23/05/2016

I've taken my sister's and my cars to Paolo & Alvin for service and car repairs. They are the most professional and knowledgeable mechanics you can get working on your cars. The reason why I originally chose to bring my car to A's Garage is because Alvin used to work at one of the BMW dealerships, so he knows what he's doing.
I recently took in my '09 BMW 335i coupe to fix a coolant leak, and Paolo walked me through how the leak was happening. The oil gasket was leaking onto the coolant hose, expanding it, and causing the coolant to leak out. He popped the hood and even showed it to me. Their prices are very reasonable, and they're honest! I trust them and would definitely be going back to them when I have future car problems.
Bringing your car to A's Garage is like taking your car to the dealership without paying the high prices. Superior quality and service is what they provide to each of their customers.

James F.

Source: YELP

21/03/2016

I've been taking my 2007 bmw here for years.... Paolo has always taken good care of me. I know I can trust his words!

Janet K.

Source: YELP

11/07/2016

After bringing in my brother in laws BMW X5 for repairs after a long time in the garage, all I can say is " the service was extremely professional, and trustworthy". This is the shop every car owner deserves when having their bmw's repaired, or simply just for getting an experts honest opinion.. Keep up the great job guys..

Paul C.

Source: YELP

27/01/2016

Really honest guys. Really friendly too! Very knowledgable on bmw's. Definitely coming back

George V.

Source: YELP

23/01/2016

Brought my 06 M3 to A's garage, Paolo and Alvin are great! They're very personable and describe everything they'll be doing in great detail.
Got my front and rear brakes changed, oil and filter changed, cabin & air filters, and brake fluid flush. Cost about $1300, which is not bad at all.
Alvin gave my rims a much needed cleaning.
Paolo also hooked it up, changing a rear brake bulb for free!
Definitely coming back. 5 stars well deserved.

Daniel T.

Source: YELP

30/10/2015

I used to have a Honda S2000 and would take it here because I've known them through a friend. I would drive from San Pedro all the way to Monterey Park for an oil change. Mechanics do great service. Alvin and Paolo give great customer service. Prices are good, too! Check them out!

Jeff S.

Source: YELP

12/05/2016

I contacted A's Garage with a request to work on my 66' Renault R8 after being refused by a few "classic car" shops. Paolo was eager and legitimately interested in my French oddball. The rear brakes needed re-hooked up and the system bled. In addition, they installed new axle straps and a new clutch cable. Tszolt, the mechanic was knowledgeable, thorough and expedient. Turn around was only a week... amazing. I would trust these guys with anything on four wheels!

Ben Z.

Source: YELP

26/03/2015

I love A's Garage. I have a 2007 MCS that was in need of some specialized treatment.
Look I loved my last shop but the owner is the one who knows Mini's inside and out and he doesn't work on the cars anymore. He also doesn't have the time to train his guys.
That is why I love A's Garage, they specialize in Mini and BMW service. I had been having a real problem with my check engine light and getting the issue diagnosed was proving very difficult. I made an appointment with A's Garage and they were able to fix the issue with my car right off the bat. The car runs so smooth now!
It was so hard to find someone I could trust and that is passionate about modifications like I am. Alvin has given my Mini the attention she deserves.
Check them out!

Monica L.

Source: YELP

08/08/2015

Amazing customer service & very knowledgable! I'm glad that I chose this team to work on my MINI Countryman S ALL4. This is the place to go for all MINI needs!

Jonathan G.

Source: YELP

21/12/2015

A's Garage has an incredible customer service (truly amazing) and they are remarkably knowledgeable and au courant. I had the pleasure to deal with Alvin who went above and beyond to help me and Paolo, they are both cordial and genuine. They specialize in BMWs and I can say that I will NEVER go back to a BMW dealership, instead, I will ALWAYS bring my BMW to A's garage in Monterey Park. Best service by far, I wish I could give them 20 stars, 10 each. They asked me, how did you hear about our shop, I just responded, I googled it and it came up. I just couldn't go back to the BMW dealership after my horror story with them. I highly recommend A's Garage for your BMW. A few common courtesies will help you make a positive impression when you meet someone for the first time, and that's exactly why I had to write this review.

Michele G.

Source: YELP

16/08/2014

A's Garage definitely got an "A" from us! Alvin & Paolo are a pleasure to deal with, super friendly & honest. My husband took my Mini to them a year ago when my tire blew out & got a diagnosis of all of my Mini's issues. We ended up just getting two new tires but didn't get any of the other issues resolved. Recently, my radio stopped working & I wanted it fixed. My Mini's 10 years old & the years are showing now. She was starting to have hot flashes, aches & pains & needed some tender loving care. What's great about A's is that they explain the issues & give you alternate options if cost is an issue. A lot of my Mini's issues were maintenance issues with a couple covered by an extended warranty.
Here's the kicker though, the reason why I took my car in was that I couldn't take L.A. traffic without my radio blasting. Paolo had figured out that it was the Harman Kardon amplifier that blew out. Bad news, the part alone from Mini was going to be $1000.00. Whaaaat??? He tells us that we might be better off trying an aftermarket install or trying to get a used amp. We really appreciated the honesty & sincere concern to help us with cost. My husband ended up buying a used Harman Kardon amp at a Mini pick a part in Sun Valley & installed it himself. It wasn't as easy to do as it seemed. My poor husband spent his day off taking my car apart & putting it back together. Alvin, Paolo, if you need help at the shop, my husband's available. : )
Don't forget to check in, they have a $50.00 off offer if your job is over $999.00. Also don't forget to play with the shop dogs Ruby & Sushi, they're nice too.

Joyce V.

Source: YELP

16/07/2015

Great service! This is my new place for my car! I used to get services done at the dealership but I found Alvin and Paulo! Satisfied with everything!

Shiana C.

Source: YELP

28/11/2014

Alvin and Paulo are definitely one of a kind. I originally went here for an oil change as yelp had great reviews regarding their service and specializing in Mini's and BMW's. The reviews are true and they provide great service and treat all their customers with integrity. They are not a shop that will tell you your car needs service just to make a buck. They are straight forward and honest in what your car may need and leave the decision up to you.
Recently I unfortunately had my Water pump go out. I called A's Garage right away and Alvin stayed after hours to receive my car from the tow truck and even gave me a lift home. Can't say may places would do that. This shop has won me over and this will be where I will surely get all my services from, from now on.

Steve H.

Source: YELP

08/04/2015

I love Alvin for being honest and always helpful. His new business guy though tried to upsell me all the time. Made it hard for me to trust him and would sometimes dread going because of his attitude.

Jenn E.

Source: YELP

29/10/2014

I unfortunately owned an 08 Mini Cooper S. Lets get right to it: PIECE O JUNK. Thanks to Alvin and everyone at A's Garage, owning that piece of junk got a hell of alot easier!
I've been going to Alvin for years, back when he was in Eagle Rock. I had problem after problem with that car and Alvin was awesome, he'd explain everything in plain english, no futzing around and he always was right about the problem. My car was so awful that he even told me to get rid of it. Ha! I'm pretty sure my car was going to put his kids through college.
So you got a crappy MINI? Take it to Alvin!! NOW!

Howie P.

Source: YELP

12/04/2015

Alvin and Paolo = AWESOME.. I drive all the way from Burbank to have my car serviced. But even with the long drive and traffic, it is worth it.

Gerald T.

Source: YELP

23/03/2015

Sorry for taking so long to write this review. I don't really writing reviews on Yelp but this time I think I have to, just wanna thank Alvin and Paulo. I used to bring my problematic 2005 mini s to them, they've been helping me fixing many parts and everytime when I was waiting for my car Paulo would offer free ride and pick up service, which was really nice. Actually what makes me appreciate most is their kindness trying to help me out to save my money and energy. Follow Alvin's suggestion, I got my steering pump replaced for free from a dealer and the dealer he referred has great customer service. And I took Paulo's reference, got all my tires changed by Ben, also great experience with honest guys! Thank you Alvin and Paulo, if my mini needs more service before I sell it I'll definitely see you again :)

Sophy S.

Source: YELP

04/09/2015

5 stars A's Garage! My 09 mini has starting problem. I took the car to somewhere else prior to A's garage ended up changing a new battery but the problem doesn't seem to go away! I ended up searching for mini specialist and found A's Garage due to high rating on Yelp! Paulo prioritized what it needs to be fixed the most and give me a very thorough understanding of what the problem was! I ended up spending couple hundreds $ over here but I'm completely satisfied of their work! The stuffs that they fixed come with 2 years/ 24,000 miles warranties. Paulo even dropped off my car at my place :) best auto shop experience everrrrrrrrr!!!

Roxanne H.

Source: YELP

31/01/2015

Great experience here. I had engine trouble and pulled in without an appointment. They fixed it within about an hour. The price was reasonable. They gained my trust.

Anonymous P.

Source: YELP

02/10/2014

If you have problem of old BMW , I recommend here
You will get a peace of mind!
I like their smile face and job

Zen K.

Source: YELP

22/07/2015

Love Al and this great garage. They are smart, honest, efficient and very reasonable! Lucky to have them near by, Hated to see them leave Eagle Rock but they are worth the drive to Monterey Park.

PAM L.

Source: YELP

06/01/2015

Alvin is so genuine and trustworthy. I'll definitely take our Mini back here whenever it needs service.

Jamie B.

Source: YELP

21/05/2014

This review is a bit late, but I wanted to make sure I gave these guys a review. I found them on Yelp and went here because they had over 50 5 star reviews. I thought it must be a scam because no auto repair shop has over 50 reviews AND with an avg rating of 5 stars, BUT they looked real and they definitely are real.
I was visiting my girlfriend in LA when my 1996 3 series broke down due to coolant failure. This was on the weekend and they were closed at the time. Luckily, I was able to drive by and found someone at the shop working late! I asked if I could drop my car off by tow and he said yes! So after hours I was able to leave my car behind their gate in a safe place.
I went in there the morning of on their next business day letting them know what the problem was and when I could expect it to be fixed. They had a long line of cars before me and said it wouldn't be able to get done until the next day. I told them my situation (I was stuck there and live 65 miles away) and they pushed me up in line!! Not only that, one of the guys was chillin with me in their waiting room where I spent a few hours hanging out until my car was done. These guys are cool and totally deserve their high reviews and ratings! On top of all that, the price was WAY cheaper than I expected.
I wish these guys were by my house because its where I would exclusively take my car, too.

Reggie P.

Source: YELP

05/06/2014

Honest shop. That is hard to find now a days. An actual auto shop that will not rip you off. Alvin, the owner is a very friendly, down to earth, humble, and easy to talk to. The shop is clean. He has been around BMWs for a long time and knows them well. You can tell that this guy is passionate about his job.
Met him walking his dog around the neighborhood and just started talking about cars.
One day I was working on my dad's old Mercedes diesel A/C stuff. He happens to walk by and I asked him a question regarding the car. He gave me tips on how to fix it... at the end I took the car there. He fixed it for less than $100. This should have cost double easily. I have no problem recommending A's garage.

Erwin I.

Source: YELP

09/02/2015

I see why they have a score of perfect 5 stars. I have a bmw 535i '08, while driving home my car started overheating so I took my car to their shop and was informed within 2 minutes that it was an electric water pump. I left my car over night and in the afternoon the next day it was fully repaired. The two gentlemen there were very helpful/knowledgeable and funny as
the end my frown was turned from a frown to a smile. Hopefully no other issues arise anytime soon but if it does I will not hesitate to be a returning customer.

Mike W.

Source: YELP

07/11/2014

Amazing! I made my visit about a month ago and I will be going back again soon. I have an '09 Mini Cooper Clubman that i bought preowned and apparently on the brink of destruction lol. I had taken my car to a family mechanic to service it but I realized he didn't know what he was doing. Mini Coopers are very complex vehicles and need to be handled by experts. They take care of you here and they look out for any future issues too. I greatly appreciate the attention to detail they gave me personally and the tips to keep my car healthy and myself safe. He fixed my thermostat housing kit and he will be repairing my water pump, brakes, and wheel bearing soon. I'm so greateful to have found such excellent service!

Keyanna W.

Source: YELP

22/12/2014

BMWs are definitely the "Ultimate Driving Machine" ....until something breaks! :(
Repairs especially at the dealer are VERY costly and a lot of the time not entirely honest with the work performed and the laundry list of "recommended maintenance." I am new to the BMW/ german auto scene, and coming from Hondas the difference is totally night and day. These cars are not very user friendly when it comes to repairs and there are "sensors for sensors!" Anyway, my X5 gave me some problems and struggled to find the right mechanic. I took it to a few local independent shops only to be disappointed by their work along with vague work summaries. I was recommended to A's garage through a good friend and became very satisfied! Alvin & Paolo know their stuff and coming from a BMW dealer along with years of experience, you will know that your car is in good hands! Not to mention, they go above and beyond what you pay them to do as far as repairs. I took my car in for a water pump replacement and after I got it back, I noticed that Alvin buffed out my headlights complimentary! In addition, they are very transparent with their work in that you can watch them via a window in their waiting room so you know they have nothing to hide! They will do their best to work with you. As far as the price goes, BMW's are just that labor intensive therefore costly but rest assured that you get what you pay for and will not be disappointed! I am glad I met them and am now a loyal customer and strongly recommend them to anyone with a BMW/ MINI. 5 STARS for A's Garage!!!! :)

Karlo L.

Source: YELP

04/12/2014

AMAZING! I am so glad this place was recommended to me. On numerous occasions, they have saved me $$$$$ because of their honesty. Alvin and his coworkers are a pleasure to deal with. I have never been able to say that before in the context of car repairs!
Examples of outstanding services:
-Purchased a used BMW Z4, went to A's Garage and they diagnosed all issues and gave a fair assessment as to what should be covered by the buyer and seller. And then performed quality repairs at a VERY reasonable price. It's been a year, and I've had no issues with anything they worked on! This included work on my brakes, cowl cover, bent wheels, etc. Seriously, my brakes are the best ever now.
-The BMW dealership wanted to charge me hundreds to just diagnose why my convertible top wouldn't go down all of the way, and A's quickly (and without charge) determined it was due to my car manual being stuck underneath! (ha, feel free to laugh at this).
-A's Garage also gave me bluetooth advice to save significant repair money, and they didn't try to sell me anything, but instead recommended an item off Amazon!
-When I thought my transmission was dying, A's Garage realized it was just a light bulb warning light (which is identical to the transmission light, how crazy is that, by the way). Again, no charge for this diagnosis. And then A's Garage immediately ordered the bulb I needed.

Christina M.

Source: YELP

19/12/2014

I unplugged my battery and when I plugged it in I had some ugly errors pop up on my car (BMW). Christmas tree on my dashboard... I was uneasy the whole night. I searched online and found this place A's Garage. I called right when they opened, spoke to Alvin, very friendly and personable person. He accommodated my request to have him take a look at my car. Got there with 20 mins and right when I got there he plugged his computer and started diagnosing/recalibrating some settings I lost. He was very knowledgeable and was able to fix my issues right away. He knew his stuff!
I spent probably an hour there just talking to Alvin. Hearing his background and also talking cars and track sessions. He was pleasant to talk to, fun to talk to. When it was time to go, I asked him how much I owed him, he said, "Merry Christmas!".
Excellent experience, try them out. I found my new Mechanic! 5 Stars to A's Garage. Thanks Alvin.

John G.

Source: YELP

10/03/2014

good services and fast.
took my X3 on Saturday cause the car was shaky when approaching 60 miles/hour.
Paulo didn't promise me to get the car done on the same day because he didn't want to promise without knowing what's causing the problem.
that's honest. once we found out it's simple issue, he gave me 3 options to fix it.
with the differential not being too much, i went with replacing all coil and sparkplugs (probably not necessary but i want my peace of mind driving on highway everyday)
he said the car would be done by 3pm. i went there about 12:30 and they already finished the repair and test driving the car. got my car back before 1pm.
very happy with the service. would definitely go there next time when i need to.

Easter L.

Source: YELP

06/02/2014

If there were 10 stars I'd give these guys 10! This isn't a fluke they have 5 stars, Paulo and Al go above and beyond. I went once to check why my car wasn't steering right and in that ended up blowing my right front tire. Paulo helped me right away and didn't try to up sell me and switched my tires out as well as telling me an alignment was needed which was screwed up by the previous mechanic who tried telling me I needed a new tone arm.
I took my car in late yesterday. I got off work at 5 and figured I'd try to drive by and their garage was closed, but saw the office lights were on. Went in and Paulo and Al (the owner) were still there and helped me even though they were getting ready to leave. Paulo advised I leave my car since it had electrical issues and just call him with my insurance info the next day. All that being said , they just have great service and are very attentive. Great service for BMWs and Minis! Very knowledgable ! Thank you guys ! I rarely ever leave yelp reviews

Lawrence S.

Source: YELP

05/02/2014

I don't know a lot about cars but Paolo was very knowledgeable and helpful enough to explain what was wrong with my mini. Like what the other yelp reviewer said, they only did what was necessary and didn't tell me to get other things done just because. They won't rip you off! My drive to Monterey Park all the way from San Fernando Valley was all worth it. Hopefully they open another garage at a closer location though. lol.
I'll definitely go back for my next service... which is in about 7,000 miles. ;)

Tin C.

Source: YELP

10/05/2013

I found this place through yelp.. I have a mini that i needed service. Didnt want to be charged an arm and a leg at the dealership also wanted a guy i can trust. Alvin tells you how it is and doesnt make you do extra things because you "need" them
The best part of Alvin is that he really helps with your schedule. I have a really busy schedule, he was able to fit me in and finish quickly so I could go on with my day. Was able to sit in his waiting area and get some work done.
His work is great! Thanks Alvin!

Lydia P.

Source: YELP

23/02/2015

If you have a bimmer or mini take it here. Alvin is the most trusting mechanic I've ever met! I feel extremely comfortable talking to him and asking questions, and he doesn't insist on repairs that aren't necessary, like others would. I was having some engine trouble with my 330i, had my car towed in to find that the infamous n52 ticking noise decided to go away just as I got there. Just my luck, I was unsure what was going on so I showed Alvin a video of the sound and he told me it was strange but somewhat common on my car model. I came to the conclusion that my oil sensor wasn't working properly and that I was low on oil but my idrive wasn't letting me know, Alvin said that it's very UNCOMMON for that to happen as idrive would alert me if the oil sensor failed, but I still insisted on draining the oil to measure it physically, and sure enough 7.5 quarts I wasn't missing a drop of oil and Alvin was right. Just had a hiccup in my engine I assume so he let me know if it happens again just to let the oil warm-up and Rev it from 3k-4k and it should stop. So I did an oil change anyway since I was drained out already Alvin had some rheumsoil 5w40(if I remember correctly) threw that in, then slapped in a new oil filter he even detailed my engine cover from previous oil spills and neglect from other mechanics and myself. Lol, he topped all fluids off and then we chatted for almost 2 hours about different detail products, oils, cars, car parts, race tracks, and life. Haha he is extremely cool and just getting the chance to meet him was awsome, let alone have him work on my car. Thanks Alvin and Paolo you guys are cool and I wish you two nothing but the best. I will definitely be back for future repairs and maintenance. See you guys soon. Thanks for everything

Michael G. G.

Source: YELP

01/02/2013

If you own a BMW, then you're picky about who services your car. Well, look no further.
As far as customer service, and quality work, it really doesn't get much better. Not only is Alvin a stand up individual, but his service is impeccable. I can't say enough about his work, and his great work ethics.
The shop is semi-new, relocating from Eagle Rock. It's clean, there's plenty of comfortable seating, and there's coffee.
Do yourself a favor, and take your BMW to someone who knows what they're doing. Make sure to build a rapport with Alvin, and I'm sure it will become a mutually beneficial relationship.
Please, support independant businesses!

Charles K.

Source: YELP

24/11/2013

Alvin, Paulo + Team made my experience at A's Garage a great one!!!
Took my 2003 E66 for some major work and also did some preventative maintenance, my car was sitting for over a year. I was recommended to A's Garage by a few members of Bimmerfest Forums. I made a phone call and spoke to Alvin, all this time my car was sitting I thought it was an issue with the tranny, but after a brief description over the phone Al was sure that it sounded like a differential issue... He nailed it!
Work Performed:
* Replaced Differential
* Alternator Seal (Oil Leak)
* Coolant Tank (Compression Test found an anomaly) + Flush
* Radiator Hoses
* Fuel Tank Breather Valve
* Oil Change
I recommend anyone looking to fix or perform regular maintenance on their BMW or MINI to visit A's Garage. Great customer interaction and superb work ethic.
If you are reading this Alvin and Paulo, thank you for everything! Glad I've found my go to Indy shop!
Andrew M.

Andrew M.

Source: YELP

06/05/2013

Oh gosh, at first I was thinking, how can an auto shop get solid 5 stars every time? But after meeting Alvin and experiencing how he deals with customers, it's very obvious why everyone who reviews cannot give but 5 stars.
I'm in grad school on a budget and when my car's window wouldn't roll back up, I needed to find a repair shop that wouldn't charge me 5 arms and 2 legs to fix it. I knew that going to the dealership was out of the question. I have a 2006 325i. Alvin knows his BMWs backwards and forwards as he used to work at Calabasas BMW dealership. He even fixed a puncture in my tire and replaced a headlamp lightbulb for free.
In any case, I can't say anything more than if you need a fixing, PLEASE drop by A's Garage.

Adrienne T.

Source: YELP

19/04/2013

I just had my R56 serviced this morning at A's Garage. Alvin is a great guy and would definitely recommend my fellow Mini and BMW owners. He knows what he's talking about and will not give you any BS unlike your local Mini dealers.
The shop is in my old neighborhood which is a plus and is fairly new. The only downside about the location is that it's in an industrial area and there's nothing close by if you're going to wait for your car to get serviced.
I knew right away that Alvin is a trustworthy mechanic because as soon as he drove my car, he knew that I had coilovers. Not only that but he knew the history of the rims I have on my Mini.
If you want your car fixed right the first time, Alvin is the man to see!

Patrick N.

Source: YELP

13/04/2013

And now that Alvin and his crew have completed this episode of work, I am as thrilled as I was before the work even started. Alvin ranked the needed repairs in order of urgency and helped me work out a plan to fix everything in a way that fits my schedule and my finances. And my car was detailed to within an inch of new, just cuz.
I love Alvin and his crew even more than I already did!!!

Ruth G.

Source: YELP

09/08/2014

Great shop. Alvin is friendly, honest, and a great mechanic. He also recommended an EXCELLENT chinese restaurant nearby. Even though I have since sold my mini I would still recommend this place to any current owners.

Nick V.

Source: YELP

20/12/2014

A's Garage is the place to take your car. You are in magnificent hands with Alvin and Paolo. Trustworthy, reliable, honest, friendly and professional. I took my Mini Cooper s to 2 other garages for a quote (including a mini dealer) and all wanted to charge me way in excess of what A's Garage quoted. In addition, both other garages wanted to replace the radiator and disc rotors, not to mention a few other bits and pieces. Al said that wasn't necessary. The car would be just fine. He was right! Two years later, my radiator is still working top notch and the rotors are fine too. It brings such peace of mind to know you can take your car to a mechanic that you can fully trust, who will tell you the honest truth regarding what work your car needs. This is also extremely rare to find in this industry. So look no further! This is the place for your BMW or mini. Los Angeles is lucky to have A's Garage.

L D.

Source: YELP

08/02/2013

Mr. Alvin Isidro is a class act! He took care of my car, and took care of me as a customer. He did not nickel and dime me - in fact, gave me a substantial discount on what I thought the bill would be. He took the time to explain things, and I never felt like I was, "Now Serving #51." Strangely enough, I was referred to them by another shop that had a month long waiting list just to get my car in the door. The only referral that shop makes is to A's Garage.
The best compliment I can give to Alvin is, even though I'm selling my beloved BMW, I'll keep him in mind for anyone who asks me where to take their own BMW/ Mini (including the new owner of my car!).
Thanks again, Alvin! Hope our paths cross again in the future! Cheers!

Mike C.

Source: YELP

28/05/2012

To find an honest, reliable, and no-nonsense mechanic is a difficult task specially for a place such as LA - this town is filled to the brim with unrealistic, dishonest con artists. I think I checked out 6 or 7 BMW/Mini "specialists" before I found A's garage. At first I was kinda skeptical about the 5-star write-ups. Anyone can tell a bunch of his friends to write something nice to pad his rating. As soon as I met Alvin I knew this dude was the real deal.
The supercharger on my Mini kicked the bucket and everyone else was asking waaaaaay too much for parts and labor. I found a remanufactured unit which I bought myself and took it to Alvin. His labor costs was several hundred less than everyone else - with other incidentals thrown in.
I was obviously VERY VERY pleased when I got my mini back. Totally quiet - like it was pulled off a dealership lot. The boost is awesome and the speed is absolutely wicked. Alvin did what he said he would do.
Before I brought it to him, I already knew there were other things I need to perform maintenance on. When I picked up my car, not only did he fix the supercharger but he gave me a list of things that need to be checked - the same items I ALREADY KNEW I need to take care of. This kind of honesty is rare in a mechanic and it explains why Alvin has so many happy new and repeat customers.
BMW/Mini owners: You know how costly is can be to have your cars repaired/maintained by a knowledgeable and honest tech. For your peace of mind and costs which will not drain your wallet you only need to go to one place: A'S GARAGE.
If you insist on going someplace else, you are either related to Warren Buffet ( hence, cost is nothing to you ) or you are certifiably insane. :-) Just my 2 cents.
-OG

Oliver G.

Source: YELP

19/02/2014

Absolutely love when Yelp reviews actually set appropriate expectations. A's is pretty much awesome. Alvin and Paolo are super nice and took care of my BMW 3 Series the day after I called for a quote. And they quoted the out the door price to begin with so there were no surprises.
I would definitely recommend A's to anyone.

S S.

Source: YELP

03/11/2012

Alvin is a BMW and Mini whisperer, I told him the name of my buddy that referred me, and Alvin responded by text with the engine model number of my buddy's car. I have a BMW Z3M, and he knew the specs/maintenance issues, etc, inside & out. I've owned a ton of cars and grew up hanging out in garages, I watched him give advice that cost him money to several other customers while I was there.
The new shop is clean and well organized, and Alvin is the kind of guy you want to invite to your next house party.
Unconditionally recommended.

Lee D.

Source: YELP

09/02/2012

Turns out Mini-coopers have lots of weird issues...at least my 2008 did. My normal guy could not figure out exactly what was wrong after two visits so i decided i needed a specialist in that car .. I wanted to go local and found Al here after a search. I i trusted his technical ability to fix the car. When i had called him, he knew right away what the problem was before even looking at it.
Easy to talk to and explained in detail what the problem was with my car and how he would fix it. After a day, he found out the car was throwing error messages that indicated bad fuel pump(expensive part), but he offered to take my car to the dealership in Calabasas, have it repaired under recall warranty, and bring it back. Turns out the timing belt was bad and they replaced that too. I know if I had taken it on my own I might not have gotten that treatment, but they know and respect AL.
So bottom line, this guys knows his stuff, and he will go the extra mile to see that once you bring your car there, it will leave repaired. He takes pride in his work which is all you can ask for. His prices seem reasonable also.
He will be my mini-guy going forward, and I highly recommend him if you are in the market for that. Al...i like you...but hope i don't see you again!

Ken M.

Source: YELP

26/06/2014

I took my car to 2 different mechanics, prior to A's. I wasted $400, time and a lot of grief. My car only repeated the same problem a day later. A's was referred to me by another mechanic. After Paolo ran a diagnostic test, he found nothing to be wrong with the car. I described how my car sounded rough on a cold start and other situations. Paolo recommended I take my Mini to the dealership because its most likely my high pressure fuel pump which was covered under an extended warranty through Mini. Sure enough his advice was spot on. Im so grateful to A's Garage and hope my review will inspire yelpers to experience what an honest mechanic is all about. THANK YOU PAOLO

Georgia T.

Source: YELP

25/07/2012

Alvin is the man! This review is long overdue, but better late than never, right? My bf and I took my 3 series BMW to A's Garage about a month ago when my service light turned on. I had been in communication with Alvin for months but always flaked on taking my car in. When I got there, he actually remembered me! He worked on the scope, brake fluid, micro filter, and overall vehicle check and charged me about 1/3 of what the dealer quoted. Amazing!! On top of that, Alvin was so honest that when he found out that the micro filter cost him less than what he originally said it would cost, he actually reduced the initial quote instead of keeping the difference in price for himself. I would've never even known the difference, but that's how great this guy is!
Alvin, I am a true believer and I won't take my car anywhere else! Thanks!

A -n- M.

Source: YELP

17/09/2013

My brother, who dabbles in cars, used to do all the repair and maintenance on our cars, but he moved to Las Vegas, so unfortunately, we had to find a real mechanic. We found A's garage through yelp, and we are quite glad we did. Alvin the owner is amazingly friendly and works on the cars himself. He is also a BMW enthusiast, which is great! My husband's DSC sensor light was on, and it would be expensive to replace. We found a possible fix on the BMW forum, which is a bit too complicated to do ourselves, but when we brought it to Alvin, he was willing to try it. Unfortunately it didn't work, and we had to get a new sensor. It was awesome that he was willing to try though!
A's Garage is much cheaper than the dealer (well, any car places should be much cheaper than how much BMW dealers charges, although if there's a special going on at the dealers, the oil change can be pretty cheap!) but, I always ask my brother on how much things should cost, and Alvin's charges are reasonable. He does it by the hour, and the time spent on each job is on par with my brother's estimates. There is no one I trust more (other than my brother) on our cars than Alvin.

Charissa M.

Source: YELP

24/02/2012

My 2004 Mini Cooper had excessive electrical issues that the dealer wanted to charge thousands to fix, after driving around with no Speedometer / Tach for a few months - I took my Mini in for a new clutch. Not only did the job cost less than Alvin quoted- he returned the vehicle with a speedometer / Tachometer in working order and an extremely reasonable estimate to fix the remaining issues for a couple hundred dollars. Alvin knows Mini's through and through - the dealers were clueless as to why we were having the issues that he identified immediately and fixed for no additional cost.
It's a rare occurrence to leave a shop satisfied and with a good feeling after shelling out $$ for maintenance- I don't think it's ever happened in my life until I went to A's Garage. Reasonable prices, quick turnaround and quality work are what I expect from A's Garage. I might even get another Mini now that I know I can have competent service w/out having to pay the ridiculous dealer prices once it is out of warranty.
I highly recommend A's Garage for any Mini Cooper Service.

Stacey G.

Source: YELP

07/09/2013

Alvin and Paolo are the best! I only trust these guys with my 325. Personalized treatment and service along with careful attention to detail is what you can expect when you bring your car to them. You can be sure that you wont get over charged and you wont get anything replaced that doesnt newd to. More power to Alvin!

Marc Y.

Source: YELP

13/05/2013

A's Garage is absolutely wonderful. I had just moved here and was in need for a mechanic for my BMW 2003 330ci. After much yelping, I decided to give this place a try and I must say that I have not once been disappointed on any level. Alvin is so great-- always in such a cheerful mood and very nice. Customer service is beyond excellent. They are very honest and fair in terms of what services your car needs and in terms of pricing. They do a wonderful job working on your car; I've never had a problem after bringing it here. The garage itself is also very clean and organized. Now that I have found A's Garage, I'm not going anywhere else to get my car service! There's no need :) So happy to have found them!

Karen R.

Source: YELP

21/10/2014

Man, what a disappointment. I wish I could give this place more credit but honestly I can't help but feel as though it robbed us blind. The guys that work here strike me as nice fellas, but I don't know at the end of the day my experience with them just doesn't sit very well. They are close to my house- and based on the yelp reviews it all looked good. But our experience was just the opposite. We first brought our car, an older VW model to get a water pump. But then the whole process took forever, then the wiring got all messed up and they never did correct it properly so we continued to have problems with it even after it got serviced and even after telling these guys that the car wasn't 'starting' properly. They kind of just blew us off and said it was fine and said there was no problem . I tried to let that roll off me and give them the benefit of the doubt but then I brought my mini cooper in since that's what they are supposed specialists in and that experience - rubbed me the wrong way. Prior to taking it in I had no leaks, I brought it in to get brakes replaced. Brakes fixed and SUDDENLY I have a coolant leak- and had to get that fixed too. I know mechanics pull this move often- just to elicit more work. Again, I tried to give these guys the benefit of the doubt but my last straw was finally taking in my VW again- this time because we put too much oil in it. They were quick to give us an alarmist scenario saying the engine was probably damaged beyond repair. They asked us for $170 just to drain oil- and then said it would cost another $170 to run some tests, I said yes but then called back immediately to cancel it. At this point I had it with these guys and didn't want to get swindled again. They said it was too late and I got stuck with paying another $85 . I took it to my regular mechanic who I will never stray from again! And he one, fixed the VW. He said my engine wasn't as messed up as these guys portrayed it to be, second he said it shouldn't have cost us over $250 just to have oil drained, and then he said the wiring system A's garage supposedly put in was completely messed up and had to rewire again and I had to pay for it all over again. At the end of the day- A's garage is just too expensive, they are not as responsive as you'd like them to be, nor do they do quick jobs they take forever, they are also not as direct as they should be. If a problem is beyond your expertise just say so and stop charging me extra fees in labor costs while you figure it out and then still manage to mess up. We really wanted to like these guys because they seemed like nice guys, but I feel like they are just like all the other mechanics out there who take advantage of women and inexperienced car guys. Super disappointed in this place and will never ever go back.

Esther M.

Source: YELP

23/07/2013

I echo all the positive comments about Alvin and his garage. Alvin has been working on my 2004 545 BMW for years now. As soon as my factory warranty expired I needed an alternative to the price gauging from the BMW Dealer shops and i'm glad I found Alvin. He's fixed major problems, minor problems and always given me great advice around how to properly care for my car and the proper maintenance decisions to make. Even though his new shop in Monterey Park, CA is a bit out of the way for me since I live in Glendale, i will still keep taking my car to Alvin for service. #thebest!

John S.

Source: YELP

10/02/2012

Approachable and kind. Local and independent. This is where you go to get quality car for your car.
Thank you, Alvin, for taking such good care of my little Cooper.

Lori H.

Source: YELP

06/10/2011

Simply the best, most honest, ethical, knowledgeable, and kindest mechanics for your Mini/BMW in Los Angeles. Alvin and his team are total pro's and give you the time and attention that makes you feel like a valued customer.
I went in fearing my A/C compressor on my 2007 mini was shot. Alvin and I spoke on the phone and he told me to bring it in to take a look at it. He greeted me with a handshake and a smile, looked under the hood and discovered it was simply a free-on recharge that was needed. I went to 2 shops before and they both claimed it was my A/C compressor that needed fixing. ($1,400 job)
BUT, Alvin assessed the situation, found the problem and I was out of the garage in 20 minutes and spent $15.
My A/C now works perfectly.
I will ALWAYS take my Mini to Alvin at
A's Garage.
Thanks Alvin.

Michael L.

Source: YELP

12/11/2011

My 3-series needed prompt attention due to a coolant issue. I contacted many, if not all, of the top tier independent BMW shops in the area to get pricing. Last time I needed service I went to the M Shop. This time I decided to go to A's Garage and I am so very glad I did!
When I arrived at A's Garage, near closing time mind you, Alvin, the owner, and his assistant Mark greeted me with reassuring smiles and an immediate desire to fix my bimmer. Without hesitation, Alvin popped the hood and started looking over the engine, checking fluids and whatnot, plus before he finished he topped off my oil and coolant too. During this brief initial interaction, I felt a positive and good-natured energy about them and I'm usually a pretty decent judge of character. We talked and Alvin prioritized what needed to be done and his quotes for parts and labor seemed wholly reasonable and fair.
The following day, I returned early in the morning and left my vehicle to be serviced. They did a ton of stuff in a short amount of time. And although it has only been days since I've had my car back, I safely can say they did an awesome job. Additionally, Alvin referred me to an incredible alignment shop that worked wonders on my car.
All in all, I had an exceptionally positive experience. As of recent, my car is running and driving almost as good as new and it's all due to A's Garage. I'm happy to know I have found a fantastic mechanic -- he's a great guy too. With all the 5 star reviews of A's Garage, I'm not terribly surprised that I had such a great experience. No, actually, I am still blown away! Can I give more stars? Because, if I could, I would...

David R.

Source: YELP

23/08/2014

A's Garage is THEE BEST!! Alvin is a good and HONEST mechanic; so much appreciated! He will remain my Mini mechanic from now on!!

Ramona G.

Source: YELP

12/06/2013

If you own a BMW and looking to get your car serviced or fixed. I highly recommend you to give Alvin a call. He knows his craft inside out. He welcomes you with a smile and makes you feel right at home when you walk in the shop. Your car will be in good hands at A's garage because Alvin will treat it like if it's his. I trusted him with my BMW M3 and he did not dissapoint me. I was very pleased with his work as his tracking record speaks for itself. Thanks again Alvin!

Gio S.

Source: YELP

10/10/2011

I took my BMW to A's Garage today for some front end work. Alvin sold me the BMW OEM parts for the lowest price that I had found on the internet, without me having to ask him. Many shops charge the much higher "suggested list" price, building in even higher profit.
He also showed me all of the used parts when I showed up to pick up my car. The price quoted was the price I paid, and the car was ready on time. A true 5 STAR experience!

Tom L.

Source: YELP

28/05/2013

Heard of a's garage through yelp so I decided to check it out. I came in for an oil change and they gave me a full inspection and took they're time to give me estimates. Alvin and his associates were very helpful and friendly. Im bringing my bmw here from now on.

William H.

Source: YELP

22/12/2010

Awesome deal! Highly recommend this!!!
I found A's Garage from Yelp, after done some research online. Before that I went to a dealer where they quoted me 2K, but with Alvin not only he did such a wonderful job, I paid about 1K!!! Can't find any better deal than this. Plus Alvin's friendly, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. He fixed my windshield washer hose that was losen for me without any additional charge. He also helped dropping me off to return the rental car while it was super rainy. What a Good man! I would give him 10 stars for being such an honorable mechanic and providing supreme customer service. I will definitely come back in the future.

Nancy T.

Source: YELP

07/03/2011

A's Garage ... Alvin ... thank you!!! Thank you for making me feel like a valued customer!
I had to get my brakes replaced, after Yelping a couple of places for BMW mechanics, I ended up calling Alvin. He told me to bring the car in on Saturday and he would take a look. After a quick inspection, he told me I would have to replace both front brakes. He gave me an extremely reasonable estimate ($225) and told me to come back in a couple hours.....
.....A couple hours......
I came back and the car was done. Alvin not only took the time to explain everything he had done - replaced the front brakes, topped off my fluids, AND popped my front bumper back in for me. He also told me when and what I needed to service next time I brought my car in.
I am sooo impressed by Alvin's work and customer service! He mentioned he may be moving soon ... Just let me know where you go Alvin! You've got yourself a lifelong customer!!!!

Kathie M.

Source: YELP

11/01/2013

Are you a MINI owner? THIS is your spot! Yes, MINI Coopers do have weird quirks that in my experience regular (not specialized) places can't seem to get right. I was referred to A's Garage by the M Shop (also MINI specialized) when they were too full to service my MINI. A's garage is now my only mechanic. Alvin is amazing! He is very personable, honest and a talented mechanic. I feel like family whenever I go there. HIghly recommend this place to all BMW and MINI owners.

M C.

Source: YELP

03/05/2013

It can not get better than this. Alvin is a wonderful guy and very knowledgeable. But most importantly he is extremely honest and no BS. I took my BMW 328i to him with a problem which a number of other shops (including three other 5 star rated shops here) asked me for $200-300 for part replacement. Alvin looked at it and said it does not need replacement and fixed it and did not charge me at all !
Now I am a regular customer for him and love his service. Would recommend him strongly to any fellow car owners.

Shaveen G.

Source: YELP

05/03/2013

Literally as good as it gets. Alvin definitely went above and beyond the calling. He made sure to fix everything at the lowest price possible and was extremely flexible with payments (since I'm a broke college kid). The total cost was way cheaper than the estimate. He knew exactly how to fix my old 318i and he knows how to treat the customer right. As Garage is definitely the place to go!

Shayna J.

Source: YELP

29/09/2010

Performed work on 745i for brakes and rotors. Alvin recommended some after market high performance rotors that look totally awesome.
He also charged a reasonable, competitive price. Will be taking me car to him from now on.
Oh and did I mention he was super cool and easy to talk to?

Robert R.

Source: YELP

02/04/2014

I have struggled with my 328ci 2000 for a long time due to incompetent wannabe BMW mechanics. They would give me wrong diagnostics , and jerk me around because am a girl. Which led to money in the trash. I decided to use Yelp to help me find a honest mechanic( sounds crazy huh!!) although I was still weary using yelp to find a good shop. As a girl I am not very knowledgable with cars especially the lingo!! When I talked to Paulo on the phone he sounded very knowledgable, and friendly. He gave me a fair price for the work that needed to be done. Called me when the car was ready finally got to meet Paulo and Alvin. My boyfriend works in Customer Service, and even he was wowed away with the attentiveness of the two. Car runs better than when I bought it!! Thanks A's Garage. Defiantly not a fluke why they have 5 stars. Highly recommend it to anyone!!!!

Priscilla M.

Source: YELP

29/11/2012

Alvin did a great job. I dropped off my car and he gave me a ride where I needed to go. In addition to fixing the oil leak he replaced radiator hoses free of charger (labor). He is very knowledgeable and very trustworthy. See you guys soon for some upgrades!!!!

Micah Q.

Source: YELP

29/06/2012

Extremely honest mechanic that has gone above and beyond my expectations every visit. I don't live near this location and it is out of the way for me, however, I wouldn't trust my car to anyone else in SoCal. I moved here from the south and had a trusted mechanic and also had worked at a car dealership when younger so had mechanic friends that I trusted fully, so when I moved to Los Angeles I was really worried as I had taken my car to a few different BMW places including a certified dealer, and did not receive nearly the amazing service that Alvin provided me.
Alvins prices are very good and he makes sure that he does quality work. In my situation, I had just moved and taken my car to fix one thing at a certified dealer and they told me I had much more that needed to be done immediately. I had just moved and had a ton of other expenses and just didn't have the money to do it all. Alvin worked with me and was completely honest about all the work, and told me what had to be done right away, and what could wait to help me out. Most dealers would never tell you something could wait to be fixed.
In addition, to his prices being completely fair - or even better than fair, but he took the time to explain each thing that was wrong so I understood, explained how long I had to get the things I didn't get fixed right away, and kept me abreast of all the things he was doing as he fixed them.
And finally, as if I couldn't praise him anymore, I had to work but because the location is not near where I was, he worked with me to get my car after hours and waited until I got there despite it being much later than closing time. He also will text you if you prefer instead of calling as sometimes playing phone tag can be annoying and difficult but I was able to communicate via text message so we could be in communication about the car without having to interrupt work or play phone tag and delay the process of getting things fixed.
If you are new to LA and have no idea who to trust or where to go- I HIGHLY recommend A's Garage. You won't regret it!

A K.

Source: YELP

18/05/2011

I found A's Garage on Yelp and am very happy I did.
Alvin is a very nice, personable, knowledgeable person. I took my 1992 BMW 325ic for a variety of work; timing belt, valve adjustment,water pump, new radiator, new plugs, ignition wires, rotor/cap, trans fluid change, oil change, just to name a few;and was very pleased with the quality of the work and, especially, the price.
I would have paid over $4,000 at a dealership for all he did.
I have since been back for new transmission mounts & steering coupling and, as he was going to have the car for a few days, he loaned me his van.
I am very happy to have found Alvin so close to where I live, in Glendale, and highly recommend him. If you want good customer service, quality work, affordable pricing, and a genuinely nice person you'll not find any better than you'll find at A's Garage.

brian h.

Source: YELP

14/12/2010

My Car battery died on my 530i BMW, and the dealer warranty had just expired, typical right?!
I was referred to the M shop by the Cyber community but they were booking 3 weeks out! Ummm I have a dead battery...(Good for them though). I read a review that mentioned Alvin and A's garage around the corner from M.
Alvin was awesome!!! Helpful, and quick and funny! And we texted each other, love that! He ordered my battery and wound up charging me less than quoted!! Okay that NEVER happens! He did a few other little things for me too, at no charge, nice!
A is a great guy, I enjoyed my experience with him and will return soon for the required tune up service, (which he already prequoted for me in writing)! I completely trust him with my vehicle.

Joy M.

Source: YELP

17/06/2013

Very helpful, will work on your price and your situation. Definetly one of the honest mechanics that i have ever worked with !

Nikunj J.

Source: YELP

20/09/2013

I needed some work done. My normal place is good but too pricey, I wanted a good deal with good service and driving far away was alright with me (obviously if you live in monterey park these guys are a no brainer) . These guys did a great job, and Alvin even drove me where I needed to get while my car was being worked on. Paulo seemed to do a great job car and he and Alvin seemed to really know their stuff. The next time my car needs repair I'm definitely going back to these guys. They also put a one year warranty on the work, that was the clincher.

David C.

Source: YELP

19/07/2012

A for Awesome Alvin! He's honest, reliable, and also super nice. Brought my gf's Mini for transmission fluid change and had a great experience. Alvin was much cheaper than Mini Corsa and faster too! Also explained how to fix some small issues myself and save the $ :)

Luke X.

Source: YELP

17/06/2010

I was recommended by my friend, who also has a Mini Cooper, and I'm soooo glad that I found this place!!
Originally, the dealership told me that my bushings needed to be replaced, and that it was going to cost me $3K. Um, my car barely had 35K miles on it, and I'm a careful driver. I didn't think this was right. I decided not to do anything about it.
That was over a year ago. I'm going on a cross-country roadtrip in two weeks, and decided to go ahead and get some servicing done, and ask about the bushings. Alvin told me that after doing the 20 point check on my car, that yes, the bushings were starting to crack, but if I wanted, I could hold off on replacing them. He told me about a few other things that could be done, but didn't have to be done on my car, as well. He was honest about what he figured I could get by with, and his quote for fixing everything, bushing replacement included, was ONE THIRD of what the dealership quoted me!! I decided to go for it.
The next day, my car was ready exactly when he said it would be. I sat in my dad's car for a minute, as I was a bit early, and saw one of the guys from the shop carefully wiping down my car. They made sure that it was all cleaned up and shiny before returning it to me. The quote was right on target for what I was told. My car is driving and sounding like it did when I first bought it! (Plus, he fixed my faulty window for free!) Alvin is a nice, and fully trustworthy person. That's rare to find in general, but especially in the mechanic's profession!!!!
I will be back to LA, and I will be back to Alvin's garage for any future work that I do on my car.
If you drive a Mini or a BMW, I highly recommend that you go to Alvin's. If you don't have a big service to get done, walk down to Camilo's for some breakfast or lunch while you wait! You won't be sorry that you trusted me on this. For serious.

Shari D.

Source: YELP

20/11/2012

My first time at Alvin's was amazing! He was beyond courteous, knowledgable, and honest! I had previously been to Universal City Mini and my car actually drove WORSE afterwards. Alvin put everything back to tip top condition!! He spent lots of time answering my questions, before I even got to the shop, and spent time with me once the service was completed too, showing me how to check my oil and going over what type of warranty plan I should get. The work he did was great, and it was less than half the price that Universal Mini had quoted. My car was ready early, and it cost exactly, to the penny, what he told it would beforehand. In addition, he gave my car a once over look for FREE.
I loved it here and felt like a respected and valued customer! Don't be daunted by it being a little far away - it's well worth the trip!! I will be coming back here for as long as I own a mini! Five stars!!

Suzie C.

Source: YELP

14/04/2012

I cannot be more satisfied with the service I received by Alvin today on my 535i. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and extremely honest. He took the time to diagnosis my car thoroughly and explain the battery problem I was having even though I showed up unexpectedly without an appointment. I ended up with a battery replacement costing me around $250 which is extremely reasonable based on my research! From start to end, I was there for about 1 hour!
The type of service Alvin provides is absolutely top notch and hard to find these days. I have owned a Honda, Lexus, BMW and Mercedes and therefore have had my fair share of dealerships and auto shops. Alvin's is truly one-of-a-kind and I definitely would recommend his shop to anyone.
As a side note, he informed me that his shop was moving to a larger location in the near future. So check back frequently on Yelp! or give him call to ensure his current location before you go.

D Y.

Source: YELP

05/09/2011

needed a rear brake job on my Mini - M Shop was booked so they referred me to Alvin (which says a lot about the integrity of the M Shop guys). Alvin agreed to take my car this morning (a holiday!) and had it fixed before lunch, within the estimate. Also - he pointed out that the Mini dealer (Universal Mini - avoid them at all costs!) put the wrong size brake rotors on my front wheels - a potentially hazardous error. What a guy. If you have a BMW or Mini, use Alvin - really nice, sweet, honest guy. Does a great job and gives a crap about you and your car. And he's 2 blocks from my house!

Brian M.

Source: YELP

10/05/2012

I took notes while dealing with Alvin because he is a good business man. He knows how to treat a customer and also deliver on time, price and quality.
Apparently he will be moving his shop to a new location soon so I am going to hold that elusive fifth star. I will wait and post more based on a second encounter as the current location seems just a step above running a business out of your own garage.
Keep up the good work Alvin!

Aaron R.

Source: YELP

07/08/2012

Alvin of A's Garage is the best mechanic I've found, honest, talented and most reasonable in costs. He understands complete customer service, listens and understands being on a budget.
Alvin is really one of the all time coolest person I've meet in this trade and would never take my Mini S anywhere else!
Keep up the excellent work and know you will be in good hands with this mechanic and his staff.

Rob G.

Source: YELP

18/07/2012

wow.. nothing else need to write.. Alvin is the best!!!
he is really honest guy and he tells me about details gently. I really recommend this guy!!!

Kevin Y.

Source: YELP

29/12/2011

I usually work on my own cars, but when I don't, I take them to Alvin.
Alvin is the consumate pro. He knows what he's talking about, which is a big deal when it comes to finicky cars like BMWs. I took an old, rare BMW to him for inspection and the guy was just incredibly knowledgeable about the car and what to look for.
He's honest about his work, too. He'll tell you exactly what needs fixing and what doesn't. He won't sucker you into work or parts you don't need, and he won't rip you off on parts you buy through him.
I'm a car guy who usually avoids mechanics and does his own work, but when I'm not feeling up to the job or want an expert opinion, I trust Alvin completely. Don't mess around with the ripoff dealership or some of these BMW mechanics who are experts at parting rich people from their money. Alvin is a great dude and I wouldn't take my cars anywhere else.

Zeek Z.

Source: YELP

11/01/2012

Awesome BMW / MINI mechanic....We had taken our car to the dealership for a problem...they couldn't find it and said "bring it back when it is acting up again" Second time..same thing...Brought it to Alvin, he literally lifted the hood and looked this way & that way..then said..."it is your...." I was very skeptical...how could he just look at it and listen while the engine was running & figure it out just like that??!!! Never have had the problem since (over a year now)...

Tess L.

Source: YELP

19/03/2012

I can't say enough about the great service I received from Alvin. He totally explained what the problem was and what repairs he would be making. I left my car on Monday and picked it up on Wednesday! He's honest and he makes you feel like you are his only customer! He is the best of the best!

Annette O.

Source: YELP

11/07/2011

If you're looking for an honest mechanic who knows his stuff about BMW's, I highly recommend A's Garage. I took my 335 in for sparkplug and oil service and the cost was one of the lowest I could find without sacrificing on the quality of the supplies being used (i.e. a cheaper oil or cheaper sparkplugs).
Let me start off by saying that Alvin is a great guy. I'm one of those who likes cars and likes to know more about the nicks and crannys about my car. I asked Alvin if it would be okay if I watched him work on my car and he allowed me into the work area. He taught me many things about my car that I didn't know previously and explained all the work he was performing without treating me like a customer. I felt as if I was more of a friend than anything and that was a great and comfortable feeling. Additionally, he is a very honest guy and will not try to rip you off by telling you to do something that may not need to be done.
I really appreciate all the time and care he spent on my car while educating me. He even cleaned my engine up where he could and taught me how I could take care of it to keep it looking nice and clean if I choose.
Thanks Alvin and you can be sure that I'll be seeing you again for any future maintenance work!

Kenny L.

Source: YELP

26/10/2011

Alvin is fantastic, friendly, and professional! He is straightforward in his assessments and gives dead-on price quotes. One of the best communicators in the business! He kept in touch via email, txt, voicemail, you name it.
Even though he doesn't frequently work on VWs, Alvin gladly took on all of the numerous presenting complaints I had with my turbodiesel Golf! What I love the most about bringing my car to Alvin is that he walked me through the diagnostic process for each problem. He carefully explained each test he would be running and what the outcomes would mean. He also worked hard to find me quality replacements parts at a discount (I'm a graduate student so I really appreciated this!). He went above and beyond to work on my car! The price ended up being close to half of what I would have paid at a VW dealer.
Next time I need anything done to my car I'll be going back to Alvin!

Ann-Marie A.

Source: YELP

16/09/2011

This is a great place I had a minor issue with them and they corrected it right away a lot cheaper than dealer highly recommend this place to anyone who has a BMW

Michael K.

Source: YELP

26/05/2012

I inquired online about an oil change for my BMW Z4 and got a response pretty quickly by email. A day before my appointment, I called to reschedule and Alvin was very pleasing and professional over the phone and rescheduled my appointment the following Saturday. I came to his shop and told him I needed an oil change then he asked me for the service schedule that comes up when I turn on the car. It was only 7100 miles. He said it didn't really require an oil change at this time. I said it was recommended by another shop I went to. I was so happy and surprised about his honesty. He even did a visual inspection on the brakes, belts and fluids to make sure everything is A-okay! Also, he saw that the antenna was hanging from underneath the rear bumper and fixed it right away. He just replaced my windshield wipers as that was only thing needed replacement at that time. I was still in awe that I was able to save money on a service that wasn't due yet. I'll be a long time customer!

Lois P.

Source: YELP

05/04/2011

Alvin is wonderful!!! Best mechanic ever... If I could give him 10 stars I would......

Nete R.

Source: YELP

17/11/2010

Alvin is the best. I have had quite negative experiences with shops before so I was a bit gun-shy until I started going to Alvin for all of my needs with my 1994 BMW 325i. I have been to him 3 times and he never fails to be honest and easy to communicate with, has competitive pricing, and goes out of his way to make things work for you and find the best solution to your problem. Highly recommended.

Kelly J.

Source: YELP

17/11/2010

My BMW broke down on a Friday night on the 101 freeway. Alvin waited for me, the car and the tow truck. The water pump went out, the fan, and a whole host of other things. He had me up and running Monday evening at a fraction of the cost of the BMW dealer. He is warm, friendly, and just an all around great guy to do business with. He knows BMW's inside and out and explains everything. This guy deserves 10 stars.

sherry r.

Source: YELP

03/03/2011

Is there such a thing as a quality, economical and honest all-in-one BMW mechanic? Yes! His name is Alvin. Although the garage is small, he and his team provide quality service as well as honest and knowledgeable recommendations.
I've been to his shop three times for my front brakes, oil change and brake line adjustment. I always do my research before I see any mechanic especially since BMWs are notorious for expensive maintenance costs. More often than not, mechanics try to convice me of "necessary" repairs and "costly" parts, but not Alvin. He definitely surprised me with his knowledge, honesty and cost effectiveness of his service. For example, my BMW Service Advisor estimated that it would cost me around $450 - $500 to fix my front brakes...all this even before inspecting my brakes. Alvin on the other hand first looked at my braking system before giving me an estimate. He determined that my rotors were more than okay and that I would only need to change the brake pads. My total out the door cost was about $180. I'm definitely going to be a long time customer with that kind of service!

Raul B.

Source: YELP

08/08/2011

I waited for them to open this morning. And waited...and waited. The guy in the adjoining shop finally called Alvin and found out he wasn't coming in to work today. Unprofessional.

Greg S.

Source: YELP

19/09/2012

Alvin is the best! he will take care of you and your mini. if you have a bmw or mini that needs to be serviced, take it here. so worth it!

Jen h.

Source: YELP

17/08/2010

Alvin is definitely the real deal! He is the nicest mechanic you'll ever meet! My sister and I took her BMW to his shop with the hopes that our fellow Yelpers wouldn't lead us astray, and Yelpers, once again, were right on the money! We were contemplating going here or the M Shop, and we decided on A's based on the customer service I got on the phone. At the other place I got "We can schedule you 3 weeks from today". At A's I got, "Bring it over! This Saturday? Yea I'll be here!"
Alvin got in the car, drove it around, and did a full in and out check up of it. He wrote down the much needed immediate repairs and the not so important do whenever you can afford to repairs (which we insisted on him telling us too). His prices were VERY reasonable and, honestly, we were ecstatic at the low price tag for the repairs. One of the big fears of owning a BMW is the rediculous repair costs, but not with Alvin as your man!
He took the BMW and told us he'd work on it. We were contemplating how we were going to get back home since we didn't take a spare car (we needed A LOT of repairs!) when Alvin offered us his mini-van! At first we thought he was joking. Then he said, "No! If you don't mind driving an old mazda mini van you're more than welcome to use it!" Any charge for the "rental" for 3 days. Nope. Nothing. SOLD. Love him.
It's been about 4 months since we've had the repairs done. We have yet to go back to get the "minor" issues done, but we will. So far though, the car runs like new. It's beautiful! No more lights flashing on the dash! THANK YOU ALVIN! We'll be back!

Karla S.

Source: YELP

07/12/2011

Alvin is excellent. Always available to talk to, and will explain everything that is going on with your car. If you want to be treated with respect, stop going to the dealer and bring your MINI to Alvin!

Richard B.

Source: YELP

22/01/2010

I had a very good experience at A's Garage. Not only was his price the most competitive for brake servicing for an independent mechanic in Los Angeles, but he was very knowledgeable and gave suggestions on most important repairs.
As a college student he acknowledged my needs and helped keep the cost low.
Additionally he gave me heads up and things to look for in near future, which was very helpful in preparing for next servicing.
I will definitively return for my inspection II services and more.
I felt comfortable and well valued.

Alex O.

Source: YELP

21/06/2011

Alvin is the best. I called him before I bought my BMW 530 and he helped me research and pick the best used BMW and he's been there for me ever since. WIth great advice and work at very reasonable costs. Alvin is conservative and never recommends things unless they REALLY need to be done. Great guy. I'd give him 6 stars. But Yelp won't let me...

marc s.

Source: YELP

12/07/2010

I finally found a great honest mechanic for my Mini! This guy Alvin(the owner) is the best!! I brought my Mini in for a new clutch job on a thursday at about 4:30pm. He told me it would be ready on Tuesday, which is pretty darn fast considering what a clutch job entails. My only issue was that I was leaving town on Monday, so what does Alvin do? He sets aside all other work and stayed late working on my car so that I would have it by Saturday afternoon! Now that's service and dedication! I mean seriously! Who does that?? A's Garage that's who! I'll be bringing my car here from now on. He's also very fair and honest when it comes to prices. He won't make you spend money on parts if you don't need it. If he can get parts cheaper than dealer prices with no logo's that drive the cost up, he'll do it to save you money. What a guy. I can't say enough good things about A's Garage!

Henry T.

Source: YELP

04/09/2009

alvin is a very good mechanic and very reasonable price. the best part is that he is hooked up with a body shop, and performance accessories.

cyril m.

Source: YELP

17/05/2010

What can I say other than that Alvin, of A's Garage, provides 5 star BMW/Mini specialty service at dealership standards at non-dealership prices. Alvin was very thorough in going over every single service item that he was planning to complete on my Mini. He was also very forthcoming with his recommendations regarding which services he believed my car needed or not. It gave me the feeling that he was a trusted uncle, providing me sound and trusted advice about the vehicle. The level of service was exemplary, very much akin to the feeling that he was treating your Mini the same way that he would if it was his Mini. Thanks Alvin!

T D.

Source: YELP

11/11/2011

Best. Mechanic. Alvin and his staff are courteous, professional, and his prices are extremely reasonable. I was taking my pre-owned 530i wagon to a "specialist" in south pasadena. Every visit cost between 1-2k, and I left with the same issue I came in with. After a over a year of multiple repairs for a stalling battery (stupidly continued going back because of a friend's referral), I tried A's. He was packed and busy, but he took a few moments to perform a diagnostic. He gave me 3 scenarios, thinking that the issue was as simple as replacing the battery. I was apprehensive about his diagnosis because the former mechanic replaced the battery, and said the problem was an electrical issue. I apprehensively got a new battery at Alvin's suggestion and voila! It has been a year since that first visit to Alvin, and my car hasn't stalled once! I am so so happy to have found an honest mechanic! Take your bmw to Alvin!

franki z.

Source: YELP

10/09/2011

I've been looking for a decent local place to take my 7-yr. old BMW for years now and had almost given up... so happy I found A's Garage (due to trusting the reviews here on yelp -- thanks!) Returned from a long road trip with what seemed like every light on my dashboard lit... knew I desperately needed an oil change and some basic maintenance, and was terrified of what else might be wrong (or, more likely, what a dishonest mechanic would claim was wrong). Alvin was awesome -- called when he said he would, and after all was said and done all I needed "extra" was one belt replaced (which I'd actually been told about last year by another mechanic and hadn't fixed at the time due to the outrageous quote he gave me). Anyway, got the oil change, tires rotated, other fluids checked and topped off, etc., plus a new belt -- for what I know was not significantly more than the price of just an oil change elsewhere. I've never left a mechanic feeling so certain I got thorough, honest service -- thanks again!

Laura H.

Source: YELP

20/07/2016

Brought my Baby Blue MINi here a few weeks ago,Alvin has been my mechanic since he was in E. Rock several years back. He gave me such good deals on service that's why i keep going back to him.Finally he's in SCV now! closer to my home and no need to travel long and get stuck in traffic for a good mechanic!

Jo Seph

Source: FBOOK

03/04/2016

SANTA CLARITA SHOP: OK, so now it turns out that Gio and Lucia sold Gio's (now Alvin's A's Garage)....Pretty darn disturbing as they were one in a mil!...Now what to do? I come to find out that "Alvin" Isidro bought the business, and that he had worked with Gio at Bob Smith BMW. I'm stuck: I really trust No Mechanics, but my 325i is 'playing' electrical problems, so I come in to see Alvin & chat about Gio, honest mechanics vs. the alternative, What's his take on customer serv... See More

William Anderson

Source: FBOOK

30/09/2014

Thanks Alvin and Paulo for the clutch job , my car feels like a car again :) .... Just waiting for it to be broken in and i can accept challenges on the frwys again ! Lol

Andrew Mendoza

Source: FBOOK

06/10/2015

100k service with clutch conversation kit to a solid flywheel, Supercharger service,water pump thermostat and housing replaced

Dino Calderon

Source: FBOOK

28/06/2016

Stephanie Mellady

Source: FBOOK

18/11/2014

Cyril Magsino

Source: FBOOK

25/06/2014

Great service. We believe these guys give us our money’s worth in service and knowledge. You should at least get an estimate from these guys.

Dwayne E.

Source: YPAGE

23/06/2014

I just took my BMW for servicing to A's Garage and he did an awesome job quickly and professionally. The price was also exceptional; I paid 1/4 of what I would have had to pay for service at the dealer.

Felix X.

Source: YPAGE

27/05/2014

Fast and inexpensive. Have to go with five stars. Let's face it getting the car worked on is not much fun. All in all it was a great experience.

Lily Y.

Source: YPAGE

06/05/2014

I took my BMW in for an oil change. They did it right away and charged a reasonable price. You can watch them do the work so there's no worry that they are not doing the work they said they would or that they change out the air filter and claim you need a new one.

Abercio O.

Source: YPAGE

28/04/2014

These guys are honest, helpful, straightforward, and do quality work at a very competitive price. Thank you for doing work!!

Devontae E.

Source: YPAGE

13/02/2014

Alvin showed me everything and explained everything in detail. He even drove the car after it was fixed for 40 miles to make sure that the engine light did not go back on. I picked my car this morning and everything was done perfectly and smoothly. he even replaced my light that was out and fixed my tire pressure for free. I am more than impressed and satisfied. I paid 588 dollars, and I am truly grateful I found him. If you have a BMW I strongly encourage you to call him. He is really the best BMW mechanic I have ever been to. Thanks for everything Alvin.

danny b

Source: GPLAC

06/06/2014

Alvins prices are very good and he makes sure that he does quality work. In my situation, I had just moved and taken my car to fix one thing at a certified dealer and they told me I had much more that needed to be done immediately. I had just moved and had a ton of other expenses and just didn't have the money to do it all. Alvin worked with me and was completely honest about all the work, and told me what had to be done right away, and what could wait to help me out. Most dealers would never tell you something could wait to be fixed.

Starr Williamson

Source: GPLAC

10/02/2014

Let me start off by saying that if there were 10 stars id give Alvin 11. He is just truly amazing. I failed my smog test on a newer BMW X3; my check engine was on. I went to my old mechanic and he found 3 things that were wrong with it and gave me an absurd estimate of 1500 dollars. I had a feeling something was wrong with the estimate so I found Alvin through yelp. I went to Alvin and he told me the two real things that were wrong with it; proving the fact that my old mechanic was a crook who has been ripping me off for years with parts that did not need to be replaced and charging me extra for labor.

Shelby H

Source: GPLAC

28/08/2013

I have a 2004 530i, I love my BMW, however, I don't like mechanics that charge too much and don't know how to repair beamers. Thank God I was referred to Alvin's shop. He knows everything BMW and doesn't charge ridiculous rates. Al and his crew will go above and beyond for you and your car. They'll treat your car like it's their own and they understand; just because you drive a BMW doesn't mean you're made of money. These guys are awesome and I hope I never have to take my car anywhere else! The money A's Garage saves me makes the drive from the O.C well worth it!

Joe Doxie

Source: GPLAC

23/01/2014

Extremely honest mechanic that has gone above and beyond my expectations every visit. I don't live near this location and it is out of the way for me, however, I wouldn't trust my car to anyone else in SoCal. I moved here from the south and had a trusted mechanic and also had worked at a car dealership when younger so had mechanic friends that I trusted fully, so when I moved to Los Angeles I was really worried as I had taken my car to a few different BMW places including a certified dealer, and did not receive nearly the amazing service that Alvin provided me.

Vivian Jockheer

Source: GPLAC