Mike and Matt are both very knowledgable and professional!
Best shop Ive used - honest, up front, communicative, easy to schedule, and saved me a lot of money on a pre-purchase inspection. Highly recommend.
Mike at Valley Wagonwerks has serviced our 2003 Eurovan for years, and we love what he’s helped us do. In addition to regular things like oil changes and replacing tires, he helped us with the timing chain replacement ($ but needed) and put an exterior electric outlet onto our van so when camping we ca plug in (this is the Weekender, not the camper) directly rather than have to bring a shore-line extension cord through a cracked window. Also, I wanted the rear-facing seat to be safer than the simple lap belt, so he ordered and installed a regular 3-part harness belt. The shop itself always has older and cool VWs to admire, kinda like a curio shop.
Mike is very knowledgeable and friendly.Looks at ways that he can save you money.And is always upfront and truthful about what your vehicle needs.Not too many good quality honest mechanics when it comes to Westies....but this guy I dare say is as good or better than buslab.If you are looking for a good westfalia / vanagon mechanic in the Bay Area. He is for sure top or maybe top 2 or 3.
Good compitant people. Sometimes slow to communicate but times are strange..very honest and through.
Valley Wagonworks is the very best shop in town for keeping your VW running in peak form. Mechanic Michael just installed a rebuilt engine in my 1982 van and it is running awesome! A joy to drive. Michael also makes sacrifices to keep his customers happy. Last weekend I showed up to find Michael not feeling well. He attended to my vehicle without hesitation and even gave me a complimentary oil change. Thank you Valley Wagonworks!!
Lets face it, old Vanagons can be challenging. Mike at Valley Wagonworks is honest, experienced and fair. Unlike other shops, he doesnt try to sell you fixes that wont work or that you dont need. His prices are very fair. And he stands behind his work. Cant ask for more.
My experience with Michael was very positive. He put in extra work to deal with some of the issues like seats and windows and his charges were very fair given the time it took. My feeling is he really cares about these wonderful vehicles and about the customer, and takes a lot of professional pride in his work, which I like to see in any line of work. All in all, a good experience. Update: I have been to Mike many times since this first review. And he has continued to deserve even more positive reviews. Mike is amazing at diagnosing and fixing Eurovan issues. Although owning one of these vehicles is not cheap, Mike’s bills are very fair given the nature of the work that is needed — I truly believe he offers good value, because he does things right and also efficiently. All in all, he is great.
The best. Ive taken my 88 Westfalia to many shops closer to where I live but once I went to Valley Wagonworks Ive never strayed. They put in my new engine and did many upgrades and repairs. Work is excellent, prices are very fair. Couldnt imagine letting anyone else work on my Westy. You will not be disappointed with the quality of work.
Good service. It was better when my dad owned it. Just my opinion.
My van has found its home at Valley Wagonworks and Michael is the van whisperer. As Vanagon owners know, most of the pieces of my car are a ticking time bomb. Michaels 26 years of working in VW buses shows in his deep understanding and ability to troubleshoot any issue Ive ever had. Knowledge and excellence of service aside however, its his thoughtful, pragmatic approach that sets him apart from any other mechanic Ive ever worked with. He understands what to replace when and why, and also what might not be worth the money but worth keeping an eye on. Hes kept me on the road and ready for adventures but always with sensitivity to my budget so I feel knowledgeable and in control of parts, fixes and decisions. Hes the best!
Great guy, expert or should I say master in the vw arts! Went to one mechanic elsewhere in the bay... explained a problem I was having, my van was losing power on highway and then power would come back almost immediately.. they cost me $150, no fix. I went to valley wagon works and explained my vans problem. It ended up being the ecu. He plugged one in that worked at the shop and said drive it around and see if this does the trick. Problem solved just like that! My cost $0. After that, always swear by him! Thank you!!!
Avoid this shop like the plague. The initial welcome is warm but in the end I spent thousands repairing the damage done at this shop. Other shops charge more money but you will get the service you are looking for.
I recently moved to the bay and brought my van here. I thought it would be a great shop based on other reviews. I was mistaken. I got overcharged and the work still wasnt done correctly!
The best Vanagon shop in the entire Bay Area. The owner is a a great professional and a really honest man.
Michael is a whiz with Eurovans. He is meticulous and skilled. He loves what he does and he does it very well.
Awesome experience, hospitality, a wealth of education on my 73 Westy JoJo . You found and sealed the tank..and I am most grateful for that:))a vintage museum to dream...and an area that was really beautiful to explore...super nice peeps in your community:))
I broke down near Pauls shop on my way back to Canada and Im glad my Westfalia chose that spot to blow a clutch. Paul and Coby fit me in right away and spent a couple of days helping me out with a new alternator and hoses to make sure I had no more problems on my long journey. They let me and my dog hang out and taught me so much about the van, as I am a new Westy owner. They gave me tips on where to camp on my way back up, let me use the shop shower, in short, amazing place and people.I hope my next breakdown is in San Rafael!
Paul is a master VW mechanic, who has helped our vanagon outlast all expectations. He knows VWs like no one else in Marin. We trust him 100% and recommend him highly. Coby is also a great mechanic he happily answers our questions and educates us about our van. m They make a great team! Love you guys and a big bow of thanks Elizabeth & Chris
Paul is a Sensei for VW Westies and Vans. No one touches my 2003 Westy except Paul, he will find and fix things you didnt know you needed and you are always stoked at payment time. Classic Deadhead and great vibes!
This is the place to go to get your VW wagon fixed!
Best VW garage in the Bay!
If you have a VW van this is the place