Went in to Gary's Auto Repair in June of last year to replace a broken lower control arm in a Nissan Leaf. Had it finished within 2 days for cheaper than what Firestone quoted me. No upsells or anything extra not asked for just really great customer service and a greater repair job with clear explanations for it. Would recommend for others and would go back again. read more

The best kept secret in Portland. I love Gary and Michelle. They are always honest and get my car running in tip-top shape. I am so thankful to have found an honest mechanic and team to assist me. Great communication and I always know what the charges are before the work begins. Thank you! read more

I have a friend (D) who has a 2000 Toyota Camry that failed to get through DEQ. D is an older man who drives infrequently, but, of course, he relies on his car. Everyone who D checked with concluded that the problem was a complex issue and sure to be expensive to fix. D talked with Gary's, (on the advice of a friend and because of the reviews here). He made an appointment and returned when they told him to. The problem/issue was apparently relatively minor and it was done and fixed for a minimum charge. Today the car passed DEQ. I am writing the review because D doesn't do yelp and because I was there every step of the way. The one-star review did not exist prior to D's good experience and I feel compelled to address it. Everyone was very friendly and nice during our visits, however, it is true that they are under pressure to get things done (hence, the appointments) and they did seem "very direct" a couple of times. Consumers are all used to people laying it on thick and being all drippy nicey-nice, but what good is that if they also charge you a zillion dollars and things aren't fixed anyway? (yes, dealerships, it's you I'm talking about). So what if someone is "getting to the point" when the price and honesty is also very apparent? What I want to say is, if Gary's seem slightly rough around the edges in the communication department, I'd advise you to not take personal offense. They are super-great at what they do..... and they aren't going to molly-coddle you. read more

Gary is awesome. He has a great shop rate, and loves to work on older rides. Warning: He is a really likeable guy and will trap you in an hour long convo if you dont watch yourself. Just a straight up mechanic with no pretense. He doesn't overcharge and lets you know in detail what he has doen to fix your ride. If you get him talking about your car, he is likely to fix something jsut while you are farting around too, haha. Highly recommended. read more

Stopped by today because my car is leaking water into the interior. Its killing my vibe, cuz now my car stinks. Was warmly greeted by Gary's wife in the office and they started to help me asap try and figure out the problem. After finishing up the customer before me, who seemed pleased and happy with her cars outcome... Gary and the mechanic started looking and figuring out the problem. They took the time to use the compressor and blow water thru the drain plugs, check out the sunroof... plus gave me a few suggestions to try since, mystery water leaks don't just have one answer. They spent a good amount of time looking & problem solving it for me as a new customer. This was fantastic, its nice to have people try to help you even if they cant 100% solve the problem because well, an interior water leak is a mystery. The shop seems pretty busy, so I will call ahead next time to schedule an appointment. Wowza... I appreciate this shops honesty, integrity and their 5 star customer service. I will be back for any repairs our both cars need. I think you cant go wrong in a shop like this. No one likes car problems, but if you have some I think u should call here. Gary's Auto is the real deal. read more

If I could give Gary and Michelle five million stars I would; this is hands down the best mechanic experience I've ever had, and I'm super thankful I found them. My Cadillac started screaming at me today and shut itself down. Great. I've already put thousands into this thing, so I was really looking forward into putting another grand or so into getting it back on the road. (Side note: never buy a Cadillac unless you have millions to spend on mechanics). I remembered my friends had recently raved about a mechanic in the Montavilla neighborhood, got AAA squared away and gave Gary's Auto a call. No problem, they said. Bring it on in. One hour later my car is no longer overheating, is perfectly drive-able, and Gary refused to take my money. Not being the kind of woman who would leave without paying *something*, I found a twenty dollar bill in my purse and insisted Gary take his lovely wife, Michelle, out for a sandwich on me. I'll never go anywhere else. Not ever. Not if you paid me $20 and force fed me a sandwich. read more

Honest service! We had a lot of work to be done on our 1999 Nissan Pathfinder. Gary and his wife gave us a quote. Advised us how we can break it up so it was affordable. The estimate was honest. He over estimated on the hours and when the billing was done, he didn't try to bill for hours that were not legitimate. He took them off the bill! He was fast! We assumed the truck would be in the shop a few days, minimum. We dropped it off when it opened and it was fixed by 5. We had the under carriage fixed/replaced. A pin in the steer replaced and the oil leak fixed. We will go back for any repairs in the future and recommend him to everyone! read more

Very refreshing when everyone working there is a good, decent, friendly, honest person. They've been in business for a long long time for a reason, and I'm now a loyal customer. Plus, I called around to 4 different mechanics for my car's issue, and Gary's gave me the lowest price. read more

After being jerked around and bled dry by a couple of the chain repair shops in town (who never even fixed the problem), I took my car to Gary last year and he fixed it right up and for an affordable price. I never got the feeling that he was trying to overcharge me or make up things that needed to be fixed. My car had a new problem so I took it back to Gary's. It was a complicated issue that was difficult to diagnose but after two separate visits and far more hours than I was charged for in labor, Gary fixed my car for a total of $274. Altogether he had to replace four different parts and put a lot of time in but he only charged me for 2 1/2 hours labor. On one of the visits, I was there for three hours so I know he put in double that at the very least. Gary is reliable, no-nonsense, and very fair. Having a mechanic you can trust and afford is priceless. I definitely feel better about driving an older car knowing I've got someone good to make repairs for me. read more

I dont think Ive written more than a few reviews before, but I am moved to do so by the superior service and treatment received at Gary's auto. These folks are on the ball, easy to deal with, clear communicators, friendly people and from what I can tell, terrific mechanics. They did a fine job replacing the water pump in my Camry, and went above and beyond by tightening up something under the hood that had been making a worrisome sound. They are the kind of place that listens carefully to what you tell them, listens to the car when you bring it in, and generally takes pride in their work and the service they provide. I'll be taking my car there for repairs from now on, grateful to have such trustable and capable folks to work on my car. read more

They are super honest, genuine people. I have had nothing but positive experiences with this family business. For everyone on here who is critisizing them for their "customer service," I am confused... I don't think their job is to smile for you, lol! Honesty and authenticity are qualities WAY more valuable to me in a company that works on my car. They've proven themselves to me, time and time again. In my opinion, I think they are wonderful and kind people. read more

We've been long time customers of Gary. He's very competent, knowledgeable and quick. His honesty in this business is an admirable quality. He's the best! read more

The auto repair shop is right up there with the emergency room. But when it's gotta be done, this is a very reliable, straightforward kind of place. There's no BS going on here and the job gets done at a very reasonable rate. And it is true - they do remember you and the car you rode in on. read more

I highly recommend Gary's Auto Repair in Montavilla. They are an honest, hardworking family.Gary charges less than most mechanics, and Michelle is great at finding parts for less. I end up paying much less than the estimates from other mechanics, and I know I can trust them. Once the dealership said I needed a $900 repair and, after looking over my car for three hours, Gary said there was nothing wrong with my car and wouldn't charge me. That's why I came back when I needed my brakes replaced and an electrical problem fixed. I knew he'd give me the straight scoop about what needed to be done. And when a friend was dropping me off so I could pick up my car, Gary noticed that both her taillights were out, fixed them on the spot, and only charged her for the lights. Now she's a firm believer in Gary's Auto Repair, too, and plans to go back the next time she needs work. read more

Arrived here and was unsure as to where to park as there is a house adjoining the shop that looks like it is affiliated. I Finally picked a place right in front of the shop, and when I got out of the car and approached the office, I was lectured by one of the guys working in the shop as to why I shouldn't park next door. Okay, well, I didn't... so it was not really an issue. Also, if the lecturer was paying such close attention to my parking choices, why didn't he offer his assistance while he saw me pulling in and out of parking spaces with a confused look on my face. No, better to let me flail around like an a**hole, make an uninformed (albeit correct) decision, then give me the what for. I did make an informed decision shortly thereafter: not to spend a dime in this place. read more

So appreciative for this place. This is family run buisness done right. Knowledgeable, honest and affordable. Gary walked me through everything, even explained things in laymens terms. He made me feel completely at ease and was very practical and down to earth. My new place for auto repair for sure! read more

Nice neighborhood business. This place came highly recommended by neighbors. I see why. They were good communicators - called back right away after getting a price on a part for an estimate. Repair was done quickly and for a reasonable price. Everything works great now. They called and left a friendly message when it was done and then followed up to make sure I got it. My car is old and I'm glad to have found a local shop to take it to in the future. FYI - accepts cash and check only. read more

Gary is honest, reasonably priced and gets my car fixed in a very timely manner... His receptionist is sweet as apple pie and always explains things to me well:) My mechanic for life:) read more

I love this place so far. I thought I had a car with a really messed up problem and ended up being a set of sparkplugs. The guy knew exactly what it was right away. I usually try to fix my own stuff, but I'm going here if I can't. Super friendly people read more

I don't often write reviews, but the service I got was so amazing and HONEST that I just had to write a review as soon as I got home. I had been calling for quotes on brake pad and rotor replacement all day, Gary's was the first place I called and I am so glad I went with them! As a woman, it's hard to walk into a mechanic or auto shop and get honest service...or even be treated with respect, but Gary's was exceptionally personable and honest (which counts for so much!) I knew I was calling late in the day for an appointment too, but Gary's fit me in and were very affordable and fast! I have to say it is so comforting to be able to go to a repair shop and know that you will get exceptional service without being taken advantage of or swindled.YAY for Gary's Auto Repair, I will definitely be going back here! read more

Started going to Gary's when I lived in the neighborhood and continue to go there even though I moved across town. They remember me just from the sound of my voice when I call in for an estimate or to set appointments, which is very impressive. Efficient, honest and always the cheapest when I call around for quotes, and I have never paid more the what I was quoted but have twice paid less. He has my business for as long as he is in business. read more

I went to Midas for a serpentine belt replacement, and was told that my harmonic balancer was the real issue. My $70 job had suddenly jumped to $235. I looked on Google and found Gary's Auto Repair, and brought my car to them for a second opinion. He showed me that yes, it definitely needed to be replaced. After looking at reviews on Yelp, I decided Gary would be the much better place to take my car to. Well, he fixed it alright, and my car runs super smooth, no squeaks, and no fear of my car not working. The icing in the cake, his work only cost me $170, and they are an amazing group of people that work there. I am beyond pleased, and hope to take my car there for everything else it possibly needs in the future! I highly recommend!!! read more

We've always been SUPER HAPPY with Gary and his team's quick, thorough and reasonably priced service. We have a Chrysler 300 M. We knew it had a transmission problem before we bought it. We asked Gary to check it out and, though he himself wasn't keen on working on transmissions, he recommended that we take it to Bob at Columbia Transmission off SE 12th and Mill. Bob was just as quick, thorough and reasonably priced as Gary! With all the other junk that goes on these days with most companies and their UN-customer service, we feel soooo lucky to have these stand up folks in our lives! read more

Extremely happy with my experience at Gary's Auto Repair. I had my car towed there and they called me back to make sure they understood the exact nature of the problem. They diagnosed the problem right away and had it fixed in a timely manner. I called a few places for estimates and Gary had the best price by far. When I came in he showed me the old parts and explained the problem. My neighbor recommended him and I will do as well. read more

Just spoke with this people on the phone. They open at 9 and close at 5, and so I asked if I could drop it off so i didn't have to miss work. That wasn't an option... Not sure who their customer base, but the inflexibility and general curtness of the lady on the phone stopped me scheduling an appointment. May be good mechanics, but front of house sure needs some fixing. read more

I had only ever had my car worked on by our family friend mechanic about an hour away. However, my car broke down on my way home from work a few days ago and it was WAY too expensive to have it towed that far. So I found this shop based on these Yelp reviews and I am SO HAPPY that I did! I was really nervous about using a new shop, but Michelle and Gary were outstanding. I had my car towed there after hours and I got a call by noon the next day telling me exactly what the problem was, exactly what it would cost (which was super reasonable) and even that they could fix it before the end of the day! They closed at 5, but let me come pick up the car at 5:30 and it worked perfectly. I will be taking all my cars to Gary from now on! read more

After calling around to other places and getting crazy high prices, I called Gary's and the gave me a quote hundreds of dollars cheaper than all the other places I called! They told me they were pretty booked but I could bring it in on Monday and if they had time they would get to it they would. So I brought it in and 4 hours later my car was done!! Im super happy with Gary and Michelle they are amazing! I'm so glad I found this place! I will never take my car anywhere else!! If you are looking for a great mechanic and the best prices in town COME HERE!! read more

My dad is a car guy who values honesty VERY highly. He always had us take every vehicle to Gary's . Very nice guy with fair prices and fair treatment. read more

I popped by when they were really busy and although they couldn't see me they give me the time to look at my car and help diagnose the issue when they could have just turned me away. Gary and his staff was most helpful and very kind to give me there time. thanks for being a 5 star busness read more

My husband brought in his F-150 truck, after our check engine light came on in the midst of a month long road trip! Gary diagnosed our problem, freely giving of his time, sent my husband on his way with no charge & piece of mind that we could continue on our trip! Very honest & it is so refreshing to find such a resource so far away from home! I chose this location because of YELP reviews & I am so grateful! Thank you, Gary & thanks to the other YELPERS! read more

This quality of service is hard to come by these days. I called ahead and although they were busy Michelle said I could come by and they MIGHT be able to see me. As soon as Gary finished up with one customer he had me pull up my car. It ended up being a minor fix but he didn't BS me when he could have. Great, honest people. I won't be taking my car anywhere else. If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. read more

This place took advantage of the fact I got screwed over prior by another place, just pacified the situation with my van, upcharged me 120 $ for an EGR that I had bought a year before that the first jackass wasted, called 3 days later because it still ran like shit, got the were way to busy this week to look at, maybe nxt week, use it for work, had to go spend yet another 600$ to make it right, wouldn't recommend this place to anybody read more

Called in and asked for a quote. A lady answered the phone and said, "we don't work on BMW's". So I don't trust an automotive place without the competence to handle all aspects of vehicles. read more

These guys are the best. It's so hard to find a trustworthy, honest mechanic, and Gary personifies it. His wife Michelle is a sweetheart and runs a tight ship. So they don't work on BMWs--some places don't work on foreign cars while others work on them only--has nothing to do with Gary's competence. My first experience there absolutely sold me on them. I thought my alternator was dying and told them so. Michelle called me just 90 minutes after I'd dropped my truck off and said "You're all done. The alternator was fine--you just had some loose cables so Gary cleaned them up and tightened everything. The cost is $35." Thirty five bucks? That's unheard of, at least in my experience. read more

Gave me a quote on a starter replacement and didn't bother to tell me it was for a remanufactured one. Discovered that only after the fact.

If I could give them 0 stars, I would. I just came in to see if they could help me out, and the receptionist was extremely rude. They are supposed to open at 9am, and I walked in at 10. I had called at 9:30 with no answer, so I left a message with what I needed. I decided just to go in since I was out and about. She was very short with me and said they just got there, so she hadn't had a chance to call anyone back. All I wanted to know was if they work by appointment only or if they accept walk ins. She told me they work by appointment only, and that they don't do oil changes or other things like that. When I told her I also needed a tune up (spark plugs, fuel filter etc) she asked rudely how I knew if I needed that. I told her I had never had it done since owning the car, so it needs it. It wasn't until I mentioned the check engine light that she seemed even remotely willing to help me. She then proceeded to tell me that they are all booked up for the week, which is Spring break and my only time off. She said, sorry. And didn't even offer to work with me on finding another time that might work. She basically scooted me out the door with those last words. SO RUDE! Maybe they have affordable prices, but they have crappy customer service. Maybe you should be a little nicer to potential clients, because I was willing to spend a good chunk of money which will now go to someone else. read more

This is my mechanic. I used to use another guy I knew who worked out of his garage. Gary is more trustworthy and about the same price (which is completely reasonable). These people care about the quality of work they do and are not just out to make a buck. Alright, so the customer service isn't what most people are used to. Who cares?! He's a mechanic, not a server at a restaurant. They have plenty of business for a reason. If you're looking for someone who won't take advantage or cut corners, Gary's your guy. Expect a wait. They are always busy... Take that as a good sign, though. Gary is an honest mechanic, which is sometimes hard to come by. read more

I had a great experience working with Gary and his family. I drove up from California looking to purchase a car and wanted a mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchasing. Luckily I happened to find this place as Gary and his son performed a thorough inspection for a great price. Thanks to their help in finding a cross threaded lug not an a minor leak underneath the turbo pipe I was able to negotiate a better price while still resting easy knowing the car was all and all in great shape! Very professional and honest folks and would highly recommend. read more

I called Gary's after being told 2 different things about my car. When I took my car in, they were ready for me, prompt with assessment and repaired it on the spot. They will have my business forever. read more

Gary is an excellent analyst, taking a lot of time, charging nothing. Honest and open, a good communicator. Since his garage was 25 miles from my home, I ended up taking it somewhere else. If I need an honest and dependable garage,, that is a place I would take any problem to. Analysis and communication are the important things ladies are looking for when they bring in a sick car. :) read more