When looking for a used car you can never be too careful when making your investment. The quality of a used vehicle can vary immensely depending on the vehicles history and previous owner(s). Many used cars are sold that have not been properly maintained or regularly serviced passing on what can be considerable burdens to their new owners.

We commonly see between $1,000 - $15,000 in needed repair or deferred maintenance during inspections of vehicles sold in the $8k-$30k range with 15k to 95k miles. Not taking into account the covered up accidents and sub standard body and mechanic work- buying a used car can be quite a daunting task.

That is not to say that there aren’t great deals and wonderful used cars out there- you only need to know the forest from the trees...

To help give you a fighting chance AutoBrains developed a rigorous pre-purchase inspection program which involves a comprehensive bumper to bumper inspection with drive test and underbody inspection. We also offer options such as: Engine/Chassis computer systems scanning, CarFax vehicle history report, smog history report, and engine integrity testing & emissions testing. Inspections can take between 1 hour and two days depending on the extent of inspection requested.

We routinely check for many things- including but by no means limited to: Fluid Condition & Leaks, Previous Body & Frame Repair, Wheel bearing / Steering / Axle Shaft free play, Brake discs/drums and friction materials, suspension & tire condition, Engine / Clutch / Transmission, and maintenance requirements for the future. When we check out a used vehicle it is easy to determine whether or not the previous owner had maintained it and how and where it was serviced.

You can request a quote & appointment for a pre purchase inspection online or via phone or email.

Vehicle not starting?

‘Check Engine’ or ‘Service Engine Soon’ light on?

Oil Leaks / overheating / electrical problems?

Whatever your car’s issue- our full service shop is here to help. Our complete car care facility offers so much more than most “Garages”. We do this specifically to make it easy for our customers to get everything taken care at one location and time, saving you time and money by offering a complete range of services.

We perform repair and body work and can estimate for insurance & warranty companies and are fully licensed and insured.

AutoBrains is unique in that it is a “one stop shop” and the only one of its kind in the San Francisco East Bay for automotive service and repair on Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche, Land Rover, Maserati, Mini Cooper, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Volvo.

A sampler from our truly Full Service Menu:

• Advanced Diagnosis & Troubleshooting
• Factory Scheduled Maintenance
• Fluid & Filter Changes
• Oil Leaks, Gaskets & Seals,
• Tune Up & Timing Belt Service
• Clutch & Transmission Repair / Rebuild
• Automatic Transmission / All Wheel Drive Systems
• Radiator & Cooling System Service
• Moonroof & Sunroof Repair
• Check Engine Light / ABS Light / SRS Light
• Electrical Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
• Brakes, Suspension, Steering, & Alignment
• Smog Check Testing and Repair
• Exhaust & Catalytic Converter / Emissions Control
• Body / Paint / Collision
• Convertible Top Replacement / Installation
• Protection and Privacy Film for Head and Taillights, Windows and Paint
• Headlight Lens Refinishing (to rescue those ghastly yellowed plastic headlights)
• Stereo and Navigation Upgrade / Installation
• Windshield, Window, & Glass Repair / Replacement
• Professional Detailing: Shampoo, Leather Treatment, Scratch Removal, etc.

For more information fill out our request form online or contact a service writer directly via e-mail or telephone.

We strive to provide the best service and diligent maintenance for your vehicle based on the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule and parts requirements. When choosing to have your European car serviced by an independent repair shop it is important to know that the mechanics you hire know the importance of both factory scheduled service & OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) parts for the continued proper function of your car (and to not invalidate your warranty).

We exclusively use OEM parts to ensure the correct fit, function, and longevity of your repair / maintenance. All of our parts carry at least a 12mo/12k mile warranty (the same as the dealership) many parts we sell carry a 2yr, 5yr, or lifetime warranty (unlike the dealership).

If your factory service plan is expiring soon, you’re looking to save money, or find dealership experiences frustrating; our friendly car loving experts are here to help make your service & repair experience as easy as possible.

We offer honest service, guaranteed workmanship, wholesale rental car rates, secure pickup & drop off 24/7 (by appointment), local shuttle service, BART pickup & drop off, and same day service (by appointment).

Service excellence is our standard, and we uphold it with every job that we do. Our service and repair consultations are free of charge. You may request an appointment through our website as well as request a quote for services by submitting an online request. You may also contact a service writer via phone or email to schedule an appointment. Whatever your car needs- we’re here to help.