Barber’s Shop Automotive

My transmission fluid was leaking, I took it in and they took care of me took a few hours I just walked around downtown when it was time to pick it up, they explained why it happened and how they fixed it. My check engine light was also on that they also checked out. And gave me a paper of everything that was wrong and an estimate on how much everything would cost to fix it including his labor simply amazing service I now have my go to guys.

This place is where it’s at! I’ve never been to an auto shop that I felt so confident and comfortable with the guys working there. My trusted Volvo S60 was literally dying intermittently, and it scared the crap out of me.
I researched what I could (I do as much repair as I am able) but quickly realized this repair was out of my league. Sonny works on volvos and when I called and talked to Nick and Dave they listened to all of my symptoms, thoughts/​opinions, and concerns. They assured me they would find what was wrong and let me know right away.
I limped the car in and within a day they called me and explained in detail what the problem was (clogged pcv)…having a Volvo I was expecting to drop $ 1000-​$ 1500 on the repair and braced myself for the amount. The repair AND labor was a little over $ 400…sooooo reasonable! Nick also suggested that since they were already in a certain area that they do the serpentine belt for just $ 70 more. He said they wouldn’t charge labor cost since they were already there… I about fell over! I’ve never had a mechanic offer a service for just the part cost!
Long story short… it wasn’t painful, or in anyway unpleasant. They had me back on the road within a day and a half. I will ALWAYS trust them with my vehicle from here on out… honest service, car runs better than it ever has, two big thumbs up!

These guys are amazing. There I was, parked illegally and standing in the pouring rain on 18^th St, when my car wouldn’t start. Panicked, I ran over to Barber’s and Sonny came to my rescue! He had a charge box (I think that’s what he called it), which got it going for a minute, but ultimately he ended up replacing the negative charge cable so he could get the battery to keep a charge again. Sonny is now my hero and a pillar of good customer service. Thank you, Sonny! I will tell everyone I know in Sacramento how awesome you guys are!

The folks at Barber’s are absolutely great and their prices can’t be beat.
The check engine light on my Honda Civic came on and I called around to a couple of places to get a quote for a diagnostic. Barber’s quoted me ¼ the price of the other places. When Nick called to tell me the problem, he outlined all my options and the associated costs, including what he’d suggest trying first, second, and third given the cost of the parts and the labor.
Can’t go wrong with an auto shop that is honest, informative, a great deal, and friendly too boot. I will definitely be going back for any repairs I need in the future.

I can’t recommend this place highly enough. What a relief to find a place that does excellent work, and you don’t feel like you’re being ripped off.
If you are like me, and know nothing about car repairs, this is your place. Rest assured these guys are as honest and forthright as it gets. I’ve had various services here, and it’s always done correctly, promptly and professionally, and at a very reasonable rate.
I’m a lifetime customer here for sure.

Could not recommend this place more. Nothing but honest, respectful and skillful people working together to make sick cars beautiful and healthy again! I knew very little about my car, let alone about its ailments, but I was explained in great detail, with examples and a walk-​through of under my car, of want type of work was going to be done and the way it was going to be done. I was given a detailed break-​down of all the charges and by the end, they even completed the work in less time, so that my charges went down. They took care of my car as it was their own and I felt very safe to know that even though I paid a per-​hour rate, it was very carefully spent to give maximum attention to my car. It feels like 1000 $ to drive again. I am proud to write a review for a place like Barber’s Automotive!

A star for fixing the requested areas on my Alfa Romeo properly, but the worst treatment I have ever had from a business of any kind in my life. Unusual circumstances that could garner forgiveness were I ever apologized to, but I made an agreement for payment of $ 500 per payday on my old Alfa knowing the estimate was for approximately $ 1400. That it ran to over $ 1800 is not surprising — its an old Alfa and needed the TLC. But when 2 weeks passed and I made the second $ 500 payment the HEAT turned up and the tone had me honestly feeling like they would execute a mechanics lean on my car so I borrowed the over $ 800 balance due from a close family member and got my car out…$ 1800 of work done correctly but basically treated me like scum for not having the money up front WHEN I TOLD THEM in advance. They whined about needing the money or they would lose the business and then shamed me for doing what I said I would do — service the debt at a rate of $ 500 every two weeks with %500 down on day one… now that is UNUSUAL to request BUT they accepted and basically treated me like persona non grata the rest of the time… I could not dislike anyone more for their actions — they might as well have spit on me for being POOR at that moment in time… HORRIBLE treatment from what I can see are pretty good guys… just don’t OWE them anything.

I dropped my beloved SYM HD 200 scooter. Luckily, just a few scratches and the left brake lever needed to be replaced. I called several local dealers and they all told me they would look into it and call me back… none of them called back. I found Barbers Shop from a dealer wedsite, called and jackpot, they had what I needed. They went above and beyond to confirm it was the correct part. Also, was nice enough to ship the part to me in Seattle.
Good customer service and follow through with what they say they will do. What else do you need from a business! These guys are excellent and highly recommended.

If you want real, authentic, know-​what-​they-​are-​doing humans to work on your car.
Go here.
This screw fell out of somewhere around my steering wheel area, and then it was really hard to shift the gear thing (you can tell I know nothing about cars). Any who. I brought it in and Sunny, got right under my steering thing (get your mind out of the gutter) and got the screw back in and fixed another that was jiggling out. and it’s all fixed. My car is old so it does keep falling apart slowly. so I won’t hesitate to come back to this place. Reasonable prices and honest, down to earth people.
What more could you ask for? :)

If you have a Volvo, come here. Sonny is super informative and takes the time to describe the problem before quoting a price to fix your car. His rates are very reasonable and most important, he knows his stuff and fixes the problem. Recently, I also took my Mini Cooper to Barber to have them check out a steering noise I was having with the Mini. Sonny was able to identify the problem, no more annoying sounds from my Mini.

To: Barber Shop Automotive Feb 11^th 2014
Attn: Sonny
Re: 79 vespa p200e
To any potential client of the barber shop:
Last summer I bought a 1979 vespa p200e in hopes to restore a piece of my youth. I bought the bike in Costa mesa from a reputable dealer. Upon getting the bike home my engine seized due to a lack of 2 stroke oil and I brought the bike into the Barbershop based on reliable word from the community and some close friends.
The mechanic who worked on the bike informed me that my carburetor was a non-​injecting model and that the upper end was basically shot and a rebuild was in order. He told me at that time that it would be a great opportunity to get a big bore kit while the engine was in repair. We decided on the malossi 210 racing kit.
The install was easy and quick and I rode my bike home in order to break in the piston and top end and I returned the bike for the re-​jetting and tuning of the engine and a few other minor repairs.
The mechanic had some trouble diagnosing the exact problem as I found out later the science of exact tuning ends when you install these racing parts. The barbershop went through great lengths to get my bike the way I wanted it to run and the repairs took a little longer than I would have imagined.
The shop manager, Sonny, rode the bike and discovered it also had blown out the bearings and crank due to the probable oil starvation. He advised me that in order for the bike to sustain this kit and unlock the bikes potential a bottom end rebuild would have to be done.
They ordered the parts in a quick fashion and had it all back together within 2 weeks.
I picked up the bike and rode it on the freeway for the first time and could not believe the performance of this Vespa. I couldn’t believe a bike this size could have some much performance and power and it was a true joy to ride.
In summation the mechanics, mike and sonny, took their time to get my bike in top shape without cutting corners and performing a good portion of the work on their own time. The barbershop truly cares about the work they do for their customers.
I recommend anyone with any type of auto/​scooter repair to give these guys a shot. You will be as happy and satisfied as I am with their work.
Marcel Choux
Executive Chef
Strikes Unlimited, Inc.
Direct: (916) 626−3600×6545
Main: (916) 626‑3600
Fax: (916) 626‑5530

These guys know their STUFF!
I ride a Vespa gts300. I purchased my vespa from SF due to me not trusting local shops.
I had to get my 600 mile tune up and did not want to pay the arm and the leg for the first basic tune up. After checking the reviews here and calling around for pricing. I ended up going with Barbers. Mike helped me get the repair done quickly and without issues! he got it done more quickly then I thought. after parts and everything it was over half off what the dealers were going to charge me!
Im glad I went to them for sure!
tip: If you want a synthetic oil bring it in yourself. they use castrol conventional (cant remember the weight) and honestly I haven’t felt any differences, though I will bring some in next time because I do want to keep to spec.
With all the classic Italian scoots in this joint Im surprised that they are an official Vespa dealer. these guys know their stuff. Im planning to bring a 6pack of beer and a plate of brownies for them next time for the great service.
also to note this review was also based on my sister’s experience, she had a similar experience only 3 weeks before mike was able to get her in and out in record time. Something he had stated he doesnt usually do, and we appreciate that he did.

For some unknown reason (at the time) my scooter suddenly shut off while rounding a corner and I could not get it to restart. After pushing it home (luckily not too far) I did the only thing I could think to do, get on Unilocal! I knew of a scooter shop from my many meals at Crepeville and I just wanted to check their reviews. Barber’s had good reviews and I felt comfortable enough to call them.
Thanks to Jennifer at Barber’s, she helped me to diagnose my problem over the phone. Also, she was not to afraid to quote me prices over the phone for the cost of the repairs if I was not able to do it on my own.
Furthermore, my scooter is about due for a tune up! I know where I will be going for that! The jury is still out on the service (as I have yet to have the scooter serviced), but based on my experience so far, I have all the confidence in the world in Barber’s Shop Automotive. I will be sure to post a review at the completion of my service. Thanks again Jennifer!

Definitely lives up to the rep. Nice guys, seem very honest and knowledgeable. I’m restoring an old Vespa, and they helped me with some pointers. I didn’t have a special tool for removing the clutch they popped off real fast for me, no charge. This is the way more people should run shops. Future needs I’ll def stop in again.

I’m so happy I found Barber’s Shop! Sonny is fabulous, and this is THE place to take your Volvo for service in Sacramento.
When I first moved to Sacramento, I took my Volvo to SVS Automotive a few times — BIG mistake. I felt absolutely ripped off by them. They never explained what was going on with my car to me well (essential for a non-​handy person like myself), and once mis-​diagnosed a check engine light issue — costing $ 150 to NOT repair it!
Next I tried European «Sports Car» Garage. Yeah, it was nice feeling like my 1994 Volvo was a sports car, and hobnobbing with all the BMW 7 series drivers in a nice waiting room with leather chairs, good coffee, and really good reading material (when was the last time you read The New Yorker in a mechanic’s waiting room?!). But you pay for those niceties in inflated prices for just average service.
Taking my Volvo to Barber’s Shop for the first time in 2010 was like a breath of fresh air. An oil change/​tune-​up includes a full look-​through EVERYTHING under the hood, and the peace of mind that you’re walking away without any impending disasters brewing. Prices are always reasonable, it’s never taken more than a day and a half to get my car back (even for bigger repairs!), and the location can’t be beat. Who needs a waiting room when both Old Soul Coffee Co. and Ginger Elizabeth are around the corner?! Sonny is really good about showing me exactly what’s been repaired/​replaced, and why, and how that works into the general functioning of the engine and vehicle. He’s been overly accommodating, and I can honestly recommend him as the best mechanic I’ve ever worked with. I’m a dedicated customer!

When my scooter battery died, I handled it the way any sensible person would: I covered it and parked it in the backyard for four years.
Now that I’m living in Sacramento and not spending several hours per week on freeways, pinballing between Oakland, Livermore, San Jose, and San Francisco, my scooter is a practical solution for getting around when my bike won’t suffice. I found this shop via Scooter City, and I’m so happy I did – the service was really top-​notch! Very friendly, honest, and best of all, QUICK! My scooter was flushed out, tuned up, and the battery replaced in a matter of hours, when other shops told me it could take up to three (!!!) weeks. I thought the price was very reasonable, and the Midtown location is super-​convenient. I’ll definitely be back!

Brought our Volvo 960 in for service in May this year. Sonny took great care of my car and was very thorough in giving me an reasonable estimate. More most importantly he didn’t under quote the job and charge more when ‘he got into it.
I also needed smog repair for certification. He recommended a competitor for the smog work because he thought they could do it cheaper with a state program for old cars that he didn’t use.
Had one problem with the fan which he took care of. I will be bring our Volvo to him for all future repairs including replacing suspension control arm & ball joints.
Fair and honest business

Suntino always helps me out right away! I bring my Mini Cooper here and he has helped me maintain it! They have great prices and do the work right the first time!

Fast service at a fair price. Sonny took great care of my car and was very thorough in giving me an estimate and most importantly didn’t under bid the job and charge me more later.

I can’t say enough about this shop. As a long-​time «small» shop in Sacramento, BSA continues to be a friendly, reasonable, and trustworthy auto repair facility.
Sunny and Alex are two top-​notch mechanics who know their way around Volvos, Alfa Romeos, and anything else you want to throw at them. Don’t let the Volvo and Alfa sign fool you, they will work on just about anything!!!
In addition to automobiles, they are a great shop to take your motorcycle or scooter… specialties being European bikes and Vespa scooters.
I have never had a bad time or bad deal at Barber’s Shop Auto!
Also check out BSA on Second Saturday!