My brakes were making a metal on metal sound with less than 10,000 miles on them. I took my 1999 Ford Ranger 4X4 back to the shop where I had my brakes done (Vic's in Renton...DON'T GO THERE!!) They told me I had a bad ball joint, might have a cracked motor mount and that the rear end of my truck sounded like it had some serious problem. They quoted me $280 to replace the ball joint. They also told me that I could lose my sterring and that my wheel could fall off while driving. It really scared me and I started looking for a place where I could get a second opinion and a better price on having the ball joint replaced. I found some great reviews for Community Automotive Services and took my truck there and met Dan, the owner. Dan had my truck throughly checked out and told me there was nothing wrong with my truck and that he "couldn't sell me anything." He told me I didn't need a new ball joint and that I wouldn't need a repair like that for another 8 to 10 years. He also said I didn't have a cracked motor mount and that the leaf springs were a little loose but it was nothing I had to be concerned with right now. He suggested that in a few months I might want to have the transmission flushed and that would help some with the clunking I'm feeling. I asked him why he didn't think I should have the tranny flushed now and his reply was "because you still have some life there and it simply doesn't need to be done right now." Here, I was ready to replace both ball joints, have the "cracked motor mount" repaired or replaced and have whatever needed to be done with my trucks "serious rear end problem" Mike, at Vic's had told me I had going on. Dan knew I was ready to write a check for whatever work needed to be done as I'm moving, I'm single and want to feel safe on the road. He could have totally taken advantage on me! Big time!! His honesty, especially in this day and age is a quality so rare I'm still somewhat amazed. Dan assured me my truck is safe and that it is simply getting older and is starting to make some noises but it's nothing more than that. Dan didn't even charge me for the diagnostic time which was over 30 minutes. I'm a customer for as long as I live here and I'm on a mission to tell the world (especially all my girlfriends) that I have found a man you can absolutely trust with your vehicle and your hard earned money. Tell Dan that Zoe sent you and that I'm still smiling!! read more

I really dont know if my review was posted, but I am doing it one more time. Went to community automotive Friday of this week to have them troubleshoot my van's sickness. I can say that I have never been to a shop like this one before, they are extremely busy where you would have to wait in turn as if you were in a restaurant. My 08 Chevy up-lander van started acting really weird, would die on me at least 5 times a mile. I really could not afford a tow truck, I had to drive it, make it down to the closest shop around, which luckily ended up being community automotive. God is always looking after me. I was straight forward with Dan, I told him that I cant afford much expenses and that I really needed his help to get my van to a suitable driving condition for now where it doesn't die on me so many times. I figured that I need to wait til Monday to hear back from Dan, since I am sure its not an easy problem to pinpoint. Few hrs later I get a phone call from Dan telling me that my computer needed to be replaced, and that he has found some good news for me where General Motors should cover it free of charge. Took the Van to Burien Chevy the next day, Of course I had to wait til Monday to have someone take it in. Burien Chevy ended up re-diagnosing the problem even tho I gave them all the paper work provided by community automotive, so that was another day wasted at Burien Chevy waiting for them to pinpoint a problem that Dan had already figured out for them in few hrs. Turned out to be the computer, where they ended up replacing it for me free of charge which included programming. I am very thankful to community automotive and Dan who really worked hard to save me money as he promised. I have been telling everyone I know about community automotive and I was surprised to find out that everyone already knows this shop and only go to community automotive, but I can say that they have earned another customer for life read more

I have already posted here for community automotive. I saw a posting about a 07 Chevy engine that got damaged. I printed the posting and asked Danny about it at community automotive. He knew the lady in the picture by the name of Connie. Dan said that it's her husband's car 07 Cobalt with a 2.2L manual transmission, and that they ran the car out of oil, which blew their engine. Dan had also missioned that they only bring their cars in for an oil change when the idiot oil red light comes on. It's not a surprise their engine blew, he said. Dan had printed out some paper work for me to publish on line in regards to newer General motors engines, a bulletin that General motors had sent out to Chevy owners warning them about their oil consumption guideline, and how the customer must check and top-off their engine oil every time they stop for gas fill-up. Which seems to me that the lady's husband ignored it till he ran it out of oil? I will post the bulletin for Connie to view again, yet Danny already gave you guys a copy. I also asked about this Honda she was talking about, and Danny says it's not a Honda, It's an Acura, and that they needed to do the calipers but they didn't, and there is no warranty on it due to their neglect ion. Danny had also said that he advised the lady to trade the car in since it was falling apart. So my conclusion is that Connie had taken Danny's kindness and honesty about their cars, but due to neglecting, laziness, or economy issues, they ended up in trouble for not listening to an honest mechanic's advice. I would say that you should listen carefully to every word an honest mechanic tells you when it comes to your own vehicles. read more

Wow, all I really can say is...Wow! Dan the owner is the real deal. First off he is Genuine - simply the most honest Mechanic I have ever met. I almost hate to share this information, because when I drop my car off for repairs it is ready the next day every time thus far. I have never written a review before and doubt that I ever will again, but 'this guy' deserves it. My hopes are that Dan outlives me and that he will always be the man under the hood of my vehicles. In fact, every Car Repair Shop, Mechanic, and Automotive Corporation could learn "how to be a success" from this man. Cars are in this man's blood. Every time me or one of my close friends has worked with Dan, the Owner of Community Automotive in Burien, WA, they were charged/paid what one would expect and more than once even less. That's right folks. I know people who drive expensive sports cars that use him. But you could probably drive or tow your Gremlin or Pinto in and he would treat you all the same. I have begun working on a "clone machine" so that someday all of the Mechanics around the world can be this good. I fish (catch and release mostly) and I have a few 'honey spots' aka Fishing Holes that very few know exist. They are primarily so incredibly good due to the fact that only myself and a few others know of their location. Now that's an analogy. Dan / Community Auto aren't fish, so I can share this info. This man deserves to be successful, heck I would say filthy rich even. Best part is...even if he was that rich he would still probably enjoying Fixing your Car! And at a fair (or better) price. read more

This place is awesome. It was 45 min before closing time on a Saturday and they willingly insisted to help me and keep me safe. They said I could bring my car in so they could take a look at it and see what they can do. They fixed it right then and there and I was on my way. Definitely got my attention, and surely recommend going here for all your car needs, you will not be disappointed with them what so ever. So I paid them a second visit the following week. I don't have much experience in the Seattle area with auto care centers, so I wasn't expecting a lot. I have an older European car. They seem to specialize in Volvo's, BMW and European cars. I assumed they would be a rip off for this time, so I wanted them to recheck the car again on my second visit and see how it goes this time. I WAS PROVED WRONG. Not only were the guys nice there and helpful, they gave me options about where I could go to save money on certain issues with my car, they told me that a competitor specializes in certain work, and has good or better deals on certain jobs. No scare tactics, which honestly, I was shocked. I am really pleased to find Community automotive and check out the place close by with professional and experienced mechanics. Dan has made my life much easier and more relaxing. If you have a European car that you want to get taken care of, at a reasonable price and from trustworthy people, go there, Your only source of a true honest shop that is not hungry for money, they strive to do the best they can. read more

I've been meaning to do this for the longest time. Community Auto is THE BEST. In my 20 plus years of owning cars, never seen more competent and honest mechanics than the folks there. I've never had mechanics be more thorough in explaining things and actually SHOWING me the problems. Take me in the shop, under the car and SHOWING me EVERYTHING, As a woman, mechanics can treat you like you are a worthless being, or just take there word for anything, They are the best when it comes to German and European Vehicles. I have a Volvo V70, that have been giving me problems all the time, but since I started dealing with Community Automotive, MY CAR NEVER GAVE ME ANY TROUBLE. My friend also has a Volvo V70 XC and we took it straight to Community Auto. We spent an hour WITH him looking under the hood, under the car, on the computer. Found some problems, explained the ones that could wait, and the ones that should be taken care of right away. Totally awesome experience.They are big on SAVING YOU MONEY. They are very affordable and can save you thousands and thousands of dollars over the life time of your car, especially an import that can be costly to repair and They do it VERY WELL, That being said they are still so AFFORDABLE even with major problems, I have no CLUE how they do it. The turn around time for repairs is also AMAZING, VERY QUICK. ALL MY FAMILY NOW GOES TO COMMUNITY AUTOMOTIVE, AND ALL MY FRIENDS. WE FEEL LIKE WE ARE DEALING WITH A FAMILY MEMBER THERE. SHARE STORIES, IDEAS AND THOUGHTS. read more

I just realized that this place is not just an automotive place, but it's also a hospital, medical center, what ever you choose to call it. Pretty funny story, but it sure made me smile. As I walked in, I found Dan putting a bandage on a customer's finger, as the lady was in pain; Dan was like a doctor, making it easy on this lady. Dan looked at me and smiled saying this is not a medical office, but I have to help her before she gets an infection. I sure felt comfortable with Dan as he seemed to care about people putting his work aside to help others. I was told to go see Dan for my head gasket leak. My mechanic wanted to charge me so much $$$$$ to repair the leaky head gasket on my Subaru. Dan on the phone on his own explained to me what the problem was, where the leak was, in details with out even looking at it, giving me the solution on the phone, explaining to me what to say to my mechanic and how to have my mechanic fix it. I knew right a way that I should have Dan do it for me and have him as my future mechanic instead of my X-mechanic. Sure enough dropped the car off morning time, had the car ready for me same day (late afternoon), charged me much less than I expected. True enough few months later, no loss of coolant, no burning smell or smoke from under my car. Dan had also mentioned that this was a permanent fix. And that I should not worry about my car any more. Woohoo! as good as it gets. read more

I would like to let all potential customers know that Dan is the MOST HONEST business man I have ever known in the car repair industry! From the first moment I took my car to his shop, Dan has never tried to secretly overcharge me (ladies, you know what I'm talking about, lol!) and in fact, has done what he calls "the little things" at no charge and would not accept a tip-amazing! My family has been doing business with him for over 3 years and we are so happy and at ease with his prices, turnaround time and professionalism. There has never been one hiccup or "unfortunate incident" that would make me give him anything less than five stars and I wish I could give him more than that as a rating. Incidentally, Dan has had an article written about how honest and forthright he is with customers in the The Stranger--a situation where the writer could not believe that Dan didn't try to overcharge him for a service that 3 other auto technicians had quoted at outrageously high prices. In the end, I believe the service was less than $2 and to which the writer's jaw dropped to the ground in disbelief, lol! No matter where you are located in this state, it's worth the drive because you know that Dan is fair, efficient and professional as well as highly skilled in all that he does. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this business. Diva read more

Wow! My jeep broke down on the freeway and had to be towed... I was a damsal in distess and could easily been taken for an expensive ride! Thank GOD I found Community Automotive via a web search and read all the dozens of wonderful reviews and praises from customers... When Dan called me to tell me how much the damage was, I was expecting at the very least, a waterpump or cracked head but would have been at his mercy if he told me I needed a new transmission or engine. He told me I needed a new thermostat, that's it!!! Since I had neglected to get a 30K or 60K tune-up, and was a few thousand miles past an oil change, I asked Dan to have his shop perform all the maintenance required in the 30 and 60K tune-ups also. I was expecting my bill to be well over $1K, but was Plesantly surprised when he told me it was under $800 for everything! When I picked it up, he told me I should be able to drive my jeep another 2 to 3 years before having to perform any additional maintenance above and beyond my routine oil changes. At a time in my life when it seemed everything that could go wrong, WAS going wrong, Dan and his shop gave me a chance to breathe and reminded me that there are still some GOOD, Honest people left in this world!!! Thanks to Dan and the rest of the crew at Community Automotive! read more

I've taken my car to Dan several time and I will not use anyone else. Ever. Period. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the rates are super!! This time -- I thought the car was - done. Figured it was time to try and figure out how to purchase a new (to me) car. But first - I thought I'd take it in to see if the vehicle could be saved. When I got the call several hours later I was told that it was the part that he had replaced earlier this year and that it was still under warranty. So he replaced it for me. You should have heard the sigh of relief when I heard that. I was expecting bad news or a Huge bill and it turned out all I owed for was the oil change I had asked for. I explained that I thought the car was done and he said no - that I should have another 10 years on it. ~another sigh~ As I was getting ready to leave - he did have only one suggestion .... and that was a car wash. ~smiles~ I explained - it's been cold and freezing out and the last time I wash the car when it was that cold out - the doors froze shut. He smiled. I HIGHLY recommend to anyone that it looking for a knowledgeable auto mechanic that charges you fair prices and doesn't try to sell you something you don't need. read more

EXCELLENT MECHANIC!!!! I first heard about this mechanic shop from one of my friends. He got his oil changes & work done on his car by DAN from community automotive! I first began to bring my 2012 MERCEDES C250 FOR OIL CHANGES. When i first got there, DAN the owner, his hospitality was great! Kind, straight forward type of guy. He quotes you right in front of his computer, Types in all the parts needed for the job, tells you exactly what will be done & how long it'll take & of course how much including labor tax & part tax.That's amazing! MY car after the oil changes just riding so smooth & job was well done! I was a happy customer. I recently had a major coolant Leak on my Mercedes, I brought my car to DAN & his crew & 2 days later, my car was ready to hit the road! he would of had my car the next day in the afternoon but Mercedes had to ship out the parts overnight. BUT 2 days is GREAT! specially since i needed my car for school & work! I CAN VOUCH for DAN & HIS CREW, they're a great crew! i have finally found my go to mechanic from now on. I finally found an honest mechanic who won't run you for your money!! THANKS DAN! for your hard & honest work! Much appreciated! read more

Ok seriously, I had the best experience with Community Automotive! I called because my check engine light came on on my 2013 Chevy Cruze. I am pregnant and due in 2 weeks, so I was frustrated! I came on Yelp and found Community Auto which was conveniently really close to home. I called and Dan told me that I should go to AutoZone and get the car scanned, and give him a call back with the codes. If it was something simple, it would save me the cost of a diagnostic. So kind of him! I did that and called him back with the code. Unfortunately, it was more of a universal code so he said he'd need to take a look anyways. I brought it in this morning and walked across the street to the Starbucks to work remotely. He called me less than 25 min later to let me know what the issue was. It was a valve that went out that only the dealership carries. He drove over to the dealership and picked it up for me and installed it. I dropped the car off at 8 and he was done by 9:30! It was incredible. The prices are great and they really are looking out for their customers. I'll definitely be going back to them. read more

I dropped off my Nissan for some diagnosis since my car kept on shaking when i come to a stop. Few times It shut off on me, I got so worried that my car just die some where and not start again. Dan called me back with in 20 minutes to report to me that someone worked on my car before I dropped it off and that they forgot a vacuum line loose, and that all it needed was to be reconnected properly and I should be good to drive it. As I went back to pick my car back up, I saw a very old lady who came in to speak with Dan while I was walking in. She ended up being homeless and her car needed some car care where it was stuck at skippers across the street not starting any more. Dan the nice man had his mechanics push the car across the street to his shop to inspect it for her free of charge since she cannot afford anything. which ended up being a weak battery. I always feel home when servicing my car. . Dan is quick to offer up a handshake and a Thank you for your business.. They'll actually explain everything they see on the car. Recommend what needs to get done. The facility is spotless. read more

I have a 1997 eurovan, I was shopping around for some one to rebuild my transmission, it was getting worse every day, my van broke down in burien wa south of Seattle, I was expecting to pay not less than $5000.00 for the transmission rebuild, asI was told by most transmission shops that this transmission is the hardest to work on, but community auto transmissions told me this is not true, that these transmissions were the easiest to rebuild comparing to others. Dan at community auto transmission is a transmission expert, gave me the best price ever to rebuild my transmission, the total was less than $3000.00. took almost a week, but at least i was able to save more than $2500.00, a brand new transmission was almost $7000.00 now my Van is driving great, I was offered 24 months or 24k miles warranty, its been a little over 3 years now, and my transmission still drives like new. my advice to all eurovan owners is to flush your transmission once a year like i was told by Dan @ community auto transmissions. If you need help with your transmission call dan @ 206-246-7500. Adam read more

This shop has been a lifesaver for me! My car had had an ongoing issue with the front end and I had been "taken" by other auto mechanics who did not fix the actual problem. Dan was recommended to me by Auto Zone in Burien. I brought my car in on a Saturday afternoon; Dan greeted me, told me to toss the keys, and by 6:00PM that evening I was good to go. Dan is a straight shooter; while my car was in the air, he advised me of other issues with the car and gave his professional opinion on prioritizing additional work that needed to be done. As other minor situations have come up with the car, Dan has been generous with his time in answering questions as well as doing the work correctly the first time. I trust his words and his work. And, he is also very forthright about advising when the work may not be necessary or required. If you are seeking an honest mechanic who won't take you, this is the shop and Dan is your guy. The hours and days of availability are awesome as well; Monday-Saturday, 7AM - 5PM. read more

Dan at Community Automotive is the best (and most honest) mechanic I have ever met. I will continue to take my current and any future cars there for care. I brought my Subaru there after being told at a couple other local (Japanese) auto service businesses that I needed over $2000 worth of work (they advised I'd better get it done immediately or chance breaking down any day). I went to Dan for a second opinion. Bottom line is that he took care of it without the hard sell, scare tactics of the other local repair shops. He checked out my cooling system, including flushing my radiator and adding a stop leak tablet, among other things--I don't remember the specifics. But what I do remember is that he got me squared away, and gave me peace of mind, for a tenth of what the other places quoted. My car has run fine since, no issues whatsoever, and this was over 2 years ago. Dan is a remarkable person, honest and straightforward. He will have all my business. read more