Cowden Automotive
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Cowden Automotive
If you're looking for auto repair in San Francisco, CA, you've found us. Here at Cowden Automotive we work hard to earn your trust and loyalty. We know how important it is to find a San Francisco car service you can rely on, so your satisfaction is our top priority each and every day. Here at Cowden Automotive we understand what makes customer service truly outstanding.

You will feel the difference exceptional customer care makes when you work with us. We know auto repair in San Francisco offers you lots of choices, and we aim to provide the kind of caring customer service that will bring you back. Our San Francisco car service offers you years of combined expertise from our well-trained technicians.
Reviews (23)
David Bronner
David Bronner
Nov 02, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality
Everyone at Cowden is always super professional. They're great at explaining in detail anything that's wrong, options for fixing it, and what can be put off until future visits. I have complete trust that they're taking good care of my car and me as a customer.
Service: General repairs & maintenance
Viet-Anh D. Nguyen
Viet-Anh D. Nguyen
Aug 02, 2021
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True father and son business. You not only get honest, good, satisfactory service but lots of smiles and jokes from the owner.
Marcus Wonacott
Marcus Wonacott
Jul 29, 2021
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I brought my Jeep in for its annual service and inspection. They performed this service as outlined and got the job done within the time stated. Their work is thorough, thoughtful and they never add unnecessary adjustments or repairs that were not included in the initial quote. I have been coming to Cowden for over 25 years and never have been dissatisfied with the results. This is one San Francisco automotive repair shop you can totally trust!
K. Keyser
K. Keyser
Jul 29, 2021
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I was visiting from out of town and Cowden was the only place I could find that was willing to look at my van and get the work done in time for me to drive back to LA. They were very understanding of my circumstances. In addition, they made sure the repairs were done well and when they discovered the new part they installed was faulty immediately remedied the situation.
Jason Donahoe
Jason Donahoe
Jun 06, 2021
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They are one of kind! I have had my engine and transmission rebuilt from these guys about a year ago and now they just replaced my whole wiring system in my classic 1964 1/2 Mustang while upgrading my brakes. They not only had the best prices but they share their knowledge openly helping you to decide which course of action is best for your specific situation. Turn around on each project was no more than two weeks. I will be back guys, thanks for making my dream car a reality!
Bernadette Vernengo
Bernadette Vernengo
Apr 30, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I have been going to Cowden on and off for about 25 years. They never dissapoint and I trust them completely!
Service: General repairs & maintenance
Ryan W.
Ryan W.
Apr 19, 2021
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Great experience at Cowden, the guys were really quick to get me an appointment for my car, even though I was having transmission issues. Really friendly and transparent about everything and provided great work for a good price!
Robert Simi
Robert Simi
Apr 19, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Always a pleasure to have them service my vehicles. Competitively priced, top quality service and friendly people. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Services: Oil change, General repairs & maintenance, Brake service & repair
John Burket
John Burket
Mar 27, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I’ve been a customer of Cowden Automotive for several years now, and have very pleased with the services they provide - they’re professional, fairly priced, honest and very nice folks to work with. I’ve recommended them to numerous friends and neighbors when they’re looking for quality automotive services in San Francisco.
Services: Wheel alignment, General repairs & maintenance, Brake service & repair, Air & Cabin Filter, Battery
Kathleen Long
Kathleen Long
Mar 20, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I always love bringing my car here. They like working on it, and it shows. Plus they take great care of me, explain everything thoroughly and have good communication cadence throughout.
Services: Oil change, Check engine light diagnostic
Douglas C.
Douglas C.
Oct 10, 2020
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Justin and Mike are solid auto mechanics, trustworthy, and fair. They know cars! They have kept my 2010 Subaru Legacy happy for many years.
Lori S.
Lori S.
Aug 23, 2020
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WOW! I am blown away. Spectacular service, honest evaluation, reasonable rates. Paul and William were amazing. I was referred by a friend who raved about them and now I know why. It was especially welcome after the hideous "service" and exorbitant price gouging at SF Mini. You have my business for the rest of my life and I will refer you to everyone I know!!
Jay S.
Jay S.
Apr 21, 2020
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It is awful service That I've ever seen, no body care about your car, disrespectful personal, do not wash cars, do cheat with maintenance supplies. I do not recommend to go them.
Kellen T.
Kellen T.
Dec 05, 2019
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I was in the middle of a move. I shipped most of my things up from Southern California to Oregon but decided to road trip it up with my car. After having dinner with friends I went back to my car and it wouldn't start. I was able to get my car towed to Cowden Automotive. The entire staff was so kind and professional. They did a great job explaining what issues my car was having and possible solutions for the issues. They made a very stressful unexpected problem a lot easier. I am very thankful to the Cowden Automotive staff. I recommend going to them for your car problems.
Phyllis F.
Phyllis F.
Nov 25, 2019
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Professional integrity is all but non existent and work quality is sub-standard at best.

After doing business for over a decade with the original owner Paul Cowden, it is truly disappointing to see the decline of what used to be a top notch auto repair shop.

I brought my car in to be serviced for a loud 'clacking noise' emanating from the wheel of the car. It took two back-to-back trips (September/October 2019) to Cowden who never accurately diagnosed the problem; but instead charged me over $700 for parts and labor that were entirely unrelated to the problem.

I finally took my
Vadim N.
Vadim N.
Jun 18, 2019
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Hands down the most qualified shop for classic cars in the area! I have own my 1970 Cougar for 10 years and she has never run as smooth and powerful as she does after visiting Cowden for a tuneup. Simply cannot be happier with their service and expertise!
Stephen M.
Stephen M.
Oct 31, 2018
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After not being able to find anyone to take on my carburated 84 CJ for longer than I'd hoped, I finally found Mike and Justin. I came to them just hoping for a fine tuning of the carb and maybe a transmission service. When I sat down and presented a wish list of thing I would like completed, they didn't say no to anything. It's refreshing to find a shop that will take on work like most shops used to. They installed a new radiator, new steering box, and mount, new steering pump, an aftermarket fuel injection system as well as bodywork, paint, a new front windshield frame, and a transmission
Gwen M.
Gwen M.
Aug 19, 2018
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I add ANOTHER wonderful experience at Cowden Auto last week. There was a clicking sound coming from the back wheels. They said to bring it in the next and they'd check it out. They drove it around the block and in less than 30 minute gave me the thumbs up it was nothing to worry about. It's something that comes with the Ford Escape 2006 model. They could have easily told me it was an expensive fix, but Mike and his son Justin have integrity. I trust them 100% with my car. They're nice, honest and hardworking guys. This is my 4th experience with Cowden's and they are my forever
Biden Sucks Dick
Biden Sucks Dick
Jul 31, 2018
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This place sucks! I brought my Lexus RX450 here and they charged me almost $1600 to replace my clutch fan . After the fact I found out the dealer would have done the same job for $900 and would have used factory parts. Never again will I use this place.
Tilly D.
Tilly D.
Mar 20, 2018
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I cheated on my mechanic...oops. However, this is my official side mechanic! I just needed a tire, and mike was able to give me his best recommendation. He ordered the tire and it was there SAME DAY. I love it. He also pointed out something wrong with my car and gave me great advice. He knew my loyalty to my mechanic, so he wasn't even doing it to upsell me. He was going above and beyond to bring things to my attention. Human decency at its finest! When I drove back to LA, I was able to talk to my mechanic about it. Thanks mike for your attention to detail!
Michele B.
Michele B.
Mar 19, 2018
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Cowden Automotive is just the greatest! I was a little concerned after Paul retired, but Mike, Jared and the crew are fantastic. Whenever I have ANYTHING wrong, they are right there, ready to help. This morning, my back-up lights weren't working. I pulled right in, they fixed it in a few minutes and sent me on my way. I can't express enough how reassuring it is to know that your mechanic is there for you.

Thank you Mike and Jared. You guys are just the best!!
Kevin V.
Kevin V.
Mar 02, 2017
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Ive had Cowden Automotive handle all my auto servicing since the 1980's.
I wouldn't think of ever going anywhere else. First and foremost they are honest. I've never been overcharged for needless repairs. I've never had to bring my car back because they they misdiagnosed a problem. My car is always returned clean! No oil and grease on the inside of car or on the steering wheel. I recommend this shop to anyone looking for an honest mechanic.
One other item of note: Cowden Automotive was one of the first shops to hire women mechanics when few to no shops would. There
Bill E.
Bill E.
Sep 30, 2015
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Where shall I start?? Paul Cowden and his team have been my mechanic for almost 20 years. I recently moved from the Bay Area to Seattle and was not sure where I would find a mechanic as kind, detailed, thorough and fair in Seattle as Paul. My 1999 Toyota Rav 4 suddenly has had some troubles and I did some research and found a mechanic in Seattle. When I took it in, the estimate was $1,400... Yikes!! Much of what was quoted was work I thought was recently completed by Cowden.

Well, I didn't have my "car file" which Paul so carefully keeps on your car so I took a chance and called