1. Bristow's Auto Repair

0

Tacoma, WA

Cancel

Open app

Search

Bristow's Auto Repair

4.2 (63 reviews)
Closed • Closed

Services - Bristow's Auto Repair

Auto brake repair

Auto engine repair

Bristow's Auto Repair Photos

Recommended Reviews - Bristow's Auto Repair

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Bristow's Invoice

First of all, I hate writing negative reviews, especially for businesses that have high ratings. I later find their one star reviews here on Yelp, and they sound a lot like what I went through with Bristows. On 8/25/25, after talking to Bob at Bristow's, we arranged to have our 2001 Dodge Caravan towed from our island to have our electrical system fixed, which had gone dead. On 8/27/25, the lady at the front desk called and said that it needed a new battery, alternator, and serpentine belt, and the charges were to be $1020.00, which we thought was pretty high. We told her that we only had $1800.00 to spend for the total electrical repair (which was all we could afford). 8/28/25, Bob called and said the van was ready. On 8/29/25, we arrived to get the van and reviewed the invoice, which was a surprise. It was for $1885.72. We noticed the following: 1. Labor was $400.00 for a diagnostic (this is twice what most garages charge). 2. They charged $321.36 for a new battery and charged $136.00 for labor to remove the old battery and put in a new one (which usually only takes about 15 minutes). 3. They said they needed to replace the serpentine belt (which was replaced in 2023), and charged us $81.83 for the new belt. We requested to have the old belt (which, subsequently, after showing the belt to two other garages, we were told that the belt didn't need to be replaced). 4. We wanted to take the old battery with us and were charged $83.40 for not leaving the old battery core. We checked with both Interstate Battery Co. and Costco (where we bought the battery from), and they said they only charge $5.00 to $20.00 for a core. Showing what Bristow's charged us brought looks of disbelief and eye rolls from them. 5. We were charged $72.02 for 'shop supplies, and the lady at the counter explained that this was for things like 'using shop towels,' etc. That's a lot of towels... 6. But here's the clincher...After picking up my van (I had to pay and sign for the van before I had this repair bill worked out, or they would charge me $100 a day if I left it on their lot after they said it was ready). After driving a half a block down the street, we noticed that all of the instrument panel lights were off, the heater didn't work, and the electric windows didn't work. I called Bob and told him, and he said they could look at it, but it would cost us $200 for the diagnostic test only, which didn't include repairs! After telling him that the reason we brought the van to them was to fix the electrical problem, and it wasn't fixed. His response was that at least the van was starting, as if that was the only thing they needed to fix...for $1885.72. Solution: We found a well rated auto electrical place about two miles down the street, and they fixed the problem for $320.00. We showed him the Bristow's invoice, and his comment was, "Boy...that's just wrong. All they needed to do after getting the van started was to check the fuses under the hood to see that a few of them were blown." But they didn't check. I don't think they took it for a test drive. If Bristow's had driven the van after getting it started, they would have noticed that the instrument panel wasn't working, checked the fuses, and fixed the problem. But their excuse was they got it started again...and charged us $1885.72 for a battery, belt, and a rebuilt alternator plus labor. These folks might do well with exotic car folks, but we think we, regular folks, were taken to the cleaners. Resolution? I would like to see them man up and refund the $834.00 in labor they charged, or some reasonable refund.

Highway robbery
Emily C.

If there was an option to do zero stars I would have, but you have to choose at least one. This place is the most ridiculous auto shop I've ever been to in my life. We had our car towed to the shop because they told us they had time to fix it and that was a free diagnostic because they would put this incredibly extremely high diagnostic fee Towards fixing the vehicle. They call us up and tell us that they don't know what's wrong with the car that they need Take apart the whole engine for $8000 to tell us what's wrong with it . Apparently, they have time to take apart the whole engine, but they don't have time to fix the car till January instead of taking apart the whole engine why don't we just put a new engine in it and if I brought the engine, it would've been three grand And of course that can be done till January sorry but I can't go without a car for six months so it was a total waste of time a bunch of bullshit and they wouldn't let me get anything out of my car after because they were scared. I wasn't gonna pay the bill, which is super illegal. Save yourself a headache and don't go to this place

2009 BMW 535i
Lynn E.

Recently had my 2009 BMW 535i worked on due to a check engine light and power lag. Jordan took the time to explain everything that was done and left a great impression. I would not hesitate to recommend Bristow's Auto or the technicians that work there! If you're a woman looking for an honest shop you can trust...look no further than Bristow's. You won't be sorry! Thank you, Jordan!

See all

Photo of Mike M.
1
88
28

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Used Bristow's for Porsche for quite a few years. Now I have an old Alfa, which they also are known for work on. Will be in again soon.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

It was my third time there and I had great service work done right the first time, so I'm keeping my old BMW.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Bristows is a great place to get your Porsche or European car serviced. Friendly people, reasonable prices, great service.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of J S.
0
4
0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Dave B.
11
10
0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 3

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ryan S.
0
65
11

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

I'll never take my vehicles anywhere else for service. Always timely with getting me in, results are received quickly, great prices!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Melissa Birdie P.

Melissa Birdie P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Good job guys , I will be back again , I would recommend this shop for just about any vehicle

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Melissa Birdie P.

Melissa Birdie P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris A.
162
24
7

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

We regularly take our vehicles here, great service, quick turn around and knowledgable staff!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Simon E.
479
24
17

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Melissa Birdie P.

Melissa Birdie P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Scott C.
145
15
3

16 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chichi C.
58
166
1

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Annette L.
694
41
13

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joe P.
16
23
12

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - Bristow's Auto Repair

Review Highlights - Bristow's Auto Repair

“Brian at the front counter is great at getting things setup and making sure the customers are being taken care of.”

Mentioned in 6 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

People searched for Auto Repair 8,312 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Lapin Auto Repair

Lapin Auto Repair

(1 review)

I really, really wish I would have gotten a quote before coming in. I got on Yelp to search for…read moresomeone to do an oil change for my 2025 Ford Escape and received three responses right away. Two quotes were $100, so I stupidly assumed the third would be competitive at that price as well. Since they were the first to reach out, they got my business. I had been asked several times for the SAME vehicle information (blamed on a "bot" doing their initial reach out, of course). After getting there, the guy that took the appointment wasn't even there, and the tech didn't even know I had an appointment. He's feverishly making phone calls and getting voicemails. I should have walked, but gave it a few minutes. Daniel at the front desk does not ask me what kind of oil I use, but did say I was not being charged for labor. The bill comes and guess what? I was charged for labor! They used synthetic oil, which I would not have chosen since it costs three times the amount. Total cost? $202 for a dang oil change! Next time I will get a Groupon and go somewhere else!

From the owner: Lapin Auto Repair – Electrical, Mechanical & Programming Specialists in Tacoma, WA…read more We provide dealer-level diagnostics, advanced programming, and complete auto repair services for European, Asian, and Domestic vehicles. Our specialties include: • Advanced computer diagnostics • ECU, PCM, BCM, and module programming & coding • Key programming and immobilizer services • Electrical troubleshooting & wiring repair • Engine diagnostics and repair • Transmission diagnostics and service • Brake system repair • Suspension and steering repair • Cooling system repair • Air conditioning service and recharge • Hybrid system diagnostics and battery service • Battery, alternator, and starter diagnostics • Check engine light diagnostics • Pre-purchase inspections We use professional diagnostic equipment and follow manufacturer procedures to ensure accurate repairs the first time. Honest estimates. Transparent communication. Quality workmanship you can trust.

Simmons Automotive - American Muscle

Simmons Automotive

(30 reviews)

As of 4.15.24 I give a zero star or negative if I could. My husband got his car "fixed" here two…read moreweeks ago. For his car. Overheating he paid $5k two weeks later his car is over heating again and on top of that all the oil leaked out of his engine. He's never had an issue with oil leaking this is crazy. We've been cheated before and this has the makings of being cheated out of thousands again. I'm truly disappointed we thought this shop was going to be the exception. Unfortunately it is not. I'm still hoping they will make it right but we will see. As of 4/22/24 update. I received communication from I believe the owner they arranged to have my husband's vehicle picked up within 45 minutes within 24 business hours they fix the problem. It fell under their guarantee so we did not have to pay for any of the repairs so far so good we just received the vehicle today, I am very impressed with how they handled and the situation and how quickly they handled it

I brought a car to Simmons today for an inspection before my daughter purchased it. The technician…read moreassured me they would include photos of the undercarriage, as I wasn't allowed in the shop. After a quick 15-minute inspection, they claimed the water pump needed replacement--even though the car has only 39K miles. They said it had leaked previously but wasn't leaking now. $500 to replace. They also recommended replacing the cabin filter for $112, even though it's a $10 part that takes about a minute to change with no tools. The oil change was priced at $91 for just four quarts of oil and a filter. When I received the inspection report, the promised undercarriage photos were missing. The technician claimed they "wouldn't post" and had been deleted--yet other photos were included. This wasn't a true pre-purchase safety inspection but rather an exaggerated upsell on repairs. I usually don't post reviews, but this experience needed to be shared.

Transmission Sales & Service

Transmission Sales & Service

(15 reviews)

I had a buddy help me drain my transmission fluid and replace the gasket on the family van...just…read morestandard maintenance stuff, nothing big. Well, naturally, it became a problem. For some reason, after putting the pan back on, it starting shifting real rough. It felt like I ran over a pot hole when it would down shift from 4th to 3rd. After pleny of online research, I found out that the stupid computer in the van has to be "relearned" after changing the gasket and fluid. Of course, you have to have the proper computer and software to do that. I called around to a bunch of other local transmission shops and got the standard "I know everything because I'm a mechanic and you're a dope wasting my time" attitude from most of the shops. When I called Transmission Sales & Service, the gal who answered was very helpful, didn't talk down to me, and also gave me the cheapest quote! I took the van into them and was treated very well. EVERYONE I worked with was friendly and honest. First, they wanted to drop the pan to make sure I didn't reassemble anything incorrectly, checked the fluid for metal scraps, and then got rid of my "cheap" rubber gasket and used a better sealant to put the pan back on. After they spent that time, they test drove it again and the problem was still there. After that, they went ahead and hooked up the computer to "relearn" my computer. That solved the problem...just like I had hoped it would. After all the time they spent diagnosing, test driving, and checking my work, I figured the bill was going to go up. Nope...exactly what I was quoted is what I was charged. It was an absolute pleasure to do business with them, and I'll definitely be back if I ever have any transmission issues again. I heard them dealing with other customers as well and was always impressed at their honesty and great customer service.

I am writing this review as a warning to anyone considering Transmission Sales and Service. This…read morecompany previously rebuilt my truck's transmission, which failed after only 18,000 miles. When we brought it back for inspection, we explicitly authorized only diagnostics, not repairs. After being promised a new quote, the company proceeded with an $8,000 rebuild without my authorization. When we called to cancel the work, we were told it was already done. The transmission failed again less than 20 miles after we paid for and picked up the truck. The company then tried to enforce an unauthorized warranty clause that was not part of their standard policy. When we asked to find a middle ground, we were told they would happily remove all the parts and charge us for all the labor. This business performs unauthorized work, charges exorbitant prices, and provides service that fails almost immediately. I have now paid thousands of dollars for a vehicle that is not operational. I strongly advise you to take your business elsewhere.

Bristow's Auto Repair - autorepair - Updated November 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...