University Imports Automotive

University Imports Automotive is an independent Volkswagen, Volvo, and Subaru auto repair specialist claiming "dealer quality at reasonable prices." A licensed smog check station, they are ASE certified.

To find more automobile repair locations within Davis, please visit our Automobile Repair page.

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What was your experience at University Imports?

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2006-01-01 21:45:43   Karan, the owner is *the best* Knowledgable, helpful and polite. The best auto repair place I've ever used. —GrumpyoldGeek

2006-03-17 19:05:34   i've had plenty of bad luck with my car over the past 3 years but Karan has been consistantly awesome. definitely the best around. —AdamGerber

2006-04-05 11:39:06   I came out to CA a year and a half ago with a 2001 New Beetle that had a number of issues. Karan has always been incredibly helpful, willing to see me on short notice and always giving me options rather than trying to push me into spending more money. If I manage to keep this thing running for another three years, it'll be largely thanks to University Imports. —NancyWallace

2006-05-16 08:40:58   I've taken my 96 VW Golf here for several repairs. I never really shopped around for the best prices, so I can't comment on how competitive University Imports' are, but everyone who works here is very helpful and polite. Unlike many auto repair shops (especially ones that specialize in imports) you won't leave here with a bad taste in your mouth. They give you recommendations, but will not try to strong arm you into paying for a repair that doesn't absolutely need to be carried out. I definitely recomment this place, especially for Davis VW drivers. —AdamSchneider

2006-06-08 12:20:06   I've been going here for three years and can't say enough nice things about Karan or the business. The repairs are always less than what the factory approved shops quote me as. —DaveCar

2006-09-17 11:29:20   These guys are honest and great - they are familiar with VW Eurovan Campers. —KeithPieper

2006-11-06 11:28:31   This place is great! I had a lot of work done on my old Lexus ES 250, then a quick repair on my Mercedes ML320 and I was so impressed that I encouraged my mom to bring her VERY OLD Mercedes up from Fremont. Karan did a fantastic job. He is professional, knowledgeable and HONEST! —MarkValente

2007-03-21 13:17:03   I created this account just to compliment Karan and University Imports. This is a great place to take your car. I just replaced my timing belt and Karan was very helpful in getting me the correct engine mount bolts that needed to be replaced. I will recommend University Imports to friends. —DustinJohnson

2007-07-29 13:56:49   Karan is the only reason my car is still running. He's knows VWs (and other imports) inside out. Don't worry if he seems rushed, he'll take the time to explain if you want and he's very conscientious. My impression is he's pricier than other places, but it's worth it, especially since you won't be conned into unnecessary repairs. —rachelss

2007-10-23 19:55:24   I found this place through the Davis wiki after having unexpected car problems and was very pleased with my experience. Karan is the reason. He took the time to explain what was wrong, how he could fix it, and what my options were if I couldn't. I chose to make the repairs he suggested and then price compared with my old dealership. Karan's price was 46% less than my dealer and his explanation was much clearer as well. I especially liked how he gave me an upcoming maintenance plan (I need new tires and maybe a battery) and how he understood that it helps to know so you can budget for these expenses. As far as timing, he told me when he was going to call and then he called at that time. He told me when he was going to be done with the repair and the car was ready at that time. This may seem simple but this was a rare experience compared to other services I've had. —Terence

2008-04-30 12:56:53   I've been going to Karan for at least 5 years now and I can't say enough good things about him and his business! Always friendly and always takes him time to explain things. He is the very best business owner and mechanic in town without a doubt! —marabella

2008-05-27 22:58:18   Karan, the owner, is one of the nicest, most accommodating mechanics I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He's totally honest, and he's really really great about telling you what you need to fix *now* to get your car running, and what you can wait on (but might need to fix eventually). He'll do the necessary repairs, then have you bring the car back in 2 weeks for a free recheck to make sure that the problem is fixed (it always has been 100% for me). He explains everything in terms I understand, and I'm a mechanical dunce. He's kept my '99 VW Beetle running like a charm for the last 3 years after multiple mechanical and electrical issues. I can't say enough good things about this place. I won't take my car anywhere else. —JoannaHeiple

2008-12-23 10:40:57   This place was fast, efficient, and congenial. The big PLUS is that the place is completely solar powered when the sun is out. They even produce enough solar power to give back some to the city. If you must drive a car (and many of us need to), this is a great place to have work done and know that you are not harming the environment. —jsg718

2009-02-18 14:10:00   I have used this shop for several years. In a way, I only wish I had MORE need to use it (car has been running great) because when I have done so it has always been a great experience. They are very trustworthy & honest - this shop won't try to "take you" for anything. They are busy enough without having to cheat $$$ out of customers. If you have a VW and/or are not familiar with the shops in town, you can only go right with Univ Imports. —Dora5

2009-04-30 04:10:35   I drive 150 miles to have Karan work on my 99 Cabrio He's the best —JonFreitas

2009-05-12 11:03:54   It is a true rarity to find a mechanic as honest and compassionate as Karan. I recently brought my car into Karin with transmission issues (which turned out to be a larger deal than the car was worth) and have never felt more taken care of and less swindled by an auto mechanic in my life. Karan explained everything that was wrong with my car, called other auto shops that had worked on my car to figure out what might be wrong (instead of doing the diagnostic and charging me for it), then when it was clear that the car had met its maker, gave me pointers on buying a new one and offered to let me borrow one of the cars in their fleet while I looked. I was truly blown away by Karan and his devotion to customer service and making his business as reputable and upstanding as possible. When I expressed my utter appreciation at the way he does business he said, "I'm not here to sell customers things they don't need or trick them into fixing more than they need to." An auto mechanic with a heart...such a relief.

I couldn't recommend this auto shop more. —lawstudent722

2009-06-12 14:39:37   I'll never go anywhere else in Davis except for UIA when I need an auto repair. I unexpectedly arrived needing a small repair on my VW Golf (smog related) and the employees here were nice and knowledgeable. My car was fixed and ready to go by the end of that day. Car passed the smog test, leaving a highly pleased customer. I highly recommend this place! 10/10. —strawberry

2009-10-18 18:39:35   Awesome place! I had no idea (nor do would I like to even attempt) how to change my transmission fluid, the man at the front desk (didn't catch his name, but he appeared to be the manager of some sort) not only accepted my already bought transmission fluid, but did the whole change for me for a good quote! Definitely will be returning here for my automotive needs! —BeanMarine

2009-11-01 14:10:37   This place is the best! I had them change the oil and rotate the tires on my Rabbit a couple of weeks ago. Shortly thereafter, I noticed oil was leaking from my car. I took it back one morning without an appointment, and they quickly diagnosed the problem as a cracked O-ring where the filter sits in the housing. Even though it was not their fault and apparently the seal hardly ever cracks, they replaced it for me at no charge in 15 minutes. I also like how Karan always shows you what's wrong and explains it to you thoroughly. —NotSure

2009-11-18 14:08:07   This is one shady place in Davis, I took my car here and they told me that I needed a $900 repair when, after getting a second opinion, was completely wrong. The part they wanted me to repair was actually not broken at all and my car was fixed with $250 at a Goodyear...btw, the second opinion told me that they get this all the time and that they would simply "wash off the bottom of the car" to make it look like they fixed some big part. Bottom line, they tried to screw me, don't take your car here! —Chuckdeduck