I have a very finicky air cooled Volkswagen, who doesn't? It sat for over a decade before I got my hands on it, and even with my mechanical expertise, I had some issues I needed help with. After troubleshooting, Ashley and crew not only dialed my car in, but knocked it out of the park and it has run so well ever since. I take it there for tune ups and their new/used parts are always readily available if I need something, even obscure stuff. read more

Always the best service in town. I go there for most all my vw needs and get good service.

I brought my 1973 VW bus here two days ago to get a safety inspection that cost me $157.50. I asked to be given a list of top priority to low priority things that needed to be fixed so that I know what needs to be done. I expected to have a long list. My bus runs but I know it needs a lot of work. What I got was a very rushed and incomplete list, as well as advice about how I shouldn't waste my money fixing this bus because so much was wrong with it. I didn't ask for this kind of advice. I said I wanted a list and was told I'd get one. When I was given the advice, it was in front of several customers waiting in line, didn't take time with me to explain the list unless I asked questions, it was abrupt and I felt talked down to. I'm sure that Ashley knows a lot about VW's and has a reputation for being rough around the edges which I was prepared for, but I didn't get much out of the inspection and felt it was all rather unprofessional. I know things that are wrong with my bus that he didn't tell me about at all. It felt like he was overwhelmed by it or something and just gave up after a while as he was looking over my bus and writing the list. The whole thing was a waste of my $, expensive and judgmental advice I didn't ask for and treated poorly in front of other customers. I said thank you, paid my bill and got out of there. I tried to ask a few questions about what he was saying was wrong, to get clarification of things but it was all rushed. It's a shame. I definitely don't recommend anyone pay for the detailed "top to bottom, front to back" as it was called, safety inspection if you want a detailed list of things needing work. You won't get a thorough one. Where is the spirit of fixing up and restoring old VW's? If someone wants to take the time to work on one of these beloved vehicles, why discourage them? Why assume it's not what I'd want to do? It's not all about $ here. Where is the heart? It just doesn't fit with the spirit to judge and advise when that's not what I took my bus in for. I felt so crappy after this experience and not because I was told things were wrong. I don't write bad reviews for places often but I wanted to write and post it here as well as other business review sites this because I want to spare people from experiencing what I did. read more

I gave these guys another shot and they came through with excellent service. Been back a few times and have always got good service at good prices. The trick I've found is to go in person, as the service is much better that way read more

Cool oldschool vw shop with lots of new and used parts . They have lots of hard to find old parts . The owner knows his stuff.

Straight shooter, abrupt at times, but it's truth. Quality work, won't rob your wallet for things you don't need. Been going there for years. I don't trust other places because of past experiences. Never had a bad one here, all good ones. And always pet the shop Dogs! read more

I took my 1973 Westfalia in. To say that it was on Death's door would be putting it mildly. In less than a week, I got the call to come in and pick her up. Yes, the laundry list was long, but I was given a full rundown BEFORE the work began. Also, when a few things cropped up during repairs, I was called and asked about if they should proceed. Not only that, but they had a few used parts that were more than adequate and I was given the option of new or used. I was also told in advance that there might be a few things that pop up in the shakedown period and to call if I had any questions or concerns. I will be taking her back in for a few minor touches (compared to the massive overhaul that she needed to get her up and running). And until I find reason not to, this will be where I bring my bus. I would not give them high marks on customer service relations as every time I did speak with them, there was little in the way of cordiality, but I hire them to fix my bus, not be my pal, so that is really just a minor quibble. But to take my VW in the condition that she was in and get her to drive like she does now, they have won a customer. "Nellie Belle" is now my daily driver. She has a little oil leak after each trip that I will be taking her in for next, so I will update this review as the process continues. read more

So, we just bought a second car, a 68 (though it looks like it might actually be a 70 after all) VW bug. My husband grew up working on VW's and the one we got definitely needs some work. This shop is literally half a block away and we are so thankful for it. The guys at the shop are super friendly, they have a lot of stuff in stock, from parts to keys, to trim. They can also do some restoring work, they've got a garage in the back. It's both a blessing and a curse that it's so close, I have a feeling we'll be there all too often to see what we can do next on our little bug. read more

Do you have a VW? Then you need to go visit Ashley! Every single time we've brought in our 1990 Westfalia Ashley has come back with exactly what needed to be repaired, what could wait, and all at a really competitive price. If you have a question about a part, an issue, if you need to upgrade x, y, or z, Ashley will tell you with no BS about what needs to get done and why. He's honest, has years and years of experience, and he and his team really care about keeping VW's on the road. As anyone with an older VW will tell you, these are unique vehicles, and they require a mechanic who knows their way around a VW. I've experienced other shops that are overbooked, rude, and overpriced. Ashley will take care of you ASAP and when he says he'll look at your car on a specific day it means he's actually going to work on it. As a bonus the shop dogs are all awesome, and depending on if it's nap time or not you'll get a parade of dogs saying hello and welcome to the shop. read more

Nice to walk into place and there is somebody behind the parts counter that knows something about what they are selling.I hate buying things on internet most of it is junk that has been returned.The time you wast with a few bad transactions is not worth it. read more

I brought my 87 Westfalia in to get the rusted out exhaust system replaced. He called and let me know that the cooling system leak (that I had been trying to fix for 5 months) should be dealt with before spending any time or money on the exhaust, or I'd end up with a lot of wasted time, money and rework. In short, they were able to fix the coolant issue and also got the exhaust finished. We also took the time to get a few sensors and other maintenance items fixed. I was called at every decision point. Knowledgeable, honest and fair. It will be my Go-to for VW repairs in the future. read more

This Is an awsome shop for older v-Dubs. Its been cleaned up, but its alittle dirty but other then that very good

The best VW shop in Portland!! Took care of my clutch cable in great time. Always honest and only trust them with my 77 Westy thanks guys read more

Always V-Dub Parts - Best VW shop - Auto Parts & Supplies Near Me - Portland, Oregon

According to Yelp guidelines I'm not to review this place because "I'm connected to the people" here. But our community could use my advice. Always V-Dub is the only place to take your Volkswagen in our lovely city, as they have been doing this for decades, know everything VW, and have what you need. I worked there for a short time, many years ago before starting my own Volvo service, and know of the integrity behind what they do. I first met Ashley(owner) when I had a '59 single-cab truck, that needed quite a bit of work. He easily provided me with everything I needed, and even lots of practical advice. My truck worked well up until the day it was smashed, and then Ashley got me money for what was salvageable; excellent. Since owning VWs Ashley has become one of my best friends. As our lives are about relationships, It's important to have good relationships with people who help you. I've never understood people who don't form a good/friendly relationship with me in my helpful service. Always V-Dub are professionals who will do it right; I've seen it. read more

straight shooter and rebuild runs great. Not a cheep date but these guys know what they are doing and do not b s you like some places I have used in the past. Very happy so far with work on VW Thing read more

Always V-Dub has been around for 2 decades. When I have gone in, or called, it has been for help with 50+ year old air cooled parts. I have found this shop to be a good source for hard to find parts, and I trust them as far as knowledge and pricing goes. They offer good advice. Always V-Dub has always been a bit of a puzzler in regards to customer service... I always feel like I am interrupting something, or forgot to use the secret handshake... That's my only criticism. And I will get over it to shop again, because what they lack in gregariousness, they make up for in honesty and selection. read more

2 years ago we bought a '82 Westie and had it serviced at another VW shop with the result that it was in worse shape than before - we got stuck several times during a camping trip. A 'co-camper' in a campground recommended 'Always V-Dub', and we found out that these people are honest and thorough in their work. We had our camper fixed (including the repair of the expensive mess left by the other shop) for a reasonable price, and we had no more problems with it. Then we were not able to use it the entire last year, and last week we brought it back to get it ready for camping. Ashley looked at everything thoroughly, fixed the problems and recommended work on the exhaust system that 'Always' does not do, and he gave me an honest opinion about what we can expect from a 31-year old camper. The price for the work, again, was very reasonable, and I don't agree in the least with the writer who used quite nasty language to put Always V-Dub down. I recommend this shop any time for the honesty and the thorough work. Edith read more

Reading some of the reviews here made me think twice about having Ashley rebuild my '87 WBX engine so I contacted a couple of Vanagon Club members who raved about the service. Ashley is a sweetheart. Yes he is busy and runs a small shop but he could not have been nicer. My usual shop said it be two months before they could get to just doing a Gowesty engine swap. Ashley scheduled the rebuild a couple weeks out and finished in under ten days. The only contact we had was on advice regarding keeping my costs down. Needless to say this is now my new mechanic! read more

Prices are fair, and they have OE parts in stock that nobody else in town has (in my experience, anyway). Good people, support them.

Always a ripoff I took my car to these shaved apes told them everything that needed to be done . they gave me a bill stating everything I told them and charged me for what I already told them they stole my money STAY away far away unless you like low level con men who laugh when they steal completely incompetent surly creeps mocosos never again absolute zeroes go let them wreck your car if you are a total masochist. dont get ripped of by these cretins pick any drifter to work on your car always a vw ripoff gsmd read more

Good selection of parts but the gentlemen working the counter is rude and very impersonal. He shows no interest in anything and seems annoyed when you ask him questions. It's too bad he gave us such horrible experience considering we had a lot of money we were willing to spend. read more

I recently took in my VW Passat with the Check Engine Light On. I took the car in and was told it was Coded as the Thermostat Sensor. When he called me back he told me that he was 80% sure that the Thermostat itself needed to be replaced. So i trusted him. I called him on the phone to check on the status of my car, he told me it had been running for 2 hours and hadnt coded yet, and that when he shut it off it started right back up. I got there and paid him for service. $310. Before I could even get in my car he sped out of the parking lot. I got in my car, started it up, and the Check Engine Light was on and coded as the same thing. When I got home and Tried to Restart my car, it wouldnt start.. Yet Again.. So a long story short, I got Ripped off for $310 and he didnt even fix the problem.. He should have replaced the Sensor like it said originally. Terrible Service. I highly Recommend you going somewhere else if you want a good job done. otherwise you will just get ripped off read more

Asley rocks!!!! Good and honest people and from now on they have my business. Not only is it close to home, but they really know how to work on VW's. It sucks finding an honest shop as a woman that won't take advantage of you. ALWAYS V-DUB is now my shop, I will look no further and neither should you. Don't think they only work on older VW's either, my bug is a 2001 and they do them all!!!!! read more

I haven't been in for repairs, but they were absolutely helpful on the phone while I was scouting out a 1600cc motor on CL. I don't do many reviews, if at all, but I thought this deserved mentioning. They were on the phone with me while I was giving engine numbers to them to verify what they were. Turns out he motors that were supposedly 1600cc were not even close according to the numbers. Thanks to guys that answer the phone, saved me a chunk of dough and a lot of headaches. They'll get the 5th star when I actually go in and have some service done to our '64 Ghia. read more

Hands down the best place to go. I was referred here by the previous owner of the VW Bus. Knowing that when I bought the bus it wasn't 100% and after driving it a little I took it in here and told them everything that I thought needed to be checked and had them do a full safety inspection and they fixed her right and had called me before replacing parts. I found the customer service to be straight forward and Honest. My experience was great! Asley is the best. read more

I wanted this to work out since its convenient to where I live. The first time I went the owner was grumpy, arrogant, unpleasant making me feel like I had spoiled his day by coming to his shop. Next time I went to him his prices were sky high for a routine job. Another time I was in there he was near abusive and humiliating to a customer who was asking for advice so I realized it wasn't just me, he likes being nasty to other people, apparently. When he gave me bad information that lead to costly repairs on a long trip out of town I knew I'd rather drive to another town where the people are nice and helpful and reasonable than ever go back to this place. read more

I have been using them for over a decade. They always are friendly, and willing to give me advice for the work I do myself, or squeeze me in for work to be done when I am in need. They are the only shop I have recommended to people I meet with Vanagons, Buses, or Bugs. They helped me a great deal when I had my 67 bug and are currently rebuilding my engine for my 86 Westy. In this life you get what you pay for; quality costs money. Ashley, the owner, greets me by name when I come in the door, and Adrian has been there working for many years too. This is the only place I go for work on my van. I have been living in Yacolt Washington for the past three years, and still bring my van to Always VW in Portland for any work I am unable, or don't want to do. When you go to Always V-Dub, ask Ashley if he knows Mark the English guy with the gold 86 Westy; he will, and you will know that this is a true recommendation from a very satisfied customer. read more