Orinda Motors, Inc. Comparative Summary

Since 1925, Orinda Motors, Inc. has been servicing cars for motorists in the Lamorinda area. “We offer better service than people expect,” says owner Allen Pennebaker. “It’s a combination of our technical expertise, training, equipment, convenience, and excellent customer service. We have the expertise of a dealership with the feel of a small-town mechanic.”

Orinda Motors makes customer convenience a top priority. If a client is unable to bring their car in, one of the shop’s employees can go to their house, pick it up and deliver it back when the job is done. Rental cars are available on the premises, and the company offers a shuttle service for customers with busy schedules. “We go out of our way to make the car repair process convenient for people,” says Mr. Pennebaker. “This includes gestures like driving customers’ kids to swim practice.”

Orinda Motors’ Express Oil Change & Tire Center—which is located next door to the main facility—offers lube services six days a week with no appointment necessary. It handles oil and filter changes, fluid checks, tire pressure services, alignments, maintenance reminders, and more.

Training is important at Orinda Motors—many of its technicians undergo more than 20 hours of ongoing training per quarter. All have a minimum of 20 years’ experience, and most are ASE-certified Master Technicians. They service all foreign and domestic vehicles, including hybrids. They also have special expertise in servicing, repairing and mechanically restoring classic cars. “We can work on everything because we have five different technicians,” says Mr. Pennebaker. “We have a lot of experience, and that’s important when working on cars in the Lamorinda area. We’ve built a crew of solid technicians, and that’s the core of our success.”