Advanced Autowerks
| Address: | 1218 Michigan St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA |
| Phone: | +1 415-901-7270 |
| Site: | advancedautowerks.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | Closed 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM Closed Closed |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 6
A
Anonymous User
I called to get a quote on replacing the door handle of my 97 Jetta b/c the lock had broken and I needed to get the entire thing replaced. When I asked whether they were able to give out estimates, the person on the phone flatly said "No." They said they needed more information before quoting a cost. I described exactly what had happened, and also what 4 other repair shops told me that needed to be fixed. He said that I would still need to bring it in. I was getting a little frustrated at this point, as I was just trying to get a figure, so I asked for a BALLPARK figure or tell me whats the worst case scenario. To which he replied "one million dollars." Nonetheless, I thanked him for his (albeit useless) time, and hung up. I understand where hes coming from in that hes hesitant to give out estimates over the phone b/c customers usually hold garages to it, and it may provide a nasty situation later on if the cost of repairs is over the estimate. On the flip side, for customers that know exactly what is wrong w/ their car, calling in is the BEST way for them to get a variety of estimates on the job to be done. I know whats wrong w/ my car, and I know exactly what I need to fix. I dont even have keyless on my car, I just need the door handle w/ lock replaced. No one is going to DRIVE around to 5-10 diff shops and wait at each one, until a tech can look at the problem. Who has that sort of time? I was under the impression that they would provide excellent customer service over the phone, but I received everything but. His answers were short, filled with sarcasm, and he had absolutely no feeling or desire to actually want to help me resolve my issue. They definitely need to be taught a lesson in customer service, or at least have someone who is able to answer the phone in a professional manner.
JE
Jesse Obbink
Ive been coming here for about 2 years-- its very conveniently located for me, and I like supporting local businesses. In general, I find the staff helpful, honest, and very communicative. Ive gotten tires and oil done here, and asked them to repair auto glass (they were too busy when I called, but recommended someone else who was wonderful). Ive always been satisfied with the quality of the work. Recently, however, I have had a couple check engine light issues, and Ive been a little bummed about the way theyve been handled. Most recently, my car had an issue that was covered by extended warranty-- if I take it to the dealer, its a free repair, so Im clearly going to do that rather than spend $1,900 out of pocket. The folks at AA, while really helpful in communicating the problem, still charged me $145 for a diagnosis, which seems pretty steep for a computer readout. Theres no accounting for time on the diagnosis; its just a flat fee thats billed (which was not, incidentally, how it was presented to me when I signed the repair estimation-- I was told I would only be billed for time spent). RepairPal estimates that the national average is $88-$111, so AA is still a good 30% above the top end of that spectrum. I dont mind paying a little more for quality, but the premium that AA is charging is beyond what I think of as good value. Im thinking that next time I dont know whats wrong with my car, I will likely go to Euro Motorcars (rated more highly on Yelp). I called them to ask for a diagnosis rate for a check engine light problem, and was quoted $50, which seems very reasonable for a regular customer (which I plan to be). Bottom line, if you take your car to Advanced Autowerks, it will be well-taken care of, but youll likely pay top dollar, even if all youre receiving is a diagnosis.
JO
John M
Advanced embodies continuous improvement and it shows. I bought my A4 in 2004 and shortly thereafter I started to visit Advanced for my non-warranty work. This included adding an aftermarket exhaust, amongst other goodies. Back then it was a much smaller space run by Aaron and Randy, operating under a slightly different name. After my warranty expired, Advanced became the one-and-only place I could trust with my Audi. Over the years the business has grown and now it is better than ever. Their staff is extremely courteous. The work they do is exceptional. The additional touches they provide (bus fare, car washing, etc.) are an added bonus which wasnt always there. Best part of all - Advanced is extremely competitive with pricing. For what you would pay at the stealership, Advanced gives you so much more. My only disappointment is that I have parted ways with the makes of vehicles that Advanced specializes in. As a result, I expect to find myself poking my head in to say "Hello" and looking for a new equivalent in the BMW world. Advanced has certainly set the bar very high for my next independent shop!
BE
Benjamin Knight
Took my 2004 VW Passat GLS 4motion here for 3 years and always got great service. I had to stop though when my financial situation became more sensitive. They will tell you very plainly that they are not the cheapest shop in town (Jason, specifically told me so over the phone). They will even give you a list of cheaper shops that they specifically recommend. Again, they will literally send your business elsewhere with no hesitation. Hows that for confidence? Heres how they can do that: theyre the undisputed experts for the cars they service and they take pride in their work. What they offer is still valuable to people who dont mind paying extra for peace of mind, which its safe to say there are a LOT of in SF and the Bay Area. Take your car here, pay whatever it costs without batting an eye, and your Audi/VW/Cooper will run forever. On the other hand, if you have a late-life "point A to point B" service sort of vehicle that you dont plan on owning for more than another couple years, taking your car here is probably an irresponsible decision.
FR
Fred Winograd
This is the first time we had our car (1998 A6) serviced by anyone but Audi. We had several issues including a Check Engine light. One of these issues was an electrical issues that was intermittent and only happened 4-5 times a year. There was also an issue with the washer fluid system. The service was well run and reasonable in price. The communications between the shop and me was very good. They resolved the Check Engine light, replaced the front brakes, replaced the washer pump and tank, changed the oil and attempted to fix the electrical issue. The only issue was a delay in getting the parts for the washer system. That took two days to get. They did install it right after the parts arrived and that was well done. I would recommend them to anyone who asks.
A
Anonymous User
Though I did not spend much time in the office, I went to a lunch appointment, it was clean, the work areas I saw were all well maintained and organized, the mechanics seemed focused yet approachable (though I did not approach as I did not want to disturb their work). Ive never had a mechanical experience like it before, and I will only go elsewhere if I have no other option. The office staff was friendly and helpful. I judge mechanics by how they treat me, as I am not into cars at all and I felt that they understood that side of me and didnt look down on me because of it. Definitely going back every time I need something done with my little 2004 Golf.