- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Andy's Auto Repair
Category: Automotive Auto Repair Auto Repair [Edit]
7919 Aurora Ave NSeattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Greenwood
(206) 784-4727
Raymond T. said: "March 2012 Honest Auto Service is a real gem in Shoreline. You can trust them to do you right. They did a great job on my car and let me know what they found for watching. The cost and time in shop was efficient. They are AAA approved…" read more »
16 reviews for Andy's Auto Repair
16 reviews in English
-
Review from Robyn C.
Seattle, WA
8/14/2011
I just wanted to say that, when I needed a new tire, they guys at Andy's not only told me about Tire House, across 80th Street from them, but they stepped outside to get me their Phone Number!
That level of customer service means I WILL be going to them to get my car repaired in the future! :) -
Review from Charmaine E.
Mountlake Terrace, WA
11/28/2011
I was referrred to Andy's by a really good friend so I was hopeful when I sent my 18 year old daughter off to call him.
First off, as a mom I'm trying to encourage my daughter to take initiative to get things solved on her own and become a little more independant. Being a bit shy I thought this would be a good opportunity for her to feel like she can accomplish something "car related" on her own.
When she called Andy's the first response she received was that they were too busy to talk to her and they would call her back in a few hours. After three hours elapsed she called back and they told her again they were too busy to talk to her, brushed off her questions and gave her misguided information based on what- we still don't know. On top of that, she felt like they were rude and unprofessional.
Although I wanted to call them back and tell them how disappointed I was in their (total lack) of customer service, I remembered that I'm trying to let go and instead just gave my daughter the number to Dave's Auto Service in Mountlake Terrace who I"m HAPPY to say were AMAZING to her and negated all of the poor quality of service by Andy's.
I understand being busy but come on. It's your BUSINESS. Be professional, be coureous and by all means, if you have a person on the end of the phone who OBVIOUSLY needs help, dont be a self serving arrogant prick. If you can't give them your time at least be HUMAN. -
Review from Jessie A.
Seattle, WA
7/22/2011
I've been taking my trusty old 1997 Subaru Legacy to Andy since I bought the car a year and a half ago.
He is so kind, sweet, and honest - with everyone. This means a lot to someone who's been treated like a girl too many times at other shops. He'll gently recommend critical repairs but doesn't push on the nonessential stuff; instead, he just lets you know what he would like to fix next and why, and what to pay attention to (if you hear a clicking when you turn your wheel, it's time to bring the car in to have a look at the axles). And, he doesn't overcharge.
I always leave his shop feeling confident that my car has been in the most capable hands in the city, and the car itself seems to be happier after a visit to Andy.
He and his son run the shop, and his wife is often there to help out as well. A true family business, and what a lovely family it is.
I can't say enough good stuff about Andy, his family, and his business. I love, love, LOVE them. -
Review from Jamie P.
Seattle, WA
5/22/2007
I have had too many bad car repair experiences to count (really it shouldn't take 4 separate tries to get brake rotors smooth! 2 maybe....), and ended up at Andy's with little optimism.
Well, in the 10+ years that I have had my Subarus he has taken really great care of me.
I believe he has everything a great mechanic needs:
1. a Great work ethic
2. fair and reasonable prices
3. the desire to actually fix the problem
4. a moderate attitude toward repairs that are needed (no nickel-and-diming)
5. Fast service
In short, I totally trust him.
He did seem a little gruff at first, and kind of hard to read, but he is easy to get to know if you take the time to ask him questions- he has really great stories about his life.
Once you know him on a more personal level he will smile widely with recognition when you come to him. He also loves dogs and animals and will take great joy in hearing about your dog if you have one. Bring in a photo- it will make his day.
If you are one of these people that demands and is surly, you probably won't get to far with Andy's good graces. He takes no bull.
In terms of another review I read elsewhere about a problem with brakes, what I would ask if if they brought the car back to Andy.
It is my opinion that things can go wrong sometimes, even after they are fixed. It is the shop owners response to such outcome that is a really good indication of what kind of business they are running.
If they didn't bring the car back in I would say shame on them. Andy would have done everything he could have to fix the problem had he known, not for fear of repercussion, but because it would have been the right thing to do. That is his MO. -
Review from Abby H.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2009
It was a trial of three. For a while there, I thought I was trying to convert to Judaism and not get a tune-up for my car what with all of the rejection going on there. Andy, a kind-eyed man with an accent was helping me out in a way the modern world hardly recognizes these days.
Driving downhill on some ice, I'd managed to pop my tire over by the lake. I limped along until I found Andy's shop next to the road. The bus people scattered as I pulled into his shop, which shares a space with the 358 bus stop at the corner of 80th and Aurora. Andy quickly dispatched someone to take a look at my tire and put on the donut. While I was inside, we discussed life and problems, diets, family. I expected to pay at least $30 for this unexpected mishap, but Andy said, "No, $10 because my mechanic is a good mechanic and he charges by the hour. $10 and you go and find out about the warranty on your tires. If it's not a good deal, you go down the street a little way and they will give you a good used tire to get you through."
When I came back the next week for my tune-up I'd scheduled, Andy was busy. "You have to come back later," he said, "You are not ready for a tune-up." Not ready? This wasn't an initiation rite, it was fixing my car. "How do you know you need a tune-up?"
I'd never been asked this question before. I showed him a list from another mechanic shop, as well as letting him know my maintenance light has been on for a while.
"No, no, no, you can leave the light on. Look, I have a daughter your age. I'm going to give you some advice." With that, he sent me on my way to the emissions check places, which will read your computer for $80 less than a mechanic will. "Bring that report back. Then I fix your car. I want to know what your car says, not other people."
Good man. A little confusing, but definitely one-of-a-kind. -
Review from Roberta G.
Seattle, WA
8/11/2011
We have been taking our ancient (1982, 1993) Subaru's to Andys for many many years and have no complaints. He and his mechanics are very competent and professional and HONEST and will not try to talk you into anything you really do not need. If a fix is going to be costly, will suggest things to do in the meantime until you can afford it or until it is absolutely necessary. He has often made minor adjustments and repairs for no charge at all. If you can, try to become a regular customer of these folks--you will NOT be sorry. If you have an older car you want to keep running, these are the guys who will do it!
-
Review from Jason P.
Seattle, WA
8/3/2007
I always hear about folks who have been going to the same mechanic for years and years. I assume these people will never be me. Something always happens to make me want to run away screaming or commit a mortal sin whenever I leave my car with a oil-stained stranger.
Andy's Auto Repair, though, has potential. So far I've only visited twice in two years. They're a little pricey for the simple things like oil changes, but when I needed real work done they came through.
They were able to triage the various oil leaks, squeaks, and shimmies into a two year maintenance and repair plan. They did all of this with a customer who doesn't know a tail pipe from a dip stick. (That's a joke people. It's funny. Go ahead, click the funny button. You know you want to.)
So, all in all, I don't feel like I was ripped off and I don't feel like they ignored any problems with my Subaru. That's all I ever ask for in a mechanic. -
Review from Kelley H.
Seattle, WA
3/31/2009
Okay. . I haven't actually gotten my car fixed here yet. But I will - for sure. I just called around to 4 Mechanics to get a cost estimate on a 90K service and Timing belt replacement.
Andy's cost was reasonable, not the lowest, but he certainly won in personality.
He asked me if I needed full service or just a tune up? I said I don't know, What's the difference? He says "well - come in, I'll tell you." Your car might not need everything on a 90K service.
I told him I need to save up for my service and timing belt and was calling around to get prices so I know how much to save. He says "Ok, come in anytime, I'll tell you what you need. For now, make sure your oil is changed and your coolant is good - it's very important" the service can wait.
I hung up the phone feeling like I had just spoken to a family member about my car. I am actually looking forward to meeting Andy and getting my car repaired there. -
Review from mireille w.
Seattle, WA
1/16/2010
I have been going to Andy's for over 7 years now. He is honest, helpful and fair priced. Oh and did I mention he's honest? The last thing I expect as a single woman going to the auto mechanic.
He never tries to upsell me and he has even done small stuff for free. -
Review from Dinty S.
Seattle, WA
9/20/2009
I don't know much about cars and I've only owned 1 in my life. When I bring the car to Andy, he is very clear about what needs to be done and what does not. Never in the 7 years I've been bringing him my Subaru has he pressured me into a service I didn't feel was needed.
Andy understands that a 20 year old vehicle will not last forever and should not have tons of money poured into it. That said, with Andy as my mechanic this car might last another 10 years.
Andy and his family (wife and son all work there) are super friendly and genuine. I wish his shop was closer to my house, but at least it is right on a bus line. -
Review from Tap P.
Seattle, WA
6/15/2011
Wow! I mean Wow!! How often do you say to yourself: "I can't wait to get home to rate, review and rave about an auto repair shop?"
First of all, Andy's is not your spotless, shinny, fancy espresso machine and eat an over-prized and over dressed cupcake while you wait type of shop. It is your basic oily, dirty grungy auto repair shop with no smoke and mirrors to divert your attention from the actual work that is taking place on your car.
I went Andy to get a routine break job done on my car. I had both the front and rear brakes replaced. A day or two later I noticed that my steering wheel would vibrate and shake wildly if I applied the brakes while I was traveling above 40 mph. I was told by a friend that the breaks needed to settle and that after a while the vibrating would stop. Well, it didn't stop. It actually got worst. My friend was wrong, but I don't blame him. He's a lawyer and although he knows very little about the intricacies of a car he can be very convincing. I only blame myself for falling for his B.S. again!!!
So, I called Andy and told him what was going on with my car. Andy asked me to bring the car in and said that he would most likely have to replace the rotors as they had probably warped and were cause the car to shake and shimmy. He assured me that he would not charge me for labor and that I would only have to pay for parts. He said that he would replace both rotors and that the total for both rotors would be around $98.
I dropped my car off and about two hours later Andy called to tell me that the car was ready. He also told me that he had quoted me the wrong price for the rotors. The cost for EACH rotor was $98 and not the $44 that he had originally quoted me. Before I was able to open my mouth to tell him that it was ok and that I was grateful that he did not charge me for labor, he told me that he would only charge me for one rotor since it was his mistake. He even went so far to apologize for giving me the wrong price. I could not believe my ears as I was ready to pay him for both rotors.
Needless to say, I am no longer driving down the road doing the hippy-hippy shake when I apply the brakes. I am extremely happy with the service and will certainly go to Andy for all of my car repair needs. -
Review from Catie B.
Seattle, WA
3/29/2011
I am very lucky that Andy's Auto Repair is located so close to my house, but even if he wasn't right next door I would still take my car here! Competent, honest, knowledgeable, friendly, affordable, and efficient. What else could you possibly want in a mechanic?? One time he even gave me a discount on labor; he charged me for 2 hours when the repair actually took 4 hours! I'm not saying he will do this every time, but being friendly and polite can get you far! Andy comes highly, highly recommended!
-
Review from Jeff L.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2008
Hi,
I wouldn't normally think to write a review about a auto repair shop, but hey if you own a car you need to get it fixed, right???... I guess this is debatable, but back to the point! This is a good place to go for your auto repair experience. It's good for me too because not only is it walking distance from my house (very convenient when the car breaks down & I have to "limp" it to a repair shop.. what's even better is its DOWNHILL from my house), but more important for you, dear reader, is that Andy is a fair, honest and good mechanic. The most important factor is his honesty. He will tell you what the problem is, give you options and not try to sell you fixes you don't need (e.g. he didn't try to push new rotors on me when suggesting new front brakes). Also he is a man of his word & work - when the radiator he installed in my car broke 14 months after he installed it, he replaced it at a deep discount... not free but a good deal.
His character is a bit "matter of fact" which can be unsettling in this land of timid smiles & weak handshakes, however that's easy to get over.
Drive on baby!! -
Review from John T.
Seattle, WA
1/10/2011
Great mechanics! They've done several jobs on my car - always on time, did nice work, very reasonable rates, and explained what was going on and the fix. I'd take my car back to Andy's anytime.
-
Review from Charene M.
Seattle, WA
12/31/2010
I have lost trust in auto repair places through the years but my faith is restored by Andy's Auto Repair. I took my car in because I thought there was an electrical problem that was shorting a fuse and killing my main engine fan. When we told Andy, he said "electrical repair, very expensive and I don't think that I can help you. I will come out and look." He brought out a tester and after 15 minutes of poking around and peering, he told us what the problem was - an easy fix. My husband asked him how much we owed and he said, "Nothing. It's okay." Then he walked off into the sunset. I will definitely take my cars there from now on. He is amazing and to the point but not out to take his customers.
-
Review from mike l.
Long Beach, CA
10/19/2009
I was in a real rut, on a road trip from Socal to Seattle and really needed a quick looking over and a legit mechanic as I was sleeping in my car at the time. I followed the yelp reviews and they led me to Andy. Andy was friendly and willing to work with me and my situation. He threw it on his elevated car bay, took a few things apart to chase down the noise I was hearing, and lubricated a few wheel bits. He ended up telling me the noise I kept hearing wasn't anything serious, what they'd have to do to hunt it down further, and explained that due to the non-serious nature of the sound I could either spend hours and hundreds of dollars chasing down the noise..... or I could go on my merry way in safety knowing full well that it was nothing serious. This dude feels like having your dad check out your car, a legit family member. I cannot sing this shop's praise enough. The mechanic was also very legit but I forget his name at the moment, sorry! Thank you Andy's Auto Repair! You guys are the last of a dying breed!
