I called and got an estimate on a transmission flush, they told me $280*. I dropped my car off and was billed $280. Seems like table stakes, but this is rare in the world of auto maintenance! To amp it up even more: I dropped my car off at 8am, and got it back at NOON! I don't know if that's ever happened for me. I asked Volvo to replace a steering wheel under warranty and I dropped it off at 7:30am and got it back around 5pm! Why only 4-stars? Because I was counting on their shuttle service (that they use to promote their business) and I was told, at 8am...that the shuttle guy wasn't going to be there till noon...bummer. *Volvo was going to charge me $550 for the same job, shop around, kids! read more

Arctic Import Repair - Outside - Auto Repair Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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I brought my truck to this place for a timing belt - water pump replacement and told them to use OEM parts. Fifteen months later the water pump went out. At that point I discovered it was not a OEM part. I called the office and was told tough luck. NEVER going back there again. read more

Best car repair for foreign cars. Always professional and knowledgeable. Very fair pricing. I've been a customer for 6yrs and now my whole family takes their cars there. Chris Evans read more

I've been taking my cars to Bruce at Arctic Import Repair for countless years. Bruce is the man - he knows everything - he's a walking/talking repair manual. Great guy too. Highly recommended. read more

Charged me $390 to diagnose a problem, I told them about ahead of time. $70 to expedite a part when the technician wouldn't be available to install it. I will not use them in the future. read more

Long term customer of this shop and I trust them. Just brought a vehicle in that had been in the care of another shop Arctic handled the problem at less cost and more quickly than the other. Great customer service. read more

First time using the shop. I am so impressed! From the ride home when I dropped it off (dealers don't even do that these days) to efficient service. In addition, the front desk folks are very helpful and polite. I highly recommend them! read more

These guys are all about ghost charges. i came in saying my back hatch door lock was broken. They then charged me $75 to tell me that my back hatch door lock was broken. They did not fix it. They also added a one hour $150 inspection charge. When later questioned, they admitted the inspection charge was for nothing and took it off. If you want to run up a big bill for people who do nothing and then try to charge you for it... this is your place. read more

I can't say enough good things about the whole crew at arctic import. From the front desk to the techs to Isaac the courtesy driver. These guys took such good care of me, I felt so run down after having been ripped off by a "mobile mechanic". Spent a lot of money getting my car fixed and the shop stands by its word and work. Good and honest about their prices and labor. Went on a major road trip cross country days after they completed major repairs and happy to say without a single issue. Highly recommend. read more

Great place! The ladies at the counter and on the phone are nice and easy to work with. I was in a pissy mood with no patience for anything when I picked up my car and spoke way harsher than I meant to and they were still nice to me - I would not have even been nice to me if I was them LOL. My car was in and out - strait forward information and I was not pressured or 'scared' into up-selling other things that I know I need to fix. They gave me the best price on the service I needed and were able to get my car in right away. Works for me! read more

I've had an Audi Q5 for about a year and a half and I had horrible service at the Audi dealership MULTIPLE TIMES. I didn't buy my car in Alaska so I had no idea. They would charge me extra and not even explain the issues with my car, and besides the point just be blatantly rude to me when I would go inside. Just overall an unpleasant experience. I heard about Arctic Import Repair and I thought what did I have to lose ? So I needed an oil change, had a couple things that needed to be fixed and to my surprise they found a leak in my turbo and a couple other things and they explained everything to me. One of the women who works at the front (Kailey I believe) called me to talk about the things they found, explained it all clearly and told me what was more urgent - I told her I was still under warranty and she took it upon herself to find my warranty information in my glovebox and called them, took care of it all! I didn't have to do anything! Last time I needed to use my warranty at Audi they made me call and hash it out with the company which was confusing for me since I don't work with things like that on a daily basis. In the end, I got multiple things fixed on my car, an oil change and fabulous service all for a low price! I was overall really impressed with their customer service and how they take care of foreign cars. You can't just take a foreign car anywhere to be fixed but I can honestly say you can trust Arctic Import Repair wholeheartedly! I will definitely be going back. Thank you so much! P.S. since getting my turbo fixed my car has so much pep in it. It's fun to drive it again LOL read more

This is the worst most unprofessional place I've ever dealt with there customer service sux and the people are horrible do not take your car to this place unless you don't mind not having it for weeks Jus to get an oil change read more

The owner was straight with me and fixed an issue not even Audi was able to clearly diagnose. They saved me 2,500$ and told me what my audi will need in the future but did not try to insist on doing the work or pressure me into having it done. I would definitely go there again over going to Kendall Audi. Just try not to go around tire change over season, they will be a bit overwhelmed with the workload and take a bit longer to get your work done. But they are worth it!!!! read more

I've been a customer here for about 10 years. Never had a problem. They have taken care of my 08 Honda Civic hybrid, 00 GMC Yukon, 01 ford Expedition, 13 Ford Flex, and a 1966 Clark Cortez (google that one). Sometimes I call and make sure they have room and sometimes I just drop it off the night before and throw the key in the drop box and leave my notes on the envelope. Never had a vehicle there more than the day for routine service (oil change, tires etc). When it's been more than routine, they call and confirm cost and a timeframe for repairs. The staff is great. Everyone is friendly and nice to talk to. Bottom line, GREAT SHOP, GREAT STAFF, GREAT SERVICE!!! Thanks, Nick read more

Arctic Import is competent, quick, friendly, and honest, and has never put me on hold or made me wait for service -- a rare combination of qualities in an auto shop. We had a pre-buyer inspection done here before purchasing a used vehicle and were impressed with the quality of service. Since then, I've been back twice to have tires changed and an engine block heater installed. Both times they were quick and charged a minimum for parts and labor. For those of us with limited alternate transportation, the quick service is important -- each time I read a book for 30 minutes, signed and paid, and went off in my newly pimped-out car (conveniently parked in the front of the shop). I've been to plenty of mechanics where I had to wait 30 minutes just to speak with someone. They consistently offer immediate service if you arrive when they open (8 am, but Subaru mechanic comes in at 9), and they will also give you a ride to work, although you have to arrange your own way back later. They seem to have good business yet never be too busy, even to chat on the phone, and I've had minor issues a number of minor issues resolved this way. They have explained my vehicle to me, suggested home remedies, and told me they would be happy to take a look and my money if I was insistent but that I really shouldn't be. The owner and mechanics are very nice people, and my only complaint is that the girls in the front are rather less so. The girls are the young and curt type -- not out-and-out rude, but definitely not service-oriented. The only unnecessary wait I've had here involved sitting around for 5 minutes because the girl didn't tell me my car was done. I could see and hear the mechanic handing over the keys, but I figured she was filling out paperwork. I had to ask if the job was finished, ask if I needed to fill anything out, etc. etc. Basically neither girl here will say shit to you unless you ask a question. I guess they are hired strictly for their clerical function? So anyway, just ask what you want to know on the desk side -- the mechanical side is definitely worth it. read more

Arctic Import has knowledgeable staff and do a great job diagnosing the issues and then fixing them! Trust Arctic Import with all of our vehicle mechanical repairs. Thank you! read more

This is the best auto repair business in Anchorage by far! Bruce and his team go way above and beyond to see that your car is taken care of. Can't say enough good things about these guys! read more

They suck! They pretend to fix your car, take your money and then once you bring it home you find out it's not fixed! This business is the biggest rip off I have ever used! read more

Just had a simple tire changeover here. But they got me in quick (after everyone else was booked solid from the first winter storm of the season) and charged a very good price. As I waited in the lobby, I could tell that each of their employees treated the customers with respect and were there to do a good and fair job. I would be very likely to call them up the next time I need a mechanic (and I've already been through a few odysseys with other mechanics in my short 6 months here in town). read more

As the owner and collector of rare foreign classic cars I've used Arctic Import almost exclusively and they've always been more than fair. Regarding turn-around times, I always ask first because they're a busy shop. Also having rare cars requires patience in keeping them tuned up. I much prefer waiting for it done right vs a quick turn-around. Whenever I've a question about the work or cost Arctic has always made it right for me. Even when Arctic has been stumped they've admitted so and returned my car with zero charges! The whole staff, front to back is outstanding in their attention to service. I thank each and every one of them every chance I get to take note of their efforts! Lastly, due to the nature of my cars often times outside expertise is required. Bruce has never been one to not admit when he's outside of his knowledge base and sought expert advice when needed. That's the mark of a very smart character. He has my business and I recommend them highly to all fellow collectors. Audi, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Triumph and Maserati keys have been handed over to their shop for care. From normal to not through the course of my car needs. read more

Be very wary buying any used vehicle reviewed by this place. I bought a Toyota that had a cracked head after they said it was in great shape and gave the car a thumbs up. Cost me 2500 in repairs! read more

I'm not sure if I was being ripped off or not. I took a car (that wouldn't start) to Arctic Import Repair to just get a diagnosis done on it and ended up with a $400 bill. I did not authorize the work to be done, just get a diagnosis/estimate on any repair work needed to get the car running again. The car ended up not being fixed so I called to have the car towed and was informed that a bill would have to be paid before they released the car. I responded that there was never any authorization given to work on the car without an estimate and diagnosis. We receptionist argued with me that there was. We I asked for proof of authorization she went to the owner, Bruce. She came back and said that he told her they were releasing the car and to never come back. I've got to ask myself, why would I ever go back to a place that's ripping me off? Is this how this company does business and treats it's customers. I should add that I have had work done on my cars before at Arctic. I've never had any reason to believe that the work or bill was inaccurate until now. read more

These guys are connected with all the dealers in town, so they always have the latest and greatest information when it comes to VW, Audi and BMW. They are very informative and will not hide anything. The prices are also very reasonable, I will take my vehicles here before I take them to the dealer. read more

We have been taking our jetta here for many years. The customers service is outstanding!! They provide quick service and that's not always easy up here in Alaska when it comes to getting parts. We come here for all of our cars needs. They also showed me the broken parts and explained in detail what was not working properly. read more

Very Dishonest Repair Shop - My eighteen-year-old daughter worked throughout the summer to purchase an older Subaru from a retired teacher. The vehicle had been in storage for a few years and only driven a little. There were no leaks and was in good shape for an older very clean used car. There were leaves all over the vehicle from the trees that were nearby the carport where the vehicle sat, except for the few times it was driven by the owners handyman. Unfortunately, the engine light was on when she bought it. I drove the vehicle to Arctic Import Repair on International Road. I told them I was spending my daughter's summer money so I needed an estimate first. About four hours later, I asked how things were going. The counter person went to the back and then came back up front. He explained that the engine had been power washed by the seller, so they had blown out the engine with compressed air and reset the error codes while it idled to dry, but the engine light had come back on. Then he shared he didn't have the sensor in stock because it was a dealer part, but if I brought it back after the weekend they could replace it and see if the light would remain off. I went to Subaru and the service person showed me the sensor, which was located immediately below the cowling and some other things. Below the cowling were spider webs, dried leaves, and dust and dirt. It was clear my knock sensor hadn't been wet or blown out by compressed air. It was clear the story shared by Arctic Repair was fiction. I drove the car to Specialized Auto Import Service about 2 blocks down the road from Arctic Repair. About two hours later, the car was ready to be picked up, repaired, and they had taken the liberty to make a list of maintenance priorities my daughter should budget for. I was pleased, and the repair had cost what I had paid Arctic Repair, less the parts. Arctic Repair, in my experience, are dishonest. I will never trust my vehicle to them again. This is the shop we have all been warned about. read more

My eighteen-year-old daughter worked throughout the summer to purchase an older Subaru from a retired teacher. There were leaves all over the vehicle from the trees that were nearby the carport where the vehicle sat, except for the few times it was driven by the owners handyman. The price was good, because my daughter was paying cash and the tags had expired. She purchased the car and we brought the car home which was only a block or so away. The next day she started the vehicle and the engine light was on. So after registering and insuring the vehicle, I drove the vehicle to Arctic Import Repair on International road and talked with the counter man. After I had shared what I wanted repaired, I told him I was spending my daughter's summer money so I needed an estimate first. I was asked to take a seat and I watched the counter man hand a mechanic my key and I told him where I parked the car when he asked. I thought if it was easy, I might be able to make a simple repair for my daughter and save her the money. While I was sitting I witnessed mechanics complaining about other customers and vehicle problems they couldn't resolve because they had never worked on "one" before. The front counter person would help the mechanic rationalize labor and repairs. The counter person called back on the phone, and said things like uhhu, yes, hot, okay. I nodded to the counter man and said I would wait, after I asked if it was still the same guy working on it. About an hour later, I asked about my daughter's car again. The counter person made a call again. When he hung up the phone, he explained he was going to go talk with the mechanic. When he returned he shared that someone had power washed the engine, which explained why the engine was so clean. The computer check of the code had discovered the "engine knock sensor" might be bad or just was wet. He explained there was a puddle of water surrounding the "knock sensor" and that he had saw it himself. After the engine cooled they would clear the codes and wait for the car computer to cycle. He shared with a little luck, the light would stay off. I was thrilled that the sensor might not need to be replaced. Additionally, he shared the water could have shorted something so no promises. I was unable to make an appointment at that time, but I could leave the car or I just call or come in after the holiday weekend. I investigated replacing the part, if it wasn't too much, myself. The repair department had just closed, but a parts person said the "engine knock" sensor was an easy repair if I was willing. I shared the information Arctic Repair had told me and explained the engine was hot. While we pulled the cowling from the top of the engine we both talked about all the spider webs, then below the cowling, the dried leaves, and sitting directly next to the sensor was dust and dirt and more spider webs. It was clear my engine surface hadn't been full of water, sprayed, and the spider webs that were connecting all the parts together hadn't been blown out by compressed air. I was worried the sensor might not be the problem since it was clear the story shared by Arctic Repair clearly was fiction. I drove the car home, wondering if I had foolishly spent my daughter's money and a day of waiting in the lobby at Arctic Repair. There was clearly no sign of water, removal, or repair. After the weekend, I drove the car to Specialized Auto Import Service about 2 blocks down the road from Arctic Repair. I dropped the car off, and about two hours later the car was ready to be picked up, repaired, and they had taken the liberty to make a list of maintenance priorities my daughter should budget for. I was pleased, and the repair had cost what I had paid Arctic Repair, less the parts. I called Arctic Repair from my cell phone on my way home, the counter person answered the phone. I reminded him of my visit and asked if there were any openings after I described my findings of webs, leaves, and that I had seen the sensor first hand. There was a long hold, and a different person; a woman this time answered the phone. She shared there weren't any openings because they were backed up due to the long weekend. I called again at the end of the day to make an appointment for the next morning, they explained there were no openings and asked if they could call me if they had any openings. The next morning I drove to Arctic Repair in my daughters repaired vehicle to see for myself if they were taking walk-ins. I left after I said I would never recommend Arctic Repair to anyone if they were willing to defend the kind of service and repair they had lied about. I will never trust my vehicle to them again. read more

I'll never go to these guys again. Took my Sub to this place just to get an oil change, and they were immediately dubious. Taken my car there before, but they were very shady this time around. Just wanted the simple oil change, but they also wanted to replace my air filter, and a couple of different belts. The filter had just been changed the previous summer, but since the volcano had erupted, I agreed anyway and thought what the heck, a filter's not too expensive. I wanted them to show me the old filter but they "couldn't find it." So I have no idea what shape the previous air filter was in. Stupid on my part. The worst, however, is that they tried to sell me a new brake job, both front and back. Why they were even checking my brakes when I just wanted an oil change, I have no idea. They said my rear shoes will go out any day (sitting at 1%), and my front pads were really close to needing replacement as well. So, I got a couple of other opinions on the brakes, one from a place I trust for everything more major than an oil change. The second opinions said the brakes were in GREAT shape, and the rear shoes almost looked like NEW!! I can't even trust AIR to a simple oil change. They've lost my business, and anyone else I know who goes there. read more

Had a really good experience with Arctic Repair. My engine light came on, 2008 Honda Odyssey, as we were getting ready to leave on a road trip to Homer. Called Arctic and they told me to bring the car in right away and they would check it! They hooked up the computer to the car to find the problem, took about 5 minutes. Fortunately it was an easy solution and they had us on our way to Homer. Super nice to work with and I feel confident in their services. read more

Had a valve job done, took to Arctic Imp. to check the valve lash in a 4runner.The valves where not adjusted right and they reset them. Also had ball joints put in, total $2800. 18,000 miles later I went back with a miss, a burnt piston. Bruce says "maybe a fuel problem, but can't check it now because of the low compression." When I took it to him I told him I only got 10,000 on the the last valve job and I need to know if there was a common problem. Sister took a Subaru to him for a head gasket replacement total $2600. She didn't get 1,000 miles before it threw a rod. Two engines gone and Arctic Import was the last to touch them, Conquincidence or Not? I won't be going back. read more

OVERCHARGED I've heard great things about this place, but my experience has not been great. While the front desk staff is pleasant enough, I've been overcharged for a variety of different services and this last time was the straw that broke the camels back. Here is the breakdown Most recently I took my 2002 Eurovan in for an oil change and asked them to look at an issue with an automatic window. When I came to pick up my car, the total was $175 including $90 "diagnostic fee". To add insult to injury they said that the cost to fix the window would be $900. Jeez. On another occasion, they charged me for 2 hours of labor when I know that it was less (I had been waiting for days for them to fix something - they finally called me at 1:30 to tell me that they finally just pulled my car into the shop and then called me again at 3 to let me know the car was done). I also had the experience of picking up my car and hearing an awful noise from the front wheel well as soon as I drove away. When I called to complain, they asked me to bring it back in. Apparently one of the plates had slipped down onto the wheel well (presumably when they were working on it) which was causing the awful noise. Of course they charged me to fix their mistake. I've had enough and will go somewhere else from now on. read more

These guys are awesome! The VW dealership wouldn't even take a look at the rattling sound coming from the front passenger side of my car and kept talking about their "20 point inspection" and how that didn't find it but they'd look for it for another "so many dollars" and putting it up on the rack again... with my limited auto knowledge I was guessing it was just a loose part by the way it sounded and when it happened. Well, Arctic Import not only found it within a couple seconds of putting it up on the rack, they placed my exhaust brackets back where they should be and didn't even charge me. No more rattling sound! Not only that, they cleaned up the engine oil that was dumped all over the engine by the dealership (as I just had my oil changed at VW) and Arctic Imports didn't charge me for the clean up. They are diagnosing my oil leak and not trying to charge me for having to come in twice to find it as it was hard to find with the aforementioned oil spilled all over the place. After going in this morning I finally feel like I'm talking to people who know what they're doing and actually want to do the job well and not just try to rack up the charges for every little question I have. I highly recommend them. And also overheard their service dept telling another customer that if they weren't happy with their service then they (Arctic) want to hear about it and want to help. Very happy with this auto shop :) So happy to talk with people who listen to what I'm asking and don't go on about "so-many-point-inspections" and costs of finding something that seemed (and turned out to be!) so simple. read more

This repair shop is full of gimmicks and shady shysters. They will make you feel like they have done all they can; They will take your money and send you on your way with an incomplete repair or none at all. Partial fixes and excuses is what they shared with me, I know this because after they took my daughters money without repairing anything, a different shop fixed the vehicle, in half the time, without the stories and for less money than A.I.R billed for their incomplete repair and work. I was blown away by how dishonest these folks are - especially after I saw the proof they hadn't tried or done the work they claimed. I should have recognized how many cars weren't repaired and just sitting on their lot. I should have recognized how many were being sold. I should have recognized the 'gotcha' used car lot mentality and service. This is an opportunistic shop looking to make a buck. -Never again! read more

Clutch failed on VW Passat and we brought it to Arctic Import based on other reviews. Although the service was not scheduled in advance, they took the job and said they would be in touch. They did get back to us after several days to say they would need to investigate further and they wanted authorization for a few more service hours. We gave it to them and they continued, or at least said they did. A week later they still hadn't done anything else. When I went in to investigate, they said they needed further authorization...to the tune of $1,170 labor plus parts to tear into it some more and probably replace the clutch. And they said it would be another week before they could get to it...maybe. I paid them $380 to cover costs incurred to date and took the car to the local VW dealer. The dealer, of all places, is doing the job for $750 labor plus parts. On 5 separate occasions we were told they would be in touch...they only called once. Arctic import auto service seems to be run more like a hobby (or maybe a day care center) than a business. There is no sense of urgency to get the job done in a timely manner and the front desk staff is tied up as much with their kids behind the counter as their customers. When I asked how long on the last visit, I got a rundown of all the other jobs the mechanic had before he could get to mine. If they are that swamped, they owe it to the customer to let them know up front, not string them along for two weeks on an 8-hour job. As for the dealer doing the job $400 cheaper...who knows. I've always been inclined to use dealer service, but on a 10 year old car though an independent would be a cheaper alternative--guess not. Bottom line, I'm out $380 for nothing but wasting my time and will stick with dealer service in the future. read more

Let me preface this by saying that I think Bruce (the owner) is very knowledgable and probably a very competent mechanic. That said, he has hired some people that really are not helping his business. It begins when you walk in the door and try to get some help from the completely uninterested and unhelpful girl that works the front counter. She has never, in my three or four trips to the garage actually called me to tell me that my car was ready. I have always had to call her, and if I want, or need, some help finding something out about the status of my car, I have to prompt her (basically force her to go check). This woman needs to find a job of interest to her, and leave the customer service to more qualified individuals. Who cares about the customer service, though, along as the mechanics are outstanding, right? I'm sure some of them are, but its hit or miss. The one that worked on my vanagon did $2,500 worth of work, including replacing rotors, breaks, engine belts, plugs, wires, and a laundry list of other needed maintenance. Most of it ended up fine, but when I drove off the oil sensor light and alarm went off immedietly upon leaving the parking lot. Obviously, no one had test-driven the car after all of this work. I drove it right back, and they said that it was not anything they did. OK, I'll give them that, but please fix it. I show up the next afternoon (after calling since the girl who assured me that she would call to tell me my car was ready never called), and the girl at the counter tells me they "spaced it". Van is not ready. OK, lets fix it for tomorrow. Jump forward to the weekend, and I, with wife, two kids, two dogs, and a van-load of camping gear are unloading camping equipment into the rain to get to an engine that is spewing coolant everywhere. The mechanic had changed the belts, and one of them was rubbing the entire time on the coolant hose. It did not part until about 150 miles from home. Luckily, I was able to rob a hose from another area of the engine to get us back to Anchorage. I take it back to Bruce, and of course, they fix it. Off we go again. This time two weeks later, and up on the Denali Highway - only about 300 miles from home. The back rear tire area starts making all kinds of clunky, grinding noise. Once again we scrap the trip and return to Anchorage with a broken van. This time though, I'm not taking it back to Arctic Import, but to another mechanic who finds that the axle in the back has been recently replaced, but did not have one spec of grease on it. This on a CV joint. My God. Who forgets to grease a CV assembly. Luckily, that assembly was only another $200 for parts and labor, bringing the entire total for the original brake job to around $3,000. The thing that really sucks is I question whether or not the van will hold up on an extended trip now. I feel that I must reiterate that I think Bruce is a good guy and a good mechanic, but you are only as good as the monkey in your garage no matter what business you are in. Thanks, but I'm not letting monkeys work on my cars anymore. I'm going to take them to mechanics that understand quality assurance and pride of work. Months later my van is still not running right. I guess I should not have let Arctic Import Repair do the full "Tune Up" read more

They used to be good. However, last three times I have taken my SAAB there the repairs were done incorrectly. Repairs billed for were not completed. The mechanic left tools in the car and the job unfinished twice. In another case repairs were done without authorization and charged for. Owner, Bruce - did not return phone calls. read more

We had been long time customers. After picking up my vehicle and finding the ceiling fabric ripped and no one willing to take responsibility and then $3,000.00 in repairs on the air conditioningt have it stop working again less than a year later was the last straw. We will not be taking any of our vehicle back to Bruce and his staff again. read more

This auto repair shop is the only one I'll take my car to in town. The owner deals with you in person and is knowledgable in many foreign vehicles. I own Toyota Landcruisers, and he's been able to articulate the problems to me on my level better than I can even articulate them to him...I highly recommend them for their competence and reasonable pricing. He is also a straight shooter, as one of the other reviewers mentioned...he'll let you know if it needs to be fixed now, or whether you can hold out. There are two negatives: They are always extremely busy...although it's never left me waiting long, it's just more an issue with the fact that Bruce (the owner) gives each person his full attention. The other "negative", I woud agree with other reviews that the service girls at the counter can be short, but if you know that going into it, it's easy to get over....just settle your bill with Bruce directly. He's honest and knows what went into your job, whereas the girls won't do you any favors...but mainly because they don't know more than what's on the invoice and cover their lack of auto background by minimizing interaction with customers. This review is about as straight up as they come, I'd be interested to see if anyone challenges my opinion on it.... read more

I have been taking my cars to Arctic Import Repair for around a decade. I've had an Audi A6 Allroad, a New Beetle and a Subaru Outback that they have worked on, and I've had them do pre-buy inspections on several vehicles. (It was perhaps the Allroad that helped me develop the wonderful, close, meaningful relationship with my mechanic.) They have a really good perspective on car repairs. They will tell you what needs to be done, they will tell you what you can live with, and they will tell you what might be a good idea. More than once, they have recommended that something not be done, because it doesn't matter much. They also know where to get parts at less than dealership prices, and they actively look for ways to keep costs down. They will tell you which repair items that somebody can do better for less (some alignment issues). This shop is not fancy up front, and there's not cush chairs in the lobby and muzak playing. I think this is because they keep costs reasonable, and they are not ripping you off. I live in Chugiak, and take my cars there because I can't find a place I like better that is any closer (I think ER auto repair is good, but their prices are quite high). Take your car to Bruce, and I don't think you will be disappointed. read more

I have 2 cars (Volvo 2004 XC70 AWD ASR & 1998 Ford Explorer). Arctic Import Repair was recommended to me by 5 reliable sources (including the competition's mechanics). When I used them to help me purchase last year- they were consistent and reliable. I routinely met old friends in the waiting area who were old customers and content as Bees in their Hive. One beautiful exception was a unique vintage car and his equally unique owner nursing his personality- in the corner. He was agitated that it had been weeks...his Baby was not "fixed". The bill had gotten to $800.00 mark- he was not a happy camper. I notice when "my Baby's" Bill touches the $800.00 mark- I also am compelled to start the agitated customer dance myself. Bruce and his team take this in stride- and keep exploring for solution. They have found a problem that the volvo dealer had charged the previous own thousands to find over years of service without success. It cost me less than 3 weeks of worrying and ~$485.00 at Arctic Import Repair. Best of all- I drove the Bear Valley Road (100+mph winds on 10-12" of glare wet ice and potholes the size of bowling balls) all winter safely because of the service at this company. I love the way my vehicles run and feel in the service of this company. The key is to bring your vehicle in during the "off" season. Bring it in during peak months? Get ready to wait in line for outstanding, honest, reliable service. I'll Bee there next to you. read more

As context - I pretty much view 5 stars as next to unachievable. And since yelp doesn't allow any digits like 4.5, I had to choose 4. That said, I've been a customer of Arctic for nearly 20 years and they have done a good job for me. I spent my younger years rebuilding engines, carburetors and the like and am very experienced in cars, but I no longer have the time to invest and find it more difficult to keep up with the technology. My point being that I'm a very knowledgeable customer and Arctic is one of the very few places I trust, not only to do a good job, but to be honest along the way. Bruce, the owner, is a straight shooter. There have been moments that didn't go as well as I had hoped and mistakes made, but they have been rare. And as a lifelong wrench turner myself, I know that is inevitable every now and then. It's a tough business. But in those rare cases they always, and I mean always, owned it and made good on any hiccup. While I didn't give a five stars because nobody gets five out of five stars in my book, Arctic is my shop of choice in Anchorage and will continue to be. read more