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Alvin's Auto Center
Category: Automotive Auto Repair Auto Repair [Edit]
1349 Minnis CirMilpitas, CA 95035
(408) 263-4478
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm
Tracy P. said: "These guys take very good care of my Mercedes. Quick service and reasonable prices. I hate car repairs more than going to the dentist, but they make it stress free." read more »
33 reviews for Alvin's Auto Center
33 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany E.
Milpitas, CA
5/23/2012
All the positive comments everyone else has written about this place are true.
I know absolutely nothing about cars and I'm very paranoid about getting ripped off. They were really nice and very honest with pricing. -
Review from Vick D.
San Jose, CA
1/30/2012
Honest friendly and wont dick you around with phony "you need this you need that " BS. I will definitely recommend to family and friends these guys are the real deal. Great service and especially with Tony ....great job guys! See you on my next service
.....Vick -
Review from M K.
Fremont, CA
4/19/2012
Read about this place on Yelp so decided to go there. I thought I had brake problems since the car pulled a little when I braked and also the check engine light was on. These guys were super honest and efficient. Alvin was very courteous and prompt. His guy Jay was also very polite and knowledgable. Jay told me that my brake pads were fine and he replaced my brake light bulb which made the check engine light go way. They had me in and out in 15 minutes and less than $15. Any other place would have ripped me off. It's so refreshing to see honest people in this day and age. I would definitely take all my repairs to this place from now on. Keep up the good work!!
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Review from Nir A.
San Jose, CA
8/25/2011
I came with a "check engine" light turned on. They wrote the err # and turned it back off and then sent me home saying that it's nothing and that I should come back if it happens again. And most important: THEY DIDN'T CHARGE A DIME!
I'm definitely coming back!!! -
Review from Judi M.
San Jose, CA
8/4/2011
I've been going to Alvin's for years and he has never done me wrong.
First he took care of my Honda Civic, now my Toyota Rav4. I had my Civic for 12 years and my Rav going on 10. Every time anything goes wrong, my first call is to Alvin's. They're honest and straightforward about what needs to get done and why. I have never ever felt like I was being ripped off or being sold something I didn't need. There are times when money has been tight and they will tell you what needs to get done now and what can get postponed for a later time.
If you're not satisfied or something isn't working properly after they've worked on it, they will fix it free of charge, no questions asked.
They also work quickly so that you're not without a car for very long. I highly recommend Alvin, Jay and the team at Alvin's Auto Center. -
Review from Scott M.
Milpitas, CA
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I would not trust my car with anyone else.
Alvin and his team are legit, very good customer service.When it comes to cars I always try to find people that wont take advantage of the nieve consumer. I have found here. They will always give honest advice on what you have to do and what you should do.
Pricing is very reasonable. I have done everything from Oil changes to tune ups and major break downs, i have always left the shop feeling that I was taken care of.
I would recommend that everyone take their car here. -
Review from George K.
San Jose, CA
3/29/2012
I had my Toyota 4Runner Sport's 60K Service Maintenance this past week. I was happy with Alvin's Auto Center's honest, reliable, and affordable service. Anthony, thank you for the email update that my 4Runner did not require any additional services beyond the recommended Toyota 60K Service Maintenance.
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Review from Jem C.
Fremont, CA
5/20/2011
I love my fellow filipinos.
This place is amazing. My uncle who used to be my mechanic worked here. I knew about this place because of him.
My Honda civic ex 2002 overheated one day and after putting radiator fluid, my car was running funny. Everytime it got to 3rd gear it would start jerking like it didn't have enough power. This happened every time I put the pedal to the medal. After a while, I was unsure why this kept happening. All of a sudden my car overheated again and I brought it to this place.
Everyone was super nice. I got assistance immediately. I told him my problem and he showed me that there were bubbles going through my radiator. They told me my gasket was warped and had to he shaved down.
I was worried at first because I wasn't sure if they would fix the whole problem of the car. But it did. My car runs better than ever and they sure know what they are doing!! -
Review from Masaharu K.
San Jose, CA
5/4/2011
WHOA!!! Just went there and talked to Jay, I expected to pay $60-80 to change my tail lights, which I got a fix it ticket for and switch out 2 tires. Grand total was just under $40!!! I will go back!!! Jay is AWESOME!!!
Thanks again guys!!! -
Review from Jon L.
San Jose, CA
11/24/2011
Honesty, Accuracy and Consistency are what you want from an mechanic and Alvin's Auto Center exceeds my expectation on these traits. Ask for Alvin or Anthony for better assistance.
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Review from alisa l.
Milpitas, CA
11/6/2011
Came here because a friend of mine recommended the place. Told me I wouldn't get rip off because something happened to his car and they were the only ones in the area that would help him. Then didn't even ask him to pay for their help. So i went there cause my car was making funny noises. They took a look at it and told me that the water pump and head gasket was broken. It would be expensive to fix, but they had actually called the dealership and found out it was still covered under a special warranty.
They didn't charge me to take a look at it and even filled iit with some more fluid.
They are super honest and won't try to rip you off. I will definitely be taking my car back here again. Its importnat you trust car repair men, because they normally try to rip you off. Especially when your a girl. -
Review from Tiffy M.
Santa Clara, CA
10/4/2011
This place is amazing - I came with a cracked radiator and they did a compression test for my engine to make sure everything is fine before changing a new radiator. Anthony was super nice and helpful, I dropped off my car in the morning and I was able to pick it up after work. SO EFFICIENT! (I thought I would have to leave my car for another day~~) Price is reasonable and he is very honest in what needs to be changed and whats not. I definitely will return to them again if my car has problem :)
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Review from Pamela C.
Milpitas, CA
7/21/2010
Alvin's Auto Center is the DIAMOND of all the myriad of auto shops in Milpitas! My husband and I own a '06 Prius, and it needed it's standard 40k check-up. After reading reviews from the 4.5 stars & up for auto shops, I called Alvin's and he fit us right in! And I was able to pick it up the same day. (He also has night-drop envelopes if you need to drop it off in the evening-very convenient. He's so busy (a GOOD thing) that parking your car is a bit tricky.
Alvin is very friendly and very accomodating. (not to mention handsome, I've got a crush I think! somethin' bout men in auto shops).....anywayz.... The price for the 40k service was *very* reasonable. And Alvin took 10% off the parts!
The 40K service that was done was:
check and replace oil & oil filter, rotate tires, check air filter, tire pressue, all fluid levels (refill if neccessary) and brakes.
SIDE NOTE: DO NOT GO TO JIFFY LUBE! they will brake things (like the ignition switch) and deny it as well as upsell you parts and services you don't need. That's apart of the Jiffy Lube scam. They totally ripped off my mom (who's +65 now) If you want your windows washed, and your car floor vacuumed, do it yourself or take it to a car wash. I say this from experience.
Alvin's won't wash your windows or vacuum the rug but they will do the work. We'll be taking our prius back there for as long as we own it. 5 stars! -
Review from Jason P.
Milpitas, CA
5/6/2011
Very honest auto shop. Services are done by the owner and his nephew and other certified staff members. Parts are all genuine auto parts from the make of your car.
I had my car repaired here a number of times and I was very pleased every time.
These are one of those shops that you cant judge "the book by its cover". -
Review from Meowie Y.
East Palo Alto, CA
9/23/2010
Thanks to the fellow yelpers, i went to Alvin's today. GREAT service!
I especially appreciate how honest they are. I went in asking for 3 things: oil change, tire rotations and battery change (coz the Midas guy told me so).
The technician asked me why do you want to change the battery. Unlike the Midas story, he told me the battery can easily last for another 3 yrs. (bad bad Midas)
Set the right expectation of 45mins and indeed 45 mins. -
Review from Carole S.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/21/2010
Love the service! Great judgment calls by these people! Absolutely dreaded taking our car in and expected the worst when the check engine light would not go off. But this shop surprised us with direct answers and prices that we could live with...other people in our family had faced this problem of check engine light and had been raked over the coals at other places.
Also, we had researched the problem extensively and somewhat knew how the job could be stretched into an expensive repair. But this shop gave us a great deal and fixed the problem at a great price.
Only regret not going to Alvin's sooner, this is a great place. -
Review from Dolly P.
San Jose, CA
3/10/2009
I coulda swore there were reviews on this place before!! Maybe I'm in the wrong spot? Anyway ...
This place is real hidden amongst a whole bunch of other shops but the service here is phenomenal! And the prices are even better! I heard of this place from my cousin and the owner Alvin used to work at Toyota. He's a real honest guy and will never try to sell you something you don't need. They're all real friendly and helpful there.
Jay is the mechanic that works on my car (short, bald, phillipino guy), and he truly cares for his customers. He makes sure everything is in tip top shape before you take the car home and if anything goes wrong, you can always bring it back for him to double check and make sure there was no error on his part. Always smiling, he makes going to Alvin's Auto Center a pleasant experience!
These are the last honest mechanics I know ... give them a shot! -
Review from Nancy C.
San Jose, CA
3/1/2009
I always take my Toyota Tacoma to Alvin's whenever I need any work done. My dad recommended him to me, and I've never gone anywhere else since. The prices are always great and they do a damn good job.
My favorite thing about this place is how convenient it is. I can just drop off my truck at night... put my keys and a note in the slot.. and pick it up the next day. (I call ahead first obviously.)
Seriously great work and great service. -
Review from Jim K.
Hayward, CA
11/7/2007
I've been taking my Toyotas here for about 13 years now. The best, most honest place around. I've told my friends and father about this place and they're happy I did. Their price for all the services is cheaper than the dealers and fairly efficient even though they have tons of cars waiting to be worked on. They work only on Japanese cars. My wife's new Lexus will be taken here for service very soon.
Alvin, the owner, is a real cool Filipino guy who used to work for Piercey in San Jose. He got his own place, took some clientele from Piercey and has been doing great work here for maybe 20 years I believe. -
Review from Tony r.
Morgan Hill, CA
7/25/2011
This auto shop was recommended to me 10 years ago and now wished I would have come here sooner. I could have saved a lot of grief and money. Both Alvin and Jay are very personable and they enjoy doing what they do, I like their attitude. They are honest and do good work for a fair price. Their shop is clean and they deliver as promised. I will return for future repairs on all our cars. Its a good drive to get to Milpitas but well worth it. I recommend his shop to my family and friends.
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Review from DJ Eternal G.
San Jose, CA
10/27/2011
I first heard about them from a friend who is close to the owner, Alvin. I had a problem with alternator in my Nissan 240sx & they were able to get the replacement part that same day. Other auto centers said it wouldve took them atleast 2 to 3 days to get the part. The owner alvin is very friendly. Ive been going there for about 6 years now, & Ive also brought in my moms 2004 Toyota Sienna for a new engine, & they took care of everything with an ease. Never once did I have to go back for the same problem with either vehicles. Also as time I went by, I found out neighbors, & acquaintances of mine, went there as well. Im a proud client of Alvin & his staff. Ive even got family members, & close friends of mine to go there as well, & they had nothing but great things to say about Alvins Auto Center. Tell them DJ Eternal, Roel sent you. You will not be disappointed by theyre service. Theyve even had almost all the same employees for last 6 years Ive been going there. Now that tells you that they love their job, who they are work for, & who they serve!
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Review from Ashish M.
Fremont, CA
3/22/2011
Got brake pads replaced. Good experience. Uses genuine parts. Would definitely recommend.
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Review from chung H.
San Jose, CA
11/27/2011
Alvin is very friendly, honest and professional service. I had my 2000 Toyota Camry 150000 miles service done there. I would highly recommend this place.
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Review from marvin m.
Milpitas, CA
9/3/2009
Hi this is marvin and iam one of Alvin's long time customers just letting you know that this place is the place you should be going to and the mechanics are very helpful and they are honest and they would never tell you any thing that is not needed to be fixed. This not a kind of shop who wants you to have a bad experience with them. they like to treat their customers the way they want to feel when they come to get there car done. they are very understanding if you are having problems with your care they will do every thing we can to fix it as much as possible. if you would like them to take care of you'r car. Here is the address and number Alvins Auto Center..... please click on the picture on this review page it has pictuer of the shop
=) bussiness =) (408) 263-4478
1349 Minnis Cir, Milpitas, CA 95035 -
Review from r. l.
Los Altos, CA
4/22/2011
Took my '05 Prius for several routine maintenance services and was always pleased with the service and price.
I appreciate that I don't have to be suspicious of whether or not they are trying to scam me. They have always been honest, and never tried to up sell me on any obscure service or part. -
Review from Vu C.
San Jose, CA
3/2/2009
I have taken my vehicle here for a couple of years now and Alvin has always been very helpful in figuring out the problem and having it repaired at a great price. Before going to Alvins Auto Repair, I was a frequent customer of another Toyota authorized repair shop but always ended up feeling as if I was overcharged at the end of the day. Alvin has always gone the extra mile everytime to explain the repair that was made and how to prevent any other future complications.
Great Service + Great Prices = Alvins Auto Repair!!!!!!! -
Review from Chrisjan Y.
Las Vegas, NV
10/23/2008
My family has been taken there car since i can remember. the service is fabulous. I hate getting ripped off in the past on a mechanic saying the car is fixed and all the parts have been changed then the car breaks down a week later. I have never had any problems with alvins. Alvins a busy man and his nephew and son is just as great. the price is always right and the service wil just bring you back. dont trust just any mechanic. remember your family or kids ride in your car,
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Review from Rey B.
San Ramon, CA
6/29/2010
I take all of my cars to Alvin's for every type of service (Mitsubishi, Honda, and Acura). Alvin has done everything from oil changes to tune-ups to brakes for my cars. His pricing is excellent, and the work is always done in a timely manner. I'd definitely recommend his shop to anyone.
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Review from Michelle G.
Irvine, CA
5/21/2010
My family is a Toyota family. We've been taking our cars to Alvin for years to get things fixed and even for just quick opnions. We recently took our '06 Toyota Matrix to the dealer to check out a problem with one small piece from the exhaust system that needed attention. The dealer said it had to be replaced, but for a pretty high price. My dad had Alvin take a look at it, and Alvin came up with a better solution. I'm definitely not the one who calls all the shots when it comes to our family's cars, but I have met Alvin and have known him as "our mechanic" for at least 10 years, I would say. He's a genuinely friendly and knowledgeable person; he does his work well and in a timely manner.
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Review from Brian C.
San Jose, CA
6/4/2009
Been going to Alvin's for years, hes a family friend so i have known him since i was about 5 and when i got my first car i have been coming to him ever since. His prices are great and he is a honest mechanic, not trying to rip you off at all. Jay is the man too! i always go to him when i bring in my RSX
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Review from sequoia s.
San Jose, CA
7/19/2011
Alvin provides good customer services and has good business mind. He is very concious about new customers. I had a basic oil change and safety check.
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Review from Arlen C.
Milpitas, CA
5/6/2011
Took my 1997 Toyota truck in for a loose steering issue. It's our work delivery truck so I thought that the steering box had gone bad or the front suspension was bad. They took it in adusted the steering box and only charged me for 30 minutes of labor time! Now the truck tracks and turns perfectly! He could have totally taken me to the cleaners, but he was honest and won himself a loyal customer. I am taking our other company car to him for the 60k maintanence on Tuesday!
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Review from Jim L.
San Jose, CA
5/27/2009
This is my 2nd experience with Alvin's, however, after my !st I knew this was the place to go with my car repair needs. The 1st time I went one of the assistants told me I didn't need my car brakes replaced. Other places like Jiffy Lube or Oil Changers would just tact on all these extra amenities just to make another buck off of me.
Anyways, this time my taillights and my top rear light was all burned out. I went to Sears to get it checked out. They were going to charge me $60 for labor, plus they didn't know what exactly was wrong with my car. I told them I got pulled over by a cop and he thought that the fuse blew out. The Sears' specialists couldn't tell if it was a burned out fuse or if all the light bulbs just burned out. Another guy suggested me to find an electrical specialist.
OK....... I decided to go to Alvin's. Guess what? Alvin only charged me $17 for labor vs Sears' $60! Plus, he knew exactly what he was doing! Also, the wait time seems to be a lot shorter than at other auto mechanics. This is my philosophy...... if you charge me a fair price and be honest with what my car really needs...... you will continue to get my business. If you try your best to just get the most of my money, you can forget ever getting my business ever again.
Thanks for your wonder and friendly service Alvin! Kudos to you and your staff!
