Family owned and operated complete auto repair facility serving the Alameda, CA area.Family owned and operated complete auto repair facility serving the Alameda, CA area.
When a shop I've been going to for 30 years told me they don't work on 1st gen Toyota Tacoma pickups, they sent me Fred's. I had just purchased this 1999 pickup and had used Firestone's $10 diagnostic service beforehand to make sure it was worth the price. They handed me an estimate for $1500 in repairs- would have been more but I was sceptical a timing belt with 60,000 miles really needed to be included. Fred's diagnostic fee was $170, so I new it was legit and not just a sales gimmick.
They disagreed with Firestone's bid to get me to replace the shocks and struts, and came in about $200 lower on the estimate to replace all the belts. But the kicker was they had thought a ball joint boot was cracked and estimated it would be $300. I approved the estimate, only to receive a call from Sean a few hours later. Turned out their assessment was based on the fact that when they lubricated it (pretty cool their diagnostic includes some service btw!) some lubricating grease leaked. But when they inspected the replacement part, they realized that is how the boots are designed- they have an overflow release valve. So no need to replace the boot.
Obviously, they could have replaced it and I would have none the wiser. Looks like a found be another shop I can be a long time customer with.
Service is reasonably priced as they shop to find the best price for needed parts. I trust their honesty as they have never tried to sell unneeded services.
My car needed a basic road check before a long driving trip. They found some unexpected problems. They weren’t sure if they could get them all done today. In fact they got everything done today and even a couple hour before closing. I’ve been bringing my cars here for 30 years. I love these guys!
Took in vehicle on short notice. Quickly worked on obtaining needed parts and getting the car back in service.
SK
Sanket K.
Alameda, CA
06/27/2025
10
Regular customer for routine maintenances
I have been going to Fred’s Wrenchhouse for about 2 years now for routine maintenance on my Toyota 4Runner. They had been thorough with their work every-time while keeping the costs reasonable. They’re friendly and professional and I highly recommend them.
Catalytic converter protector placed. Very timely and helpful.
We are new to area from out of state. We dropped by to get help with placing the license plates, and followed up today to have a catalytic converter protector plate placed. Everyone was super nice and helpful. The service was completed quickly. Thanks for a great experience. Looking forward to continuing to do business here!
Have taken all my cars to Fred for years. Wouldn't go anywhere else. I trust them. And thats worth a lot in the car industry. Honest, efficient and reasonable.
Brian said the visit was great, they were very flexible letting him come in without an appointment, they were thorough in diagnosing the problem and he was happy to get that service.
I called in with a flat tire and then brought car in right away and in a few hours on the same day, the tire was repaired. The manager is so efficient and pleasant. Price was good too.
I use Fred’s for everything for our two Priuses and we are always pleased.
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They disagreed with Firestone's bid to get me to replace the shocks and struts, and came in about $200 lower on the estimate to replace all the belts. But the kicker was they had thought a ball joint boot was cracked and estimated it would be $300. I approved the estimate, only to receive a call from Sean a few hours later. Turned out their assessment was based on the fact that when they lubricated it (pretty cool their diagnostic includes some service btw!) some lubricating grease leaked. But when they inspected the replacement part, they realized that is how the boots are designed- they have an overflow release valve. So no need to replace the boot.
Obviously, they could have replaced it and I would have none the wiser. Looks like a found be another shop I can be a long time customer with.