Just to follow up on Dave's response, I supplied Volvo OEM sway bar bushings to Rave Imports after discussing this with Dave. The sway bar bushings for my V40 consist of four separate components. I supplied these parts because the Volvo dealer doesn't stock them and I didn't want to leave my car for two or three days waiting on the parts. I also supplied an installation diagram as I know these bushings are often installed incorrectly, which is what in fact happened despite my best efforts. Rave discarded two of the parts I'd supplied in the process of installing the other parts incorrectly. The front struts and coil springs.that were installed incorrectly by Rave were Volvo OEM parts purchased from Rave Imports. read more

Thanks to Dave and Ryan for a swift repair to my 2004 Volvo S60. We were travelling from NYC via Boston and Burlington VT back to Toronto when my steering fluid started leaking. I went through a quart of fluid between Providence and Boston. I couldn't wait to get back to my mechanic in Toronto. Based on other Yelp reviews I contacted Nick's garage and Rave. I explained the situation to both and waited for them to call me back with a quote. Rave provided an estimate within an hour while Nick was still waiting for a callback regarding parts costs, but did estimate costs similar to Rave. I went with Rave, we looked under the car together and Dave pointed out the signs of what the problem is. While under the car he did check a few other steering related things like tie rods an ball joints. They also had chairs in the garage area if i wanted to watch them work. So the story ends up with a happy, very satisfied customer who feels the customer service, attention to detail, and swift but not too swift as to miss anything service put meback on the road the same day. The car drives like new again. Not bad for a volvo with 145,000 miles! PS. I always put any new mechanic through a slew of questions to see if he's a bullshitter or the real deal. They pass the "no bullshit" test. Thanks guys! read more

Ive been bringing my 2012 S60 here ever since my warranty ran out and I couldn't be happier. I work crazy hours so the pick up drop off service is amazing. The guys that own it are much more honest and fairly priced than the dealerships and get it done within a reasonable amount of time. Highly recommend them! read more

RAVE IMPORTS is back at the old stand in Peabody. I still have my 2006 Volvo C70. I burned up the head. (Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.)* I knew that repairs would run to thousands of dollars. I dithered for a month about what to do. When I went to Dave, Chief of Rave, he noticed how I was agonizing. He showed me the way, like no one else bothered to do. He didn't just quote me a repair. He took took the time to helped me realize that for me, personally, the price of repairs couldn't buy a car that I would get as much out of as the refurbished C70. He found me a used engine and used transmission, each with a lifetime guarantee. Rave checked 'em out and renewed everything that needed it (like a timing belt prophylaxis). Now, with the lifetime guarantees, I will have a car with the equivalent of a zero-miles drivetrain. Rave also provides a one year guarantee on labor. (I am going to ask Dave, that reasonable fellow, for the "never pay twice for the same (non-maintenance) repair" guarantee that I've gotten elsewhere. I'll get back on that. THIS SUGGESTION WAS A NON-STARTER. GOT A FLAT 'NO CAN DO'. The work is being done at as good a price as I was quoted anywhere. This is about as major as general repairs get. I trust Rave to do it. I'll be updating my review so you'll know how this big repair turns out in the longer term. I don't expect any surprises. (Of course, if you EXPECT a surprise it is by definition not a surprise.) UPDATE 1 (9/20) - Got car back. Paid quoted price. Ran fine. *My advice to everyone: Watch yor engine temperature like a hawk and take NO OVERHEATING RISKS. Change your oil ON TIME. For 20 years, everything else will be maintenance.* Also: "An honest and reliable mechanic is a treasure above rubies, just not as sparkly." read more

Recently my Volvo 940 had a good repair visit at Rave Imports and I expect to work with them again. Dave showed solid Volvo experience from the start on an ambiguous problem, and recommended a cost-effective repair. Dave & Ryan were professional and personable, and their courtesy pick-up service was great. Based on this experience I believe Rave is a reputable, well-run shop, and Dave is knowledgeable and thorough. read more

Dave and Ryan are awesome! They're honest mechanics. They know their stuff. And they provide great customer service. It's very expensive to get your car serviced at the dealership. Even though these guys are Volvo specialists, I've been bringing my wife's Chevy and my 8 year old Mercedes E350 to Rave for two years now. Both cars are out of warranty so Rave has taken care of a bunch of things for us including regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance, a water pump, shocks, brakes, tires and a heater motor. Seems like a lot, but it's a lot less expensive than monthly car payments. And it's not just one car, it's two of them. Last week I feared the wor$t when the Mercede$ "Check Engine" light came on while I was driving home. The car has a fancy computer system which warns you about all kind of things including which specific light bulb is out, but there is no other information available when the check engine light comes on. I'm thinking that this is going to be VERY expensive. I called Rave and spoke with Dave. He is right up front with me and says, "This might be expensive or it might not be. We won't know until we look at it." So I bring my car in, prepared for the worst. Ryan diagnoses the problem within 5 minutes, and tells me it's an easy fix.....a bad thermostat. The "Check Engine" light's off, the car is running great and I'm a very happy customer. read more

Very disappointed! Rave installed a remote starter on my car & it hasn't worked properly (doesn't start when I want it to & starts when I don't!!). When telling them about the issue, at first I wasn't believed! Then it was well, I guess you'll just have to live with it. I would not recommend going to Rave for any service! read more

I am giving Rave Imports one star only because its mechanic, Ryan, seems like a genuine and honest guy. The other owner/operator, Dave, is terrible. We took our Volvo to Rave for years, spending thousands of dollars on repairs / maintenance, and I always thought they were above board. After this week, however, when they falsely told me that my car would need several thousands of dollars of work just to get an inspection sticker, I completely lost faith. Dave, of course, did nothing to help me, but simply rattled off charges. If Ryan leaves, I will take my car to him any time; to Dave and Rave, never again. read more

So we decided not to pay for the charges of fixing the incorrect wheel bearing. We disputed it with Cap 1. Rather than admit to fixing the incorrect bearing and working out a deal, we decided to go elsewhere. Once the left wheel bearing was fixed no more noise. Hmmmmm. Since then we were taken to small claims court and Dave is a "right fighter" and did not want to come to a deal with mediation. So off to the magistrate we went. No decision for a week. Dave claims that with all of his experience and certifications that he knows what's right and wrong with cars. Pretty arrogant if you ask me. He also requested that I take this review down. Well if he was flexible that would have happened. Being a non-flexible person as a business owner not a good thing. I had a business for 20 years, you must work with your customers. But he wants it all. So the bottom line, buyer beware. He may be overworking repairs on your car to pad his pocket. read more

Great auto repair shop. When my car broke down recently, my garage told me the transmission was dead and it would cost $2500. I called Rave, described the problem, and was told that it was high unlikely the transmission was dead. I had my car towed to Rave and they were able to solve the problem by replacing a part at a cost of $500-a savings of $2,000! My car runs good as new and now I am a loyal customer of Rave Imports. read more

Although I would like to recommend Rave, I can't. I took my Volvo here a few weeks ago and was told it could not get an inspection sticker without $3,000 worth of work. It's an older car, so I took it back to consider. Oddly, when I picked up the car, the check engine light was on, which had not been on before. One week later, I took the car to my local garage, and was told the repairs to get a sticker would cost $1500. I got another estimate and it was $1700. I was told by the second garage that the folks at Rave likely turned on the check engine light just to boost the cost. These guys seem intent on jacking up the price, then causing more problems when you decline service. Plus, the guy at the desk (Dave?) is condescending, especially to women. Take your business elsewhere ladies! read more

In response to a previous review, I just wasn't happy. Was quoted a difference price, period. Owner thinks it's over the price of the fluid when it was about me calling, getting a quote and to set an appointment and it was suddenly over $120+ more than I was quoted and I was told a different amount when I got there. I also got a drain and fill. I could have done the drain and fill myself....I thought the transmission was being serviced......Also, still have the messed up filter for my HVAC that was put in correctly, yet flipped over and was clogging my system while not keeping any contaminants out. That was a $40 filter. They were nice enough to reach out and am on the fence about bringing it back. Owner can't seem to understand why they earned a poor review on one job. I very well would love to bring my own parts but I was charged more than quoted, PERIOD. No extra damage or problem that needed to be addressed but a difference of $120+ between the phone call to make the appointment to what it would be for that service....as the owner can't seem to understand I called and specifically told him what I wanted and that was fine and x amount (because I was on a budget (as I'm disabled and handicapped and currently on a fixed income and needed to make sure I had the money.) I also thought I had taken down my old post after they called me but I didn't and I didn't get the nicest reply from the owner 2 weeks ago. He said I can "bring my own fluid" because that's just what I'm going to do again after I've already lost the money. The DEALER WAS CHEAPER FOR THIS! I MADE THE CALLS FOR QUOTES! WHY THE OWNER CANT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THAT. I thought I wasn't going to be dealing with the shakedown at this business like everyone does at the dealer. I'd also have a full lifetime warranty. I'd also be better off bringing my own parts, as they cheaper to buy my own and they're good for life (even wear and tear items) if installed by an ASE certified specialist. I was just needing some work done to my car and after the response I got, I'm not sure I'll be trying them again, though it wasn't mean either.....I'll think about it. read more

Here's my experience: I was not a true customer of this shop for repair or service, but in terms of integrity and willingness to help - cannot say enough. My bike broke down across the street from this shop late on a Friday afternoon. With no option to get it to a motorcycle shop at that hour, I was in kind of a tricky spot. Noticed the clean, well lit Rave garage and figured I'd see if they might be willing to help. Not only did Dave let me store my bike in his organized, professional shop overnight, he also helped me arrange a tow the next day. Amazing. You do not find many businesses or individuals with this level of willingness to help these days. Based on the order and professionalism of this shop I also wouldn't hesitate to bring a car there. Very nice vehicles being worked on. Big thanks to Rave! read more

Best place I've dealt with in a long time. Fair prices, excellent quality and workmanship,straight to the point and honest. These guys are the best. They actually do what you ask them to do and listen to what you say. What more could you ask for. Work done "correctly and pleasant to deal with". read more

benn to many auto repair shops.i happen to find rave in the yellow pages and it was a great find...worked with me on getting my sons car repaired and fit my budget....just very simple and most of all honest !!!...highly recommend them and they are a local business even better! read more