| Adam D. - Google users |
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Jan 26, 2011 |
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I can not recommend highly enough a better place
to take your car for any type of service be it mechanical
or auto body.
I found International Motor Sports (ISM) through Yelp!
and, based on the reviews, decided to bring my car
there for service. I had just bought a used 1982 Mercedes
Benz 300D Turbo Diesel with unknown milage and needed
a good mechanic because I was going to use the car
to commute from San Francisco to Santa Rosa on a daily
basis, so I needed my car reliable.
I brought my newly bought car in for a thorough inspection
(which I should have done before I bought it) and
ISM gave me a laundry list of problems. They were
very nice however and well aware that I didn't have
a lot of money, so they kindly told me what absolutely
needed to be repaired and then helped me form a plan
to take care of the other repairs in the future.
Long story short, the Mercedes ended up being a money
pit and I sold it. Then, I bought a 2009 VW New Beetle
and decided to continue to use ISM as my repair shop
rather than the dealer just because of their superior
customer service.
Regina, Matt, Giovianni, and the rest of the team
are great. They know me by name and remember little
details about me which really makes a difference.
They always address me as Mr. Decker and are always
enthusiastic when they greet me.
I'm picky when it comes to my car, so when I requested
a specific type of oil be used during an oil change
that ISM didn't carry, Giovianni went out of his way
to special order the oil for me and get the oil change
done within a matter of hours.
Then, I got into an accident with my new car and did
some body damage and damage to the rear axel. I took
my car to ISM and they arranged everything with my
insurance company and got the job done efficiently.
The work was spectacular and you wouldn't even know
that I had gotten into an accident. At the time, I
also had them change the oil in my car since it was
at the shop anyway and Giovianni was kind enough to
give me a discount on those services since I just
dropped close to $4000 in repairs at their shop.
Trust me guys and gals, ISM is the place to go to
get your car serviced! They are staffed by wonderful
people, expert technicians, and do exceptional work.
ISM is definitely THE one stop shop for all of your
auto repair needs.
| Bret 001 - RepairPal User |
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January 14, 2011 11:18 |
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I wanted to thank International Sport Motors for
the fantastic repair/paint job of my 2002 BMW 540.
I was rear ended on the freeway, and Giovanni Palazzo
(the owner) was able to repair my car to "like
new" condition. The car looks like it did when
it was brand new! I would also like to state that
the service and professionalism of the entire staff
needs to be applauded. International Sport Motors
worked with my insurance company and resolved all
the issues to bring my car back to pre-accident condition.
Thank you ISM!
Jazmine S.
South San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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9/24/2008 |
When your car has been in an accident or has been
vandalized it's hard to find the right shop to bring
it in for repairs. You don't want to get jacked because
sometimes that tends to happen.
Well...not at ISM!!! A friend referred me to them
to get the dent on my hood fixed as well as the key
scratch that was all along the drivers side. So I
went in for an estimate. Antonio was very helpful.
He took a look at my car and told me everything that
would need to be done and the process that they would
go through to get those things done. He took down
my information, started a file for me and made copies
of everything he did. He didn't pressure me to leave
my car there or even use them. He told me what he
could do for me and let me on my way. No hassle. I
called my insurance company to let them know what
had happened to my car and I was taking it to ISM.
So after two weeks i've finally gotten my car back.
YES!! It only took that long because I needed a new
hood since it was cracked and for some odd reason
Scion parts are always special order jobs...I had
the same problem with my tires. Anyway...my car looks
like BRAND NEW!!! They did such an awesome that you
would have never thought anything was ever damaged
on it. The paint job they did too was great! Blended
PERFECTLY! When i saw my car outside I couldn't believe
it. Whoever washes and polishes their car does a good
job too because it was SO SHINY! Just like I bought
it off the lot.
I've referred a few people to them and hopefully
it works out for them the way it did for me. I have
another car that needs some fixing up as well and
i'll for sure be taking it here. Another plus with
them is that they do service here and no just body
work. It's a one stop shop!
Best body shop in town
By Peter Benjamin
San Francisco, CA - (Google Review)
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Jul 21, 2010 |
So Got into my car and noticed that my drivers side
door lock was missing called International Sport Motors
they had me come down when it was good for me took
my car around back while I waited so they could pull
apart my door, turns out all it was that the lock
cylinder fell into the door. They put it all back
together and sent me on my way they would not let
me pay for anything now that is what I call customer
service they went above and beyond like they always
do that is why I will only go there for anything that
I need!!!!!!
John F.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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7/10/2008 |
From my experience International Sport Motors is
the way to go for sure! I was involved in a car accident
in my new Audi and after visiting my local dealership
I did not feel confident in using them for the repairs.
I did hear about ISM through a friend who is a car
nut, who said ISM is one of the best if not the best
in the entire bay area. My car looked brand new again
after ISM was done. The personal service I received
from Giovanni and his team was exceptional. In addition
to the bodywork I had my car detailed and was very
pleased all the way around. When I informed my Insurance
agent that I was using ISM he was happy to hear it
and also informed me that ISM has a state of art paint
color matching piece of equipment that he doesn't
see at very many shops in the area. All in All a great
experience as far as getting a car fixed after and
accident goes that is :-o
Jennifer S.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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2/9/2008 |
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.
Jean R.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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4/15/2008 |
These people, Giovanni in particular, have changed
my whole idea of car repair and body shop services.
I 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!
"What to say about ISM"
By Bryan Kelley
San Francisco, CA - (Google Review)
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Jul 12, 2010 |
A few weeks ago I was involved in an accident no
other cars just me myself and a building. So thank
goodness that I have a great body shop called International
Sport Motors. I have to praise them they took care
of everything the only thing I had to do was pick
up my car when it was done. The workmanship and customer
service is why I go back and oh yeh they clean the
cars. If and when I have another loss good thing I
know where I will go. Thanks again ISM
Top Notch
By Paul
San Francisco, CA - (Google Review)
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Apr 10, 2009 |
I suffered a minor accident in stop-and-go traffic
the other week in my BMW. The insurance company recommended
here and one other location for repairs. I read the
reviews on a few websites and went with IS Motors.
I have honestly never had a better experience -- great,
friendly, knowledgeable people, top notch customer
service, and a great shop. They definitely take pride,
not only in their work product, but in their integrity.
They walked me through every question I had, and I
received regular email updates on how repairs were
progressing. I also took a tour of the shop when I
came to pick up the car. They streamlined all dealings
with the insurance company. They detailed my car.
Within a day of driving off, some additional internal
damage from the accident came to light. They got me
in immediately for a diagnosis, recommended necessary
and optional steps, and worked with the insurance
company to make sure there were no problems having
it covered under the claim. This shop sets the standard.
Josh S.
San Diego, CA - (Yelp Review)
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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 naivety.
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.
Bradley F.
South San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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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.
Joan R.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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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 - (Yelp Review)
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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?
AJ G.
San Francisco CA - (Yelp Review)
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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.
John S.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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8/12/2009 |
If you're looking for an honest and friendly place
to take your car, then look no further. Giovanni and
Antonio are the best. I brought my Porsche Cayman
S here after I had a little bumper issue and they
did an excellent job with both the repair and the
service. The repair looks like new, can't even tell
anything was done. Antonio was great at promptly getting
back to me through email or a phone call to answer
all of my questions. They gave me a great deal, and
I left extremely satisfied.
After a month I had to take the car back to get a
clear bra put back on and they were great again. The
clear bra service people took a whole day, which I
was a little surprised at. I picked up my car the
next morning and the first thing that Giovanni mentioned
was that he wasn't happy with how it looked and the
job that the clear bra people had done... without
me even having to tell him about it. That's what I
like in a shop, an honest man who takes pride in his
work and doesn't wait for the customer to notice things
and have to mention them. I brought my car back a
week later and they re-did the whole thing and polished
out some fine scratches that had surfaced from the
repair, it looks great! Thank you Giovanni and Antonio,
I will recommend ISM to any of my friends who need
auto work!
| Jerry S. - Yelp User |
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1/15/2011 |
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Disclosure: I did not get any body work done at International
Sport Motors. I am writing a review based on my experience
there when I was checking out body shops for an insurance
claim.
International Sport Motors was the first of four
body shops that I went to when I was researching body
shops for repairs on a relatively new BMW. I walked
in without an appointment and was immediately helped
by Antonio. He was extremely friendly and professional
and answered all of the questions that I had about
the repair process for my situation. He prepared a
quote for my insurance claim and another quote for
some touch-up work that I was interested in getting
done, which he offered a discount for if I got it
done together with the insurance claim. I left extremely
happy with the experience and the customer service.
After my visit to ISM, I went to two nearby body
shops based on Yelp reviews. At one of these shops,
I didn't feel like I was treated with the same amount
of respect as at ISM. In fact, I thought the admin
there was kind of a douche. The other shop that I
went to told me that I needed to make an appointment
in order to get a quote and was not able to book me
for a time that was convenient enough with my regular
work schedule.
I was pretty sold on getting my repairs done at ISM,
but I ended up going with a body shop in the South
Bay that was recommended by a car-enthusiast-type
friend whose car advice I trust a lot. Despite not
having gone with ISM, I have already recommended this
shop to two of my friends. Out of all the body shops
I visited, ISM presented me the lowest-priced quote
while still giving me a lot of confidence in the quality
of their work. They were also super friendly.
| Ron Boring - RepairPal User |
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November 14, 2010 16:43 |
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Giovanni and his team are the best. I've gone to
him for engine and body repairs for many years and
have never been disappointed. He has my full recommendation.
Gray M.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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2/19/2008 |
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's 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 far away.
THANKS ISM!!!
Aaron S.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
|
6/23/2007 |
Giovanni and his staff do an exceptional job!
I brought my 2000 BMW M Coupe in with some a minor
body damage and was very pleased with their work.
Beyond having the basics logistical things down (good
relationships with insurance companies, timely etc)
they did a very clean job on my ride.
They were referred to me by Phaedrus, BMW/SF who
I have yet to need but I hear is very good.
They have been doing work in SF for a long time and
they must have a good reputation as their were several
Ferrari's and other exotics that they were doing both
body and mechanical work on.
Dwight L.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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7/23/2009 |
One Sunday, some idiot parked his car next to mine
at Land's End and opened his door, putting a dent
into my rear quarter panel. Luckily the paint did
not crack in the deep dent. My regular mechanic at
Phaedrus recommended International Sport Motors for
body work. Took the car there and Antonio and Giovanni
gave me an initial estimate of $200 to have the dent
removed by the paintless dent remover pro. After letting
the shop work on the car for one day, the dent was
gone and I could not see any traces of a dent. Just
beautiful ! The actual cost came out to $250 but much
cheaper than if I needed to have the whole quarter
panel repainted.
Hawk E.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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3/19/2008 |
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; http://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. I 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 now 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 feel). good job!
Rachel Y.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
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4/25/2008 |
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!
Dan K.
San Rafael, CA - (Yelp Review)
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8/6/2008 |
ok- i didn't use the shop but i did buy a car through
these guys. they acted as the middleman to sell a
car one of their customers wanted sold. buying a car
is always a stressful event and most car guys have
a unsavory rap. they could not have been more honest
or nicer. they were clear and fair about what was
being sold, always called me back, had all the right
paperwork, smog etc. Even as the buyer of a car from
one of their customers i felt like they were taking
care of me. I hope i don't need any body work soon-
but if i do, i'm taking it to ISM. These are honest
good business people and they deserve to be patronized.
(this experience is actually what prompted me to sign
up with yelp just to confirm all the reviews i read
here before buying the car).
FANTASTICO
By umbriainc
San Francisco, CA - (Google Review)
|
Jul 23, 2010 |
I AM A FEMALE AND I LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO. I HAVE
SEVERAL CARS THAT, BECAUSE I LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO,
ARE CONSTANTLY IN NEED OF REPAIR. I HAVE ALWAYS FELT
COMFORTABLE AND AT EASE WHEN GOING TO INTERNATIONAL
SPORT MOTORS. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS SECOND TO NONE.
GIOVANNI AND ANTONIO ARE EXTREMELY PROFESSIONAL AND
I CAN ALWAYS BE ASSURED THAT MY CAR WILL BE RETURNED
TO ME IN IMPECCABLE CONDITION. I HAVE AN ALFA ROMEO
SPIDER, WHICH NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO CORRECTLY
WORK ON. IT IS NOW PERFECT! AMAZING! I HIGHLY RECCOMEND
ISM TO ANYONE WHO HAS MECHANICAL OR BODY WORK NEEDS.
THANK YOU ISM!
Rick T.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
|
4/1/2010 |
One stop shop for everything. Auto body, mechanical,
electrical, etc..
Family owned business & they are all very dedicated
to doing the job correctly. If your car needs bodywork
go to ISM. ISM has been around for a very long time & the
experience that they have is awesome. Go to ISM they
rock.
A Yahoo! Local User
San Francisco, CA - (Yahoo! Local Review)
|
04/19/2005 |
great place, but not one you want to visit!: i'm
being ironic here, of course. if you're visiting a
body shop, it's usually because you pulled a bonehead
move, or somebody had their way with your dashboard
(and is enjoying your stereo). That said, i've been
to these guys twice with my brand-new VW GTI and had
great results and great service both times. I happened
to find them because my car was broken into while
parked on the street right outside their shop. No
- it wasn't them drumming up business! Anyhow, they
did a great job with that repair and their next one
went equally well. I can't tell a thing ever happened,
and they are a good group of folks (from my experience).
Brenda Coats
San Francisco, CA - (Email Review)
|
07/12/2010 |
Once again - ISM International Sports Motors - has
proven
their unsurpassed customer service and auto body skills.
I recently
had the unfortunate turn of events to have someone
rear-end me at a
dead stop - hence my car sustained considerable rear-end
damage. The
staff and crew did an outstanding job of fixing my
car - it looks
great. Their staff made an often horrible situation
into a painless
and painless encounter. They go above and beyond and
not only take
care of your immediate task "to get your car
fixed" but will facilitate
any other requests asked of them - rental car services
etc. I live in
the San Joaquin Valley and commute to Mt. View and
with their shop only
minutes from the Bay Bridge - makes it a desirable
location to drop off
the car and get home and/or to work. I will make this
shop my one and
only stop for all my mechanical and bodywork needs;
and encourage my
friends and acquaintances to pursue their services
when the occasion
arises. Thank you - Giovanni and Staff!
Sam
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
|
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!
Carol C.
Palo Alto, CA - (Yelp Review)
|
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.
A Day From Hell ISM to the rescue!!!!
By Regina Benjamin
San Francisco, CA - (Google Review)
|
Apr 30, 2010 |
These guys are freakin awesome!!! Not gonna lie,
I am friends with the owner so when I was in an accident
I knew exactly where I wanted to take my car. Here's
the kicker, someone else was driving my car when someone
else plowed into me. I was at work at the time and
couldn't get away. I was so frazzled I called ISM
and told them my situation. The person who was driving
my car did not know what info to get so get this:
ISM actually sent someone to the scene of the accident
to gather all the necessary information to file a
claim. They were so professional while assisting both
parties open the claim. Luckily my car was drivable
so my car was escorted to ISM. Later that evening,
I called to follow up to check the status of my claim
and my insurance company tried to direct me to another
shop that was select with them. Naturally I said no
way! Especially after the crew went above and their
duty to accommodate me!
Gray M.
San Francisco, CA - (Yelp Review)
|
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!!!
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