Popular Mechanix

Oct 21, 2024

Popular Mechanix installed a new exhaust system on my 1967 Volvo 123GT. This is now my 3rd time using Popular Mechanix. There are very few repair shops left in the bay area, that work on classic volvos. Andrew and his team seem to enjoy it, and are always creative in solving my problems. I strongly recommend the services of the Popular Mechanix team. They are fast and efficient, and their pricing is competitive (you get what you pay for).. Thanks Again!

Sep 21, 2024

Can't say enough nice things about this business. I highly recommend them to anyone. I brought my Volvo in for a sunroom leak and they instantly knew how to resolve the problem. They also suggested helpful additional items that needed attention . Service was done early, and they even returned my car back cleaned than it arrived!

Sep 21, 2024

They did a careful and complete job with a 20 year old Volvo we just inherited. Andrew was terrific to work with. They kept me informed of what was going on, updated their estimate as they got into their repair work. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Aug 21, 2024

I setup an diagnostic appointment to evaluate if I needed new shocks or if had a larger front end issue after hitting a pothole at speed. I was informed that there was 2 hour min. diagnostic at a cost of $470.00. At the end of the diagnostic I was informed that my car needed over $16,000.00 worth of repairs and I should "retire" my car. But my shocks were fine. I took my car to another mechanic to get new brakes and after they completed the work they informed me that I needed new shocks.... So sum up, if you have a lot of extra money to spend on repairs and are extra trusting, please go to Popular Mechanix. If not, find a better solution.

Aug 21, 2024

Wonderful service! Everyone goes above and beyond, great managing expectations up front, fun loaner cars, always keen to find the best solution and because of Pop Mex I'm keeping my 2013 Volvo! Thank you!!!

Jul 21, 2024

...as always The service I received at Popular Mechanics was excellent!

Jul 21, 2024

Came here because of the great online rating, but unfortunately my experience here was sub-par to say the least. I had a car I had been working on for over a year and a half as a student and wasn't able to get it up and running, so I brought it in with hopes of getting it dialed in. The shop promised that it would be able to get it up and running for a whopping $5K, which is a lot given my circumstances but I went ahead with it because they were the only shop I had talked to that was willing to give me a firm price. Unfortunately, that firm price (ironically) came with a cost. When I initially picked the car up from the shop, it looked in great shape - it was running, was cleaned and vacuumed, and the owner even through some hub caps my wheels with no charge. I was happy with the work until I went to re-start the car after a long drive and it was barely able to get the engine up and running. In order to get around it, I had to inject fuel with the gas pedal while starting my car - which is something I never had to do before. So, while the car was 'running' on paper, the start was worse than before I started the work on the car two years ago, which is why I worked on it to begin with. The car also didn't pass smog, and when I reached out to the shop again they quoted me another $2.5-5K. One of the biggest reasons I took my car to this shop was because there was a warranty guarantee on it that if I wasn't happy with the job they would be willing to take another look. In light of that, what was most upsetting about my experience was that when I reached out to the shop owner Andrew to follow-up with him about the job he completely ghosted me - not answering any phone calls or texts even though I had left multiple voice messages and texts explaining the situation to him. I'm not usually someone to write reviews, but my experience was so awful that I felt I had to say something for the sake of not allowing others to experience what I went through. The owner knew I was a student and despite that it felt like he was doing everything he could to milk every penny out of me before I caught onto his gig. To the reader reading this review: if you have a Volvo that needs work and you're in the local area, take it to Walsh Brothers in Berkley. I took my car to them after the smog issue + figured out what was going on and they were able to finish the job at a fraction of the price and time (I waited a month to get my car fixed at Popular, but it was a 3-day turnaround at Walsh). The only reason this isn't a 1-star review is because of the cleaning and the hub caps - that was nice. If you are willing to waste time and money for a guaranteed 'fix' at a guaranteed price, then this is the place for you. If not, I would just find another shop to get your car repaired.

Jun 21, 2024

Really good people who do Really excellent work!!!!

Jun 21, 2024

We've been customers for nearly fifteen years. We appreciate the loaner cars made available, the courteous and prompt service. Andrew and his crew are professional and honest-costs have always seemed fair. Our cars are over 20 years old-Hope this doesn't jinx us!(lol)

May 21, 2024

Thanks for making sure my car is always safe to drive! They are proactive so I don't get stranded anywhere.

May 21, 2024

the folks at popular mechanix are always professional, detailed and super helpful to the "layperson". they lay out a plan for things that need to be done now and that can be done later - much appreciated for the pocketbook. been going there for years and can't recommend them enough!

Apr 21, 2024

I have years of experience with Popular Mechanix. Excellent service and attention to detail. I am in it for the long haul with Andy and his staff. Honest, thorough, earnest, impeccable: a San Francisco gem.

Apr 21, 2024

Thank you for excellent service!

Apr 21, 2024

The best Auto service and repair in San Francisco

Mar 21, 2024

Andrew takes excellent care of my 1988 240GL. It helps that he keeps track of the repair history and is thoughtful about presenting “A list“ and “B list“ repairs needed. Just had some maintenance and repairs done this week and the car is running better than it has in a long time.

Mar 21, 2024

Extremely fast service, partly due to luck, as the needed replacement part was in stock and easy to install. Thanks!

Mar 21, 2024

I've been a customer of Popular Mechanix for over 4 years and can recommend it without reservation. If you own a Volvo, and especially if it's old, there can be no other choice for you. My 1995 DL is running as well as it ever has thanks to Andrew and his team.

Mar 21, 2024

With a Vintage 1985 240 DL it is often painful to the wallet to pay for repairs. But the service and care with which PM treats their customers softens the blow of the bottom line. I am well pleased with this garage and still love my Volvo of 169,000 + miles!

Jan 21, 2024

Great prompt, honest, service.

Dec 21, 2023

Popular Mechanix always comes through for me. Good service, nice people, convenient location, and they have loaners too, which is a life saver.

Nov 21, 2023

Andrew and his crew take care of my car like you want someone to take care of your dog. I've had my 1965 544 Volvo since it was new and the staff at Popular Mechanix know that...I can count on them to find a replacement for worn parts and deliver it to me as good as "new"...and provide a "to-do" list of things that will keep it running. A personal trainer for my Volvo.

Nov 21, 2023

I managed this shop from 1996--2000... Exceptional ownership...Exceptional standards and exceptionally fair pricing

Nov 21, 2023

I will consider the best Volvo repair I have been in California. Andrew and his crew are responsible, reliable trustworthy and precise. I went to the shop and they were able to identify all the problems my Volvo had pretty fast. He understood that I was going to a trip so he provided a part I needed to continue my trip. Highly recommend

Nov 21, 2023

The entire team were excellent. From my initial enquiry, the team were clear and transparent in the process, cost, estimates and delivery details. Excellent service and would definitely use again.

Nov 21, 2023

As always, Andrew and staff provided excellent service andrepairs for my 21 year old Volvo. Hands down, this is the place to go for your Volvo!

Nov 21, 2023

Excellent service as usual from the Popular Mechanix team. Very communicative, and helpful to explain what work will be performed, as well as offering service recommendations to keep our car in great shape. It's important to us to support local business, and this shop is a gem!

Nov 21, 2023

I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received from Andrew and staff from Popular Mechanix. Andrew always explains in detail the issues with the car and the service is prompt and thorough. I spent a lot of my 21 year old Volvo’s time with another SF garage; the difference in the quality and care speaks volumes. If you have a young or old Volvo this it’s the place to go!

Nov 21, 2023

I sent my Volvo XC90 to the crew at Popular Mechanix Friday with a mystery problem, gear selector moved but would not select a gear, and the crew had back up and running for me Monday afternoon. First time with this shop and they were extremely friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. I think the prices are very competitive and I will definitely use them again to service my Volvo.

Nov 21, 2023

I've had my Volvo sedan serviced here since 2008 and have been immensely pleased at the kindness of Andy and his team, and at how well the car always runs following service and maintenance updates. They are always helpful with answering questions and being respectful. And they are in a great location on 14th Street.

Nov 21, 2023

My Volvo was in desperate need of repairs so I took it into Popular Mechanix. They couldn't have been nicer and more helpful. The car was serviced quickly, cleaned incredibly well, and even dropped off at my house. Really happy with the service.

Nov 21, 2023

Picked up and delivered car, or offer a loaner :) Excellent work(Audi too). Like the boho/alt vibe. Even bought a beautiful Volvo.

Nov 21, 2023

We were able to meticulously maintain our 2007 Cross Country which is still going strong at 218,000 miles. This is all to the great care provided by Popular Mechanix. Bravo Popular Mechanix!

Nov 21, 2022

Andrew and his team were amazing. I really enjoying bringing my car in and always feel like I have a trusted partner when it comes to auto upkeep. Would highly recommend to anyone with a Volvo!

Nov 21, 2022

I have driven a Volvo one after the other since I lived in SF since 1972 and have completely trusted Pop Mech for all those decades. It feels more like home than a repair shop, but also completely professional and generous... Like leaving your Volvo with its grandparents for the weekend.. complete trust in their excellence

Nov 21, 2022

I have every confidence in Popular Mechanix auto repair service. My air conditioning failed in Chico last summer when temperatures were over 100 degrees, but I put off maintenance for several months. Not only did Popular Mechanix solve the issue, the team there found oil leaks that other auto repair places didn't detect. I suspected there was a issue because the oil warning light would come on well before the recommended 7,500 mile oil change. Andrew even provided a loaner while the work was being done!