Oakland Auto Works has taken care of my last three cars; for many years. I have always had totally great experiences with them, except once, which really disapponted me. Last year, as I started my engine, the yellow engine-shaped light came on. Looking it up in the owner's manual the light goes on when there is trouble with the full functionality of the engine - that's all it said. Worried my car was on its last leg, I hurriedly took it into OAW for an urgent checkup. When I returned to pick it up, I was handed a bill for over $300. I was told that the car was run through Honda's computer system to localize the problem. You know what it was? I asked why I was being billed so much, just to learn my gas cap wasn't on tightly enough (you need to screw it on until you hear at least 3 clicks, to avoid releasing of gas vapors, etc.). They told me that that is the way the computer works: it starts at the more difficult problems and works its way out. Why not just check the gas cap first, I asked. It's such an easy mistake to make, and so quick to diagnose and fix - maybe for $50. That's just the way it was, and I was told there was nothing I could do about it. This is the first time I ever had a problem with OAW, and I was very disappointed.
Pros: Qualified mechanics, good at explaining problems, simple and clear billing, location
Cons: Located on a corner in tight place, did simple repair out of order (hardest to easiest) costing me too much money
more