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Alvin's Auto Center

5

4

3

2

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4.9
(313 reviews)
Review highlights

"I had researched best shops to take my Hyundai to in SJ and came across Alvins. They took care of all my issues and were fairly priced. The communication was definitely …"

"Fast service, friendly staff and the service part should be capitalized."

"The service was quick, at very good price, with excellent communication."


Overview

Categories

Auto repair shop


Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

Closed


Description

Alvin's Auto Center is a family-owned and operated full-service auto repair shop in San Jose, California. Whether your vehicle needs a minor service, oil change, or factory recommended maintenance, or complex diagnostics, check engine light repair or major engine repairs, our technicians will take good care of your car. We offer value, honest service, and we run a clean and family friendly shop - give us a call today!


Services
GMC Repair
Transmission
Inspection/Diagnostics Lights
Fuel Injectors
A/C Compressor
Fuel System
Repairing Your Vehicle
Ford F-150 Service and Repair
Auto brake replacement
Auto Heating Repair
Volkswagen Service and Repair
Repair And Replacement
Radiator Leak Testing
General repairs & maintenance
Models We Service
Electrical repair
A/C System
Jeep Repair
Dodge Service and Repair
Cooling System / Radiators
Alternator Replacement
Tires
Cadillac Service and Repair
A/C installation & repair
Coolant Leak Repair
Engine repair
Vehicle Inspection
Catalytic Converter Shield
Auto Pre Purchase Inspection
Schedule Service
Leak Testing
Subaru Service and Repair
Steering System Repair
Auto engine tuning
Air & cabin filter replacement
Service Flushes
Computer Diagnostic
Honda Repair
Auto maintenance
Timing Belts
Vehicles Specials
A/C Recharge
Air conditioning
Local Towing
Fuel Pump
Kia Service and Repair
Car Workshop
Spark Plugs
Chevrolet Repair
Buick Service and Repair

Reviews (30)

Jan 30, 2025

Just had my Polestar 2 serviced for a brake fluid exchange and I'm ecstatic that I found a private shop with excellent reviews that is able to service Polestar vehicles. Per their statement, they can do around 85% of what is needed on the car including servicing the high voltage system, up to and including replacing cells. Parts will always be an issue but they can and have gone through dealerships to obtain what is needed. Also, they have a high voltage tech that has serviced other vehicles but hasn't done a polestar because they're all still under warranty. I'm so happy to have found Alvin's shop to give me options when I'm unable to make the trek to Polestar Palo Alto. It's so inconvenient that Volvo San Jose avoids Polestar. Thanks again, Alvin. Expect to see me in the future.


Jan 16, 2025

Did a good job in a timely manner at a good price.


Jan 16, 2025

Fast and friendly service- and very good at helping you evaluate your service options from a need vs. cost standpoint... with better rates than a dealership. Highly recommended!


Jan 06, 2025

Great service. Very honest and professional customer service. Highly recommend.


Jan 06, 2025

I went to Alvin's to get my oil changed and some issues diagnosed, Alvin's was recommended to me by a friend and it was a great recommendation! The staff were very detailed and knowledgeable, and the manager was able to describe all of their findings in detail to me!


Dec 06, 2024

Everyone was personable and professional!


Dec 06, 2024

I had a very pleasant experience with Alvin’s auto center. Michael was very nice and professional. The communication is excellent and they did a great job with my car.


Dec 06, 2024

I recently purchased a 2018 Lexus, and although low miles I wanted to have it serviced and not pay dealer price, so I went online. Alvin's had many good reviews, but closed on weekends, my days off from work. However, I was given veterans day off, so around noon I called Alvin's. I was told they are booked for the day and could i bring it in on Monday. I explained my situation and was told I'd get a call back in 15 if I can be squeezed in. I got a call from Anthony. Told me to be there by 3PM and he'll have a lift open to perform the service. Anthony was very proficient and efficient; AND, seeing I'm a veteran gave me a discount for veterans day. I highly recommend Alvin's on Lincoln in the Willow Glen district. Alvin's will be doing all my future needs on my Lexus.


Dec 06, 2024

I've been a loyal customer of Alvin's in Milpitas for over a decade, consistently impressed by their honest and dependable service. Recently, I had a special project for their San Jose location. My 2006 Honda S2000 had been sitting idle on a driveway for years. I decided to have it towed to Alvin's in San Jose to see if they could restore it to its former glory. Time wasn't a concern, as I wasn't in immediate need of the vehicle. Anthony and his team went above and beyond in their diagnosis and repair work. They performed a major tune-up, replacement of the wire harness and battery, installation of the convertible top, new tires, a thorough detailing, and a successful smog test. I'm thrilled with the results. The care and attention Anthony and his team put into reviving this sentimental car are truly appreciated. What's more, the final cost was lower than I had anticipated! Thanks to Alvin's, I once again have a fully functional S2000 that holds great personal value. Their exceptional service has not only restored my car but also reinforced my trust in their expertise.


Dec 06, 2024

My first repair at Alvin’s, thought I received an incredible service! Nice people, clean shop and my car was done in time for me to go to work the next day. I will return in the future, Alvin’s will be my repair shop!


Nov 06, 2024

Alvin's auto always does a great job at fair prices. They have kept my car well maintained for years and I'm so happy they have a more convenient San Jose location now.


Nov 06, 2024

From the front office staff, the mechanics and the work, it's always a great experience at Alvin's Auto Center.


Nov 06, 2024

Great service, friendly and fair pricing. Always a great experience.


Nov 06, 2024

This is the only place that I take my vehicle for any services needed since I moved to Cali 4 yrs ago. They overcharged $$$$ for services, and now my vehicle sounds horrible. I would never recommend services at this place.


Oct 06, 2024

Excellent communication and service. All the guys were friendly and up front with all the information on the cost and what they were going to do. No surprises, just professional service.


Oct 06, 2024

Fast service, friendly staff and the service part should be capitalized. Id defiantly recommend.


Oct 06, 2024

Professional and courteous service. Good advise. Reasonable prices. I’m very happy to have found Alvin’s.


Sep 06, 2024

I had high expectations because of the good reviews, but it was completely different from what I expected.


Aug 06, 2024

Good costumer service, thank you!


Aug 06, 2024

I've brought my 2002 Cadillac to Alvin's Willow Glen several times over the last few years for quite a few fixes. Finding a place to confidently work on a Northstar engine can be difficult. They have always been very professional, knowledgeable, and keep you up to date on their work progress if necessary. The pricing is what it is. I find it reasonable, especially considering I have always left there satisfied with the work. Their turn around time is great compared to other places. But I'm always patient with a good mechanic. Great central location. Glad I found this place (during covid). Been going back ever since.


Jul 06, 2024

Anthony and his team are top notch. Amazingly clean facility, super friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend Alvin's to anyone looking for a shop they can trust.


Jul 06, 2024

Beware of this place! Charged $200 for diagnostic test then said car needed $2500 worth of repairs! When I denied he charged another $200 for partial work! Paid $400 for a code printout


Jul 06, 2024

Brought my 2002 VW Eurovan in for an inspection and AC repair. The entire experience was outstanding. Tony, the manager, is knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and patient, and the team prepared my vehicle for a fun, safe, camping trip, with sn air-conditioned drive! Wholeheartedly recommend Alvin’s.


Jun 06, 2024

I had some issues with my 2011 Mini for quite some time, brought it to Alvin’s based on previous ratings and customers experience. Wow am I grateful! Now I will be returning to Alvin’s if there are any concerns at a time in the future with my vehicle. I wasnt able to bring the vehicle in during normal business hours but they graciously helped make sure that I could get it there. Mike at Alvin’s informed me every step of the way, allowed me to stay in touch via text and provided hassle free communications and invoicing. The techs here at Alvin’s know what they are doing and I am forever grateful that they were able to get my car back up and running in great condition and I can finally drive in a relaxed state again. Thank you to the team at Alvin’s for reliving the stress and providing stellar service. Highly highly recommend Alvin’s auto in Willow Glen.


Jun 06, 2024

I was referred here by two of my coworkers. Alvin's seems like an honest shop with great service - thank you once again for helping me with my car! I will be back.


May 06, 2024

Alvin’s Auto Center Recently my car’s air conditioning stopped working. I went to my long time mechanic in San Carlos and he told me that my compressor wasn’t working, that it would take him two days to replace the compressor and it would cost me approximately $ 1,300 to $ 1,400. Since I use my car for work, I decided to call Alvin’s Auto Center in Willow Glen and get a second opinion. I spoke with their service advisor, Michael, who is a very kind person and graciously listened to my story. Michael also explained that they’d need to do their own diagnostic test on my car’s AC and, if it was the compressor, they could finish my car in one day if I arrived at their shop early in the morning. Thank goodness I went to Alvin’s Auto Center! They checked my AC and I learned that my compressor was okay - the issue was a relay - a part that cost approximately $ 28.00. Alvin’s Auto Center saved me over $ 1,000! I appreciated their honesty and quality work. I will definitely be going back to them to work on my car in the future.


May 06, 2024

Efficient and great overall value. The team takes the time to explain everything and does a thorough job.


May 06, 2024

Really good customer service and comprehensive inspection. Super pleased with my experience.


May 06, 2024

What a fantastic find!! Michael and Tony have the utmost job at hand and that is taking care of their customers and treating them right. I came in for front brakes and rotors and left feeling well taken care of. They even took care of some things that my dealership for some reason didn’t take care of. If you are in need of any mechanical fixes, this is the place to go: friendly, professional employees, reasonable prices and upfront, trusted work.


May 06, 2024

everything was done quickly and efficiently. thank you very much guys. I highly recommend it to everyone and will definitely return to this auto service