Rude's Auto Repair

Reviews

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

  Aimee Ackerson
4 months ago
My older brothers fixed my cars for a long time, anytime they couldn't, didn't have time, etc. I would bring it to Rude's. I've been bringing my vehicles here since he was on Iowa street in Bellingham, so the better part of 15+ years. Now that I'm an "adult" I just bring anything here I can't fix myself or don't have time to.Bob has always been honest, he's always had the old parts in case I need/want to see them, he calls prior to doing any extra work or if he sees a part is ready to wear out but hasn't yet, he will call to see if you want it to be fixed while they are already in there (saving me money + time because I won't have to bring it back).I saw some other reviews about "dogs that scare people" and I can tell everyone there's a gate so they can't leave from behind the counter, not only that, they are very up front about any dogs that are in the office. You would have to be an idiot to put yourself in a position where any dog in that office made you "uncomfortable" enough to leave a bad review. It took me 2 years to gain that dogs trust, and it was by listening to them when they said "let her come to you". I didn't reach out and try to touch her, I just let her make her way to me, and they never would have opened the gate in the first place had I been uncomfortable with it. Eventually she did and we were buddies after that but she has sadly passed and I'll greatly miss seeing her when I'm there.I've brought Bob big projects and small ones, mysteries and things that probably should have gone to the junkyard, some he probably never wanted to work on in the first place but he never tells me that. Just fixes it and sends me on my way wishing me the best.In summary, Rude's is a trustworthy, cost effective mechanic and I'd recommend them any day of the week. I'll continue bringing my vehicles here as long as he will have me and my crazy purchases that need repaired.

  Verna Qualls
7 months ago
We have gone to Rudes for about10+ years. We appreciate all he has done for our cars. If things didn't work right, he kept searching till he found the issue. Not only did he fix our cars, but he became a friend, which is a bonus. Thanks, BobServices: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Transmission replacement, Transmission repair, Brakes, Wiper blade installation, BatteryServices: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Transmission replacement, Transmission repair, Brakes, Wiper blade installation, Battery

  Arthur Collier
2 years ago
Super cool people. Got my car into their shop immediately, even though it was New Years Eve. I have already been back for work to be done on my son's car. They even gave me an overnight loaner vehicle. Will definitely be working with them in the future. Highly recommended.

  Byron Cordova
2 years ago
Incredibly happy! Took my classic '73 Ford to Rude's, the only shop in the county that has the knowledge to work on a classic. I couldn't have been luckier! My truck runs beautiful and the best part is the bill, it was very reasonable. I highly recommend Rude Automotive, thanks guys!

  Anthony Romero
a year ago
After three or four trips to Willans tech auto consisting of a new battery new belt, new alternator and a few thousand dollars the escalade still died in the driveway. I went to see Bob they took the time to properly diagnose the electrical system finding a drain in one of the many modules running the Cadi. Bob also explained why it took time and what needed to be done to fix this. Identifying and replacing he proper module not only seemed to fix the battery drain but also a few other electronic issues she was having. Conclusion; talk to Bob first at Rides autoThanks guys! We appreciate you.

  Austin morgan
a year ago
Brought my car in for a check engine light diagnostic. They found the problem and fixed it. While test driving they audibly heard a hissing sound and found a hole in a hose and broken brackets. They manufactured a solution and prevention of further damage saving me $1200 had I replaced the hose and mounting brackets with new parts. I know enough about car repair to know these are the experts I'll be bringing my car to in the future.

  Buddy Breakey
6 years ago
Bob has been my go to guy for all my Jeep fixing needs. An honest straight shooting fella is sometimes hard to find in the auto repair business but Bob is one of the few I'd trust with any job. Always impressed with the timely completion of work and he's always been the best price.Thanks Bob and all the crew at Rude's for your great work!

  Matt Reilly
7 years ago
Went to have my cars fluids changed and it was a great experience. The head mechanic Joe was very professional and polite he let me watch and learn some things about my car. Bob the owner was there telling me drag racing story's and made my time waiting much better. 5/5 best place to go and the cheapest with the best quality of work

  Daniel X
4 years ago
I'm shocked to see so many positive reviews on here. About 8 years ago I took my car here for a repair that I didn't have the tools or time to do myself. I usually do my own work. I was quoted $400. The bill ended up being $1500 after they replaced a bunch of things that DID NOT need replacement. I didn't let on when I left the car that I knew my way around an engine. So they did a bunch of extraneous unnecessary services that ended up being poorly done. Without informing me beforehand. They even left a part out! When I took it back complaining about the new horrible noise it was making as a result of them leaving the part out they tried to gaslight me! "Well, it's an old car...they make noise" Well yeah... Especially when you leave out parts. It wasn't making that banging before I took it in. I won't ever go to them again but I remember the name...Rude's... 8 years later and I'm still annoyed because they were recommended as an honest place by a friend. The main guy seems decent enough but the guys that did the actual "work"... All I can say is if you take your car here do your research online and ask for the old parts so you can verify that they actually needed replacement. Hopefully he has some new "mechanics" that give a sh*t by now. At least tell them that you know a little about repairs if you do so they don't try to pull one over on you. And make it clear that you ONLY want the one thing fixed. Get quotes in writing and hold them to it. I'm here because I was looking for places near me online to do professional wheel alignment. (I just replaced the tie rod ends on the same car.) and the horrible memory of taking my car to Rude's came back to haunt me. Perhaps these days they are actually doing honest and good work. I wouldn't know. I'm just here to tell people to be wary.

  Graham Johnson
10 years ago
Honest work and will let you get involved in the repair if you wish. My dad took his 1929 truck in for a custom exhaust and was able to help the welders produce exactly what he wanted. They are very upfront about prices and times. Honesty is the best policy.

  gloria Patrick
3 years ago
Hi all, this place is the bomb! They are honest and do good work. I took my van in to be serviced, other places were quoting me high prices close to $1000.00 bucks! I paid 500 and change out the door. Runs great now! Highly recommend!

  Taylor Hulse
9 years ago
Avoid this shop at all costs. I went in to have some basic exhaust work done. After installing a new exhaust manifold myself, I found out I needed one pipe to be adjusted and 2 holes drilled and bungs welded. I wasn't given any quote and was told to come back in 2 hours. When I came back in 2 hours the work had still not been completed. The owner of the repair shop, Rude, came out and told me I needed a new 2 bolt exhaust flanges to be welded on to fix an exhaust leak. When I asked where on the car I needed it, there are 6 on my car, he just told me I needed it. Again, I asked exactly which flange he was talking about, and I requested to see what part on the vehicle he was referring to. He then proceeded to insult me by saying "Oh I forgot, you probably never seen the underside of a car". I took extreme offense to this seeing as the only reason that I was there was because I did not have the necessary equipment to perform the service myself. Otherwise, I would have. When he finally showed me where on the car he was talking about he quoted me $100 to weld in an old rusted and pitted 2 bolt flange, not a new one. I asked why he wanted $100 to weld in a part that is $7 on ebay, he responded by saying a new flange is $45 new. I asked how much it would be to install and he again quoted me $45 dollars. When I told him that 45 + 45 did not equal $100 he then looked at me with the classic deer in the headlights look and shrugged his shoulders. Why would I pay $100 for an old rusted out flange, when I could get a new one from him for 90$??? He was clearly just trying to extort more money from his customers.This was further evidenced when we observed 2 more customers getting ripped off while waiting for the work to be done. He told one girl that her car was done but that she had a "Sticky Thermostat" and that he needed to keep her car overnight and buy a new thermostat to fix it. The thermostat functions off of a spring. It either works... or it doesn't. It doesn't simply "stick". I can only imagine how much he charged this poor girl for a part that was probably $15-$30.The second time we saw him rip off one of his customers was when an older woman came to pick up her car after having a used Honda automatic transition put in. He refused to give her any warranty longer than 30-60 days and I quote said "These Honda transmissions will go forever". This is also false. Honda transitions are notorious for failure, especially the automatics (the transmission she purchased).Finally my work was completed. They decided to charge me $150 to drill and weld 2 holes and bend a pipe.... Outrageous seeing as I even provided everything that was needed. My roommate had his entire exhaust built for $150. AVOID THIS SHOP. While the actual people preforming the work were nice and courteous, the owner of the shop was EXTREMELY rude (lived up to the shop name) and unprofessional.I ordered 2 Stainless Steel V-Band flanges off eBay for $45. These are greatly superior to the rusted out 2 bolt flange Rude was trying to sell me. I will DEFINITELY be going somewhere else to have these installed.Look elsewhere if you are looking to be treated with respect and actually want to pay a fair price for the work being completed.

  kirk johnson
9 years ago
Avoid this place at all costs. Looking over a bill after the work was done I should have questioned the quote and drove down there to itemize the costs or better yet go elsewhere.They charged us $60 for four spark plugs that at the auto store would only costs maybe $10 with tax.The spark plug wires were $116 for about maybe a $50 item. 1.4 hours to change the spark plug and wires. I have done those myself and this car it would not be the easiest, but I give it half hour at the most to do that.They replaced a few gaskets which I am sure they added at least 400% markup above retail costs and over charged for labor as well.Went to go pick up the car and they did not change the oil as they stated they would and had to wait around for them to finish the job. How unprofessional, we will never go back to them again.

  Brooke Ashcraft
4 years ago
Will not come back. We were charged a diagnosis fee and 5 hours of labor when we were told directly it only took 30 minutes and he diagnosed it from what he thought the issue MIGHT be which ended up not being the issue. Also had the truck in the shop for a day and a half for no reason. The Check Engine light came on just a few days later for the same issue that was not fixed.

  CSI Whipple
8 years ago
Great service, great people. I'm from Spokane, WA. We had broke down with transmission problems in Bellingham on a Sunday evening in my 28ft Motorhome with 3 kids and my wife towing a enclosed trailer. I had called called around for a tow truck to tow me a mile....$250-$600...wow.. I had figured it was cause it was on the weekend so I called the next morning the same places....all the same price. I then called Rude's and I noticed I was within walking distance so I went down there explained my problem and they told me 1/2 hour and we'll take care of ya.Towed my motorhome to the shop then went back and towed my trailer. Put the motorhome up lift. Pulled the transmission out. The housing was cracked 3/4 around. (Took pic's) iam amazed it was able to make it as far as it did.Had us on our way home after two days rebuilding and installing the transmission.Thankyou againChris WhippleAfter reading some of these reviews I have came to the conclusion that people don't really understand it's a business, it is there to make money. Mark up on parts (yes) Labor to install (of course) It's called a business. If everything was at cost, no shops, stores or restaurants would be open and you would not get what you need or want.

  sovos
5 years ago
I've been with rude my whole life. I hear horror story's about other shops. Chains especially, and if you don't know what's wrong yourself it can be hard to tell if your being played. Rude has never done me or anyone I've ever sent there wrong. He's upheld an outstanding level of performance while largely employing undesirables. Rude saves lives and can still save you money without cutting corners. I can't ask for more.

  Ava Sakowski
8 years ago
Bob is the best. I see him every time, I have to change a head light or brake light on my car. Can't believe I have to hire a mechanic for that but OH well. Glad Rude's is part of my protocol for Car repair.

  Lori Burton
3 years ago
I highly recommend Rude s Auto Repair, they fixed my Cadillac when another shop couldn t even find the problem. Fast service and final cost was lower than the estimate. I m very happy with Rude s and will be back the next time I need service.Services: Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, BrakesServices: Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes

  Rebecca Boonstra
7 years ago
I just picked up my truck from Rudes Auto. What a great experience! Got my truck in and out for a fair price, which is always a nice thing. I'll be back the next time I need help with my truck. Thanks Bob!

  Austin vanGerena
9 years ago
I got an oil change from Rudes, I felt as though they were pushy on an unecessary extra repair to my temperature gauge and that I could expect to start having problems with my car. After I had left my vehicle was, immediately idling very rough and shakey.After watching some videos on youtube I learned to look for loose hoses. When I lifted the hood to examine, there was a hose line that had come out and been awkwardly tucked underneath where it plugs in to in a way, in my opinion, to be non-coincidental.Putting it back in did required a pulling back where it pluged in to and pushing it in and NO doubt in my mind that it was pulled out and tucked underneath, manually.I have never posted a complaint before, but this was dirty

  Alderete Family
4 years ago
Just got my jeep back from Rudes. Had the ol death wobble, they figured out my problem and did a great job getting it fixed. Service was quick and would recommend his shop.

  Tammy Smith
5 years ago
Never in my 30 years of doing business have I ever come across a company that is so attentive to there customer's needs. I would recommend this company to everyone who has a car.

  C L
5 years ago
They got our truck up and running in no time. Same day we took it in we driving it away in a couple hours! Very affordable prices too!

  Charlotte Ford
5 years ago
Just the greatest autoshop I've been to in years. It's my new forever home for car repairs. Honest and fast.

  Melissa Setzer
2 years ago
So helpful and they do intoxalock. I'm beginning to love these people. Bob and Amanda are so understanding and kind.

  Kevin Ondeck
6 years ago
Spent 400.00 dollars to address a overheating issue which thought was head gasket related so they performed 2 test which apparently took 4hrs and came up with nothingthey failed to catch that the fan on motor wasn't putting out any air flow66.00 part fixed my issue at my house

  Julie Taylor
2 years ago
Rude n his crew are my go to mechanics. Friendly, listen n do there job with efficiency n skill.

  Terry Whitney
6 years ago
Fixed my truck...check my transmission...said it needs to be programmed but all fluids were ok...3 weeks later transmission burns up due to no transmission fluid...going to cost me $5,000 to rebuild the transmission

  Robb Bouma
4 years ago
Great caring people, quality work, that's affordable. I'll be taking any future vehicle needs here.

  Tina Duke
3 years ago
Friendly and courteous. Rude greets you like a friend. Fast and reasonable prices.