Import Palace Auto Service

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Carl Thornblade
a month ago
Brief experience but the owner did a quick fix and had me on my way in no time. Such a nice guy. . He knows his German autos!

  Ross Stewart Andrew
4 years ago
The Best place to take my 1973 VW Bug 1300. Costs up front, great & knowledgeable mechanics. No hidden cost. Prepare yourself, it'll be better than you thought. I will repeat my business.

  Stephanie Dennee
6 months ago
Called to ask for assistance on my Volvo and the man I spoke to implied it might be user error (it wasn t, I ve owned three Volvos) then seemed genuinely put out to help me (even though I happily would have paid for assistance). This guy seems to be the epitome of mansplaining mechanic. If you like that vibe, by all means. If you d prefer rational, kind service and a little intelligence, look elsewhere.

  Lucy Hansen
2 years ago
I bought a neglected 1971 VW Beetle, and Import Palace has brought it back to life. John is the most gifted mechanic around, and is more than fair with his repairs and billing. He is also a hoot to talk to, and I just think the world of him and his business. If you have a VW and love it, only trust Import Palace to take care of it.Services: Transmission, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenanceServices: Transmission, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance

  Robyn Windham
7 months ago
We had a really bad experience at Import Palace that cost us over $2000, a lot of stress and almost a year of use of our Volkswagen Vanagon, which they did not adequately repair during the 6 months that they kept it. Recently, we took it to another mechanic for a second opinion on the issue. He replaced 2 parts that Import Palace installed; now the van is running well! When I called to notify the owner of Import Palace and ask for a refund for the parts, I was yelled at and gaslighted (I noticed that I'm not the only reviewer to experience this). Some funds back would be nice (and fair) but at this point, I'd really just like to see any amount of accountability or caring.

  Hannah Bercovici
a year ago
We brought in our van to have the brakes fixed while driving through town. It was nice of them to see us on pretty short notice. They replaced the front brake calipers, brake pads, rotors, etc. They charged us over $1200 to get it all done.Which would have been fine, except that our brakes started acting up again as we drove out of town. Within 200 miles the brakes were seizing again. We brought the van to a different mechanic who told us that the brake fluid was dirty and caliper sliders weren't moving freely, suggesting that Import Palace hadn't greased the brakes and potentially didn't change the brake fluid (which should have been clean after 200 miles).I called Import Palace to ask for a partial refund and they were incredibly rude to me. The guy I talked to kept interrupting me and was very accusatory though I thought my request was reasonable. He wouldn't even let me get through one sentence.Overall, negative experience and way, way overpriced. I'd highly recommend going elsewhere.

  Lee Travis
a year ago
John and his team performed extensive front end work/upgrades on my 1989 VW Westy Camper about a month ago. I am exceptionally happy with the work done, and the price was fair. They are also quite pleasant to work with I hope to use them again; 5 stars!Service: Steering & suspension repairService: Steering & suspension repair

  Top Tech
a year ago
Thanks to all the customers who came to the show hope to see you all again next year! Services: Transmission, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Auto battery replacement, Steering & suspension repair, Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission replacement, Auto A/C replacement, Brakes, Air conditioning, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto maintenance, Oil changeServices: Transmission, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Auto battery replacement, Steering & suspension repair, Auto water leak repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto brake repair, Tire rotations, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection, Transmission replacement, Auto A/C replacement, Brakes, Air conditioning, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Tess Wainwright
3 years ago
I know I can trust this shop for quality work without the scare tactic up charging, and the prices are incredible. I ve got an older Volvo that definitely isn t in tiptop shape, but they approach you with this could use work but we did what you asked for and just let us know. It s a relief to not be taken advantage of at a mechanic. They hear what you need / want out of your vehicle, for instance mine is simply an A to B cruiser, and they respect it.

  Christian
2 years ago
My wife and I were driving across country with our newborn and our AC broke in the middle of a heat wave. We called Import Palace and John, Josh and Lonny were willing to see us and help us get back on the road safely. The expertise and skill from the Mechanic combined with the friendliness of the rest of the staff really made this a great experience. The team at Import Palace really did everything they could to make sure our family was safe during the heatwave. They took the fact that we had a newborn into consideration and stayed way longer than their posted hours. Really kind and incredible people to be around, highly recommend.Services: General repairs & maintenance, A/C installation & repair

  Alejandro V
6 years ago
John was really good. My 328D xi had a replacement brake pads warning, and he was able to review the issue and told me that the warning was an automatic warning and that I still had 40% brake pads left and did not have to do anything about for now. He charged for a � hour of work. I am really happy with his work and his team.I will come back for all of my BMW needs

  William Pfeffer
8 years ago
I just had my Audi 2001 TT worked on by John and his crew. John is extremely knowledgeable and his crew took extremely good care of me. From the moment I walked in the door, I felt like I was their most important customer. They got my car in the same day I called and had it back to me in less than 48 hours after fixing an extremely difficult to diagnose electrical problem. Hands down, the best repair experience I've ever had. I have a sense of relief knowing John and crew are there to back me up. Plus, he takes care of stray cats so the Karma is very good!

  Mark Lawhead
a month ago
I have no information about this place but it keeps bugging me on Google maps and I can't get rid of it unless I post something so here you go.

  Michael Jarnevic
6 months ago
25 plus years ago, I had the misfortune of using this "business" and swore I never would again. Well, out of convenience, I used it yesterday and the experience thourghly convinced me why I should never use it again--ever.Never. Ever. Again.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Elisabeth Laatsch
2 years ago
I have a 1984 Westfalia Vanagon that was in subpar condition. Other mechanics in the area were unable to diagnose and correct the issues that were preventing us from enjoying our bus. Because I have now had numerous shops and mechanics work on our bus over the years (we have had her since the 90's), I can wholeheartedly say this IS the business you should bring your VW Westy to for service. John (owner) and Josh (mechanic) diagnosed problems, took photos and video to support their diagnosis, fixed the problems, and had our bus running better than we have had in over 5 years. They are extremely honest, ethical, and affordable. The total bill surprised me in a good way! As John says, "We're the good guys!" and I would highly recommend taking your VW vehicle to this top-notch business.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Matt Drew
2 years ago
I have been into this establishment twice now, and had nearly identical experiences each time. Based on my first experience, and still being very hesitant, I decided to start the conversation off with what I thought was a softball, and asked about the correct OEM screws to connect the upper and lower steering column assemblies on my '88 Westfalia camper.The intent on this visit was to allow the owner to offer assistance on a seemingly simple question, at which time I was going to shift the conversation over to steering and suspension work, which I need done.However, just as he did on my first visit nearly a year ago, the owner responded by clearly indicating that I was completely wasting his time; with non-stop eye rolls, heavy, impatient sighs, condescension, a short, raised voice and absolute, unveiled rudeness.Sir: Do not ask me which part I want when I am there to ask YOU which part I need, and then get angry at me for not telling you.That is the definition of absolutely abysmal customer service.This is without question, back-to-back, the most unprofessional experiences I have EVER had at any automotive shop in my life, bar none.I don't understand why this business has such a high rating, except perhaps that people who give the ratings don't have to deal with this jerk.I have work that needs to be done on my classic VW.This shop will not do a single minute of that work, and will never see a dime of my money.

  ben kolter
10 years ago
I have been extremely happy with the service at Import Palace. John knows his stuff and got me in with no appointment, while his bays were full. Went above and beyond to get a part the same day and had me out the door in less than 2 hours. Reasonable prices and a good job all around. Would definitely recommend John, especially for Hondas.

  Amy thompson
7 years ago
IT SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE! I made the mistake of taking my 03 Jetta to two other places first, the bills total over $325 and both shops (one a 'foreign car service' ) turned me away saying they did not know what the problem was. The problem was the throttle body needed a reset. That was all, it cost me 40 dollars at Import Palace and it took them less than a day. John was extremely friendly and stated he had no problem finding the issue. I AM SUPER SATISFIED!

  Curtis Gauthier
2 years ago
What can you really say when in my opinion these guys are the best. My audi is a very difficult vehicle to work on but they didn't have any problems. Great prices and John is a good man.

  Sheri Taylor
4 years ago
I called to ask about a new battery which was in my boyfriend's car but needed to be charged. John took out the new battery which was still under warranty, and charged us for a new, cheaper quality batteruy. He kept the original, new battery which just needed to be charged. If indeed the battery was shot, we could have returned it for the $150 we paid for it.. No one asked this mechanic to replace the battery. The battery he put into the car doesn't start the car. The battery we put in did start the car until the car sat for 3 weeks at import palace. I called, spoke to John asking for the expensive new and under warranty battery back and was yelled at. John said the car sat there for 3 months, it was 3 weeks. He said ALL batteries left in cars when it is hot for 3 months or more will no longer be usable. Anyone heard that before? Note to others, ask for all car parts which are replaced by mechanics especially any parts still under warranty. The mechanics at Import Palace may be good at what they do but John is very difficult to talk to and yells. Yelling in my world is used when someone is bleeding or on fire, not when explaining what happened to your car when entrusted to their care.

  Samuel Tintinger (Hotsprings Sam)
a year ago
Great place for all Your Import repairs!

  Katey Driscoll
10 years ago
A friend recommended Import Palace as the best auto repair in town and now I know why. I brought my car in because it was making a strange noise. When they could not identify the noise, they had me come back down to drive my vehicle with them to point it out. When I drove it the noise was gone, but rather than having me take my car home, John was persistent. They tried several different solutions and had me come back again to try driving it when it was cold. When we decided the original noise was no long occurring, John recommended new tires, but was very honest about the state of my vehicle. Then I was not charged as they never were able to identify the original problem. I would definitely recommend Import Palace and will continue to bring my car to them in the future. They were fair, knowledgable, hard-working, and honest which are important qualities when selecting a mechanic.

  Taylor Callison
a year ago
I made an appointment that i had to wait 2 months for, i needed my car fixed urgently and i called to see when the best time to get my car towed in and now my appointment was pushed back another 2 weeks. very unprofessional and they don t care about their customers time.

  Kyle Dunbar
7 years ago
Very happy with my experience.Made an appointment a week ahead. Dropped off my car in the morning and picked it up the same afternoon.Received professional service at a reasonable price. Will definitely recommend and come back the next time I need a mechanic.

  Evan Jackson
2 years ago
I recently bought a bmw 3 series and I thought my moonroof was broken and I was charged 200+ for the expert tech to figure out both of us were just pressing the button wrong nothing was broken I ll take ownership in the fact that I didn t know how to operate it but I figured an expert wouldService: Electrical repairService: Electrical repair

  Kevin Kona
4 years ago
Honest John.John is an honest and professional foreign car mechanic.Very knowledgeable dude.Gave me an expert dissertation on starters.Very busy ,but took the time to explain all about starters and how to determine if starter is actually bad.Actually talked me out of replacing starter on my 2011 C30 volvo. Have had prior good experience with him also.I will be back !Kevin Kona

  amanda taunt
8 years ago
John and his crew are very friendly and knowledgeable. It is extremely hard to find a volkswagen mechanic in Missoula. We have taken our car to other shops and have had it returned damaged. Import palace did an amazing job and stayed within his quote. Would highly recommend to anyone. Will always take our car here.

  charlie Lynch
4 years ago
One of the friendliest and knowledgeable mechanics I ve had the pleasure of going to. They will help you understand and know what the common problems are with your vehicle and fix it accordingly. Great service would recommend 10/10 to anyone.

  Gabriel Silverman
3 years ago
I called about an issue with an older vehicle that I was trying to fix myself. The owner got on the phone and gave me free advice and pointed me in the right direction. I sure appreciate the help and though I haven t brought my vehicle in for service, I will be doing so in the future!

  RenFrank1
5 years ago
First time caller for help with a heating issue on my 2015 Audi A3 Quattro 2.0T. The guy on the phone was condescending and an all around jerk. Did not go with this shop. Found someone else. If you're rude to potential customers, you'll get bad word of mouth.