The Import Doctors Foreign Auto Specialists

Reviews

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

  Paul Lee
a month ago
Steve is now my forever go-to mechanic in Seattle. I live here in southern CA but bought a used Audi for my daughter who lives and attends college in WA.Imagine my daughter s horror: I just bought her a used, pretty little car with AWD. She was in love at first sight. I had it checked out with my SoCal mechanic and everything was great. All of the services were done at a local Audi dealer on time every time did I mention from the Audi dealer?But within a week of transporting the car to her an alert screams Switch Off Engine! The oil pressure is low! She calls crying as she driving home from work saying she didn t do anything wrong but the alert tells her to stop driving immediately.I desperately tried to find a reputable mechanic over the weekend - out of state - with no knowledge of the city but thankfully google led me to Steve.He was quick to respond and even allowed her to come that very morning despite his loaded schedule.He diagnosed her car, sent me texts of each inspection check he performed (with pictures) using an app of some sort that was very detailed.He discovered the problem was a broken solenoid bolt that caused the oil leak; replaced it; added new oil; drove it around to check the oil pressure; rechecked any faulty codes and called me to tell me my daughter s car is all fixed . Wait for it The bill was just a fraction of the costs I thought I might have a pay.He could have said it was a gasket leak, or worse engine damage, etc. I wouldn t know and couldn t know but he was thorough, honest, and so impressively great professional.I love cars, but I m not a mechanic and he saved me. He saved my dad-cred, saved me time, energy and money. I m my daughter s hero but he s my mechanic hero.I will never send my daughter anywhere else. Everyone else in Seattle should do the same.Thanks Steve.

  Matthew
6 months ago
I don't like to be negative. But, I don't like being taking advantage of or being ripped off.I WAS A LONG TIME CUSTOMER. But THIS is NOT the same shop that the old owner, Jim once ran.I took my Vanagon in last year, at a time were I was sick, and was ripped off.After a year of cooling off and talking to other mechanic friends and shops. It's clear they ripped me off and over charged. To make matters worse, even after spending 3 times what I should have, I am now still forced to redo the fueling systems because of the poor work.It's a chop shop, in out, make a few bucks. But care not what happens long term. But the fact I have to drop the fuel tank, AGAIN, after paying so much (a new tank is 250), and not getting a new tank because they were too lazy to replace the 30+ year old fuel lines connecting. Just lame and unacceptable.I have been warning my fellow Vanagon's nuts, and have heard similar claims as well, so this is a pattern. And ultimately why I'm writing this, to warn others.Moving on... So many good shops our there, this is NOT one of them. Hope your enjoying retirement Jim, well missed.

  Thomas Bonnington
a year ago
Took my Mercedes diesel there after the dealer wanted close to five grand for a repair, which was more than twice what it should have cost. Once they dug into it, they found a bad o-ring, would would have been a quick cheap fix if the dealer didn't tell me bad info. Anyway, they got the issue fixed and had me back on the road great. I've used them before for BMW work and they have always done outstanding work for a very fair price.

  Diane McCasland
a year ago
I brought my BMW in after receiving an extremely high estimate from the dealer on an oil pan issue. The service Manager did a thorough inpection and messaged me the findings in order of importance and fixed so much more for an extremly reasonable price! Friendly and informative service. This will now be my go to shop!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenanceServices: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto maintenance

  Brennan Kidd
11 months ago
Marco and Stephen were very accommodating in being the middle men between me and a used car dealer and trying to get a vehicle prepurchase inspection completed. Once the car got to them, they were very thorough in preparing the inspection report and offered to talk about any of it in greater detail.

  Olivia Johnson
2 years ago
Steve and his team really care about their customers. I took my Mazda CX-5 to their shop after the dealership quoted me $1500 in repairs. Import Doctors did a free inspection of the car and found absolutely nothing wrong with it. They saved me a huge chunk of money and were absolutely lovely in explaining exactly what they were looking for during the inspection. I also got an in depth report of the inspection to keep. Will definitely return for service the next time my car ACTUALLY needs it. Thank you Import Doctors!

  Steve Carlton
a month ago
Professional, friendly, and up front. Have had no bad interactions over the 5yrs I've been going to them.

  Michael Barbieri
2 years ago
Car repairs are never a joyful experience, but the owner / operator of this business was knowledgeable, helpful, prompt. And he was great to deal with. My car was expertly repaired and I was able to pick it up ahead of schedule which saved me money on a rental car. I had extensive repairs on my Audi, but it is doing great now!!! THANK YOU DR!!!

  Sage Malingen
3 years ago
My experience with the Import Doctors for multiple vehicles has been great. For my first car, the valve gasket repair would have cost more than the value of the vehicle, and they recommended that I invest that money in a new car rather than paying them to fix it. My new-to-me vehicle has needed repairs since, and I've received excellent service and communication every time.

  Doug Pierson
a year ago
This business has done top notch work on my '85 Vanagon for many years. They are knowledgeable and honest. They keep my finicky vehicle on the road, performing routine maintenance and larger repairs with an eye to the future. Most recently, they replaced my engine, taking the time to triple check everything. I could not be happier.Update 9 mo later: they STILL have my back, patiently helping to troubleshoot my new engine and get my Vanagon running better than it has in almost 20 years. 15 stars.

  Abhijith Rajiv
7 years ago
My 98 A6 had a really weird moisture leak into cabin issue that I was unable to troubleshoot. I had heard a couple of good things about them from friends. So took it in. The total turn around time was around 2 weeks. They said they had to dry the car out completely and wait for the leakage to happen in order to diagnose it. They finally figured out that the repair is actually a pretty small piece but the windshield had to be removed to get to it. They got a guy from another shop to come take out the windshield. That guy from the other shop messed up and cracked my windshield and asked me to pay for it. But the owner at The Import Doctors was able to convince the other shop to get that fixed for free as it was clearly not my fault. I really appreciate his help in resolving the issue. The people at Import Doctors were also able to satisfactorily explain what was wrong. I did feel like I was overcharged, but the quality of work and customer service made up for it. During the two week wait, they even fixed a couple of small things for me for free. Oh and the moisture leak problem hasn't returned for the last 3 months! I will recommend this place.

  Wil -
5 years ago
These guys are the best. I have been bringing my 2013 BMW X1 here for oil changes and regular service for 2 years now and I have had a great experience every time. They never charge for anything unnecessary, and they always try to provide a few options to help save me money. Just good people at the end of the day.

  Elton Engstrom
3 years ago
I usually don t write reviews but I really found import docs to be an excellent shop. I am 55 years old and have owned German cars since college, going back to an Audi I drove at that time. I presently own a 2002 bmw 525i which I have had serviced by Jason, including an engine replacement 3 years ago. Of all the mechanics and shops I have dealt with over the last 35 plus years from California to Alaska, I can t say that Jason isn t the best I have ever dealt with. He really knows what he is doing. He is very detailed and thorough. I have dealt with god knows how many Bmw dealers but I really think Jason is better.Service: Engine repair

  Jenny Miller
2 years ago
These guys care. They want to get my 91 Vanagon fixed right. They have done tons of things on my van and every experience comes down to "we just want you to enjoy your van." In addition to their fine mechanical abilities, I can only rave about their communication, prices and timing. I highly recommend Import Doctors for any vehicle needs.Services: Transmission, Electrical repair, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, A/C installation & repair, Brake service & repair

  Antonio T
3 years ago
Repairs were fine, prices were fine, however when I recently called in asking 2 simple questions about the reliability of a certain older model Subaru, the service manager Stephen insulted my financial status, talked down to me, and was very rude and condescending in general.I definitely will not be returning for repairs or reccomending them to anyone with this type of customer service and disrespect.

  Paris Settle
6 years ago
My service center for my wife's BMW closed so I had to find a new mechanic. So glad I found Import Doctors. They are very knowledgeable and diagnosed the problem right away. Steve was great, explained everything in detail and got it fixed the same day. Jason was the mechanic, was also very professional and courteous. I would definitely recommend Import Doctors for any of your import service needs. Top of the line shop

  Geni Venable
6 years ago
I always feel like the folks at Import Doctors are giving me straightforward and honest information about what my car needs, what is good preventative maintenance, and what my options are. They are also really great at explaining the work they're doing to folks who aren't well versed in cars. When I came in with a couple of semi-serious maintenance needs, they worked hard to squeeze me in the schedule so I could leave that day with my newly repaired car. An added benefit is that their shop is located just a couple of blocks from the Stadium light rail station, making it easy to get around while your car is in the shop. This has become my go-to mechanic shop for my Toyota Corolla.

  Filmore D. Fossett
10 years ago
Marco and the crew are awesome! I have taken 3 different cars to them (Passat, Honda Civic and a Mini Cooper) for service over the past 6 years and received the same outstanding service there each and every time! Very consistent, knowledgeable and affordable. The location is great also!

  Jay C
6 years ago
I called for a quote on some work I need done and got one of the best customer service reps I've ever had - Steve. We talked through the different things I might need done and costs and likelihood that I can postpone various ones to maximize the value and life of the car without overspending. It was incredibly helpful and I will be happy to give them my business when I need my next repair.

  Kess Simeon
a year ago
I would absolutely recommend the import doctors versus going to your dealership. Mine is Mercedes bens of seattle. Import doctors are significantly better than then. They are very kind and respectful! 5

  David Jenkins
6 years ago
These guys are not only very knowledgable and skilled in their work, they are very "real, down-to-earth" people who care about their customers! They bent over backwards to get me back on the road, even with some major repairs. They also worked with me financially, and for all that they did, gave me a great deal! My MINI Cooper is now running perfectly, and you can bet that I won't take it anywhere else! Thanks guys!!

  Dustin McBride
9 years ago
I can't say enough great things about the Import Doctors! After encountering an anomaly while fixing my truck these guys went above and beyond what was expect to get it fixed. I highly recommend them! Not only are they fair, honest and thorough; they are exceptional and patient at helping their customers understand exactly whats going on with their vehicle.

  Doriahna Dinish
5 years ago
I've been taking my VW Golf to Import Doctors for the past 2+ years. Each time, I have had a great experience! Steve is great at what he does, he explains the issue (if any) with my vehicle and also tells me what may cause a potential problem in the future. I will continue to bring my vehicle here!

  Andy
6 years ago
Import Doctors always takes good care of me and my vehicle, offering honest service and very reasonable prices. Steve is always particularly helpful and seems to do his best to help his customers. I wouldn t want to go anywhere else in Seattle!

  Nathan Bishop
6 years ago
So nice and caring and I have never had an issue with Import Doctors Auto Repair. Love this place. They don't pressure you into anything either. My car always feels a lot better after I take it in.

  Karyn Gray
8 years ago
Our first experience several years ago was great. This time is disappointing. I dropped my car off 13 days ago to be fixed. The completion date kept getting pushed back day by day.2 days ago, they told me it was ready and done. I picked up the car and paid $2300. And drove it home. They next morning, I get in the car, turn it on and it dies. I had to have it towed right back in.I called to notify them it was coming back, I also called later to make sure the car arrived. (10am) I have not heard from them since...24 hours later.Communication is the foundation of customer service. I am a very patient customer but this is unreasonable.Ken, you need to call me and keep me informed. Otherwise you allow customers to became disgruntled when it could have been avoided.

  carl laegreid
4 years ago
I've been taking my car to these guys since they were down in SoDo. They always take the time to go through any problems and answer all my questions. I've never felt like they were selling up or suggesting unnecessary work. Consummate professionals and I will highly recommend them to anyone.

  Michele K
6 years ago
I've been having my vehicles serviced & repaired at Import Doctors since 2007! Ive followed them from Bell Street to Westlake to 6th Ave. Always courteous, best service & never recommends or performs unecessary work. Reasonable prices too!Friends I have referred have agreed. Marco & his team are the best!

  San
4 years ago
The guy at the counter has no personality and not easy to talk to. I brought my 2015 Jetta in for an oil change and asked them to investigate a squeak I was hearing. I was told it was coming from the tensioner and I gave the go ahead to replace. It was still squeaking after "The Import Doctors" supposedly replaced it. A few months later I went to the dealership for warranty work and I told them about the squeak and they fixed the squeak by essentially replacing the same parts that "The Import Doctors" supposedly replaced. I won't be using "The Import Doctors" again in the future.

  Morgan Hodge
5 years ago
tl;dr: Great shop, great guys, honest, will use again and again.These guys helped me sort out an issue with my '08 GTI recently. A bad relay that had symptoms of something much worse. They took the time to do a through inspection of what the problem was to arrive on it being a simple relay. Rather than charging me an arm and a leg for the hours they spent searching for the problem, they only charged me for an hour of labor and the part ($20). This is the way these interactions are supposed to go. They have a repeat customer in me (just hopefully not too soon).