Berkeley Auto Repair

Professional, courteous, fast, reasonable. As good an experience as you can have while getting your Volvo repaired or tuned up mine is a 1991 Volvo 240S. It is a pleasure to deal with Bruce and his staff.

I've been working with Bruce Ackerman since moving back to Berkeley in 1981. He has consistently gone the extra mile for me through many harrowing used car and new car trials and tribulations. The staff is top notch and I've been recommending him to my friends and colleagues for well over 30 years. The excitement of a drawing for free dining as well as a voluntary contribution to the charity of my choice is just the beginning I can''t imagine going anywhere else.

I've been very frustrated with my check engine light in my 2001 Volvo V40. I've been using a great mechanic but they really specialize in Mercedes, so I interviewed a Volvo shop in San Rafael CA and Ackerman's in Berkeley. I ended up going with Ackerman's: fast, efficient, gave me a AAA discount and 5% of my repair donated to my favorite charity. But the most important part was I felt I could trust Bruce Ackerman. I am a 65 year old woman and have been ripped off by the dealer; even though I live in Novato, Ackerman's is now my new mechanic and I am happy. Thank You Bruce and crew for your integrity and high level of excellence.

I've never imagined I'd be writing a 5 star review for a mechanic, but I love these guys so much. They do impeccable service. They've given me really reasonable rates and gotten my car back to me in a timely manor. They're responsive and kind. They've communicate well and with great consideration. Bruce is an absolute sweetheart of a man. I'm so grateful that I found them.

I started having Bruce and his team service my 1998 V90 about ten years ago. I am so glad that I did. They got my dear old Volvo in tip top shape and kept it that way for years. The Ackerman team treats your Volvo the way they would treat their own car. Sadly, as my wagon got to the point that at 150K miles on the engine it was going to need major work, I decided to pass it on to a friend who needed dependable wheels. She plans to get the work done -- at Ackermans -- even though she lives in Danville! So, even though I will no longer be seeing my old friends at Ackermans, Vivian the Volvo will continue to be serviced by their talented mechanics.

I finally ended my 8 year unhealthy relationship with the Volvo dealership & moved to Ackerman's! why oh why did I wait so long???Bruce & his staff are awesome-- attentive, knowledgeable & reliable. I get calls if the repairservice is going to be more than originally estimated. the car is actually ready when it is supposed to be, or I get a call if they need more time. I don't feel pushed into repairsservice I don't need. and I don't end up spending %600 every time I walk through the door. I also love the shop's commitment to charitable giving-- don't forget to designate a non-profit & Ackerman's will donate 5% of labor costs to your cause!

Excellent quality and service. Ackerman's has been a perfect match for me and my family. I have always had a 10 year old Volvo and Ackerman's has helped me from pre-purchase inspections through smogs through every possible repair scenario. Bruce and crew have helped me choose models and years with the most reliability and which to stay away from. Since 1996 when I showed up for my first pre-purchase inspection and now 2-3 visits per year per car, 30 plus visits later, I have have been able to get an appt within 2 days except for twice, when I had to wait a week. Repairs have been done promptly and perfectly. I remember once I had to bring a car back because a repair wasn't quite right and it was repaired immediately at no cost. I often use the complementary ride service. If I have a headlamp out or some ultra-simple task like that I call Bruce. Usually I can stop by right then and they change it for me on the spot. Dealers are outrageous and are not interested in older cars. I have had all our work done at Ackerman's. My 1985 240 was showing signs of needing a new transmission - would sluggishly change gears on the coldest of days - and Bruce helped me manage that issue for 10 years - never did have to do that work before she died of other causes at the age of 23. Volvos are expensive but the quality is worth it to me. I prefer keeping an older car longer and paying a local green business to maintain it than buying resource-intensive new car. No Berkeley hippy Mama here- just sometimes practical.

Bruce and his crew are everything a repair shop should be: knowledgeable, friendly, and well priced. It doesn't hurt that they are also community friendly and seem to always go the extra mile for customer service. I dropped my 93 Volvo wagon off for repairs before the holidays and Bruce met me on NYE day, even though they were technically closed. My car was waiting warmed up and toasty right when I said I'd be there. Turns out one of the repairs was a little trickier and I found the same problem still occurring after I picked it up. I took it back the next day and they repaired it for free and even had the car washed and detailed as a kind gesture for not getting it the first time. I understand that cars are tricky and even experienced mechanics make mistakes. The car is driving like a dream!

Ackerman's is absolutely amazing. Bruce at the front desk is very personable and knowledgeable, and their mechanics have been working Volvo's forever. Plus they have their own racing team!I'll make it simple: They do quality service and do not fix what is not broken. The charges are reasonable. I was taking my XC-90 to a dealership before, and after 2 years with Ackerman's can say with confidence; this is better and more affordable service. Plus, Bruce gives great referrals to local shops for tires, radio or body work. Truly 5-star service and it's in the heart of Berkeley, where people love Volvos!

At first I was skeptical about the lengthy list of things my car supposedly needed to have done that was included, in order of priority, on my receipt. But then I started dating a car guy, and the first time he drove my car he told me I had to get something having to do with my drive train checked out right away. I brushed it off, but each subsequent time he drove my car he brought it up, and he was worried. So the next time my car was due for a service I took it back to Ackerman's and conveniently had my new car guy boyfriend meet me there to give me a ride. I asked him to tell Bruce what he suspected was wrong. Bruce Ackerman looked in his computer and said, yep, it worried us too and that's why it's the first priority on the list of things we gave your girlfriend the last time she was here. Not pushy, not warm and fuzzy either, but I attribute that to shyness more than anything. Bottom line: trustworthy.