San Francisco Automotive Solutions

After my 2001 VW Beetle (used) overheated on Van Ness Avenue, I limped it to San Francisco Automotive Solutions and they provided me with an extensive, detailed assessment of the mechanical problems -- most of which had apparently been caused by the car's previous owner. They also offered to take the time to explain the problems to me in person, which I really appreciated. The repair estimate seemed high to me though -- especially the $130/hr for labor -- so I took it to another nearby mechanic for a second opinion, who said the All American estimate was actually spot-on and that this is a standard hourly rate for labor for San Francisco, especially for shops that offer a 2 year warrantee with their work. (Apparently you can find mechanics who charge a much cheaper hourly rate, but their work is typically warranted for about 30 days.) So overall a good experience, but I'm deducting one star for some attitude from Bill upon picking the car up yesterday to go get that second opinion. Awesome attention to detail but don't begrudge someone the right to shop around, guys!

After my 2001 VW Beetle (used) overheated on Van Ness Avenue, I limped it to San Francisco Automotive Solutions and they provided me with an extensive, detailed assessment of the mechanical problems -- most of which had apparently been caused by the car's previous owner. They also offered to take the time to explain the problems to me in person, which I really appreciated. The repair estimate seemed high to me though -- especially the $130/hr for labor -- so I took it to another nearby mechanic for a second opinion, who said the All American estimate was actually spot-on and that this is a standard hourly rate for labor for San Francisco, especially for shops that offer a 2 year warrantee with their work. (Apparently you can find mechanics who charge a much cheaper hourly rate, but their work is typically warranted for about 30 days.) So overall a good experience, but I'm deducting one star for some attitude from Bill upon picking the car up yesterday to go get that second opinion. Awesome attention to detail but don't begrudge someone the right to shop around, guys!

My car (1995 Volvo 850 Wagon) had a dead battery, and the hood release was caught and wouldn't pop open. I tried to get it open for a while, failed, called AAA, they sent out a tow truck today, whose driver tried to get it open for a half hour with me. Also failed. I called the two independent Volvo shops I've worked with before, know, and trust -- they both said "can't do it today, but it'll cost at least $120 (and hour) plus probably replacing the part". The tow truck driver suggested his buddy's place, this shop, and that they'd be able to do it today. I liked the driver (Louis of Larry's Towing), so agreed. The shop mechanic took a screwdriver, wiggled it around for a minute, and popped the hood -- I was SURE he'd have to at least jack it up and go in from underneath. He then started slow-charging the battery, said come back in an hour. I did so; he hacked a hood release pull out of zip ties, as he obviously didn't have the original part, and if we closed the hood to drive home, I wouldn't be able to open it again. The zip-tie hack works as well as the original lever ever did. The car battery is charged. And, when I said "so how much do I owe you" the boss said, "nothing, happy holidays" and sent me on my way.Total repair cost: $0. Another honest mechanic in San Francisco found. I'll still probably take my car to Exclusively Volvo (or Centrum Volvo) in San Francisco for anything major, since they specialize in just my car, but I can recommend this shop as an honest, reliable car repair place, and that statement is worth 5 stars.EDIT: And they seem to have a Yelp ad going for a free tow to their shop; if I didn't have AAA, that'd be really good to know.

One of the worst things that could ever happen while on vacation happened to me. My car broke down. San Francisco Automotive Solutions is AAA approved so my car was taken here for service. They were quick to check me in and get my car on the lift for diagnosis. The ENTIRE staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Pat (the owner) was extremely personable and even came in on his day off so I could pick up my car I would recommend All American to ANYONE needing service. And seriously the nicest and CLEANEST garage I've EVER been to.

I have been going to San Francisco Automotive Solutions for years and they are the best! Back when I drove clunkers they kept them on the road with fair, reasonable and competent work. Now that I have nicer cars, I see them less often, but they still provide excellent service, with a smile, in a spiffy, clean, convenient location. Recently I had my car towed on a Sunday night and it was fixed the very next day. Thanks, Pat!

I had a great experience with All-American Automotive. I appreciate the level of respect and efficient service. After speaking with the master-technician, I had a much better understanding on some mechanical aspects and automobile maintenance, especially for living in San Francisco. I was a bit apprehensive about the price, but called around for estimates and I was actually saving a great deal. Especially after speaking with the dealership directly. I will be returning! The level of training and mastery shows. Quality work, Thanks!

This was by far the most pleasant experience I've had with having to get my car fixed. Pat and Bello (Bill) took excellent car of my car. The shop is clean and well organized. Bill took the time to take photos and provided complete transparency on what he needed to do to replace the clutch on my 2007 MIni Cooper S. I will continue to take my car here in the future and highly recommend it, especially for their knowledge of Mini's.

Larry's Towing picked me and my car up (water pump, pulley, and belts broke). I had no idea where to take my car where the mechanic would rip me off. AAA named off a few places.. one of them BMW.. I said "NO! they charge way too much!) So the driver from Larry's Towing suggested San Francisco Automotive Solutions. My first impression of the garage.. Very Clean!!! The technicians were all very professional. The guy that fixed my car (forgot his name), but he was very good! Luckily they were not busy when I got there around 10.30A. They were able to take me in, call in the parts from Burlingame, and I picked up my car by 5.30P. Pat (Owner) explained the work, showed me all the broken parts, and even showed me a virtual demo of how the piece is supposed to work. Pat broke down the price of every single item. $130 diagnostic charge and $130/hour if you decide to have them work on your car. Don't let the name of the business fool you. Pat (owner) is a very knowledgeable. He no longer works as a technician and runs the front desk so he is more hands on with both the customer and the technicians. Before you take your car they wash it :-) I was very pleased with the service and the repair. I finally found a car repair place that I won't hesitate to go to next time (let's hope not anytime soon). Pat was very good to talk to about my car and gave good advise.Loved you Pat, but I don't hope to see you anytime soon! ;-)

Larry's Towing picked me and my car up (water pump, pulley, and belts broke). I had no idea where to take my car where the mechanic would rip me off. AAA named off a few places.. one of them BMW.. I said "NO! they charge way too much!) So the driver from Larry's Towing suggested San Francisco Automotive Solutions. My first impression of the garage.. Very Clean!!! The technicians were all very professional. The guy that fixed my car (forgot his name), but he was very good! Luckily they were not busy when I got there around 10.30A. They were able to take me in, call in the parts from Burlingame, and I picked up my car by 5.30P. Pat (Owner) explained the work, showed me all the broken parts, and even showed me a virtual demo of how the piece is supposed to work. Pat broke down the price of every single item. $130 diagnostic charge and $130/hour if you decide to have them work on your car. Don't let the name of the business fool you. Pat (owner) is a very knowledgeable. He no longer works as a technician and runs the front desk so he is more hands on with both the customer and the technicians. Before you take your car they wash it :-) I was very pleased with the service and the repair. I finally found a car repair place that I won't hesitate to go to next time (let's hope not anytime soon). Pat was very good to talk to about my car and gave good advise. Loved you Pat, but I don't hope to see you anytime soon! ;-)

I accidentally found these guys when a AAA tow trucker offered to take my broken down car there after hours. They have been my mechanic ever since. Pat has repeatedly gone out of my way to show me how my car broke down and has been sincere in making sure things get fixed as they need. He knows that I'm not rolling in money, so if someone can be held off for a while to save me some money, he will let me know and give me the consequences if it's not a good idea. And, since I have a tendency to drive clunkers, he has given me advice on when it's time to retire the car and for about a $100 or so will help me determine if a new car is a good buy. This service has saved me quite a bit of stress in making these decisions. Compared to prices listed in my RepairPal app on my phone, these guys are usually right on. And they are pretty fast. PS - I happened to see a list of the owner names of cars that were in for service once, and he had a couple in for the Secret Service. How can you not trust a mechanic that works with the guys that protect our President? PPS - I wish I understood why there are reviews where the girls are crying. I understand very well what it's like to not trust a mechanic. My father knows cars inside and out and I have been duped before by mechanics. Pat and his team have never, ever given me any indication that they are not trustworthy. In fact, they are the first mechanic I can say that I trust.