I found Hal's auto shop by a pure accident- my car's air conditioner went down during recent heat wave and Hal's shop was the closest by. I was so pleased to find how knowledgeable and experienced Hal is, explanations of possible issues, outcomes, expenses and repairs options was given clearly and by the end of the same day my air conditioner was fixed and running. In a couple of weeks after my car suddenly stopped on the middle of the road and it took for me one phone call to Hal to get the car in for an emergency repair. Hal was kind enough to do his best to fix my car as soon as possible and he did! Again: possible issues and estimated cost of repairs was clearly spoken , Hal also advised where we can get needed parts faster and cheaper , and was absolutely understandable to my situation and fixed my car, working OUTSIDE of his working hours. I cannot even express my appreciation for getting my car back and running, Hal saved us from a hustle and expenses of renting a car . Overall- Hal is such a pleasant person to work with, based on our experience - we Highly recommend his service to everyone in need. read more

Al is the best. He's honest, forthright. Wouldn't take my vehicles anywhere else. He's a gem among mechanics. ​​

Hal did was such amazing job! I called him around 9:30am on Wednesday and my car was fixed by 4:30pm same day!! He let me know what my car needed and charged me a really good price. I will be coming back to him with all my car needs! I got my ignition coil and spark plugs changed. My car runs so much smoother! THANK YOU! read more

Hal's Motor Clinic - Hal's Motor Clinic - outdoor picture - Auto Repair Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Brought my car in for a brake inspection same day when everywhere else was booked out for days, he completed the inspection same day and did not charge me when everything looked good. He explained what he did/saw as well. Will definitely be bringing my car back in the future. I felt that he was extremely straightforward and honest, and did not try to sell me anything I didn't need. No wonder he has so many loyal customers! read more

I took my Prius to Al after the catalytic converter was stolen, Within the afternoon he found me a new one and replaced it for a fraction of the cost the dealership was gonna charge. That was six months ago and the car runs amazingly. He truly went out of his way and he seems more like a friend when you need one who also happens to be a mechanic! So grateful for Al! read more

I wish there was a 10-star rating - Alan Cressey is the best, most honest, fun mechanic I have ever found and I have owned cars for 52 years. He has personally come to my rescue several times when I was in a total panic, once in the pouring rain and I was in tears, he is always calm and helps me calm down. I don't like to ask for help but Alan never makes me fell like a dumb female and when I'm in a car panic I know he will be there for me. He kept my old Trans Am going for 18 years, some mechanics said they wouldn't work on it, too old, too hard to get parts, we don't have time for that, they want to push them through and get paid. Alan went away for two weeks and I tried another shop, what a disaster and I think Alan had to undo all their screwups, they didn't even put the gas cap back on and left nuts and bolts on the air filter. The first time I went to his shop a nice woman there said "you are in good hands here." She was right and I hope he never retires on me. In 52 years I have only found three shops that are good, the first two are OK but Hal's is superb! Terri Logan read more

Highly recommended. Al at Hal's was referred to me several years ago. He has worked on several cars for me. Al is a straight shooter. Not once have I ever detected any exaggeration or puffery in his assessment of a problem, or what it has taken to fix it. There have been occasions where the problem turned out to be trivial - an opportunity for exploitation by a man with lesser character. I've been pleased with every repair he has done for me, and I recommend him any time someone asks for a good mechanic. read more

He was extremely rude, I called very kindly just asking if you would be able to give me a quote. He response word for word "I don't know and I'm not going to look it up I'm busy" and hung up in my face. I wouldn't recommend giving your money to someone who doesn't have basic customer service skills. read more

Weird lights are going on in my car so I dropped in to see Al at Hal's. This is a high stress time for me! Gotta keep the car going. Al takes it for a spin and pronounces it OK-- No charge!! Everything is copascetic. Meanwhile, there is another follower of Al waiting for her car who assured me she had been coming for years and she wouldn't go anywhere else. If you are like me, and have helped several mechanics around town put their kids through extensive orthodontia or helped them with down payments on vacation properties, the healing can be slow--- Thank you Al for restoring my faith!!! read more

I'm from the Bay Area, but am in Seattle for college. This year I drove my car up and thus have never had any service done up here. A family friend who lives in the area recommended Al, and I am doing the same. My car started acting up, and I don't know much about what goes on in the engine bay, but it didn't sound good. I called Al up and described what happened, and if i could bring the car in asap. He looked it over, and told me what he thought was wrong, but told me that he'll be in touch. Called me about 2 hours later and said that it was indeed what he suspected and that he disconnected it. He said the car will run perfectly fine without it but quoted the cost to fix the issue. I love that he told me the honest truth, instead of saying that I HAD to get it done. After discussing with my parents, we decided that we wouldn't dish out the money to fix it just yet (quoted at ~400). I told him our decision and he didn't try to persuade me otherwise. It means a lot when someone does genuine work without trying to take advantage of people like me (with no knowledge or experience with fixing cars). Charged me $20 for the work that he did. Honest, kind and quick. Come to Hal's, you won't regret it. read more

Called up for a service quote the owner is an impatient gentleman and clearly struggles at his own work without "not usually giving quotes". How do you not know your own work. No Customer Service Skills read more

Driving by, I saw that Hal's was kind of a run-down place, but it was only 3 blocks from my house. I thought: "what harm could they do?" I called them up and he offered a cheap price. So, I show up at the appointed time a few days later (8AM), and there was no one there. The place was a dump (even by auto-mechanic standards). So, I walked around the neighborhood for 20 minutes. Finally, this homeless-looking guy shows up. He says: "Hey, my shoulder's fucked-up. Can you come back next week? I'm going to take the week off". Umm, I don't think so ... read more

I have used Al at Hal's Motor Clinic for over twenty years, and he is a genius. I have always loved interacting with him, and he always keeps our cars in great shape. I cannot imagine another mechanic as good and honest as Al is. He is truly spectacular. read more

Al, the owner, is the BEST! My boyfriend took his car to "Affordable" Tire and Brakes on Roosevelt. They told him it would cost $1200 to fix his brakes. I had heard Al was fantastic with cars from friends, and I've met him before (stand-up guy)... so I took it there for a second opinion. He was able to fix the brakes for almost $1000 less!!! And the car is running wonderfully! Amazing. Its refreshing to find a business that has a respectable honest owner, who runs his business accordingly. Great guy. This is why small businesses are so great. Because they care about what they do. And they aren't trying to play games or hustle you. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone I know. And will definitely be back if we run into any more problems down the road. read more

Al is a full dealership of knowledge and ingenuity packed into one honest man.

Hal's has saved me money almost every time I've had one of my cars in to him. He's honest, will tell you what you need and what you don't and there is no BS. The dealer told me a I needed a new water pump five years back. Hal's said it looked fine and the "weeping" the dealer identified could be anything. That was $500+ saved. 10/2016 update Still the most honest mechanic I've ever met and has continued to perform quality work on our vehicles and frequently talk me out of repairs that aren't necessary. I'm going to be sad when he retires and goes fishing full time. read more

Al at Hal's has been my mechanic for about 4 years now. He's an honest guy, which is SO HARD to find in a mechanic! He never tries to overcharge me and sometimes doesn't charge me at all if whatever I need help with only takes him a few minutes to fix. He sometimes takes vacation, which means the shop will be closed since he's the only guy working there. But 90% of the one he's easy to get ahold of and responds quickly! He's an expert and loves what he does. Truly the best. read more

Hal's Motor Clinic has helped me out of some jams with various cars I have owned over 25+ years. Once, even replacing my Mom's water pump while we waited in the car so we could make the next ferry to Poulsbo! My car(s) is always done correctly, efficiently and a reasonable cost. Al and Hal have been my hero's. I am so grateful Al is still there to fix anything from small to large that goes wrong with my car. It might not be a pristine place, but he does great work and that is what matters. Even in the most stressful times, Al has been kind and reassuring. What a concept. --A very satisfied customer. read more

Just rang this garage to check their availability to take my vehicle for repair today or tomorrow. Hal himself answered the phone, and in a brief and rude monologue, straight out of a movie, proceeded to tell me that he was closed for a while... "weeks, months," and then, "see ya' later, bye..." I didn't even have an opportunity to say "Thank you" before being hung up on me. I take this as a sign to stay away... read more

Al at Hal's Auto Clinic is now my main man. He doesn't see the need to get every penny out of me possible. I had questions, Service Engine Light issues, he took my car, ran diagnostic, listed recommended service, did so in just about an hour, the charge for all this you ask, nothing. He gave me an estimate of what he thought it would take to get everything done, and then he didn't even try and scare me w/the "get it done now" He said I have time, and I will call him for my appointment. Al is laid back, honest, and even more important than just good customer service, he knows what he's doing. Al is my new car dude. My faith in the humanity of the auto repair industry is beginning to find a reason to have hope! Take it to Al at Hal's, you wont regret it. read more

I've known Al since he bought Hal's 28 years ago. He is extremely honest and knowledgeable, fair and reasonable. You won't find a better mechanic. He owns the place and has no employees to help him. He won't fix a car not worth fixing just to make the money. As for the person who says that he looks like a bum and wasn't able to fix his car when promised due to a bad shoulder, Al is a mechanic, what did you expect, a suit? If he said he wasn't able to do it due to a bad shoulder he was telling you the truth, he does his own work. You won't find a better, more knowledgeable or honest mechanic then Al. Hal's Motor Clinic has been around for over 60 years and has an excellent reputation which Al still retains. I know, he worked with my father for quite a few years and my father said that he had never seen a better mechanic then Al in his life! Coming from my father that is quite high praise as he had very high standards. As for Rat B. if you're interested in finding a mechanic that will charge you an arm and a leg for dishonest work, there are plenty of them out there, just not at Hal's Motor Clinic...Al's the real deal and is the best! You go Al! read more

Al at Hal's is fantastic! I have been taking my cars to him for over 10 years. He is always reliable and very trustworthy. I have called him in a pinch several times and he is always able to accomodate. If you need a good mechanic who won't break the bank go to Hal's!!! read more

I have taken my cars to Hal's many times over the years and only have good things to say. It's a one person shop, so I initially expected the work to take longer or cost more, but the opposite is true. Al is a very honest guy and repairs have never ended up being out of line with the initial estimate, sometimes considerably less expensive. After a horrible experience at a big repair chain that ended up costing nearly ten times the initial estimate and left me without a vehicle for more than a week, I will never take my car anywhere but Hal's again. read more

An honest mechanic! I've been using Hal's for about 10 years. I can remember what sold me on his business. My car had failed emissions and I told Al to go ahead and spend up to the $300.00 mark on emission work so that I could either pass or get the waiver. I came back later that day to a bill of $40.00 for replacing an O2 sensor and the car passing emissions. I've always been satisfied with his work and the price he charged. While it's never fun to spend money on getting your car fixed, at least you can rest easy knowing that you won't be taken advantage of. read more

I was weary of auto mechanics after years of being a single female with her own car. You name it, and I have experienced it with mechanics with no integrity. It is with great joy and relief that I get to recommend this auto repair shop. My car needed a part without which I couldn't drive it. I had parked my car and then been procrastinating and taking buses because i hate going to mechanics, when a friend of mine recommended Hal's. So, I called him on the phone for a price. I needed a part and figured it would be cheaper to buy the part and have Al install it. So, I got a quote over the phone for installation cost. I checked to see when a good time would be to go there. When I went there, he checked out my car problem, knew exactly what it needed and called to see if there was a part available. It was cheaper than the one I had prepared to purchase at an auto parts store. I left my car there and in well under 2 hours it was ready. Al is the first mechanic I have been to that charged me less than his phone quote! Not once did he try to upsell me anything. Plus, he gave me some helpful hints about the heating/cooling system so I wouldn't need another repair. He was experienced, professional, personable, and quite skilled. I highly recommend this place for anyone who needs quality auto repair done for an honest price by a mechanic with integrity. read more

I have gone to Al for the last 5 years and I have always found his service to be fast, reliable, and very affordable. I would (and do) recommend his services to anyone in need of car repair. He's always honest and regularly suggests a cheaper alternative when there is one available for whatever ails my car at the moment. For instance, my Toyota Tacoma had its muffler stolen. I know it sounds odd, but apparently there is quite a market for these things because there are no off market brands available, or for the value of the precious metals within. When I called the police to file a report, the officer said it happens quite often with Tacomas. Anyway, I priced the part at the local Toyota store and they said it would be $945. I was simply looking for the part, but was going to have Al install it. He called to tell me he had ordered the part and was already installing it. The price including work? $865! I mean, I know the dealer is going to be more expensive, but sheesh! Anyway, he even went ahead and welded the bolts in place. Now, if there is a another thief after my muffler they are really going to have to work for it. I hate car problems more then most of life's other problems, but at least I feel at ease when dealing with Al. Go to him when you need auto repair! You won't be disappointed! read more

wow. so rude. i literally just hung up the phone on this guy. i don't think i've never done that before.

Al is both a genius with cars and THE most honest mechanic I have ever met. He's been keeping our fleet of old Fords running for so long I can't remember (30 years?). Based on his decades of experience, he has an amazing ability to diagnose and fix problems. He'll stay with you on a long term, difficult diagnosis, until the problem is found and solved. One of our old cars would occasionally just stop running at any time (stop light or freeways speeds). He replaced a series of 3 parts, each of which contributed in some way to the problem, until we finally got it fixed. This took almost a year to complete. That car would have been a block of scrap metal 6 months earlier with any other mechanic in Seattle. Instead, I drove it for another 10 years, before it finally died, and Al convinced me it was time to let it go. He NEVER tries to do unnecessary work. He always tells you exactly what he thinks, and he's always exactly right. You cannot go wrong with Al. read more