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Muffler & Exhaust Services in 24 reviews
Review Highlights
“yang and his son is hard working guys got my Chevelle hooked up and it sounds awesome if you need pipes go see Mr.” in 60 reviews
“My catalytic converter got stolen and Yao auto was the only shop who does replacement of those kind of parts.” in 42 reviews
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Mufflers, Catalytic converters, Custom exhaust.
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194 reviews
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- Chhimed D.Berkeley, CA05Aug 12, 2022
Yao Auto Repair is awesome. First night having a car in Oakland, I parked it on the street and got my catalytic converter stolen! As soon as I got the $$ together, Yao was able to get me in right away, and the whole replacement (including steel cables around the CC, welded to the car frame) took just a little over an hour. The mechanics are highly skilled and the receptionist is so helpful. Yao Auto Repair was recommended to me by a neighbor who had his CC stolen, and I'm recommending them to you!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Cecy L.Emeryville, CA074Jul 8, 2024
After my catalytic converter was stolen I filed a claim with AAA and was told I could go where ever I wanted and provide my claim number.
I called this place after being refered by a friend.
I gave them my information over the phone, had AAA tow the car to them and then they gave me updates.
They seemed knowledgable and quick, it took longer for AAA to approve the estimate than this shop actually doing the work.
I also asked about another concern and the mechanic checked out for me and gave me contact information for a shop that doed that kind of work.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Ben N.Castro Valley, CA22514Feb 13, 2024
Yao's is the gold standard for how a business should operate.
When my catalytic converter was stolen, my neighbor recommended this shop. They took my car right away and I picked it up just a few days later. The prices are fair. The shop is clean. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.
Not only did they replace my converter quickly, but when my check engine light came on the next day, they offered to check it out right away (it ended up just being the sensor).
It's clear they stand by their work and take pride in providing great service. I wish they did regular maintenance. If I could, this would be the only place I'd bring my car.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jensen N.Burlingame, CA45333Dec 11, 2023
If you want quality service, honest rates and quality that speaks for itself - come to Yao Auto Repair. Friendly owner and staff. Amazing how much they go out of their way to take care of their customers. Best known secret muffler and catalytic converter cage shop in the bay.
Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Alvin K.Fremont, CA5283Nov 6, 2023
I found Yao Auto Repair when I discovered my Honda CRV had experienced an attempted catalytic converter theft (but thankfully, hadn't succeeded in fully removing it).
I immediately called when they opened on Monday at 9 a.m. sharp. I spoke with Janice, who was extremely helpful in helping me understand my options for bringing it in to inspect the damage and get recommendations on what protection mechanisms were available for me to install to prevent a full theft from happening in the future. She was kind enough to let me drive over even though I had not scheduled an appointment in advance, and once I got there, she immediately let me drive my car into the garage so that they could take a look and give me a cost estimate for what work needed to be done and it was such a reasonable price that I decided to proceed with them given their online reputation.
The main mechanic (her dad) walked over and was surprised with how lucky I was since it was clear an amateur had attempted the theft and done it wrong, which is why they left without finishing the job. He briefly explained what damage was done and how much I would need to pay to weld the cuts and install the rebar/cables for prevention - which matched what Janice shared with me earlier as an estimate. Janice let me know I would be able to pick my car up within the day and that she would text me when it was ready. I left my car key with them and paid via Zelle (since they prefer cash/Zelle), which was convenient for me, and that way, I could stop by when it was ready to pick it up later and immediately go back to work.
Not even 2 hours later, I got a text from Yao Auto telling me that my car was finished and ready for pickup, and when I asked if I could stop by in a few hours to pick up the car they were totally okay with it. Once I arrived at the auto shop, I saw my car parked outside, and I went over to talk with Janice and her dad to thank them. Janice took pictures of the work after it was completed to talk me through what was done - which I really appreciated! I retrieved my key and went to start my car, and so grateful to hear the familiar sound of a functioning catalytic converter that I recalled before the incident, and that confirmed for me that they were able to return my car back to its original state!
Overall, this business truly matched what the other rave reviews mentioned, and although I normally don't leave reviews, but wanted to share my positive experience with this honest and local family-run business! I'll definitely be coming back for any future auto needs since they were so pleasant and conveniently located.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Renee G.Oakland, CA03014Dec 27, 2023
A++ The team at Yao auto asked me to bring my car in the same day. They assessed the car and found the problem; it turned out that I didn't need a new muffler. They fixed the issue right away (free of charge)!! I was outta there in less than 15 minutes. I can't say that I'm looking forward to needing a new muffler or catalytic converter but if I do I'm coming back to Yao's spot!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Anna C.Boston, MA05110Jul 3, 2024
I hit a speed bump real hard yesterday and my car immediately sounded like I modified it to make a motorcycle noise. These types of things always freak me out. So, this morning, I called Yao auto repair and got Janice on the line. She immediately got me an appointment and made me feel much more at ease. I came in a few minutes early for my appointment, but they accommodated me. Although it was gonna take an hour to repair, they allowed me to wait there and gave me ice cold water on this very hot day. The Mechanic offered me two options and I took the least expensive but definitely permanent solution. I am always suspicious of mechanics, as I don't know enough about cars and whether they are trying to cheat me. Any other Mechanic may have insisted that it was only one option, which is a more expensive one, but not here. They have very reasonable prices and do quality work. I highly recommend them!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Brownie B.San Francisco, CA4568Nov 27, 2023
Gave me a same day appointment, installed a hitch for me for a great price and quickly. Excellent service. Look forward to coming again. Thanks yao!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Chris D.San Francisco, CA1183995Apr 10, 2023
Great knowledge on the repair
They knew exactly what to do at a reasonable price !
Pans they specialize in mufflersHelpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Suzanne R.Oakland, CA018Apr 22, 2024
Great service and easy to do business with! I needed a new starter and my regular mechanic was closed for the holidays they got me in right away and out quickly. Now I'm torn between two mechanics!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Justin T.Alameda, CA3481May 6, 2024Updated review
Came in for a small exhaust leak after a local mechanic noticed it. uncle was able to attend to speedily! the exhaust is good as new! 2nd time I've been here, love the hospitality and service from this small family business!! Definitely immediately recommended to my friends and family!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Dec 29, 2022Previous reviewHot damn! I see why this small business is packed with a seemingly never-ending line; assuring availability highly recommended. I'd called months prior to plan what materials were needed to revert a straight pipe to OE flanges to mount an aftermarket catback; then confirmed opening 1 day prior. This was an essentially custom job. Janice was very helpful in helping answering questions and optimizing workflow. The owner is very skillful and experienced: the techs together scavanged a perfectly-fit flange and the owner began work. He recognized the prior welding work's shoddy quality, catalytic converter misplacement, and free-hanging O2 sensor; corrected it, and installed my catback beautifully--literally back to stock-flange and positionings of the catalytic converter and onward. The owner was also able to ease my worries and speak on suitable hangers, flanges, weld quality, part price ranges and qualities, noise levels and uniquenesses--man's been in the field for awhile. Despite uncertainties and surprises prior to and during the procedure, the work was efficient and clean. Very very impressed; well worth the time for quality work and affordable pricing. Definitely referring family here!
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