Auto 280

Ok, I had no work done by Gary. I give two stars because he turned me away. I called on thursday, asked if i could take it in to replace a cv-​axle, he said bring it in on tuesday. I drive my clunker all the way over there and he says he wont do it because he wont make enough money for the work. He said he would spend 8 hours driving it and charge me for that. He said he charges people 1000 to stop a rattle and not even replace a part. He said that I would probably end up suing him and the car wouldnt be fixed. I said ok and drove away. It speaks for itself, he saved me by turning me away, but he wasted my time and money having me drive to him just to tell me no. I mean, thanks for not ripping me off, but telling me that most of your business is only taking jobs that are most profitable and mines not is not the nicest thing. I mean, just screw me and my broke car? you dont care? take it elsewhere… man. why are you an auto-​mechanic if you dont want to fix cars? 2 stars for wasting my time and talking down to me, would be one star if he’d have ripped me off and done the work… so…theres that. wtf world.

My wife brought our 2007 XC90 to repair a broken wing mirror (we just moved to area and the neighborhood repair truck was the culprit) — Gary said the motor and mirror will need to be changed. Latter on he called and said the motor is OK only the mirror was needed. We have found ourselves a Volvo repair shop. Thank you Gary for you honest and excellent repair!

I have owned an 1800es for over 40 years. Gary has been caring for it since I moved to the Ingleside in 1980. In 2002, my wife finally converted from her Honda ways and bought an S-​40 sedan. Gary takes card of that, too. We have nothing but the highest praise for Gary and Auto 280. Absolutely the ONLY place I would trust with my classic Sportwagon.

I brought my Volvo to Auto280 for routine maintenance — everything was working fine. But, when I went to pick up the car, the park assist did not work and the check engine light was on. After several failed attempts by Auto280 to fix the problems, I finally took it to a dealer who fixed it. When I asked Auto280 for reimbursement, the owner wrote me a 3 page letter explaining (again) that it was not his fault. Auto280 had also fixed a leak, which I now wonder was even necessary. I ended up eating the cost of repairs. To his credit, the owner is very personable, but if you value your time and your money I’d recommend you take your Volvo elsewhere.

See my other review of Volvo Centrum for the background to this review of Auto 280. Long story short, we got disgracefully bad advice on preventive maintenance from Volvo Centrum, which ultimately led to serious engine problems (burned out valve, no compression). Once this problem occurred, Centrum told us it was time to junk the car (V70 with only 95k miles) because the problem would cause more to fix than the car was worth.
We took the car to Auto 280 for a second opinion. Gary sized up the problem very quickly, gave me an estimate much lower than I expected based on Centrum’s earlier advice, and fixed our engine for less than the upper range of his estimate. Everything unfolded exactly as Gary said it would based on his initial check of our car. We are never going back to Centrum again, and neither should you. Gary is a rarity — an experienced and honest mechanic who takes care of his customers instead of gouging them. I trusted him at a gut level based on our initial conversation, and am glad that I did.
Only one complaint (not sufficient to knock off a star) — despite asking several times, I never got a written estimate, just verbal, due to the shop being overloaded, Gary on vacation, etc. This made me quite nervous. Thankfully everything turned out OK, but still…

As others noted, we shouldn’t write this review so word doesn’t get around too much, but we’re too happy not to. Recommended by our former shop, Exclusively (after having horrible experiences with Centrum), Gary is an incredibly helpful, friendly expert, and above and beyond in his integrity. Everything you look for in a great mechanic and more. We have this little money-​pit-​lemon-​volvo that I think, with his help, we should be able to keep running for a few years longer. I do think too that he’ll help us to know when to ‘call it’. Strongly recommend!

I have a 2004 volvo that simply stopped accelerating. Gary didn’t give up until he had found out what was causing the problem. He kept me informed and didn’t charge me for any of the things that didn’t solve the problem. In this day and age with computers managing the mechanics of cars it is more and more challenging to find the cause of certain problems and I am sure it would have cost me much more in cost and aggravation anywhere else. Thank you Gary–

When you find someone you trust, you hang on to them.
I have mixed feelings about adding another 5 star review because I don’t want to confront «a line out the door». The reason you see so many five star ratings is that Gary the owner runs his business with integrity. Volvos as you all know are tricky — I’ve been to well known dealers and specialists in the bay area and finally found this place and I agree that this is the best shop because Gary builds his business based on credibility and long term relationships.
But realize also that this is not a large facility. The owner keeps his business small and thus keeps his overhead low. For example, you’re not going to always have someone pick up the phone in 3 rings and often you may have to show up in person. So you have to be willing to work with that.
If you want the cheapest option then you shouldn’t have bought a Volvo to begin with (and trade it in for a Honda.) His prices are not rock bottom but they are fair and if you want to nickle and dime then buy refurbished parts online and watch youtube and do it yourself.
If you want the white glove experience then take it to a dealer where they will give you a spare car, warm coffee, a rose and a kiss on the cheek while telling you to replace everything when you don’t need to or low-​balling you on the phone and then telling you that they found many more things to fix after they have your car.
But if you, mindful consumer, like me, are trying to get by in an expensive city with kids, want to get the most out their Volvo over the long haul and also understand that owning a car carries the responsibility of spending the money to maintain it properly, and want to go to a reliable shop that takes pride in their work, then this is the right place for you.
The other point is that this place is only a 12 minute walk from Balboa BART.

Seriously: The Best Volvo Repair and Body Shop in Nor Cal
Finding a great mechanic is the equivalent of finding a great doctor or hairdresser.
The reason I bought my 2^nd and 3^rd Volvos was because of
Gary at AUTO 280. He is smart, honest, and professional.
For 20 years, I have taken my Volvos to Gary and have been consistently impressed with the level of professionalism and the very fair price.
I know of a woman who moved to Oregon and drives her Volvo to Auto 280 for Gary to care for. That’s dedication and appreciation of stellar work. I would do the same.
Mark my words– when you are in line — you will meet other Volvo owners who come to Gary at AUTO 280 from Stockton, CA and Stockton Street — and have done so for years.
You’ll thank me — thank Gary, instead.

Go here if you want your mechanic to be honest, reasonably priced and nice.
There aren’t a lot of frills. They take your car in and do any work that your cars needs. They don’t tact on unneeded extra’s and don’t over charge you.
I would recommend this place to anyone. So glad to have a honest, local mechanic!

I have been «seeing» Gary for three years now and he’s been nothing if not honest, sincere and providing quality service that lasts.
Currently, I own a 2000 Volvo S70 and I actually enlisted him to come along with me to see if the car seemed good in the Ocean Avenue area. (He doesn’t normally do this FYI!) He gave me two thumbs up on the car and he was right, it’s been great.
When I had my 1993 Volvo 850 GLT, I would bring it in saying that I heard a rattle or this, that and the other thing, and most of the time he would either say it’s not worth the repair or it would be a super cheap or FREE repair and he’d send me on my way. When it was work that was needed, wheel bearing etc, he was able to use the existing part rather than ordering a new one and it saved me a couple hundred dollars.
THIS GUY IS AWESOME and knows his stuff. It’s kept me coming back for the past three years and I will be a life-​er and going there indefinitely. (I’m also a Volvo life-​er, too.)
SEE THIS GUY FOR YOUR VOLVO! He’s great and you know he won’t rip you off.

Taken my beloved 2003 volvo s40 here a couple of times now for servicing — prices are significantly cheaper than I’ve experienced elsewhere. More importantly, Gary does a perfect job, is super honest and knows Volvos.
He might not answer the phone on the first attempt — Midas always do if you’re worried.

We started taking our Volvo to Gary after we left another garage that charged much higher prices. Gary is someone we totally trust to give us honest advice about our car and to do repairs in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. He’s always done very good work and goes above and beyond to give us helpful information about our vehicle and associated repairs, e.g. don’t buy parts from the internet!
It would be nice if the shop had voice mail or an answering machine, sometimes the phone rings and rings when we call even during business hours. But that’s a little thing compared to the trust we have in Gary to take care of our car.

Gary was great! He did all of the things one would expect from a shop (calling ahead with an estimate before working, turning the car around quickly, calling when he’s finished) — all things I didn’t get from Centrum.
The 5^th star is for finding and fixing the problem with the check engine light — something Centrum charged me more than $ 100 to not fix. Simply fantastic.
Note — The keydrop is on the wall higher than chest level. You really have to look for it but it’s there.

Gary is very knowledgeable. My dad recommended this place since taking his old 240 back in the days. My xc90 needed reg service maintenance. Brought it in Gary took care of it and prices are very reasonable. This shop was pretty busy and I saw several Volvo there. I suggest to call ahead and make appt.

A few days ago I bought a 960 Volvo.
I did a pre-​purchase inspection with a mechanic from another shop. According to the mechanic, the car didn’t have any major problem, but he told I needed to change the rear break pad.
I was looking for different estimates. After reading the Auto 280’s reviews, I decided to call the shop. It was really hard to get to them, but I was expecting that.
They said that they couldn’t give me an estimate without seeing the car, even thought I was asking only for the specific service of changing the rear break pad. They gave an appointment for this Tuesday. I decided to go even thought the shop is really far away from where I live.
Today I went over there, and they told me that in order to make me an estimate, they needed to charge me by the hour, and they didn’t know how much time they was going to take to see the breaks. They could have just told me that last week.
Eventually, without looking the breaks, they gave me an estimate which was 25% higher than my previous estimate.

This is the only place I will take Biff, my beloved heffer of a Volvo. I feel Gary is knowledgeable and honest. Plus, he is a nice person. He always explains in great detail what he has done and why. All my Volvo friends come here as well. Thank you Gary!

This used to be the place I would come to. I used to have such great service here and it used to be cheap and reliable. However in the past few months I’ve been experiencing problems starting the engine.
I stopped by royal motors since I work next door and they told me my engine mount was broken and my MAF filter had some issues. I went to auto 280 to tell the owner, Gary my problems. He said my descriptions of the problem weren’t conclusive enough to do anything and he said the symptoms weren’t serious enough.
Also he had noted that it would be abmoral for your car to start on the first start… My car wouldn’t start on the seventh try unless I gas violently for two minutes. What pissed me off the most was I made an appointment two weeks in advance at 8 am in the morning and he didn’t even look at it. Even when I told him there was violent rattling in the engine bay when I drove more than 40mph. I explained to him that the ODB Meter had warnings on the MAF wasn’t working properly. He did not take a look under the hood at all and he told me to come back when symptoms are more serious. So I trusted him.
Now roughly two months later, my crank shaft is broken and for all the repairs it will cost at least $ 4500 instead of ~$ 2600 (quoted by dealership). The car won’t even start anymore. If I had this problem fixed in the first place then I would have been okay, it wouldn’t be have been this bad. The reason the crank shaft is broken is because the problems were not addressed in the first place. My dad has been bringing our volvos (s40 and 740) for years until he passed away, but we’ve always had a stellar experience. so yeah never again auto 280, I’ll be legit and give 2 stars for all the good help before, but its time to move on.

I chose Auto 280 primarily based on the reviews I read off Unilocal.They were all correct! I generally go to another mechanic for my other non-​Volvo car, but decided to use Gary to change my timing belt. The prices were reasonable, especially compared a dealer, but most importantly Gary’s a guy you can trust. He actually told me I could wait another several years before changing my timing belt, but I asked him to do it anyway due to a long road trip we were taking. There’s no over selling, you pay for what your car needs. I dropped it off in the morning and picked up that same afternoon (although I would suggest calling and making an appointment — there were a ton of cars in the garage — good sign, I think).
Oh, I was a bit hesitant about the location (we live in the Northern part of the city), but it was a nice surprise to know that there’s a Muni stop across the street that takes to you right to the Financial District).
One last note — Gary reads Unilocal so let him know you were went to him based on these reviews (the positive ones that is). It’ll keep him on this toes:-)
Hope this helps the other Volvo owners!

I had avoided taking my car for servicing since I purchased it a year and a half ago, afraid of being ripped off. You know what an ordeal it can be… BUT.
…Gary is TRULY the Best.
I brought in my car late (almost midday) when I should have had it in much earlier – I had no idea that servicing took an entire day. Gary informed me that since I was late, he may not be able to finish the servicing, and I may have to bring it back the following week, in hopes that he will have the time to finish it before he leaves on vacation.
A little before 5 rolled around, I received a call from Gary that he had indeed finished the job! He not only serviced my car, but replaced a light that had burned out, put in a new timing belt, replaced a worn out brake pad, and reset the electronic throttle system sensor light. As an added bonus, he recovered the code for my factory radio– which had been locked due to a past dead battery.
Gary provided me with instructions on resetting the radio (it requires 3 hours of leaving the key in), plus gave me sound advice on my tires/​alignment, saving me from having to replace them and paying for alignment service. He also told me how to have the electronic throttle system upgraded at the dealership without being charged due to a Volvo parts recall (he warned me that the dealership people may try to charge the unknowing customer for this).
The bill for all of this was extremely reasonable. He works exclusively on Volvos, and you can tell that he is a very detail-​oriented and hardworking guy.
I am sooooooo very glad to have found Gary, what a good feeling to have my car in great hands!