All the reviews I read seemed to live up to my hopes for a successful outcome from this legendary business with an amazingly knowledgeable and very kind mechanic. As busy with long, loyal customers as Jim was, he was very generous with an understandable explanation of the work my car needed and was flexible enough to make room for the repair so I can safely drive my 2006 Honda CRV to my coming move to Arizona. He fixed what I needed to be fixed in short order and provided me with information to a number of questions that will help my car survive a couple more thousands of miles. I couldn't ask for more. I hope I can find another mechanic as honest, efficient and and entertaining in my new home town, as Jim Startup proved himself to be! Thank you Jim and, "Erletta." read more

Jim is the "last honest mechanic". He does what he says he will & never pads the bill. He has kept my 2000 VW Golf humming along.

One of the few honest mechanics left. Jim is a wise old mechanic who has mastered his craft.

Best garage service experience in years. Jim handled electrical problems and mechanical problems as well. Jim knows his stuff without all the dealer B. S. He's a straight talker, who knows how to get things done, and does it at a reasonable price! read more

Jim is the noblest of men in a world full Of thieves. His staff needs to deal with his constant need for perfection and his language eccentrics, but it's worth the hysteria to figure out what's wrong with your overpriced piece of crap car. Jim will allow you to draw in the waiting room, if you wear a mask. You might need to call three times, but it's kind of worth it. PS...he doesn't except third party checks or crypto currency, one downside. read more

Jim Startup's Foreign Car Repair - Car lift - Auto Repair Near Me - Everett, Washington

Fantastic service, reasonable pricing. can't recommend enough. He takes excellent care of my vehicle and has fixed dodgy repairs by other companies. read more

Jim's Startup is an excellent excellent mechanic. He is very trustworthy, reliable, truthful and for an auto mechanic that's pretty amazing. He said my car up on the rack for 6 hours and did all kinds of repairs and charged me very reasonable rate. It was my first time there so I was quite surprised. And he works on any foreign car. And he'll respond to your questions as soon as he can and get you in as soon as he can if it need be. I guarantee you won't be disappointed with Jim read more

Jim saved my bacon when I had a cooling system hose that ruptured. He went above and beyond - totally exceeded my expectations - and all for a very reasonable price! I will absolutely bring my business to Jim's shop again in the future and highly recommend him to others! Thanks so much, Jim! read more

I brought my car to Jim startup being recommended starting in may 2023 car was overheating each time went back 3 times after got worse last time dropped it off July 11 didn't get car back until November 1 calling weekly 2-3 times a week being told would be done by end of week i finally got it back it's leaking worse plus leaking worse than ever and over heating still he charged me 1571 at that I just want my money back won't ever step foot in his shop again whole experience was horrible made me wait hour every time to get my car read more

No better mechanic than Jim exists in the area. Top notch. Absolutely the best. He's honest, straightforward, and exceptionally competent. He won't charge you for things you don't need, and he won't shortchange your car with crappy parts of not fixing things that can cause bigger problems. This shop has repaired several of my vehicles, and I have always been superbly happy with the work and the price. Sometimes the language can fly around here. And it's not a place for the thin-skinned who are easily offended in that regard. It's also not a place to go if you can't deal with the truth about what exactly is going on with your vehicle and you just want to argue with the mechanic. But if you want the best there is, this is it. read more

I can't say enough good things about Jim Startup's Foreign Car Repair Jim was recommended to me when I was whining about a problem I couldn't fix and since then Startup's is the only place I've taken my cars for at least 25 years. (FWIW...I'm a mechanical engineer and have been fixing my cars since I was a kid so I can recognize a great automotive technician when I see one). His shop tells you the truth about the health of your car and performs quality work at a fair price. I always feel ripped off if I'm out of town and have someone else work on my car. Jim's shop has the capability and experience to work on old beaters and high performance luxury cars alike. His shop kept my 2005 Audi A8 operating smoothly for 270,000 miles - unheard of for a car that complicated, and before that my 1990 Camry All-Trac drove 390,000 miles before I handed it over to a friend in need. A testament to the quality of work at a fair price you receive at Startup's is the fact that: (1) His large parking lot is always full of cars in need; and, (2) his shop before he moved to Railroad Ave didn't even have a sign - you could only find it if someone in the know told you where it was I continue to send friends and family to Jim and they have always been very happy with the quality of work and fair value. He is now their go to auto fixing wizard too! I always smile when I bring a recently acquired ride in for repair and he asks me "Why did you think it was a good idea to buy this overpriced P.... O. S..." read more

Great depth of knowledge and an amazing level of competence. Jim, the owner doesn't suffer fools and is a solid gold person.

I went there because my partner had sworn they were the best. Jim was anything but. He won't answer phone calls. He doesn't check his voice mail. He won't read emails. My car was in his shop for two months. When I finally confronted Jim BY HAVING TO ARRANGE SOMEONE TO DRIVE ME THERE BECAUSE HE WOULDN'T ANSWER ANY PHONE CALLS EVEN YHOIGH I CALLED ALMOST 20 times every day for weeks, he wouldn't even look at me. I went with my partner. My partner happens to be male. My partner also knows nothing about cars whereas I grew up on a d*** race track. Jim would comment about something about MY car toward my partner and my partner kept looking at me because he had no idea. After about an hour of me talking about Porche's and Jim still wouldn't even acknowledge my existence, and I kept asking about my car with not even a glance toward me, I finally asked for my partner to leave so I could maybe get Jim's attention. I was then able to close the issue within 5 minutes. It took an hour and making sure the "man" wasn't there so that Jim would even talk toward me. That was the first day I was able to talk to Jim after he had my car for two months. He did receive all the materials needed to repair my car that day, but then a few days later, he said it would be another few weeks because one of his employees didn't show up for work on a Monday. When I mentioned it's not my fault he can't control his employees, he emphatically told me it was my fault the car was in the shop. No s*** sherlock! But I entrusted my car with you to get it taken care of and then it ended up being THREE MONTHS! This dude might be good with a car, but he is absolutely bull shit at being a business owner. DO NOT GO. read more

Jim Startup is the only person I trust with my cars. He is honest, reliable, and is basically The Car Whisperer. He has literally diagnosed my car problems accurately over the phone and even recommended that I could do it myself to save some money. For the stuff I couldn't do myself (which is most things), Jim gives thorough recommendations and ridiculously reasonable prices. The work is always done well and correctly. If you've got delicate ears though this may not be the place for you. But if that is the case I recommend you put that aside because Jim and his team are amazing and worth very f-bomb he drops. read more

Most honest and knowledgeable shop in town. Jim and his team of expert auto pros are friendly and great to work with. read more

Jim Startup's Foreign Car Repair - Only place I take my 1974 Landcruiser - Auto Repair Near Me - Everett, Washington

Jims is a great shop worth the 90$ a hour I was working on my car I took the throttle body out to clean it put everything back togeather and the car was running ruff and not staying at idol. I took the car to jims shop they got it in and out in one day it was a crushed throttle body gasket and some other issues cost me 209$ but thats for parts and labor but I could not see that isuse when I had it all hooked up. they rock I always took my cars there and will till I have a bad experience. read more

What should you expect when visiting Jim's Startup's Foreign Car Repair? Nothing like you have ever experienced before!! He sets the bar high and effortlessly. While performing maintenance on my Mini I almost felt like Jim was working on "his own" car. Gave me a bumper to bumper survey with recommendations on what needs to be done and when. He just loves cars. That's service you can trust. read more

I have using Startup's since about 1993. One of two places I take my cars to. 1. Is by far and away the most reasonably priced. Jim never gouges or overinflates hours or parts. If anything, he underestimates hours. 2. Accomadates my screw ups without insult or injury. I've been working on and rebuilding cars since I was a kid. When I screw something up I can get it to him no matter what I've screwed up and he fixes it without any snide remarks or eye rolls. 3. Provides quick repairs and backs up his work. 4. Has a dry subtle sometimes acerbic sense of humor which masks his sense of really wanting to help people. Jim and his crew are good guys and do good work. You can trust them to get it done right and not empty your bank account. read more

I can't say enough about Jim's Startup and the exceptional service my son and I received. I got Jim's name from a neighbor who is a devoted customer. It took me 3 days to get my car towed to Jim's (only because Jim is so busy and didn't have a parking spot for our Crown Victoria) I was diligent with my calls everyday until I heard "we have a spot" Got the car towed by 1pm and by 4pm my son got a call that the car was ready. I never expected this kind of turn around. All the praise from my neighbor about how and why he is a loyal (Jim's) customer surpassed his referral. We are now devoted and loyal Jim's Startup customers. Fair, honest and genuine. I wish more businesses treated their customers like this. If I could give you 10 stars I would. Thank you for making me believe in humanity again, Thank you for being Awesome! read more

Jim is the best. Finding a good, honest, affordable mechanic is like finding a 4 leaf clover=amazingly rare. Over the years I've had the unfortunate experience of my vehicles having a mechanical issue, and then finding myself over a barrel when it came to a repair diagnosis and the inevitable bill for repair. I purchased a new vehicle from a dealership about 9 years ago, it needed no repairs for a long time, just maintenance. When I approached the 100k mile mark things started happening, and the dealership (that I'd been so loyal to) showed a very different (price gouging) side. A friend of mine raved about Jim Startup and I brought my car in for an oil change to give him a try. Jim is a character, so bringing your car to him adds some spice you your day. He takes pride in the work he does, he tells it like it is, and his fan base speaks for itself. I'm so relieved to now know of a place where I can take all my cars without the worry of "am I being taken for a ride...?" If your car doesn't need it, Jim won't recommend it. If your car does need it, you can trust his recommendations. Funny story, a good friend of mine was visiting from out of state and I took her with me to get my cars oil changed at Startup. His waiting room is super cool with sofas and sketch pads and a variety of mediums for drawing. While we sat and visited, clients would come in to drop off and pick up cars. We had a fun and FUNNY conversation with one of them, so much so that the next time my friend visits, she wants to schedule her trip to coincide with my cars oil change so we can hang out at Startups! It was that much fun. When is taking your car in for service EVER fun?! Jim is the best. read more

So you won't want to use this place if you can't handle some f bombs and somewhat questionable jokes I thought Jim was hilarious though! They did great work at a reasonable price on my BMW. Plus they got it done earlier than expected so I could take my car on a road trip! If anything else pops up with this vehicle I will definitely be back! read more

The shop by itself is not impressive at all. It's a hole in the wall shop and it kind of intimidating at first. However, once inside, you notice that all of the cars that are being worked on are very nice cars and every single tool is in it's right place. The owner, Jim, is a great mechanic. He takes his time to explain everything to you and he doesn't just guess about something he's not sure about. I have a Mini Cooper and he's completely honest about not knowing every answer. He's fair on labor cost and parts. He truly does seem to try and save you as much as possible. He does have a hilarious personality and doesn't hold anything back. So, if you're easily offended/have no sense of humor/bible thumper, I might choose a different mechanic. When I get a different car, he'll definitely be the only mechanic I go too. read more

straightforward, honest car repair. Thank you! I even received a call from Jim himself 2 days after my service to make sure everything was going well and I was satisfied with the repair. Can't recommend this guy enough. read more

My bro-in-law takes all his cars to Startup's, so I gave it a try. Jim Startup has a very sensible approach to auto repair -- do only what is necessary, BUT, if it makes sense to do other repairs while the car is disassembled, that is what he'll suggest. I believe that Jim Startup is the honest mechanic I've been looking for. The only reason I didn't give him a higher rating is that I haven't had occasion to give him much business yet. read more

Great service. Great price. Got my alternator and radiator done at the price that the dealership quoted me for only the service of the alternator. Also got it in and out the same day. He knows his stuff and knows which parts are the best value and quality. Thanks. read more

Most ethical mechanic in the industry, best rates in town, and have been coming to Jim for years!! He will fix what's wrong with your car and is really fast. His personality and attitude about life is amazing!! I could talk to Jim for hours and he has always helped me last minute when I've had issues with my car no questions asked!! I will always go to Jim no matter what and will always refer!! Thanks Jim for all you do! read more

Jim is the best of the best when it comes Any kind of car issues. He can just about tell you what's wrong with your vehicle before you get your vehicle there. He is Amazing :) The time it takes them to start and complete the job is quick with a 100% satisfaction. Be taking Honda truck & Acura car to Jim place always and only. read more

Jim, the owner, is a great mechanic that is straight forward and honest. He's more than fair on labor and parts cost. His philosophy is to work on what's "necessary" and, unlike some garages, won't encourage add-ons with ulterior motives. He's also kind and generous. I once witnessed a customer unable to pay their entire bill. He quietly asked what she was able to pay that day and asked that she pay-off the remaining when she could afford it. I've been an ongoing customer for over 17 years and have trusted him with all my family's cars. read more

My late husband used to sell products to businesses from the border south King County including Startup's. Jim was the only one he would tell friends to go to. Go to Jim if you want an honest, professional mechanic. Of all the referrals he never had a person tell him they were not extremely satisfied when they got their car back for the price Jim quoted them. Known him for over 35 years. read more

Jim is my mechanic of choice. I have been using Startup's for four years now, since I moved out to Washington. My brother actually recommended him to me with a stern warning...something about 'he is blunt!' truer words have never been spoken...Jim tells you EXACTLY what needs to be done immediately and what can be put on the 'back burner' for lack of a better word... I have actually had my car towed from downtown Seattle to Startup's...well worth the towing fee if my car is seen by someone I trust. I would recommend Startup's Foreigh Car Repair to anyone in Everett, or nearby. Especially if your thinking about buying a used vehicle. read more

Jim and his staff are awesome. He gave us an estimate over the phone and the bill was $300 less than estimated when all the work was done. He is very honest, explains and shows what was done and how everything works. This is the best auto repair shop that I have ever experienced! read more

Technically I've only been here once for a full service. The time before I thought by wheel bearings were going. He asked me a few questions over the phone and said that the wheel nut probably needed tightening and said to bring it in. Sure enough he was right. A quick fix--nevertheless I was surprised he didn't charge me. I originally called him based on his reputation--and this experience encouraged me have him to repair the oil leaks in my '89 4Runner. I am pleased to say that the oil leaks are gone and the price was more than fair for the totality of their work. Jim Startup's will be my go-to from now on. read more

I know this guy from working with one of his high school classmates (they graduated many years ago). When I bought a new/used car, I took it to him because I thought there was something wrong with it. Apparently there was not (he drove it). That made me trust him. I would take my car back to him anytime, in fact I will schedule an appointment with him asap. read more

It's can be tough finding a good mechanic. My husband and I used to drive from Everett to Issaquah until my father-in-law recommended Startup's. We've been bringing our vehicles to him for years. He may specialize in foreign cars but all of ours are domestic and he's fixed them all! I always feel we get charged a fair price and it has always been fixed right the first time. Couldn't recommend him more highly. read more

I will only trust Jim to work on my car! Incredibly honest, and has a great sense of humor. No over-charging either. Took my car into a spot in Seattle and they couldn't identify what was wrong with my car. Took it to Jim, and he fixed it and fixed it well! read more

Terrible service. Brought a vehicle in to get an oil change and to have the check engine light looked in to a few weeks ago. When I get the car back, check engine light is still on as the say sorry and they forgot about it. I get that mistakes happen and i take the car home as I ubered there and didn't want to uber back. I bring it in yesterday, after calling to make sure that it's a good time and to make sure they are prepared for me bringing a vehicle in. The person who answered said to bring the car in, obviously when I come in they can't take the vehicle but "think" tomorrow would work, which is great cuz it's only a couple hours wasted from my day but whatever. I come in early today and the guy has me sit and then I wait for them to fix the engine light. The guy goes to the car and after a little bit, hands me the key and says he cleared the code and starts to walk away. I then ask as he's walking away, well what was the issue? He says what the code was but that he cleared the code and if it the check engine light comes on again he will look into it. Obviously the code came back as soon as i turned the car on, I decided to say screw it and bring my car to a different shop. read more

Jim is a saint!! I really love this guy!! You have no idea how much money this man has saved us over the years!! The very first time I called him with a car problem he asked me if my hubby was capable of doing any kind of mechanics, the then gave me a list of things to have him try to do based on the description of the problem and told me if none of that worked to then bring the car in!! I mean how many mechanics do that!! I was sold!! Then months later we bought a used car from a guy on Whidbey island. We had taken it to Precision auto tune before we purchased it to see what was needed in way of repairs. They gave us a list of over $1,000 worth of work to be done and told us that with those fixes it would pass emissions, the car had a California engine and would not pass WA emissions. After buying it we took it to Jim who quoted us half the price on the list given us by Precision. He also told us that regardless of doing all the work the car still would not pass emissions...he's alway straight forward about everything, very trustworthy! read more

Was stuck in Everett with car issues the day before we needed to head home. Jim fit us in and went above and beyond to get us back on the road to California. What could have been a disaster turned out to be a great experience. You could not find anyone more caring, honest and professional. You will not regret taking your vehicle here read more

Dear Lord, please don't ever let Jim retire! He is as personable a guy and sensible as it gets. I liked him from the minute I met him. It's not just that he is a great mechanic and has great rates, it is that he is soo funny! If you don't have a sense of humor, don't go here. He cracks wise and will talk to you about the intricacies of the work he does on your car, even if you have no idea what he is talking about because it is so complicated. He will continue to shoot the breeze for so long with you you wonder how anything ever gets done, but it does. I am very grateful for his work and character. He is a treasure. Salt of the earth. Plus, he kind of looks like the Gordon's Fish Sticks guy. My wife thinks he's hot in a silver fox kind of way as well so I kind of think that's humorous. Jim you are a rockstar! -Breezy and Connor read more

I've been an ongoing customer of Jim's for 16 years and I can honestly say I'll absolutely never go anywhere else. I wouldn't trust my vehicle with anyone other than Jim's team. They're all fair, honest, and trustworthy. The first time I ever visited (after a referral from a close friend) Jim fixed my car on the spot and didn't even charge me for it. It was at that point I knew he'd have a repeat customer for life. I've even referred many friends who have all had incredible experiences. You absolutely won't be disappointed. read more