Bothell Way Garage

Great guys, great shop, excellent service! My Subaru started losing oil and I feared the worse (head gasket). I had some family issues going on and the timing of this potential vehicle disaster couldn’t have been worse (is there ever a good time, though?). Not to mention my schedule for dropping off and picking up is not convenient. Bob could not have been more accommodating. Thankfully my vehicle only needed minor repair and I dodged a huge bullet. Less trustworthy mechanics could have taken advantage of the situation. Not this place. The price actually shocked me with how low it was! I’m very grateful and they have a new customer here, for sure. Thanks Bob!

2 Stars for good oil changes.
–3 stars for bad repairs.
After an oil change a few months ago, I was told that there were several things that I should have repaired on my car in the future. When I asked what would be the most important, I was told that a Cylinder Misfire my car was having could lead to my car breaking down and that it should definitely be repaired soon. A few weeks later I took it in to have it diagnosed so they could figure out how to repair the issue. After their diagnosis, I received a call saying that they could fix the misfire for about $ 750. I wasn’t sure I wanted to put that much into the car as it’s older and will be replaced soon, but then Bob said he would give me a first time customer discount, since it was my first time having repairs done with them. It knocked off about $ 100, and I told him to go ahead, grateful for the deal.

One week after getting my car back, the check engine light came back on, and with a little help from O’Reilly’s, I found out that the Cylinder Misfire was back. I also noticed that I was getting noticeably worse gas mileage. I took it back in to Bob, who hung his head and chuckled when I told him that the code had been triggered. He told me to bring it in the next week and they’d look at it.
The next week, they kept it for about a half hour before telling me that they couldn’t figure out why it was misfiring because they couldn’t get it to misfire for them. I was told to «just drive it», and that it wouldn’t break down on me.
After spending $ 650 on repairs that didn’t end up repairing anything, and being coerced into agreeing to the repairs in the first place, then told afterwards to «just drive it» has left me extremely disappointed with this shop. I think the saddest thing is that when I had brought it back in to let Bob know that the check engine light had been triggered after the initial repairs, I overheard him telling a different customer that he should «just drive it», also.
The group that works here can come off rude and sarcastic. When I mentioned that I was getting worse gas mileage, one of the repair men said, «Well that’s nice.» And that was it. My recommendation, if you just need an oil change and this shop is a convenient location, go for it. But stay far away if you need repairs.

The Short:
Brought my car in before they opened. The parking lot was packed with cars, but when I picked up my trusty old tin can near closing that lot was barren. These folks at Bothell Way Garage are hard workers. Even if not fully staffed, the mechanics here are going to get the job done, and be fair about it.
The Long:
My heater was blowing cold air, and while I had a basic idea of what the problems could be (not enough coolant, wonky thermostat) there were some fixes I did not feel comfortable with (such as checking for water leaks, or if the heater core was plugged). I was curious to see what BW Garage would say the issue was, and was relieved when they did not say «you need a new heater core» or something else horribly expensive… turned out the lever to turn the heat on/​off was disconnected. Go figure, haha.
The mechanic also took liberty and checked my brakes, saving me a trip to Les Schwab. I was called and informed that the brake pads and front rotors (measurements included) needed to be replaced, asked if I would like this service done, and the work was finished same day. The cost for these services was definitely reasonable, and there was a warranty (at least a year, but I don’t recall the exact months for this) that would also apply to a shop they have in Port Angeles, WA.
These are the second mechanics I’ve come across that I trust, and even if I move a little out of the way I will be returning to Bothell Way Garage.

A good mechanic shop is worth the weight in gold. These guys diagnosed our car quickly and kept us appraised every step of the way. We were worried some electrical issues meant we needed a new alternator, but the culprit was a wonky, mostly-​dead (but not all dead) battery, which was replaced.
It also turned out the other issue we had would require an expensive and involved repair (thanks, Volvo). There was no pressure to have the work done until we are ready, and we got honest advice on how to limp along until the repairs are unavoidable.
Bob was fantastic beginning to end, and even gave me and the kids a lift so we wouldn’t have to walk when we didn’t have other transport.
Earned our future business, for sure. Thanks, guys!

These guys are great, Bob is very professional and straight up. I took two vehicles to them that I thought had major repairs needed. My ’98 Jetta needed an oil cooling line gasket and all was good for about $ 250 with the tow bill. The timing belt in my ’92 civic snapped while I was driving. If the valves are stuck in the wrong position when the belt breaks, the piston will smash them into the head. I had no idea if this was the case and Bob could have told me anything at this point, he knew I badly needed the car. He called me a day after dropping it off to tell me they put a belt on it and it ran flawlessly. I picked it up the next day. The bill was $ 358 with the 15% discount they give for first time customers (Bob let me use it on the civic because it was a bigger job). It could have been $ 1500 or more. I can’t thank these guys enough and I will be going back for whatever I can’t handle.

Just moved to Seattle area. Needed a good mechanic. Referred to another place by someone in my apt building. That place told me the repair I needed would cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars. That it was be a big job and they would have to take my whole dash apart. I was uncomfortable with this diagnosis so I took my car to Bothell Way Garage. Glad I trusted my instincts. Turned out it was a very simple fix. $ 60 total. Honest folks here. Cant say enough good things about them. At the time of this review … new customers receive 15% discount.

Convenient, prompt, pleasant to work with, good explanations, no surprises. I’m very happy with the service.

You can’t ask for a more honest mechanic. Reasonable and great at figuring out what you actually need. They helped me get a car ready for my son and I couldn’t be happier. I didn’t get off cheap but I know that it’s completely squared away for the near future.
I highly recommend them!

Best repair shop experience for me in all categories– price, and service especially. Nice to feel I’ve got these guys on my side when it comes to keeping my vehicle (s) on the road.
Eric

These guys are fantastic. Highly skilled, honest, friendly. This is definitely my go-​to shop.

I really like these guys. The first time I went there and left my car, the owner literally drove me home. When I had some minor issues, Bob gave me help without a charge. I really trust these guys. I went to another «highly rated» shop one time and regretted it. I came back to BWG, who fixed the problem correctly. They are customer oriented. Wish they were open on Saturdays.

I really have a great experience with the service. They always keep their promise to finish adjusting my car at the exact time (or maybe even quicker than the promised date which is good). Not to forget they also give best price around, also the one of the best thing I like is when they remind me to change my oil from my email which is quite helpful for me who keep forgetting to check my millage. Thank you very much Mr. Bob.

My car had a weird freak out moment right before a long drive so I brought it in to the shop where they inspected it and tried to get the same response I describe but everything checked out. Went in to pick it up and to my amazement there was no bill! These guys take the best car of you and have my complete trust. Customer for life!

Sputtering and check engine light happened yesterday. PANIC MODE. Was Sunday and everyone is closed, but called Bothell Way Garage first thing this morning, which just happened to be down the street. I called early this morning at 9, diagnosed by 1030, and repaired (new coil and spark plugs) by noon. Quick service. Friendly staff. I have never had a repair happen to fast. Easily itemized receipt. I knew exactly what I paid for. Good rates, especially on the parts. No bogus charges either. Very up front and I could not be happier. Thanks Bob and Dave. GREAT.

Bob at Bothell Way Garage offered to give my infant daughter and I a ride home while the car was being repaired. After it was done, he drove to our place in Bothell and picked us up in my car that had my daughter’s car seat in it. We drove back to the garage and paid a very reasonable price for the service. Thanks guys @ BWG and thankyou Bob for being straight and and a great guy!

It might be a ways to get there but these «greasers» take their skills serious. I’ve had my 99 toyota since I drove it off the lot with 300 miles on. It had this loud metal clank that had people stopping on the road to look. Les Schwab kept changing my breaks and told me I needed a tie rod and this and that. Finally a friend of mine: who also does his own car repair, recommended this garage. I’ve already passed out the cards to friends and coworkers and I’ll be returning. this garage is like a little slice of «MN NICE». thank you for being honest and not ripping me off!

When it comes to customer service, our experience at Bothell Way Garage was first class. When my alternator stopped working just a couple of days before an important out-​of-​town trip, we called Bothell Way Garage and spoke to Bob, who promised to try to squeeze it in before we went out of town.
We dropped off the car the same day with only slim hopes that 1) They would get a chance to look at it and 2) it would be fixable in time for our trip. Not only did Bob find the time to look at it, he stayed several hours past closing to complete the repairs. That would have been more than enough for a positive review, but we also received very fair pricing and the car has never run better. In fact, in addition to my alternator Bob was able to fix a squealing belt issue that other places had attempted and failed to correct. We are thrilled to have found a new go-​to repair shop that offers such convenience and services. Thanks Bob!

My husband is familiar with auto maintenance and repair. We just don’t have the garage space so he can do the work himself. So when our car broke down, he asked around. KC Martin and some other places asked far too much. Then he came upon Bothell Way, read the reviews here and decided to give it a shot. We have absolutely no regrets about that decision! Their fees were fair, they fixed the car on time and included a warranty. When they found an additional problem, they called us first and fixed it for less than what others charge for the same work. Our car has been running like new ever since. Highly recommended!

Bob and BWG performed some serious structural repairs on my New Beetle, and treated me fairly and with respect. They came recommended by another mechanic that doesn’t do frame-​work, so I felt good going in. And I wasn’t disappointed. The cost was exactly as estimated and the car was ready when promised. When I got home and discovered a center-​cap emblem was missing from one wheel, I called back to ask if it was still at the shop. Bob said no, that it probably fell off en route, but replaced it for free without hesitation regardless.
Three months later, part of the lower grill was separating from the bumper, and BWG put it on the lift & re-​attached it, no charge!
In a world full of self-​interested business-​people looking a today’s quick revenue, Bob Nelson understands long-​term customer satisfaction and relationships. Like another reviewer said, «I don’t want to visit any garage», but if I have to, I can’t imagine going anywhere else! My fear and dread of auto repairs are gone!

In and out with oil change — I’ll be back.
Ambiance: It’s hard to talk about ambiance with a garage — but… clean lobby — tastefully decorated with Americana car theme. They have 2 comfy chairs there. Smells like a garage though — can’t get away from that.
Service: Got a simple oil change — great service! I actually got the date wrong for the oil change — was a day late. They fit me in an hour later and Bob actually drove me to a nearby café. They didn’t seem pushy about extra services, just mentioned a couple that seemed valid.
Really feel like this place is run with integrity. This is definitely a place I’d recommend.