Auto repair shop · Fremont, CA · reviewed since 2013
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%94+55.2Reliability 26%95+24.8Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 95Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.95SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#58 of 348 auto repair shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 84%
5.0★★★★★45 Google reviews · 19 photos
98%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Dando's Automotive holds a 5.0-star rating from 45 Google reviews, with the owner responding to 84% of feedback. Customers frequently praise the shop for its expertise with classic vehicles, particularly Datsun models, noting quick turnaround times and clear communication regarding repairs. Reviewers highlight honest, upfront pricing and professional service, while a recurring criticism involves a negative experience at the front desk when dropping off specific parts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 45 reviews (98% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 45 Google reviews (30 with written comments, 3 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 84% of reviews.
Most recent review: August 6, 2026.
Service: Auto Repair Shop serving Fremont, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Score profile vs other auto repair shops
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: satisfaction.
Dando's AutomotiveAuto Repair Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Dando's Automotive: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
94
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Dando's Automotive: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
95
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Dando's Automotive: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
99
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Dando's Automotive: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Dando's Automotive: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 60.–
–
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
45 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars4498%
4 stars00%
3 stars12%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 30 written reviews
100%praise
Praise50100%
Complaints00%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price360%
Reasonable240%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude1020%
Quality & results816%
Speed & response816%
Honesty & trust816%
Price & value714%
Would recommend510%
Communication48%
What customers talk about
We read 30 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Ken and his staff are very professional and very knowledgeable.”
“Having an old car, I knew it would be a lot of work and pain but Dandos got it done very fast.”
“Adam was very accommodating to get it repaired on same day.”
“They explained what happened clearly and was honest.”
“All of the local dealers can learn a great deal from Ken and his crew.”
“I will definitely be back and would recommend them to anyone.”
“Communication is great and you always know what to expect.”
People customers mention
Ken5 reviews
Dandos4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Dando's Automotive for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
DDavid1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
I had my 280zx in what many called limp mode. Could not for the life of me figure out what was happening. Cat was melted and clogged. Thankfully the crew at Dandos knew what needed to be done. Having an old car, I knew it would be a lot of work and pain but Dandos got it done very fast. Got a new gas tank and fuel…
Great priceGeneral repairs & maintenanceElectricalAuto engine diagnostic
AAlice2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
My car broke down in the middle of the street. I had it towed to Dandos. Adam was very accommodating to get it repaired on same day. It was on a Monday and they already had two people with emergencies at the door. So I was very pleased with their prompt and willing service! Ken the owner personally diagnosed the…
Reasonable priceService not listed
KK1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
I used to use Dandos back in the early 90's when I guess Andy owned it? Great place - I'm down in SoCal now but on a whim I wanted to see if they were still in business.. They did a GREAT job on my 280zx way back then.
Great priceEngine repair
NNick5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
As a halfway decent mechanic myself, it's difficult for me to have someone else work on my cars. Thank goodness for Dando's. These guys don't mess around. They know their stuff and are very professional. Communication is great and you always know what to expect. You get an honest quote up front and if something…
LLuis5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
What I can say with absolutely certainty is that we received great care & attentive service, beyond what I could have hoped for, even after speaking with Ken Keeler who filled me with nothing but confidence, they exceeded even my best expectations... I honestly cannot wait to go back, thank you!... = alberto
Rramtrik14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Ken is amazing. Came for a check engine light problem. He diagnosed it quickly and fixed the problem in a very short time
I had my 280zx in what many called limp mode. Could not for the life of me figure out what was happening. Cat was melted and clogged. Thankfully the crew at Dandos knew what needed to be done. Having an old car, I knew it would be a lot of work and pain but Dandos got it done very fast. Got a new gas tank and fuel sending unit in no problem. And they managed to find the a fuel line that I was unaware was leaking. All in all, I haven't stopped smiling! My car drives and feels awesome!!! I am so happy and thankful for the work that was put into my 280zx by the crew at Dandos. I will definitely be back and would recommend them to anyone.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Engine repair, Auto maintenance, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 6 years ago
David, Thank you for you review. Very happy to hear your vehicle is performing well.
A
Alice Mathias2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alice has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My car broke down in the middle of the street. I had it towed to Dandos. Adam was very accommodating to get it repaired on same day. It was on a Monday and they already had two people with emergencies at the door. So I was very pleased with their prompt and willing service! Ken the owner personally diagnosed the problem and worked on it. They explained what happened clearly and was honest.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Alice,
I am glad we were able to help. Thank you for your review
K
K Karunaratne1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews K has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I used to use Dandos back in the early 90's when I guess Andy owned it? Great place - I'm down in SoCal now but on a whim I wanted to see if they were still in business.. They did a GREAT job on my 280zx way back then.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Engine repair
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thanks for your review. Andy sold the business long ago, but we still have some of the original techs from when Andy was the owner. Stop in if you are ever in the area.
N
Nick Trujillo5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Nick has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As a halfway decent mechanic myself, it's difficult for me to have someone else work on my cars. Thank goodness for Dando's. These guys don't mess around. They know their stuff and are very professional. Communication is great and you always know what to expect. You get an honest quote up front and if something unexpected pops up they let me know right away and give me options before proceeding. I recommend Dando's 100%. I still like to tinker with my cars but it's sure nice to have them there for the big stuff or just the stuff that I don't have time for.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes
Response from the owner · a year ago
Hi Nick, Thanks for the review. Its always nice seeing you and catching up. Ken
J
Jeff OConnellLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jeff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
What I can say with absolutely certainty is that we received great care & attentive service, beyond what I could have hoped for, even after speaking with Ken Keeler who filled me with nothing but confidence, they exceeded even my best expectations... I honestly cannot wait to go back, thank you!... = alberto
R
ramtrik14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews ramtrik1 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
