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Germanys Best
5291 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618, United States
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Germanys Best

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Ru
Review №1

Im not saying shady, but I walked away from my experience feeling quite taken advantage of. Heres my experience...My 2001 VW Jetta failed its SMOG test so I took it to Paul @ Germanys Best. At the outset, he suggested he fix the common fuel trim sensor and get it smogged for me. I told him that I get a free SMOG test from the place where it failed, so we agreed he wouldnt do that.I get a call a few hours later and Paul said I made an executive decision. I cleaned the sensor (did not replace) which cleared the check engine light and I took it to get smogged. WHAT?! We very clearly agreed he wouldnt. I assumed then that hed pay for the smog. Nope. He charged me $75. Keep in mind that a SMOG usually costs about $35-$40.He said I also put in a couple of quarts of oil, you were down two quarts as if that would assuage the SMOG issue, to which I said will you cover the oil? Nope. In the end, he said he would, went to amend the bill and said something like oh, I never charged you for it anyway, so were at the same cost. This is dubious.In the end, I have no idea whether I have new oil OR a properly repaired fuel sensor. But I do know I was WAY overcharged. Someone more aggressive than me would have negotiated that cost down but when I feel smarmy business, I just leave as quick as I can. No wonder he was so ambiguous about estimates or quotes. Hes gonna up the charge on ya somehow.I wont be going back. Doesnt feel right.

Al
Review №2

I just got a bmw I wanted it to be inspected and I received the run around. First was told to come in on a Monday and when I did I was told to come in another day again and he’d call me with the information after he got his mechanics in after he decided to take my vin number so I wait to receive no phone call and can’t help but think he turned down my services because of his own personal issues! I don’t recommend any person of color to take your vehicle to this man I wouldn’t trust his intentions

An
Review №3

Helped my very finicky Jetta get back on the road. Well worth the cost - knowledgeable and thoughtful service. Thanks!

De
Review №4

I am always very happy with the work that Paul and his crew provides. Its quality and thorough every time. They are respectful, professional and reliable. One caveat-- Paul is a stickler for perfection. This means he does an excellent job, but sometimes it takes a little longer than one might expect. Worth the wait!

Da
Review №5

I have been taking my cars to Paul and Germanys Best for a number of years now. I recently brought my BMW 535 in and what i thought was a minor oil pan leak proved to be a much bigger issue. Not only did Paul and his team solve the problems they were able to get it fixed and back to me in record time. Literally it feels like I am driving a new car not one with 100k and 11 years old. I was kept up every step of the way and I am so pleased with their work. I highly recommend the team at Germanys Best! Thanks Paul!!

Er
Review №6

Very thorough work. The mechanics here are very knowledgeable and friendly. And most importantly, they really care about your car! Which is exactly what you want in a mechanic. I brought my car with a belt tensioner issue and they changed my spark plugs and a coil without charging me for the labor--Paul just wanted to see my car running smoothly. Will be bringing my car back here.

Ta
Review №7

Called this shop and explained to Paul whats happening with my 2009 Audi. He said to bring it in the next morning and hell take a look at it. They ran some tests and concluded it was something going on with the transmission. He gave me 2 options which I wasnt too thrilled about because of costs. I told him that I would just come pick up the car and maybe try to figure it out, maybe try to sell. When I went to pick up the car he showed me where he thought the problem was but could not confirm but his experience gave him a hunch that it could be the mechatronic sleeve/valve that was causing the issue. What I appreciate is his knowledge and experience and upfront about cost. This was my first time at his shop and probably wont be my last. You want quality service for your car, check this shop out.

Ma
Review №8

Paul at Germanys Best has taken care of my 1997 Carrera 911 for many years. Recently he replaced the dual mass flywheel and made other changes, and my car drives better than ever--its like a new car!

Da
Review №9

Took my VW here for emergency service. They were quick and transparent, didnt push the upsell, and charged a fair price. Going to a new shop for the first time can be nerve-racking, but it appears I made a great choice!

Ma
Review №10

My second, five star review! We had trouble getting my very low mileage, but 10 year VW Tourag to smog. Paul is the doctor for German cars! He took it step by step, with his recommendations. The bottom line is that after several days, because of his recommendations that he completed, we got it to pass smog! Do you know what this means for me? I can drive my car, that I DID NOT want to give up, for two more years. Paul saved me from having to buy a new car! And HE WOULDNT GIVE UP. Thats what really kept us going. He kept telling us, IM NOT GIVING UP ON THIS ISSUE! We really appreciated that spirit. Thank you again Paul!

Fr
Review №11

I have been searching for a repair shop for my 1974 914 Porsche since 1983, l have found my home @ Germanys Best. I thank God for Paul and his Pit Crew, fair, honest, and knowledgeable. Germanys Best truly is the BEST. Theres no place like home.

Br
Review №12

This is a great small business. the owner is a kind gentleman and a knowledgeable mechanic. i bring all of my german cars there for their great work.

Te
Review №13

Germany’s Best is absolutely the best. I’ve been going there for years and they’ve never failed. Whether it was a newish BMW or a very old VW Westphalia (that The Buslab failed on), they’ve done great work and are 100% reliable.

Cl
Review №14

1-star was as low as I could go. Customer Service not included with repairs.

Information
8 Photos
14 Comments
4.3 Rating
  • Address:5291 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618, United States
  • Site:https://germanysbestinc.com/
  • Phone:+1 510-694-1433
Categories
  • Auto repair shop
  • Auto air conditioning service
  • Auto radiator repair service
  • Auto spring shop
  • Auto tune up service
  • Brake shop
  • Car repair and maintenance
  • Mechanic
  • Oil change service
  • Transmission shop
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–5pm
  • Tuesday:8am–5pm
  • Wednesday:8am–5pm
  • Thursday:8am–5pm
  • Friday:Closed
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:8am–5pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Oil change:Yes
Amenities
  • Mechanic:Yes
Planning
  • Appointments recommended:Yes
  • LGBTQ-friendly:Yes
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