Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Taylor Standifird
6 months ago
Recently purchased and '84 VW Vanagon and after my brother replaced the shifter innards himself, the linkage system got loose and the shifting was out of alignment. I called around to numerous shops - many wouldn't even touch my van. After finding Porbugs, i sent George an email describing my issue and if it's something he was familiar with and could fix. He got back to me same day (Thursday) and said i could bring it in the following Monday for repairs, and gave me an estimated price of the repair, which was a good chunk lower than another shop was gonna charge just for diagnostic. George - the owner - is quiet but friendly and knowledgeable and had my van shifting as normal as an old VW possibly can by just after lunch on Monday. Service was quick and low cost - amazing with it being a specialty shop - and i couldn't be happier. Will definitely be bringing my little van back here for any future needs and services.
Matthew
a year ago
My vanagon was having "weird issues".3 mechanics couldn't figure it out. George did.My van is running SWEET, and i'm so happy I brought it here.Not easy finding an honest mechanic that doesn't want to charge you 4 times what it's worth. Very fair and honest.HIGHLY recommend them, they are my new mechanic.Service: Auto brake replacement
Ryan Meeks
3 years ago
I should have written this review years ago and for that, I apologize to George and Jason. I have been taking all of my Volkswagens to these guys for years. I have had at least 15 buses through this place and every single time I am treated with Integrity respect and professionalism. George is super good at showing you all the parts that he has been working on and with and once removed he explains what needs to happen and how to go about it without being a condescending, impatient jerk like so many other shops out there who seem like they hate people. Porbug is a shop you can trust. I have been to many wonderful vintage Volkswagen repair shops around the country that I can recommend highly, but when it comes to where I go when I'm home and when I need my go-to guys, porbug is the place.
Brynnejamin A
a year ago
I had bought a VW bus that was broken down. I brought it in to Porbug with a Carburetor to replace and for them to find out what it takes to get it up and running. The price I was quoted was cheap enough and after one week they called me up to come drive her away. I ubered down there just to drive it maybe 5 feet before it broke down. Went and spoke to them and they made comments on it "must be that you dont know how to drive it". Possibly rude but I hadnt yet driven this old bus before since I received it broken down. I questioned why he made this assumption about me not being able to drive my own bus (especially since I have only ever driven stick for my whole life). But My bus is 50 years old and they're known to be quirky so I gave the benefit of the doubt that he meant it as me not yet knowing it's quirks.They take it back into the shop to figure out why it was broken down. Two days later they call and say I can take it away. Again I uber down there and try to drive it away just for it to not start. They take it back in again. This time it was one week before they called me and told me they couldn't figure it out but I needed to come get it towed since they didn't have the garage space anymore. They only charged me for install of the carburetor which was fair but I couldn't help but be disappointed and stressed out about the situation as I kept having to uber down just to uber back and not have my bus running. I have never had a mechanic give up before and can't recommend it.I brought my bus to Wagenschmitt In Seattle and within TWO DAYS he had it up and running and I drove it home with zero issues. The time, money, hassle and disappointment of being told by supposed VW experts that they couldnt figure it out was not worth it.
Nicki Hopkins
4 years ago
I won't take my 87 Westy anywhere else! George and Jason cleaned up a big rebuild mess made by another shop, and they've helped me know more about my van's inner workings than any other mechanic I've ever taken it to. I've had this van for over twenty years and have been bringing it to Porbug for the last four. These guys know when to fix something, when to replace something, and when to just talk me off the ledge. They handle major projects and minor issues with honest and fair expertise. And they always finish in the time frame they say they will. Look no further for a rock solid northwest VW mechanic!
Luke Mulqueen
3 years ago
George and Jason at PorBug are a couple of gems. I took my 81 for fuel line replacements and couldn't be happier. I typically like to do my own work on the van but when it comes to bigger jobs I'll always come back to them. They're more than happy to consult over the phone for potential issues and brainstorm ideas on how to fix.Thanks for the great service, you'll see me again in the fall for some pre-winter maintenance!
Sean Murphy
5 years ago
I have owned my 1979 VW Super Beetle for about 20 years. I have lived in 4 or 5 different states with the car--and had numerous mechanics good and bad work on it.George at PorBug is hands down the best. He is accurate, fast, effective, and honest. My bug runs better now than ever. His prices are very reasonable....he won't do unecessary work just to pad the bill. A true professional.
David Bro
5 years ago
I've been taking my ol VW bus to Porbug for the last few years and have had nothing but good experiences. I'll admit, prices are a little higher than your average place but it's worth it. Before I took my bus to Porbug I had problem after problem, repair after repair. At one point I thought my whole engine was toast. Overheating, smoking, horrid sounds that just got worse and worse.. Before it had gotten to that point I took it to several mechanics. One said he fixed it, the other said he couldn't waste anymore of my time/money because he didn't know what was wrong. Finally off a reference from my friend I had it towed to Porbug. He kept me updated on his findings and at first it didn't look good. He called and said I might need to have the whole thing replaced. A day later and a lot of investigation/repairs on his part, he said he could get it up and running, BUT I need to drive it gently and there are no promises on how long it'll keep going. Here I am two years later and its still running strong. If he had wanted to he could of gotten a lot of money of me by saying he needed to replace the engine. Since then any minor repairs/maintenance that come up I take it straight to him. I know hes passionate about his work because he always keeps that changed out parts and is more than willing to show me and explain what exactly went wrong. I'm an engineer myself so I know what satisfaction in doing a good job looks like. It might hurt a little when you get the bill but if you want quality work from a honest mechanic, take it to Porbug!
Josh Elrod
5 years ago
In May, George and Jason of Porbug installed a rebuilt 2.2 WBX, clutch, and manual transaxle in my '90 Vanagon. They also replaced the distributor hall sender and some other things. I just completed a 12,000 mile trip. The engine and transaxle performed fantastically. George and Jason are experienced, thorough and great to work with. When I need work done in the future, I will take my van to them with confidence. I cannot recommend them enough.
Loren Busch
7 years ago
The "Go To" place for Vanagon service and repair. A customer for over five years here including an engine replacement. The owner, George Wakita, is the most honest and competent mechanic I have ever encountered. I can recommend this shop with no reservation.
Dan Allison
a year ago
These guys are the best. Totally honest and super knowledgeable. Worth the drive!!! Turned van around in two hours. They probably know what's wrong before you get there. Security lot for overnight parking.
Lee Vetter
4 years ago
The owner is super knowledgeable about Volkswagen repairs. A lot of nice builds going on. Highly recommend a visit if you have repair needs. Super straightforward and nice folks.
Q
4 years ago
Good company that has done good work on my rig. However there's a major problem that they have not been able to diagnose so I cannot yet give them 5 stars
Harry Oesterreicher
3 years ago
Best all around service for VW vans in the state. I don't take my Vanagon anywhere else if I can help it.
Cliff Acree Acree
a year ago
Straight up, professional owner. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend this place!
Nicholas Bushard
5 years ago
Pretty cool place. Nice service, they raped my car as well :)
James Doyle
a year ago
Very friendly and knowledgeable team