08/03/2016

It has been five more happy years as a customer of Bob Reinheimer. Every visit is a learning experience, and he always does his best.
For example: last weekend a warning light came on our 2012 Mini Countryman. (i.e. just out of warranty) He not only told me precisely what was wrong, but explained that it is something the manufacturer is legally obliged to repair at their dealer.
A mechanic who not only diagnoses a problem, but helps me fix it at the least amount of expense is worth his weight in gold. I can't imagine why anyone would send their business elsewhere!

Cameron K.

Source: YELP

25/11/2015

San Francisco is NOT going to shit as long as places like this are around. After visiting a competitor on the same block, I came here to Richmond Auto. Not only did Bob save me about $400, he also gave me an awesome tutorial on what I need to know about tires. He is also a very cool character, not a robot. Honest, competent, free of BS, and a tasty relic of what's becoming a bygone era: real people doing real work.

Dan N.

Source: YELP

05/02/2016

I have a somewhat old van that had multiple problems - wouldn't pass smog, gas leaking from the carburetor, problems with the brake/tail lights, and a few others Bob explained thoroughly to me but escape my memory. I called around to several mechanics trying to figure out how to get it to pass smog and get it running again (the engine would shut off while idling.) Every other mechanic I spoke to would make a hasty diagnosis over the phone with very little information. The strange part is, each one said something different. This led to a lot of confusion about what the correct diagnostic was.
Then I called Bob. He collected as much information about the vehicle as I could provide, including asking me to send a copy of my last smog test results and suggested repairs from the testing station. He asked pointed questions and listened. He told me what the vehicle needed, how much it would cost and when I could make an appointment in a clear, professional manner.
The day of my appointment my van wouldn't start. It had been getting worse but I figured it would drive to the shop. Nope. I called Bob kinda worried. I was going to be late and was going to need a tow. To my surprise he arranged to have it towed for a reasonable price and would bill me for it later, adding it to my repair bill. It was very convenient, he just took care of it.
Later that day he called me and said the vehicle was ready to be picked up. I was like what?! That was FAST!!! I totally expected to get it back in a week or so. I was kinda skeptical that he did everything he said tbh. I came and got it, and not only had he fixed everything, he did a star certified smog test, it passed, and the test was electronically submitted to the DMV. He doesn't f*** around! It runs great, no more gas leak, the lights all work again. I can hear it when I'm driving it sounds beautiful.
On top of great service, Bob is just a great human being. I had the pleasure of talking with him for a little bit and he was humble and funny and down to earth. I saw a review that claimed his garage was "messy". I guess you could see it that way, but it's more like how the art studio of a creative genius is "messy". It's more indicative of the hard work that happens there than it is a lack of organization.

Jon A.

Source: YELP

02/04/2016

Bob Reinheimer is absolutely the best mechanic in the Bay Area. He's immensely knowledgeable, with years of experience working on every type of car. I've been bringing my Subarus to Bob for 7 years and never once has he failed to solve my problems quickly, safely, and skillfully. He's gotten my cars to pass the notoriously difficult CA smog check every time, often going above and beyond the role of a normal mechanic in the process. One of the best and most unique aspects of Bob is his willingness to explain each process to you. So instead of showing up, paying and leaving, Bob will go into great detail explaining what was wrong with your car, what it took to fix it, and what can be done in the future to avoid the same problems. He's a fantastic mechanic and I would never dream of taking my car anywhere else.

Josh R.

Source: YELP

18/11/2014

I own what can only be described as a "special needs" car. Basically, every last part has been rewired, re-built, replaced, and/or re-patched at some point and I'm lucky to have a mechanic like Bob.
But more than that. He's also a teacher. If there is a problem with your car and you show even a small amount of interest in WHY that problem occurred, Bob will not hesitate walking you through the entire mechanics of the repair and the troubled parts in question.
My recent trip to Bob involved an electrical issue that AAA mis-diagnosed as a bad battery and then I mis-diagnosed it as a bad alternator. I believe most mechanics would of simply installed a new alternator (since that's what I suggested to him in the first place) and that would of been that. Instead, Bob bench tested the existing alternator and found it was working just fine. He then traced the problem not just to a bad wire in the dash, but a bad connection by the battery and made sure the whole electrical system was working properly. Then, to take it once step further, Bob walked me through every last change / repair he made and gave me a 10 minute crash course on automotive electrical systems.
I walked away not only with a perfectly working car, but also I think I'm nearly certified in some level of minor mechanic work now thanks to Bob's lesson.
Richmond Auto Repair is what I've always wanted out of a small local repair shop and if you ever have a problem (or even just an automotive question) I couldn't recommend Bob much more.

Brad K.

Source: YELP

21/10/2015

Bob is incredible at empowering his owners on what is going on with their car if there are issues with it. As a female, he doesn't talk over me, and wants me to understand the in's and out's technically just as much as he does. While he has a rough edge, he is very patient, if you can get past that. He gave a rundown on what was happening with my Mini Cooper when the power steering was failing and helped me do some research to understand that there was a recall on this part and to get it replaced under extended warranty at the Mini dealership. Definitely trust his judgement.

Priya A.

Source: YELP

27/07/2013

This guy is on drugs ! If I could give him a Negative Five Stars I would ! After calling over 30 shops looking for someone who could work on carbs of a 1971 Benz Bob said he could. Yeah, he could alright. I had the car towed over, followed later and paid him and was going to pick my car up after I got off work which was after his shop closed.
A funny feeling is what you get when you walk in here as it is a PIG STY! Have yet to see a garage so filthy ! My father was a mechanic and you could eat off the floor of his space !
Now, I cannot recall if the car actually started THIS time or died when I got it home. One or the other. Either way, I had to bring the car back (MY expense) and have Bob fix whatever else he broke. Because he jimmied some wires, I had it towed into hm a few weeks later. Again he said it was fixed. This time the car didn't start when I went to pick it up. Bob was there and twiddled with it and BLEW up my battery !
Bring it to him for one problem and I wind up with FIVE more. YES - it is an old car. NO I will not junk it and BUY A CAR from him as he suggested ! Brought it back and forth a few times as he was the one tweaking with it ! NEVER AGAIN ! Was nickled and dimed !
Found an HONEST mechanic in Richmond who re-did what Bob WROTE he did and the second mechanic even gave me a warranty. Not that I've needed it as my car now runs fine !
STAY CLEAR ! Cost me a fortune in small amounts, not to mention cab fares and lost work. Time is money !

Karen H.

Source: YELP

05/01/2015

Bob the owner was really helpful and spend a lot of time educate me about how things works in a car. I would recommend him to my friend in the future for sure. Thank you again ! My car is running smooth again

Dunk A.

Source: YELP

10/10/2013

The most AWFUL EXPERIENCE I've ever had! BOB REINHEIMER Is a THIEF & Karma is a Bitch!
If you really need a great mechanic- go to Yamato Auto- they are honest & reasonably priced

Tambo T.

Source: YELP

25/08/2012

This review for Bob's shop is long overdue, but I'll try to make up for it. If you are a test-only kind of guy or gal, and you fail smog, and you live in San Francisco, you really should take your car to Bob.
Two years ago, I failed my emissions test for my 1992 Isuzu pickup (shocker, I know) and I found his Gold Shield station on Yelp. Bob discovered a ginormous hole in my catalytic converter and gave me a new one plus a few other small repairs. He sent my results to the state and set things straight with Arnold. Bob gave me the emissions of a Prius and a righteous feeling from keeping my old beater out of the landfill.
This year, I passed my emissions (take that, Jerry Brown!) but I failed my visual inspection. I came back to Bob and he made the repairs easily and quickly.
If I didn't have long-time loyalty to my other kick-ass mechanic here in San Francisco (Robert Kim of Action Auto) I would go to Bob for all of my repairs. He is a full-service mechanic, not just for smog failures (my lot in life). He throws in a free seminar on your damaged parts, the repairs, and the science and engineering of car mechanics while you pay your bill. He is a gem.

Alissa P.

Source: YELP

21/11/2013

Recently brought my car in to have a tire replaced. Bob and his staff were extremely professional, courteous and knowledgable. Unsure of the negative reviews posted here as I didn't experience anything negative during my visit.

Howard S.

Source: YELP

14/09/2011

I didn't get a good feeling at all from this place. It wasn't until after I had signed a form that wasn't explained to me, that I thought to ask how much it would cost to get a diagnosis of my engine noise. $216.00 was the figure. I don't know when that amount was going to come up in conversation until I asked. Maybe it wasn't going to come up in conversation until I came back to pick up my car and I owed that much. I don't think I've ever been charged for a diagnosis. Maybe I've been lucky.
Additionally, I was trying to explain how I've taken car of my car over the past few years (which, I fully admit, isn't very well) and everything I said was contradicted and I was told how wrong I'd been and how wrong my dad's advice had been. The owner told me he is an expert with automobiles; I guess I feel like if you're that much of an expert, you don't have to say it out loud, just help me with my car and stop trying to prove you are an expert by telling me how everything I've ever done to my car was wrong. I felt like the whole energy here was smarmy and secretive, like there is a Masonic brotherhood of car care that regular people aren't allow to be part of.
I am going to take a day off work to go back to my old mechanic in San Mateo who diagnoses my car problems for free and charges me only after he fixes something... and who just listens to me describe the problem I'm experiencing without trying to prove his knowledge by interrupting me every time I give the wrong answer.
Sorry Bob. I wanted you to be my new mechanic, I really did. In Bob's defense, this was my first visit, and he didn't have my car's maintenance history; maybe that's why he contradicted everything I said. Also, I'm so used to trusting my old mechanic with my car that I just wanted to hand over the keys and leave, so maybe I wasn't as mentally engaged as I could have been in the conversation about my car's history. I could have forgiven all...if the diagnosis wasn't going to cost that much.
One more thing that is a personal pet peeve...the smell of cigarette smoke in this facility is overpowering. It was really unpleasant to be in the office for even 5 minutes. That doesn't have anything to do with the 2 star rating though...it was just an added bonus of negativity.

Janie A.

Source: YELP

29/07/2014

I'm upgrading from one star because I think I remember a VW guy saying they couldn't admit to working on aftermarket equipment, but might do something. The paperwork said nothing and I should have grilled them some more before walking away and giving this business a bad rating. About the hulks: I got a phone call from Bob who told me the cars are significant works in progress.

Bill R.

Source: YELP

21/02/2013

Finally, an honest mechanic!
I was having trouble getting my car smogged, feeling overwhelmed with the outrageous estimates and blase attitudes about the other mechanics I had seen. The whole process was arduous and I had been advised to chuck it and just get a new car, which is still expensive and a lot of work.
I found Bob through Yelp and so glad I did. In one day, he discovered the actual problem, fixed it, and smogged it for less than HALF of what the previous mechanics I'd taken it to said it would cost.
If that weren't enough, he takes the time explain the mechanics of what he did in a way I could actually understand.
I will be back if and when my car needs any more work and would definitely recommend him to any of my friends.
Thank you for legalizing me :)

Molly R.

Source: YELP

27/09/2010

You won't have to ask Bob to explain things about your car that you don't understand.... He will ALWAYS take the time needed in order to make sure you understand the mechanics of your car.
Similar to free legal advice, just say yes.

Gracie L.

Source: YELP

15/02/2010

Bob is the classic mechanic type you see in TV shows and movies. He is extremely fun to talk to and you can learn a lot from him while you are in his office. The best part is that his work and service are excellent!
Car trouble sucks, but Bob makes it as pleasant and inexpensive as only a good mechanic can.

erik e.

Source: YELP

04/12/2011

I've been using Yelp since it first came out but I haven't written a review until now. It took going to Bob's b/c I want people to know he's the man to see to have your car fixed. I've been going to other mechanics in the East Bay and on the Peninsula for years but I've never been to happy with any of them. Recently, my car failed a smog check and the mechanic I was using in Palo Alto gave me all the wrong advice and I just got sick of it. My wife took our car to Bob and he quickly figured out what was wrong the car and fixed it so I could pass my smog check immediately. Bob's great and I'm going to him from now on. I highly recommend him.

Kul W.

Source: YELP

14/02/2011

Twenty-some-odd years ago, I took my beloved 1960 Dodge to Bob, checkbook and heart in hand, to have my engine rebuilt. Pretty much every mechanic I'd ever taken it to said my engine needed to be rebuilt, so I'd been saving my pennies for years.
Bob looked at me and said, "well, kid, if you've got your heart set on a rebuild, I'll do it for you, but all you really need is about $60 worth of parts and a few hours of labor." I can't guarantee you'll get that kind of good news, but I can promise you absolute integrity and an encyclopedian knowledge of cars.
I've been taking my cars to the gentlemen at Richmond Auto ever since, and about the only downside is that they are so much fun to talk to I often end up staying longer than I should :)

Bryndis T.

Source: YELP

13/01/2011

Found Mr Reinheimer through the Consumer Assistance Program after my car failed smog. He had the best reviews on yelp so I decided to make an appoinment to have him service my old school cutlass supreme. He got all the repairs done in half a day and was able to have my car pass smog! He knew exactly where the problem was and it was pretty much hassle free. I had another shop tell me that I was going to have to spend over $1000 in parts alone! He managed to resolve the smog issue for half the price (parts and labor)! He even showed me the parts that he fixed and explained why the car was having problems. Hands down, Mr Reinheimer is the man. I also appreciate the fact that he loves Corvettes. I'm a chevy muscle car guy myself. Highly reccommend his shop for your cars repair needs.

Skraper D.

Source: YELP

23/09/2009

Bob is a fantastic, honest mechanic. Instead of buying a new part (like other places wanted to do) he fixed the original part. That's the kind of guy you want to work with - one that's on your side and will try to help you save money.

nicole h.

Source: YELP

25/01/2012

This place is awesome and so is Bob (the owner). I came to this place to get a second opinion on an estimate from another shop, who were quoting me $2,000 for struts and a new tire rod that I didn't even need. Bob took the time to explain how the parts in question wear out normally and under what circumstances. He also explained, after a thorough inspection, that the first shop (who I will not name in this review for the sake of integrity) were basically full of shit and trying to take me for a ride as I expected. A few hours later, I arrived at the shop and paid less than a quarter of what the first shop quoted me. Out of curiosity I then asked Bob about clutches since I had never had mine replaced in the 7 years I've owned the vehicle, and he decided to take the time to drive around with me around the block a few times to watch how I shifted and handled the clutch and offered very sound advice for changing my methods for prolonging the life of my transmission. Bob is a very honest and knowledgeable mechanic and I would very much recommend this place to anybody who needs auto repair service. I will definitely be coming back, but hopefully not too soon. :)

Adam K.

Source: YELP

10/02/2010

My 26 year old daughter was upset - the car wouldn't start and she was late for work. I searched for a car repair near her and found. Bob Reinheimer's Richmond Auto Repair with wonderful ratings on Yelp. He was closed on Saturday but I took a stab and wrote the following email:
My daughter is living in San Francisco and we gave her her grandfather's Ford Focus when he couldn't drive anymore. She called me today and it sounds like the battery is dead. Trouble opening door lock and clicking when she turns the ignition. The car has to be moved for Monday street cleaning so I guess I'll have her call the Auto Club and have them install a new battery although I know that there have been complaints about overcharging.
At 5 PM that night, I received a call on my cell phone. "This is Bob. I just got in and checked my email. Don't have the auto club put in a battery - it could be something else. Have them tow it and leave it across the street and put the keys under my door."
Bob managed to find the issue. An after market shut off switch that had been installed as a theft deterrent had been wired into the system so it was bleeding the system. He had to take off the dash to figure this out. He called me and my daughter at every step of the way and explained it thoroughly.
Electrical problems are notoriously difficult to fix and there are other reviews on yelp about people who went to multiple mechanics before Bob found the issue. We were fortunate that it was identified early.
And who calls on a Saturday night to someone they never met? Bob is concerned about his customers and also concerned about getting it right. He is knowledgeable about cars and obviously enjoys what he does. He makes sure you know what is going on with your car. This guy is the real deal - a throwback to when people owned their own businesses and really cared. It was a great feeling to know my daughter was going to be taken care of when I couldn't be there.

Gil S.

Source: YELP

14/10/2011

Bob is the best mechanic I've ever known. He has utmost integrity and honesty, vast experience, and never fails to explain and account for any and all work. I've been coming for over ten years and would never go anywhere else. He has proved equally adept at keeping first an old car and now a new car running perfectly at minimal expense. I cannot recommend Bob and his Richmond Auto Repair highly enough. And I always notice something new and interesting with the decor every time I'm in his office!

Larry B.

Source: YELP

02/07/2009

my family has been bringing cars to Bob at Richmond Auto since 1985. that's a long time. when I was away at college, I would call him whenever I had a problem with my car; he'd do some diagnosing over the phone, and arm me with some knowledge as I ventured into the scary outside world of car repair. that's service.
Bob and his team are fair, honest, efficient, and have several fun loaners, should you need a car while you wait ...
as an added plus, conversations with Bob are also quite illuminating. he's a car enthusiast, a pilot, and a stellar mechanic. high recommendations, with 24 years of direct experience.

Rachel W.

Source: YELP

22/08/2009

Bob Reinheimer's been a lifesaver.
My battery on my 2000 Mazda kept dying and it was becoming a huge problem dealing with a car that I couldn't move from it's spot. New to the city, I called around, no one could see me any sooner than half a week or MUCH more. Stumbled upon Richmond Auto on Google maps at random & Bob said to bring the car right in that day. After hearing my car's symptoms, instead of assuming it was the battery or the alternator like a few others had, he suspected a slow drain on the battery. He checked the breakers and figured out my busted cd player was trying to work and draining it overnight, a pretty rare instance and he was right on. Rewired the radio through my key-ignition switch, very cheap solution.
The other day my air conditioner failed causing noises, etc. Once again he pretty much guessed that the compressor was busted and wearing out the drive belt, checked it and was right on. He gave me the option of replacing the costly AC compressor or bypassing the part altogether, all along making the pros and cons really clear, saved me a lot of money. A friend of mine with the exact same problem had been screwed at about 4 different places before any of them ever figured out her AC compressor went out.
Bob's really straight up and honest. He makes sure you understand the problem thoroughly so you can make an educated decision about the options he provides. Both times he got out a paper and was drawing out little diagrams to explain what he was doing. He's discussed my car problems in the short term as well as the long. Always sees me the same day. I'm glad I'll never have to mess around looking for a mechanic who knows his stuff and has my best interests in mind simply cos it's good business.

Patrick R.

Source: YELP

16/06/2010

I've been going to Bob Reinheimer at Richmond Auto Repair for eight years now and I have complete trust in his competence. He has always helped me out, been totally accommodating and generous and has shared loads of his knowledge and experience about cars with me. I feel good having Bob and his staff as my mechanics!

Laurie T.

Source: YELP

17/05/2009

Had a flat tire and drove to the Mission to see if I could find a good place to get it fixed. Bob waved me right in with the promise that he'd have my tire repaired and get me on my way in no time. He was right - they fixed it quickly and at a good price. Furthermore, after fixing it, he made sure to check the air pressure in all of my tires and help me find a solution to an error message I was getting on my Prius. If I ever have another problem this is where I'll go!

Rebecca K.

Source: YELP

08/05/2010

I had never heard of nor had I visited, this auto shop before yesterday, when I ended up there by chance. Bob (the owner) struck me as being extremely knowledgable, helpful, honest - and I got a great deal!! I was prepared to buy 2 new tires, but instead of pushing the sale, Bob repaired both leaky tires in under an hour for far less than I've paid elsewhere. I will definately be bringing my car back here next time it needs something done.
Its been hard for me to find an auto mechanic that doesn't charge A LOT more than I'd like to pay, but I feel like this place is a steal. And they know what they're doing! I've spent much more money at larger chain shops thinking that at least the work would be done right, but I'm here to tell you, Bob noticed and corrected the other shop's errors for a fraction of the price. Highly recommend!!

Erin M.

Source: YELP

15/10/2011

My wife and I are very happy with the work Bob did on our car. We brought it in late on a Thursday and he said he could get it done by about 1 pm on the next day. And that's precisely when he finished it! The price was fair and he explained EVERYTHING! A good mechanic is hard to find...but we've found one in Bob! We recommend him highly! He has years of experience and you can tell honesty and integrity are important to him. So if you are looking for a fair and honest mechanic who will fix your car the right way...look no further!

Mike B.

Source: YELP

14/05/2011

I found Bob after looking extensively for someone to help me out with my 1970 Ford Bronco. He is full of great stories and has an extensive knowledge of vehicles like no one I have ever met. These days it's hard to come by a mechanic who knows their way around a carburetor. He is honest, fair, and straightforward. What more could you ask for?

Allen C.

Source: YELP

23/07/2008

Bob Reinheimer owns the shop and does much of the work himself. He's a great mechanic and is a very honest and fair person. I've heard that he even has a loaner car if you need one while he's fixing yours.

Dana B.

Source: YELP

11/11/2010

In the world of customer service, Bob Reinheimer is, well, from a more advanced planet. Never have I met a business owner who understands the consumer perspective so deeply, or who is so attentive to his customers that he is not just willing but also happy to take his own time to explain the science of his service/good. If you're not interested in solving your problem and learning something from it, then this is not the guy for you.
My story: my jalopy could not pass a smog check and I subsequently dragged myself through the annals of car owner hell. I used up nearly half of my sick time and several weeks' worth of lunch hours to bring my car to several Gold Shield Smog Technicians, a Californa-certified smog referee and also my dealer (thrice), none of whom could avail me of any quality diagnosis or detailed explanation of my car's problems. I had been on the phone with the Bureau of Automotive repair in Sacramento and had filed complaints with my local assemblyman and state senator (at the advice of the Bureau). Even when I met or spoke with officially-designated experts on the subject or laws, they seemed quick to shrug their shoulders and shoo me away.
Not so with Bob. I left my car with him and received an update on his progress halfway through my shift. When I went to pick up my car at the end of the workday--which was also the end of his workday--he took his own hour and half to run through the atoms and quarks of catalytic converters and their role in splitting unburnt hydrocarbon particles into molecules that were not so harmful to the environment. Bob drew diagrams, made analogies, hooked the car up to his diagnostic instruments (the functions of which he ALSO explained to me) just so I could have a full understanding of the matter at hand, and all the while, he made sure I could keep up with the science. I honestly feel like I could teach a class about emissions and am even considering studying green tech now that my intellectual curiosity has been piqued. I haven't experienced such intensive education since college, and Bob didn't even make me pay for the lesson.
But the service didn't end there--Bob also endowed me with a knowledge of federal and state warranties on the affected parts of my car. Not surprisingly, the dealer did not tell me about these warranties, but I would have at least expected the regulators up in Sacramento to be abreast and expressive about this stuff, but Bob was the only one who bothered to tell me about these consumer protections. He took the time to go through my history of maintenance and was able to pick out payments for repairs I had made in the past that I should have never have had to make. As a result, I am in good standing to ask the manufacturer to incur the costs of repair for what was very much their oversight--or unethical business practice, take your pick--because I am now armed with a knowledge of both federal emissions warranties and vehicular emissions control systems.
I am only beginning to make my case with the dealer, but if I had not taken my car to Bob, I would have never known that I even had a case, and might have driven the car into the Bay, but for the grace of god. What a shockingly attentive, fun, pedagogical and thoughtful owner--truly, from out of this world.

Michael S.

Source: YELP

05/04/2008

These are the guys to go to for a smog check or routine maintainence.
They are very knowledgable and easy to work with.
Plus the shop is a classic: dusty, messy and packed with old cars and full of heart. Bob and his team seem to love what they do and they are good at it!
Before chosing Bob's shop,I called several smog services. Bob was the only one who explained my options under the Cal state car retirement program - very good thing to know about...
So next time you are looking for a good mechanic- ck out Richmond and ask for Bob.
.

kathy f.

Source: YELP

17/11/2008

I went there for a smog check. He was very thorough and explained to me every detail of how the smog check system works in California. Such details are probably TMI for most people but I found them interesting. He seemed very honest and upfront, and I'm looking forward to using him for car repairs in the future.

Matthew K.

Source: YELP

06/04/2010

i had my car smog checked, smog fixed and some other work done -- this place is great and Bob is great. i recommend!!!

M B.

Source: YELP

15/12/2015

Bob will inform you exactly what is your car issue is...Always upfront and reliable!

Dora Scott

Source: GPLAC

31/07/2007

Five stars. Bob has a bizillion years in the biz, and his knowledge of cars is encyclopedic. He is a heck of a nice guy, and I trust him with my car on all matters. He is a little more expensive, but I know he stands by his work and does the best job possible. The piece of mind I get from him is worth a few extra bucks. I bring my car to him for everything now--even a simple oil change is too important to be trusted to anyone else.

A Google User

Source: GPLAC