Yelp Reviews / Testimonials
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Josh S.
San Diego, CA
 |
01/11/2010 |
My experience with this place has been a bit unusual,
mostly due to my own mistakes. And though I'm not done
with their business yet-I'm currently awaiting an estimate
and will update after any work is done-I'm more than
ready to echo all the other great reviews here.
After getting into an overwhelmingly stupid accident
with a tiny median strip (the annoying one at 19th and
Junipero Serra that they only recently decided to plaster
with reflective flags), I called AAA to come pick up
the car. As another reviewer here stated, AAA recommended
this shop, and as the tow guy hooked up my car I took
out my trusty iPhone to look up ISM. I was surprised
by the ratings and unhesitatingly sent my car there.
Now on to my own mistakes. I ran into a long and unnecessary
snafu with my insurance after the accident. It would
be unnecessarily long-winded for me to retell it here,
but everything here mostly comes down to my own naivete.
It was a learning experience.
But its also been months since the car was brought in,
just sitting in ISM's lot collecting dust. Nevertheless,
they have been extraordinarily patient with me. And
even though my "handler," Antonio, was running a little
late this morning, he still managed to return my call
immediately. Now that's service!
I truly hope the car is reparable and that the cost
of the repairs will be affordable (I'm a grad student
making the awesome life choice of studying philosophy,
so we'll see how this goes). As is always the case with
the places I really love, my hope is that I can do copious
amounts of business with them. And one day, when I'm
somehow absurdly wealthy, this place is going on my
list of places to leave a massive tip.
Tom McIntyre
San Francisco, CA
|
04/28/2010 |
You folks have done great work on my wife's car (a
BMW E39
wagon you put an M-sport [M5 look] bumper cover, etc.
on). I backed into a newer BMW (E60 5'r, I think) and
cracked a filler panel just above the bumper cover.
I want to get this fixed without my (and his) insurance
going up, so I will be paying for the repair. I have
given him your information. His name is Nathan Brown.
How should I handle the payment? I can stop by with
a credit card so that when he comes in you can order
the part without delaying him too much, if that makes
sense.
I am sure I am not the first to be in this situation
- how is this
usually handled? Thanks!
Sam
San Francisco, CA
|
01/21/2010 |
Giovanni! Thanks for all the effort. The car runs
better than it ever has. The body and interior is outstanding.
You should have charged me for the paint!! I called
ALGAR, you got the last set of air cleaner nuts. The
least I can do is pay for them, so I added the cost
plus shipping to my payment. Thank You!
Bertha Joseph
San Francisco, CA
|
04/20/2010 |
Mr. Palazzo & Antonio, Thank you for the beautiful
job you did on my Toyota. It really looks "brand
new."
I do hope that you will be able to help Brother Haig,
also. May the Lord bless you. Gratefully in Him, Sister
Bertha Joseph. Thanks to Regina, too!
Benjamin Storck
San Francisco, CA
|
04/12/2010 |
Giovanni and his crew are hands down the best in San
Francisco. They
have worked on all of my vehicles and I have been completely
satisfied
every single time. I constantly refer friends and colleagues
and they
end up thanking me profusely.
Brenda C.
Tracy, CA
|
03/26/2010 |
I had this shop replace my alternator and
belt. The customer service with Regina Benjamin was
impeccable - she was thorough in explaining the work
performed and broke down the billing - where there was
no guess work. The expedited workmanship performed
on my car was exceptional. The automobile repair
service staff was very thorough with my repairs and
followed up with me on future recommendations needed
for my vehicle's future upkeep. I will definitely
be back and recommend this shop to anyone that
needs auto repair services. It was also nice to
receive a 10% discount off my bill for being a new customer.
David Kaufman
San Francisco, CA
|
01/21/2010 |
Dear Giovanni, Thank you so much for the great work
(as usual!) on my 4-Runner. The work was great! The
treatment was great! The price was perfect!
Sam & Dian Sexton
San Francisco, CA
|
11/30/2009 |
Hi Giovanni. I just wanted to let you know how things
are going. The
car runs the best it ever has. It has never started
this easily. It starts almost instantly, hot or
cold. It has used no measurable oil. There
is still a smell of burned oil at times, but it must
be minimal. It is a real joy to just get in the
car, start it, drive it and know that nothing is going
to happen. But it is a Ferrari after all, so I
always make sure I have a charged cell phone and the
number of a tow company with me (a little insurance).
We wish you, your family and your company a Merry Christmas
and a happy and prosperous new year.
Jennifer S.
San Francisco, CA
|
02/09/2008 |
The Best auto repair experience I've had. Giovanni
and his team turned a stressful car accident into
a stress less situation by working directly with my
insurance company, keeping me informed and accommodating
my busy schedule, Thank you.
Bradley F.
South San Francisco, CA
|
04/18/2008 |
I've been a long lime AAA member and when I got into
my accident I assumed I'd be in good hands. Before
being in an accident and opening a claim I've never
heard of what body shops call "steering" before.
I was referred to international Sport Motors by a
work associate SO I decided to give it a shot. When
I opened my claim with AAA and told them where I
wanted to take my car they told me to take it to one
of their shops and told me if I took it to ISM the
work would not be guaranteed? ... I was confused because
the person I know who recommended ISM to me thought
very highly of this shop. I decided to give ISM a
call directly as I spoke with the owner Giovanni.
He explained to me that insurance companies sometimes
steer the insured to shops in contract with them because
those shops work for less and use aftermarket parts
to keep the cost of repairs down. After doing some
research of my own I found that Giovanni was telling
the truth. I was surprised and kind of annoyed as
to how hard my insurance company pushed to have me
go elsewhere. I did end up doing the repairs at ISM
and I have no regrets, There were no corners cut and
my car looks brand new. Giovanni said it best: Insurance
repair shops work to please their insurance companies,
our repair shop works to please our customers.
AJ G.
San Francisco CA
|
02/19/2008 |
Go there tell your friends and anyone you know to
go there. My car was scratched and the seat switch
came off. I met Giovanni and told him of the costly
estimates I receiver from the dealer and other shops.
He looked at it and said, I can fix the switch and
will buff out and touch up the scratch as a COURTESY.
The scratch is gone. The switch s fixed and I paid
a fraction of the cost (rare for a European car) :
Giovanni is an honest, no nonsense man. He will tell
you what you need and, more importantly, what you
don't need.
Carol C.
Palo Alto, CA
|
02/14/2008 |
When my car hit a hand truck someone had let toll
into the street on 19th avenue, it sustained severe
damage to the front end and undercarriage.
Giovanni, the owner of ISM was so helpful. He patiently
explained exactly what needed to be repaired, how
long it would take, and made all the arrangements
with my insurance company.
The bodywork was done so well I couldn't even see
where the damage was. I really appreciate his cautious
attitude in deciding to replace rather than repair
my gas tank.
Giovanni kept in the loop at all times and even followed
up with me after I had my car back just to see if
everything was OK.
I highly recommend this place. In my humbly opinion,
Giovanni is an honest man who keeps his word.
Jack L.
Mill Valley CA
|
01/24/2008 |
#1 best auto repair experience I've ever had. Not
only did they do a great job on the repairs, and finish
when they said they'd finish, they washed and vacuumed
the car, replaced a brake light, topped off the fluids
and checked/corrected the tire pressure.
Very friendly. Very focused on customer satisfaction,
and it showed.
Erin G.
San Francisco, CA
|
01/24/2008 |
When I first moved here to the city, I went through
the tedious and sometimes painful process of setting
up my life in a place where I knew no one: there was
the task of finding somewhere to live, a job to maintain
that life, and the borage of people/professionals
that will help you when You are in need, such as a
new doctor, dentist, and of course friends. When I
decided then to buy a car, I was nervous to try and
find a mechanic who I could trust as much as I had
come to believe in these other people in my life here
in San Francisco. As my car began to have problems,
one of these people I relied on most told me to take
my car to International Sport Motors. and I'm so glad
they did!
Mr. Palazzo, the owner, was so helpful and great
with explaining exactly what was wrong with my car
and what was necessary to get it working again. Everyone
was so kind, hard working, and friendly. They made
me feel important and taken care of so I knew my car
was in good hands, The service was steadfast and done
promptly. They fixed my car and had it running like
brand new in no time! It was clear to me by the exploration
of my services, that they were doing their job with
precision, respect and the utmost care,
International Sport Motors came highly recommended
to me and I want to do the same for whoever may need
help with their car in the future. I've never had
a more reliable and HONEST mechanic in my life and
I really do thank them all for that.
Gray M.
San Francisco, CA
|
02/19/2008 |
Unfortunately I came to meet the folks at ISM because
my car was smashed in a parking lot. Fortunately they
were honest, kind, and demonstrated the kind of professionalism
that anyone would hope for in an auto body mechanic.
My car looks so wonderful and there were no issues
or problems with ISM Is work. I think the world of
Giovanni and his amazing staff (Sabrina in the office
is really awesome). They were MOST helpful and I couldn't
of asked for a better experience out of this bad situation.
I am ALWAYS going back there even if I move fair @way,
THANKS ISM!!!
Dan V.
San Francisco, CA
|
11/27/2007 |
I was worried about taking the car some place in
the city, because the place that the dealership recommends
is commissioned by the dealer, so you can't trust
them. I also hear they overcharge and take advantage
of insurance companies,
Anyhow, I took a leap of faith given the good reviews
on yelp and it paid off. The work exceeded expectations,
made the car look brand new by replacing a door and
matched the paint perfectly. Also, they detailed the
car for free and it was a top quality job. Would definitely
go back to him again. Great work, and reasonable pricing.
Rachel Y.
San Francisco, CA
|
04/25/2008 |
My husband and I take our cars into Giovanni every
time we need it. I've been going to Giovanni faithfully
for over 5 years! He holds the rare qualities that
are hard to find in mechanics, honest, friendly, reliable,
and economical. It's also a one-stop shop because
he does both body and mechanical work. I sincerely
know that when I leave my car there, I'm in good hands
because he will work with me according to my priorities
and budgetary needs. It's almost like trusting my
car with my own father. I also think that Giovanni
is a VERY hard worker! I have recommended a number
of friends to him and would tell anyone to go to him
at any time!
Joan R.
San Francisco, CA
|
04/15/2008 |
These people, Giovanni in particular, have changed
my whole idea of oar repair and body shop services.
1 was in an accident in the fall and the tow truck
driver took me to ISM. Giovanni conducts business
with great personal integrity. I was so heartened
by this. He quickly became my "knight in shining
armor" as AAA wanted me to buy a low end radiator.
Giovanni helped me know where I could save money and
where I should go for the higher end. Thanks to Giovanni,
it was as if the accident had never happened by the
time he got through!
Charlotte C.
San Francisco, CA
|
06/25/2008 |
This place is amazing to say the least. I was recently
involved in a car accident. I have a german car (audi)
and did not went to go to our local dealership because
of the horrible service and reviews. I did some research
and heard about ISM through another business. I took
the chance and could believe the service from the
moment I walked in the door. Everyone greeted me,
smiled, walked me through the quick registration,
etc and I was Out of there. They communicated to let
me know status while it was being repaired and when
I went to pick up I thought it was a brand new car.
Not only was it gorgeous, they polished and detailed
the whole car Giovanni, who is the owner. walked me
through exactly what they did to the car. I know he
added in a few extras at no cost to me and it really
does lock like I bought a brand new car. The prices
were great and of course lower than the Audi dealership
Today, 5 days after I picked up the car, Giovanni
called to see how everything is with the car. How
can you beat that?
Hawk E.
San Francisco, CA
|
03/19/2008 |
After several horrible experiences with the big dealer
shops (both body and service), I decided to give the
smaller shops a try. Today I brought my car back from
ISM and I am absolutely pleased with my four new Michelin
PS2 tires. I previously called the dealer to get a
quote for these tires and it was $1,500. I then decided
to shop around; Tirerack.com quoted me $1,380 and
Costco quoted me $1,460, So I decided to give Giovanni
(ISM owner) a call and without any negotiation, he
quoted me $1,359. 1 had previously had body work done
twice at ISM and was pleased both times (the paint
job was great, the people were absolutely friendly
and professional, delivery was on time etc). With
great past experiences and nova unbeatable price for
the tires so I took my car back and sure enough, I
am very satisfied with my decision. oh ya, did I say
Sabrina is great. People here are passionate about
their job and care about their customers (at least
that's how I feet). good job!
Sleeping P.
San Francisco, CA
|
05/12/2008 |
I'm another AAA member who came here after my car
was run into. It took longer than I expected, but
that was partly because I had to deal with my insurance.
Giovanni was very patient during 'this initial period
when my car just sat at his shop and he could do nothing.
I spoke with Giovanni on several occasions and each
time he offered measured advice based on his experience.
He didn't try to push me one way or the other. I'm
very pleased with the end result, and the additional
work I needed done ended up being cheaper than he
quoted.
Expect Giovanni to return your calls the next day
if you leave a message with the receptionist. That
might not be quick enough for some people, but he's
probably busy and he does indeed return your calls.
Liz B.
San Francisco, CA
|
11/28/2007 |
Our car got backed up into while parked but luckily
the driver left a note. The hood was crushed in, causing
the inner frame to be pinched, as well, (I know, a
hard back up.. it was on a hill). The other driver's
insurance (Geiko) suggested ISM, We reluctantly went
believing our car would never be the same. As long
as they had the car up on the blocks we asked that
they check out an existing oil leak and gave them
previous estimates to fix it. Other than the fact
it took 3 weeks to get out car back (it was over a
holiday and Geiko did set us up with a rental the
whole time), Giovanni personally handed the car over
to me with an extensive review of everything they
did and possible future problems to keep an eye Gut
for. Also, on top of the amazing paint job, they detailed
the whole car and gave us a break on the existing
problem since they were already inside the car anyway.
I would definitely recommend ISM to others.
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