Larrys Automotive Service

shannon l

February 7, 2012 at 10:02 AM

Imagine being at least 30k miles past a maintenance, my Slow-rolla was not in a good place.  My check engine light had gone on, and even though that was the least of my worries, that prompted me to get my car checked out. I ended up getting the following done: -tune up -oil change -replace drive belt, battery, spark plugs -service engine coolant -transmission fluid service -power steering fluid flush -check engine light: catalytic converted efficient below threshold (he turned off the light and said I'm good for this but to come back if the light comes back on) Everything cost just shy of $800 which I thought was a reasonable price for honest work and so much done.  I wouldn't say I brought it in on late notice but I did call in earlier in the week and he said I wouldn't need an appointment, probably not knowing what he was getting into.  I had taken my car in at around 10am on a Saturday and it was already really busy.  I could tell Larry was hesitant to take on a big job with so many other customers but he managed to get it all done by the late afternoon!  Driving away, I already knew that my car was in much better shape... it was a day and night comparison. I don't know what it is.  I'm no car expert by any means but I do have skills when it comes to reading people and you can tell there's a good vibe about Larry.  I don't feel like I have anything to worry about when I'm talking to him.  Sure, there's a sign that says they prefer debit card payments to avoid credit card fees but that's no negative indication of the overall package.

nene r.

December 17, 2011 at 06:55 AM

Had a random break-in with a smashed car window.....Larry's to the rescue!   They were straight forward with the price, the timing AND the service.  Would recommend them on their honesty--can't speak to repairs. Negative:  random dude that smokes inside the shop and in door way--what?   Seems to be the goofer, but he should take that stuff AWAY from the garage .

John P

April 21, 2010 at 03:25 AM

Larry's is awesome! I have much more confidence now when I step on the brakes and they actually STOP the car!

Lauren D

January 7, 2010 at 11:10 PM

Larry went above and beyond to make sure I was a satisfied customer! First of all, he answered the phone right away every single time I called.  During my search for mechanics, I discovered that other mechanics in the area don't seem to care about answering their phones. Larry was patient with me on the phone and answered all of my questions in a way that I could understand (I know nothing about cars). He was polite and courteous and took all the time on the phone I needed - he didn't seem put out by my calls or annoyed that I had so many questions. Larry found the problem quickly and only fixed what I asked for and didn't try to up-sell me, which is a definite plus. Actually, he replaced a headlight for me for under $10 that I hadn't even mentioned - I was impressed that he paid so close attention to detail and went out of his way to do me a favor. He did not try to tack on any additional charges or sell me things I don't need.  This is a plus, being a young female with no knowledge of cars. The price was right - VW parts are expensive, but the price for labor was fair - he charged me 25% less for labor than the fancy imported places do. Larry also pointed out some things my previous mechanic had done "the easy way" and guaranteed he would do the same repairs for a much lower price. When I went to pick up my car, he went over the entire car (hands-on!) with me and explained everything.  I liked that he never seemed to be in a rush, even though he clearly gets a lot of business. He was also sympathetic about my financial situation and did everything in his power to keep the cost as low as possible. But the pièce de résistance:  Larry picked me up at my own house when the car was done so I wouldn't have to walk the 35 minutes it'd take me to get down there. I am going back here next time I get work done on my car.

C D.

January 17, 2008 at 09:25 PM

So, I have a really old car. It's 14 years old. Yeah. But I love it to death, and I tell ya...they don't make cars like this anymore. It's a bucket, for sure, but it'll ride with me 'til the wheels fall off. Let me stop myself before I continue to wax on and on about my precious scraper.So, the other day my car wouldn't start on me. Fuel pump problems. Yuck. The AAA tow-truck driver was really sweet and helpful and recommended Larry's place to me. He said they guaranteed their work and he promised they wouldn't screw me over. He was right. Larry was super considerate and did some great work on my car. He gave me a 10% discount on all the labor, and even changed my oil for me for only $20. (No labor charge, either.) He also took it upon himself to put some screws in my power window panel that had come loose. (This sounds small, but was a HUGE deal to me because it's been loose for months and made me car look even jankier.) He's also offered to give me a call with an estimate on having my driver's side window repaired. Even though Larry's is out in San Leandro, which is about a 30 min. drive for me, I really plan on going back for any work I need done. He was nice and seems truly trustworthy. It's such a big deal for me to find a place I can trust for car repairs, and I'm so glad to have a place I can depend on.