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The Import Doctors - Foreign Auto Repair Specialists
Category: Automotive Auto Repair Auto Repair [Edit]
803 Lenora St(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
Seattle, WA 98121
Neighborhood: Belltown
(206) 728-2212
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm
23 reviews for The Import Doctors - Foreign Auto Repair Specialists
23 reviews in English
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Review from Chris D.
1/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Wow. No seriously, wow. My experience at Import Doctors exceeded my expectations in every possible way. I really wasn't looking for a mechanic, but I found them during a desperate search when my car showed up in ill health after being transported across the country. When I say found them, I mean I used Google Maps on my phone to locate the nearest mechanic because A) my car wouldn't go much above 7 mph and B) I knew if I turned it off it wouldn't start again.
I called them, from my driver's seat, to make sure they could take a look at my car. I explained the situation to Marco and asked if I could drop it off. He said he could, but due to the amount of business he had, he wouldn't have room for it until later in the day. I asked if there was anything he could do, given my situation, and he told me to bring it by and they'd figure out where to put it later.
I limped the half dozen blocks, left the car running at the entrance of the PACKED garage and checked in with Marco. He said he probably wouldn't get to it for a day or two, but he would be in touch. I inquired about the dearth of space, to which he explained there was a lot of work to be done and none of his employees had shown up yet. This didn't inspire me with confidence, but there wasn't much I could do at that point.
Two days later, I received a call explaining my battery was dead, the positive terminal had corroded and fused to the battery and everything was back to normal after replacing those two items and flashing the ECU. I asked about cost and, expecting the worst, was pleased with the answer. I'd more or less predicted the repair, so I wasn't surprised at the outcome, but I was surprised I'd gotten away from a crappy situation for a relatively reasonable price and with zero hassle.
When I picked my car up the next day, ON A SATURDAY, Marco was kind enough to show me the corroded terminal without me even asking. The bonus? He set my radio presets for me, since a dead battery meant there were none (that and the car had just arrived in Seattle). Talk about an old school shop providing old school service. Refreshing. Very refreshing. They have likely earned my as a customer until they give me a reason otherwise.Listed in: Seattle Noob
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Review from Ian L.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 12/21/2011
Marco and the team helped me with an oil change yesterday, and I was very happy with the service provided. I brought my car to them for several reasons:
i) They are located much closer to me than the dealership where I bought my car.
ii) They charge reasonable prices, and don't charge for inspections, at least based on my experience.
iii) They are honest and courteous mechanics. They will tell you what needs to be replaced, and what should be replaced in the future, but they won't try to trick you into doing more maintenance work than is necessary.
iv) They understand the value of building up trust with their customers.
v) They recognize their Yelp reviewers--I was delightfully surprised that they knew about my previous review and matched that to me.
I highly recommend these folks for all of your car maintenance needs.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2011
These guys are the real deal. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and honest mechanics that you can… Read more »
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Review from Diana C.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 10/13/2011
The back latch on my car got jammed and killed my battery. I had my car jumped and took it to The Import Doctors immediately after without calling beforehand. They checked it out right away and said that they would work on it during the day, without an appointment.
They were able to fix it and told me if the problem persists what the next steps would be. Again, they were extremely honest, beyond helpful and so accommodating.
I highly recommend The Import Doctors, again!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2011
Let me begin by saying I've never written a Yelp review, but had to for The Import Doctors.
My… Read more »
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Review from Michael F.
Seattle, WA
12/20/2011
These guys are awesome! I started going to them seven years ago, when I lived downtown. Over the last year I had switched mechanics to one in my new neighborhood, mostly for the sake of convenience. Anyway my neighborhood guys convinced me I needed new belts about a month ago.It was after they did this work that I started hearing noises.
Today I took my car to the Docs. They found that all my new belts were loose. They fixed them and did not charge me a penny--even though it was not their work. Does it get better than this? I'll never go anywhere else. I will never stray again. -
Review from Klif B.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2012
I'm a "do it yourself" kind of person for the basic things on my Mini Cooper S. I've taken my car to the Import Doctors a couple of times before to install aftermarket engine parts, bushings, etc. Last year some rodents got into my engine compartment and chewed up the wiring harnesses. I knew this was over my head and feared the worst so I brought it back to the Import Doctors for a third visit (not related to my first two visits). Researching prices online for a new wiring harness was ridiculous. I was looking at over $3k just for the harness. I explained my situation to the guys and they were able to repair the harness. My bill was under $300! To be honest I was a little skeptical about the repair but it is a year later and I have not had one issue with my Cooper. These guys are legit, they don't try to pressure you into costly repair situations. Highly recommend these guys.
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Review from Sarah R.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
My most recent visit to Import Doctors was a reminder of how incredible they are. Jim is always extremely up-front about the reality of my car, and while I know he would do pretty much whatever I asked (within reason), he's the first to tell me it's unnecessary.
It isn't about making a buck for these guys. They are as serious about customer service as they are about fixing cars!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/11/2011
I have been to Import Doctors several times -- they've done everything from changing my oil to… Read more »
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Review from Ariel v.
Seattle, WA
8/12/2011
I've been taking my cars to Import Doctors since I bought my first car, a 1966 VW Beetle, in 1990. Over two decades of loyalty should basically tell you all you need to know.
It's not an uninformed loyalty. Owning only Volkswagens all my life, I've had plenty of experiences with other shops when I lived in NY (college) and SF (2 years). No one has been as consistently good as Import Doctors.
They are not the cheapest shop around, but their work is super solid and they go the extra mile in terms of customer service. I appreciate that they look at service in terms of the life of the car: They give me early warnings about things that I might need to budget for later, and if a repair can wait, they tell me the trade-offs so I can make an informed decision. They also use quality parts that will last.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Bharathi V.
Seattle, WA
4/12/2011
My experience with Import doctors was not that great! I had been there to service my VW Jetta for few issues with battery change and engine cooling/heating system and general tune up. While they did a good job in tuning up - after the service the anti-theft system in lock started giving strange problems. I have never had that issue before. when I went back - they looked at it for a day and then told that I had to change my entire key systems and would cost more than $1000/- !! I was like no way. I never had any issue with the keys for about yr and it can't suddenly go wrong!!
They were quite courteous and nice though.. -
Review from Eric K.
Denver, CO
6/23/2011
Awesome.
What can I say I took my newly purchased Subaru Impreza there for inspection. They gave me a complete run down. Propped it showed me that the head gaskets were leaking!!. I took the car back to the dealer and they were always available in helping me navigate the dealers web of deception in trying to get out of rescinding the contract.
Long story short I got my money back. They saved me 2200 dollars or maybe more if the engine would have failed.
Thanks so much Import Doctors! -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
11/6/2009
I worked downtown one year. I used the Import Doctors because it was easy and was so glad ot have them. They worked on and maintained my VW with ease. Never any problem. They were very understanding that people dropping their cars in before work are in a hurry and when you come to get your car they are on it!
Thanks -
Review from Amy A.
Seattle, WA
1/9/2010
I've been to the Import Doctors 4 times and couldn't be more satisfied. They are honest and definitely don't rip you off.
The first time I took my car there the "check engine" light came on. They thoroughly checked my car and determined there was nothing wrong. With my lack of auto knowledge they could have ripped me off but they were totally honest.
I've been back 3 other times, mostly minor stuff and they've been great! On my last visit, they noted a few things we should check again in a few months but didn't try to force anything on me.
Quick service and prices that you can't beat! I have recommended them to anyone who will listen. -
Review from Christopher X.
Seattle, WA
11/20/2007
This is a great, no-nonsense, honest mechanic. I shopped around to get a clutch change for my Jetta and they quoted me like a good $100 less than anywhere else. I asked why, and they said something like "when you've done as many vw clutch jobs as we have..."
I've had repairs done here probably 4 or 5 times and I've never been dissatisfied. prices are good and work is good. you aren't going to get the red-carpet treatment here or anything, but they do fine work. -
Review from Jason R.
Seattle, WA
5/2/2008
Been here twice, and I know someone who frequents The Import Doctors. We are both satisfied customers.
They are very capable, reasonably priced, friendly and personable, talented and can be trusted -- something rare in the world of mechanics. They not only SEEM honest but by all indications, they ARE honest. What I like, as well, is the quickness of quality service they offer. They put in a new starter in like 2 hours.
Something rare: they will tell you when they can't do a fix as well as a competitor! If they can't fix it, they won't B.S. you. They will say go elsewhere, and they will give you recommendations. I appreciate that.
They are in a good location (right behind Crack Park -- don't worry, the crack heads won't hurt you -- and in front of Mama's). I highly recommend. -
Review from Seth M.
Fall City, WA
6/19/2009
The Import Doctors is simply the best mechanics I have been to in Seattle. I have been here several times. The first time I came was after coming from the Toyota dealer in Bellevue having been hard sold that they were not sure they were going to give me back my car it was so unsafe in their estimation. And at a minimum I needed to put $1800 into it on the spot. I drove over to The Import Doctors on a recommendation from a friend and was quoted $638 for the exact same work with a real estimation of what should be fixed now and what could wait.
I have dealt with Marco and he is awesome. Also extremely honest and down to earth with you about what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
Once I dug a little deeper I was impressed by how long they have been doing this and how much experience they have in import cars.
A very solid shop, and the new location is beautiful as well. Highly recommended. -
Review from LaShonnu B.
Mercer Island, WA
Updated - 4/8/2011
Took my car in for its first oil change/inspection here. Jim and the rest of the staff did an excellent and professional job!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/20/2010
I was about to take my car to University VW. After reading the less than stellar reviews, I decided… Read more »
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Review from Steve T.
King, WA
12/3/2010
Superb, fixed my headlight for just the cost of the bulb, about 15 bucks, no labor charge
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Review from Ace A.
Brooklyn, NY
3/17/2010
Agree with previous reviews. Brought my car (Audi A4 '02) in for an oil change in the morning back in December and picked it up later in the afternoon. Marco was helpful. Price was reasonable, better than the nearby Audi dealer. Place was clean and quote for break change seemed reasonable as well. He didn't try to sell me on anything other than what was needed (new brakes).
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Review from David G.
Seattle, WA
8/19/2010
We agree with the others. Got a misdiagnosis from Barrier, these guys could have done the job anyway, and we would have never have known the difference.
Another fancy foreign car repair shop on the "Hill" was going to charge almost $2K for the job they were going to charge $700 for, so there you go!
$300 vs $700 repair. That is what I call honest. -
Review from plug n.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2006
Reasonably priced. Reasonably able mechanics. Just all around reasonable, and therefore a quite rare and special treat in the world of auto shops.
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Review from Michae A.
Seattle, WA
7/26/2010
I've rarely had a favorable experience with mechanics until I discovered the Import Doctors in 2008. We have two VWs and these are the only guys in town I trust: they are honest and up-front about what is absolutely necessary and they are always timely and accommodating of schedules. I would enthusiastically recommend the Import Docs to anyone.
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Review from Jennifer K.
Seattle, WA
6/7/2010
I brought my Audi Allroad in the other day to have some work done and was super impressed. I had a leak in one of my front air shocks which cost A LOT to have fixed by the dealer. They were willing to fix it using parts that I purchased, and had it done by the time I requested. Also, they didn't try and upsell me on other services that my car either did or didn't need, which was great. My car works great now and I will definitely be bringing it back for anything else it may need.
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Review from Sara A.
Seattle, WA
12/15/2008
I can say it: I love my mechanics! I've been to them twice with my Golf and they've done a great job both times, quickly, and for a fraction of what the dealer would have charged. My car runs like a dream thanks to them. They're everything you want in a mechanic: talented, honest, fair and friendly.
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Review from Daniel Y.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2010
Took my Jetta to have the water pump replaced using my extended warranty. First off the job was done quickly and priced fairly. The really great thing about this place was Marco. I had an after-market extended warranty... which to put it simply... sucked. They wanted to deny the claim so bad. Anyhow, I guarantee you that Marco spent more time on the phone with these morons then the time it took him to replace the water pump. I ended up paying about, half but well worth it. Additionally, my bumper had been pulled off a little from a previous incident, I was really pleasantly surprised to see Marco had helped stabilize it. So I would rate this place with superior customer service, great communication and business that goes above and beyond. I will be back and I highly suggest you take your vehicle there for service. Thanks Marco!
