How to find a good shop?

You can lookup reviews on Yelp. Also check with friends, neighbors, co-workers because they all must cars that need to be repaired.

Thanks. I tried that method for my other car (a Miata) and had disastrous results. Many of the reviews I read were either fake or were written by people who don't have any idea about car repair. I found an outstanding Miata specialist by posting on the Miata forums, so I thought I would try something similar with the Rav4.

Esmerda said:

Thanks. I tried that method for my other car (a Miata) and had disastrous results. Many of the reviews I read were either fake or were written by people who don't have any idea about car repair. I found an outstanding Miata specialist by posting on the Miata forums, so I thought I would try something similar with the Rav4.

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I had some good luck using Yelp. Use it as a guide not based entirely on reviews. I screen the shop by first talking to them over the phone. If they sound unfriendly and not helpful I would not go to them. Also those that don't even give quotes over the phone are definitely ones that are hiding things. If you know the price of a specific repair see what they say. You can also scout the shop and see what type of cars they fix. If a shop knows alot about fixing RAV4 they should be able to fix things quicker. This is due to them fixing many RAV4 and know all the tricks in taking things apart and putting things back in the fastest time.

Esmerda said:

Hi, I'm moving to the Bay Area (Silicon Valley - Palo Alto area) and am looking for a reliable shop that knows a lot about Rav4's. Does anyone here have any suggestions?

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If you don't mind traveling to Berkeley, Nates Green Garage is the only place I take my Rav4 to. Nate is not only a great mechanic he uis also a very honest man. I've been going to him for several years. I believe he is also Toyota certified. Best to call early morning. He is worth the drive. I used to live up in the mountains of Northern California and would drive the 2 hours to his shop. Luckily now I live only 15 min. He does have website. Check him out, I guarantee you will glad you did. Also reasonable priced.

Heide said:

If you don't mind traveling to Berkeley, Nates Green Garage is the only place I take my Rav4 to. Nate is not only a great mechanic he uis also a very honest man. I've been going to him for several years. I believe he is also Toyota certified. Best to call early morning. He is worth the drive. I used to live up in the mountains of Northern California and would drive the 2 hours to his shop. Luckily now I live only 15 min. He does have website. Check him out, I guarantee you will glad you did. Also reasonable priced.

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Thanks! I'll be sure to check him out.