Mike Larbre Automotive

I live in SF but spend most weekends in Sonoma. My car desperately needed tires and I decided to check the reviews of local automotive shops. Larbre Automotive had excellent reviews so I called the shop and spoke with Frank who was very personable and knowledgeable and told me to come right over so he could check my car and order the correct tires. I returned the next day and the tires were installed, another repair to the steering was completed and the car was aligned. The shop is spotlessly clean, well-​managed and I highly recommend their services. The price was very fair and I was provided with a written estimate before the work was started. I plan to use this shop for my future automotive needs.

When a part of my clutch broke mid-​journey Larbre Automotive saved the day (as always)! Expecting a big $$ bill and a long time-​frame during a very busy week in the shop, Mike surprised me by getting the work completed a day early when I was in desperate need of wheels. Hat tip for always going the extra mile!

Can’t say enough good things about Larbre. The best service. The guys are so kind, friendly and accommodating. They figure out all the problems with my car and fix it up. Even consult with BMW for issues that are particularly troublesome (due to bad work done in the past by a different company that had to be fixed. Larbre did a fantastic job & the car is like new). A huge THANK YOU to Larbre!

I don’t Unilocal much. Only when really compelled, either positively or negatively. It takes a lot to get me here.
Larbre Automotive is the tits. My car was having a hard time starting, and between my work schedule, an impending vacation, and a problem that just started a couple days ago, I didn’t have time to make an appointment and was scared I wouldn’t be able to get it looked at in time.
I called Larbre just an hour before close, Frank answered promptly and friendily (is that a word?), and while not sure he’d be able to get it looked at and fixed before the next day, still offered to have me come down and check it out, because what was the harm in trying?
As I expected, the battery was on its last leg. The guys had it replaced in no time while Frank kept me entertained in the office. In and out in twenty minutes with no appointment. I can’t thank Frank and the team there enough for helping me out on such short notice.

These guys are all around top-​notch! They do thorough work at reasonable rates. And Frank couldn’t be a friendlier, nicer guy. I feel lucky to have found Mike Larbre Automotive to take care of my truck! I’ll be back! Thanks!!!

Mike’s team was fabulous, as always. Got our car in for smogging, and got it out when they said they would. Thanks, Mike!

I’ve been going to Mike Larbre Automotive since the mid-​1990s. I left CA in 2008 and returned in 2013, along with returning to this auto shop because Mike and his team are experts in identifying problems and then repairing them. Their mechanics regularly receive additional training in order to keep up with new developments in the field, including those related to computer-​assisted technologies.
I have never encountered a more trustworthy, friendly, or caring group of mechanics anywhere and can recommend them without qualification. I also agree with other reviewers that they will answer any questions you have, and yes, this is the cleanest automotive repair shop I’ve ever seen, which also reflects on the pride employees take in their work.
If I had to sum up in one word what characterizes Mike Larbre Automotive, that word would be integrity.

Mike Larbre Automotive has taken care of my 2007 Subaru Forester for 4 years. I have had nothing but great service. Mike and I joke that he will get me 20 years with the same car. I can’t imagine taking my car anywhere else.
The shop is impeccably clean and everyone goes out of the way to provide service whether at the counter or in the shop. Mike has always explained things to me in a way that I know what he does is needed. He once noticed my battery was failing and I had him replace it, avoiding a possible inconvenience someday.
Sonoma is fortunate to have such a wonderful resource for automotive service.

I brought my 2001 Chevy Tahoe to Larbre Automotive for a diagnostic appointment. As I was checking in, we discussed that my tires were relatively new and probably needed to be rotated. He «threw that in» with the diagnostic saving me another appointment. Mike had a loaner car there for me so I could head off to work. When he called letting me know my truck is in good shape, just needed a new battery (which I suspected going in) and air intake valves needed replacing. They had time to do the work but this would mean I would need to come pick up the truck at the same time I had a client appointment. «No Problem» was the response on the other end of the phone. «We will send someone over to swap vehicles so you can continue with you appointment». That was paraphrasing, but that is exactly how I felt. They treated me like royalty and went above and beyond any service I have ever received from an automotive shop. I will not hesitate to take my vehicle back for routine maintenance or any unforeseen issues. Larbre Automotive is trust worthy and puts your needs first. They are considerate of your schedule and will do everything they can to help make your auto service experience uneventful. This is very important to me! A big thank you to Mike and his staff!!! I am a very satisfied customer!

I’ve been taking my American made car to Mike for over 5 years. He and his mechanics are professional, fair and always ready to help with any car issue. They make it their personal challenge to fix any nagging problem. Thank you Mike and crew, you have a loyal customer.

Mike Larbre Automotive has the best customer service I have ever dealt with. He is very honest and trusting. I have learned a lot from Mike and anytime i need help or a question he never hesitates to take the time to help me and answer my questions. Very Helpful. If you ever get a chance to stop in check out his shop do it. This is the cleanest shop I have ever seen.
Armanini Customs

I have had one solid mechanic for the last 10 years.
Mike was the first person other than him to touch my car & I must say, I have found a new level of service. Talk about going above and beyond, for no extra charge he gave me a list of 4 – 5 things he saw while doing my breaks & oil that would help my car run better & save me gas $$$ at the pump. Thanks Mike
Great place, nice staff. I think I have a new mechanic?

I live in Napa and will gladly drive to Sonoma anytime my MBZ or Volkswagon Beetle require service. Why? Mike is the most honest, trustworthy, reliable guy around. He has saved me money two different times after I had someone else look at my car first. He is an expert in auto repair service!

Mike Larbre Automotive is the ONLY place I will take my Jeep. Mike is trustworthy, honest, reliable, and best of all knows what he is doing. Thanks for all the work you have put into my Jeep and for more to come!

I’ve lived in Sonoma almost 8 years and don’t know why it took me so long to find Mike Larbre. His shop looks more like an auto repair shop than anywhere else in Sonoma Valley. It is clean and busy. Mike is a personable guy and goes out of his way to be helpful eg he printed an estimate for me without my even asking. My feeling is he is honest, priced fairly, and has integrity.

Mike Labre’s shop is among the leading automotive places I’ve encountered in a long tour of car repair covering several cites and two states. Mike and his crew are rare examples of complete professionals with a genunine appreciation for the customer, thier needs and the vehicle itself.
Key elements which contribute to this assessment are first and foremost the genuine appreciation for his trade/​craft that Mike has and exhibits each time he works on my vehicle. I have a 12 year old 157,000 mile Durango which the shop keeps running as if it was 2000. He and his crew look at the vehnicle as a patient, not a hunk of metal, wiring and rubber! In evaluating what is needed, Mike communicates not just clearly and in laymans terms but with an obvious enjoyment of his keen diagnostic skill. And he masters the art of being a genuine person… one who likes his customers, values them and is determined to be fair and resonable in his billing.
Look to the wall in the office and see evidence of his commitment by the long rows of certifications he and his staff have completed to ensure credible knowledge and skill across the wide plain of auto repair. Relaize that Mike pays for his crew’s education and training and you can sense the kind owner he is in terms of those who work for and with him.
And there is always merit in patronizing a native son of Sonoma with family roots which contribute to a sense of responsibility to the community which Mike carries.
If you are thnking of looking for better auto care, more professional, learned and genial then work with Labre’s once and you will move to become a regular. If you are new to the Valley… you cannot go wrong taking your vehicle to Labre’s.

This is a business to GO TO. Mike Larbre Automotive is knowledgeable, honest, reliable, and know his business. If you want an excellent car guy for automotive repair, go out of your way to deal with this company.