This was about protecting my Catalytic Converter plus the cover upgrade. It is pricey but necessary and the best cover out there, so totally worth it cause when take your Cat it turns your life upsidedown! Regardless if your Cat meows or purrs!

The Model Garage did am AMAZING job replacing my catalytic converter and installing a security shield after it was stolen. Robert was so kind and really made me feel better during a stressful time. They were efficient, had great communication, and so nice. Im going to recommend them to everyone I know!

Robert is wonderful. They know their stuff inside and out, it’s a pleasure to deal with them, and their expertise far exceeds other mechanics in the Bay Area with whom I’ve dealt. Reliable, trustworthy, and shop is notably clean. So glad I found them.

Model Garage has been my car service place for many years - they continue to be professional,And have always taken good care of my car.I have no reservation in recommending them for excellent care of your car.

I suspected an issue with suspension and took to a dealership. They quoted several items that would need to be repaired. I took my vehicle to Model Garage for a second opinion. It turns out I didnt need those repairs the dealership stated I needed and the noise my car was making came from a completely different issue. It has been fixed and I will definitely continue to bring my cars here.

Robert and his team were very helpful and attentive when we brought our Lexus in for an evaluation. We chose to go with Model Garage rather than the dealership as Model was able to save us quite a bit of money on the repair. Totally professional from start to finish.

I was very pleased with my first experience with Model Garage. I got my car done in a timely manner, the price was good, everybody was friendly and I will be going back to them.

Professional, safe, affordable, and honest. This is the best garage in the area. Their work is top notch, they stand behind it and the *listen*. Robert and the whole crew at Model are the model of repair shop excellence for my Toyota.

Wonderful service, as always. Routine check, but great diagnostics and attention to detail. Work was also very timely! Wed even asked for retrieval of a lost item, and they dug in and found it! Grateful and strongly recommend!

I’ve been going to Model Garage for years now and they consistently give great service at reasonable pricing. They also are always willing to explain what they are doing and check in before doing the work. Very reliable

Upon calling they got my pickup in immediately. Robert got a diagnosis on a clutch replacement within 4 hours or dropping it off and I had my ride by end of the day the next day. Robert is the man! I recommend to anyone in the Bay Area looking for any type of vehicle maintenance done.

Everyone at model garage was super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I dropped my ’07 Toyota Prius off at 9am and it was ready by 2pm, which is much faster than every other shop I’ve gone to. I will most definitely keep coming to model garage!

I’ve been using Model Car Garage for years. The service continues to be professional and caring from making the appointment by phone to picking up the car when job completed. I will continue to use and recommend Model Car Garage.

Great staff! Performed the necessary repairs in a timely manner and at a very reasonable price. Robert and his staff are awesome. Highly recommend

Rob was super helpful and kept me informed over the 3 day period. Repairs worked great and I loved the friendly neighborhood feel of the place. Especially Frida. Will be back! But hopefully not too soon. Best, Eric

It’s always a pleasure, believe it or not, to make an appointment at Model Garage. I have never been to another mechanic with the same friendly professionalism. Of course the service is top notch!

Great experience for this first time customer. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and efficient. They completed all work requested on time and at the quoted price - even installed missing front license plate at no charge. I’ll be back!

I called the Model Garage (had seen amazing reviews for them on Nextdoor) for a time sensitive, full inspection of a Volvo I purchased. I had reason to believe the seller had not done as thorough a pre sale inspection as promised. I needed a garage I could really trust. The people at the Model Garage were super helpful, friendly and down to earth from the start and they got my car in super quickly. After the inspection, everything was explained in great detail and I was able to gain confidence and peace of mind in my car. Will definitely be using this shop for any future service or repairs on my car.

I took my 2015 Subaru Forester there for a full service and an issue I was having with heavy shaking when I was on the freeway. They identified the source of the shaking within 2 hours and I got the part replaced within a day. They were quick and my car runs so smooth! On top of that I felt like I got a really fair price so I’m taking my car back every time I need a service or anything else.

All employees that I meet were super professional. I worked with Rob at the front desk to discuss every aspect of my repairs needed. He did an awesome job with my estimate and gave honest suggestions. Prices are very reasonable and service is fast. Will definitely recommend you make then your partner to care for your vehicle.

I love everything about this place, including Frida the dog. I’ve been a regular since my 8 yo Lexus went off warranty and Model’s estimate was about 30% lower vs the dealer’s service dept. My car runs tip top. The customer service is great. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

I have brought my cars here for 12 years and have always been totally pleased with the service.

One of the best websites I’ve booked an appointment on. Booked an appointment two days out and they emailed a confirmation the very next morning. Service was great, punctual and affordable. I had the Prius Catalytic converter shield applied. They had it in the house already and did not have to order it. Highly recommend this garage.

My son, owner of his late grandpa’s 2006 Toyota Tundra truck, is a 3rd generation customer. They’re absolutely the best, all around. Thank you for keeping all vehicles up and running!

We have used Model Garage for 25 years during which they have serviced our Volvo and Toyotas. They have always been reliable, honest, competent and fairly priced. One reason we have taken our cars there is that I cant say the same things about our occasional experiences with dealership service departments, even with a new car.The owners and staff of Model Garage have also been available by phone and in person, even when it is not a revenue transaction for them, for advice and to answer questions about our cars, and about the purchase of both new and used cars of the models they service.Finally, in addition to all of these qualities, it is rewarding to patronize a locally owned, small business.

Model Garage has serviced our Volvo for a long time. They are professional, knowledgeable, and polite. Thank you for your help!

Generally car problems explained, time frame given and the cost of service. Everyone is friendly, considerate and respectful. The maintenance of your car is their concern and you are given a choice to repair or not. Love this place. Genuinely nice people. My 200,000 mile Toyota Highlander is still purring under their care. Thanks Model Garage!

I started going to Model Garage in 1984 and have regularly taken three different cars--all old ones--to them over the years. They have been consistently great. Friendly, helpful, honest, always willing to answer my questions. If they find that I need something expensive but its not urgent, theyll help me understand the risks of waiting and strategize about timing. When I was shopping for a used minivan some years back, I prioritized Toyota, in part because I could take it to Model Garage. They have a good thing going; this is how all businesses ought to be run.

I was pleased that they told me that my brakes were safe until the next sevice.

My dad has been taking his Volvo here for over a decade and it is now where I choose to go for quality service. Model Garage helped me feel confident purchasing my first vehicle and has since helped me maintain it. They even helped me reseal my camper shell and did an amazing job! I cant recommend them enough. Great attitude, great service, great people.

Always the best service that I have with any provider in the past.

These mechanics are both very competent and fairly priced. Very efficient and friendly service. I am very lucky to have them be my neighborhood mechanics. Highly recommended!

I went in for my 75,000 service and to prepare my can for a road trip that I am taking at the end of the month. I love Model Garage - friendly people who are great at what they do.

I was planning to take my Lexus on a long trip when the battery warning light came on. Model Garage came to my rescue and immediately squeezed me into their busy schedule to check the battery. They spent quite a bit of time (without charge) and found it was a problem with the alternator. They replaced it and now everything is running fine. I wasn’t able to take the car on my trip, but at least they saved me from having it break down on the way. I can say that they provided excellent service above and beyond my normal experiences! I will go back there. They did a great job.

The Model Garage was wonderful! I took my car in to get a diagnostic on a rattling engine noise. Everyone was professional, the place was clean and organized, the staff was thorough and communicated very well, and I was very impressed with the service. I have been to a handful of mechanics the last few years and I will only go to the Model Garage now. I would highly recommend them!

My Volvo needed the companionship of other Volvos after a pandemic induced loneliness so like all children it refused to eat, i.e. the gas cap cover would not open. This is not something one ignores, the car has a habit of stopping once gas runs out. As most of you know. So off to Model Garage we went and met Robert. He scare me by saying the part may not exist for my car but will try to locate one and sure enough the car spent a few hours communing with its mates.I would highly recommend Model Garage for Volvo and Toyota owners. They get the job done...so you may fund the mechanics next dental work but thats a small price to pay than if you went to the ubiquitous European car repair shops in the East Bay whose only experience with Volvos is the sign out front. Avoid them like the plague, you will waste money, I did.I went to Model after the first crisis several years ago and I stayed with them.

The most kind and honest people youll ever meet. If you have car mechanic anxiety or trust issues, this is the place to go.

I was referred to Model Garage by a friend. They have been servicing her car and her familys cars for many years. I found the quality of their service excellent and professional, their communications friendly and the experience pleasant. I plan to have my Prius serviced by them regularly in the future.

I’ve been going to the MODEL GARAGE for nearly 40 years more than 20 of them with the same car because they have kept that 1984 Volvo running - never by up selling always by doing precisely those things that are needed. And they are the best folks - part of the “village “ that makes my life happy!

I had a diagnostic done the service was excellent....Ill be back in the future Im sure...thanks

We had a security plate to protect our catalytic converter from theft. Very helpful and we are pleased to have found a local garage for future work

I love and trust Model Garage and have been going there for over 25 years. They always do a superb job!

Model Garage is top rate. I could not have asked for better customer service. The team is 100% dedicated to solving problems and customer satisfaction.

I was looking for a new mechanic to take my car to for some noises Ive been hearing in my engine for a while now, plus my side mirror was a little loose. Found the Model Garage on Yelp and was impressed by the reviews - people love this place. So I inquire about a quote and make an appointment. The reviews were right - this place is great. They were professional, efficient, and most important of all they were honest. There were multiple issues with my car, and Rob was honest with me about which issues could wait and which ones wouldnt. I ended up leaving a business day later with my car fixed and running smoothly. I will definitely be going back to The Model Garage again. I was very impressed.

I love Model Garage! They are great in every way. Communication. Care of my vehicle. And gracious people!

I have an ancient Subaru that needed a once over. Model Garage was very professional about the whole thing. They laid out all the costs in advance and gave me thorough report of the vehicles issues when they were done. They were also very patient with me when it came to answering a number of questions I had.

Model Garage is the best! Look no further for all service and repairs.

All the staff and mechanics are always friendly and helpfuk

Great service! Replaced my stolen catalytic converter!

They really went above and beyond. Great experience.

My family has been using the Model Garage for about 20 years for Volvo 240s and now a V70. I highly recommend Model Garage. If you want the job done right, you cant go wrong there. Generally they have provided excellent, fast service. If you know the old saying, you know what has to give there. Recently, after an oil change, we were stranded on I5 with no oil pressure. It seemed that it might have been due to their service and Robert was very open about being ready to accept responsibility for that when I called him. As it turned out, it was totally outside of the scope of work they had done and was related to poor practices of a previous owner. Maintaining European cars is tricky, goes to show. Among the many reasons to own a Volvo, low maintenance costs is not one!

Ive trusted Model Garage for over 8 years with the care and preservation of my beloved 2002 Volvo station wagon. They always provide fast and reliable service. Ive never felt pressured to fix anything that they say can wait a bit and they go the extra mile to make sure I understand what needs to be done and when. I think my car will last many more years in their good hands.

Great service and nice folks. For from the most economical shop, but took care of an issue several other mechanics failed to address. Would definitely trust them with my vehicle any day.

I had a satisfying experience bringing my Volvo XC70 to Robert. Professional, personable and reasonable, as a somewhat venerable local business, it felt community serving. I will be a returning customer.

The work was done quickly, and I am very happy with their service.

My miscommunication. I was expecting a more thorough diagnosis that went beyond the check engine light, an issue that had already been diagnosed. I am still left with a choice to make an expensive repair without knowing if that will allow me to smog the car. My fault. They’re terrific.

A good experience. Took a little while to do the drop off while they verified that all supplies were present but appreciate them being complete!

The reviews are legit. These people are classy and honest and they work hard to do whats best for you and your vehicle.

Great communication. Easy drop off and pick up with social distancing measures and cleaning protections in place. Honest diagnostic and all around confidence-inspiring. Will be going to these good folks again... but hopefully not too soon!April 2021 Update: Brought my 2013 Tacoma in for a 25K servicing and once again the team rocked it! Very straightforward and reassuring communications. They helped me figure out which particular Service package was appropriate, and then took care of business.

Another great experience at Model Garage. I love these folks. Kind, honest, knowledgeable, thorough, trust worthy.

I’ve been having both my Lexus SUV’s serviced here for years. Robert and the team are honest, hard working and great people to work with. I’m lucky to have a mechanic that I can trust!!!

The folks at Model Garage are extremely helpful and reasonable. They help with my old and new cars and are always within budget or talk me thru my options if something comes up.

WOW! I have found my new mechanic. My catalytic converter was recently stolen, and the mechanic my insurance used did not offer the protective plate installation, so they referred me here. Model Garage was able to accommodate me last minute to keep my car safe from a repeated vandalization. I am so grateful to have my car back and peace of mind having the catalytic converter protection plate in place, and so appreciate them jumping through hoops to make sure I can have my car in time for the holiday. They are amazing!!!

My parents, my husband, and myself have been used IV Model Garage for decades abs we are very happy with the service and work they perform as well as the customer relations. We highly recommend Model Garage.

Installed trailer hitch. fast, good work

Great service. Easy to make appointment, competent efficient service, and very reliable. I like how they explain everything they do and give a heads up about potential repairs need in the future. And, they are MUCH cheaper than the service at the dealership

Model Garage is the best. Theyve been servicing our Volvo for 34 years. Seriously. Runs like a top.

I will absolutely not take my car to any other shop. Have been bringing my Toyotas in to them for over 14 years and have always been grateful for their excellent service. If the Model Garage suggests you need something done, do it.

Helped smooth out a discrepancy with my insurance company. Had I gone to a less proactive and helpful garage my car might not be back on the road.

I had a timing belt replaced and differential bolts are fluid replaced, I also am having a left axle replaced and a rear wiper fixed on a Subaru outback. They are through and fair priced and have been very courteous. I would recommend them to others.

Extremely well maintained and managed garage. Very precise in checking your car beyond the reason for which you brought it in. It gives me a good sense of care and safety.

Model Garage was recommended to me by some friends about 3 years ago after losing my favorite mechanic. In addition to being exceptionally knowledgeable of my older Prius needs, they have gone out of the way to help me in very timely fashion when my car has had some unusual needs such as a new catalytic convertor and subsequent anti-theft device. i recommend them highly. They are now my favorite mechanics.

I have come to this garage for years and most recently went in for a tune up and to get catalytic converter theft protection. This is an excellent garage. They staff is very nice, helpful and accommodating. The location is great and their work is always top quality at a good price. I highly recommend using model garage for your service needs.

The Model garage has been wonderful to deal with. I drive an older Camry, which is starting to need work. They have recommended and done only what is necessary, at reasonable prices, and have been very kind in completing work in a timely manner, so I can get to work on time. Yesterday something happened to my car that I thought was going to be very expensive and inconvenient to have repaired. They fixed it in a few minutes and didn’t charge me! It doesn’t get better than that!

Nice folks. Good work. Support small local businesses!

Wonderful service, communication, very honest and competent shop!!

They run a great shop that I have been able to really rely on. My car broke down a couple months ago giving a scary warning message when I was 200 miles from home. I called them and they helped me figure out how dangerous the situation was and where to have my car towed to. They also helped me out at the last minute prior to a subsequent road trip where I only thought at the last minute to make sure my car was in good shape for another road trip. I have been going to The Model Garage for six years since I bought a Volvo. Life is complicated in general and especially during Covid. It is so nice to have a garage you can trust!

I had my 97000 Maintenance including my rear brake pads replaced Ive been coming here for Many years when I first had a Volvo, the ownership has changed, but I still think its a great place to bring your Volvo and Toyota. Thanks again!!!

Came in with an issue that was going to cost $800+ To replace but they were able to fix it for $115. Saved me a bunch of money. Super friendly and helpful. Will bring my car back if/when another problem arises. Definitely recommend

I went in for a head gasket replacement and Robert was very efficient and explained everything clearly and worked with my warranty and was able to get my car back to me on time and in working order!

The Model Garage is wonderful. I used to bring my Volvo here and now I bring my Prius.

These guys were friendly and helpful. They did a quick repair at a fair price. Because I am disabled and have been ill and a Senior sheltering in place, they came around the corner and picked up and delivered my car. This was above and beyond good service. Eileen

I love the Model Garage. They do good work, they are honest and forthright about what needs being done and what my options are. They are dependable and well organized. They have never disappointed me.

This garage was so nice to work with! I needed a metal plate riveted to the underbelly of my car to protect my catalytic converter and they did it so quickly! I can park on the street again :-) Thank you so much!!

We’ve always been pleased with the service we receive at the Model Garage. Their employees are honest, competent, and more than willing to address any concern, no matter how trivial.

I am so happy to have my car serviced at The Model Garage. The whole experience is truly wonderful, from scheduling the appointment, checking in, and picking up your car. I have total trust in them to provide the best service and I have never been disappointed. Everyone who works there cares about their customers. I will go to The Model Garage for all of my tune-ups and auto repair needs. Highly recommend! Plus, icing on the already delicious cake, there are the cutest dogs in the shop!!!

I’m always happy to use The Model Garage for service. They are quick, professional, friendly, and always very communicative.

Just needed CV boots and they did it quickly and for a very reasonable price.

This is a fantastic shop. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

They recommend services needed and also recommend not doing work if not needed! They saved me money on not working on services needed.The work is top notch and they put the customer first with in depth explanations without sounding over technical.

Service was professional and accurate.

I’ve been a customer here for 25+ years, from my student years thru career, and have always felt well taken care of, issues explained thoroughly and options for fixing them explored— from the lesser fix to the complete fix. For years I only bought Volvos and Toyotas because that’s what they work on. I recently purchased an electric car and would love it if they started working on those! Thanks Model Garage!

This was a 100,000 mile maintenance visit and auxiliary battery replacement. The work was done very well, as ever. Particularly helpful was their accommodating our car maintenance while we were away on a trip. In over 40 years of using car repair businesses in Berkeley, model car garage remains my gold standard by which all others are compared.

They go by the Toyota guidelines which I personally don’t like. I prefer mechanics who check things and use their own knowledge. They are inflexible about the time you bring the car in. I prefer a garage that will let me bring the car in at 11 or later.Newer comment added after they responded to my complaint:I changed my mind about them. They explained why they use the Toyota guidelines and it made sense. Also they are letting me bring in my car at 11:30. The person at the desk who makes appointments didn’t know they can accommodate later arrivals.

It was my first time visiting there. So far, so good! They were knowledgeable about my car. The person at the service desk listened to me and was articulate. They were transparent with me about what work was urgent and what could wait a bit. The garage was clean and orderly. They called me when they said they were going to. And they had serious COVID measures in place.

Robert and Bruce, long-time employees and recently its new owners and managers, continue Model Garage’s legacy of high quality service, fairly priced and delivered in a competent, caring way.We are one of many who have turned to and relied on Model Garage for many years, who also think seriously about limiting our consideration of a new or used car purchase to vehicle brands that can be serviced there.We consider ourselves to be members of the Model Garage family, for which we feel both fortunate and proud.

As usual, times accurately stated. No suspicious surprises. Amiable. And something new: EXCELLENT sanitizing protocol. The best. I felt safe going there for my servicing. I’m in the dangerous age range for covid, and so appreciate the care that’s been rendered in keeping everyone safe.—Maggie K.

I’ve been bringing my cars, first a Volvo and now a Toyota, to the model garage for the past 13 years. They are great to work with. Everyone who works here is extremely nice, helpful, and welcoming, and they are great at communicating issues, even to someone like me who knows very little about cars.During COVID, they had good procedures in place to protect everyone and I felt very comfortable bringing my car in

This is the second time Ive taken my 2002 prius here to be repaired, they are trustworthy, friendly and communicative.

I went to Model Garage to have them replace my catalytic converter after it had been stolen. They were very helpful as they coordinated with my insurance and gave me trustworthy advice. I would recommend them.