Berkeley Auto Repair

I recently decided to evaluate Griffin Motorwerke when I was having some issues getting an appointment at my other shop. I am glad I did. Terry the owner took a very personalized approach to taking care of my problem as well as the rest of his staff. I would also like to say that this shop does have a bit of colorful personality, so if you are an uptight individual that is used to going to the Mercedes Dealership it might not be the place for you. On the other hand if you want to go somewhere where service is met with a more relaxed professional approach I believe this would be a great choice. Terry is a character, and in my book that is a big plus, much more interesting than some uptight individual. Also he is a genuine nice guy who is passionate about provided the best in Class service for Mercedes, BMW, VW, and in my case my beloved Volvo C30. Terry has exceeded my expectations and I am very pleased to have found them. They have a new loyal customer, and honestly I am hard to please.

I don't trust hardly any shop with my 2005 S4 Audi Avant, but Griffin is one I do. i'm surprised by the number of low ratings here, but I know cars are very complicated machines. What often seems causal is simply random failure. Just because you had the car in the shop last week, doesn't give it some protective force field to prevent all other failures. That would be nice, but there is no car karma. In fact, fixing one problem could lead to another... If you add new wider rims and tires, you are putting more stress on the suspension and steering parts, not to mention you will be breaking harder, since you now want to drive faster... So plan on some new control arms, thicker sway bars and larger break calipers and rotors. In trouble shooting car problems, it often takes a bit of hit or miss. It's not always as black and white as many would like. You have a slipping belt. Maybe it's old, the tensioner, or maybe your engine is throwing oil and it's going to be a much bigger problem. Knowing your car and it's normal noise/sounds is a good way to help and work with the technicians at Griffin. I've been to them for a couple of strange noises and we were able to identify and replace the parts rather quickly. By fixing the small problems before they became big problems, I probably saved a bunch $$$. The fuel filter/pressure regulator was causing the pump to make a strange noise. It's much cheaper to replace the filter than a pump or injectors... If you are looking for a shop that is passionate about their work, you've found it. They have strong opinions about cars, parts and politics. If you are timid and looking for a soft-touch, PC, salesperson, you might be better off at the dealer. Hanging out in the shop or show room is definitely not PG-rated, so leave your kids at home. Terry and his crew are not racist, but realists. They grew up in Berkeley and know what tolerance is. They also understand the cliques that exist around certain car brands and models. A car is often the extension of a person's personality and identity, and that's the way they treat it.

I've been going to Griffin Motorwerke for a number of years after a recommendation from a gear head co-worker. I've received great service each visit. The one thing I really like about this place is that it seems like a place where the workers really want to work. Terri, Curly, and others are there because they enjoy their work. I was waiting for some paperwork and watching the interaction between the Staff and the mechanics. It was fun to watch as it seemed they were all working hard to solve a mechanical mystery and collaborating while they worked on an issue. I'm an engineer but not a gear head. I'm always interested to see how technical people interact with females. I feel that's another plus of this shop. I never feel talked down to. I had a recent issue w/ failing a smog test due to fault codes. I had my theory about a few things. Talked to Curly about it and he explained technical details to me just as I believe he would have talked to anyone (gear head or not). So, that's another plus in my book. Their new shop is really lovely and nice. Much more convenient then the old location. I've recommended friends to Griffin and will continue to do so.

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. They gave me a great price on my Recaro Speed seat as well!

This is the place to go if you want your car to get the best service with knowledgeable, no nonsense people! They take better care of my car than the high end dealership!

You guys rock. Car emergencies happen and when my car broke down recently on a road trip, these guys really helped me out. Terry is great. I will always bring my car here from now on. Thanks!

I can't speak to all the recent negative reviews but from my experience Terry, Curly and the rest of the crew down at Griffin Motorwerke has been nothing but fantastic to me over the 4+ years I've brought my 2007 S4 to them for work. These guys really know cars especially Audis and their passion and care really shows for it. Yes their rates can be expensive but hey you get what you pay for right? The team down there has never tried to rip me off and has always given me honest advice whether it was regarding repairs or installing a wicked downpipes and catback system. Yes the team there can be blunt but their downright friendliness and honestly quickly warms up on you. And anyways I'd rather them be blunt and honest with me than nice and exploitative. Griffin recently moved and though I haven't checked out their place yet, looking at my previous experiences with them I'd highly recommend Terry and his team for service or performance upgrade... heck I'd still be going here if it wasn't for the fact that I'm now in the South Bay.

Anyone who doesn't know squat about auto repairs struggles with finding honest service shops. That is ME! And to make matters worse, as a female it isn't uncommon for unscrupulous mechanics to take advantage. What I DO know is when my car isn't running properly or there is an indicator light on that shouldn't be. When that happens my ride is promptly delivered to Team Griffin because I trust them. After more than 5 years of service experience, I know that they will go the extra mile to diagnose the problem. I have had some highly complicated and unique issues with my Audi TT and they never gave up until they KNEW I was walking out of that shop with a SAFE, well-performing vehicle. The beauty is that (if I want) the problem is always explained to me - in terms I can understand. With that said, I will second another reviewer observation, that when you enter the world of Griffin you need to put on your big girl panties and grow a pair - this is a guys world - the language is salty and it's all business. You may drive a hot car, but don't expect princess treatment (except for the bonus rides back to your home or the BART station and the friendly reminders to drop in any time for fluids check or top-off) - but DO expect to get exactly what you are paying for - expert, honest service that will give you confidence that your car is running right.

I'm not sure what rock Elton "the reviewer" climbed out of, but he is probably one of the low grade mechanics down the street. I've been a customer of Griffin for over half a decade and his team is the only team I trust my classic 928 to handle. As to honesty, I've had Terry come in way under his original estimate a number of times as he found a part at a better price and passed the savings on to me. More than that, the one time I thought I had needed a serious repair he came back with a solution that saved me a 1/3 of the cost - and he didn't have to as I fully believed I needed the repair. I have also seen him back his work. When a new part failed soon after they put it in, Griffin not only replace the part but also did it at no additional cost. I said this on my original review and I will say it again - If you are the jiffy lube, gloss it over, do not really care about your car, let's do this as cheaply as I possibly can type, you are at the wrong shop - go to Costco. If you have a performance car or prefer to treat your car like it is one - go here. I would also be highly suspect of people claiming they went here and got "ripped off". There is at least one garage claiming to specialize in Porsche work trying to steal Griffin's customer base. I know - I've gotten their stupid flyers on my windshield at BART (which I *hate* btw). That competitor appears to over promise, over charge and under deliver. I have seen Griffin stand by their work. They build long term relationships with their customers and you don't get that by being any other way than honest, fair and good at what you do.

These guys are amazing. One on one in depth customer service like I haven't experienced in years. Technical knowledge of the product that I wouldn't even expect from a Recaro representative. Without even attempting to sell me anything Steven helped me determine which seats would be compatible with my car. I had done a little research but these guys are true experts when it comes to aftermarket seats. And for those who spend any time behind the wheel, a quality supportive seat will save you major $ and discomfort in future years. The selection at Griffin is 2nd to none. The treatment Steven provided over the phone & email was phenomenal. By far the best I've experienced. Once I made it in the following day I met Mr.Griffin (owner) He proved to be a true car guy, a gear head. Someone you could trust not BS you or cut any corners. While working with Mr. Griffin and Steven I observed the service and repair aspect of Griffin motorwerke I was very impressed. This is a place I would refer a family member or friend with out hesitation. Corner cutting and overall shady practices are all too common these days and I've seen and gone through it all. This place is honest and fair. After observation of the care they have other customers and my self I would advise anyone looking for German parts, auto repair or after market seats to visit this place.