Peter’s Zaab Service

Dan is a c0cks5cker who takes advantage of people and lied to my face on two occasions.

I’m not much of a Unilocal reviewer, but after coming to Peter’s Zaab for 15 years, I figure it’s about time. Dan (and Peter before him) have worked on my ’96 9000CS, ’02 9 – 5 Aero, and now my ’08 9−3t. With my first Saab in SF, I went to Embarcadero Automotive and thought I’d never find Saab mechanics as knowledgeable as those guys. Well, after a false start at another shop in Marin, I learned that Dan knows and cares about his Saabs as much as the EA guys. He prices fairly (he’s less than EA and of course less than Dirito – not that I’d ever go that far away), makes himself available on short notice, and stands behind his work. One other thing: he won’t sell you more service than you need. In fact, he’ll talk you out of wasting money before it’s necessary. I know he does Subarus as well, so when Saabs finally disappear from the planet, I’ll have to buy a Subie so I can keep visiting with Dan!

I’ve been using Dan at Peter’s Zaab to repair my 2007 9 – 5 Aero for the past 2 years. I used to go to another repair shop in San Rafael but the owner whined about everything and often kept me waiting for one thing or the other. Since I’m never going to be able to sell my Saab (resale value is terrible) I’m confident that Dan will continue to keep the car in great shape. I would highly recommend taking your Saab (or Subaru, etc.) to Dan; he’ll keep it running well … he’s easy going and gets the job done!

Dan was wonderful, the car just needed a headlight re– programed, he fit me in the same day and did what needed to be done while i waited, This after the VERY RUDE service writer «Lacy» at the Saab Dealer in Walnut Creek could not even look at the car until Aug 27^th. Saabs need good shops to work on them and Dan at Peters Zaab is a good shop. Much better then the dealer.

Yes, Dan (and Peter before him) have taken good care of our last two SAAB 9000s – our limousines, we call them. He has kept them in fine shape, advising us when to fix things and when to let the little things go (that would cost more then they’re worth.) He listens well, is laconic but responds well to our needs, is gentle, kind, competent and does what he says. Over the past 15 years, he has been a reliable part of our automotive lives. Several times, we have taken the easy way out and have gone to our much closer local mechanic, Masters in Mill Valley. they have charged more than Dan for the same services, and have not lived up to their promises. Masters was unresponsive, expensive and unreliable. The opposite of Dan.

Would like to give a 5 star & thumbs up to master mechanic, Dan, at Peter’s Zaab in San Rafael. I had a major problem occur right before an important road trip. Not only did he take care of it for a fair price but he did it in a timely manner so I didn’t have to cancel an important event. I know 2 other friends who have been taking their Saab to Peter’s Zaab for 20+ years and have recommended Dan to their friends. He’s honest, practical, fair and will never sell you something you don’t need. Trust and good service is important to me… being a Saab expert is the icing on the cake! Thanks for years of great service, Dan.

Five stars? Hmmm… Maybe at one time, but no way with my recent experience!
In a nutshell, without all the gory details: After paying over $ 700 to get the car fixed after it was towed to Peter’s Zaab, my son drove it for about 20 minutes to get it home. The next time he started it up he could barely get it out the driveway and it needed to be towed back.
A random coincidence for two separate problems? Perhaps, but we never really had the chance to find out. The second time around I was given an estimate for $ 650, only to be told later that the part Dan thought needed to be replaced didn’t fix the problem, the car still wasn’t working, and he was putting the old part back.
Then after listening to a whole «Saab» story (yes, pun intended) about how much time and money already cost him, I was told that it might be yet another issue, but I needed to sign an estimate before the work could be done. When I reviewed that estimate for nearly $ 900, it appeared to include a significant charge for what was indicated as HIS computer error.
Long story a bit shorter…
I told him to do the work but the charges needed to be re-​negotiated, and I reserved the right to a refund of the initial payment I made, since I had no way of knowing whether he had actually fixed the original problem. That prompted an incredibly rude comment of, «Well, you drove the car home». (Uh-​huh!)
So, sorry to say, that despite a high recommendation from my mother, who had given my son the Saab in the first place, I found Dan at Peter’s Zaab to be arrogant, rude, unethical, possibly incompetent, and seemingly intent on fee gouging and ripping me off. Perhaps, as he hinted, he is overworked, stressed out, broke and hurting himself.
But no, Peter’s Zaab Service, if it continues to exist as a business, will NEVER get mine (business that is). (What a nightmare of an experience!)

I have been bringing my Saab to Peter’s Zaab for more than 10 years for a good reason, Dan is a Saab expert and he is trustworthy. I am a typical classic Saab owner and car enthusiast, very picky, and I won’t bring my Saab elsewhere.
Recently I found out that Dan also works on other cars, so I am going to recommend my wife to bring her Subaru to Peter’s Zaab. Without hesitation, I give Peter’s Zaab 5 stars.

Just finished three different repairs at Peter’s (120k and 125k) on my 9 – 5 Aero.
My second visit was a problem with my headlight burning out. I dropped in without an appointment. After hearing about my problem with headlights (and the fact a certain independent dealer in SF could not fix the bulb repeatedly burning out), Dan diagnosed the problem as the headlight relay and the problem was immediately resolved.
On the first and third visits, Dan did a regular lube and required service each time, and the car runs fine. I thought the prices were reasonable, the quote accurate, and probably lower than in SF — with much better quality and attention to detail. The car was ready earlier than promised.

All I have to say is RIP OFF! If you need a great mechanic in the area, try Marin Sports and Imports. They are honest, straight forward and affordable.

We’ve owned Saabs of all models and colors, 900s, 9000s, 9.3s, 9.5s. Peter’s Zaab is the only place to take these finicky, unique fun automobiles. Dan and Carl are skilled and completely honest. You can believe what they tell you. They’ll do what your car needs and not push you to do more. It’s reason enough to own a Saab, even three of them.

Brought my old Saab in here in Fall 2007 — had a great experience all around. They were honest, easy to work with, and enjoyable. Most of all I appreciated their honesty and integrity. If you have a Saab, use these guys.

(Dan, at) Peter’s Zaab Service
(415) 456‑0540
142 Mill St, San Rafael, CA 94 901
I’ve owned Saabs since 1988. This is the most helpful, honest, nice guy mechanic I’ve ever met — and I’ve owned and driven a lot of used, high mileage cars since 1978. Dan is a great guy who will tell you exactly what you need to know, and keep your car running very well. He’ll tell you what you need to do, and he’ll tell you what you should do. Other mechanics sometimes just tell you what their manual says that you should be told to do. He is a «factory — trained» mechanic who used to work at the Saab dealer. His 2-​man shop works only on Saabs. GREAT GUY. He will take the time to tell you clearly what is going on with your car and what your options are. I have been going to him for 5 years, just came back from seeing him again to change belts on my 1985 Saab 900 Turbo. Dan has been instrumental in helping me keep this car on the road. Peter (the guy whose name is on the business) sold it to Dan years ago.
Five + stars.
Tell him John sent you.
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