Just moved back to Seattle and was looking for a good mechanic. I found The Shop Automotive (Sam) and I really am glad I did. I had to have some work done to our Wrangler that I just couldn't do and Sam not only provided a great quote, he did a great job and delivered on time. I had two other quotes from another highly recommended shop and Autonation, Sam was lower and his quality of work was much higher than Autonation (who I will NEVER use again, rude service, shoddy workmanship, WAY over priced labor). To be honest, knowing the work Sam did and how happy I am, I would have paid more just for the feeling of knowing I wasn't screwed over. Sam also guarantees his work. I HIGHLY recommend Sam and his The Shop Automotive. Great job, bubba. The Shop Automotive is the only shop I will deal with from now on. -John read more

I never thought I would call a visit to a car repair shop a delightful experience - but my first time to The Shop Automotive was exactly that. Sam the owner is friendly, kind and honest! As a single woman who has had very few good visits to a mechanic, this is an amazing find. Thank you to this community for all of your input ... it led me to this wonderful person. I will enthusiastically recommend Sam and The Shop Automotive to everyone I can. I too have a Mini which has become very expensive now that I am out of warranty. Sam did a long over due oil change and told me what needed to be taken care of next - giving me some breathing room to plan for it. I will be returning for ALL my work and encourage anyone else to do so. Also - well worth the drive! read more

Sam saved me $7,000 worth of repair bills on my 2009 Mini Clubman. He's my hero! Took my Mini into the dealer for a bad oil leak issue. Was told I needed to replace water pump, timing chain, O2 sensors and a zillion $'s of cleanup. Wondering if it was time to break ties with my Mini, even though it only had 46,000 miles on it, I took it into the Shop. Sam was honest with me and got the job done for $1,000! Water pump was completely fine, so was the timing chain - he replaced the part that needed to be fixed. Bye-bye Mini Dealer - I feel foolish for having gone there as long as I did. Sam is my guy now. He was friendly and honest and works hard! Thanks Sam!! read more

I recently had my car towed to the SHOP and I was a bit nervous because it had to be take there at night when the place was closed. I had zero idea as to what could be wrong and being a girl I was worried I would be charged a bagillion dollars. Sam the owner called me the next day to tell me that my car would be ready that same day that when he gave me the price I couldn't have been more happy. I have since then had to take my car back for different issues and it always turns out great. Sam is a really honest guy and is willing to work with his customers. I am glad that I finally have a regular place to take my cars. read more

I called several shops to have an issue fixed that I knew would cost several hundred dollars. The job was a big one, and none of the three shops I called were willing to consider doing the work. The third mechanic recommended I call The Shop. Not only were they willing to consider the big job, but they even told me a way to fix the problem that would cost me fifty bucks instead of the 800 I thought I would have to pay! I have been in two more times, and each time I am greeted right away and the work is done within a day. These guys are great and super friendly! read more

I was referred to The Shop by another mechanic who couldn't help me with my car issues. Sam and Adam are by far the best mechanics I've ever come across. Friendly, affordable, very knowledgeable and incredibly honest. I had several issues with my car and they were prompt about resolving the issues. One issue in particular was causing me issues for several months and no mechanic could figure it out until The Shop. I refer all my friends there. As long as The Shop keeps fixing cars, they will keep my business. Thanks guys! You are great. read more

We were having some problems getting our Honda Del Sol in and out of gear and was afraid we needed a new clutch or transmission. I called into The Shop Automotive and was told to bring it in that day. It ended up being the clutch slave and master cylinder, which saved us a ton of money, and Sam had the work done in a little over an hour. We had a great experience at The Shop and will continue to take our car there for repairs. I also have, and will continue to, recommend this shop to friends and family for their automotive needs. read more

O...M....G ! ! Great ! So helpful and down.to.earth. I have an old car, which I thot needed a tune-up (and more). They said it was good and it could wait for that. They fixed something that was really a problem. They were fast and did some extra things for me as well. When I came back the next day with a piddly problem (I knew it was piddly - but i'm old and couldn't do it myself) they just took the best care of it - fast. And --- it was so danged cold outside - still they were friendly. read more

My friend Abby, who I see has posted a review here before, recommended The Shop to me. Sam was awesome, fast, and totally fixed my car. He seemed like a genuinely nice and honest guy. His price was almost a quarter of the estimate I rec'd at another repair shop in Ballard. I used to only go to a Peruvian mechanic named Brandon over on 24th and was so sad when I heard he died (he was my friend, too). It's heartwarming to find a guy like Sam - always nice to have a friendly mechanic you can trust. read more

Sam is the most honest mechanic I've ever met. I went to get an oil change on my beater car and they handed me a list of at least $2000 in repairs they thought I should make. I brought the car to Sam instead and he charged me $300 to do the essentials and make it run well. I love that I can trust him and that he charges what is fair, not what he wants. If you want a fair deal, an excellently repaired vehicle, and an honest exchange then go to The Shop! You won't regret it! read more

Sam Larson's smart, funny, and a great mechanic as well as an ultra-cool rock n roll dude and not a bad surfer either, if he can ever get away from the shop and into the waves. He diagnosed and cured every ill my Eurovan had while we lived in Seattle and since moving to Mexico he's even done some good car trouble diagnosis via email, saving me the hassle of driving 200 miles to Guadalajara to get some obscure thing done. Definitely honest and trustworthy and all that jazz. read more

Had an appt at another shop and thought I would get another quote for transmission service. Called Sam and he was half the cost. Got me in the same day even though every bay was full when I arrived. Told me 2 hours and was finished in 1 1/2. Wanted him to do a couple more services. He checked them out, didn't charge and said I didn't need to do them at this time and suggested I do one myself to save $. Does it get any better than this. I will be back. read more

Aiy mi! Its been 6 months since Sam replaced my 2004 Subaru Forester's entire brake system...shoes, discs ect. Sam was able to work on my car the day I called; who does that anymore eh? The Suby went in to the garage at 9, was finished by 3, plus Sam fixed a mystery rattling sound, and all in all he did for a very good price. Now in June, the brakes are super! Great job! I am very satisfied and highly recommend The Shop for auto work. Ride it on! read more

I cannot stress enough how amazing The Shop is. When I lived in Seattle I had several issues with my car that came as the result of extremely poor and negligent service from another shop in Ballard. Austin fixed the problems they caused at a very reasonable price, and did the work in a very short amount of time. He is honest, loyal, and a rare gem in an industry that often takes advantage of people in difficult situations. TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE SHOP. read more

I've taken my truck to Sam at the shop on numerous occasions and the service is always great. He seems like a generally nice guy and the work always gets done right. He's always been very good about letting me know my options and how much cost/time I'm looking at. This is the only place I'll take my truck now. I finally found a garage where I'm not treated like an idiot and I'm not worried about how bad I'm going to get screwed over. Cool logo too. read more

Sam, the owner of the Shop, has worked on my 2 cars for the past 5 years and ALWAYS fixes whatever the problem is. I have a Prius and a Eurovan and he was able to do anything the dealerships could do for a much better price and NO BS. I've also called him a few times while on the road and from Mexico when I've had some problems and he's always available to give advice to me and other mechanics. Short version: Great Guy....Great Mechanic! read more

Honest. Thorough. Friendly. Fast. Fair. Did I mention honest? You can't say that about many car repair shops. I've never been to one I really trusted. Until now. Sam is great to work with and keeps you in the loop about what is happening. I'm relocating back to the Midwest and he got my car in tip top shape to make the trek home. The only negative thing I have to say is that I don't have a "Sam" back in Indiana. read more

Sam is the most trustworthy mechanic in town. After having my transmission fixed there, he didn't charge me for my next three visits! Seriously, he is amazing and I only wish I would have found him about 15 years ago. Plus, he has a shop dog named Caddy, who doesn't love a shop dog? I have recommended him to several friends, and everyone feels the same about Sam and The Shop. read more

Sam at The Shop is great. Knowledgeable and honest are qualities you want in a mechanic and you'll get that here. Went in because my ABS light was on, diagnosed the issue over the phone after my explanation and turns out he was correct that my front wheel sensor was broken. Reasonable price, and fixed it in 1 day. Go to the shop for your vehicle issues. read more