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Emerald Auto Repair
Category: Automotive Auto Repair Auto Repair [Edit]
2941 Geary Blvd(between Collins St & Blake St)
San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 751-7860
Announcement
Recently published in SFWEEKLY as "BEST CAR REPAIR SHOP". Thank you for the votes! Now doing SMOG check while you wait. No appt necessary!
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
About This Business:
Big O Tires stores carry a wide variety of tires to fit your vehicle and your budget. We carry name brands, such as Goodyear, Michelin, BF Goodrich,… read more »
155 reviews for Emerald Auto Repair
155 reviews in English
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Review from Julia W.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011
Jim is a good man . . . and thorough.
I first went to Emerald because my my motorcycle mechanic friend highly recommended them to me.
Today, my car broke down, and Jim was so kind that he actually called a tow truck for me. He made sure I was in a safe place, and the tow truck came to save the day.
He really takes care of his cusomers. -
Review from Murphy O.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Jim is definitely not a salesmen, which just happens to be how I like my mechanics.
You might get ignored for a while or not have your phone calls answered, but you will get your car fixed at reasonable rates, and he will stand by his work.
He'll refer bodywork to Will's Auto Body down the street, which is also a great group of guys that I'd recommend. -
Review from Lillian D.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
I brought my car into Emerald Auto Repair today after the engine stalled for a third time. I was referred by Will (of Will's Auto Body) just a couple blocks away.
Jim fixed the problem in about an hour an a half and had the car nicely parked out back for me. One of his mechanics even gave me a ride there!
The garage is awkwardly situated next to Locks World right on Geary Boulevard. Be careful when you're entering/exiting the garage! Those of you unfamiliar with Geary Boulevard should know that there's always pretty scary traffic there.
Don't be offended if Jim seems aloof; his office phone's ringing constantly he takes all the calls himself. Overall, I found Jim to be very friendly and patient. Being a car noOb, I didn't understand the situation with my engine, so I asked him to explain it to me. Jim didn't make me feel like an idiot, and even told me to give him a call anytime if I had any questions.
I highly recommend Emerald to anyone who needs a fix-up with superb service.
Thank you Jim! :) -
Review from michael m.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012
This place is Old School. Honest and fair. Jim is Old San Francisco who knows the business inside and out. You can bring in a 1957 Chevy truck or a 2012 Ferrari and he will fix it. love this place. Thanks Jim!
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Review from adk k.
Palo Alto, CA
1/29/2012
Honest, caring, professional, on-time and on-budget. My dad's 2001 Accord had developed an idling problem. A friend had recommended a vacuum leak test. I drove to Emerald and the owner (Jim?) correctly diagnosed the cause of the idling problem just by listening to the Accord that I had left idling on the driveway - while he was taking care of customers in front of me. He recommended against a vacuum leak test and instead quoted $127 for 1.5 hours of labor to clean the "idle control motor" or something like that. When I started explaining that I live far away and not sure which day I could pick up the car, he offered to start working on it right away, despite having no shortage of other customers. Two hours later I picked up the car and the problem was gone. I paid the original quote of $127.
Look past the mess of parts on the floor and the crowded garage (only one car can come in or out a time, and the ready-for-pickup cars are parked on the street up to a block away, but that's San Francisco for you). Emerald is a real gem. -
Review from Erika L.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2011
Thank you Lisa for referring me to Jim! Jim is as good as they get, a native San Franciscan who's the real deal. I have a 1996 Toyota Camry and first went to Jiffy Lube to get a basic oil change.The guy at Jiffy Lube "advised" me to urgently get my transmission fluid changed, which was going to be an additional $150, as he said that it would be dangerous to continue driving with the "dirty" fluid. I opted out and brought my Camry to Jim @ Emerald to get a 2nd opinion.
So Jim-- He lifts the hood, and swipes the Transmission Fluid dip stick on his hand (yikes!) to check it and says that is the color it's s'posed to be! Love it. Real. He also said when needed he could change the Trans Fluid for almost half $75-90!
On another note, I've called Jim several times when I had a dead battery or my car wouldn't start & I was totally stuck. Each time, he offered to send someone out to rescue me-- How awesome is that!
I have brought my Camry back to Jim for the past year & 1/2 now without hesitation and have always felt like I was in good hands. Because I know nothing about cars, I feel safe with Jim as my mechanic, someone whose judgment, morals & advice I can totally trust.
THANKS JIM! -
Review from highbrow n.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
Jim is the man.
Organizing his garage = Needed
Oil Change = $40 - $80
Brakes = about $200
Fixes your car for real.... priceless
If you take the time to talk to him, you will see that he is really a mechanic and no bullshit... just look at his office... complete chaos...
However, your car will leave fixed at a fair price. No screwing around with B.S. that you get at other mechanics. -
Review from Jeremy M.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Jim and his crew are very professional. They do good quality work at a very reasonable price. I've been taking my work truck here for the past three years.
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Review from tony s s.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2011
Worst Experience Ever.
I never imagined writing a review on Yelp but I want to make sure that nobody goes through my ordeal. I brought in my 1977 Chevy for a blown head gasket and a month later I got my car out with a dismantled engine. In the process they broke my thermostat housing, threaded a head bolt and warped a brand new intake manifold. (How do you do that?) When the car was ready according to Jim, the coolant was running through the engine and leaking out of the oil pan. He quickly said it was a cracked block although it was the first thing he inspected and confirmed it was in good condition.
As an owner Jim never returned my calls, explained the condition of my car and would ignore me (as well as everyone in the shop) when I would show up. After complaining about the lack of communication he said I could take my car "as is" if I wanted to. At that point I felt like I could not trust a shop or shop owner that made so many mistakes, had such a lack of professionalism and horrible customer service.
Not only will I never recommend Emerald Auto, but I want people to know the lack of professionalism from the owner to the mechanics. Ironically he has a sticker on the window that reads "Yelp Like's us". Yelp should think again. -
Review from Kenneth D.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
After a different auto repair shop forgot about me, and another tried to squeeze $$$ out of me, and my uncle dismissing me... I called Jim at Emerald Auto Repair.
He asked me to bring in my car so that he can take a look at it at no charge. (Yay!) I brought my car in for them to fix a front headlight - replacing the damaged bulb and its badly burned out socket. They didn't have the socket part but Jim found a similar part and proceeded to break it into components. He took those pieces and made a new part for my car. I daresay that is not common auto practice for someone to make a part for you on the spot. But the fact that he knew what components are needed and what to do earns my trust. And, resourceful people earns my respect.
The whole thing, including the impromptu fabrication of an auto part, took two hours. The total cost was just $80. As long as this fix lasts, I'll be happy and coming back for a full inspection that my car has been needing. -
Review from Charlene L.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2011
i hate going to get my car worked on. No matter what, I always feel like I'm about to get swindled and jacked. Never fails. So when the state of California tells me that I need to get a smog check, I get all sweaty and stressed out because not only am i going to have to deal with a car shop, I'm going to take a big chance that I might not pass.
Due to some budget strangeness, I receive my car registration only to learn it's due in TWO DAYS. Fresh. So not only do I have to stress over going to a car shop, I have to do it NOW.
I headed over to Emerald, which is just down the street, and I walk in, winded and ready to gird my loins for what could be an epic fail, but kind Sir Jim said, come back in 1 hour. I'm on lunch, no big deal. I'll just walk a bit and get some yums. He then says, no wait, 45 minutes. What? My day just got better.
I went out, got my lunch, and came back 45 minutes later and biggety bam, smog is done! Friendly, professional, and very kind enough to give me a recommendation for restaurants to try in the area. That's service, and I'll be back for sure. I'll be telling my coworkers to head here for a stress free smog experience. -
Review from Tina H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/16/2011
Since I've written my first review almost a year ago, I've been back to Emerald Auto Repair a couple of times. I wanted to wait until my next visit before updating this review from 4 to 5 stars.
I live across town in Noe Valley right next to an auto repair shop but I am loyal to Emerald Auto. Jim and his employees have continued to do great work at reasonable rates. I'm still impressed with how he juggles his clients cars, answers phones and makes use of what space he's got.
I plan to sell my old car and thanks to Emerald Auto, it'll be in great condition when I do. Thanks!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/8/2010
My car is old and when I bought it used, I wasn't thinking things through and went along with the… Read more »
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Review from Ray W.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2011
Cars are not my thing. I like looking at them, admiring them, and most of all driving them. Simply put, my extent of knowledge on this subject ends there. I have a feeling the majority of the public fits this similar profile.
When you go to a mechanic, you put your trust and faith that he will take care of your as he does his own. Unfortunately, there are others that ruin this relationship by cheating, being dishonest and that spoil it for the good guys out in the world.
I can say with complete confidence that Emerald Repair (owned and operated by Jim) is one of the honest few that fits the former description. Jim went above and beyond to help and assist me with my problem. I had a problem with my alternator which prevented my car to start up the night before. After I called him to access the situation, he volunteered to come to my apartment and jumpstart my battery! Who does that? Jim does. That's just the kind of guy Jim is.
We reached his shop ordered all the parts and assured me that I'd get the car in a few hours. Although the garage was filled with cars, he made it a priority to help and fix my situation first because I had to come back to work later in the day.
When I got returned to his shop, my car was back in its original condition. He even did some body work on my front bumper that I damaged some days before for free! Again, that's the kind of guy Jim is.
His staff also exemplifies all of Jim's exemplary qualities. Kee, one of his mechanics, saw me waiting for a taxi, offered me a ride back to my apartment.
Jim is not a guy looking for short term gain or profits but a genuine, honest, blue collar guy that is always willing to help a guy out in need. You will never go wrong going to him. There's a reason why he's got 4.5 stars and this many ratings.
Sometimes people say, "good guys finish last." Jim however doesn't. He clearly separates himself from the pack and that is why he is always successful. Honesty is the best policy!
Thank you Jim from the bottom of my heart. You have a customer for life. (well, as long as I'm in the city of San Francisco). -
Review from Todd L.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2011
My transmission was leaking and a handful of people and places said it was going to cost quite a bit to repair.
I took it to Emerald (after reading the great reviews) and I was told "this is common with this type of transmission. I can plug the leak for $150. If it doesn't work for some reason, which it normally does, I'll give you back the $150 and we'll have to go to plan B."
So far so good. I found the one honest repair man. -
Review from Eugenia G.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe I have yet to write a review for Emerald! Almost all the work done on my 1994 Honda Civic was done here. I say almost because the only times I didn't bring my car to Jim was when I was having car problems and not living in San Francisco.
Jim is honest. Honesty is such a huge factor especially when it comes to mechanics. I mean when my dad was driving back in the day, Jim was his mechanic! Now my brother, Edgar G. and I come for our car maintenance among other things.
When I recently brought in my civic, Jim was able to tell me immediately my head gasket was blown and old me how much it would cost to fix and allowed me to think about it. After talking to my dad, I told Jim it wasn't worth fixing and he agreed with me. He was super helpful with getting in touch with a junk yard and ensuring I would get at least some kind of money out of it.
Again, I would like to emphasize how honest Jim is. You can either call in ahead of time to see if they can take your car in that day or drive by and ask (if you're in no rush for the day). I have always had same day service and was able to pick up my car by the end of the day. If your car is going to need work for a couple of days, Jim will tell you that straight up.
I am a bit sad that I will be moving onto a new car soon but will always continue to recommend Jim to everyone I know. Trust me, you'll be a very happy customer and you can thank me later :) -
Review from DJ G.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Can't say enough about Jim and his garage. I'm willing to pay more for honesty, but at Emerald you don't have to. They do great work at a fair price and you don't have to worry about their motives.
I once made the mistake of getting tires at Big O across the street and they wrote up an additional $2,500 laundry list of things I supposedly needed done. I took the list over to Jim and told him to look at each item and tell me what I actually needed. He redid my breaks for $350 and said the rest of it was BS. He could have easily tacked on some garbage, but that's not how Jim roles. -
Review from Matt R.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2011
I tend to write a little too much in my reviews, so I'm going to try to keep this one tight and to the point.
I asked a friend of mine if he knew a good auto shop. Without missing a beat he told me to go to Emerald Auto Repair. I went in there with brake problems, was quoted a lower price than what I'd heard from other places, and decided to go with Jim. I came back a few hours later, and it turns out I'd not only worn out the pads but ground down part of the rotor, as well. He said he also poked around under the hood to make sure everything was in order. It came time for the bill and it was a little higher than the price quoted. He immediately said something to the effect of "Wait, that's not right" and knocked it back down to the price he originally quoted me.
I thought to myself "An honest repair shop that sticks to it's price quotes? It's got friendly and professional service, too? The owner actually takes time to talk to the customers? Oh hell yes, I'm gonna have to Yelp this." So I did.
Thanks Jim, I'll be sending my friends and family your way. -
Review from Esther B.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2011
I LOVE LOVE LOVE JIM!
This place is amazing! They are honest, dependable and did I say honest?
I take not only my personal car there but also all of our working plumbing trucks and vans.
GREAT SERVICE! -
Review from x y.
Uranus
12/13/2011
Best shop in town. My experiences at the shop have led me to trust Jim with reairs to vehicle. He's upfront, prices are fair and the job is done without any delays.
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Review from Clarke D.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2011
This place is awesome, and Jim is the man. Quick story:
I live a few blocks away, and overnight my tire had somehow magically flattened. The valve stem was completely busted, not the sort of thing that happens by itself, but that's another story. So I have a little lighter/adapter air thingy, blew the tire up so I could run it down to Big O, but by the time I got it up and the valve taped off, the battery was dead. D'oh!! Running out of ideas, I turned to Yelp. I called Jim and told him my story, he said "where are you again", I told him, and he said "meet me at your car, I'll be there in a few." I went down to my car and here came Jim walking up the street with a battery kit in his hand! He jumped the battery and we drove it down to his shop together.
I wouldn't expect him to make housecalls all the time, but I'm just illustrating the lengths this guy will go to to help. I also thought my alternator was dying once and had him look at it, turned out all I needed was a tuneup, saving me potentially over a thousand bucks. I trust Jim implicitly with my car and am a loyal customer for life. -
Review from christine v.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2011
I was left stranded in a parking garage several blocks away after my car battery died. I did a quick Google search and Emerald came up first. Jim went above and beyond to help me out. I actually handed him the keys to my car (still in the parking garage. yes, he actually drove there to meet me) and he said he'd take care of it and I went off to work. A few hours and a new alternator later, my car was fixed!
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Review from Cindy M.
San Fernando, CA
3/25/2011
No matter what kind of shenanigans my car decided to pull, Jim was there to help. He saved my life on numerous occasions and was super fair about prices. He even did a couple of minor repairs and adjustments for free a few times and tried his best to fit us into his schedule whenever I dropped in without an appointment if the car needed major repairs.
Thanks Jim! :) -
Review from Liz Y.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2010
Four reasons why I will recommend Emerald to everyone I know:
1. Great Prices- I always shop around and the prices at Emerald are very fair.
2. Honest Staff- I was told it wasn't necessary to replace an engine part, and he turned my check engine light off.
3. Customer Service- The staff is respectful, I didn't encounter any pigs. My car was done when I was told it would be.
4. Knowledgeable Owner- I asked Jim lots questions and got intelligent answers. -
Review from Sabrina W.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011
I was recommended to this garage and used it several times, and have been very pleased. Jim is great and very fair with the pricing, and accomodating with the schedule. Anyone looking for a fair and reliable garage should look no further!!
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Review from maria K.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2010
THANK YOU JIM!
Thank god- there is such a thing as an HONEST mechanic! I was in the market to purchase a used car- and I credit Jim for saving me from a LEMON!!! The car was gorgeous, and if not for him I woulda bought it! He discovered it had a cracked head gasket, and was over heating while he looked at it! He said after all that he wouldnt even try to find anything else wrong- just flat out dont buy it. so I didnt! Thank you Jim!!!
Luckily I found another car, and this one was a total gem! It needed a new timing belt which was normal wear-n-tear, but unfortunately an expensive repair =( I bought the car far away from here and had a dealer look at it they quoted me $600 to fix it!
When I got the car home- I called Jim. He by far offered me the lowest price of anyone I checked with @ $275! He said he would also change the serpentine belt while he was in there to save me from having to do it later. When I came to pick up my car- He said hed just done the timing belt, as the serpantine belt was totally fine.
-- you know what? That is so awesome. I dont know much about cars- especially engine stuff- and he couldve totally fixed the serpentine belt anyway and charged me more for his benefit! That takes integrity folks. Im so happy I found someone I can trust- I will definately be going back!
He also remembered me from bringing in the first car ;) He said- good job! Im glad you waited- you got such a better deal! Boy was he right!!! and so sweet to be truly happy for me too! -
Review from Lindsey L.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2011
Jim is the best!!!! We were referred to him by friends and family years ago and have never gone to anyone else since. I have referred many friends here as well and everyone is always very happy with the work done.
They have worked on 3 of our cars, a van, a truck, and a mustang. We are always more than pleased with the results. He has helped us with all kinds of issues and regular maintenance. Jim worked on my car on after it had been broken into with a AAA claim and made things very easy for me.
If you want a small town feel with personal and friendly people that do perfect work at a great price, this is where you should be bringing your car. -
Review from Vee W.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2010
I used to rave about this place 2 years ago, but now I don't trust them anymore. Apparently the 2 brothers who run this place used to work together and then things were great. But they had a falling out a while back and ever since then things have SUCKED.
Even my friend who recommended this place (and wrote one of the 5 star reviews on Yelp) will NOT go there anymore. Why?
- You never gett called about what's going on with my car (only explanation: "I won't call you if I don't know what's wrong with it").
- They weren't able to diagnose basic issues that 2 other garages diagnosed in a matter of hours when I finally got fed up and took the car to those places. At Emerald they kept my car for 2 weeks, despite my calling and asking them abt it every few days. Each time I called they didn't seem to remember who I was.
Same issues happened with another friend's car here. Recommend staying away...Comment from Jim G. of Emerald Auto Repair 7/13/2010
Vee W. Is it possible you have yelped the wrong Auto Shop? I… More » -
Review from Jesus A.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
"Plastic Radiators gotta hate em", words from Jim himself. Before meeting Jim at Emerald Auto Repair, my usual shop of preference was located in Daly City. I called around town seeking the best rates and reasonable repair costs for the strange leak i was noticing as I am a college student who does not need to over pay to fix a radiator or whatever the issue was. Daly City Auto quoted me a possible $300-800 repair depending on the type of issue found. With a $98 an hour shop rate, I decided to look for closer shops around the area rather than venturing south and spending all my money.
Luckily around school was Emerald Auto Repair. I was a bit skeptical at first seeing as how the shop didn't look as fancy as I had hoped for but decided to give this place a try as I felt the Daly City shop was setting my car up for failure. Jim quickly approached me to see what I needed help with and I pointed to the strange leak that was present. He took the car in and told me to come back in 2 hours when they'd have a diagnosis. 2 hours later, I hear the dreaded words "you need a new radiator". He initially searched for a new radiator and gave me an estimate of $540 for the repairs and labor. I asked if that's the cheapest and he looked around until he found one that put the repairs at $440. . He also offered to charge me half at that time and half later if needed. More reasonable, yet still out of my budget. I told him I'd give him a call and I'd think about it. He only charged me $40 on the spot for the diagnosis despite having a shop rate of $86 per hour in addition to telling me that If I return the $40 would be deducted from the repairs.
After 4 weeks, I decided to give Jim a call back to get the work done and he said he'd have it done by the time I requested for it. After 4 hours passed, the car was as good as new and the freeway was at my disposal once again. At $400, it was a very reasonable repair compared to the other places I inquired about.
Jim was friendly and the service was good. Don't let the appearance of emerald fool you, they know what they're doing on your car, it's worth the risk. On the funny side, my car keys were misplaced for about 15 minutes before someone found them in another car, talk about the unexpected. -
Review from Lisa B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/20/2011
So I did return and to no fanfare this time. What changed!
I brought my car in with the check engine light on--time to take a smog test, so that's no good.
I called ahead and was told to drop my car off later that week--no big deal, it was still running just fine.
Took my car in...and waited...and waited.
No word back, so I called them to check in. I was told (by a mechanic who was very polite and nice, but couldn't provide any info) that they hadn't quite narrowed down the problem yet and that they would call me back later that day.
I did get a call back--still not ready. I was told they would call me back the next day with details.
Fine, I can be patient, I don't use my car daily anyway. I can live with this.
Get a call the next day and am told:
"it will be $300 to fix"
me :"ok, $300 to fix what?"
mechanic: "There are 3 things wrong"
me: "what 3 things?"
mech: "well I wrote them down, but I don't have the list in front of me"
me: "could you go get the list?"
mech: "well there are 3 things wrong and they'll cost about $100 each to fix, so that's $300 total"
me: " well sure, but what are the problems exactly? What are you fixing?"
mech: "We found 3 problems and we'll fix them for $300, but you know you never know how much it costs until you get in there..."
me: "I'll be by to pick my car up this afternoon"
Sorry, but I'm not just handing you $300 and hoping for the best!
I picked up my car and took it elsewhere.
Turns out there was only 1 issue: got my car fixed and it definitely didn't cost $300.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/30/2010
This review is a long time coming. I've always used Yelp, but I'm finally inspired to write… Read more »
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Review from J D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
The ignition switch on my car got stuck and I couldn't get it to move at all. Called Jim to see what could be done about it. He didn't tell me to have it towed to the shop, didn't offer to send a tow truck...he offered to come out to fix my bucket himself. Right then and there. Now if you have never been to Emerald understand these guys are BUSY. They have waaaaaaay better stuff to handle than deal with my LeMon but Jim actually stopped what he was doing in the middle of the day to come out to have a look at my auto problems. I really don't know anyone else in the business that would go above and beyond like that. I rarely give five stars but Jim and Emerald Auto deserve all of 'em.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2011
After my car started losing power and the check engine light came on i was already debating on… Read more »
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Review from Jenn K.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/5/2011
I like this place better and better.
The dealership shop was charging over 3X the price as I paid here.
And the price of the part at an auto parts store was what I paid for the
work and part here.
So you really feel that Jim is looking out for you and has some
good resources at his disposal.
Anyway its good to feel good about a place.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/6/2010
Jim is very fair, honest and friendly.
I am very glad to have recently found this garage.
It is good… Read more »
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Review from Amy B.
Mill Valley, CA
12/22/2010
If you are looking for someone to treat you with respect and fairness, go to Jim at Emerald Auto on Geary. I have been a client for over ten years and have found Jim to be the best mechanic I've ever had, and that includes an ex-boyfriend gearhead and his mechanic friend.
Jim's philosophy is "do it better and do it for less" and he does. In addition giving you shockingly low prices (no matter who you are and what kind of car you have) Jim will help you in all sorts of ways. He has picked up my car for me, spent years trying to convince me to trade my lemon vw for a toyota, and has always been nice, friendly, and helpful. The many people I've recommended to him have been happy. Jim is working on his own now (he moved from the joint shop he had with his brother on Judah) and Emerald Auto is even better than before. Thanks Jim for being such a great mechanic, fair business person and nice guy! -
Review from Seth W.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good service at a good price. I will use them again.
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Review from david l.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2008
So I got in this accident while drifting the hills of Malpitas. I was all set to write a scathing three star review after my car sat languishing in this shop for an entire week (it was supposed to be a 1-2 day job), but the good folk at Emerald Auto were instantly forgiven when I arrived to pick up the car, and not just because I was raised a good Korean-protestant.
It's true, Jim could have been more candid with his time estimates, but when all is said and done, his crew got my radiator replaced and also did an unexpectedly good job on some improvised cosmetic work for my bent hood, and all for about 1/3 what 9th Ave Honda quoted me. These guys are alright. -
Review from Dave M.
Cambridge, MA
10/5/2006
I just walked by the shop a moment ago and they were pouring used radiator fluid down the storm drain in front of the shop.
There is no excuse.
This is the first time I've had to call the EPA on anyone in any neighborhood I've ever lived in. This is a sad day. -
Review from Diana K.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2010
Jim is the best mechanic I've ever had. He's come through for me countless times. The best was when I told him I was moving to rainy Seattle and had a mysterious leak in the trunk of the car.
To fix it, he literally climbed in my trunk (with a headlamp on), had his team close him in and pour water over the back of the car to figure out the source of the leak. Now THAT'S dedication.
I'd recommend him highly to anyone, anytime. He's fair, honest and a pleasure to work with. Now, if there was only a way to get him to open a shop in Seattle ... -
Review from Sharon J.
8/7/2009
Amazing, wonderful, affordable, honest and reliable.
Jim is very nice and easy going, and he got the job done in one day.
A true Oasis on a landscape of sharks.
$265 for a job that an AAA sponsored garage quoted me at $600.
And Jim fixed my loose speaker wire without even mentioning it! What a guy!
The best!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Bethany P.
Alameda, CA
3/20/2009
This place is golden.
The garage is cramped and unassuming. I've lived 2 blocks from it for years and walked by on a daily basis, as it is right next to the 12th & Judah N stop.
Big mistake. I don't even want to calculate right now how much money I've wasted over the years at another garage (see other reviews for more deets).
I was referred to Emerald by a friend, called to make an appt and then couldn't take my car in due to my scheduling issues. So, I waited. And wondered. And hoped the car, which had a lit "Check Engine" light, would keep on keepin' on. I don't drive often these days, but being a kid from the suburbs, can't give up my car (it represents Freedom, even to this day, after years of car payments in lean times and living in a major metro city).
Then, last Friday, as I was walking out the door to head to the hospital to visit someone in a real emergency, the battery died. Nada, zilch, nothing. Coded.
I called my insurance company's roadside assistance program. Shortest estimate to get a truck out to jump it- 45 minutes. Called Emerald, apologized for not even being one of their customers yet and told them I needed a jump in an emergency. Jim told me no problem, he'd be over in 5 minutes.
**Let me reiterate- at this point, I was not even a regular customer. And Jim dropped what he was doing to come help me out.**
And that's all it took. He came immediately, jumped my car and wouldn't even let me pay him. Saved my ass in a time of real need.
A few days later I took the car in for a new battery and some other much-needed, long delayed repairs- I dropped by without even scheduling with them- and they had my car in and out in just 2 days and the cost was AMAZINGLY low.
My car is now running better than it has in YEARS.
Support this garage. If you believe showing support for small business, throw your hard earned bucks this way. This garage is honest and does great work. I have never trusted a mechanic- at least until now. -
Review from Michele D.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2009
For about a month I seemed to have to press on my brake pedal a little harder each day to get my car to stop (and stay stopped). It felt like there was a balloon under my brake pedal and as I pressed on it, the balloon would deflate, causing my car to roll forward. Occasionally the car would lurch forward even with my foot firmly on the brake.
So after reading all the positive reviews, I faithfully took my car to Emerald and spoke with Johnny (everyone's favorite employee-and he really was quite nice). Johnny told me they were quite busy, but that I could bring my car in that afternoon and they would get to it "as soon as possible". Which they did the next day. He told me that they had flushed the lines and checked all the connections, that my brakes seemed "soft", but I had 80% of my brake pads front and back so I should be fine. I asked "did you test drive it?" and was told that someone had indeed test driven the car. I had the sense they were very busy and not really willing to spend any more time and effort on my brakes. So, I paid $37 for the time they spent looking over the car and drove it off the lot.
The problem persisted over the next month and got even worse, so I called Midas. The guy at the Geary street location (Jim) suggested that the car may have an issue with the master cylinder or power booster, but said I absolutely should not drive it, as it was very dangerous to do so. I said "I have been driving it like this for over a month".
At the Midas shop the guys could not believe I had been driving the "death trap" for that long without an incident. They replaced all the lines, and replaced the master cylinder, they have to replace a seal in order for the car to be completely safe, and I have to wait to do that work because I am now broke, but at least the car stops now.
So, bottom line is, although the guys may be nice, the shop is busy and they may or may not give your car the care and attention it (and you) needs. -
Review from Suzanne E.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2010
Jim has been my mechanic for more years than I care to remember.
(maybe close to 20 years?) Even though he has lots of other clients, he always remembers my name, what kind of car I have, what my car's recurring issues are, etc. I feel like I get "small town" customer service from Jim. His prices are very fair. And he's honest about what I need to have done. I trust him completely to keep me safe in my vehicle. I recommend him highly to others!
