Orinda Motors, Inc.

Address:	63 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563, USA
Phone:	+1 925-254-2012
Site:	orindamotors.com
Rating:	3.9
Working:	7:30AM–5:30PM 7:30AM–5:30PM 7:30AM–5:30PM 7:30AM–5:30PM 7:30AM–5:30PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Grayson Golden

I wanted to make sure my car was ready for a weekend trip I had planned, so I brought it in for tires, a full inspection, and for them to take a look at my A/C which wasnt blowing cold air. My work requires me having a car, so having auto work done is always a bit inconvenient, but thankfully I was able to borrow one from a friend. To make sure Orinda Motors had all the time they needed, I dropped my car off at 8 am and then picked it up at the end of the day. They said everything was completed, charged me for their work, and I left to begin my drive home. Immediately I notice that the A/C still doesnt work, which is odd, because on the invoice they gave me it specifically states that they tested the A/C to be blowing at 40 degrees F after their "work had been done." So lucky me, I have to bring my car back in the next day, borrow another car for work, and hope they fix it this time. After all, they had charged me over $300 for this specific fix. At least I had planned things so there was one more day before my trip -- I wouldnt bring my car to these guys if youre thinking you can get your car fixed in one go and get on with your life. So what was the result the second time? Apparently, what they had said they did for the A/C (which was refilling the refrigerant, then recharging it) hadnt been done at all! And now I wonder how it tested out at 40 degrees before they gave my car back to me. Did they actually test it with a thermometer? Seems more like they just forged it for the invoice. Now, I became fearful. What else they had said they worked on and charged me for, but didnt actually do? With A/C, I can easily tell when its not working. But theres a lot of parts inside a car that I cant easily cross-check after I take it out of the shop. Thats why we want an auto shop we can trust ,right? The whole trade is predicated on the notion that what they say they are doing, they actually do. And for the inconvenience of me having to bring my car back the next day, for another full day in the shop, the manager has the gall to offer me a free oil-change. I just about lost it. I had spent over $1,000 with them, put up with their incompetence, and they offer me what -- a $60 value? Would my oil even get changed if I left it with them? Ill never know, because Im not going back.

Jet Meitzner

Took my car in TWICE to fix an intermittent overheating/idling/sputtering (when driving below 40 mph) issue specifically after cold starts. Orinda Motors performs basic, textbook diagnostic tests for overheating in the cooling system but CANNOT troubleshoot AT ALL. I do not think it is an issue with the technicians, but the fact that Ken (manager) does NOT listen and gets defensive when questions are asked. As an engineer, it frustrates me to take my car to an auto repair shop and leave with an empty tank of gas after having them run my car over 100 miles and determine NOTHING. And then Ken carelessly mentioned as Im leaving: the overheating may due to "some wiring" but they couldnt figure out which wire it was (This was AFTER I requested them to check for any connectivity issues between the fan and/or temperature sensor--and Ken responded that would require to take the engine apart and "a lot of work" The engine? Really?) Why didnt they check if the fans were working when my car was overheating in the first place? No surprise, his answer does not make a lick of sense. In summation: Ken believes if his ONE set of diagnostics show negative results, there is no problem. Dont go here if you want effective communication of the mechanics in your car. You will get a rehearsed, textbook answer. This guy doesnt even know what a sensor is.

Anonymous User

We used to use Orinda Motors a lot, but several things happened that made us change our minds. First, whenever there was a minor or major repair, it always took days to fix it. Weve since learned that most repairs can be done in a day and the inconvenience of always leaving your car several days just isnt the norm. On another occasion, after a recent oil change there, we had transmission issues. We brought the car in and they told us it would need a costly new transmission. We decided just to give the older car to charity but on the urging of a neighbor, took it to a local repair shop that was recommended. All the car needed was transmission fluid - which had been overlooked by the oil change process @ Orinda motors and by the mechanics themselves. 8 years later, the car is still running fine and we are no longer customers of Orinda Motors.

Anonymous User

What a great place to take my car! I can count on them to do a good job on the work my car needs -- and ONLY the work it needs. For example, I was concerned that I had a brake problem on my car, so I took it in to be checked. They checked it out and were able to let me know there were no problems - and I appreciate the honesty. The charge was very fair. They have also done good work on my car when it was needed. Thank you Orinda Motors!! Its great to find a mechanic you can trust.

Anonymous User

Orinda motors is fantastic. They always take care of you and try to help you find the most economical way to take care of whatever problem your car might have. The staff is always nice and friendly. Not only do they provide great service but they extremely generous to the community and schools or Lamorinda.

Anonymous User

Am regular customer for basic services, oil changes, etc. Recently had rattle coming from engine which was in difficult spot to track down. Took longer than expected but during process staff kept me up to date on progress. Have always liked their friendly staff and continue to bring my car to them.

Anonymous User

I trust Orinda Motors. They handle all my cars needs. I buy my tires and have my oil changed at the Tire Center and Express Oil Change. The Service/Repair shop does all the rest. I drop my car off and they drive me home and pick me up when it is done. I can rent a car if need be.

Daniel Levitin

They are terrific. Theyve worked on our 1995 Mercedes E320, 2006 Porsche 911, and 2009 BMW 328xi. Theyre effective, inexpensive, courteous, and honest. I would trust them with any car and recommend them to everyone.

Scott Bertrand

Impressive work on my 1966 Pontiac as well as our daily drivers. Very happy to find a competent/professional/reliable shop.

Maritza Regalado

I was super bummed when the day after Christmas my car stopped working on the 24 freeway at 10pm...yay

Anonymous User

I use Orinda Motors and Express Oil Change for all my auto service needs. Always friendly and honest!

Lafayette Glass Shower & Window Co

Michele is the best! Highly recommend this company for repairs and service!

Anonymous User

Suucks...

J Y

too expesive , misdiagnosis