I really liked this shop and this owner. I took my Subaru to the dealership in Albany and I'm just so disappointed in them lately. They always charge too much and the service is just meh. This last time we took it in for intermittent power failure and they charged us 800 for a new battery and an oil change. They sent me home and this horrible clunking noise started. It got so bad I decided not to drive it until I could get an appointment somewhere.
I took my car here and they were just super. Nice service center, knowledgeable staff, clear communication and no surprises. Come to find out Subaru forgot to tighten my lug nuts on my tire.
I think from here forward I'll just take the car here.Helpful 3Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert P.
Jan 5, 2024
Thank you Kristi. Car repair made easy, why doesn't everyone do it? One of life mysteries. We also take the mystery out of car repair. So glad you found us. Robert, Model Garage.
- b h.Oakland, CA176Jan 26, 2024Updated review
Have used the Model Garage for a number of years for Toyota's and a Honda. Great service. Always helpful. Get things done and on time.
Highly recommend.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert P.
Feb 1, 2022
So glade we were able to Fit you in. We really appreciate your business. Robert, Model Garage.
Jan 31, 2022Previous reviewWe are very pleased with the work done on our Honda Fit and Toyota Camry. Robert and Betsy are great. The work is done in a timely and professional manner. They are very understanding, helpful and a pleasure to work with. We will definitely be back.
- Jacki R.West Alameda, Alameda, CA01Jun 27, 2024
The folks at Modal Garage did their magic again. I've been taking my car, a 1989 Volvo, there for years. She's now 35, so things happen, and this last visit they found the issues (3 of them), and she's running well again. And I know it's extra hard work finding parts on these older vehicles.
They've always been helpful and friendly, letting me know what needs to be done, and also things they see that could need watching. Given her age this is extra helpful, and their honesty is refreshing. I know they are not taking advantage of my not being car savvy. I'm grateful, love this place.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert P.
Jul 10, 2024
Thank you Jacki! Always glad to keep the old girl going! Robert, Model Garage.
- Emily S.Benicia, CA1351Jul 9, 2024
I've been looking for a reliable mechanic in the area for a while now. Great communication and fair prices. I was actually charged less than expected for a diagnostic/fix of my AC unit. Highly recommend working with Felix!
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Robert P.
Jul 10, 2024
Thank you Emily! So glad your search has ended at our shop! Robert, Model Garage.
- elanita k.Oakland, CA146921Dec 6, 2023
Another 5 star review!
Everyone was helpful, efficient, knowledgeable, and honest
We brought our matrix in for some big repairs and Robert and his staff walked us through every step of the way. They helped make a stressful situation easy and we appreciate it. Highly recommend!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert P.
Dec 7, 2023
Thank you Elanita! It was a pleasure taking care of your car and you!
- Sarah J.Berkeley, CA32Jan 26, 2024
I have been coming to Model Garage since having a cat security plate installed. Don't drive much and missed the maintenance dates by months while still under the mileage goals. So this last time, they adjusted the next maintenance date to match my actual usage.
I find their service very affordable. And people so nice.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert P.
Feb 26, 2024
Thank you Sarah. We so appreciate you trust in allowing us to care for you car. Robert, Model Garage.
- Jan 8, 2024
friendly service, utmost transparency with regard to "must have work," and "nice to have work," no sense of nickel and diming, affordable service, and ongoing communication throughout. 100% recommend!
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Robert P.
Jan 19, 2024
Thank you so much for you kind word and your 100% recommendation. We really appreciate you and your business. Robert, Model Garage.
- Jo M.Arcata, CA4163Nov 13, 2023
I went to take my car in for regular service today. The service was fast affordable, thorough, and friendly. They did not try to sell me anything I didn't need and informed me of what I should be looking out for. The location close to Ashby Bart makes it convenient to drop off your car and go about your day on public transit. Excellent customer service and a clean facility. I'll be going back for sure.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0Business owner information
Robert P.
Nov 13, 2023
Thank you Jo! As always, we do strive to be excellent! Robert, Model Garage.