Google Reviews
Ryan Guymer
★★★★★
a month ago
Keyword: honesty. Let's face it, mechanics have a bad rap due to their perceived level of honesty. It is for that reason I dreaded finding an auto shop. But I'll get to that in a minute. I have an Audi A3 and was due for a 15k service. I've only ever had my vehicles serviced at the dealership, but this time the dealership quoted me $575 and couldn't get me in until July as they were booked up due to recalls. I had called a few mechanics in Santa Rosa (where I live) and was quoted anywhere between $190 and $425. Confused, I Googled the 15k service maintenance schedule and found Advanced Autowerks. I tried calling them for a quote on a Monday and reached a third party answering service who forwarded along my message. I received a return call shortly after and was told the shop was closed on Monday, but they'd reach out to me by 9am Tuesday with a quote. Tuesday morning rolls around and I received a call as promised. I was quoted $250 with a 15% special and was informed of all the services that would be performed (which matched Audi's service schedule). I was able to book an appointment for the next day, unlike the two month waiting period through the dealership. When I picked my car up, it was actually $100 less than the estimate I was quoted, as my brake fluid was fine and didn't need to be replaced (or flushed?). Knowing nothing about cars, they could have easily charged me the extra $100 and I would have never known the difference, but they didn't. Thus, I was happy I found an honest mechanic. Overall, Advanced Autowerks saved me more than 68% off what the dealership would have cost and I am confident and happy in the work performed. From my first interaction - with someone calling me on their day off just to let me know they'd be in touch when the shop was opened the following day, to dropping off and picking up my car, I was thoroughly impressed with their friendliness and professionalism. They even left a Thank You note with a gift card to Philz Coffee - a nice surprise. The only surprise the dealership would have left would have been a ridiculously inflated final bill. If you're hesitant about finding a trustworthy mechanic like I was, give Advanced Autowerks a shot - you won't be disappointed. I'll definitely be back.
Erin Coull
★★★★★
8 months ago
Zach and the team are true gems! I am so grateful for the referral to come here 13 years ago when I bought my first Audi - as other reviewers have shared, this is the most honest and talented team I have ever taken my car to. They have kept my A3 in tip top shape, while also fixing the work of other technicians I had to take the car to under duress when I was in pinch and out of town with the car. Highly recommend Advanced Autowerks if you want to be treated like family by the best!
Adam L
★★★★★
9 months ago
I’ve had 2 Audis and have been coming here since I moved to SF 18 years ago. These guys are excellent. Zach is always more than helpful with questions. Super honest and very knowledgeable. Quality of work has always been top-notch at very reasonable prices.
Michael Reid
★★★★★
10 months ago
I bring my Audi A4 in regularly for check-ups and repairs. They have always done a great job, including some major fixes. Zach is very knowledgable and transparent about the work being done. I've been able to bring my car here for years now, and I've never had an issue. Would recommend to any Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche, Mini owners.
Xin Ma
★
☆☆☆☆
7 months ago
Avoid this place. They push unnecessary or premature repairs and aren’t looking out for your best interests. I came in with a simple issue — OBD monitors not ready for smog — and they charged $410 for a “diagnostic road test” plus recommended expensive part replacements. Another shop fixed it in minutes with a computer adjustment for just $85. They even lied to my face, claiming that a computer fix wasn’t possible anywhere. Following their advice would’ve probably cost me another $1K+ at least, all unnecessary work. Learn from my mistake, they are unethical.
robert lemons
★★★★★
10 months ago
I have been taking my BMW and VWs to Advanced for over 20 years with routine maintenance and fixes. Zach and the crew have always provided great service and advice. I would not consider going anywhere else.
Adolfo Ramirez
★★★
☆☆
a year ago
Went twice for service of coolant leakage and suspension. Was charged highly but it seemed reasonable at first. A month later without driving the car too much, the same issues persisted. Had to go to another shop that didn't rush the repairs and gave more transparency on what was actually being fixed. Its partially my fault for letting them rush me on the repairs and not ask the correct follow up questions.
Amberlin Klosterman
★★★★★
a year ago
Initially went in for service on my Mk6 GTI and a general assessment after moving. Zach was extremely candid about the work that needed to be done, suggested repair timelines, and transparent with pricing. Turnaround for a handful of repairs, large and small, was relatively fast based on the hours needed to complete the jobs. Upon pick-up, everything under the hood was shown and explained to me. Clear, concise communication and updates while my car was in their space. Extremely pleased with the care, transparency, and conversations surrounding past, current, and future maintenance and expectations. Absolutely will be recommending to anyone seeking service and maintenance with care and professionalism for their car, and with out a doubt will be returning for future services.
Robert Wong
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
Initially I had a job done here for $1.2k to change the spark plugs, ignition coil, and wire set in my 2015 VW Jetta MK6 2.0L. At the time I was desperate so I paid for the job and after 2.5k miles the check engine light came back on. Took the car back to Advanced Autowerks and was quoted $4k by Zach for a camshaft position sensor and 4 fuel injector replacement - thought this was ludicrous so I researched and did the job myself. Having never worked on an engine before, I was able to get the parts from O'Reily's (thanks guys on Geary, you rock!) and do it for under $1k and it took only 3 hours vs the 6.5 hours the "pros" at AA quoted me. Avoid this place and go to Das Auto Repairs instead in Daly City for your german car needs - they are honest, transparent and fair unlike this place that preys on unsavvy car people. STAY CLEAR THEY WILL OVERQUOTE AND OVERCHARGE YOU. Hourly labor rate is $215 and they don't post it clearly in their waiting room. Pertinent info will not be shared with you unless you ask the right questions. Learn from my experience and save yourself a lot of worry and money :)
Josephine McElroy
★★★★★
2 years ago
I take my beloved VW Golf R MK7 in for routine service at Advanced Autowerks. I drop it off in the morning and it's done by afternoon. Zach is personable and never does any major repairs without talking to me first. A few months back they identified a water pump leak and knew about a recall that saved me over 1000$. I love my car and I trust their expertise. It's a great place for VW services.
Erik
★★★★★
2 years ago
Zach and the team here are great. They were super thorough with my Tiguan with detailed communication as well. Zach even took the time to show me specifically under the hood of my car, everything that was going on. Quick service too!
Gary Liu
★★★★★
4 years ago
All the positive reviews of Zach and company have been spot on. I needed to find a good mechanic shop for my A3 and they have been nothing short of fantastic (both timely and ethically). I came in for the standard 40k maintenance repair but Zach thought it was unnecessary for the time being. Well, there's no doubt in mind that I have found my go-to mechanic and will spread the good words.
Dan Quick
★★★★★
4 years ago
Between 5 vehicles and over 10 years, both my wife and I have been fortunate enough to rely on Advanced Autowerks. Zach and his whole team work their tails off for their customers. The work is always explained clearly, the work is done with expert precision, and the price is always fair. I literally bought my last car brand simply so I could stay with these guys for our mechanic. All of our interactions here have been smooth and non-confrontational and I find that so refreshing, especially considering how acrimonious and distrustful some mechanics can be. Seriously, if you have an Audi, BMW, Mini, VW, or anything else they can work on, look no farther, this is your new shop.
Brandon Gray
★★★★★
8 years ago
Recently got an oil change done on my Audi and have to say the customer service here is excellent. The service reps are very friendly, knowledgeable, and even gave me some good preventative maintenance tips for the future. The shop is also very neat and clean, which typically signifies to me that they're orderly and have good attention to detail. I'll definitely be bringing my car back for more service in the future.
Birgit Schulz
★★★
☆☆
3 years ago
The shop is highly professional, but quite expensive. The repair bill for a valve cover leak, an oil filter housing leak and changing thrust bushings was $3514.75. The shop provided me measurements to justify most repairs which is the technically correct way to assess wear and tear. Advance replaced a $716 valve cover as a precaution on a part they said endemically fails, but Google had no search record of endemic BMW valve cover failure. They did tell me up front and I didn't pay close enough attention.
Lawrence B
★★★★★
7 years ago
The crew at Advanced have been servicing my A3 since the dealer service expired several years back and I couldn't ask for better service. Zach is always upfront and strait forward with his estimates and has been really great at giving me a heads up on a probable costly expense at the next service interval. Thanks for keeping my baby running great all these years!
Ethan Payne
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
I brought my car in because the tail light was out. They charged me almost $400 for a tail light replacement which stopped working on the drive home. Clearly they did not correctly diagnose the real issue. When I told them, they asked me to bring it in for more diagnosis at $200/hour. Clown business.
Scott Erickson
★★★★★
5 years ago
After many shops were unable to fix an intermittent issue with an old car that plagued me for too long and then these guy nailed it right away, ever since I've exclusively used them for all my car needs. Time and time again I'm reminded of how good they are, car always run great with no hassle, and the customer service is top notch with everything explained to the level of detail any engineer would want. It's a privilege to have such a great mechanic shop!
Michael Y
★★★★
☆
Edited 3 years ago
Looking for a shop that knows VWs and other German cars as well as the dealership but at more reasonable prices? Need honest, efficient, capable service with your best interests in mind (and a longer-than-average warranty? Then come to Advanced Autowerks. Sure, the perks of coffee gift cards and cold drinks are thoughtful touches. But ultimately it comes down to whether a shop does things well and backs up their work, and does it all at a reasonable price--without trying to gouge you or talk you into service you don't need. And that's what they do here. Give them a try.
Nicole Datlen
★★★★★
3 years ago
I called Advanced Autowerks at 5:55 pm due to an airbag warning light that popped up on my VW dash. Zach kindly talked me through the possible issues and advised me on the best course of action at the end of his work day. He was knowledgeable, courteous, and honest. If I ever have an issue with my VW when I'm in the city again, I'll definitely be calling Advanced.
