Art's Automotive
4.8 (176)
2871 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 540-7093
artsautomotive.com
Claimed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Anne
2 months ago
I haven't even got my car back yet, but these guys are wonderful. they have gone above and beyond fixing a water leak repair, which I know can't be their favorite, for my 20-yr old car which officially falls outside of their serviceable car cutoff age. they call each time the plan deviates even slightly from what they told me last. very helpful, so nice, and so committed to fixing this bummer of an issue i brought them.
John Vollmar
2 months ago
Our family has gone to Art s for many years. Most excellent service and great people. I give my highest recommendation for putting your vehicles into their loving care.
Joanna Lawrence Shenk
3 months ago
So grateful to the team at Art's Automotive for taking our car before the holidays when we had an unexpected repair needed. They got it fixed right before they closed for the holidays. We really appreciate their quality work and timeliness in getting our car back on the road!
M D
8 months ago
Fantastic knowledge to help with a transmission issue.Did a general search on the internet and found an article written by Paul Cortes. With a phone call to Art's Automotive to talk to Paul he helped me in detail, on how to make the repair. He sent out the part and I made the repair to his instructions. Several weeks later and over 2000 miles the 2005 prius is still running on the repair. Don't know any of the guys personally but if their anything like Paul, I would trust taking my car there for repairs. As I said I made a phone call because I don't live in CA. Paul was friendly enough to help a Toyota owner in PA. What does that tell you about Art's Automotive.Sincerely Barry (Prius Repair Guy)
Courtney LeGates
6 months ago
Never thought I'd find myself writing a review for a mechanic, but here I am because I had a fantastic experience at Art's Automotive today!They were thorough, honest, and clearly explained the inspection report helping me understand what services were needed, what might be coming soon, and what was in good shape. Their prices are fair and they communicated before performing any services to get a green light (no pun intended) from me.I would absolutely recommend Art's and will be coming back in the future :)
Juan Leiva
a month ago
Few days ago I had a minor automobile issue and I stumbled upon this business and talked to one of the guys.......He took care of my repair nice and quick and very affordable.... Nice guys nice place
Emery Herman
a year ago
Very good service! From the other side of the country, Paul took his time helping me understand and diagnose what was wrong with my 07 camry Hybrid. Thanks again for your patience and sharing your knowledge with me. This is the kind of company you hope to find when you're in need of help.
Dharm Atma Singh Khalsa
2 months ago
I used them for 30 years and they were great, but now they are out to gouge based on their reputation. The last time I went I felt ripped off, as I trusted them, and a neighbor who is a mechanic was shocked by how much they charged. Whatever they quote, compare to the dealership (which are always thought of as the most expensive option). For a valve adjustment for a Honda CR-V they want far more than what the dealer is charging, something like $550 compared to $350. It must be that Art is no longer in no longer running things. The whole vibe is different now.
Alberto Mier
7 months ago
Sadly, unlike pretty much all the reviews out here, I did not have a great first experience at Art s Automotive. I decided to drop in to ask some questions (I didn t have an appointment, so I simply wanted some information on repairs for my 2017 Subaru WRX STi). Jared (?) was sitting at the front desk when I greeted him and proceeded to ask if they would be willing to take a look at my wrx for any internal mechanical damage from a small fender bender. He immediately told me they did not do any body work and pulled out a business card from the desk that had another shop s info (really appreciated but not quite what I was asking). I clarified and told him that I wasn t looking for body repairs, just a simple check up/inspection for damage. He then told me that they did not work on any new Subaru STi s and that I needed to have brought my car into Art s in the past to ever make an appointment with them because STi s are very difficult cars to service, which is absurd to say the least. What the hell? You re really going to dismiss anything I have to ask with another excuse as to why you won t work on my car? Sorry but you re literally a mechanic that specializes in Japanese makes like Subaru!!I don t know what he was thinking and, frankly, I don t care. All I know is two things: 1) they didn t want my business and 2) this is not how a 40+ year local mechanic shop should be treating new customers. Only reason as to why I give an extra star is because I only met one out of the many mechanics/workers, and I m sure that not all of them are like the unmotived dude I met. Everything from the reviews to the website gave me such high hopes for this shop, and I was even considering coming back if they would be able to help. I guess not anymore, and rest assured I will not be recommending this place to anyone.
Nancy Harrington
9 months ago
I love this auto shop! I came in just before closing with a small issue that they were willing to fix even though they were busy wrapping up and I am sure just wanted to go home. And they didn't even charge me. I have been in several times over the years and really appreciate how straight forward they are in explaining what is going on with my car and I have never felt like they try to upsell me.
Ronald Dritz
a month ago
Friendly service and expert automotive care at a reasonable price. Can't be beat!
Daniel Harrington
a year ago
Fantastic team - met so many people who worked on vehicle and helped set up service, as well as just asking how I was doing - thanks to Morgan, Lute, Jacob, Chris, Virgil, Brad, and the whole Art s team. The AC was not functioning and Morgan checked whole system and got it vacuumed and charged making it work as designed and rechecked it several weeks later as part of the service (brief visit). Thanks to each of you for the ardent work and service explanations as well as just a hello. Good and trusted people here.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Air conditioning, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Max Reichardt
a year ago
Highly recommend! Art s was thoughtful and helpful every step of the way when I brought in my vehicle after the catalytic converter was stolen. They even gave a discount when they found out my insurance wouldn t cover much of the repair. Everyone was a class act and very knowledgeable.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, BatteryServices: General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Battery
sky long
8 months ago
I live in TN and they were unable to help me directly with my 295k '05 Prius combination meter. My options were limited: $3000 and 10 days at the dealer, $150 for a refurb, or fix it myself.When I called they gave me tips and all the guidance I needed to be back on the road same day. I even avoided breaking the AC ducts.Class act. I wish I had someplace near me that was this knowledgable and customer oriented.Thanks!
Allyson Bogie
a year ago
We have been taking our cars to Art's for 15 years now, and have had consistently excellent service. They are efficient, communicative, respectful, and do a great job of keeping our cars running smoothly at a reasonable price point. It can take a few weeks to get in for a regular service, but when there is an emergency/urgent situation I have gotten service much faster. Once, my fan belt broke on my way to work, about 15 miles away. I didn't know what was wrong but Lute managed to diagnose the problem over the phone. I got my car towed to Art's at the end of the day and they fixed it for me in 24 hours. I had anticipated going many days without a car! I always recommend Art's and really appreciate them being there.Services: Auto exhaust system repair, General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection, Brakes, Auto brake replacement, Oil change
Tom Ocampo
7 months ago
Art's is my go to shop for any mechanical work for the last 20 years. They've worked on 4 cars for us over that time. They are friendly, honest and reliable.
Sam Curran
9 months ago
Invited us in last-minute. Helped us diagnose a code on our Suburu, resolved it and charged us *nothing*! Wow, super nice people. We have definitely found our go-to shop.
Taylor Gedeon
a year ago
This shop is INCREDIBLE!! I was in the market for a used car and had a long back and forth with Chris at the shop about the vehicle I was looking at. He pulled records for me and advised me on a good purchase price and any issues I could expect from the vehicle. Did I mention he did all of this for FREE?! The vehicle is also an old Saab which can be hard to service, but he told me Art's would help me out with the car whenever I need. I really feel that I can trust the shop to give me honest advice and genuine car services. Go to Art's!!
Brett Gabby
a year ago
We have been going to Art's for our Honda minivan for years and have always had a great experience. Twice I've stopped in for small, unexpected issues that they took care of on the spot without charging me! Great business!
Elizabeth Berrang
3 years ago
I absolutely recommend Art's Automotive. They are truly amazing to work with - kind, knowledgeable, prompt, honest, and professional. I had SUCH an above and beyond experience- best service ever. Plus very reasonable pricing, incredible value, and proactive communication with my auto insurance.I am forever grateful to Lute for all of his help - such thorough and swift communication, trustworthy advice, and expert knowledge. He answered my many questions with patience and compassion. I felt like I was in such good hands.
Alexander Boulgakov
a year ago
Hit a huge pothole at speed and had to get two tires replaced and wheels aligned. Just moved to the Bay and was recommended Art's by a colleague. They live up to their reviews and recommendations: very professional, efficient, honest, and fair. Strongly recommended!!
Markiza
a year ago
i came across an article these guys have written regarding fixing a combo meter in a prius, very helpful and informative, no self-promotion type of thing, but genuinely advising people on how to manage to do it yourself (not easy). Unfortunately, i dont' live anywhere near CA, otherwise, i would've simply taken my car to them, but i decided to call and ask for advice regarding the capacitors. i thought if someone writes an article like that providing help to the "self-doers", then these guys would be the best to ask. And i'm glad I did. I ended up talking to Paul Cortes, and he spent some time with me on the phone going over the capacitors, explaining what i needed to do, answering my questions, and other little details that were missed in other stuff i've read. I'm very grateful for the advice and help he's given me!! He also emailed me with additional info and parts I needed. I wish many other businesses treated people like this, understood that this what brings in the customers and earns them loyalty, this is what people notice and react to-kindness and genuine willingness to help. Paul, thank you, and keep up the good work! BTW, notice how high their rating is (4.9) and how many good reviews these guys got, must be a reason for that ;))
Yunhe Rodriguez-Choi
5 months ago
Art s treats you like family! I always feel like my car is in good hands.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance
Rachna Dube
2 years ago
What can I possibly say about my neighborhood automotive store that has not been said already!? They are absolutely the best in business-- professional, knowledgeable, honest and good people. I have been doing business with them for the last 15 years with our 4 Japanese made cars for the whole family. We can trust Arts with our cars 100% . They give us their honest opinion and let us decide what we want serviced and when. We have never had any unexpected issues come up because these cars are kept in best shape by Art's. Thank you Art's Automotive! You guys are gold!Services: A/C services, Electrical, Auto engine tuning, Brakes, Oil change
Michelle Poon
2 years ago
I have been going to Art's Automotive for years now and highly recommend their services. Their team is professional, and I feel taken care of every visit I have with them. As someone who does not know much about cars, I really value (and trust) their consultation and genuine desire to help you make the best decision for your car and wallet.Services: Tires, Electrical, Engine repair, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Oil change
Dorrit Geshuri
2 years ago
I love these guys! Super honest, great communicators, and solid mechanics at a reasonable price. I've taken my car here for over a decade and they've always given me good advice on what really needs to be fixed now and what can wait. Thank you, Art's!
Kelly Walsh
3 years ago
Fast, friendly service! A bit hard to find the front door...Walked in to get a quote for a broken taillight repair. They were warm, greeting me quickly, and helped after a brief wait (less than 5 minutes). I had my VIN number so they did a quick search and gave me the quote in also a very quick 5 minutes. The whole thing went so smoothly and I didn't even have any work done yet! Their sign says they specialize in Honda, Accord, Toyota, Subaru... I plan to have the job done at Art's!
Kristin Walsh
a year ago
They don't service cars older than 2005 unless you're a current customer, so save your time calling them if you're new. They did offer me names of other businesses, though.
Hendri Tjandra
a year ago
Knowledgeable front desk folks who know their Honda and Toyota briefs. They would give their unfiltered evaluations of possible issues. Been a regular for 20+ years for the peace of mind that Lute, Eric, Chris et al gave me.
Andrew Metzger
2 years ago
Best mechanics I've ever had. I've taken my last two cars (Subarus) here for everything that needs doing. The guys here are super friendly, efficient, and professional and communicate the whole way though process. As long as I keep buying japanese imports, I'll be taking my cars to Arts!