Downtown Automotive

evanschrisd

★★★★★

5 months ago

The gang at Downtown auto go out of their way to give you prompt service at a really reasonable price. When I leave my car there, I feel like I’m leaving it with friends who will maintain the car and return it to me without breaking the bank. They definitely are my go to Mechanic In Seattle!!😉👍.

Abigaile Grace Rank

★★☆☆☆

4 months ago

I brought my car in after it wouldn’t start. They diagnosed it as a battery issue, an alternator issue, and a belt issue. After having the alternator the battery and the belt checked at an O Reily’s, They found that the only issue was the battery and had no problem fixing it myself. Would definitely recommend getting a second opinion in any situation.

gauri mishra

★☆☆☆☆

5 months ago

AVOID! After years of loyalty, I’m deeply disappointed. I’ve trusted Downtown Automotive with my cars for years, despite their high prices, because I believed they prioritized safety. That trust ended after a recent post-purchase inspection. I brought in a used vehicle I had bought from a dealer while still under the 10 day return guarantee. I mentioned a strange swishy noise, and the inspection was done within the 10-day return period offered by the dealer. They said everything looked fine except the battery — no mention of any major issues. A few days later, I returned for a battery replacement after the car wouldn’t start. That’s when the same mechanic casually mentioned that the car never actually started during the inspection — which was shocking and called the entire inspection into question. More importantly, if I had known that, I would have replaced the battery immediately rather than waiting — or reconsidered the purchase entirely while still under the return window. The worst part came during a third visit, when the strange noise persisted and the car began feeling unsafe — especially when it wouldn’t accelerate properly going downhill. They later quoted me $852 to fix a problem they already knew about (by admission of their own mechanic) — one that should have been flagged from the beginning. I confronted them about the quality of the inspection, and instead of addressing my concerns, I was coldly and rudely told the shop would no longer service my vehicle. Lori, the manager, never acknowledged that her mechanic had failed to flag the alternator issue, nor did she offer any apology, explanation, or attempt to make amends for this shoddy inspection. As I was driving off, the mechanic — to his credit — stopped me and admitted that he had, in fact, seen a problem with the alternator during the original inspection but failed to tell me. They had two clear opportunities to disclose this: during the inspection and again during the battery replacement. Had they done their job, I would have returned the car under the dealer’s 10-day warranty. Instead, they withheld key information, quoted me nearly $900 to fix it, and then ended our long-standing relationship when I pushed back. I wasn’t expecting perfection. I was expecting honesty, professionalism, and accountability — and got none of those.

Suntho

★★☆☆☆

2 months ago

We brought our car in for a simple tire repair, and one of the technicians ended up scratching the side of the vehicle. To their credit, the owner offered to cover repairs at a body shop they work with. It was an inconvenience being without a car for a week, but these things happen. What was baffling, though, was the owner’s reaction when we asked for the incident to be documented on the work order before taking the car to the body shop. She got weirdly defensive about a completely reasonable request. Why the attitude over basic paperwork? It’s not unreasonable to want a paper trail when someone else damages your property. Thankfully, one of the staff members handled it without issue. Wish the owner had done the same.

alpin hanson

★★★★★

2 months ago

Laurie and Sheryl were both very kind and understanding. They made sure to explain the problem with my car so that I could understand. Very happy with the results of my service!

Connie A

★★★★★

4 months ago

I had my car towed to Downtown Automotivr, luckily they had room. They had my car running in 1 day. They kept in contact to inform me of what the issues were. Very reasonable charge, great service. If I ever have a problem with my old car again, I will definitely give Downtown Automtive my business again. Thank you all for the great service

russ meltzer

★★★★★

3 months ago

My clutch went out, I saw that Downtown Automotive was in my neighborhood and decided to give them a try. They replaced the clutch and flywheel and the clutch action feels like it did when new. They got it done on schedule and on budget. Thanks to Lori and everyone I dealt with for the really excellent customer service. I'll be a repeat customer for sure.

Melanie

★☆☆☆☆

3 months ago

I attempted to get new tires at Costco, but had a cross threaded lug-nut and needed a lug-stud replacement. Costco marked the tire with chalk so the auto shop could easily identify the need. I took it to Downtown Automotive for what should have been a very routine and simple fix. They called me at the end of the day stating that it would cost me $700 plus to fix my hubcap. I don’t have a hubcap, I have alloy wheels. After she put me on hold to double check her information, she got back on the phone and stated that it was very clear she was right and that I had CLEARLY hit the wheel and it was impacted and needed replacing. I told her there was no damage done, it was a routine lug stud replacement. She then said they found cement in the lug nut…that was the chalk from a Costco marking. By the end of the call she had the mechanic standing by her trying to advise and it seemed very apparent that neither of them knew what they were talking about. I told her that I would not be moving forward with services. She then told me I had thirty minutes to come get my car before she left. I told her that since that wasn’t enough time to get there I would be there in the morning at pick up time. She then insisted I give her an exact time so she would know how to advise the load in of the cars for ease of exit. I told her I would be there exactly at 8am. I showed up at 8am to pick up my car and the mechanic said I would have to wait because no one told him I was coming this early and my car was all the way in the back. I was also advised I needed $1200 in repairs for struts. I took my car to Greg’s Auto, paid $118 for lug stud repair with no issues and was told my struts are perfectly fine. I dare to think how much money I lost with the previous work I’ve had done at this shop. It was very clear that they had no idea what they were talking about. I’m sure there are knowledgeable people that work there, but I think they put my car off until the end of the day and just guesstimated the work I might need. No thought or care was put into it. And it’s very clear the communication from the front desk needs SERIOUS work. She talks in circles and so fast that if you don’t know what you’re talking about, she’ll suggest hundreds of dollars of unneeded work. The simple fact that she tried to tell me that my car had damage when it didn’t, told me she was grasping and absolutely rude to dismiss me and attempt to advise me on what I did to my own car. Do not trust this place. Get a second estimate.

Elijah Yi

★☆☆☆☆

Edited 2 months ago

Don't get your car serviced here without a second opinion. They convinced me to get repairs done which I didn't need and left my car with a brake fluid leak after a simple oil change. Update: Turns out the brake fluid leak was due to a broken rear brake caliper, the same brakes that DOWNTOWN AUTOMOTIVE INSTALLED. Yeah, definitely don't come here.

Robert Huynh

★★★★★

3 months ago

Lori and the team were professional and knowledgeable. I was in a bind for my daughter's car and we needed to get towed in. Other places didnt have time for us but Downtown said come right in! Was transparent about everything and tried to make it manageable.

Michael C.

★★★★★

a month ago

Very friendly service! They were also very flexible and accommodating for my schedule! This was my first time going to Downtown Automotive and I will be definitely go back next time I need work on my car!

Julian A. Gonzalez

★★★★★

4 months ago

I’ve taken my Jeep to Downtown Automotive for over 13 years and have never been disappointed with their trouble assessment and honesty. Thankfully, I know enough about engines that I know when a mechanic is bs-ing me. I’ve never had that feeling with DA. It’s a business, so of course they’re going to suggest fixing/replacing things they see might cause trouble in the near future. However, they’ve never said I had to do it on the spot or my Jeep is going to blow up in order to scam me out of more money. Lori is awesome and has always been honest and straightforward. I recently had problems with my Jeep and had a few people tell me I needed a new engine. In fact, a friend of a friend, who is a mechanic said I needed a new engine ($10k). I took my Jeep to DA as I always do and after a full inspection they said all I needed was a new coil!!!!! ($200). I checked everything except the coil because I had replaced it two years ago and didn’t think it had gone bad. My mistake!! The best thing about it is that the DA mechanic showed me the spark plugs I had recently replaced including the one that was sparkling new which wasn’t getting spark from the faulty spark. Lori, a thou$and thanks for a other great job done by your team and saving me lots of $$$!!

Richie

★★★★★

5 months ago

Downtown Automotive is amazing! They replaced my brakes and rotors (front and back), did an oil change, and fixed my cooling fan system—all in one day. The pricing was fair, and they’re super flexible if you need a little help—just communicate with them. Everyone was incredibly kind, patient, and professional. I’m definitely making this my go-to mechanic. Highly recommend.

Andy Zacek

★★★★★

a month ago

Communication from Wesley was really good. They got the carburetor adjusted on my old Toyota Pickup when it wouldn't start. While they were in there, they found a wire unplugged from the distributor causing it to run rough. They told me I should replace a few original belts that worked fine but were geting old. The carburetor adjustment and troubleshooting to find the unplugged wire cost $400, the belts cost another $140 or so. Seems like there are bad reviews on here regarding their upsells and high quotes. The thing is, you can always say no to work if you don't like the price, I for one was happy to get those belts swapped before they cause me a problem, even if I could have gone another 20,000 miles who cares, now I know I can go another 100,000 without having to worry. Worth it. Cheryl at the front desk was sweet, and Andy was nice too. Just a friendly place.

Elior eventov

★★★★★

a month ago

Honest mechanics exist! Told me my brake pads were still fine when I was sure they were shot. Could have easily taken my money. Instead, they just topped off my fluids and sent me on my way with a no charge, see you in a few months.Unbelievable customer service. I trust them completely

Jenn Strange

★★★★★

a month ago

Had some unexpected car trouble and had to find a mechanic FAST and close by. We did a quick Google search and struck GOLD! Immediately upon calling Downtown Automotive, I felt better. The ladies in the office are so warm, and friendly, and I felt like I was in good hands from the first call. They addressed the issue quickly; they were great at communicating and kept me in the loop on what was happening the entire time. Turned out to be a much less complicated fix than I expected, which was a huge relief, but an even BIGGER relief was finding a full-service mechanic that doesn't feel like a trip to the CLEANERS. They didn't gouge me on my initial fix and provided me with really clear and easy to understand estimates on some additional work that is needed. I think we have found our forever mechanic. THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUU! 5 stars! no... TEN STARS! *Forehead Kiss*

Citrus OnthePlaya (Citrus)

★★★★★

a month ago

After a Sunday night encounter with a 6ft long pothole on I-5, I was towed to DTA. I left my keys and a note. They called the next day and replaced two damaged tires by the following day. They were incredibly helpful, super empathetic, knowledgeable, and not pushy at all. I highly recommend and am so glad I found them as my long standing auto shop just changed ownership and I have been looking for a new trustworthy place.