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Green Street Auto Body
Category: Automotive Body Shops Body Shops [Edit]
1776 Green St(between Gough St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 776-6009
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
About This Business:
European Collision Center is a Mercedes-Benz and Porsche factory Certified repair center in SF. We have been trained by Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and BMW… read more »
26 reviews for Green Street Auto Body
26 reviews in English
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Review from Matt H.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
I needed to get my California plate on the front of my Explorer. Having ordered the mount and pins from Ford, I realized that I needed to drill through the front bumper in order to mount it properly. Called Toscalito Tire & Automotive (where I had previously had a tire patched) and they referred me to Green Street Auto Body.
Since it was Saturday, I sent an e-mail explaining what I wanted to get done and the next day Larry replied and said to bring my car in sometime during the week and he'd take care of it.
Brought the car in on Tuesday around 8:00 am and by 8:30 one of the guys in the shop had drilled the holes and mounted the license plate bracket. I asked Larry what I owed him and he said "no charge-just remember us if you ever get a ding in your car."
Knocking on wood that I won't need it soon, but should I need work done, I'll be going to Green Street Auto Body. -
Review from Joe S.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
Larry is such a nice guy and goes above and beyond every time! I have brought my mini to him multiple times and he goes out of his way to do the little things like check tire pressure etc.
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Review from Mitch G.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2011
Green Street Auto Body was recommended to me by a friend, and Larry certainly seemed friendly and knowledgeable when I met him. He quickly examined my car, helped identify the problems, and even offered to fix a small problem he found for free.
Unfortunately, however, customer service and responsiveness are not his strength. When I first visited his shop, I asked him to send me an estimate for the repairs, which he said he would do. When I didn't receive it, I called and left a voicemail asking for the estimate. Finally, the day I was supposed to bring in my car, about one hour before the appointment, I called again and spoke with his assistant. His assistant informed me that he had not had time to prepare the estimate, and also, there was an "issue" now: their mechanic didn't come in that day, so they would not be able to service my car.
I pointed out that the only reason I found that out was because I called them, and asked if they were going to call me at some point or just tell me they couldn't service the car when I showed up? (I didn't get a response to that question.) Moreover, I asked them how I could make a decision about getting the repairs if they would not provide an estimate -- to this, the assistant acknowledged that I would need an estimate first and she would speak with Larry.
After this, I went back to Yelp and found two other auto repair businesses in the area with excellent reviews. I am happily taking my car to one of them for the repairs tomorrow. -
Review from Van W.
Daly City, CA
11/22/2010
I've never written one review my entire life.. Mostly because they are too case -by-case based. But I feel like I owe it to my buddy Larry a few lines to at least let everybody know about how well he takes care of things.
I had more than 5 cars before so I've dealt with almost any car trouble you can think of, and instead of throwing out numbers and troubles it's going to cost, he took a quick look and told me what was wrong, what caused it, and what the best options were even beyond what he offers at the shop. He's experienced and he knows exactly what's best for you.
Larry ended up taking care of my brake, inspected the entire car, offered a ton of advice, fixed an annoying squeak within a few seconds, and he even drove over to where I worked to drop off my keys. He's cool dude. Go see him and your car will get well taken care of. Go, now. -
Review from Ashley H.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2011
I don't ever write Yelp reviews, but I'm posting this one because Larry did me a great service.
I showed up at his shop with a pretty sorry looking car (read: dented, dirty, scratched up) and asked him what I could do to make it prettier so I could sell it for a good price. He immediately noticed that the car had been keyed on the entire left side, and he informed me that my insurance would cut me a check for that damage. Because the keying wasn't my fault, he said, my premium would not even go up.
He was right. I got a hefty (and deserved) check from the insurance company, and then Larry took care of my car and make it sparkle like new. The day I got the car back from Larry, I sold it for like $5,000 more than I probably would have.
Larry knows a whole lot about cars, people. He says that he likes to think of his business as an information booth first and an auto body repair shop second, and with the extra $5,000 in my pocket, I'm inclined to agree. Larry's also a really funny person who kinda looks like the actor Michael Rooker. He's a real SF character. -
Review from Steve M.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2011
First off, Larry is a well-meaning guy and from what I saw, his shop does good insurance work for people.
The problem with my experience was that I believe Larry took on my old car as a project to fill gaps between insurance.
I had brought my car in to have some minor body and paint work done. The core work that was promised was done pretty well--it was labor intensive and it's hard to find people to work on old cars, so I appreciated his taking it on.
Where the experience could have been better is that he repeatedly missed deadlines to complete the work, he did some damage to the car and did a poor job of fixing it, and did some work (though well-intentioned) that I had not asked him to do, including some things that were done poorly or I specifically did not want done.
He's probably fine for most typical work, but just be careful if it's old car, non-insurance type work. -
Review from francis b.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
ok years ago I took a nice old Chevy truck in here, you know the ones that have a "flat" paint instead of the shiny clear coat that newer vehicles have.
anyway I was lead to believe he could replicate this patina that my hood now took on. so what do I get? a shiny hood which made the rest of the truck look retarded because it had this flat finish. when I voiced my opinion I think Larry the owner got in my face & was very testy. in fact we almost came to blows. he is beyond rude.
In the past year I saw a segment on I think KTVU where they allege repair fraud from these folks too. all in all I would AVOID !!! -
Review from Kira W.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2009
After having work done on my Acura from two different places where I will never be a return customer, my car looks and sounds like an auto body shop experiment from hell! One guy even made my door sound like a hollow tin can and racked up $200+ parking tickets that arrived in the mail after I paid him. I now drive around in a 3-toned car since none of them seemed to know how to match the original color.
When I happened to stumble upon Larry's shop, I felt like I could finally breathe a sigh of relief! It's not often than you come across a business owner who not only has a long-time loyal staff, cares about his customers, but is also a genuinely altruistic person. Green Street Auto Body is a truly neighborhood business. Once a carriage house, it has all the qualities I love about San Francisco businesses: friendly, historic, and owned by a Bay Area native.
I took my car in to have my front bumper re-attached at 1pm and was driving out of his garage by 5:30. That's what I call a quick turnaround! When I came back to pick up my car Larry showed me things that the previous "experts" had done: my hollow door, which had shocked the heck out of him, my window and back door that was not meeting up correctly (I had no idea!) and what auto body work is supposed to look like: a picture of perfection. He had two cars ready to be picked up that had been severely damaged and they looked absolutely brand new.
Larry is a self-proclaimed perfectionist. And from one detailed person to another, this is the kind of work that keeps customers coming back! I am so glad to have found someone that I trust! When I have some more money saved, I will be going back to Green St. Auto Body to have the damage that was done by the other shops corrected. Yesterday's experience with Larry's work makes me wish that I had found his place first!Listed in: Wheels
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Review from Herman P.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/21/2009 5 photos
Here's my update.
I had to get a part replaced that was on backorder. The owner took one look at my car and said, "Drive the car downstairs and get it washed. There's no way I'm letting you out of here with a dirty car, I have a reputation to uphold!"
That's serious commitment.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/12/2009
Amazing. This should be two seperate postings, but I'm being lazy. I brought my car in February… Read more »
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Review from Patrick K.
San Francisco, CA
5/6/2009 1 Check-in Here
Larry Wagner has been my mechanic since moving to San Francisco in 1998... I've referred all friends to him since then. He came back to run his shop last autumn after tacking some health issues. Somebody ran into our car recently and Larry fixed it in 1/2 the time the insurance company allots for the repair. Here's what he does:
1) He knows how to negotiate with the insurance companies so he can get the best parts.
2) He remembers all the details of your car and past service.
3) He'll find spare parts for your car because he remembers the details (see 2) above).
4) He'll touch up pings.
5) He returns your car clean.
6) All the extras are just a part of his service.
Much better service than the car dealership when it was under warranty, and that says a lot because the dealership is trying to keep you and charge you premium for their servicing.
A mechanic has to be trustworthy; there's so much room to tack on charges. 5 stars. -
Review from Kristen N.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2010
Wow, I have no idea how everyone had such a positive experience. My guess is they paid someone to put up decent reviews.
I made an appt to get my jaguar door fixed (that Larry made worse 2 weeks ago. I actually have to climb through the trunk to get in the car which is quite humorous and annoying at the same time). I made the appt for a Friday 5 days in advance with his assistant. When I called that day to see if I could come 30 min later, Larry told me they never make appointments for Fridays and he doesn't have the part to fix my door anyways. When I tried to question why the part was not there when I had scheduled my appointment 5 days in advance, he was completely rude on the phone and went off about the fact that they didn't make appointments on Fridays. (I don't really understand why I was scheduled this day if they don't make appointments for fridays. Seems like his assistant may be in trouble). So I asked him why he was being so rude. Then he said he did not have to talk to me and hung up the phone on me.
I was completely shocked with how badly I was treated on the phone when getting to this appointment was very important for me. He is totally rude and I would say worse but I probably would not get my review posted. -
Review from Amy F.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2011
PLEASE pay attention to the reviews on here warning about the bad customer service. They may do a great repair job, but having to deal with them is just not worth it. They are rude, procrastinators and don't deserve anyone's business.
I would like to give more details about my experience here, but I am hesitant. When I went to see Green St. Auto Body for the first time, I said that I found them on Yelp. The owner then went on the complain about how he knows one of the people who gave them a bad review and how she was such a huge bitch. Let just say that I totally believe her... and sympathize with her bad experience. -
Review from Lori K.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
Larry knows how to fix your car. He doesn't mince words but that shouldn't scare you. He beats anyone on price and car is finished on time. Impeccable craftmanship. Would recommend his shop to anyone!!
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Review from Tracy P.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2009
To be honest, I can't imagine how the other reviewers could have possibly had the experiences they describe, because after two visits, I have had nothing but positive to say about them.
First: I have a newer car, a Subaru WRX, which in most cases is a technical challenge. Not only did Subaru tell me to go there (as the Subaru SF shop is now gone) the Insurance inspector seconded the nomination, after I asked him about the shop.
They got the car fixed in two weeks, which is a decent amount of time for a front end rebuild and repaint, etc. Not only did they get it perfect, they debadged the car (for looks) and painted the back bumper for another couple hundred dollars (would have been much more, that paid for the paint alone). My car went from dings galore and nicks all over the bumper to pristine paint all around. Amazing.
Later when a small leak developed in the radiator system, I took it back, thinking it might have been because of the repair, they fixed it for free. This isn't too strange but here's the kicker THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO!
You see he showed me where I had been hit again in the front, knocking a clip loose which would have worked free the tube causing the leak. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO WORK THE DENT FROM THE HIT OUT A BIT. It's not a perfect fix, but better than it was and certainly unexpected. I walked out with a 0$ bill for a repair unrelated to the repairs they did over a year ago, as a measure of good faith.
They even topped off my radiator fluid (which costs money, people)
I rolled up to a Marina district auto shop, wearing dusty fatigues and a flight jacket, and they treated me like a prince, rather than giving me the dirty looks I got from blue fog market up the street (but that's another story). These guys are aces in my book. Give em a shot. -
Review from Jim O.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2011
Awhile back, I asked Larry Wagner for some advice about rejuvenating the paint on the hood of my Audi. His manner made it clear that he had no time for me. (What do I expect when I ask for a free lunch?) But he told me what I needed to do, without trying to sell me any of his services. Then he offered to lend me a few items to make the job easier.
Yesterday, I took him up on his offer. After working on my hood for an hour, it looked worse than when I had started. So I drove the car to Larry's shop. He was busy (as usual) so once again, he was curt. But just as before, he told me what to do and gave me some free materials.
That helped but the hood didn't look much better after my second effort. At that point, Larry told me to drive my car into his shop and he'd show me how good it could look. I was expecting him to polish a small area so I could learn the right technique. Instead, he went to work on my hood with his buffing tool and three different grades of polishing compound. Three hours later, he was still detailing my car, long after I thought it looked perfect.
We didn't discuss payment until Larry was satisfied that my car looked great. Of course he wanted to paid for his hard work. But I don't think that's what really motivated him. He's curt but he's proud of the work he does. I'd always known that he does great work. Now I know how he does it. -
Review from Caesar G.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2011
After calling on the phone to ask one simple question, I would never deal with this place. They are rude and disrespectful. I don't need attitude from a company I'm trying to do business with.
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Review from ken y.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2009
I worked with Larry the owner. He was courteous, extremely informative and efficient in getting me my car back on time and in great condition. I definitely plan on using them again if I have any more body work needed, yikes.
Best body shop I ever used ! ! ! -
Review from Andrew P.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2009
Larry has that great combination of what you want in your mechanic/auto-body repair place: wickedly honest, experienced, loyal, independent and dedicated to the craft.
He has been taking care of my cars (and my family) for many years now. I count six cars his shop has worked on (BMWs, Porsche, Volvo, Mercedes, Subaru). They always come back immaculate, as if they were his personal cars. I trust him completely.
Not only does my car come back brand new, I actually want to hand wash it again just like when I first bought it. I've taken my leased vehicles there to be cleaned up prior to return. They're always the best condition the dealership has ever seen.
It's rare I find a mechanic I can trust; someone with whom I don't ever wonder what is really being done to my car. Larry is that guy. And, when it comes to body work, it's not just about getting what I pay for, it's also about making sure the car is safe.
PS: I would never buy a used car without driving it by his shop for a quick examination. -
Review from Henry M.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2009
I had high hopes for a great auto repair experience especially after reading the reviews on this place. Larry's verbal estimate was welcome but I needed it in writing. He was supposed to call me the next day when it was ready and I would then give him a fax number where I was temping that day. Jobs are tight these days and I have to earn and spend my money carefully. He never called and when I called him back 2 days later, he was too busy. Good for him he's busy but he now lost my business and I will not recommend this establishment to anyone. Btw, his $2K verbal estimate was the highest I got for the potential repair job.
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Review from Chris H.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2010
Awesome service knowledgeable, staff who wants to answer questions and get it right.
Larry is the best! -
Review from Jimmy B.
Durango, CO
7/20/2009
I don't know how this place has so few reviews, but it is definitely a five star place to take your car!
Larry is the man and he will take care of your car, whether is is a junker, a luxury vehicle, or anything in between!
If you're looking for someone who can get the job done cheap, Larry is the man, too.
I came in with my 1999 Corolla, which has a small accident and smashed up the right fender, right headlight, and right mirror. On a recommendation, I took it to the folks at Colombus Autobody and told them I just wanted to make the car legal to drive again - nothing fancy because the thing already had 166k on it. They came back with a quote of $3,000!! I'm sure they would do a great job and they were honest that I shouldn't get the work done because that was 50% more than the car was worth. I was depressed and going to sell it for scrap.
As a last shot, I took it into Larry's place and told him what happened and that I just wanted to get it back on the road. Without hesitation he says, yeah, I can fix it. Just go see this guy, get the parts, and I'll throw them on for a song. After a little journey to a couple places, I got the parts for under $150 (see my posting on Levan Group for a great place to get aftermarket parts cheap) and at the end of the day, spent 1/6th...yes 1/6th (!!!!) what I was quoted by the guys at Columbus.
On top of that, Larry heard my lawnmower of a muffler, and told me where I could get a new one put in for $30!! Larry definitely understands how to get things done on the cheap if you're like me and your car isn't worth that much. And at the same time, I saw some gorgeous cars he was taking care of and doing a great job on as well!
I will not go anywhere else from now on. Larry will even tell you where to get a job done if he can't do the work himself. Definitely the best place to take your car (and I've taken mine a lot of places). -
Review from Dave M.
San Francisco, CA
12/31/2009
Larry did such a great job on my BMW... he fixed the damage from someone keying my car perfectly and even fixed a number of other areas of the car where there were blemishes/damage for free. I used to go to German Motors, but Green Street Auto body does far and away a better job. My car is 11 years old, yet after Larry was done with it, it looked almost like a new car.
I would never go to any other body shop. -
Review from Scott H.
San Francisco, CA
3/9/2010
Green Street Auto Body is a breath of fresh air in today's service world where around ever corner you find a hidden cost.
Larry does it right, he's upfront honest and tells you exactly what you're looking at.
And what you're looking at is a guy that has a wealth of experience. knows everyone in the business (which helps with your claims believe me) and does an amazing job. There's a reason that 80 percent of his business is return business and it's not because his clientele has bad luck; it's because Green Street Auto Body does good honest work and knows how to take care of it's customers. -
Review from Heather C.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2009
My car had been hit and vandalized and I was referred to Larry by a friend who had his car fixed there. I was very happy with the service and expertise I experienced at Green Street Auto Body.
I was having issues with the adjuster my insurance company sent out as I didn't think his review of the damages were accurate. I took my car to Larry and he worked directly with the adjuster, who then realized he missed quite a few things in his original estimate. Thanks to Larry and his experience in working with various adjusters, I was able to get everything fixed to my satisfaction and then some.
The repairs were done in a very timely and cost efficient manner. Larry used high quality parts and they were all new. No refabbed bumpers like the insurance company wanted.
I was thrilled when I went to pick up my car as it looked brand new and had been detailed! I hope that I do not need his services again, but in the event I need additional auto body work at some time, I will definitely go to Larry at Green Street Auto Body. -
Review from Dan R.
Alexandria, VA
3/21/2008
since Rick has been back in the house, this place is awesome. I have hung out in garage my whole life and this is one of the best shops in town. Welcome back Rick!
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Review from Jeff L.
San Francisco, CA
5/28/2010
Excellent all around. I've had Larry work on various cars of mine over the last 8 years and the service has been flawless every time. He's a perfectionist who knows how to deal with insurance companies. Highly recommended! You'll get your car back looking like new...no exaggeration.
