- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Union Street Garage
Rating Details »
Categories: Auto Repair, Smog Check Stations [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow1550 Union St
(between Franklin St & United States Highway 101)
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 673-5728
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sponsored Result
You Might Also Consider
7 Days A Week Smog Check - Test Only
- 114 reviews
- Location:
- Berkeley, CA
"Fast. Quick. Simple. No Hassle. It was a hot day. But my car needed to be smoged. So I look in the yellow pages and found this place. I…" read more »
70 reviews for Union Street Garage
My whole family has taken our cars to John's shop for about 15 years. He is consistently outstanding to deal with: personable, honest, a good communicator. His mechanics are top notch and if your car requires something he doesn't specialize in he'll refer you to a trusted colleague.
"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" Indeed!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/7/2006
More kudos for John. He took over the place from his father and runs a very honest, reliable shop.… Read more »
Gotta spread the word about this neighborhood, non-corporate place. They are the best. My husband and I have been going to them for basic service and minor problems for a few years. John, who I believe is the owner, is so nice. He really takes the time to talk to you and seems genuinely passionate about his job. He is very fair with pricing and very trustworthy. I have never felt like he was trying to tell me to do something that my car really didn't need. I have taken my car to him for a second opinion after a laundry list of "issues" from the dealer. He gave me the real scoop and saved me about $2000!
Everyone could use a good, reliable, honest, fair mechanic. This place is it.
Very honest, reliable, friendly shop. John makes you understand the problem and treats you with respect even if you walk in without the boyfriend... Yes, I'm a girl. No, I'm not stupid.
The only downside to this shop is that their reputation is too good for their own good. I guess my rating is not helping. The point being that they are very busy. So try to make appointments in advance and be understanding if they initially say it'll be ready by 2 but then at 4 it's still not done. They will be very nice about the whole thing, but they do get swamped.
Great garage!
I came here for a smog and treated very well. I always come here for oil changes, too. I'll be back!
This place rules. Not the cheapest hourly rates, but their honesty more than makes up the difference in the end. Many's the time I've gone in to see Jon with smoke or some clanking noise coming from under my hood, only to have him call me later in the day saying "Turned out to be nothing... my original estimate was way over." Now THAT is a good person to have on your side.
This place is your car's best friend. John is amazing, honest, funny and i can not even describe how cool.
I needed a smog test, and the check engine light was on, so i couldn't pass the test. I took my car to Union Street Garage and John hooked me up! Instead of running all these crazy diagnostics and tests that cost a ton of money, called a few hours later and told me what the problem was and the estimate cost. then he referred me to a friend of his who could get my car all fixed up much cheaper! Before you know it, same day i got in, my car fixed and all good to go for a fraction of what it would've cost me anywhere else!
Thank you John!
I will go here from now on!
My boss takes all of his umpteenth cars here. He's a smart guy so I followed in his footsteps when my cars check engine light appeared.
Jon is not a money grubbing full of crap con artist mechanic. The first thing he said is "I'm not, by all means a german car expert, and here are other places you may want to try if I can't help you."
That in itself is unheard of.
I like.
What can I write that hasn't been written? 46 out of 48 5 stars should tell you. I trust him, he explains things (and not like I'm an idiot) his prices are FAIR, not the cheapest QUOTE (I've been quoted other places high and it always seems to come out higher) but it always seems to be way under what he said it was going to be.
Service and prices so good I feel like I'm ripping him off.
How awesome is Jon?! A few months ago I had my clutch replaced, at a reasonable price. Now, it turns out my transmission needs to be rebuilt. Well, Jon checked it out, confirmed that that's what I needed to do, and instead of taking the job (which I would have easily given to him) and possibly charging me more for labor, he referred me to another place that was dirt cheap both for parts & labor.
Jon is truly the most honest mechanic you'll find. He even gave me some tips and things to watch for in case I decided to scout out a couple of other Transmission shops, so I don't get robbed.
This will forever be my 1st stop for all my car troubles.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/27/2007
I brought in my VW Jetta just to get an estimate on a breather tube that was broken. Jon was too… Read more »
I've been taking my car to Jon ever since I moved to SF back in May of 2000. The great thing about him is that he actively tries to save me money by either suggesting I get parts elsewhere and have em shipped there whether it was the tires from Tire Rack or the aftermarket exhaust header pipe that I saved well over $200 on. I used to know a good amount about cars (rebuilt an engine on my '84 Honda Civic) but over the years that knowledge has atrophied quite a bit from lack of use but I know that I can trust Jon and when he tells me something I find myself breaking the rust off my knowledge and thinking "yep that makes sense"
My only knock would be that they are always overwhelmed and it was hard to get my car in there to just get looked at sometimes but that's a small price to pay for going to someone I trust.
I fear car mechanics. They're always rude to me. They look at me and see "sucker" printed on my forehead and proceed to charge me thousands of dollars for questionable repairs.
Jon and Union Garage is the first positive experience I have ever had getting my car repaired. I went in with a few things that i thought were wrong. Jon analyzed the problem, fixed the things that needed to be fixed, and told me what to look for on the other stuff. I ended up spending an eighth of what i thought it would cost. I will definitely take my car there again.
These guys are fucking awesome. I rudely barged in there and essentially demanded that they stop what they were doing to put license plates on a jag-u-aaaarrre, AND THEY DID. They didn't have the part to attach the plate to the back, it was a special order from the dealer, but they were able to remove the back panel and attach it somehow. (I blame my attitude on the car, after 15 minutes in there I'm making Leona Helmsley look bashful and sweet).
Anyway, within 20 minutes they had the job done. And they tried to tell me it was no charge. Hells no! John finally said he'd take the paltry sum I offered him, wrote me a receipt, and jovially told me "now get on out of here". My kind of man.
Go here. They will not rip you off, it's old school mechanics (every time I see a mechanic with an electrical machine that scientifically tallies up the mythical repairs, I know I need to bring lube. Lots of it).
The lube comment made me space out. Anyway, they're good people. Try them!
This place is so friendly and informative. I felt completely at ease with them, knew I was being taken care of and didn't feel like I was getting ripped off at all. All of their high accolades are well deserved!
I try not to add reviews to the obviously well covered (What do you mean we don't need another review for the SOMA Whole Foods?!?!), but since Yelp sent me here, to Yelp I do repay.
Jon was pretty damn good. I needed new tires, those tires installed, an oil change, brakes checked, etc. He guided me through which tires to buy, and told me that we could have them shipped to the garage. We made an appointment a few days later. I come in, I drop off my car, I return in the evening, and everything is done. The tires replaced, the oil changed, etc. It was an extremely low-hassle encounter. They even were careful not to leave oil smudges on the seats, which is a first.
Go Jon go.
This garage, Jon, his staff and the work they do is nothing but top notch. I have always been treated as family and the fact that they kept my beater of a car running far longer than its natural life is a testament to their skills!
Thanks Jon - I'd give you 10 stars if I could!
Ok, I'm a convert (from, what, I do not know - my dad diagnosing my car over the phone? Whatever, who cares. Please stop injecting logic into my reviews). I am also a technological wasteland. Everything breaks around me. In a fifteen minute timespan, I was able to break a computer, a phone, my Palm Pilot, and a friend's iPaq. It was truly a marvel.
So when my car started to violently shake and the "check engine" light started to blink, I pulled my ass over and called John. Or Jon. Whatever. Again, please focus.
John went to pick up my car (about 10 blocks from his garage - uphill, people!) and, within about four hours, diagnosed it, repaired it, and called me with the update. Bad spark plugs - $160!! Including the time he took to walk to my car where I had lamely left it in fear of its life. I was expecting some sort of terrible explanation, likely involving the terms "blown" or "shot." But $160 and four hours? Sold.
Until i totaled my car and made having a mechanic unnecessary, this was my cars place.
John has reasonable prices and explains everything so very clearly. Plus he tells you what you really need to get done, so you don't get a bunch of repairs your car doesn't actually need. What an honest guy. oh and they get your car back to you quick!
OK, I finally got my car back from them, and it seems that I am the only unlucky one here (I trusted you guys!!!). I am a kind of a guy who drives cheap junk and ride a $7000 bicycle, but I was totally treated like a second class citizen there because of the car I drive.
Make a super long story short, one morning I woke up realized my car wouldn't move. The engine turns on, but it dies within a minute. So I towed it to Union which John told me would cost about $60, but ended up paying $125.
It was Jan 8, 2008.
They worked on it and called me on Jan 11th saying that I need to fix my computer, and they also told me they are looking for a cheap place to fix it for me, so I trusted them and waited.
Then they called me on May 1st, saying I need to fix my computer still???
Then the next call was on Jul 28th and I finally got my "very first estimate" after more than half a year later which was $750 ( Joel was saying "now we have time to work on your car". What the???). So I say yes to the amount (for some reasons, Joel seemed surprised to the fact that I said yes to the amount. He had a moment after I said yes.) and they told me that they were going to call me in a "couple of days".
Then they called me "17 days" later on Aug 15th. They finally got it running, but they got problems with the check engine light, the blinkers and the emergency flash, so I went in on 19th to check on them (my guy Joel was off on Mon), then they told me now it is $920. They didn't say anything before it was going to be $920. They replaced my battery without telling me anything which went dead sitting in their garage for half a year (it was almost new and still is under warranty today from the manufacture) .
Then I looked into their computer in the office which says that last estimate was "$1000" that I never heard of!
I thought it was fishy, but I told them to keep working on it because I wouldn't want driving around without the blinkers or the emergency flash. However, the $920 and the $1000 estimate stuck in my head and couldn't trust them anymore so I went back in 4 days later which is today and took my car back without the blinkers or emergency flash and the check engine light on. Of course Joel told me that he didn't touch my car since last time.
Anyway, I paid the final amount which was $944 and went home. Joel explained it to me that the $200 difference is the battery and the time "try" fixing it. (Now I know they charge customers for "trying") By the way, for $944, what they did was only to install a computer which someone else fixed for $200 . And what do you know? I fixed the problems they couldn't fix in just 20 min. I am glad that I didn't leave it there.
I actually have a lot more to say, but I wasted 7 month and 2 weeks with them already, so I just want to get it over with. Yeah, John and Joel have nice smiles, but I would never use them again. By the way, I have a phone record showing that they only called me 4 times in last 7 and half month other than me calling or visiting them. If your car have serious problems or have a junk don't take it there, they will work on it like a side project (my car had a serious problem and was a junk). Their concept of "time" is just something else.
When I was in their shop, I heard John asking people the same thing over and over again on a phone "do you need a car over the weekend?"
I heard that phrase 7 and half month ago.
Note: Just want to note that I went and called there almost every day for first two weeks. As I said, John told me he was looking for a cheap place to fix the computer for me, and I thought it was nice and trusted him. And I also did my researches and found couple of computers on ebay to help him out, but John said he doesn't trust ebay parts. Fair enough.
Mean while, I had to live my life so I got myself a Muni pass hoping for him to call near future with good news. Weeks went by and months... Nothing happened. I seriously consider taking my car to other garages, but since I got used to going around with Muni buses, I decided to see the end of it (since everyone is praising their services), but I couldn't.
What really pushed me over to the edge was the fact that John was trying to let me go without the blinkers and the emergency flash. I initially refused it because as a cyclist, I know how dangerous it is to drive around without blinkers in the city.
But I took the car back at the end because of "the estimate" and what he said to me. He said to me that " Joel is going to work on your car. I am busy." He took my car in and told me all nice things but seven and half months later "he is busy"? I am busy too. I wish he had known how I lived my life last seven and half months. Oh, and this is the only garage I have been to that asked me to call in to check on them such as "call us in 3 days" and "call us on Friday to see...". They make you work hard to work on your car.
The warrenty on my vehicle has recently expired. When it came time to a major service I called the dealership service center (Royal Motors) for a quote on the service. I nearly dropped the phone when they gave me a quote...I definitely dropped the f-bomb or two...
I decided to do some research on Yelp for other service options and compare prices. I found a few places that specialized in Audi, but I saw that Union Garage had great Yelp reviews and they are only a few blocks away from my work.
I faxed Jon my maintenance checklist for a quote..and brought my car in the same week. He was no BS and did the job as he quoted...extremely reasonable. I definitely feel like I can trust Jon and would bring my car back for any maintenance/repair needs.
John will fix you up.
He'll talk to you like you're a person, even if...gasp..you're a woman.
He'll explain the situation, walk you through the pros and cons, and you'll trust him- you should. He's a keeper.
Never adding on the extra repairs, always going above and beyond. In a world sorely lacking in customer service- he totally stands out.
If I were you I'd break up with that cheating, son of a b mechanic you've been suspicious of all these years and call john, he'll pick up the pieces, with a smile.
Jon is fantastic. When my car battery died earlier this month, I decided to check out Jon's shop because it's much closer than Carlos' shop on McAllister (although anyone who lives near McAllister and Central should go to Carlos). He came over and jumped the car, then drove it down to the shop (about 6 blocks). He's so calm, knowledgeable, and friendly...every customer in there when I picked up my car seemed to be a repeat.
The next time She-Ra breaks down, I'll be back for sure.
John is da bomb. He knows everything about cars and has a really great way of explaining things in complete sentences and paragraphs such that muggles like me can understand what he's saying. He also - and this is important - TAKES THE TIME to talk to his customers. And he'll go into the pros and cons so that you feel that you are making an informed decision.
The hourly rates are high, but you can be sure the work is done right, he stands behind his work and parts, and I've gotten the impression a couple of times that he has cut me a slight break on the labor.
They put in a replacement part a couple of years ago (memory fails me, I can't remember what it was - something to do with the brakes maybe)...John warned me that it was a rebuilt part and might fail, but the alternative was super-expensive, and on a rusty '88 Honda Prelude, you don't want to go high-end! Anyway the part failed about six months later, right after it was out of warranty but John replaced it for me anyway. I had to pay for about half of the labor, but not for the replacement part. I thought that was more than fair; it's what you get from a neighborhood family business, it's just more face-to-face and personal, somehow.
Getting your car fixed is akin to getting a root canal. Its not something you ever want to do, its not something you usually want to spend money on, and its typically not made to be any more pleasant by the people that perform the service.
The Union Street Garage is a rare example of a business that operates "the way things used to be." Jon, the shop's second generation owner, admitted that they are old-fashioned in their approach to building rapport with their customers and being fair with costs.
Given theneighborhood, and what I suppose would be high rent, the shop's hourly rate is a little on the high side at $105/hr. However, the quality of service you receive and the ability of the shopkeeper to clearly explain your options and the work that was performed is paramount to getting a good deal.
Although my repairs have been an inconvenience and thus far have taken far longer that expected, I've felt comfortable with the work they are doing. And moreover, when they realized needed to do more work and keep the car overnight, Jon gave me a ride home across town. How's that for personal service?!
Maybe I'm old school myself, but I'm one of the few people that will still pay more for good service. As long as I need work done on my vehicle, I'll be happy to take it to the Union Street Garage.
Jon and his crew are the best ever. Anytime I've had car trouble, he's been there to help. If he couldn't do it, he's told me up front and sent me to the next place.
Absolutely fantastic to work with.
Just took my car here to get it smogged - they were very very friendly and nice, normal people. Pricewise not bad either - $67 for my 2001 civic. I would go back for other car stuff.
Great service. Jon even gave some very useful referrals.
Thanks.
This guy Jon told me a great story about 'Car Talk' the NPR radio show. He had noticed that there was an inaccuracy in something they had put up on their Car Talk website about his garage and he rang them to give the the heads up. He got through to one of the brothers, who was obviously in a rush, and told him there was something inaccurate about their information on their website. The guy said was it wrong good or wrong bad and Jon said well, wrong good for me I suppose. The guy yelled back well whaddaya calling me about then? and hung up.
Have had my car serviced here several times, he gives good advice and the price is always what he said it would be. And the car runs better afterwards. A man of integrity. Go there.
I went in for a simple smog check, and got great service and I will definitely bring my car back if I need anything else. They treated me as if I was a friend and that is pretty hard to come by from a car repair shop.
This place is great. Jon is honest, funny and friendly. Along with his staff, he gets the job done right and gets it done quickly. I will return...but hopefully not for a while, since my trusty car is so good to me!
A good honest mechanic, shop, John will shoot it to you straight and explain your options and what he thinks is the best course of action. He charges a higher labor rate than other places, but he doesnt do the typical overcharge of hours that other places do. I've gone to him twice now, and each time I feel like I'm getting good value for my money and honest treatment. Highly recommended.
Honest mechanics are rare. Union Street Garage has them. They are more than willing to give you free advice to save you money, even if you are clueless enough about your issue to be easily duped into spending money. Before you pay big bucks for a repair you're not sure of, drop your ride there to see what's really going on.
Jon at Union Street Garage was great. I just showed up on a busy weekday, but he had no problem diagnosing my car and getting the part replaced all in one day. I will definitely be taking my car back there in the future.
This place is the best ever. I have been getting my bmw 325i serviced from him for the past 1.5 years and he has never ever let me down. They are quick, timely, systematic about his method, patiently explains everything and is very affordable.
Went in for a smog check a while back- service was smooth and painless. Went in with a problem with my car starting, no charge for them to just check it out and the owner Jon was super cool about not wanting to diagnose it or try to tell me something needed to be fixed if it really didn't or if he wasn't sure. I feel really good about going here and not getting "taken" - which is always good. Turned out there wasn't a problem they could find- and I don't think he's going to charge me for checking, just a great guy all around.
As a woman, it's hard to find a mechanic that you can trust. I'm ready to admit that I'm a complete idiot when it comes to cars, and I think that mechanics can smell it on me. But I fully trust John and his staff...they are knowledgeable, kind, and trustworthy. I've taken my car in a couple of times, worried that it was about to spontaneously combust, but John has always explained what was wrong in a very basic way (so that even I can understand), and has either fixed it or just told me to quit worrying and sent me on my way. Union Street Garage is the place if you want an honest mechanic in the city!
Jon is the most honest, generous, and efficient mechanic. Not only did he replace my rear brakes for $150 less than we were quoted by Midas (don't ever go there btw), but he also helped me figure out what was causing this strange noise AND fixed it, for free. He told me I needed new tires, which I do, and although he doesn't sell tires said he would put them on for me if I brought them to him. He gave me tons of references for tires and was just plain delightful. I will never take my car anywhere else!
John is the man!
My car battery died and I work in Marin but live in SF. I called John and he was very busy that day but said if I could get into the city for lunch he would come over and meet me and jump the car for me. I got a ride in he met me 5 min BEFORE he said he would be there jumped my car and then said don't worry about paying him. I was more than willing to pay him but said it was no problem. I will recommend them not just because it was free but because the service, communication and hospitality were top notch!
This was the only way I thought I could repay him and that is with a 5 star rating on Yelp (where I found them)
Thanks again!
I really like this shop...Jon gave me a quick diagnosis when I brought my car in, explaining the possible problems in a way that even a non car guy (ie phil h) could understand. Their hourly rate seems a bit high, thus only four stars, but I will definitely return because I trust them to do a good job and not rip me off.
This place is great! John is very trustworthy and doesn't pull the wool about anything. I took my SUV in, got an estimate, and pow! it was ready in no time. The final cost was true to the estimate. Would definitely go back if anything goes wrong again.
The BEST. Hands down. John is awesome, and everyone that works there is so friendly. There's not much to say except my Grandfather, my father, and now I use this garage..they're definitely doing EVERYTHING right!
