I've taken several cars over the years to Trottner's and when my beloved Mustang started having issues going up hills, I headed on over there intending to make an appointment to have the car checked. Much to my surprise, they said they could work me in and asked if I wanted to leave the car. Since I rely on my vehicle, I readily agreed. They called me not too long after to tell me that my clutch was kaput. Ouch. They gave me an estimate and I said I had to check to see if I could pull the money together for the repairs. As it turned out, I could and they went to work. They essentially had the work completed *and* threw in a diagnosis of another problem the vehicle has and added a quote for that work... and also did an oil and air filter change. And they were under budget for what they quoted me. I have always been treated fairly at Trottner's -- some other places will try to "put one over" on a woman who goes in by herself, but not this place. They are honest, they are fair and in this case, they were VERY prompt in taking care of the issue... even though I arrived unexpectedly. I feel like they may be a tad more expensive than other places (I haven't done the research to confirm that though!), but if they are, it's 100% worth knowing that I'm not going to be taken for unnecessary repairs -- and that, to me, is worth its weight in gold! read more

Had a Chevy Silverado in for lifters - thought it was a timing belt issue. Trottners was honest in recommending we contact the dealership. Luckily we had a warranty that covered everything. Thank you to Trottners for finding the issue - start to finish they are professional. read more

Great service at a reasonable price, they stand behind their warranty and their work. l highly recommend them to my family, friends and neighbors. Very honest and dependable! read more

Yelp did not leave enough room for the total review, so this is continued from Goober S. (I heard these conversations): Observation: The younger techs aren't versed enough on the fundamentals and are left to rely too much on computers. IMHO, a young woman who has little-to-no knowledge of automotive technology probably shouldn't be running the business, especially when it comes down to understanding when the job isn't done properly, and how to "make things right". The end result is what matters! You take a car in for specific things to be done and it comes out with more problems than when it goes in. Cause and effect. That simple! read more

I scheduled an appointment because my cooling fan wasn't triggering on my collector car. I suspected a faulty coolant temp sensor as that is a common problem. I asked them to test my coolant temp sensor and replace it if required. I got a follow-up call from the owner, Lindsey, telling me "someone has rewired your cooling fan so you have three options; 1] Wire the fan to run constantly, 2] Wire in a separate switch to turn the fan on manually, or 3] Rewire the circuit back to factory specs, which is the most expensive option." I then told her I absolutely didn't want the car "rewired to factory because the wiring was already factory." I told her I was only the second owner and had bought the car in 1994 with only 72k miles on it. I also told her I was the only one that had worked on the car, except for the engine and transmission rebuilds, and nobody had ever "rewired the circuit." I told her I had run a temporary jumper wire to the fan from the climate control connector on the heater box so I could turn the fan on from the A/C fan switch if the car overheated. With that, she had me talk to Frank, the tech. I repeated the same info I had shared with Lindsey. He said, "okay, now I understand." I again asked him to test the coolant temp sensor and get back to me with what he found. Frank never called me back. The next call I get is from Lindsey, who tells me my car is ready to be picked up. She further tells me the bill is $468! Why? Because Frank determined "there was no factory relay for the cooling fan so he had to wire one in." That's exactly what I asked them NOT to do! He also disconnected my A/C switch and put in a jumper wire on the A/C switch connector because he claimed the switch was bad and that was the only way he could provide the required ground for the cooling fan relay he wired in. I told him that was really odd, as the A/C had been disconnected for years and that didn't keep the cooling fan from working. When he was showing me all the work that he did, he pointed out a relay on the firewall that had a bit of wire insulation missing and said, "You probably need to take care of this. I think this might be the starter relay, but I don't know for sure." As a tech, he should have known the starter relay on a Chevy is actually on the starter. When I got my car back, I got a bag with the wiring Frank had cut out of the car, and the coolant temp sensor and cooling fan switch he replaced. Now, I was an auto tech myself for decades and it's highly unlikely both sensor and switch went bad simultaneously! This tells me the tech was just "throwing parts at it" trying to figure out what was wrong. Additionally, upon driving home, I discovered the coolant temperature gauge no longer worked. I took my car back in so they could "check their work." I got a call from Lindsey saying, "all the work we did was done correctly. Our testing shows the ECU isn't communicating with the temp gauge." I told her that was very odd since the temp gauge had always worked just fine, until they worked on the car. I took my car back in yet again and they had multiple techs and Lindsey's dad, the retired former owner look at it again. I overheard Frank, the original tech, tell the former owner he could only find a 1986 wiring diagram, so that's what he used. I left my car with them again so they could try and resolve the issue. Reportedly, the former owner dug out some old manuals to use instead of the incorrect wiring diagram found online. After that, they still claimed they "did everything right." Now, for the clencher! I pulled the relay with the exposed wiring Frank had pointed out - the one he didn't know what it was for - so I could find a new connector, and lo-and-behold... it was the COOLING FAN RELAY! When Frank thought there was no factory cooling fan relay - which is simply unheard of, all he had to do was look up the number on the relay and he would have known that relay was the one he claimed didn't exist! This is most likely the problem all along! When I reported this back to Lindsey, she became indignant and went on to tell me how many hours they spent checking their work, and how "hard" it was to replace a coolant temp sensor. "News break!" The sensor is located in the very front of the engine, in plain sight, and relatively easy to get to with an offset wrench. The end result: My classic collector car wiring is now butchered. There's now a "substitute" relay wired in that wasn't necessary The coolant temp gauge no longer works The A/C switch has been jumped to "create a ground" There's some kind of parasitic drain that's killing my battery - which was dead in the parking lot each time I picked up my car My wallet's $468 lighter, mostly for work I never authorized! The only reason I didn't make a scene about it was because I was concerned they would, a] refuse to release my car, 2] put a mechanic's lean on it, or both. ....To be continued by "Maggie" read more

Brought my car in on a flatbed unable to start. I figured it was the battery but since it sits under the front left tire, I decided to let someone else deal with it. I had called them the week before but never made an appointment. They were really busy but still got it fixed before their promised date and time. They are extremely friendly and I will be returning if/when I need one of my cars worked on. Strongly recommend! read more

Found myself in Bellingham when my battery light came on. Had a new battery installed & when it was still on had to have a new alternator put in. Referred to this place by Les Schwab. Since I live on the end of Camano Island I was pretty distressed about the possibility of not having it done while I waited. Such GREAT service. I was out of there in a little over an hour. Also, had my dog with me & they are dog friendly in the waiting room plus had a bowl of water for her. And the waiting room is quite comfy w/o a horrid TV blaring. I might consider changing service to here as they specialize in Subarus. read more

I did some serious damage to my roommates car the other day and I brought my car to another shop and they refused to fix parts of it. I took my car to Trottners thinking I only needed one service, but around an hour after they started they informed me there was a much more extensive and expensive service I needed as well. It was a bit over my budget but they were so understanding. Lindsay at the front desk made me a priority and was very communicative about everything I needed and all my different options. Brad and Danny put extra work into making sure I got it done in the time crunch i was in and that ended up cutting down the price substantially. Amazing service, very very kind employees and phenomenal communication. I would highly highly recommend coming here if you have any car needs. read more

Having never taken my car to the shop, I was nervous when I had no choice but to have my alternator replaced. The moment I walked into Trottner's, my nerves calmed and I felt like things would be taken care of. The mechanics here seemed not only experienced but willing and able to explain things to me in a way I could understand. Both my in-person conversations with the staff and the ones I had on the phone before coming in were accommodating and straightforward. They got me in for a same day repair, and finished within an hour of my arrival. I was charged my original quote which seemed to be a fair price for professional labor. Charges were outlined to me and the diagnostic process ensured they were treating the right problem. I appreciate my experience here and I will make sure to spread the word. read more

If I could give them more stars, I would. First off, I have an unusual vehicle that nobody else would service in the area, and they were kind enough to consider the repairs. Secondly, they also allowed me many phone call check in's on the vehicle's status, and were always very helpful and friendly to explain the process and progress. I have to give an extra star to Micah, who went out of his way to take my friend home after she dropped off the vehicle in the flooding that we were having, and helping her when no Uber rides were available that night. THANK YOU Trottners, for excellent service, in every way I could imagine. read more

Called when my son going to WWU car would not start. Assumed it was the solenoid. Turned out to be the battery. The pros they were there withing 20 minutes and did a great job, they got it fixed with a new battery and he was on his way. On the downside it was not cheap. $215 for a battery installed seemed a bit high, but in a pinch had to do it. I believe the rate was $79 per half hour. read more

only reason why I came in to this shop a couple weeks back was because of their "glowing" reviews about customer service and quality work done for the right price. The first time I came I definitely felt like I got that but after I came back the second time I was greeted totally differently. A couple days after my first initial visit my car began to have the same problems again so I gave them a call and I specifically said I'd be there earlier in the day than later in the day.I brought my car in around 11-12 checked in with David(older gentlemen) and the first thing he expressed before addressing all my problem was he expressed how inconvenient it was for bringing in my car at this time and why I should've brought it in right when they opened. I brushed that off and the other younger gentlemen who was there sort of took over since he knew David was being pretty rude. I dropped off my car and left it there for a few days. I called the following day to ask an update about my car bc I wasn't giving any sort of estimate about my vehicle and before I could get an update, David again expressed the inconvenience it was of me bringing my car in. I too work in the automotive industry and know how frustrating it can sometimes but to approach a customer like that is just flat out terrible and unprofessional. David was rude the whole entire time until he realized that the bigger issue of my car was the blown headgasket which he then told me in a respectful way. Every time I spoke on the phone with them after they knew who I was it their attitude completely changed. Only reason giving them a 2 star and not 1 is because my initial visit with the other gentlemen who helped me went well. read more

They've repaired one of our cars for a few different problems. Quick and straightforward with solutions while telling me of some good information on parts and ways for simple fixes I can do myself. read more

I can't attest to the work performed at Trottner's because I refuse to bring my car to them after receiving very bad service over the phone. I was stranded and my boyfriend told me they advertise mobile service. When I called the guy was a real jerk. I couldn't believe how rude he was, as if I was inconveniencing him by asking for him to come and work on my car. He was very short with me and had quite the attitude. Why in the world does a business offer - and advertise - mobile repair when they don't actually want to work on the car? I'm sorry, Trottner's, if I inconvenienced you by asking for your service. I know better now. read more

If I could give them more then 5 stars I would in a heart beat!! We live in Puyallup and had gone to Canada for the weekend. While waiting at the border crossing to come home the batterly light on the dash came on. Then all of a sudden all the lights started flashing. As we are driving down I-5 desperatly trying to get as close to home as we could, being that it was almost 3pm on Veterans Day we just knew there wouldn't be a shop open. We stopped at the gas station and my husband popped the hood, our serpentine belt had broke. So I called Les Schwab hoping that they could replace it. They said no, and when I asked who they'd recommend the girl immediately said Trottner's. I called Trottner's and was reassured that they'd be able to fix that no problem and should have us back on the road by 5. While we were headed to the shop our car literally lost ALL power right at the exit. I called Trottner's and the owner came out and got the car started and we followed him to the shop. As soon as they popped the hood, they discovered that there was oil everywhere and our problem was bigger then just a serpentine belt. Needless to say our fix was going take longer then a couple hours. We rented a car to make it home. The guys at Trottner's went completely above and beyond to make sure we got our car fixed. They even dropped it off when it was done at the car rental company because by the time we would get out there to pick up our car and drop off the rental both companies would be closed. I would recommend them to any and everyone! They are AMAZING and I cannot express enough how much they did for us. THANK YOU!!!! ~The Iverson's read more

Trottner's just took me for $141 for no good reason. My complaint was my truck wouldn't start all of the sudden. Had to have it towed from my driveway. Off the tow truck, it started for Trottner's right away. They didn't give me a phone call to tell me. They ran a diagnostic instead and charged me for the shop time. Again, my complaint was the truck wouldn't start and for them it did and instead of calling me and saying we don't see a problem here, what do you want us to do, if anything, they kept the truck and ran diagnostics to justify the $141 charge. And when I complained directly, face to face with the owner, saying what they did was wrong, he told me I wasn't welcome back as a customer. Oil leak be damned. Next day, 5/8/20, edit, I am not in San Francisco CA. I have lived and worked in Bellingham for 30 years. read more

I had a problem installing a replacement alternator, so I called Trottner's, and they did the job later that day. They even gave me a replacement battery to make up for the one that got ruined by the bad alternator, for no additional cost. The price was very reasonable, and then a few days after the job, which wasn't even a very big one, they sent me a card thanking me for my business. A lesson to all mechanics out there: this is how you should treat your customers. read more

I learned about Trottners two winters ago when my newly purchased 4 wheel drive truck wouln't start. Due to the snow I couldn't go anywhere. I called Trottners and they came out to my house pulled the starter motor out, took it to get repaired, returned it and installed it. Thanks to them I was able to get going again. This year I had Jerry Chamber Chevy fix my Saturn, I thought it was the clutch, it wasn't. Two months after driving it the car started acting funny, I thought it was something else and took it to Trottners. They found the problem, a loose bolt on a rod from the repair job completed by Jerry Chambers Chevy. Trottners could have made up a story and soaked me for a couple of hundred bucks and I wouln't have know the difference, instead they just charged me $60 for their time to trace and fix the problem. I'll go back to see them again. read more

I was driving through town on my way to Canada when my alternator decided it wanted to go out. By pure luck I found Trottner's Auto Repair. They literally had me in and out in an hour with a new alternator and a very reasonable price. They saved my trip. Be sure to put them on your short list of mechanics when you need one. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars, I would. read more

My wife and I were getting ready to drive back to Virginia from Bellingham after six months of travel nurse work at St Joseph's, there had been a little creaking from the front disc brakes in our Ford Escape, but on visual inspection they looked okay. Two days before we were supposed to leave it suddenly got much worse. Another nurse I worked with at St Joseph's recommended Trottner's, I called them first thing and was able to bring it over on my lunch break. They spent a lot of time diagnosing the problem (it was the brakes, they were bad even though they weren't completely worn) and had it done the next morning. I'm not sure about pricing compared to other places, but it seemed comparable to brake work I'd had in the past, and besides that, the fact that they were able to get it done so quickly was worth every penny. They're also all really nice there. We drove twelve hours through a snowstorm in Montana a couple days later and were very thankful for our new brakes! read more

Highly recommended, friendly, professional and knowledgeable. My Explorer had a check engine light and they were able to troubleshoot the problem and fix it quickly and the cost was very reasonable. The problem was common to Explorers and they made the extra effort to look it up in an online forum and found an easy fix to avoid this in the future. Very pleased and trust them to provide honest service and advice if I need it in the future.I have already recommended them to my friends. read more

Just sat there for an hour for them to come out and tell me that they actually could not service my transmission after all. Was not apologetic at all for wasting my time. Actually was quite rude about it. I feel that they should know beforehand if they have the necessary tools to perform a job before quoting you. Definitely will not be going back, ever. read more

If I had an option to give Dave and his crew over 5 stars I would. I have been going there for the past couple of years and have had excellent service. They are always going above and beyond from anywhere to a simple oil change to head gasket replacement, I know that my car is in good hands. They are honest and friendly and really want what is best for you. In my opinion no one compares to Trottners! read more

My grandfather, father and now me only use Trottner's. They do quality work- and stand behind their work. I love the fact that they explain so well what the problem is and the break down of what it takes to fix it. I don't know much about cars but they were able to explain it to me in a way I could understand. Plus it is a local business which I love to support our community. I would recommend Trottner's to anyone. read more

I have gone to them a couple of times with different vehicles. The place is run by a couple of very stubborn 50 year old men. My first experience I paid them to do a full inspection on a vehicle I wanted to buy. The day after the inspection when I had already bought the vehicle my u joint snapped because it was only held together by 1/4 bolts. A very obviously and blatant thing anyone woulf have seen if they had even looked under the vehicle. The next time I went there was for my breaks to be redone on my 2007 chevy. They took the whole day to do it and called me right before they closed. When I picked my vehicle up I noticed that they had sprayed lubricant into my ignition. It was a little difficult to get my key to work properly. I drove it a couple of blocks and then stopped by a friends to drop off a check, and when I got back to my vehicle my key no longer worked. I called them the next day and explained the situation. They didn't want to help at all. They said all they could do is put a new ignition in my truck which they would charge me for. After a few days of arguing with them they told me they would send someone over to look at it. I remember at one point Dave Trottners business partner told me "this conversation is over" and hung up on me. They sent a locksmith over, he determined my key was worn and there was a large amount of lubricant mixed with dust obstructing my key from working properly. They billed me 200 bucks for the locksmith handed me 2 new keys and I paid them. I put on a plastic smile and left never to return. read more