Central Automotive Service Center

1425 Autocenter Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, USA

Address:	1425 Autocenter Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, USA
Phone:	+1 925-932-6604
Site:	central-automotive.net
Rating:	4.5
Working:	7AM–5:30PM 7AM–5:30PM 7AM–5:30PM 7AM–5:30PM 7AM–5:30PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 19

Reviews 7

Anonymous User

I have an early 2000 model Toyota Sienna van. I had been going to Toyota Walnut Creek for all maintenance and repairs and decided to compare shops. Central was recommended to me by a trusted friend and the first time I went I thought the service, although expensive, was very good. Excellent communication with the people who work there. Since then, however, after about two more visits, I found some discrepancies in what I was told was needed and what I actually did need. For example, I was told that the reason my tires were uneven and out of balance was because I needed new shocks and struts. This was determined after a very quick glance at the tires. I am not a novice at car repair, I used to do some myself, and I had doubts about this cursory examination and diagnosis. I refused service and went to two other major repair shops. One said that sometimes on very rare occasions Centrals explanation about the effect of shocks and struts on tires was partially a cause. The other place said absolutely not. This kind of tire wear is usually a result of not being rotated every 5K miles and having the balances checked at the same interval. I have always forgotten to adhere to this recommended routine on all the cars Ive owned and the results have always been the same: uneven, out-of-balanced tires. Now I am questioning whether previous repairs done by Central were absolutely necessary or correctly diagnosed. The other conclusion Ive come to about Central, is that they can sometimes beat Toyota Walnut Creeks price on a repair, but that gets offset by another repair that is more expensive. Are they engaging in unfair practice? I dont know. But their mode of operation seems to be the norm for the auto repair business. Same old same old.

Anonymous User

Central Automotive has helped me maintain my car for much longer than I ever expected to keep it. I think the one thing that sets Central Automotive apart from the others is that they focus more on the customer than their bottom line. When Chuck Bowe had looked at an estimate I got from another repair shop and commented that almost half of the work that this other shop recommended was not needed, it made me feel good that there were still honest repair shops out there. Thats when my relationship with Central Automotive began. At another time I had dropped my car off for service with the understanding that certain things were going to be checked out and fixed and what the cost would be. Chuck called me to let me know that there were a couple of things on that list that actually didnt need fixing as he had originally thought and he would adjust the initial quote down from the one he gave me. Being inexperienced under the hood, I would have no idea of what he fixed or didnt fix; he didnt even have to say anything to me and I probably wouldnt have known the difference. The fact that he went out of his way to be honest with me about the true repair costs was very admirable and the way I wish more businesses would operate. Unfortunately, the car that I had taken to them for service over the years finally gave out at 260K miles. Ive recommended Central Automotive to all my friends and when the manufacturers warranty on my current car expires, Chuck and the crew at Central Automotive will be getting my business once again for another 200K+ journey.

Anonymous User

We have been bringing our vehicles to Central since 2001. We came on the recommendation of a good friend and have never been disappointed. They have helped us navigate the care of a number of vehicles, including when not to do repairs because the "issues" of a vehicle meant it was no longer worth it. They would have done the repairs, and we would of paid them, but their honest estimations meant the vehicle was no longer worth repairing.Being honest about the worth of the vehicle and encouraging us NOT to fix it meant less $$ for them! To us, the honesty of Central is so important, and they do value having a good relationship with their customers. That is good business practice. We have always felt fairly treated, never pushed to do unnecessary repairs. We have always been presented with options and the associated pros and cons and then allowed to make up our own minds. They have helped in emergency situations when family members from out of town had car trouble. They fit them in on short notice, and fixed the problems. My brother was so happy with the service to his BMW that he often had it serviced at Central when he would come to visit. We presently have 4 vehicles, from 210,000 miles to 120,000 miles. All serviced at Central. With their help we keep them running well and are able to figure out the maintenance issues that come up with vehicles with this kind of mileage. Being able to trust your auto mechanic is one of lifes true gifts!

Rachel Schoenfeld

While the whole service team was amazing, Matt was exceptional. He was accommodating, patient, understanding, and very helpful. He walked through every little detail with me, and answered all of my questions patiently and honestly. He went above and beyond to do extra research about parts on my car that didnt need to be fixed immediately, in order to save me some money. My cars safety and performance were a priority for him, but it felt as if he really cared about me as the customer, as well. He was very thorough and informative, and made sure that everything was good to go before allowing me to come pick up my car. I am moving to Oakland, but will drive to Walnut Creek just to get my car serviced here. Such honest and trustworthy people-totally worth it! Thank you, Matt! My Subaru is driving beautifully. I really appreciate all of your care and attention to detail!

oogieobanyon

. Id heard good things about Rob Services Central Automotive Service Center from a lifelong old car friend and referred a friend with a 1930 Packard Model 745 roadster, 38 Packard Twelve victoria and others among his menagerie. Rob and his merry men got both those cars back up to snuff and also cared for my 47 Packard Super Clipper. Many of us with prewar (pre War II, not Vietnam) cars with original drivetrains like knowing theres a savvy, can do team like Central Automotive conversant with such antiquities as drum brakes, carburetors. Central Automotive takes the same care with daily transportation/commute vehicles, as they do with collector cars however humble or august. While no one could accuse them of running a charitable institution, these are gentlemen and scholars who know what theyre doing and wont leave you hanging. A+

Anonymous User

Rob Service...Thats all you need to know about these guys! Service is Robs True name and what he believes in. Tim, Isreal, Chuck and the other mechanics( all ASE certified I might add)are the best at taking care of your car. When you need repair or maintanence, want it done right, and the best for your "baby"(car), Then just trust the Guy with "Service" as his name!!! He and the crew live up to a higher standard of service than probably you are used to, and definitively better than any "Car Dealer" shop around! So if your car has a squeak or a leak, take it here! Youll be glad you did! R. Dreyer customer for over 10 years!

Anonymous User

Chuck at Central Automotive has always been a wonderful resource, explaining with patience and respect the intricacies of the confusing world of cars to me. Today, he went above and beyond... I had a problem with one of the vendors he recommended and he took the time to talk to the individual and even called a manufacturer for part information. He smoothed out the issue and related the side of the other vendor to me (which the other vendor should have done). I wholeheartedly recommend Central Automotive, especially Chuck, who has always treated me with honesty, integrity, fair prices, and on-time service.