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Kaloci & Son
Category: Automotive Auto Repair Auto Repair [Edit]
810 W Evelyn AveSunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 730-8878
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm
Unique R. said: "I've been meaning to rate this place and been so busy to do so. I recently went here about 2 weeks ago for a 90K service on my 2007 Mitsubishi Galant. I'm pretty skeptical on going to mechanics not referred to me considering I am a…" read more »
25 reviews for Kaloci & Son
25 reviews in English
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Review from Ted W.
12/20/2011
This place is awesome. If you have a Honda / Acura, go here to have your car serviced. It may not be the cheapest option if you're just looking for a routine oil change (the service includes synthetic oil change, tire rotation, and checks for all the vitals), but you can trust that they will take care of your car and not overcharge you for stuff that you don't need.
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Review from Evelyn M.
San Jose, CA
7/22/2011
I've only started going here, based on a friend's recommendation, and I am impressed.
Why I like them, and trust them:
- They provide a detailed report documenting the work they did and the 'vital status' of the different parts of your car
- They keep the records so if you ever call back, they know what they're dealing with - it's like going to a regular dr. They know what's up with you.
- They can give you an explanation in layman's terms so non-car people like me can understand them
- Sandy is sweet to work with!
What I wish they could do:
- Have a driving service so I can get a ride to work after I drop off my car.
This is not a must have - more of a nice-to-have.
The icing on the cake for me:
- I called in because my check engine light suddenly turned on, and i could tell something was wrong with my car. Since they are an appointment based shop, I thought i'd be lucky if I could get my car serviced in 1.5 weeks, and i'd have to get creative in finding my way to work (yes, i'd do that to get my car serviced here). To my AMAZEMENT, Sandy was able to miraculously squeeze me in the next day. So after put-putting my car to the shop, I received a call in the afternoon telling me everything was fixed (apparently it was a super easy fix), and I picked it up that same afternoon.
This is my car shop! -
Review from Alesia J.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/29/2011
If you're looking for really small services on short notice, such as oil changes or smog checks, I'd use another business, but for all of my major problems and scheduled maintenances, I go to Kalochi & Son.
While it's true that they usually require an appointment to be made about 2 weeks before you take in your car for maintenance, if you happen to call during a slow period, they may offer to take care of your car that same week (which is what happened to me during my most recent visit).
They were even able to squeeze me in for an emergency diagnostic when my check engine light came on, and helped me find a service to replace my transmission.
They're pretty fast workers, and when I took my car in for a minor service, they finished in about 6 hours. They are also very knowledgeable, and when you come to pick up your car, Sandy will give you a written report and explain what everything means, which is good for car illiterate people like myself.
They definitely know their stuff here, and I don't mind taking the time to drive down from the Sacramento area (where I am currently) to have them take care of my car! -
Review from Kelly G.
Palo Alto, CA
1/31/2011
I've been going here for years, and will never go anywhere else. Bill and Sandy are the best.
One thing to keep in mind is that Kaloci schedules 2-3 weeks out (probably due to their extremely loyal customer base keeping them busy!), but once you make an appointment, they will give you the best service for your Honda/Acura you've ever had.
They are extremely diligent about showing you and describing you everything they've done and checked on your car (I've learned a lot about my car just from those debriefings) and things to look out for in the future. They're also great at telling you things in terms that will make sense even if you know very little about cars. Their work is fast and extremely good--they've fixed every issue I've ever had with my Honda, and their prices are always reasonable.
I used to live in the Bay Area and go to school in San Diego, and I would always take my car to Bill when I was home on break. There were a few times my check engine light came on while I was in San Diego, and once it was right before I was supposed to drive the 500 miles home so I went to the Honda dealership in San Diego. Unsurprisingly, the dealership made it sound as though my car would explode if I didn't shell out a thousand dollars in repairs right then and there. I called Bill, who called the San Diego dealership to get the engine code and then called me back to walk me through what I did and didn't need them to do before driving home. (Saved me 800 dollars and made me feel a lot better about driving home!)
Another time, I was hearing weird sounds in my car and brought it in. Bill examined it for a few hours and drove it around to test things out, and never charged me because he didn't put in any new parts. (And after that, I never heard the sounds again.) And he's been extremely generous about changing lights, windshield wipers, etc. for free. A few times when I was nervous about whether I should get work done early, he would carefully go through why it would be perfectly safe (and cheaper) for me to wait. Sandy's been great about getting me in when I needed emergency service before going on long trips (though partly that was luck--they really are booked a few weeks out, so call early!).
Everyone there is extremely polite, helpful, honest and just all-around decent. I've never had a better mechanic and might even only buy Hondas from here on out so I can keep going to Kaloci! -
Review from qi s.
Mountain View, CA
6/5/2007
Been servicing my 02 honda civic there for a year and a half now. For the first 3 years or so, I took the car to palo alto anderson honda and menlo honda for oil changes depending on what coupon I had. They'd do the oil change just fine, but the wait was always really long. Also they charge extra for tire rotation.
I started looking for an independent after moving to mountain view. Saw positive reviews on Yahoo Local for Kaloci & Sons, so decided to give them a try. It's not a big shop, there is no waiting room. I typically drop off the car when they open in the morning, go walk around downtown sunnyvale (which is only a few blocks away) while they do the service, then pick up the car and go to work. You could also drop off the car in the morning and pick it up after work.
Their service is thorough. The oil change costs about the same as the dealers, but tire rotation is free, plus I feel I trust them more than the dealer. Couple of things: they take the car out for a road test even though it's just an oil change. Battery load test is included. They don't try to upsell you on services or inspections that you don't need. -
Review from pavan p.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/14/2011
Wow they are really awesome. I found my mechanic. I went to them for first time today for 90K service for my Honda Accord, they were really good they explained me clearly what is needed and what isn't. They even declined replacing some parts and explained/convinced me why it's not needed.
Before going there I got estimate from a Honda dealer they gave an estimate of $1800 but kaloci & son reduced it to just $400 explaining me why some parts doesn't need replacement and why break-fluid and power steering fluid doesn't need a complete flush right now.
I loved these guys, I will definitely recommend them to my friends. -
Review from Margaret W.
Mountain View, CA
5/22/2008
I have been going to this place for years, after my friend (who is also a mechanic) told me he was the only honest mechanic in the silicon valley. They do not disappoint!
The price for an oil change is reasonable, and they do a complete and thorough job. For example, my Honda accord usually gets 350 miles in a tank after I get my oil changed at other places. After an oil change here at Kaloci & Son, I usually get 380-400 miles per tank.
I also recently got my 60K service here and they initially charged $400. But after inspection, they did not need to replace my air filter so they deducted it from my bill and only charged me $375. They also noticed some clips on the front bumper were missing, and said they would replace it for me for the cost of the parts only and would not charge me for labor. -
Review from greg w.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/15/2010
I have taken my car here for over 10 years and they are the most honest shop that I have ever taken my car to. The owner is very polite and will take the time to answer your questions. I will never take my Honda to another shop as long as Kaloci is around. Because they do great work, you may not be able to call up and take your car in on a moments notice. RAIN D.- SHAME ON YOU FOR GIVING THIS SHOP ONE STAR. Take the time to at least know when your car need's to be tuned up. Your lack of being responsible does not justify rating a shop that you have never done business with. You need to stop yelping...
The lady that answered your phone call was just trying to be helpful, Ive met her and she is very nice. -
Review from Mark B.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2008
This is the best shop I've ever been to, hands down. They are so honest, one time I took my Civic in for a problem, and they called me later to tell me they looked up the symptom with the manufacturer and it was covered under a Honda recall.
They could have made a few hundred bucks off me for this repair, but instead they were thorough and honest enough to advise me to take it back to the dealer, where it would be fixed for free.
I took my Honda to them for years, and even though I now live 50 miles away, I think I'll take my car back to them next time it needs service.
Bill and Mark are soft-spoken to the point of being quiet, but they explain everything very well. They give you a service checklist showing everything they did, with check-offs for Yes, No, and Not Applicable. Their notes are easy to understand. For example: if they detect a minor problem that might not need to be fixed for another few thousand miles. -
Review from Khuyen H.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/29/2010
I've been a customer here since I've had my 1997 Honda Accord (~13 years), when Mark was working with Bill (he's long since moved out of state) and pre-Sandy (the gal in the office). I heard about Kaloci through a referral and have not regretted a thing. The Accord is gone and has been replaced by an Acura TL, a decision made because Bill is Honda/Acura certified and I seriously did not want to find another mechanic to service another car make.
It's a small shop and they work on about 3 cars at a time with Bill being the owner and head mechanic. He has between one or two other mechanics helping at any one time.
This shop is honest: If an issue comes up that is recalled or under warranty, Bill will tell me and send me to the dealership instead of doing it and charging me himself. He is soft spoken, extremely polite and explains everything thoroughly, and in terms I can understand. I trust Bill 100% and he is as loyal to me as I am to him.
This shop is fair: The price is cheaper than the dealership and is fair for the quality of service I receive.
True story: I took my Acura to Stevens Creek Acura for a warranty issue. They were "nice" enough to check my car for other problems and the sales guy came to me, all freaked out, that my brakes needed to be replaced because there was only 3-4 millimeters left. I mentioned that I already have a mechanic and that I'd have him do it. The guy then tells me that if I wait, I could get into a serious accident and kill myself and/or my kids! I called Bill right then and there and told him what the guy said and Bill reassured me that brakes were fine, that 4 sounded like a small number but in reality, it's not and I had a few months to delay a brake job. What's with the up sell Stevens Creek Acura guy? Seriously?!?
You do need to schedule service in advance because this is an appointment based shop because of it's capacity, size and bandwidth. Even for a simple oil change, you do need to call in advance so be organized and give your car the attention it deserves.
Note that I used to take my car to Jiffy Lube/SpeeDee and they've removed and not replaced my piggyback plug several times. I think it's so they can hook up their vacuum hose to quickly drain the old oil. This breaks the seal to my oil pan and and I can only assume that this is not good. Bill has had to replace the plug (needs to sit and dry overnight) and I only take my car to him for oil changes now as I know he will change my oil properly.
To reference Rain D's complaint: You spoke to Sandy, who is from the "Bread Bowl" of America. Folks tend to be informal 'round those parts so just answer with a "Hello." Sandy does tend to speak like she is a mechanic, when she's not. I swear she wasn't trying to make you feel bad or harass you. If you can get past that and get on the appointment book, she really is nice and Bill will make it worthwhile. Sandy's just tired all the time (the woman's been waiting on a marriage proposal for the last 8 years for Heaven's sake!) and some of it may come through in her demeanor. Please don't take it personally.
Bill really does a fantastic job and I can honestly say that I've never had any minor or major problems with either car while in his care. -
Review from Tani S.
2/24/2009
Thank you fellow, yelpers...
We're new to the area and were having this squeaking problem with our 10 year old Honda Accord and found an honest service shop based on yelp reviews to take it into. We thought that the brakes might be ready for a change. We dropped it off yesterday and Kaloci mentioned that the brakes are fine and it's hazing on the rotor that is causing the squeaking due to the eastern/midwest environment it's been in but everything is normal. There was no charge for the visit...
They were extremely honest and we'll be definitely be taking it back to them for servicing and any other issues we run into while we're down here. -
Review from K T.
Sunnyvale, CA
6/2/2011
Honest. Dependable. Trustworthy. Yes, I'm talking about a car repair shop. Believe it!
My 20 year old Accord stalled while driving Sunnyvale's city streets. Wouldn't start after that. This kind of behavior has never happened before. I didn't hesitate to have it towed to Kaloci where I have taken my car in the past for master break cylinder replacement and timing belt replacement. Well, there were probably lots of things they could have found to fix (did I mention my Accord is 20 years old :-). But the fact is the car started right up and ran as expected. They found nothing wrong except low engine coolant. They sent me home with a smile and no weight loss from my wallet. That's about as honest as it gets!
On top of that, Bill and crew got me back on the road way, way faster than I had expected. Luckily I had a friend's car to tied me through just in case.
With this kind of service, My next car is going to be a Honda or Acura so that in 20 years (God willing) I can have my car towed back to Kaloci ;-)
Thanks Kaloci & Son! Keep doing what you're doing! -
Review from Kristoffer W.
Arlington, TX
5/19/2011
Honest and competent.
As others have posted there is about a week long wait to get service. However, they will do test drive diagnosis without much of a wait. Today, not only did they diagnose my problem after a short drive, they corrected the minor issue and didn't charge me.
Bill also told me they squeeze in oil changes so you may not have to wait a week or more for these. -
Review from Denys M.
Mountain View, CA
4/28/2011
I just got my car serviced today and I can't say enough good things about them.
I dropped off my car here in the morning for a simple oil change but they checked my car and described all of the things they are concerned about in detail. They seem to be very detail oriented in their work. On top of that, the price is really reasonable.
Overall, highly recommended! -
Review from Nina D.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/20/2010
I have been taking my Hondas to Kaloci and Son for over 15 or 16 years now and when my 1990 Accord died, I needed to get something with more room (kids and their friends) and got an Odyssey JUST so I could stay with Kaloci and Son. Like Irene I, I will be driving Hondas or Acuras for the rest of my life, and Bill just can't ever retire or anything!
I agree with everything every 5-star reviewer had said here . . . honest and personal service. I used to feel intimated when I had to take my cars in (my pre-Honda days with problematic cars at dealership shops) because I wouldn't know what they'd be recommending (useful, necessary, optional, excessive, etc.) but when I found Kaloci and Son, everything was explained to me in language I can understand. They'd show me parts that got changed out, showed me what's broken, etc. They are just wonderful!
To the reviewer who just needed an oil change and needed it from people who don't care about the history of the care of her car, she should have gone to Jiffy Lube and the like. -
Review from A M.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/27/2011
One of my main concerns when I buy any service (health, car repair etc) is that I will be tricked into unnecessary procedures, repairs... I never have this concern when I take my car to Kaloci and Son. In a business filled with sharks, it's nice to find somebody who is honest and competent.
I've been going to their shop for about 5 years and every time I take my Honda Civic there for service or repairs I am totally satisfied with the quality of their work and I drive off confident that I got the best service.
A couple of times I even brought my other car (a Nissan) unannounced, just to get an opinion on some or other issue I was having, and Bill was nice enough to stop whatever he was doing, take a look, and give me his opinion, without charging me a dime. -
Review from Janet Z.
Redwood City, CA
8/4/2008
These people are fantastic!
My Honda had been having a problem that the steering wheel shakes at high speed for over a year. I have taken it to 3 different mechanics many, many times to try to fix it. I have had the brake caliber and rotors replaced, then rotors turned, brake pads replaced, tires rotated, alignment done, gotten talked into having my timing belt replaced (not related to the problem at hand), on and on. After paying well over $1,000 cumulatively for all these "services" and labor, my car still shakes at high speed. The Honda dealer in San Francisco finally said, "you have a foreign substance in your brake system, we need to replace everything, including master brake, calibers, brake line, etc", it would be well over $1,000.
At this point, I got smart and took a friend's recommendation and took my car to Koloci & Son. After looking at my car, they told me all I need is to replace the drum brakes in the back because they are well worn and causing problems. There was no foreign substance in my brake system. Approximately $300 later, I was well on my way.
I waited to write this review to make sure my car is really fixed. My car has been running great for over 6 months now. Kaloci & son also advised me at the time that my brake master could need replacing, but didn't need to be done for a while. They weren't pressuring me to do anything that didn't need to be done, unlike so many other mechanics!
I will be taking my car there from now on. These are people you can TRUST! -
Review from isaw W.
San Jose, CA
1/11/2010
I took my car to Kaloci & Son when the oil light on my car came on. I called them and Sandy who manages their office told me she would call me back after talking to the owner. She called me back and told me to put some oil in the engine myself using only a quart at a time and then come into the shop the following week.
When I went into the shop, they kept my car for the day and when I came back, they had prepared a report where they detailed what could be wrong and explained what my options were. It turns out that some seals close to the timing belt were leaking and I had to get them replaced. All their appointments were taken but since they advised me not to drive the car in this condition (the timing belt could snap because of the oily slick), they took the car in and worked on it during their free time returning it to me after three days.
They were extremely honest and I never felt that I was being taken for a ride. I recommend them to anyone. -
Review from Rain D.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/3/2009
I'm really forgetful when it comes to my car. Last night while going to night school after work, I had it in me to check my oil change sticker, and it says I need an oil change either at 91k or in October. Well it's December and my mileage is at 94k. I was freaked out! I never let it get this bad before. To be honest I got kind of scared driving because I wasn't sure what would happen. I had class right then and it is 2 hours and it was 7 pm already so no places were open anyways.
I asked my classmates is it bad. I'll admit it, I know very little about cars and at the moment I thought my car might explode. My classmates said I'm probably okay but I should try to get an oil change as soon as possible.
So I was going to take my lunch break from work to get it done or whatever time was free.
This was the closest best review place near my work.
Silly me I usually go to places that take walk in close to my home so I thought this place wouldn't be too much different.
I called in to see if I could walk in if not maybe I could make an appointment and squeeze me in.
So here is how the conversation went. I should note this is not exactly what happened, this is just from memory.
*Ring Ring - it was actually a long time, I thought they might be busy*
K&S - Hello *A female voice answered*
Me - Is this Kaloci & Son *I should know I'm bad at pronouncing things but I thought it was weird she didn't say the business name when she answered*
K&S - Yes this Kaloci & Son *she pronounced in it correctly*
Me - Sorry for prouncing it wrong *seriously story of my life* I need an oil change, is there a good time today to come in?
K&S - we are appointment only
Me - Great is there an appointment today?
K&S - Um no...
Me - Okay well I kind of need an oil change badly.
K&S - *interrupts me* well I need your first name.
Me - okay it's *my first name*, when is the next appointment that's free?
K&S - I need your last name?
Me - okay it's *my last name*
K&S - how do you spell that?
Me - *me spelling it*
K&S - can you repeat that?
Me - I need an oil change today or as soon...
K&S - I know we are trying, what is the make and year of your car
Me - *tell her the make and year of my car*
K&S - how many mileage on your car?
Me - 94-95k
K&S - when is the last time you got the oil changed?
Me - I honesty don't know but the sticker says I need to do it at 91k.
K&S - what kind of oil do you use?
Me - Mobile 1
Okay this is were things get bad
K&S - you know you're suppose to get that change every 5k
Me - Yes I know that's why I feel i need to get this done soon.
K&S - well do you normally go to a dealership or just shop
Me - just a shop usually when it's time to get an oil change.
K&S - did you do your 9ok check/tune up?
Me - Um... I think I did it at 70k, I missed the 50k one.
K&S - You mean 60k, you know you're suppose to do your tune up every 30k. Do you know you're suppose to get it done very 30k?
Me - I think I knew that... okay
K&S - do you have any records of your car?
Me - no, okay I think I just need an oil change today and it doesn't seem like you guys are free, so I'll just end the conversation now.
K&S - okay bye.
Okay I know places are busy especially if they are good... and I understand if they can't take me today or tomorrow, and that would be fine and probably wouldn't give a bad review but what was up with the 3rd degree?
I know I suck at taking care my car, but I am honestly trying my best and the last part of the conversation really really made me feel bad that it seems like I know nothing about my car and it makes me look like I don't even try to take care of it. Seriously it made me want to cry because all I wanted was an oil change and now I feel bad about being such a horrible car owner.
Point is, you need to make an appointment far in advance and it seems you need to be prepared to answer detailed questions about your car when you go here for the first time.
That is all. -
Review from Bobo M.
Tybee Island, GA
1/26/2010
Had maintenance done on a 199x Honda recently:
Good shop, good prices, personal and honest service.
They are quite busy so you will have to make an appointment a week or more before.
So to "Rain D's" one-star review where she demanded an oil change that same day and wanted to cry because she felt bad about not getting her car some oil changes; c'mere so I can slap some courage into you woman. -
Review from Joe V.
Mountain View, CA
7/15/2010
II've been taking my cars to Kaloci and Son since 1993 when Joe Kaloci still ran the place. Since then it has undergone some changes in management but they have maintained a very high standard of service. So much so that our auto buying decisions are influenced by the availability of such high-quality service at an extremely reasonable price. Even though I've had various offers for free or heavily discounted service from the dealers, I'll still take my cars to Kaloci. I've taken the various cars that my wife and I have owned over the years: '86 Prelude,'92 Accord, 2002 Acura TL, 2007 Honda Odyssey. Every time I sell one of my old cars to buy something newer the folks that buy the older car always compliment me on the condition of the car.
I can think of at least two indicators that show that this place has had an excellent and deservedly growing reputation for its work --- they kept the name even though Joe Kaloci no longer works here and you can't just walk in and get your car serviced --- you may have to wait a couple of weeks or more to get an appointment.
Despite what the one-star reviewer has said, I've had nothing but pleasant experiences with Sandy --- on more than once occasion, I've shown up for my appointment on the wrong day and Sandy has found a way to accommodate me. Bill is just wonderful. He will tell me well in advance that I need to replace a certain part or perform some service but without any pressure to get it done quickly or even to get it done at his shop. In some cases, he will recommend some other place that can perform the service and I always take his recommendation.
Overall, I'm glad I found Kaloci and Son 17 years ago and have no plans to switch any time soon. I can assure you that they are worth the wait when you try to get an appointment and that you will not regret taking your car there for service. -
Review from Tyler H.
Santa Clara, CA
1/26/2009
I've been going to Kaloci ever since '97 and have NEVER been disappointed. Bill is a stand up guy who takes customer service and honesty to a whole new level. He always takes the time after a servicing to explain what was done and why it was necessary. His prices are extremely competitive too. I'll never go anywhere else for my Honda/Acura.
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Review from J H.
Manheim, PA
11/16/2007
Kaloci and Son is terrific! I've been taking my 1990 Honda Accord to their shop for the past 5+years. They do a careful job, keep accurate records, call to explain any problems they find and get approval before going ahead, and are genuinely nice people. As a commuting university student, I have limited income and have to make my current car last me through school. Thank you Kaloci and Son for keeping my car going all these years!!!!
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Review from Larry S.
San Jose, CA
3/31/2010
Like many others, I have been going to Kaloci for at least 10 years and have appreciated the amazing quality of service from the very beginning. Recognizing that this is a highly regarded auto repair shop (not a Jiffy Lube, despite Rain D's impression on 12/3/09), you must be prepared to schedule out a week or two, but the wait is well worth it. Because Kaloci & Son is so trustworthy, efficient, and responsive, at least part of my rationale for continuing to purchase Hondas is because I don't want to have to switch mechanics. Highly recommended!
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Review from Thomas N.
Newark, CA
11/16/2008
I have renewed trust in the auto repair industry. Kaloci & Son have been the most remarkable auto service shop I have experienced. They have incredible integrity and I can't say enough good things about them. I sent my Honda Civic car in for a 150K service and at the end of the day, they went over their work with me point-by-point. They explained everything very thoroughly. If Bill (the owner) was a medical doctor, I would be going to him for check-ups because he does care about the health of your car and about keeping it in good condition. I had expected dozens of problems that I know most other auto-repair shops would have conjured up. Not Kaloci and Son. Bill explained to me what he found and even showed me visually where each problem was. The fees were very reasonable but even if they were as high as the other repair shops, I would not mind paying them for the good honest service that Kaloci and Son provided. Honesty is rare in this industry and I have found this shop to excel. They now will have my business for as long as I still own the Honda.
