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Alioto's Garage
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive Body Shops Auto Repair, Body Shops [Edit]
1835 Folsom St(between 14th St & 15th St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 864-3022
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5 pm
About This Business:
We offer a wide range of maintenance, repair, and smog services to vehicles. Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you would like more information… read more »
110 reviews for Alioto's Garage
110 reviews in English
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Review from Monika S.
5/4/2012
I am still waiting for Geico to send me a "review their service" form, so in the meantime I will review the garage they made me go to.
So Alioto's Garage did fine work. My Miata got hit while parked and the guy who hit me was kind enough to actually leave a note with his insurance policy info ( I sent him a thank you note for that). After having to hound Geico for over 10 days, I finally got my car into the shop.
Showed up on a Thursday morning -- all the estimators were there. Before I knew it, my car was marked up like if she were about to have plastic surgery. I also asked them to give me an estimate on how much it would be to fix my door dent (hit and run ) as well. They were very quick about the estimate- mentioned giving me the Geico fix rate and throwing in some things for free. Estimate came to around 1000 bucks for my part of the repairs. That estimate was around 150 bucks higher than when I got the dent initially estimated at another garage( a very well respected garage, not a cheap shop), but I figured since I was there already I would approve the work.
Well by Monday afternoon my car was ready. Basically two days later and my car was done. They matched the color perfectly, the dents were no where to be seen and my car for the most part look flawless again. The only thing I wish they had done was buff out the three small scratches on my trunk. Since they had to buff out the whole bumper and 3/4 panel you would have thought it wouldn't have been tough to throw the buffer on the trunk; oh well.
All in all a good experience. Hopefully this is only a once in a lifetime visit, but who am I kidding. I live and work in SF. My bumpers will need a mani/pedi probably in a few years again. -
Review from Megan N.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2012
What a bummer...I really wanted to write a good review for this place but they continued to disappoint me throughout my month long process of having my car in their shop.
I was rear-ended and State Farm recommended Alioto's Garage since it is so close to my house. They never gave me an initial quote but called me about a four days after I had brought my car there to tell me they planned to have it another week. A week went by and I had to call them to see if my car was ready. Apparently a part came in damaged and it was going to be another week. Then, they fixed that issue, put it up on the rack, to find they needed another part and I would have to wait another week. This time they did call me to let me know they needed to order another part that was on backorder. To make an extremely long and frustrating story short(er), this negative experience may have been out of their hands but communication was poor and you would think they could fix a rear bumper in under a month.
To top it all off, I show up at 4:30 the day they promise my car to me by 4pm and have to wait another 30 minutes for the paperwork and my car to get washed. I walk up to my car, it looks good, and one of the guys tells me another part (to guard/protect the paint near my wheels from rocks scratching the paint) is also on backorder and they would call me next week when they come in, but it shouldn't be a big deal to leave without them. I'm so fed up, I say okay and get in the car to leave. It has now been 3 weeks and have they called me about this part....you guessed it, NO!
I turn the engine on and notice the gas is extremely low (which I never let the gas line even near the empty line) but drive off anyway. TWO BLOCKS from the shop, my car is out of gas and stalls. I call the store and a guy shows up with a plastic container with some gas claiming that "luckily" they have gas at the shop (SO THEN WHY THE HELL DIDN'T THEY PUT SOME IN IN THE FIRST PLACE?!?!).
The only reason I gave them two stars is because the end product looks good and their staff is actually very nice. I definitely DO NOT recommend Alioto's Garage especially since they don't really seem to care about their customers.
Go elsewhere if you can. -
Review from Sandy L.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
My Sage green Volkswagen Rabbit 2006 was dented on my right rear side door that lead into the back bumper panel. I called Geico and they had me meet with an adjuster that is on site at Alioto's garage. When I arrived at Alioto's, I was so surprised that they had several insurance agencies on site (Geico, State Farm, Progressive, etc.) and Enterprise car rental. I met with Catherine Lennon (Geico adjuster) and Darren Seneres (Alioto's Estimator) and felt like I was in very good hands.
Because I wasn't in the car when my car was hit and damaged, I only had to pay my $500 deductible and I had car rental coverage for $25/day, so the rental car was paid for. The estimate to fix my car was a little over $2000! I have had my car estimated before at a random shop and they quoted me over $3000...so I know that Alioto and Geico have a partnership because they are a trusted autobody shop. That is why I decided to leave my car to be fixed.
My car rental was supposed to be a Ford Fusion, but they needed to get something fixed on the car so they gave me a free upgrade to a Mercedes C300 with a gas discount! On top of that, I forgot my driver's license at home and they had someone take me home to pick up my license and finish the rental car paperwork. Awesome!
Darren Seneres (Alioto's Estimator) called me during the weekend (I dropped off my car on a Thursday) and told me that my car was on schedule to be fixed by Monday as they promised. When I went in to pick up my car, it looked like it was brand new again!!!! It was perfect, the dents were all smoothed out and the paint matched perfectly! Darren even had his team smooth out all of the scrapes that I had on my back bumper for free! I had to change one of my rear headlights that cracked (this is a separate incident and I didn't use insurance for) and Darren had his team help smooth out the scrape that was on the base of the back headlight for me as well without a charge. It was something very minor and simple, but he went above and beyond to help me. I am so pleased with the service and work I received for my car. You always hear the horror stories about autobody shops...crappy service and work that will try to rip you off! This does NOT apply to Alioto's garage!!!!
I highly recommend Alioto's garage for any body work that your car has...they specialize in all cars!!!! -
Review from Kate M.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2012
This place is awesome! I have had my car repaired by them twice. The customer service is by far the best that I have come across in the industry.
On two occasions I arrived to drop off my car and they were extremely busy. Rather than making me wait, the owner came out and assisted me. It was a pleasant surprise.
The repairs were impecable and even their finance and accounting group was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Alioto's to anyone. -
Review from .Hazel T.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2011
I don't review often. Avoid. This shop has used inferior non-OEM parts that rusted. Got OEM parts in and then returned them without even a phone call to us. They reordered parts and called, another trip and more shop time, successfully installed. P.S. MUNI hook-up there is terrible.
Another insurance claim, second chance! Returned the rig to us with most *obvious* new audible flaw - leaky exhaust - the one they just repaired, but would not look at again (without insurance or separate commitment)! With insurance form in hand took it elsewhere.
Alioto's repair FAILED to include gasket. No wonder they advertise so much for new customers. That is bush league. -
Review from david d.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2011
When you take your car to a body shop you want to know that the work will be done on time and properly. My insurance company sent me to Alioto's. My experience with them was not a happy or good one.
On arrival they wanted me to immediately get a car rental from the on-site renter. I told them I would wait for the parts to come in. A week later they assured me the parts were in. I came in on Monday expecting my car on Wednesday.
Guess what? I called on Wednesday and they didn't have the part. They kept the car over the weekend, but first thing the following Monday it was finished and so was I, with them.
By the way, I had my car in to another garage and they commented on the repair. An after-market part that way improperly fitted to the car!
I wouldn't use this body shop again. -
Review from Eva Y.
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hands down, the best service I have ever received from a shop. No questions asked when I went back for follow up service due to the initial one. The manager is always very courteous and they are all very service oriented.
It's so true from car rental to Geico reps to the mechanics. All service oriented and very detailed with their work. When I asked about a referral for my car seats, the manager gave me a great recommendation for a good deal!
This is my first choice for sure! -
Review from Toby P.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011
I don't understand why all repair processes aren't this good.
My insurance made the appointment for me right away. Courteous folks told me what needed to happen, pulled up a very nice rental car, and had me on my way in 10 minutes. 3 days later my car was repaired and ready.
I really care how my car looks (it's new). They did an awesome job, and under the heaviest of scrutiny my car looks good as new.
Great process. Great work. -
Review from Ashkan J.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2011
My S/O brought her civic in to replace a bumper. It was convenient because they do Geico claims right there. These guys were great, they gave her a ride home, kept her updated about the status of the car by phone and email, and the job was done in 2 days! And they gave her a free wheel alignment and washed her car just because.
She asked for a ride to the shop when the car was ready and they came and picked her up and brought her to the shop. Everyone from the Geico adjuster to the mechanics to the owner of the garage was super nice. Full service from really friendly folks! Thanks Alioto's! -
Review from Lisa R.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
What great people to work with!
I've worked next door to this shop for years, but just recently needed something done on my car. OK, what I know about car repair could fit in a teaspoon--but I know a lot about customer service and this place has it ALL. From a basic informational phone call with the gal who answered the phone to the guy who worked with me when I brought the car in--lovely people, great prices, sublime service. This will be my go-to place for auto body work from now on! -
Review from Kaela C.
Oakland, CA
2/17/2011
The only good thing about this place is the fact that the people are nice. I had to use them because a geico client hit me...and this was where geico told me to take the car. horrible experience, horrible job on my car.
everything seemed great until i got home with my car, turned it off, then attempted to turn it back on. yes, thats right, my car wouldnt start. when i called they told me it was not their fault...excuse me? my car was running before the accident/before i brought it in to you...the cosmetic damage is fixed but now my car wont start?? i think not.
there are hundreds of garages in the city. FIND A DIFFERENT SHOP! -
Review from Krishna A.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very good service & super friendly.
Came here for my car repair & they did it quick. They seem to care about every customer. I will definitely go there again if I have any other issues with my car.
I am new to San Fran and did not know a place that is good and found them on Google Maps. I am glad I found this place. -
Review from cem m.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2012
two thumbs down....worst experience ever.
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Review from Kimberly Q.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2010
I used this garage because I'm a Geico client, and it seemed convenient to be able to get a rental car at the same time as submitting my car for the body work required due to a guy t-boning my passenger side.
Alioto's was very polite, but the work they did was sub-par -- TWICE. The paint didn't match, and I had to bring my car back to have it redone. Roberto said he didn't know how it got through QC; it looked really terrible. After picking my car up the second time, the paint was better, but I noticed a couple days later that the whole front of my car was askew. When they put my car back together after painting it the second time, they didn't even connect both sides of the front bumper to the frame.
I highly recommend that you DO NOT bring your car here. -
Review from Lalo M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Terrible workmanship! Wanted their money fast! I wasnt even allowed to verify quality of finished product... Not done right, not on time.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/4/2011
Was very dissapointed in the workmanship... Late to deliver on due date, and did not let me inspect… Read more »
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Review from Bing D.
4/13/2011
Tough to Park unless of course you're coming in to the shop. Drive into the shop.
Owned by Frank Alioto, this place is AWESOME!
If you were hit by someone and you need auto body work get over here and tell them what's up.
Be it the other driver doesn't have insurance or you're using insurance this place can take care of you. I'd tell you to ask for Frank but Frank is retired and his son takes his place. Just tell them what's up and what you need done and what kind of help you need...just explain your situation and they'll do the best thing for you and for them.
Go and tell them I sent you. Bing Dionida, i'm Frank's old neighbor up on Mount Davidson/Miraloma Park so they know to really look out for you. -
Review from Joni L.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2012
Fantastic experience. Repairs took half the time expected, rental car on site, friendly staff, they cleaned the car and vacuumed all the cheerios and playground sand that my toddler drags in, and even helped me reinstall the car seat.
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Review from Sarkis S.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2011
Wow... this is what I call a Family Business on steroids!
There service is truly stellar, Giecko, and Enterprise rent-a car on premises and these three are a match made in Heaven when you have to get the job done... A+++ all the way around! -
Review from NirvAnna M.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2007
I am convinced that the stars were misaligned and that the gods were conspiring against me when I purchased my car 6 years ago, because my car is a magnet for destruction. It seems like almost every year my car crosses the path of some random idiot who...
a) doesn't know how to park
b) needs to GRAVELY revisit driving school or...
c) needs to GET OFF THE F'ING CELL PHONE when driving (in a parking lot of all places!)
Luckily, there is Alioto's to balance things out and make everything nice again in this whacked out universe.
5 stars for quick service and making my car look brand new again, there is no other place I trust.
P.s. If you are a single gal, ask for Chris ;) -
Review from Selino V.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2008
I had some scratches on my hood. The dealer said that I had to paint the hood since the damage was so deep. The Geico guy that is ON SITE at Alioto's took one look at it and said...
"I think they can buff that right out. I used to do this type of work. I don't think we need to paint at all."
BAM! That's what I wanna hear. Came back and the car looked like new. They washed and waxed the entire car for me. On time, on quote, and on point. -
Review from Susan E.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012
Had to bring my car in following an accident; I interacted with garage staff, geico staff and enterprise rental staff. They were all very helpful and easy to work with and they worked well together. I would highly recommend this business.
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Review from Crystal C.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2006
I really hate dealing with anything auto-related....and Chris at Alioto's is the best. I've gotten munched a few times living in the city, always while parked (whatever happened to a nice note on the windshield???), and Alioto's has always been a painless, totally non-slimey environment to deal with. They've also done excellent work, which as a woman is almost secondary compared to being treated like a normal human rather than a cash machine at any auto shop.
UPDATE: Went back again recently because my seat back broke and wouldn't remain in a locked position. I explained on the phone that I was leaving in one hour for Tahoe and was going to become real chummy with the backseat passenger if I couldn't solve this problem. They said to come on down (right then!) and they fixed it right there on the spot and didn't even charge me a dime. They did warn me that it was a temporary fix, and it did break again about a week later after going over a large pothole, but the ride to Tahoe was painless! This shop is the greatest and I can't say enough nice things about everyone there. -
Review from Lucinda W.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2010
My Mazda was vandalized and Geico recommend I take it to Alioto's. I talked to the claims representative and he told me he'd order the parts necessary to fix it and he'd call me in 3-5 days when they were ready for my car.
Two weeks later I hadn't heard from Alioto's. I left several voice messages with my name and number, but they never called me back. After 2 1/2 weeks I just called them and told them to cancel the order... they didn't seem phased at all.
Very poor customer service. I'm never going to bother with them again. -
Review from Neal S.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2007
What would San Francisco be without careless drivers who think playing bumper cars is the only way to parallel park?
Certainly, Alioto's Garage goes a long way towards alleviating this painful reality of owning a car. I am currently having my 3rd round of body work done there (I was so happy with the first round that I just left it there and told them to fix everything else).
Unbelievably, their estimate for that first round was less than half what other shops were charging me and I actually made a PROFIT off of the numbskull who drove off right in front of me after being unable to adjust his reality to match the distance between his bumper and my parked car(only because the cops managed to track him down and it got put on his insurance!)
Kudos to Alioto's for their friendly service, quick turnaround, and excellent work, and to GEICO for pointing me in the right direction.
Unfortunately this round of body work is a pre-sale thing so I won't need Alioto's services in the future, but should I rejoin the throes of the death-machine-owning population, I can count on Alioto's to make sure it looks good. -
Review from Jen S.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2009
After my car got broken into, Geico sent me to Alioto's. I had an awesome experience with them! They were straight forward, quick and did an excellent job with repairing my window, replacing my radio, and fixing my dash.
In particular, Kevin was amazing - knowledgeable, candid, and sweet! He even helped me out when I called him from the gas station unable to open the gas tank on the super awesome rental he hooked me up with. (I'm not an idiot. I just to so happens that Mercedes have surprisingly simple gas covers.)
I'll definitely be taking my car back to Alioto's for any and every repair it needs.
Thanks a million Kevin! You're ridiculously good at your job and you make having a car broken into a good experience. I'm not quite sure how you did that, but it was pretty magical. Best car repair experience of my life. -
Review from Kehaulani K.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2009
With all the shitty drivers in SF, I am glad Alioto's was there to bail me out quickly. My friend brought her Lexus here a few weeks prior to me and had nothing but good things to say about this place. They even fully detailed her ride before she picked it up.
Thorough and quick estimates right on spot. Tam ordered the part, told me he would call when it was in. A few days later I got a jingle from him, set an appointment to bring in my ride and it was done within in one days time.
Superb work, excellent customer service! -
Review from Mario A.
San Rafael, CA
12/28/2010
Wow! That's all I have to say about Aliotos. When I came in to replace a fender on my car, I was warmly greeted by their staff, as well as the cutest Bull Dog I have ever seen! They are honest and friendly. It's a family run business so they care. They except all insurance work.
One thing that stood out to me, was when I dropped my car off to be worked on, I received status updates via EMAIL when they were working on my vehicle. This was great, because I was able to see what was going on, while at work! I really liked this feature of Alioto's.
I highly recommend this place to anyone that needs great service, for a great price! -
Review from Jill B.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2006
Great work. Speedy. Friendly. Cute bulldog that roams around like he owns the place.
They worked with me to cut some costs because it was out of pocket.
I'd go back - but I hope I don't have to! -
Review from Art A.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2009
Pleasantly surprised. Got hit by a shitty driver.. had to take my car in here because I have Geico insurance.. yada yada.
I read the reviews on yelp and was not ecstatic about bringing in my car as I wanted it to be done ASAP and the biggest issue was Alioto's timeliness. They estimated a week and told me they would call the next day to tell me the exact day.
They never called.. so I worried.. then I called. It was tough to get a hold of anyone because 1. no answering machines and 2. i dunno why.. my contact was not around
But, then I find out that my car was done.. ahead of schedule.. by a couple days! WOHOOO!! That never happens with 1.cars or 2.new developments/real estate.
So.. 4 stars for doing great work.. minus 1 star for lack of responsiveness.. poor communication.. but im DEF a FAN! -
Review from Deb V.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2010
Decent but nothing above and beyond to brag about.
They did a great job on the car, which got side-swiped by a dumb driver who didn't know how to yield. Also took it when I ran over a damn raccoon on the freeway. That was an expensive raccoon! When I took it in, it was very smooth and the people had great customer service both times. I have Geico and they have an adjuster on site so it was convenient. When the car was FINALLY completed, it looked better than it was before the accidents.
So why the 3 stars?
1) Short business hours in the afternoon. It would be great if they were opened another hour longer, till 6pm!
2) Poor timliness and this is the big no-no for me. I rather them give me a longer estimated timeframe and then be pleasantly surprised when it's done earlier. I took it there twice and they were both not completed by the time they stated.
3) Great staff but not 110% excellent in terms of knowledge. They ordered the wrong part one time so it delayed the process. -
Review from Kelly P.
1/15/2009
This shop has been a staple in SF through a couple generations, and for good reason: quality work, quick repairs, and excellent customer service.
Plus, I think one of the estimators there is super hot. -
Review from Rache C.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2007
My first Five-Star, and I can't believe it's not for a restaurant... and to add to the irony I know NOTHING about cars or body shops... I'm the annoying kind of person who cares more about how a car looks than how it performs. And now that we've set the stage....
A few weeks ago I parked Mickey (my covertible Mini-Cooper), went to the bank, and came back to see a ten inch slash on his soft top. If it weren't for fear of having to wear orange jumpers for 25-life I would have murdered someone on the spot. Insurance told me to pick a place, and I picked Alioto's because it's close. But wow, the service! They have the cutest English Bulldog (mind you I'm a cat person, so this is saying a lot) who looks like Winston Churchill, and makes you forget you are waiting. The people who work there are all friendly, and patiently explained everything that I needed to know, including how to take care of the new top for the first two weeks.
The best part? Mickey was back with me in less than 24 hours. -
Review from Christopher C.
Kelseyville, CA
11/23/2008
No, I didn't crash my little smart car, but Alioto's was farmed out to do my vertical doors -- they've done a bunch of them before, so it only took them 5 hours to do mine, most of this was in prepping the vehicle and working with the hinges, in fact, they didn't like the ones in the kit so they fabricated their own right there on the spot, how cool is that?! They charged me a reasonably fair rate and yes everyone totally digs the doors, they are sick.
Whilst my car was in their capable hands, they offered me a sweet loaner which I was very happy with.
Perusing their shop, they work on Mercedes, BMWs, both new and classic Minis, imports, you name it, they do it.
If ever I need custom work on one of my cars again, they have definitely earned my repeat business as a loyal customer. -
Review from Matt C.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2011
A few months ago some db felt the need to smash my passenger window to ripoff a 2nd gen iPod nano ($30 on ebay...), and kicked in the cornering light just for good measure.
I had Geico coverage at the time, and like many other yelpers here, I brought my car to this Alioto's at Geico's strong urging--it's the _only_ garage in town they work with without a lot of extra paperwork.
The estimate was easy enough but it was downhill from there. The first time I tried to bring the car in from the hospital where I work across town, I called to say I was running a few minutes late and was told no problem. When I arrived, at literally 5:02pm, the gates were locked and phones dead. Two weeks later, when I could find another time to get down there, they fixed the window and the lamp.
Problem solved? Sure, until the window fell out of alignment (about a week later) and the lamp just fell off the car (a month later). I called the garage, and after working my way through a few different employees who wanted me to submit pictures of the missing lamp, I finally got a manager on the phone who agreed to re-do the work. They had to order parts, said it would take 2 weeks. Over a month later when I hadn't heard anything I called back, and was told the parts were there and they weren't sure why I wasn't called.
I found another morning and brought the car in, only to be told after an hour and a half of sitting there that they didn't have _all_ the parts they needed, for either the window or the lamp. After I pointed out that I wasn't thrilled about the prospect of taking yet another morning away from my patients, they offered to pick up the car from my parking lot, take it back to the garage and return it later in the day. Which they did.
Which should be the end of the story. The cornering lamp is in place (at least for now), and the window is still not really well aligned but at least it closes.
But they returned my car with a completely fried transmission. It was fine the day before, and the day after the clutch is barely usable. Now I'm facing a $1500 repair. Alioto's of course denies any responsibility, and I of course can't prove their fault since it's an older car, but all I can say is it's one lousy --and convenient -- coincidence.
I'm passing this experience onto Geico's cust svc people, for what little that will be worth, and I'd suggest you all avoid this place like the plague. -
Review from aaron h.
Oakland, CA
8/23/2009
I think it should be pronounced "A lotta", and for good reason. What you get is definitely more than you pay. Service and the customer are always put first here.
Coming from the Midwest where service is typically much friendlier and more helpful than almost any business out west here, and having travelled to Japan where A+ service is the only acceptable way to treat a customer, it was unbelievably refreshing to have what is often a nightmarish experience--having to deal with car repairs--actually be disarming and even enjoyable.
Who would have thought that a luxury sport coupe would be in danger of suffering low-calibre bullet wounds while being parked "safely" in an innocuous spot? After my initial horror, the process from start to finish was a breeze. Calling Geico to report the incident, they suggested Alioto's for its conveniences having a Geico outpost on-site as well as an Enterprise rental car office to complete the trifecta of typically needed services. Plus, it is a Geico official/certified repair facility, meaning the work would be done correctly. Great.
Often I'll take such promises of convenience and certification as little more than lip service along with the other grains of marketing salt poured on all of us each day, but from the moment I drove in, no fewer than three people came to get things rolling; each of them nicer and more helpful than the last.
Was in, had the insurance inspection and work order drawn, a rental car procured and on my way to the office in no more than 30 minutes. Totally painless. In fact, it felt as close to a shoulder massage as one can get without actually being touched.
A day and a half later I was back to pick up my darling two-door; good as new. Even the gal in the business office that processes the outgoing paperwork was super friendly, helpful and sociable. They also cleaned the car inside and out...with a lack of car washes in this city, having her *almost* as clean as I used to keep her when I had such home facilities felt nearly romantic...like our first date.
One final example to prove my point that totally blew me away: as part of their cleaning service before returning the vehicle, a few things were mistakenly omitted from being put back into my trunk. Nothing of real value worth taking, but things I would have preferred to get back. Being a coupe with a small trunk that rarely gets used, I hadn't noticed things missing for a good month. Their manager quickly got involved, apologised with real sincerity, tracked things down, and then drove to deliver them to me after business hours. Incredible.
Bottom line: this place is all about triple-A service, no pun intended. For any contact between the shop and customer, be it on the phone or in person, it's clear they care about your experience being the best possible. I highly recommend them anytime you have the misfortune of needing car repairs...as I said before, you definitely get more than you wind up paying. -
Review from Galen W.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2009
EVERYONE at this shop looks you in the eye, explains until they know you understand, and acts genuinely concerned. The shop is clean, the process transparent, and the staff walks you through the next steps and options.
The folks have a sense of humor, talk in plain language, and they follow through on their commitments. Their work is flawless, and I absolutely recommend them.
My 2008 Camry was rear-ended at 9 am, and the car was on its way to repair and I was in a rental (picked up right at Alioto's) by 1. No waiting at the shop when I drove the car in nor when I picked it up.
Terrific service. Five-star experience. Four-star rating because it took 24 days (missed 2 promised dates) and I had to go back for the trunk light and S-area parking sticker for the bumper. But, I feel a twinge of guilt not giving them 5 stars -- they are that good! -
Review from Lindsay H.
Seattle, WA
9/7/2007
An unfortunate break-in and stereo theft brought me to Alioto's. They helped make an extremely frustrating situation much more bearable. They got me in right away and I had to wait a couple days for parts to be ordered but they gave me all this info and offered rides to Hertz if I needed a rental. (Which I didn't, but...) They actually finished the car a day earlier than they told me it would be ready.
I got my car back and it was detailed, and working great.
I don't drive much, so when I needed to fill up with gas, I realized the fuel door didn't open. I was convinced it had to do with the crook that broke into my car. They talked me out of it and said it could have been a coincidence and it most likely was a missing clip. They were kind enough to go out of their way and order the part from SF Honda and replace it themselves. Saving me more time and hassle going somewhere else.
Everyone there was very professional and polite. Especially their bulldog. I forgot his name, but he was adorable. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/26/2010
I was all set to demote these guys to one or two stars a couple days ago, but alas, they did redeem themselves a bit.
So I did some damage to my car (my own damn fault, but hey, first time in 15 years of driving so I figure I'm not *that* much of a moron) and brought it straight here (see previous review). The intake guys are great, cracking jokes, etc. I get an estimate of 8 business days to get my car back. I even get a call a couple days later with a progress update and a promise I'll get calls twice a week.
That's when the wheels started coming off (no pun intended). I don't get another call for almost a week - the day it's supposed to be done. Instead of a message about my car being done, it's a voicemail telling me my car is going to be another day or two (Friday). Apparently, it's going "in to the paint shop." Right. After several traded voicemails, I find out on Friday that it will *again* be delayed. AAARRRRGGGHHHH!! WTF???? Mind you, I'd turned down the rental coverage since I figured 8 days was tolerable without a car when you're not working (and, hey, I could always swipe my husband's). Stupid, stupid move Jen.
We're on to Monday, day 14 without a car. I call *again* and am told...wait for it....that it will be DELAYED AGAIN. Hello? It's called, in that awful corporate-ese that I've unfortunately learned, 'managing expectations.' Yer doin' it wrong.
Tuesday....delayed again, this time because they're waiting for a part (hello? Did you not just have two weeks to order and receive a part?). But then, that afternoon, a voicemail...'oh, your car is ready.' At this point I don't even have words.
I went in to pick it up all ready to hate on them. Pay my deductible, get my keys, and have a tearful reunion with Penelope (don't even try to tell me you haven't named your car). And then, I see it. My car. Has been washed. And waxed, for chrissake. The interior? Vacuumed. They cleaned up all the spilled Peet's in the cupholder and storage bins (don't ask). The work I paid them for is fantastic. They even removed and re-attached my parking sticker since my bumper was painted.
Here's where they really redeemed themselves, because I sort of expected the cleanliness. I had a huge dent in the passenger door I never bothered to get fixed. They popped it out for me, and fixed another huge ding next to it. Without being asked. It wasn't part of the work I had them do.
F**kers, now I *can't* hate them. But they need to figure out a better timeline system.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/22/2009
These guys are great. Had someone hit my parked car and scrape up the bumper. Geico referred me to… Read more »
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Review from David S.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2011
THIS AUTO REPAIR CAUSED ME TO CHANGE INSURANCE COMPANIES!
I was triaged to this garage per a recommendation of a reputable insurance company and accepted the recommendation to save me and my insurer money. This was an unfortunate decision.
Specifically, I went in with a vandilization claim in SF where I had a window and scratches on the exterior concern. To save all money, the garage recommended only a window replacement avoiding charges for the exterior door panel I accepted this and was told my vehicle would be available the next day after 9:00AM. I arrived at 8:00AM and was told the vehicle needed vacuuming and washing and that they would try to provide the vehicle 30 to 15 minutes early.
Based on the fact they said 9:00AM pickup I waited until 9:20 AM. When going out on the repair floor, I found an overworked, Hispanic worker just beginning the work on the vehicle. I felt badly for the poor worker as he seemed overwhelmed and didn't know what to say. When I confronted the garage personnel as to why they didn't tell me that the work hadn't been started prior to the pickup time, they only had the answer that we made "a mistake"--that communication between pickup and the technician had not occurred properly.
In fairness to the garage they were very apologetic with the garage manager apologizing as well as ultimately the technician. Bottom line because of their negligence I wound up missing appointments and having to change my schedule for no reason I had to do with. I'd think twice before taking your car to this garage. Aside from an apology there is nothing that was pleasant about this experience -
Review from Nicolas K.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2009
I went here following a break-in to my car and theft of my stereo. It's a Geico-authorized shop.
Alioto's couldn't have done better than they did. Communication was good. The staff was accessible, responsive and friendly. The work (it's only been 1 day) seems well done.
I don't know much about car repair so I get nervous in situations involving my car, an unknown shop and my money, but these guys were good.
They even fixed a broken taillight bulb gratis which was unrelated to why I brought in the car.
