About Business
Conveniently located in Berkeley, CA, Model Garage, Inc. has established a strong presence in the Car Repair market. They have specialized expertise in Auto repair shop, Auto tune up service, Brake shop, making them a top-choice Car Repair specialist in Berkeley. Backed by 661 satisfied customers, they currently hold a prestigious 4.9/5 star status on our platform. They take pride in serving the diverse needs of Berkeley, CA residents, offering personalized Car Repair solutions that make a difference. Whether it's a routine check or a complex Car Repair task, Model Garage, Inc. is the go-to destination for quality and service in Berkeley, CA.
Google Reviews
Lee Brenkman
★★★★★
9 months ago
My first non dealer service on my 2019 Subaru. A neighbor recommended them and, since I drive by their shop on my way to work, I dropped in and took a look around. I liked the clean and businesslike, but friendly "vibe" After a regular scheduled maintenance and brake job I can report that I'm very satisfied with their work.
Nathan Bennett
★★★★★
2 months ago
Model Garage always offers clear, timely service. Several generations of my family have trusted them with our cars.
Gwendolyn Stripling
★★★★★
7 months ago
Felix provided exceptional service to me and my Toyota Sienna Van. He is knowledgeable and patient - as I asked questions - and I felt so assured. This is my second vehicle with Model Garage. And - now that they take Nissans, I will be bringing in a third as well!!! I trust my vehicles with Model Garage - the work and service are exceptional. Denise.
John Kleinjans
★★★★★
Edited 4 months ago
They are very accommodating. My car needed its regular servicing, but I had no way to get anywhere after I dropped it off … so I got in touch with them ahead of time, dropped the car off at 7:30, and then hung out until it was done ar 9:00.
Michael Rizzo
★★★★★
10 months ago
The folks at Model Garage are simply the best: reliable, courteous, knowledgeable and trustworthy. All the things you want in a car repair and service shop. I never have a sense that they are ‘upselling’ me for something I don’t need, and they are great at explaining the auto service my trusty Subaru does need. They’ll be my shop for as long as they’ll have me!
Hải Võ
★★★★★
a year ago
it was my first time, so good! thorough, communicative, clear, and transparent. appreciate the place being nearby, independent, dog-friendly. i brought in a car that needs some fixin’ (i want to ultimately take this 2008 toyota yaris farther on the road) and Ernesto was really open and transparent about all the fixes. we’re going in stages now as money and time are slim (i’m a non-profit professional with not that high of a salary) so knowing i can come in over time and getting an appointment the following week to start working on it was really relieving and gave me peace of mind. i liked how everyone acknowledged me and the dog i’m caregiving and other guests seemed kind too! the dog finally plopped down laying on the ground which i think is a good sign she’s relaxed :) thank you everyone!
Don Patterson
★★★★★
8 months ago
The Model Garage is as reliable as my 240 Wagon! I can always count on them for friendly, caring and honest customer service! The Shop is tidy, has a clean bathroom, and the people that work there seem to like their job. They do an excellent job keeping my nearly 40yr old car fine-tuned and running smooth! Thank you Model Garage. I appreciate you!
shannen menzer
★★★★★
11 months ago
The Model Garage has made a new customer for life! I was lucky enough to stumble across The Model Garage based on great Yelp reviews. I went by without an appointment bc my old Honda Ridgeline’s check engine light and two others suddenly came on, and she had some intermittent bouts of hesitation plus was making weird sounds in the year leading up to that point. I really love my old truck so wanted to get her taken care properly, asap. My previous go-to Honda dealership service center sadly turned untrustworthy and had terrible communication… so I was in the market for a crew who actually cared about preserving older cars vs just discarding in favor of something new. From the moment I walked into The Model Garage shop, they were kind, attentive, listened really well and asked thoughtful questions to help identify the issues, outline my options, and put a plan together for how to tackle the multiple repairs and services needed. They continued being communicative throughout the week she was in the shop (parts on order, etc) and politely allowed me ample time to review the estimates and ask questions, without ever pressuring me to hurry. We came up with a 2-part plan to make it more wallet friendly, and they even returned my truck cleaner than I dropped her off! It’s been 3 weeks since the work was completed, and I’m so pleased with how she’s running. It boosts my confidence knowing that my instinct was right and my old truck does indeed have more reliable years to give. (Take that, jerky Honda service center!!)
Laura Katz
★★★★★
a month ago
I had a used car inspection from Model garage. They were honest, thorough, professional and reasonably priced and helped me make a good decision on a major purchase.
Claudia Smukler
★★★★★
2 months ago
This was my 3 or 4th visit to Model Garage in Berkeley and I’ll be back for the 60k mile service on my Lexus hybrid next time. Excellent work and always friendly and respectful.
Sue von Baeyer
★★★★★
Edited a month ago
I had an emergency--an oil leak--and rushed to Model Garage. They were able to hoist my car up in the air right away, locate the leak, and fix it. Then fix it again when a second problem showed up. Because they had tuned the car the week before, they didn't charge me for the emergency fix, even tho I was not convinced that they had overlooked the situation in the first visit. They even arranged to transport me home while they worked on the car. It seems a bit odd to praise the garage for gallantry and honor, but that is how it felt. And I am a grateful and loyal customer! Sue von Baeyer
K. Tran
★★
☆☆☆
Edited 4 months ago
I've been taking my car here for the past 4 years, and like many of the reviews, the staff is very friendly, I even bought them an entire pie from Crixa Bakery (so sad they closed) one time, IYKYK. I think I took their friendliness to mean that they are fair priced as well, so never even thought to shop around for prices. But recently, I took my car in because the check engine light came on. They quoted me $863. I looked over the itemized list of service and was shocked that they charged me $215 just to check why the engine light came on. In total, the parts only came to $269 and the labor was $532! I called Toyota Service and they quoted me $700. I've been taking my car here for 5K maintenance service and they charge me $320+, so I decided to call Earthling Automotive where I used to take my car when I lived in SF, and they charge $200 for the same 5K service. I'm flabbergasted. It's all on me for not shopping around. So...if there is a lesson here, don't take friendliness for fairness, and shop around for prices! I'm actually very happy to go back to Earthling Automotive even though I have to commute to SF, they are woman owned and lesbian owned, and they too have a friendly vibe, but with the prices to match. So long Model Garage, you weren't quite the role model I thought you were.
John F. Gagne'
★★★★★
3 months ago
I own a 2006 Honda Accord that I bought new almost twenty years ago. I was actually considering purchasing a new vehicle for upwards of $50,000. Decided that before I do that I should at least get my Accord evaluated. Took it in to Model Garage and asked them to do a similar inspection to a used car that I might be considering buying. They gave me a very thorough and detailed written report. Bottom line, I will keep my car and fix the small problems it has incrementally and save a whole lot of money. Think we will go to Hawaii and have a lot of money left over!
Dustin Bills
★★★★★
a month ago
Model Garage has done a bunch of work on my Toyotas and I have never had any problems. Always very communicative and friendly. I refer everyone I know with a Japanese import to them!
Lesley Segedy
★★★★★
6 months ago
Model Garage is the best ! I come from S.F. to have my car serviced and was bragging about "my mechanics" to a friend from ElCerrito who was also braging about hers -- turns out, we both go to Model ! - My sister & brother in law turned me on to this shop & I've always been satisfied and reassured that my car, & I, are getting the best, safest care... They are thoughtful and go that extra mile ! - Doesn't hurt tha they have not only cool model cars in the case, but also dogs ! - (also, that the Grateful Dead has a place in their hearts !) - Model Garage -- the BEST ! (I've had reliable work done on my '95 Volvo for years, including that below :)of
Christopher J. Herrera
★★★★★
3 months ago
My family has three cars that we've been taking to Model Garage for several years. Along with regular maintenance, brake replacement, and other basic service, they also solved a 'mystery sound' issue in our older Prius and solved a lurking issue in our front axle. Highly recommended for fair pricing, excellent work, and incredibly great people and customer service.
Amanda Marquez
★★★★★
4 months ago
Five stars isn’t enough for this true neighborhood treasure. They’re honest, kind, and full of genuinely good people. A long time ago, and after trying other shops that made me feel swindled, they restored my trust completely. They’ve cared for my Subaru for years with reliability, skill, and heart. A true gem! Thanks Model Garage!
Kevin Pelgone
★★★★★
4 months ago
Kind, honest, and extremely fast and reliable service! Took my car in on Tuesday afternoon to replace a dead alternator and belt. I was able to have it back by Wednesday at 11am! They were with me every step of the way, provided updates via their app and are transparent with cost and process. Excellent shop! And they have a parking lot!
J Forbz
★★★★★
4 months ago
I love model garage, I’ve been bringing cars here since 2005. I had a Toyota van, a Volvo sedan, and now my daughter’s 29 year old Lexus. They are professional, good communicators and timely. Robert and the staff are amazing. The shop is clean and they have a cute doggy in house (name escapes at the moment!). I highly recommend Model garage!
Patrick Mitchell
★
☆☆☆☆
6 months ago
I don't like leaving bad reviews but I had a bad experience. Had a 7:30 am appointment for an oil change and it took them until almost 3pm to complete. Why do appointments if it's this slow of service? They also charged over 300$ for a 40,000 mile check and oil change. When I left my tire pressures had not been done right. The my didn't rotate my tires and also didn't ensure the correct pressures. After I left I was assured that they did. But I took it to another shop and they confirmed the tire that had a plug hadn't been rotated or maybe removed but re installed back in the same position. They might be nice but I'd steer clear if you want it done right and with confidence. I called to just check maybe a problem happened but he said it was done and good but my gauges don't lie. Won't be back with my car ever. Don't be swindled! Go elsewhere!
