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Whole Auto
Category: Automotive Auto Repair Auto Repair [Edit]
400 Petaluma Blvd SPetaluma, CA 94952
(707) 776-6085
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 5 pm
Ian M. said: "So, it's the day after Thanksgiving and the shop is normally closed but the owner answered the phone from his house. When I explained that my daughter's car was not shifting properly and that she had driven in from out of town, he…" read more »
16 reviews for Whole Auto
16 reviews in English
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Review from Molly M.
Petaluma, CA
10/14/2011
As a girl, and more specifically--a girl who doesn't know much about cars--I have a lot of anxiety when it comes time to take my car in for an oil change. This anxiety is due to the fact that I have had more than one experience where the oil change was concluded by the mechanic giving me a long list of things that needed to happen "immediately" or I would die a dramatic fiery death. While some of these have probably been legitimate, there have been others I have not done "immediately" and found that, not only did I not come to my demise in a Japanese-constructed metal inferno, but rather--upon bringing my car to a co-worker who had a previous life as a mechanic--I was told that the "necessary" service was not-so-necessary at all. Because of those experiences, I rarely go back to the same place. Instead I bounce from autoshop to autoshop--in hopes of finding the one mechanic I feel I can trust. Kyle, of Whole Auto, is that mechanic.
I've now brought my car to Whole Auto twice. The first time was because it was the cheapest price I could find for an oil change, and it was rated well on Yelp; the second time was because that first time proved to be surprisingly anxiety-free. Both times Kyle has worked on my car, and both times it has been fast, inexpensive, and reasonably pleasant. The thing about Kyle that makes me willing to go back to him (and perhaps this is true of all Whole Auto mechanics) is that at the end of the oil change (which comes with a full inspection) the list of things that should be done to my car is laid out in a realistic timeline. For example, rather than "your serpentine belt is cracking. You need to get that replaced as soon as possible because it could snap anytime and take out your engine!!!!!" he said, "your serpentine belt is starting to crack so you should have that replaced sometime soon...like in the next few months." The difference for me lies in the providing of information without putting me in a position where I am forced to pay him to fix it. In fact, the first time I went in, he mentioned that at my milage the timing belt usually needs to be replaced. He then stopped himself and checked on his computer where he found out that my model happens to have a timing chain, not a belt--and thus did not need to be replaced. It's this sort of friendly, forthcoming service that makes me feel good about taking my car to Whole Auto.
In short (because not everyone may make it through my lengthy diatribe), take your car to Whole Auto--you probably won't leave feeling like you either got ripped off or might meet your end in the imploding fireball that is your car--just because you didn't get that air filter switched out. -
Review from Steve T.
Petaluma, CA
1/21/2012
Been getting my old minivan serviced here for over a year. They had a couple of hit or miss mechanics over that time, but finally landed a great one with Kyle. He is a trustworthy and very skilled mechanic, who agreed to correct issues that MAY have been caused by one of his predecessors over a year ago - free of charge. Prices have always been very reasonable.
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Review from Season H.
Novato, CA
10/22/2011
I am brand new to the Petaluma area, and when my car started acting up, wasn't sure where to take it. Whole Auto had some great Yelp reviews, so I took my car here.
I was working with a VERY limited budget, and when I went in and explained the problem, Jay (owner) was so friendly and helpful, and happy to help me stay in my budget. Not only did he get my car looked at and fixed within an hour, he told me that my car was running great, and didn't try to upsell services or anything to me. I will definately be coming back whenever my car has an issue, or just for the great deal on oil changes! :)
Thank you so much, Whole Auto. You've found a loyal customer in me! -
Review from Kalah W.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2011
I've only had my oil change and my air filter replaced here, but thus far these guys rock! Both visits Kyle was working - he was quick, professional and friendly. Oil change too 20 min or less. I had an appointment and he was there waiting for me when I arrived on time. The air filter change literally took two seconds and he did it as soon as I arrived. They also gave me advice to go get something checked out from the dealership because it would probably be under warenttee. I'm sure they could have fixed it too - but they gave solid honest advice. I'll def come here in the future for oil changes & if something more major goes wrong.
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Review from Lauren S.
Rohnert Park, CA
7/9/2011
Well, this place wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. I took advantage of their oil change deal a few months ago, and I had to wait at least 30 minutes when I came to pick up my car because the guy was out driving around one of the cars in is shop to test it for something? It just seemed strange, because he knew I was coming back to pick up my car. And my car got very dusty while in his shop.
To say the least, I wasn't impressed. The price was great, the guy there was nice, but I just know I can find better service for around the same price elsewhere, so I don't expect to return here. -
Review from netti b.
Petaluma, CA
7/27/2011
Just took my car in this week for a oil change, wow, $21.00! Not to mention I was in and out in a 1/2 hour! Would recommend this place to anyone. No gimmicks here. Thank you!
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Review from Kristina J.
Rohnert Park, CA
12/3/2010
HONEST and KNOWLEDGABLE MECHANICS!!
My parents came out to visit from GA in their brand new 2011 Toyota Sienna. We took a trip up to Tahoe and after getting stuck in the snow the ABS and traction sensor lights would not go off. My dad made an appointment with the local Toyota dealership and they advised they couldn't see him for two days and would charge $120 for diagnosis plus parts and labor. I checked reviews on Yelp and came across Whole Auto. We decided to give them a shot.
They were able to see us that day and less than an hour later they found the problem. The chains we put on the van to get out of the snow had come loose and sliced the sensor, a $300 part. They were honest about the repair and even allowed us to contact the dealer to see if this would fall under warranty. They didn't charge us to diagnose the vehicle, gave us a discount on the part and when we picked up the van it cost less than what they quoted, how rare is that? They even gave my dad back the part they removed.
Whole Auto far exceeded our expectations. Its nice to know there are still honest mechanics out there. -
Review from bill s.
San Rafael, CA
11/1/2009
I can see why Jay and Phil have racked up a bunch of 5-star Yelps.
Last week, we were plagued with a pesky issue on our 2002 Mazda Tribute - blowing fuses and not starting. We had a much-vaunted (and pricey) Audi-Mazda-Etc. dealer service department look at it and charge us $135.00 to diagnose and replace a fuse. Yes, a fuse.
When the car died again, we had it towed to Whole Auto. Avery called us promptly to notify us of warranty status issues (never use US Fidelis) and what all *really* needed doing on the car. A new fuel pump later, our Tribute is back in action.
But it's not just the work well done and quickly that we liked. Jay met us the morning we picked up the car and looked into a few other questions we had, even making small fixes and advising us of other upcoming maintenance issues before they became major problems. VERY friendly, super informative, straight talk. Willing to listen to the whole story, too, before giving his input.
We'll certainly be back. Trustworthy, informative, meticulous. Excellent customer service.
UPDATE: Phil has assisted us with ongoing problems on our Tribute and has really gone out of his way to troubleshoot and resolve some really tough to diagnose issues. -
Review from stig t.
Petaluma, CA
10/11/2010
I shopped around to have the timing belt and water pump replaced on my 2004 Toyota Highlander. Whole Auto's price was fair, and Phil was very informative, friendly, and did an excellent job.
I then stopped by with my Tundra to have the engine light checked. Phil immediately confirmed it was the oxygen sensor, the part was ordered, and the work complete the next day. Again, the price was fair and service excellent. -
Review from Joe T.
Petaluma, CA
1/31/2011
Took advantage of the Yelp oil change special. Friendly and fast (but not so fast that you wonder if they've cut corners like the el-cheapo oil changers do).
Would have been 5 stars except that they forgot to turn off my oil change light, and listed the next scheduled change at 3000 miles instead of 5000 like the manufacturer recommends. Minor stuff, but still. -
Review from B D.
Rohnert Park, CA
12/2/2007
Jay Conrad (Owner) is probably the most honest, genuine auto mechanic you will ever meet. Whole Auto has fair prices and great service. They pretty much do everything you need and can fix just about any make/model of vehicle available.
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Review from E. B.
Petaluma, CA
7/22/2010
My experience here was great. As a young female I have always worried that I was being taken advantage of when I needed take my car in, and so I really appreciated that Phil took the time to explain all of the work that he did, and even took me under my car when it was on the lift to show me different parts and things that he had looked at. And since a few appointments hadn't shown up that day, he took some extra time to call a fellow mechanic for a second opinion about a problem I had been having. He was very friendly and personable, and I will most certainly be back in the future!
Also - $19.95 oil changes?! I'll be back when I need my oil changed for sure! -
Review from Natalye S.
3/9/2009
Jay totally rules. He is a fantastic problem-solver, a dedicated and thorough worker and one of the nicest most stand-up guys ever. If anything goes wrong with me car, this is the place to go.
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Review from Liz W.
San Rafael, CA
3/22/2011
Really glad I found this place. It took them a few hours to diagnosis exactly what was wrong with my car, but they only charged me for 1 hour, which was great. They're also open on Saturdays, which is really helpful. My repairs ended up being less than they quoted me and my car was done quickly. Their shop is within walking distance to the theater district, so you can keep yourself busy while you wait. I'm glad I found these guys, will continue bringing my car here from now one!
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Review from Kris D.
Petaluma, CA
10/29/2010
no more of the old employees, no more business. Uses unfair practices and it disappoints us in such a struggling economy to treat people the way they do.....
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Review from Dan H.
Rohnert Park, CA
1/15/2011
i've been taking all of my vehicles to jay (the owner) for a few years now. you will not find a more honest and decent person (almost to a fault). when he tells me what is wrong with one of my cars i dont have to get a second opinion. i get a great price with quality work. jays head mechanic, kyle, is also very knowledgable and willing to help anyway he can. jay is open on saturdays, which is perfect for me, because i get home too late during the week. its not uncommon to see one of jays kids, or wife down there helping him out, which is refreshing to see such a close family. when it comes to finding a good shop to take your cars to it becomes a little scary because you dont really know who you can trust and who you cant, especially for someone like me who is not mechanically inclined. i completely trust jay and his staff with all my vehicles and would not even contemplate taking them somewhere else. whole auto is the best.
