Berkeley Auto Repair

As with other reviewers, this has been my go-to mechanic for GM vehicles for years. This is not a check-the-box-like-a-robot crew. They care deeply about solving the problem in the most cost effective way for *you* (versus what's convenient for them or their labor rates). As a general rule of thumb, come in as informed as you can be about your vehicle, and this will only help (not hurt) their ability to be the best partner for the care of your car over many years. If i come in with an unusual (or ancient) problem, if they don't know the answer immediately, they will investigate and research the issue as if it were their own vehicle, and they will explain to you how they are doing it; this is just an example of their honest approach, and it is much more credible than mechanics who give you no visibility into what or how they will solve the problem and then gouge you and/or band-aid your complaint. You've heard it already from many voices here on Yelp: Chris, CJ, the whole Oceanworks Berkeley crew... I trust these guys, period. They have the well deserved gratitude of many customers, especially mine.

I am very satisfied with Chris and Oceanworks Berkeley. I popped in to get a diagnostic done on a brake light issue. My Subaru was inspected, diagnosed and repaired within two hours and works exactly as I would have hoped. Chris also agreed to work with me on a financing issue which made my day. Thanks again, I will be back.

A friend came here a few years ago with a truck issue ... a loose bolt on a vehicle, serviced by a shop 3 hours north of Berkeley. Chris and his guys called the other shop, took care of the issue... super helpful! Fast forward 4 years. I buy an american vehicle... there aren't many shops in Berkeley for american vehicles... REALLY GLAD I brought my vehicle in for scheduled maintenance, brakes, etc... Chris was happy to put on some parts that came with the purchase of my used vehicle (unlike the silly 1 star review below)... Chris and his guys are great, suggested i wait on certain items. Great work guys! PS - these guys also work on Subaru's...and will be working on my classic truck as well

I have been going to Ocean Works II for years. Their work is excellent, their experience is invaluable, and they are always there to help you. I completely trust their work. If you have car trouble, this is the place to go. Chris and CJ are caring and honest and really know what they're doing, as do the other guys. There are lots of auto repairs in Berkeley--but Ocean Works II is Number One in my book. Allen--

Honest people. Have had multiple Toyotas maintained by Angus over the past 10+ years. His shop is a real treasure for Toyota owners. Truly. You will always get what's 100% right for your car's needs without any fluff or salesmanship.

I just called on the phone to ask for some advice and Natalie was super helpful, patient and compassionate. I called on the recommendation of my friend Nikki, and I'll definitely hit them up again!

Can't say enough great things about Oceanworks 2! Been going to OW & OW2 for over 10 years now, and the whole outfit is top-notch! Down to earth, honest and professional staff all the way around! Chris and CJ are very knowledgeable and willing to take to the time to do get the job done right EVERY time! I don't think I'll ever take my car anywhere else. Do yourself a favor and give them a try, you won't be disappointed!

Four years later on, I'm still going to Oceanworks Berkeley. Chris and the guys are my heroes. The one time something went wrong with a repair - they fixed a wiring problem that had caused the brake lights to malfunction, and the problem reappeared five months later - they squeezed me in at the last minute, fixed the problem and secured the wiring so it wouldn't happen again, and didn't charge me a dime. Oceanworks has repaired my truck many a time, and they've always charged me a fair price and stood by their work. That's why I'm still a loyal customer. I have recommended them to friends and neighbors on numerous occasions, and every single one has thanked me for the recommendation. I have a big ugly peeling Chevy truck that I totally love. A few weeks ago, the battery light came on, and as I pulled into a parking space in front of my house, the dashboard lights started to dim: a charging system problem. I called Oceanworks Berkeley after reading the positive reviews here. Chris was friendly and helpful. I arranged to have the truck towed to the shop, where they looked at the truck and diagnosed a bad alternator. They called me right away and gave me a very fair estimate and said they could fix it the same day. On the phone, I asked about the driver side door, which didn't close properly. Chris called me back after looking at it and said that a proper repair would be about $600, since they'd have to take the door off, etc. etc. I decided not to do it, but asked for an oil change. When all the work was done, Chris called and reminded me of their closing time. Unfortunately, AC Transit was having a bad day. When it was 25 minutes to closing and I hadn't shown, Chris called again and reached me while I was sitting at the bus stop in downtown Berkeley. I wasn't going to make it. So Chris offered to run my credit card over the phone and park the truck with the keys hidden so I could pick it up once the bus came. I was able to get there eventually. The truck was parked neatly in front of the shop with the invoice tucked inside. I got the keys, and when I got in to drive home, I found that a "temporary" repair had been made to the door to make it close a little better. So despite the fact that I never met Chris or his team in person, I was very pleased with the service and will happily take my beloved old dirty truck there again.

I've been going on and off to Oceanworks 2 for several years (on the off times I go to Diablo Subaru in Walnut Creek mostly for oil changes etc.). I own a Forester, 2000. Chris is extremely pleasant to deal with, their work is outstanding and they quoted me a price which ended up cheaper. They are honest and have saved me lots of money over the years. I highly recommend them.

I have been taking my cars to Oceanworks since 1996 and love them. The last time I shopped for a car, I wouldn't even consider ones that I couldn't take to Oceanworks. The first time I had them work on my car the charge was less than what their quote was because it needed less work than anticipated. Over the years they have seen me through bouts of unemployment and given me the options of the cheap way or the suggested way to take care of things with info on the risks involved. Whenever I have needed something in regards to my car that they don't handle, they have recommendations for independent shops that are trustworthy. Angus and Natalie man the front desk and provide fabulous customer service. I intend to continue to have Oceanworks as my mechanic until I no longer have cars or I move far enough away that I can't get to them any more.