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Sunset Garage
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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- 13 reviews
- Neighborhood:
- SOMA
"When a man whom I will affectionately refer to as "White Trash of America" hit me and wanted to settle outside of insurance, I obliged and…" read more »
13 reviews for Sunset Garage
I was referred to Sunset Garage by a former co-worker (who now works in Richmond but still brings his Subaru in for service here). These guys are truly helpful -- I've brought in my poor Scion xB several times now for oil changes, scheduled maintenance, and random issues the dealer couldn't solve. Every single time the staff is friendly and helpful; despite their numerous clientele they still remember little ol' me.
My favorite visit was while my Scion was still under warranty. There were two warning lights that kept coming on, but no other apparent symptoms. I had taken it in to the dealer TWICE and they replaced the part they thought was causing it TWICE. I finally took it in to Sunset and they very kindly checked it out and printed out the info from the car's computer and explained what the problem was, instructing me to go back to the dealer with the info since replacing the correct part wouldn't cost me anything at the dealership.
I don't really like my car, but I like it a lot more when it's working and happy. Sunset explains all charges before and after service, details what services were performed and what should be done next, provides a website to keep track of your maintenance and make online appointments, and provides free shuttle service to and from my office. They are by far the best solution for auto service I've ever experienced.
I still stand by my 5+ star rating!!!
My parents have been going to George & the guys for years, and when I got my first car they introduced me.
As a car novice, it never occurred to me that any garage would try to rip you off. Boy was I naive! I've now heard horror stories about other garages. But not these guys!
My car is actually there right now. It freaked out. When they gave me the "diagnosis" if you will (which was a 4 parter!), I called one of my guy friends who's worked on cars for years and asked if it made sense given the symptoms. (My boyfriend suddenly has me paranoid by scary garage stories - so I wanted to make sure it was all legit!) He not only said that they were dead on, he said it was really great of them to go above and beyond and check for repercussions of the central issue. They caught two faulty sensors that soon would have had my car out of commission again in a number of months!!
These guys don't just do a quick fix, take your money and get you out of there. They do an incredibly thorough job, tell you what's wrong, why it's important, what you can get away with and not, and they drive you wherever you need to go. He always asks how my mom is, and what show I'm working on now, and gives me a big hug. George even gave me a car to borrow for an entire week while my car was in the shop. FOR FREE. And I'm not treated any differently than any other customer.
That's service!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/18/2008
Ok - these guys are great. They do a great job, are honest, and prompt, and the owner always gives… Read more »
A couple of years have gone by and I have yet to take my car anywhere else - even for an oil change. I'm trying to find some way to give more stars to George at Sunset Garage, because he's quite serious about consistently going above & beyond, even for basic services. Since I've already maxed out the star allotment, I'm going with the gushing praise route:
This is the single best mechanic I've ever had.
Everyone that I've ever sent here has been equally pleased with the fairness & excellent quality they experience here.
Like a doctor discussing current status, prognosis & plan of care, George makes a point to personally come out and talk with me about my car every time I'm there.
He consistently makes timely recommendations & helps guide me about which repairs I can defer.
He and his crew frequently do "extras," like gluing the interior walling back onto the door panel, replacing a missing knob, and cleaning out pine needles from the trunk joint.
My aging '92 Honda Accord keeps acting like an elderly widow, who suddenly remembers she's still alive, dyes her hair purple, hops on a plane to Machu Picchu, and develops a penchant for Tequila shots and skinny dipping.
Yeah baby, that's my ride for sure!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/10/2007
After just one experience here, I have officially switched auto mechanics. Years of overpriced,… Read more »
George has been my mechanic for 7 years, and Sunset Garage is The Best Garage Ever.
Here's but one example: my still under-warranty VW was acting up in a major way. I took it to the dealer thinking whatever It was would be covered under warranty. Turned out to be the clutch, and VW offered to fix it... for minimum $2200. I called George, he nearly laughed aloud at the price they quoted. For far, far less than $2200, George and his garage replaced my entire* clutch AND fixed the rear brakes.
Just last week, my tire blew out on the freeway. I called Sunset again, and they called a tow truck for me. While that's great service, get this: Ken, who works for George, asked me if I was in a safe place to wait for a tow truck. I was stunned - not only then, but when Ken called back 15 minutes later just to make sure I was still okay.
This is not your average garage, and George and Ken (and Andy!) are not your average mechanics. They are an incredible team of people and I have nothing but the highest praise for them - not just for their service, shuttle, pick-up/drop-off, and awesome mechanic skills - but because they are great people, the kind you find yourself lucky to know.
Even if you live in SF, Sunset will work with you to pick you up and drop you off.
Interesting that the only person who has a bad word about Sunset, IRONICALLY????? has a problem with George Yasbek. He rated his restaurant Winterland with a ONE, which is closed because he needed to focus on the shop. I don't think his opinion is valid and if he's reading this, please know that its not that I don't believe you, but you might better be believed if you didn't coincidentally have both. You must have your reasons but I don't get it. I've known that man for years and he has never taken advantage of me. I've even done quotes from others behind his back to be sure. The man is 2nd to none, near saint, and to everyone who knows him. Give him an olive branch and you won't be sorry.
I looked at your reviews simply because I couldn't COMPREHEND how George would treat anyone like that. He's someone who often helps those in need. When I was broke, he was like... "we'll figure it out" and maybe he gave me a break, and maybe I knew I owed him and he works it all out in the end. That's who that man is that you dislike.
Look, I'm only scared of the day that Georges Yasbek retires. Your relationship with your mechanic, if you think about it, is one of the most sacred relationships you have.
I mean, people take better care of their cars, than themselves often. And its like rocket science to understand your car guru's work.
A lot of trust is involved.
You either have to be the most cold-blooded human to show so much love and concern for your customers. or you just REALLY care, and know that and honest deal brings back customers... and with George... being respected for what he does, I think that means something to him.
If there was a 5+ rating and you can only use it once, I'd use it for this business.
And maybe, its because I'd do that for family anyhow. Even if he made a mistake, and I have yet to see it, I'd work past it.
Its going on what.... 14 years now?
My love to him and his crew...
I'm a gearhead who can fix my own cars, but having the time to do all the work is another matter. It sucks that a lot of shops rip you off by doing unnecessary work, and it's even harder to take if you know full well exactly how you're getting reamed. Enter Sunset Garage. George's shop is definitely heads and shoulders above the norm. Not only does he charge fair labor rates, he doesn't mark up his parts astronomically like others. And they seem to approach auto repair like a doctor making diagnoses on a patient, not randomly replacing parts until things work.
For starters I just have to let you, the reader, know that I used to have a five star review on this garage. The first time I went into them they helped me cut costs on repairs from an accident. All the people are very friendly, helpful, skilled, quick turn around, give you rides to and from work etc. I was a fan.
But..... unfortunately they tried to rip me off a couple months ago... like $1500 rip me off.
My check engine light went on, I took the car to them and got back a list with $1500 worth of work that my car "needed." I got a second opinion from my parents mechanic who they've used for ages and it turns out the ONLY issue with my car was that there was a problem with the wiring that effected the check engine light.
I was floored to say the least and I will never go back, I just can't trust them ever again and honestly if I see the owner I'm afraid I might start yelling. Such a disappointment...
Honest, reliable and reasonably priced!
If you have a problem with your car - this is where you want to take it! Georges (I believe is the correct spelling) really runs the show here but there are a lot of talented mechanics backing him up. My husband and I have been with Sunset for a long time (everything from smog checks to a new clutch). Everyone is very professional and keeps you very informed about what is happening - BEFORE the work is done.
Until we win the lottery and can afford cars that come with warranties, we'll keep using Sunset. Thanks Georges!
When have you ever felt you could trust a mechanic? Sunset Garage is amazing -- I've never felt I was getting screwed over. They're incredibly polite and reasonably priced. I can't say enough good things about them.
I met George and Sunset Garage when they were located on Ocean Ave. I have used them exclusively since then . I am a contractor and my truck is my biggest power tool . Sunset Garage has always taken care of me and my truck . They make sure I have transportation to where I need to go and get me on the road as fast as possible . That gets a 5 star review from me every day of the week . Thanks George !!
12.12.07 UPDATE
It finally happened , I wrecked my truck . No one was hurt , but my truck was damaged and undriveable . I first called Mohummad at Sunset . He delt with everything from the tow truck to the insurance to giving me a temporary car !!! The tow truck got there before I finished with the other driver . He towed me and my truck to Sunset Garage . They then hand me keys to one of Georges cars to drive around while they were repairing my car and dealing with the insurance company . I swear from the time i wrecked , until I was on the road doing estimates was no more than an hour . UNBELIEVEABLE , I didn't even have to cancel any of my appointments . They delt with my insurance company and I picked my truck up today . Any time they work on my car I can get a loner so I'm not "ass out "of a ride , allthough I did look pretty gangsta driving around in the Crown "vic " . Thanks for the help Sunset Garage and hopefully I won't see you soon :)
I've been going to Sunset Garage for years. I feel that George really cares about his customers and understands that not everyone can afford repairs for their cars. George (and Jim) will keep their eyes open for used or cheaper parts. If there is something that can wait for repair, they'll call you to see what you want to do and let you make the decision about which repairs you want to make. The friendly staff will also pick you up from BART.
George & the crew at Sunset are absolutely wonderful! They have been caring for my in-laws cars since they were on Ocean Avenue, and I was lucky enough to inherit the Sunset Garage when I married into the family. They know just who I am when I call, know my car, its history, and what It's due for. They are prompt, honest, and professional. Their pricing is always reasonable, and they explain everything in detail. Being a girl, mechanics can be intimidating, but Sunset is always straight-forward, patient and respectful. I can't recommend them highly enough.
These people took a part out of my bmw without telling me (a manifold that does not affect day to day function of car, except under consistently wet conditions). When I noticed, it took them 2 weeks to acknowledge they had made the error. Then it took 6 months for them to order and then return the part. When I picked it up it was the wrong part. When I called the first time, the owner, George Yazbek, didn't return my call. When I called a second time 10 days later, he told me I was 'wasting his time' and refused to remedy the problem, even though he had previously acknowledged that it was his fault. This, after Mr. Yazbek told me I would be 'treated like family'. Now I have to sell the wrong part on ebay, and use the proceeds towards the purchase of the right part, not to mention the expensive mounting clips that were never returned to me either. These people are patently dishonest, please avoid them at all costs.
