Last year I replaced my Mazda with a pre-owned Volkswagen TDI that I purchased out of state. I needed to find a new mechanic because my Mazda was serviced at the dealership. I read on-line reviews for many repair shops that specialize in German vehicles and finally settled on The Import Doctors. I can go into specifics about my experience with Ken the owner and The Import Doctors staff but the primary reasons I recommend them is because they're honest, knowledgeable, and fairly priced. In short, I trust them. I went to The Import Doctors because I noticed a few problems including a check engine warning light. My experience with Ken and technician Mario was outstanding. They explained what they were doing to investigate the cause of the problems, what needed be fixed and what may not be too urgent, and laid out the total costs. There were more repairs needed on my 'new' pre-owned car and consequently a bigger expense than I had anticipated. Ken laid it out for me, what problems were more urgent and what problems could wait. Ken wasn't trying to upsell me any way. He even introduced me to Mario (who had been doing all the work) so that Mario could explain more details and specifics to what he had uncovered. They're both genuinely honest individuals. I had them go forward with all the repairs and I've been 100% pleased for nearly a year now. I wanted to thank Ken, Mario, and the staff by buying them lunch or at least coffee with donuts but Ken thanked me and just ask that I put in a good word for The Import Doctors with my friends. Save yourself from stress. Try The Import Doctors and see for yourself. My guess is you'll be happily surprised. - Rick read more

I like the concept of a small independent specialist for VW, and I was a patron of Import Doctors for a few years. First they put a new window motor in my 2005 VW Beetle and I wasn't overcharged, it was a good job. I asked them to fix the rapid-blinker problem and it was not fixed correctly. I took it back and they said the connector in the blinker assembly was corroded. Seemed odd because the car was just a few years old. Their fix lasted about a month, then back to rapid-flash. I took the car back to them about a year later, now they were in the new location. This was for a different repair, but I asked them to fix the rapid-flashing blinker. I had put up with it for an entire year. They fixed the rapid-blinker again and it lasted less than two days. Fast forward to now I took my Beetle to a new shop. They said that whoever fixed my blinker put the wrong size bulb in, and that spread apart the plug, and basically ruined it. The new shop, for free, re-worked it and put the correct bulb in. Now I have had no problems with my blinker. I guess Yelp is here to review businesses and share experience. Import Doctors had THREE opportunities to make a super basic repair on my import car. They failed, and screwed it up worse. This was a minor problem, just a blinker. Draw your own conclusions on what this means that they could not fix a blinker. read more

Last week my Golf TDI 2011 shut down after running for about a minute and wouldn't start afterwards. The Import Doctors had a slot open two days later and I had my car towed to their new place in SODO. They did look at my Golf and got it back up and running. But they couldn't find the cause of the problem even after letting it run for an hour. When I picked up my car I was asking what I owed them. They said: Nothing. That's their policy. If they don't do actual work on the car they don't charge their customers - even if they might have spent a few hours on it. The reason why I am giving Import Doctors 5 five stars is that this is actually the third time within the last 8 years that I am driving my car home without paying them a dime. But that's not the only reason. The guys that work there are super nice and professional and know what they are doing, too. read more

Took my Jetta to have the water pump replaced using my extended warranty. First off the job was done quickly and priced fairly. The really great thing about this place was Marco. I had an after-market extended warranty... which to put it simply... sucked. They wanted to deny the claim so bad. Anyhow, I guarantee you that Marco spent more time on the phone with these morons then the time it took him to replace the water pump. I ended up paying about, half but well worth it. Additionally, my bumper had been pulled off a little from a previous incident, I was really pleasantly surprised to see Marco had helped stabilize it. So I would rate this place with superior customer service, great communication and business that goes above and beyond. I will be back and I highly suggest you take your vehicle there for service. Thanks Marco! read more

Thank Ken , Steve , Jason and Marco for taking care my car on Thursday 12/06/12. I got the airbag on because I replaced the power window. I stopped by on Wednesday . Steve was on the phone jakking with the customer. He pointed me to Steve. The shop was quiet. I kindda worry about the shop . But I took my chance. I dropped the car on Thursday's morning . They reseted the airbag and checked my car . Well.. no charge. I am very impressed. They took the time and talked to me. I thought I want to write something about them . Reputation and customer service count. They earn my trust. I will the car back for repair in the future. I like local guys and they are right there. my car is BMW 2001 X5. The location is perfect for people working downtown. Drop the car, hop on the train back to work. You guys rock . Nim. read more

Took my newly purchased 1995 T100 into the Dr's for a look over and they lifted it, inspected it with a flashlight, treated me as "family" and overall provided a thorough and professional exam on the T100. Full disclosure, my cousin works for the Dr's and this is how I came to utilize their services. And yet, I had no relationship with the shop owner or head mechanic who both chatted it up with me while looking under the hood and providing me with some peace of mind regarding my new vehicle purchase. This type of treatment in this day-in-age is a rarity. More or less, this is a big city shop that knows how to keep it feeling "small town"personable. I would not hesitate to use them for any and all maintenance in the future. Trustworthy bunch. Thanks guys. Keith & Lindsay P (Bellingham, WA) read more

I've been in to see Marco many times in the last few months and he has always been extremely easy to communicate and deal with. I've always thought that finding an honest mechanic is like finding an honest lawyer, (sorry, lawyers) but Marco at The Import Doctors has proven me wrong. The difference is in the approach and the communication, Marco doesn't try to talk over your head so you won't understand what's wrong and mistakenly sign up for a bunch of unnecessary repairs. He has gone out of his way over and over again to make sure that I know what's happening and am getting the best possible deal. He's consistently taken care of me and I make sure to go out of my way to send all my friends to him. He really is the only mechanic I trust. read more

So there we were, out of town owners of a neglected VW Passat which needed to be towed from an impound lot to a mechanics shop. Perfect sitting ducks for tons of repairs, no? Well, Ken, Antonio and the mechanics at the Import Doctors got the sedan working and working well. They laid out the really required repairs and the ones not so imperative along with the cost. I felt the costs were fair and they were very good at explaining everything needed. Also particularly generous with our timeframe and even going above and beyond the agreed upon repairs(Thanks, Antonio!). The take away? Drove car back to central Washington and it runs like a good German car should- great! And that's been three weeks now. Thanks guys! read more

I don't take my car in for repair preferring to do all the work myself. But, sometimes, some jobs may be too distasteful, my facilities are inadequate, or the work requires someone with superior skills which was the case for my Audi cabriolet. I was quite impressed with the speed of diagnosis and repair. These guys are good communicators and technically proficient! I couldn't give a better endorsement. I am myself a trained heavy duty mechanic with tons of good tools and like to work on the old stuff. This is a topnotch facility and convenient to almost anyone in Seattle. Pay them now and save in the long run. Cheers, md @alki read more

I took my 96 4Runner to the Import Doctors for some transmission work. Due to the fault of Toyota and some mislabeled parts in a service manual my car didn't get fixed correctly the first time. I brought it back in and the Import Doctors went far beyond what was expected to make sure everything was right. These guys are fair, honest and thorough. I have had nothing but exceptional experiences on every visit. They do a great job communicating with their customers and take the time to help you understand whats going on with your vehicle. I highly recommending The Import Doctors as exceptional mechanic. read more

I hate to drive but, unless we begin to fly everywhere, and public transportation gets faster and easier, I'm stuck. On a positive note, my car has never let me down. My husband and I have been taking our Passat to the Doctors for about five years now, and we have never been stranded. Whether its due to us being lucky or because the Import Doctors to such a great job, I don't know. But what I can truly say is that, we completely trust our mechanics, and that is what is most important to us. We will continue to support the Import Doctors, as long as we drive. Thanks Guys. read more

I'm a long time customer of theirs since their 2nd and Bell location. Since then I've been a fan of Jim and Marco's honest and articulate approach to not just immediate issues but preventative care - a business model that builds loyalty. I've had experiences with other shops in Seattle, but their technical expertise, repair work, and attention to detail sets the bar. I was concerned that once they moved to a larger facility they might lose that neighborhood shop feel...I'm so glad I was wrong. Happy to see so many great reviews for them, well deserved. read more

I havn't had a repair there yet, but I called to get some info re: why my Jetta's cruise control isn't working, and Marco spent a decent amount of time with me on the phone, at the end of the day no less, helping me to figure out what it could be -- and how much it might cost (for the info he did have) -- It did not appear to be any big deal to look stuff up and help out an unknown person over the phone - if they are that friendly and helpful over the phone, they usually are pretty honest and straightforward in person -- Thanks Marco!! read more

I took my Audi here after reading all the fantastic reviews this shop has received. They get five stars for having a friendly and welcoming staff, for getting my car in quickly (I called for an appointment and was able to get my car in the next morning), and for doing a fabulous job with my vehicle for very reasonable prices. Plus, they had free wifi in their lobby so I could still get some work done while I waited for my ride. read more

They don't need another great recommendation, but they've got this one anyway. After an absolutely thorough inspection and accurate diagnosis they fixed my CooperS cooling problem perfectly and performed a follow-up without charge when a part supplied to them was defective. And thanks to Antonio for the full discussion and explanation of the Cooper cooling system. read more

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. You can tell that they love to do what they do and that passion shines through. Took my car with minimal notice and started work right away. read more

I had multiple quotes for the same work and they were fair with price as well. I asked for a service and they met the mark and then some. OVERALL amazing value! read more

They provided great service were on time, saving money and found a solution to my problem. I would recommend them to anybody thank you Import for your service. read more

Rude and will waste your time. Would recommend you go somewhere more professional.