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Stauder Automotive Service
Categories: Automotive Smog Check Stations Automotive Auto Repair Smog Check Stations, Auto Repair [Edit]
5930 College Ave(between Chabot Rd & Harwood Ave)
Oakland, CA 94618
Neighborhoods: Rockridge, North Oakland
(510) 658-3070
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5 pm
$95 for $125 Certificate
ABE E. said: "Most females are about as excited about going to a body shop as they are about buying tires. Albany Body Shop is different. They do excellent work,…" read more »
23 reviews for Stauder Automotive Service
23 reviews in English
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Review from Gym W.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
These guys are always ethical, informative and speedy. Very happy to have such a good neighborhood garage so close to home. Keep up the good work!
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Review from Annalyn C.
Oakland, CA
6/26/2011
These guys are amazing. Friendly, informative and overall nice people who saved me a ton of $$ because of specific car issue.
Long story short: I got my car smog checked at a test-only station in Oakland. Unfortunately, my 1995 Corolla did not pass. I was bummed because after doing some research on yelp and calling different mechanics, I could have spent a lot of money just trying to figure out why my car did not pass.
Low and behold, thanks to other yelpers, I called Stauder and spoke to Jim over the phone. He was so nice! He told me about a program called the Vehicle Repair, Retirement and Replacement for Motorists (http://www.vrrrm.org/). This hush-hush grant $$ is funded by the rich oil companies and helps people out financially with repairing the cars that do not pass their smog checks.
Took my car in, had to leave it overnight....but the best part was that the VRRRM program paid for over $600 worth of expenses to fix my car and get it to pass.
Without Jim and the other guys at the shop, I would have spent my own money to fix this. Thanks again, Stauder. You guys rock! :) -
Review from Ely E.
Oakland, CA
8/3/2011
All I can say is the overweight guy behind the counter is a piece of work! He was so RUDE, SARCASTIC and completely UNPROFESSIONAL.
We took my car in to get a smog check, I hadn't driven it a long distance in several months (only moved it for street cleaning and to charge the battery) and it started overheating - when we got to the shop the coolant was bubbling over. The guy behind the counter was immediately dismissive and refused to run a smog check. Another mechanic there (who was actually nice to us and understanding) told my husband to pull the car into the back and the guy behind the counter said in a spiteful tone "where is he going?! Why is he driving back there?!"
We explained how I wanted to retire the car, but it had to be registered in CA for at least 2 years, and registration was due so we needed a smog check - or at least a failed smog check certificate. The guy behind the counter was rolling his eyes and made it pretty clear he thought we were idiots.
I WILL NEVER TAKE ANY OF MY CARS THERE AGAIN.
He said our car wouldn't pass a smog check, refused to even let it cool down and wanted it out of the shop immediately. I was shocked to find a person working at a mechanic shop acting so rude about a car that was having issues. That guy obviously knows nothing about compassion.
The worst part is that I went there because it had great reviews on yelp. I hope my terrible experience saves you the hassle of driving to this shop with the horrid man behind the counter.Comment from Bob S. of Stauder Automotive Service 8/9/2011
I apologize for you unpleasant experience. Unfortunately,… More » -
Review from Duane W.
Oakland, CA
7/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Based on Yelp reviews, I decided to give this place a try for a smog test.
Yelpers were right, I received prompt and courteous service and was charged a decent rate for it. Life is good! -
Review from Kimberly R.
Oakland, CA
10/13/2008
I just went in for an estimate this morning and there is only one way to describe the customer service that was provided - "RUDE!" There is a lack of common courtesy and basic professionalism at this business. I would never give my hard earned money to such an establishment.
I can only assume all good reviews were produced by family members of the owner.
Shame on you - Stauder Automotive Service! -
Review from Tom E.
Oakland, CA
6/3/2010
DISCLAIMER: ITEMS IN THIS REVIEW ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR
Oh man, bad puns. You know what's not bad? Customer (and even non-customer) service at Stauder Automotive.
Ok ok I'm done with that. Now to the review.
What I'd like to share with you today is a tale of the over the top, unexpected, heart warming service that I got, even when I wasn't a customer.
(What's that a review when I didn't pay them any money, is that allowed? Yes! It is!)
I live near the shop. I've always lusted after it's convenient location and lovely green doors.
Sadly, I left a dome light on in my car. And my car wouldn't start. And I tried to jump it, and that didn't work. I was getting nervous, my inspection was coming up, things needed to get Done, yet my cat mocked me in it's immovable state, scaring me with fears of broken engines oil leaks.
I went to Stauder, told them my tale of woe (whoa) and fear. What happened? One of their mechanics took a jumper pack, walked with me to my garage, jumped my car, gave me some suggestions, and asked me to go to the shop after I'd driven for a while.
I did the deed, returned to the shop, and they checked my battery levels and checked that my computer had properly restarted for my upcoming smog check.
How much do you think they charged me (I offered to pay). NOTHING of course that's the point of the story.
They are Awesome! Customer service to the MAX.
My girlfriend gets car service at Stuader, I hope to in the future. You just can't go wrong when the folks you have working with you are honest and caring.
Strongly recommend if it fits your needs. -
Review from Jed S.
Berkeley, CA
8/7/2009
I took my 1993 Honda Civic VX here in order to get it repaired after failing a smog test at 7 Days A Week Smog Test, which I went to because of its positive Yelp following.
My car didn't fail badly, and I did a bit of troubleshooting myself in order to try and fix the problem. I wrote up a summary of what things I did, and what potential problems might be.
I made an appointment on Monday (the first available opening was on Thursday... They are a busy business). I took my car in at 7:45am, as they said they like to have cars in by 9am. I talked to Jim at the front counter / office for a few minutes, and in that time about 3 more people came by and were forming a line behind me. His mannerism was very professional and reasonable. He explained that the estimate would be 299 dollars for "2.30" (assumedly, 2.5 hours) of labor. That is about a $120/hour labor rate. Or, if that meant 2.3 hours, that's a $130/hour labor rate.
I explained that I would like to pass on the information of what small things I had done, because they might help the troubleshooting process. He said he would make sure the mechanic saw the papers, and I passed him my failed smog test sheet and my summary. I rode my bicycle home, and waited. 8 hours later, at 4:30pm, I was wondering why I hadn't heard back from them, so I called them up and asked what the status of my car was. They said they were still troubleshooting and hadn't found the problem yet, and that they would like to keep the car overnight. I agreed after confirming there would be no extra cost associated with this.
The next day at 2pm, I got a call saying that they still were not able to determine the cause of my emissions problem, because they were not the most familiar with the engine in my car. (admittedly, the VX is pretty rare in the USA). I was able to talk to the mechanic who worked on my car, however, and he gave me his opinion about what the problem probably was, and explained what they had tested. He was very helpful and friendly. They also said, to my great relief, that there would be no charge because they were not able to find the problem.
This is likely the thing that sets these guys apart from cheaper and potentially less honest places. They seem to be reliable and straightforward with you, which in my case, may have saved me a lot of money, even though their hourly labor charge may be higher than other places.
If you have a specialized problem with a rarer japanese car engine, however, I would recommend finding a place more knowledgeable of your vehicle. -
Review from Caitlin L.
Oakland, CA
12/14/2006
This place is great. They have never tried to sell me more than I need, so when I do need a big repair, I will trust them completely.
I have 2 stories, both involving a 1991 Volvo that had definitely seen better days:
1) The sunroof got stuck in the open position and Stauder suggested they just close it and not bother fixing it because of the expense.
2) I was thinking about trying to sell said Volvo and brought it into Stauder to get an estimate for some repairs. The guy didn't try to sell me on a single repair. He just reached behind him and pulled out a form on vehicle donation. I took his advice.
I now have a new car and I won't take it anywhere else.Listed in: I love Oakland!!
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Review from Kevin W.
12/12/2007
I brought my car in for a smog on my lunch hour, it was ready and waiting for me after I finished eating lunch with coworkers.
Great service, professional and quick! I will take my car back for future servicing. -
Review from Dan B.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/16/2011
I've had two vehicles serviced here, a 2002 Chevy Tahoe and a 2003 Toyota 4x4. In both cases the final invoice was less than the original estimate. The staff is very professional and above all, honest. My Tahoe's check engine light came on. It ended up being a faulty gas cap. they could have easily racked up the charges but instead fixed the gas cap and only charged me $30.Great shop!
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Review from Dan C.
Oakland, CA
7/21/2011
These guys are great, very friendly and helpful. However, I went there for an oil change and was very surprised by how expensive it was. I used to get my oil changed at an independent mechanic in SF for ~$45, but here it was $65!! Go here for the good, friendly service, but don't expect a great bargain.
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Review from MAURICE C.
Oakland, CA
7/4/2011
Cheap? No. Fixed right the first time? Yes. Nuff said.
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Review from L K.
Oakland, CA
11/5/2010
I've taken my car here a few times, and this place is fantastic! They are friendly, knowledgeable and honest... what more could you ask? Today when I took my car in, they diagnosed the problem, recommended another place I could get it fixed cheaper, and then fixed another minor problem they noticed, free of charge!
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Review from Adrienne S.
Portland, OR
3/13/2008
This place is great. Two separate instances:
1. I almost missed picking up before close. Mike called to make sure I was on my way.
2. My poor bug was making a ticking sound. They charged me $20 for the price of putting more oil in the car. Nothing for labor, since they didn't really do anything. Awesome!
Quick, reliable, cheap, sensible service. Can't do better, really. -
Review from Stephen H.
Berkeley, CA
1/14/2008
I've taken my car here to get smoged once. They seem like a legitimate no screw you over, straight talkin type of business. Not the cheapest place to get a smog, but when you save a dollar or two sometimes it is at the expense of customer service and trustworthyness. I wouldn't hesitate to come back here for another smog.
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Review from Holly B.
Boulder, CO
4/6/2007
Very friendly, honest, and quick. Conveniently located near the Rockridge BART station.
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Review from Jim M.
Oakland, CA
9/22/2009
Best price for a smog check in Oakland and they were fast (about an hour.) Make sure to tell them you want the yelp discount. $58.25 total.
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Review from david f.
Oakland, CA
7/20/2008
These guys have often done fantastic work for me. Helpful, courteous, competent. They're awfully expensive sometimes, though, particularly in a couple of cases when my girlfriend brought her car in. Hmmm... I'm sure it was just some sort of mix up. Still, I think they're great at what they do, just check your prices elsewhere.
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Review from Sarah V.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2010
I took my car here for a basic oil change package and smog test. I happened to live around the corner, but the good reviews persuaded me to come to Stauder. The mechanics here were incredibly nice to me, and because I couldn't come pick my car up before closing, they were happy to drive my car into my private parking spot at home! I simply had to come back the next day to pay and get my keys.
I hadn't had the opportunity to return here after moving out of Rockridge, but while I was there I had decided to take my car to Stauder for all issues. -
Review from Tuyen V.
Oakland, CA
3/29/2006
Stauder is my neighborhood mechanic and a great one at that. Though a little more expensive than most places, you'll never have an issue with your car after Jim and his crew work on it. The words I would use to sum them up are honest, reliable, and responsive. If you live in Rockridge, this is the best and most convenient place you can go to. I only own Toyota's and they do splendid work on these.
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Review from Laura B.
Oakland, CA
6/3/2010
Based on Yelp reviews i took my elderly Volvo in for repairs after it failied smog test since I needed Gold Shield station for the CAP voucher. They fit me in without an appointment and finished the repair (new catalytic converter) within 4 hours -- they'll get my business again.
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Review from Renshin B.
Oakland, CA
2/20/2010
These guys are great. Another mechanic looked at my 1995 Volvo after it failed its smog test and charged me $125 to tell me it needed a new gas tank - for $500. I got the State certificate (most important, $100 copay for $500 worth of work if you failed your test) and found Stauder on Yelp since I needed a Gold Seal station for the certificate. They were totally polite and responsive and now my car's fixed for just the $100 copay. I should have gone to them in the first place.
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Review from Paul P.
Oakland, CA
12/28/2009
Very friendly and honest. Fit me in over the Christmas week. Highly recommended service station.
