Van Handel Automotive Repair

Reviews

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

  Katherine Lochner
a month ago
My car had been making a strange grinding noise all day and I took it in to Van Hansel to get it checked out before starting to drive home to Seattle. They topped off my transmission fluid and oil and checked everything out just to be sure things looked safe, free of charge! I ll take it in for a better look back in Seattle but it sounds better for now. Really appreciate the quick, last minute service.

  Jim Leslie
2 months ago
I called with a question about my 2010 Prius that I thought looked like a very expensive hybrid battery replacement. Peter told me that before I gave up on the car I should investigate the standard 12 volt battery first. He spend 10 minutes on the phone trouble shooting on a problem that in all likelihood wouldn't come into their shop. He was right. Fixing the cheap 12V battery was all I needed. Next problem I have I'm going to them.

  richard mcdaniel
5 months ago
The staff is courteous and professional in appearance. The shop is state of the art; clean and well equipped. I believe that I was overcharged however for the service they provided. To diagnose thru a simple pressure test, remove a defective coolant hose, and replace it with a new one; I was charged $449. for their labor. The technician also told me I had a blocked heater core and refused to check the temperature control valve. (He insisted it didn't even have one.) This repair he was proposing would have been labor intensive, costing $1,500. I fixed the problem with a friend's help. It was the temperature control valve. I do not recommend them for these reasons. Cost and attitude.Services: Auto water leak repair, Auto engine diagnostic

  Lindsay Porter
2 months ago
I was passing through, heading to Florida, when a Drive train malfunction alert came on my dad's BMW I was driving. I stopped here and they scanned the car. I was stuck between staying there and having BMW repair the car or just turn around and heading home to Lebanon so I could take it to the previous auto shop that worked on it. These people went above a d beyond to help me. They told me the car will be okay to drive it back home. They told me worst case scenarios of what could happen if I did drive home but I was extremely grateful for these guys for their advice and for helping me out. I would 100 percent recommend these people!!

  Gregory Walker
8 months ago
Van Handel proved to be a welcome experience. They took great care of our truck while keeping us informed of what needed to be done. Customer service was / is excellent; facility is top-notch; end result was cost-effective and got us back on the road again. Highly recommended.Services: Electrical repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Vehicle InspectionServices: Electrical repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Engine repair, Vehicle Inspection

  Brenda Smith
4 months ago
I was in a tough spot. My alternator needed replaced and I was having to walk everywhere until I could find a mechanic to fix it. Seeing my predicament, they jumped through hoops to help me out. Thank you Van Handel!!!

  Emily Templeton
8 months ago
A shovel fell from a car in front of me while driving on highway 20 so I pulled into Van Handel to see if they could put it on a Lyft to inspect for any damage. They helped me right away and everyone was so friendly and professional. Price was very fair and reasonable. Thanks guys!

  Madi G
a year ago
My entire family goes to Van Handel and has for years. They are trustworthy, efficient, and most importantly, kind! They will tell you what NEEDS to be done and save you money anywhere they can without jerking you around. Have always gotten my car in quickly and taken great care of everything.Service: Auto engine diagnosticService: Auto engine diagnostic

  Ryan Evancik
2 months ago
Great experience, I would recommend them and would use in the future.

  Robert Burchfield
2 years ago
I was traveling to Sisters for a long weekend and my Toyota 4Runner broke down with electrical problems near Suttle Lake. I towed it to a shop in Redmond that was open on Saturday for repair. They worked on it, but did not diagnose the problem correctly and after picking it up and driving back to Sisters the battery warning light came back on and I was stranded again. I called Van Handel, and despite have a backlog of work, they were are able to get me in quickly and back on the road ASAP. They are totally a first class operation. They were very kind and helpful. They knew exactly what work was needed, ordered parts, and quickly completed the repair. I was so grateful for their service after a poor experience with the other shop I mentioned. Great people.Services: Electrical repair, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Battery

  Jeremy Buller
4 years ago
Very professional and great to work with. I dropped my vehicle off 3 days early for my convenience and they were completely amenable. The next day, I got a call that the vehicle was done. They weren't even supposed to look at it for 2 more days. Great service and easy to work with. Brian at the front desk is pleasant to work with and so personable. I don't go anywhere else for my auto repairs.

  Rebecca Henke
a year ago
I stopped in to get an equalizer hitch adjustment for bolt placement. They got on it right away and were very quick. I asked what I owe and they said no charge! Excellent customer service in today's world.

  Mark Maremont
2 years ago
Top notch service! We were driving through town and noticed a very unusual noise. Chad, the owner, diagnosed the problem correctly in 5 minutes, and warned us it was a potentially serious safety issue. Although he was so busy he couldn't do the work, the diagnosis was critical in helping us find the right parts and getting the car fixed in Bend the next day. I would have my car serviced here every time if I lived in town.

  Jeanette Pilak
2 years ago
Update: I was on the road when my original alternator blew. The retired "car guy" who replaced it gave me a list of things that needed to be checked when I got home. VanHandle found/corrected the list BEFORE I told them what needed to be checked from the emergency repair. Affordable and trustworthy for the past EIGHT YEARS. Bravo VanHandle!!! For six years I've received complete and correct diagnosis, major repairs, and regular maintenance on my 08 Subaru with honesty, courtesy, and kindness. I trust them. Reasonable costs for all work. Friendly help and excellent customer service and just dang nice folks. Highly recommend.Services: Auto engine tuning, Engine repair, Brakes

  Eric Miller
6 years ago
Brian and his crew are the best. Having just moved to Sisters, had no idea where to take my vehicles for service. Van Handel Auto Repair was recommended to me by a local merchant. Best recommendation I think I've ever had. Courteous, polite, speedy and knowledgeable. I've taken two of my vehicles in so far and both times have been a pleasant, reassuring experience. I highly recommend Van Handel Automotive repair for any of your automobile servicing needs.

  Urbi et Orbi
5 years ago
Brian and Chad are excellent customer service representatives and very thorough mechanics. I dealt with both of them on the phone for a vehicle inspection on a car I wanted to purchase from 1,200 miles away. They were very accommodating of my specific requests to evaluate certain parts of the car to the point that they'll walk out to the lot to inspect the car for something other than what's in the inspection checklist. They took pictures of areas I had requested and emailed them to me. Of those that that they couldn't readily address, they called vendors and suppliers whether parts are still available and what they'd cost. They gave me estimates on the billable hours expected for specific fixes and installations. And they gave impressions on the quality of the ride, the texture of the seats, the condition of the door seals, the presence and extent of rust, and spoke to their subjective impression of the vehicle. I appreciate the honest reply to my question of whether they'll buy this car if it's a style they favor; Chad said it is a great looking and performing car but it is "not his type".Anyhow, it took away a lot of my trepidation and I am able to make an informed decision. Thanks and best wishes to you. Keep providing a great customer experience to all who avail of your service.

  Judy Nickolaus
6 years ago
We met Brian when we were camp hosting at Three Creek Lake. He gave us his card and we made an appointment for a fuel filter change and oil change. When we went to pick it up my husband asked questions about a few things and appreciated their answers, with no charges. So two years later we are still using them every time we come to Sisters. We trust them fully with our pick up. As long as they are around they will get our business.

  Katie Knox
3 years ago
We were driving from Portland to Sunriver in our 2001 GMC Envoy and had had it checked out by our Portland mechanic before we left. About halfway through our trip our car rumbled and the service engine light came on. We were able to make it to Van Handel's on 4:30 on a Friday evening and they ran a diagnostic test and replaced a spark plug. They were very kind (especially considering it was close to closing time for the weekend) knowledgeable, and let us stay in the warm car with our 2 little kids while they worked. Thanks!

  Premila Tracey Pickett
4 years ago
My car was towed to this establishment when I first moved to Sisters Oregon several years ago. They came highly reccomended and I let them know I was new to town and needed a trusted mechanic. It turns out all my car needed was a fuse. Being a first time customer I was shocked that they charged me approximately $65 to diagnose and replace a fuse. When I picked up my car, my car stereo system no longer worked. I called them immediately asking them to take a look at it. They told me it would cost me the same as my original diagnoses. I chose not to go back and have it diagnosed because I did not trust them. Last week, I found out from my Honda dealership that it was caused by a missing fuse. This seems to me unprofessional conduct from a trusted local business. My sound system worked just fine before I had it towed to them. I can't say for sure what went down, but I feel I was treated poorly... Profits over customer service type of businesses is not where I want to spend my money.

  Michelle Goff
5 years ago
We were headed over the pass and our battery light came on. I called Van Handel and they got us in right before closing. They changed out the alternator and had us on our way in less 30 minutes. Great service!

  Mark Hamilton
4 years ago
These are the folks to take your car to when it needs service. Very skilled technicians! Currently, I trust them with my only car, but I wish I had two cars for them to work. Also, because they are so good, my repairs cost less - they know what they are doing. If you want to start a relationship with them, bring donuts from Sisters Bakery when you check in

  Stephen Erickson
4 years ago
I've been using Tom and his crew for over fifteen years and my loyalty is hard earned. They have stepped up and gone above and beyond my expectations many times. I have absolutely no qualms in recommending Van Handel Automotive. Tell them Steve the fishing guide sent you

  Madeline Brown
4 years ago
I can see why these guys are so busy! Not only did they manage to get me in when I failed to make an oil change appointment and just walked in, but they did it with a smile on their face. They created a good basis with me and took care of my car in a timely manner, if I was a local I would go back to them every time I needed something done. Thanks guys!

  Jason Thompson
9 years ago
I had to stop in for a minor fix prior to heading out of town. Brian was booked up solid, but able to take five minutes to lend a hand and get me back on the road. It was a very small and simple job, but the service and help were outstanding in a tight window of time.

  Denice Cristiano
3 weeks ago
They're the only mechanics I ever use.

  Jo Watkins
a year ago
Truly amazing folks! They did an awesome job of fixing my car and they worked with me on the pricing. Highly recommended!

  Cheri Reinke
7 years ago
Truly nice people and I would trust them with my auto repairs. We were stuck on the top of the pass and we were towed into Sisters. Not knowing what to expect, we were met with nothing short of honesty and helpfulness when it came to Van Handel Auto Repair. Thanks again for being there for us when we needed it the most.

  Wendy White
5 years ago
My go to mechanic for over a decade. These guys do solid work for a reasonable cost. They're friendly and respectful. As a single woman I've never been cheated or condisended to when they answer questions or explain mechanical systems.

  Waldo Fignash
5 years ago
BEST all-around mechanics and repair shop in the area. Shop rates are reasonable as they don't waste any time. They are certified and professional. Cost estimates are close if not right on. They have been our Auto mechanics for over 12 years. All work they have done for us has been spot on, never any unnecessary work or recommendations.

  Michelle Souza
4 years ago
I did not get my car repaired here. He booked out. My alternator went out. I got a battery managed to make it to his place before it died. He charged the battery and let me park it overnight. Then I got towed to Bend. This guys are super!