Imperial Automotive

Address:	111 Verdi St, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
Phone:	+1 415-457-5868
Site:	imperialautomotive.net
Rating:	4.7
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 1

Reviews 13

Michael Hraba

I had seen a 1 star review for these guys on Yelp. And, well, I came here, specifically, *because* of the one star review. I had a heater core that I needed to be replaced, and found Imperial and Kevin by searching specifically "heater core" as stupid as that sounds. It was a lark, and voila... up this one star review popped. Plenty of places have 5 star reviews, but not all of them respond to the rare negative review. It says a lot about someones commitment to a business when they actually care enough to kindly, professionally, and politely offer a counter to the rare bad review. I was impressed with his response, so I took the leap and took my 95 YJ Wrangler in for a new heater core. Kevin was kind enough to suggest other options to make sure my car was in the best of shape, but I opted to just go with the main repair... but its awesome to know he will give you a fair assessment of all you can do, without trying to hard upsell you into something you might be confused about, or not understand. I know my truck fairly well, esp. through my trusty mechanic at Golden Gate Jeep in the city, so I knew I didnt need any extra work done... so a heater core it was. (My YJ was spitting antifreeze into the passenger side footwell, and I was dutifully breathing it for a couple months so yeah, my memory is gone and I dont know where I am). I called yesterday, he ordered the part, I came in this AM and he had hooked up a $25 rental for the day from Enterprise (see previous review) - I dropped it off, they did the work, I picked it up later that day - and my car actually has heat, vent, and a atmosphere that is unlike a hostile alien planet. The estimate was *PRECISELY* the final price. Kevin was kind, friendly, helpful, responsive, and clear. I hate these sort of mundane challenges of daily life.. trying to work, while trying to get minutia taken care of. Its usually a drag. This was a treat..... its rare, it was easy, it was simple, and I am (half-jokingly) hoping my car breaks again so I can go back. okay okay, I am joking... but its a 1995, so I will need help again. In this situation, its pretty obvious who I will visit again. Thanks guys. Well done.

Anonymous User

Honest and great work. Kevin gave me a price to repair my clutch that he met and did a great job. No bullshit. I first took my car to another place, they said about $900 and then after a day of looking at it, gave me a song and dance that it was going to cost close to $2,000 because of all this work that needed to be done. I found Imperial through Google, the guy (Kevin) said he understood the problem, gave me a quote of $980 and stuck with it. Repaired in a day. Told me to come back to take a look to see how things are for any fine tuning... no charge. Pointed out a few things that he checked which he said were working fine (as opposed to finding more "problems" that needed repair).

Morgan Daly

Kevin is honest, skilled and his work is reasonably priced. In any other field this might seem like lukewarm praise, but for automotive repair this is the holy grail. My husband and I have been bringing cars to Kevin and his staff for over a decade. I trust him completely --not only to diagnose, repair and maintain our cars, but also to charge a fair price and not try to push unnecessary work. This alone is enough to earn 5 stars and keep us coming back. But Kevin is also a pretty cool guy.

Anonymous User

honest honest honest! Kevin is a gem, he is a wonderful mechanic and a wonderful guy! We were recommended to go to imperial buy a friend who is a very good mechanic himself, and respects Kevins work. Kevin always calls and gives us different choices regarding our different options and prices. He is kind and respectful and once we started going to Kevin, weve never gone anywhere else! I would recommend him to any one and always do! You wont be disappointed. --

Mark Brennan

Best mechanic shop youll ever see. Kevin and his team are friendly, very knowledgeable, and very hard working. The prices are very competitive, an you drive away knowing your car is safe and sound. Whats more, youre always respected, its never your fault, and you dont have to be a mechanic yourself to describe what you think is going on. They get parts super fast, and theyre extra patient with busy customers who show up late and forget things :)

Myles Garber

Hello and Thank You for helping my son who has been ripped off by other service auto repair places in your area. You fixed my sons 2004 Dodge Neon fast and for a price much less then what another place told him. Your customer service and work was excellent . It seems to be hard to find an auto repair place that is honest with there work. I will be sending my company truck and autos for servicing to Imperial Auto in the future.

Rich Weingart

Kevin is fantastic and fair with his price. His team does a great job. An awesome alternative to having to take it to the dealership and pay through the nose. Been going to Kevin for many years.

Anonymous User

Rare combination of reasonable prices, excellent work and really great customer service. The owner is very personable and friendly which makes it very pleasant to get your car serviced.

Meta Mertens

Kevin and his team have been taking care of my cars for more than 10 years. They are the best! Always prompt, efficient and reasonable prices. Highly recommend them!

Michael Pasha

Ive had Kevin work on all our family cars for years... trustworthy and always a better experience than the dealers Im always recommended by the manufacturer.

Robert Larson

Best mechanic ever. 100% honest about the needs of the vehicle. No reason to ever take your car anywhere else as far as Im concerned, I know I never will.

Steve Paul

Terrible, no parking for 2 blocks , zero parking for customers with appointments. Not worth the effort . Horrible location.

Orla H

Absolutely the best mechanic in Marin, customer for 12 years, really fantastic service!