Vassar Automotive
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Vassar Automotive
We specialize in vintage air-cooled Volkswagen repairs, but service all foreign and domestic makes and models as well. We are a family owned and operated business that is licensed, insured, & state certified! From oil changes to engine rebuilding, we pay attention to every detail. We take the time to do the job right the first time.

We have a computerized system that allows us to track our customer's vehicle history to check for the last service performed and any recommendations we found in your last visit. Call us today at 707-573-9336. A large portion of our work is vintage VW's. We keep most work in-house providing alignments, drum and rotor turning, and complete engine rebuilding.
Services
When your car is up for an inspection, call the experts that are going to make sure your car is safe to drive. At Vassar Automotive, we offer convenient scheduling and competitive rates on all your oil changing needs.

In the auto repair industry, where you choose to get your car fixed can make a big difference in the service, quality, and price you receive; and choosing the wrong company can lead to a costly drawn-out project that only fixes the problem in the short term.Call for your tune-up and repair needs!
For over 35 years we have worked on cars. We specialize in vintage air- cooled engine work. Call us today if your vintage VW needs repair. We would be happy to take a look and get you a hassle-free quote. Our mechanics take pride in what they know and want to give you the best quality service we can.
Reviews (13)
Gary Feikert
Gary Feikert
Sep 14, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
Fred helped me get my 1957 VW sunroof Beetle on the road with honest, professional and timely work. Highly rated for air cooled VW cars.
Services: Tuning, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Transmission, Engine repair, Steering / Suspension, Brakes
Joseph M.
Joseph M.
Mar 20, 2018
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Fred is the kind of mechanic you always wanted to help you with your project. He's old school and has a wealth of knowledge. Easy to talk to and confident with his answers, you would find it hard in this day and age having someone of this caliber to help out!
Anthony C.
Anthony C.
Feb 03, 2018
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Fred Vassar is an awesome mechanic!!! I had put my classic Volkswagen into long term storage while I am away for a Military deployment.

I needed the engine oil circulated by hand. To prevent the seals from drying up, or things freezing/seizing up. I was able to connect Fred, and my wife so all were on the same page about my concern. Fred agreed to meet up with my wife at my storage to take care of the car.
I am so grateful to have such an amazing, and trustworthy mechanic to assist me when I am away!!! Words cannot do justice to how truly thankful I am!!!
Micah Larson
Micah Larson
Jan 03, 2017
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I'm a do it yourselfer and just rebuilt the engine in my 67 vow bug. After chasing my tail for several days trying to get it running well I decided to take a trip over to Vassar Automotive for some advice. After just a couple minutes talking with Fred he decided to take a quick look. In less then one minute he had picked out three or four things that could be causing my issues. He took the time to explain how to correct the issues in detail. It is really rare anymore to receive such great customer service considering I had not spent a dime at his shop. I raced home to make the required repairs
Angelina V.
Angelina V.
Jan 26, 2016
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Fred is great! Ever since I got my VW bus I was told by the previous owner to only let Fred at Vassar touch the bus, and I have. He is honest, explains everything thoroughly with the work and has squeezed me in more than a few times to troubleshoot my bus issues. I wouldn't think twice to bring my bus to anyone else, he's a gem!
Matthew P.
Matthew P.
Jan 23, 2016
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Fred Vassar is a honest, and very knowledgeable man, he has worked on my 1995 mazda miata 3 times. I have walked away each time satisfied and more, with the work he has done to my car. I have picked his brain about mazdas and high performance cars and the like, and find that he is on point with his understandings.

If your looking for a honest mechanic and with integrity , you have found him. he is very helpful in shop and on the phone, he is the mechanic that goes the extra mile to ensure that you understand what was replaced and what possible things that could be done to help you in the long
Rose G.
Rose G.
Jul 31, 2015
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Love Fred, he's worked on 1971 Ghia for 10 yrs. Just rebuilt the engine. Runs great. He stands by his work. Love that.
Frank K.
Frank K.
Feb 28, 2014
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The best mechanic around. Honest, experienced, totally accountable for his work. As a woman, I've been given less than adequate service by many car mechanics, and only wish that I had found Fred Vassar years ago.
Mike V.
Mike V.
Jul 01, 2013
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This is a one-man shop, but a great one-man!

Honesty, integrity, a nice guy. Good repairs and service that work!

For us, he's worked on a '71 VW camper, a '75 VW camper and a
'03 new beetle.

Always fair, clear and honest.

And, great advice when NOT to do an unnecessary repair -- saved us
a bunch!

Fred is quick and great on the phone. He doesn't do email, though,
so don't expect to try that.

If you have a VW -- especially an older air-cooled one, see Fred!
Jillian L.
Jillian L.
Apr 26, 2013
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Fred is amazing! He is so honest and will tell you exactly what's needed and what can wait. He also will just fix little things at no charge. He is business smart, too. (Makes backups of his records, doesn't store credit card info, etc.)

I would not hesitate to send anyone to him. He's worked on my mother's car and she's told me that it was the first "very pleasant" experience she's ever had with a mechanic! (That's saying a lot.) He's awesome. 5 star quality!
Erin M.
Erin M.
Mar 08, 2013
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Fred Vassar has been keeping my 1972 Volkswagen Beetle running since I moved back to Santa Rosa in 2007. He is honest and affordable, and I appreciate his creativity in keeping my car running despite the fact that most of the parts aren't easily available. He works on all kinds of cars, not just VWs. Fred is an excellent problem solver, he communicates at every step of the process before doing additional work, and I have notice that he often tweaks/fixes little things (sticky lock, steering wheel re-attachment, fan belt adjustment, minor clutch adjustment) at no charge just because he seems
John H.
John H.
Jan 11, 2011
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Fred Vassar is SOOO great. All of my experiences over the past 15 years have been similar. I took my son's Volvo in to have a gasket replaced in order to pass smog. Fred looked at the car and came to the conclusion that the gasket did not need to be replaced. He came to the conclusion that the best cure to the smog issue was to fill the tank with the best gas possible, drive the car, let it cool down and try again to pass smog. Two days later the car passed the smog test. GO Fred. You are and have always been the very best combination of knowledge and honesty.
Vanessa V.
Vanessa V.
Apr 03, 2010
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I am a single female and have been bringing my car to Vassar Automotive for eleven years.

Fred, the owner, is a great mechanic. He is honest and doesn't try to rip you off. He is up front about costs and what really needs to be done, versus the things that might be able to wait. I have never had to go back with any complaints or problems. My car is always done on schedule and Fred is very friendly and personable.

The shop is amazingly clean!! Literally, you could eat off the shop floor, I am not kidding.

They always explain everything to me so I know that I am getting what I pay for.