Absolutely amazing service. I first called and spoke with Kai, asking if I could bring my Miata in so he could evaluate a weird sound when shifting and braking. He said anytime after 3 PM. It was a Friday. As soon as he tried shifting (without needing to actually test drive), he immediately diagnosed a bad clutch pilot bearing. He then quickly checked the brakes -- also needing replacement in the rear. He offered to work on it right away and have it finished by the next afternoon! Wow. Most shops require weeks to schedule an appointment and require leaving the car in the early morning for whenever they might have time to get to it. Kai also provided a lender car. Sure enough, on Saturday afternoon, we picked up the car. The price verbally quoted (no need to sign paper authorizations as in other shops) was spot on, no surprises. He completed the work expertly, replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, bearings, and resurfacing the flywheel, as well as replacing the rear brakes. This is now my go-to shop for both my vehicles! read more

After having been referred to Rising Sun by my local Firestone Car Care Center, I made an appointment with Rising Sun, and on the appointed day, I took my vehicle in. I had my vehicle over there somewhere between 8:30 and 9:00 AM PDT. The needed work and necessary repairs were completed by 6:00 PM. Even though the shop closes at 5:00 PM, this one extra hour shows dedication and diligence on the part of Rising Sun. I feel confident now that I will be able to get through this Autumn and WINTER without any automotive difficulties. read more

I took my vehicles here before the change of ownership, and though I have moved out of town, I return under the new ownership as a fully satisfied customer. They are honest, quick, and very customer-oriented. read more

I was referred to Rising Sun Motors by a community group that I belong to. I called and got an appointed schedule by the owner (Khai) for the following week to do the routine require 60K maintenance for my 2014 Honda CRV. I drove and dropped off my car on my schedule day at around 8am. Here are my observations. They must get a lot of business since there were tons of cars around their parking lot and both of the shops were busy with cars being work on. Khai the owner was friendly when I drop off my car and seem to know what he is doing. Confidence from mechanic is a good sign. Seem to be a "local" place because when I was there, a lot of his customers seem to know him and called him by name. Again-- another good sign. The only thing that was a bummer is that there's no waiting room due to Covid so you have to either get a ride back or wait outside. There is 1 chair for anyone who needs to sit and wait outside the office. Otherwise you will need to find a curve on the street sidewalk or a random place on their parking lot to put your bottom on while you wait. I was lucky enough I got a ride to and from so waiting there was not an issue for me. I did see people who were wait near the office. As a suggestion to the owner--maybe offer those who have to wait a bottle of water while they wait? Or some coffee? etc. Maybe even have a tent or covering with some outside seating on their lot somewhere? That is a bit of going beyond..but I think your customers (especially the ones with small kids and the elderly) who can't get a ride would really appreciate. That would have totally make my review a 5 stars for sure..even if I didn't need it myself. Just show that the owner cares about his customers during these Covid times and that there's no waiting room available. read more

See all

Just want to say a huge thank you to Rising Sons Automotive, thank you for going out of your way to help me find out what was wrong with my car. I highly recommend going to them, for all your mechanical needs. Very professional, kind, and courteous and they go above and beyond to help you in any way they can. read more

I've been having Kai work on my cars for over 10 years . originally it has been an absolutely awesome experience and I've referred many people to Rising Sun Motors, but unfortunately it is no longer a place to rely on. I brought my car there in December 2023 because it needed new spark plugs and an O2 sensor I was told it would be $1500 to do this. I had already had the codes read elsewhere but chose to go to.Kai. The work was quick and when I went to pick up my car, it was left down the street and across from the shop. It was snowy and icy that day and I got a ride to pick it up. It started right up and ran fine for about two weeks when the engine light came on again. I looked under the hood and noticed the engine cover was not there. It had never been put back on. I tried calling the shop several times and left voicemails but no call back. Then their message said that they were closed for like a month or so. I left another message the day before they were to open again and I never heard back. I called again after the date they were open. Left a message and did receive a phone call back, I told them the problem I was having with my car and the missing engine cover so they had me bring it back in and said I needed fuel sensor thing that cost $500 to do. I mentioned again that they never put my engine cover back on when they first repaired it in December, but was told they never found it. Kai said he would find a used one to replace it. I picked up my car after the fuel sensor thing and on my way home the engine light came on and now I've spent just over $2000 at Rising Sun motors. I'm missing an engine cover and I can't even drive my car after the engine has warmed up. Which was the problem it had before the last repair.It does the same thing as when I brought it the last time, and I've never heard anything about them replacing the engine cover that they took off and never put back on. I'm hesitant to call them again because I'm sorry to say that I can no longer recommend Rising Sun motors at this point. It's ridiculous to have spent so much money and still I do not have a car that I can drive 5 miles without it sputtering and running right. I thought about calling them but didn't want to have to pay another $500-$1500 to have them not make it work properly and who knows what other part I would be missing. read more

Trustworthy shop. They recently fixed the brakes on my '93 LandCruiser. They kept me informed on progress as parts were ordered. Now I don't have to worry if it will be able to stop on the hills of Geneva. Thanks guys! This last summer I took my parent's Lexus LS400 over there for AC issues. Other shops said it would be a week or more before they could see it, yet Rising Sun squeezed it in and had it running ice cold again that same day. read more

I really wanted to sing the praises of Rising Sun Motors. They were professional, kind, did great work and went above and beyond as compared to most of my experiences with repair shops. If you need a great mechanic with integrity, choose Rising Sun Motors. Thanks Khai for your help with my 2002 Subaru! read more

I was going to another place in town and they were over charging me. They would keep my car over night unnecessarily so that they could charge me for it. I brought my car to Rising Sun and they showed me what was actually going on and fixed it for half the price the other place quoted me. I will never go back. read more

The thing that threw me off about Rising Sun Motors was that it was so easy. I called and described the car problem. They told me when I could bring it in. It took less than 30 seconds to drop it off. They called me promptly with an estimate, maybe just a couple hours after I dropped it off. They clearly described what the problem was and what they were proposing to do to repair it. I approved the repairs. They told me when I could pick it up. I came in to pick it up and that took a minute. Every step was simple, fast, and had no drama. Amazing. And they are so busy - I think when a business has as much activity as this, you can really trust that they're just trying to get the job done quickly and right. read more

My Honda civic was stolen and gutted in February of 2022. So many things were messed up in it, battery lines cut, ignition broken, front windshield smashed, and even more things i can't remember. Not only did they get me in quick, but they fixed my car, put in a new ignition and battery, and replaced my windshield for $1,200! They told me all of the options i had cost-wise, and always gave me advice on how they could do things different to save money. I used to always go to Honda dealerships for work. I quoted similar services from them, and it was $3,000+. This place is phenomenal. Quick, cost-effective, and extremely high quality! Now, in August of 2022, my AC belt blew. They told me the cost and immediately offered to just take the belt off if i couldn't afford it for no cost other than diagnostic. Then, they quoted me for a few other things i need replaced (brake rotors and pads) for only $500 total (including taking the belt off and the original diagnostic!). They got me in within a day, got back to me within two hours, and gave me every cost effective option they could. This place is just so amazing and I'm so grateful for how much they've done for me. If you have the option to go here, you will not regret it! I'll be going to this place for the rest of my life. read more

Upon many recommendations I brought my old sedan (1996) to replace rear struts. I'm beyond thrilled how my car is running and happy to report that all the glowing reviews are well earned. Very reasonably priced and quick day of drop off and service. I'm not glad my car was needing repair... but I definitely have found where to bring it when there's yet another bump in the road ! read more

We came to the shop as recommended by family & someone from an Auto Parts Store. We are so pleased with Kai of Rising Sun Motors. We met Kai after going through 2 days of frustrating negative experience with the local Toyota dealership. After explaining what needed done, he took us in and got the work done in less than 2 hrs and most importantly a fraction of the dealership costs. He earned us as new customers. With our 3 Toyota vehicles, it's important to have someone trustworthy and reliable. read more

I have been a customer of theirs for about 12 years. There have been a few occasions where I would need to bring my Mitsubishi to them for a simple fix with a 2-5 day lead time ( broken radiator, new alternator, new starter, new thermostat, head gasket) reasonably-priced with friendly staff. This place and Master Lube are my Bellingham go-to's! read more

I heard from several people about how they loved to take their car to Rising Sun Motors. I took my car to have some repairs done on my breaks and they did a great job! They even tightened my parking break without a charge. They were friendly and efficient. I will go there again if I need any work done on my car. read more

Absolute rip-off, and super condescending and rude. This place was recommended by multiple people, so I brought it in before I moved halfway across the country, already knowing one repair that needed to be done- I told them what it was over the phone before I brought the car in. They kept my car for over a day and then told me they didn't have time to fix that, and anyway it could wait for months to get fixed (still charged me $400 for the other stuff they apparently had time to do). I had to leave town and didn't have time to take it elsewhere. Now, a month and a half later, it's gotten much worse and is costing $1200 to fix. They also missed a bunch of small issues like the spark plugs and the bent heat shield that caused awful rattling. Don't take your car here- HUGE waste of time and money. read more

Kai and the staff there knew exactly what was wrong, got my car in the bay, and fixed the problem at an amazingly reasonable price. I didn't have an appointment and I was expecting them to tell me to come back later but they were able to fit me it and I was out of there in less than half an hour. Amazing!!! read more

This is my 3rd time going to Rising Sun and I can only say it's the best auto shop in Bellingham. Kai is the most knowledgeable and most friendly mechanic. I've been to 5 other places in Bellingham and Rising Sun has given me the best service and value. They only will do what is necessary and not try and scam you and add on a bunch of other problems that are not pressing. If you want the best prices and best service and no extra charges or fees go to Rising Sun. read more

This place is amazing, though I hesitate putting up a review because I don't want everyone to start going to them. If you've tried to get your car fixed lately, you know that all the quality shops are booked out days if not weeks. Rising Sun got me in next day and solved my problem FAST. Also, they are locally owned. I really appreciate you guys! read more

Quick turn-around times at extremely reasonable prices, & they don't try to hamstring you into stuff you don't need. I'll be taking all our family vehicles to Rising Sun. read more

I brought my 09 Pilot in because the engine lights were coming on. Khai ran a test on my car and it ended up that the car was burning through oil. He checked the oil level and found that it barely had any oil. He then went into his garage and came back with a large synthetic container of oil and proceeded to use all 4+ liters. He explained what was going on with my 12 year old car. He did not take any money for his time, and oil. This shop has always gone above and beyond any shop I have ever taken my cars to. They have always made time for me when I've been in a bind. Their prices are 1/2 of what the dealerships are and honest about your car repair. read more

Recently got my Subaru's axle replaced. The price and service was perfect. Kai did a good job at troubleshooting the problem. Our family has been going to this shop for 10+ years. Always fair in prices and diagnostics. read more

Not only the best in Bellingham but the best price wise. I've been taking my Honda to Rising Sun since 2007 and always very pleased with the thoroughness and quality of the work done. Thanks Khai. Carol read more

I love coming to rising sun! They've worked on three different cars for me & I am always pleased with my work! dawn is always friendly and remembers your name! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it have a few different things wrong with my car, & their prices were kind of high for them. I called around and found other cheap places. Overall, though if you need somebody to check out your car, this is the place to go! They clean your car inside & out after every visit :) read more

There aren't many places where the owner is quick and happy to jump in, give an opinion, test drive your car, or whatever is needed for a successful time. I had to drop it down a star because the kid at the front desk totally spaced on a conversation I had with him last week to schedule me for a Friday and in the meantime get in the needed parts, for a replacement muffler. No appointment, no parts. Thankfully, he is training his replacement, AND she was there to observe the situation. Also, luckily, the owner - who I've met and been impressed by in the past - brought my Subaru into a bay and put it up on the rack. He took me under and showed me that the muffler, although superficially rusty, was not leaking, but he pointed out the active leak from the headgasket dripping on the hot muffler leading to the fumes we wanted handled. Given that we drive in from Rockport/Marblemount, anything we do involves a long drive each way, and any time without the vehicle is difficult. With this kind of ownership, we'll keep making the long drive. read more

We've used these guys for years as the primary health care provider for our vehicles. Automotive repairs and maintenance can be an expensive thing but the customer service about makes up for it there. read more

I had an issue with a rodent chewing through a wiring harness the day before a family trip in my van. They were full that day but said I could drop it off and they would see if they would work it in. It was ready by the end of the day with a very reasonable price. We are ready to go now, thank you so much! read more

Kai and Dawn are rockstars. We won't go anywhere else in town. The starter went out on our Toyota and Kai had replaced it 3 years and one month earlier. The warranty was 3 years. After learning this, we had the vehicle towed to Wilson Toyota for repair. Unbeknownst to us, Kai had the vehicle towed to his shop (at his own expense) and then called to let us know he was replacing the starter for the cost of the part only. Who does this? If you have a Toyota or Honda, go to Rising Sun. You won't regret it. read more

I highly recommend Rising Sun. Very professional and the mechanics make sure you understand exactly what's wrong with your car.

Kai and his mechanics took good care of my 93 Honda for 12 years until I sold it. He was always fair, timely and the work was excellent. On one occasion he recommended that I purchase tires (he does not sell them - so there was no gain for him) when he heard I was going on a trip. When money was slim, he told me what was needed and what could wait. I always felt safe and secure knowing he was caring for my car. Today I recommended a friend with special needs speak to him. He willingly rose to the occasion. He is a fine mechanic, an ethical business person and a great human being. Please support this excellent local business. read more

After reading some of the negative reviews, I was concerned about what my bill would be on recent service. I had several issues with my car and didn't know how much of an investment it would be. First, the thing I was most worried about Kai said is not even a problem. Another problem the Toyota dealership had quoted me an obscene price for was fixed by Kai for a fraction of Toyota dealer's quoted price. I continue to be very happy with service I get there. read more

Great company, honest, friendly, Dawn remembers your name and is as efficient as it gets. Highly recommend for all car work.

I know I can trust them, because when I first moved to town, I went to another repair shop and they did this inspection and said I needed $1,000 worth of work. I then found Rising Sun in the phonebook and went over there and asked do I need this or that. Kai the owner said no. Since then I have always taken both our Subaru's to Rising Sun. They are not out to up-sale. They recommend just what you need. Also their prices are very fair and competitive. This is an important factor when you have older cars like we have. read more

Since fixing a car can be very frustrating, I think customer service might be just as important as how they actually fix the car. Each time I called (dealing with a crappy insurance stuff), I really thought I may have worn them down, BUT nope, super nice and helpful every time! The fix they did on my car was exactly what they had promised and their price is very fair for being a 5 star shop. I don't see us going anywhere else for our next fix. Shout out to JD at the front desk for his unlimited patience and kindness! read more

Ridiculously overpriced and they won't even give free estimates. The woman in line in front of me was shocked that they wanted $150 just to read the check engine code, and they were snarky with her. So when it was my turn I returned the snark and told them that I'd go to the auto parts store and get my error code written for $150 less - for FREE of course. My friend had major engine work done by them for more than the car should have cost, and now she is stuck going there and it is always, always painfully expensive for her. read more

Very hard to find an honest place, and they were great. They got me in on a friday night very quicky to fix my break light switch and did not charge me for a full hour flat rate. Very affordable and great service!! I will be going back and recommending to my friends read more

PSA: Rising Sun Motors in Bellingham is TERRIBLE! Avoid at all cost! Two Thursdays ago my truck breaks down. On the recommendation of a co-worker I called Rising Sun and they said they could see it on Monday, Tuesday at the latest. So I have my truck towed there that night. Monday goes by, no word. So I call ...... "oh, we haven't had a chance to get to it, we will sometime this week." I reminded them of my APPOINTMENT! "We'll call you". Tuesday comes and goes, no call. I call them. "We haven't looked at it yet, we'll get to it something this week and call you." WHAT?!?! I got a little pushy and again reminded them of my APPOINTMENT. "We will try and get to it tonight and call you tonight or first thing in the morning".......no call....ever! So on Wednesday afternoon I drive down there. There the truck sits, right where the tow truck driver had dropped it off a week earlier. I am told then "we will get to it this afternoon and call you". Arg! Then, a couple hours later I did get a call, "all fixed, it was something simple." I am still frustrated but happy to get my truck just in time for our annual Labor Day family camping trip. So this morning, we load up the truck and trailer and set off for Eatonville, and 45 minutes down the road the truck breaks down on I-5 with the same problem that was just "easily fixed" at Rising Sun Motors! So now another tow bill, truck is at a shop in Marysville now, had to barrow a family vehicle to come get my family, the dog, and the trailer off the side of I-5....and 10 hours later we are finally home but with no truck and no fun camping plans for the weekend. Thanks Rising Sun Motors for the terrible customer service you provided, for taking my money to not fix my truck and for putting me back out on the freeways with my family only to break down a few miles after "all fixed!" I know you've been around for a long time, and I have even seen lots of good reviews, but you sure failed this local Bellingham family! read more

Fixed my broken rear seat in my Subaru a few minutes after I drove up. Couldn't be happier with the service.

The best mechanics I have encountered in my 55 years of car ownership. Competent. Honest. Reasonable prices. Timely appointments and the work is finished when promised. I have recommended Rising Sun to my friends and even my father-in-law. Everyone has been pleased with the work and treatment they received. Rising Sun has worked on three different cars for me during the past seven years. Rising Sun has always exceeded my expectations. read more

Careful. These guys are dishonest. Before selling my car I had it inspected (at my own cost). I then encouraged the buyer of the car to inspect it (at their cost) - just for peace of mind. When the car was returned to me they told me there were no problems. Yet they told the buyer it needed work. I asked them about what they told the buyer. They were less than forthcoming. I then took it back to my mechanic who re-inspected the specific things they identified. He said the problems Rising Sun identified were bogus. I would not trust these folks. read more