Berkeley Auto Repair

My '97 Volvo got the check engine light and so I assumed I was in for a multi-thousand-dollar kick in the teeth, because Volvos are the most expensive cars to repair on earth. Last time it needed brakes it ended up costing me $2K for all sorts of crazy shit, like a broken turbo. One time. the dipstick rotted and the dealership told me it would be like $300 - $500 for a new one, because I have the short one they don't make anymore, so they have to install the new long housing, but they have to special order it from these elves in Europe and blah blah blah. By the time the guy got done talking I realized he had actually taken my wallet out of my pocket... Anyway, I just bought a long dipstick and cut it with tin snips, and I resolved that the next time the gd car even needed bake pads I was going to trash it.But the car is loved by a member of my household, and so when the light came on I was on the hook for fixing it. I heard that bad gas caps were actually a frequent cause for this in Volvo's, so I bought a new one, but no luck.So I took it here. I was really concerned they were going to pull some mechanic shenanigans, because I am mistrustful of all mechanics. I was pretty clear just diagnose it, don't fix it, don't check the turbo, don't look in the engine at the frothy, milky blend of oil and water that is grinding the pistons away, etc... but I was still pretty sure I was going to get socked.But, hey, I didn't! They sent me to the nice cafe next door and 20 minutes later some guy came in and was like yeah, it was probably just the gas cap. Keep it closed tight.Nice! I assure you, these guys knew I was never going to be a long term customer, and they could have easily screwed me, but they didn't. Thumbs up!

Good Service, Clean Shop

I brought my secondhand 1983 Volvo here a few months ago and was impressed by the honesty, thoroughness and respect I and my car received. Bruce, Miguel and Eric really know their stuff and will do the extra little maintenance checks and small repairs that cars need to keep from needing big repairs, something not all mechanic shops do. Since they specialize in Volvos, rest assured that your Volvo, be it vintage or brand new will receive the very best inspection and repair service around from Ackerman's. Bonus perks: shop newsletter; Chez Panisse dinner drawings; you can even ask them to donate 5% off your repair bill at no extra cost to you to the charity of your choice.

My wife and I drive an old Volvo station wagon, and at times it is in need of some assistance. I am so glad we found this place. This is the kind of place that you get told you don't have to spend money. I appreciate their great service, and they have managed to keep us on the road. They are prompt and honest. Their prices are solid, but I don't mind paying a little extra to know I am getting good service. I highly recommend them to any Volvo owner.

My car needed immediate attention and Ackerman's was willing to take a look at my car at 8am on Monday without an appointment. They only work on Volvos which is great if you're looking for someone with a good understanding of your car, plus they help perpetuate your Volvo fetish. Their diagnostic is $125 which inst cheap but its a good insurance against up selling.

Ackerman's is very considerate and helpful. With two children, I need service that finishes on time and respects my limitations. They are very accomodating and polite. They even send a thank you note after servicing the car. Honest estimates too...just when you thought they were merely starting figures. Needless to say, this level of service does not come cheap. But they are independent, and I find they deliver on the premium charged, whereas many dealerships take advantage.