Machado’s Auto Care

I took my F-​150 in based on the recommendations of a few people that swore by this place. I dropped it off over the weekend and the guys charged me a diagnostics fee. They found the issue and tweaked some things to get it running again, saying they they may have fixed the issue without having to purchase additional parts or charge for additional labor and saving me money. Unfortunately the part they were hoping not have to replace tool a dump when I got the truck back. I took the truck back to Machado’s, and they got the new parts ordered, installed, and the whole thing fixed ASAP, for a reasonable price on both the parts and the hours of labor. They even credited me back my initial diagnostics fee. The staff was extremely polite, respectful, and friendly, keeping me in the loop every step of the way. They even allowed me to keep my truck there for a few days beyond the two day pick up window while my wife was sick with the flu and unable to give me a lift out there. Needless to say, Machado’s is now the «go to» auto shop for our family’s vehicles.

Took my car to Machados for the first time today. It needed an oil change and a once over as we will be driving it to Arizona next month. They did the best job! So professional and yet personal! They are my new go to for my car!!!

I was having trouble with my Chevy Tahoe getting errors codes of engine miss fires. I went down to Machado’s and talked to Tom and DJ about my problem, these guys have real people skills and listen, great to deal with. I explained how the Tahoe had been acting and they explained to me what the possibilities of the root cause of the problem could be. I said ok, lets get’r fixed. They called me the next day and said that they found the problem, replaced the parts and the problem was now fixed. I went down to pick the Tahoe up, DJ showed me the parts that caused my issues. I asked him a couple of questions about the fix, DJ went into detail to explain everything. I highly recommend Machado’s and I will be using them for all future auto repairs.

These guys are fantastic!!! I came in with my Toyota Sequoia because the engine light had come on. They quoted me the diagnostic price of $ 147 to look for the problem. A few hours later Tom called me back, and said they had found that the fuel cap was leaking, and this was likely the cause of the problem. They only charged me to replace the fuel cap, instead of the whole diagnostic. First time I’ve gone to a garage and spend LESS than they quoted me!
Everyone here is friendly and helpful, and they seem genuine about providing great service!!! Will go back for ALL our family’s vehicles!!!

very good service! Rafael is an extremely friendly and approachable man. I had to get the motor mounts on my car repaired and came back for a second visit to get my windshield wiper fluid pump replaced and he did it free of charge! I would definitely recommend this mechanic and would return for future visits. Thanks Rafael!

I became aware of Machado’s years ago when I worked next door. I have brought my Mazda P.U. to have various repairs done. I recently had my truck towed there as it would not start. I was quoted a price to investigate the problem. The problem was as if I was going to the doctor and when I got there I did not have anything wrong. They checked my truck and could not find out why it would not start. It started every time for 3 days they kept it. I also requested and oil leak to be fixed. When I picked up my truck I was charged only for the work performed. I really appreciate their honesty and professionalism. I am a repeat customer from now on.

Machado’s has to be the best Auto Repair place around — not just here in Livermore. We’ve taken our vehicles there for quite a while and have never had a problem. Usually, it’s my husband that brings them in — not me.
I called this morning at 7:27 (they officially open at 7:30). Jay answered immediately. I explained to him that I needed to have a vehicle looked at and even though they were booked solid through the end of the week, I think he heard the desperation in my voice and told me to bring her in and he would have one of his techs take a listen.
I showed up at the shop about 20 minutes later and DJ greets me — and he was expecting me. He comes out, remembered the truck and that we had been there before, and checked it out… thoroughly.
He was very polite and went through his diagnosis with me on my level so that I could have the conversation with my husband.
Machado’s went above and beyond in more ways than I can say… I cannot thank them enough for the service and peace of mind they have given me.

Today is Thanksgiving and I want to thank Machados Auto Care for helping my family when we were in need. This summer I was out on my first vacation since my scooter accident. My wife and 7 children were with me in our 12 passenger van. As we were driving the interstate 5 towards Sonoma we encountered a overheating problem from a heater coil going out. Our kids were hot and trip was suffering from being uncomfortable. Being from L.A. we knew of no place to call locally for help. We were forced to get off the freeway from overheating. I drove several blocks asking someone to help me fix it to save my families vacation and they offered no help.
So get this! I continue driving and find Machados Auto Care. I spoke to the owner and explained the situation and that my money was funny since being unmobile since my accident. I believe his name was Tom. He heard my desperateness and offered his personal help and man power of his employee. He not only jumped right on our car to get our family back on vacation, he gave us the best deal possible. Money was not the issue. In reference to The 1 star reviewer, you can’t be talking about Tom and his business because I will not allow it. I spoke to him as he fixed my van and he is a respectable family and business man. If he did laugh, it was probably because you tried to know more about «HIS» profession. Thank You Tom for everything you did to help my family.

I took my work truck to this mechanic for an overall tune up and these guys where on top of it, gave me several well detailed quotes on what to expect and what I could have done. They where very nice, clean & honest. I would highly recommend this shop to anyone who needs any mechanical work done to there vehicle regardless of what it might be, I was very happy over all with experience. Thank you!

Had a great experience with Machados. They were recommended by a friend, so I actually drove my car to Livermore from Fremont to get the work done. I wouldn’t typically drive that distance to a repair shop, but I needed to take it to a place I could trust since I was giving my car to a relative as a gift. I wasn’t quite sure what was needed to fix it… I thought maybe the clutch needed replacing and the check engine light was on, so I was bracing for the worst.
First off, everyone at Machados was pleasant to deal with. More importantly, they were able to diagnose the problem with no issue (master and slave cylinders leaking, hydraulic issue with clutch, fuel filter needed replacing, drive belt was cracked and then there were 2 error codes reported that were related to the catalytic converter). There were more things I could have had done, but weren’t necessary at this point in time.
The Machados team was knowledgable, honest and EXTREMELY thorough. I received the car back and couldn’t be happier. I felt really good about giving the car away and she was driving like a dream.
It’s unfortunate to see that another Unilocaler had a bad experience… sounds like night and day compared to the interaction I had with them. I would definitely recommend them to my friends/​family and my fiancé is actually bringing his car in to have some work done.
We will post another review once we have the repairs done.

If it were possible to give negative stars, I would. If you don’t have time to read the blow-​by-​blow, I’ll make it easy– DO NOT GO HERE unless you like wasting time & money.
My experience:
3 mos ago, I took my car to Machado’s after it suddenly stopped accelerating over 60mph & began making a strange noise when I stepped on the gas. Machado’s began by charging $ 140 just for diagnosis (not applied to repairs needed– many places offer free diagnosis with repair, but I was stuck & needed my car quickly). They told me it was an exhaust system issue & I needed a new catalytic converter, total cost $ 1,500. I gulped hard, sucked it up, paid the money and chalked it up to having an aging car. While the car ceased to have the acceleration issue anymore, it began to run rich & hard.
A week ago, the service engine light came on & I noticed oil spots in my driveway. I Unilocaled another mechanic (Machado’s was too expensive) & dropped my car off before heading out of town. The new place informed me that while I did in fact have a minor oil leak, the catalytic converter & exhaust system had problems! They also found 2 holes in my exhaust right by the «repaired» catalytic converter!
I call Machado’s explaining the problem & they agree to look at it once the new mechanic fixes my oil leak. Sounds fine, right? Well, Machado’s fails to pick my car up (as promised), which delays my repair more. 2 days later I call & they have not even looked at it! They then call saying «It’s corrosion» causing the 2 holes (that weren’t there 3 months ago while at their shop???) They try to speak mechanic jargon & avoid taking any responsibility for the problem. I call the other mechanic & he says «no way» it’s corrosion — the holes were drilled to inspect the exhaust & converter and were left open! Wondered why it was running rich… He also informs me they clearly did not diagnose my car completely.
On the phone, Jay at Machado’s accuses me of questioning his integrity & actually laughs at the issue. I fail to see ANY humor. I don’t care about his integrity, this is not a personality evaluation, it’s business. He also begins to quote what I reported as the symptoms & that this is what they fixed. Well, I’m not a mechanic– if I were I would have fixed it! That’s THEIR job– they are the professionals, right? He says come in Monday to look for myself. I say, I’m on my way NOW (Fri) w/​my bf.
When we get there, we are taken under the car. We see 2 perfect circular holes drilled in symmetrical locations– obviously not corrosion! I’m not a mechanic, but come on guys, really?! He says, we replaced 1 c-​converter but I must have a problem with another one,& it’s «common» for 1 to effect the other. Well, if it is common, why didn’t you diagnose it to begin with– not rocket science here. I also ask how my car made it out of his shop with holes in the exhaust (they failed to weld them). He continues to lie, saying the holes must have happened in the last 3 months, they are corrosion & I can check with a screw driver. My bf is there & takes a screw driver and shows him it is NOT corroded, but tapped. The owner is silent. I question why it was not diagnosed correctly– I mean, I would NOT have spent $ 1,500 for a c-​converter if I knew this would need to be done again– the car isn’t worth it. I did pay a diagnosis fee after all. He says he had «no indications» to check THAT converter. Oh, why didn’t I think of that– of course– BS! I tell him he misdiagnosed my car, wasn’t thorough, and while it is nice to have 1 working c-​converter, I actually wanted the whole car fixed. His comeback– «You drove it out of here, didn’t you?» I’m about to lose it. Well, Sherlock, I could drive it out of here now, but it would still be broken now wouldn’t it?
We go back & forth a few times, and when he finally sees we are not stupid, he says OK, I’ll refund your repair costs, but will not fix the problem. Well, thanks a lot Machado’s, now I’m sure my car is worse off & will require a more costly repair due to your ineptness. After cutting the check to me, he tried to act as though he did ME a favor. Well, what about the rental car fees I paid for the last repair, the time & energy wasted, the arguing I had to do, the lies he told & the danger of driving this thing with holes in it?
I took my car to the other mechanic who was VERY useful in helping me. I will update this once I know the extent of damage caused by Machado’s failure to do their job.
P. S. The mechanic who actually helped me is called My Mechanic or CA Reflections (their adjoining body shop) — save your time & use them, Machado’s was a despicable experience.

I want to thank the crew at Machado’s for fixing my car on short notice! It’s still purring like a kitten and if I need ANY help with my car I’ll defanetly be back! They fixed my car, handled my rental car and were even reasonable about the price! Thank You Thank You Thank You!

Okay, so I was pretty darn happy after bringing my car here the first time. Now, I’m ridiculously happy. I just moved across the country and before I left I wanted my car to be inspected and to repair any safety issues before I left. Machado’s did an amazing job.
Things you should know:
1) I was remembered even though I had only been in one time before
2) Jay remembered I gave them a good review on Unilocal.
3) Clear and patient explanations of jargon I didn’t understand
4) Courtesy drop off when they needed my car
5) When my car wasn’t going to quite be ready on time, Jay called, explained what they were waiting on, and gave me a new time line that was presented more like, «I’m sorry, is this going to cause a problem?» rather than «We don’t really care what’s going on in your world, we’re too busy.»
6) There was a little noise in the brakes (which were repaired.) I brought the car back in, they checked it, fixed the loose part, double-​checked the other side to make sure that part was tight on that side too.
7) Jay offered to top off all the fluids before I left town. I didn’t get a chance to do this, but I felt like they cared about me (even knowing I wasn’t going to be living in town.)
8) My old roommate took her care here and Jay thanked me for the referral.
9) The cost for the work came in under the estimate.
10) I had a question and I’ve worked mostly with Jay. I spoke with someone else and he was just as professional, friendly, and patient.
It sucks to have to take your car in, but here it definitely sucks as little as possible.

Machado’s is outstanding! We have trusted all of our cars/​trucks to Machado’s! They found a problem with one of our cars that was under warranty and took care of it with the local dealership. Every oil change, tire rotation, anything we our cars, we trust Machados. They know the car care business! Best shop in the valley!

Think twice about taking your vehicle to this place.
Brought my car in with a coolant issue and although I am not a mechanic I suspected the water pump. After several days of pressure testing they came back stating my heater core was leaking and would be approx 2k to fix. After a few months the coolant level again fell and this time after a couple days of pressure testing they said i would need to replace the head gaskets for approx 3k+. I was very skeptical that they mis-​diagnosed the problem the first time and decided to take my vehicle to another mechanic. Low and behold it was the water pump the whole time which was fixed for approx 500 dollars.
I know mistakes can happen but these guys take guess work to the next level. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.

I can’t believe no one has reviewed Machado’s before. I have been taking my Toyota there since 2006 and have never once been disappointed. As a woman unfamiliar with all that happens under the hood, I have been ripped off time and time again at other car repair shops – paying top dollar for services I’m sure I didn’t need. Since coming to Machado’s, not only have I been charged a fair price for ONLY the required services, but on two separate occasions have not been charged at all after bringing the car in with the «check engine» light on. Tom and his crew have run diagnostics and found minor hoses unscrewed or the gas cap not on tightly and returned the car to me without fee. Not only that, another time they found a nail in my tire so they drove my car to the nearby Big-​O, where the nail was removed and the tire was repaired – at no charge.
The work that has been done on my car has been top quality, and their customer service is outstanding. I recommend Machado’s with no reservations and will never take my car anywhere else.