Larry's Volvo Repair & Service

09/06/08

Best repair service for your Volvo

by richardkemkers at Citysearch

Larry's Volvo's owner Warren is the type of person you would trust your Volvo to. Always good advice, fair prices, and most importantly he is HONEST. If something does not work out, he will go out of his way to get it fixed. A few times he did not even charge us when the problem was not completely fixed.

08/26/08

Should have stayed with larry's Volvo, won't try anywhere else again!

by Julee7 at Citysearch

I made a BIG mistake after reading a review by "the shaft" and tried the repair shop he recommended. Boy, was that a mistake! I had more problems getting the car fixed correctly after they worked on it. The guys at the other shop were nice enough but I just didn't get the "vibe" I got when going to Larry's Volvo. I tried to save a few dollars with the other shop but ended up back at Larry's to get my Volvo fixed right. Warren, the owner of Larry's wouldn't say one bad thing about the other shop telling me that "everyone has a bad day sometimes" Warren always took care of me when I had a problem with a repair and even when he pointed out and proved it was not even related to the repairs they did, ( I was so embarrassed ) he didn't charge me! WOW, can you believe that? It's true, Warren really wants to have a happy customer and told me he felt bad that I had to come back in before my next oil change. I know times are hard right now with gas and food prices so high and everyone wanting to save a buck or two, but don't try skimping on getting your car fixed. I learned the hard way and Warren if you read this, I promise, promise, promise I won't take my car anywhere else but to Larry's Volvo from now on!!!!

• Pros: FAIR PRICING, INTERNET ACCESS, ON #36 BUS LINE TO DOWNTOWN
• Cons: HAVE TO PARK DOWN THE STREET SOMETIMES

04/24/08

I was wrong about Larry's... sort of.

by adampeart at Citysearch

My original review read as follows: So, I took my XC V70 into Larry's about six months ago. They diagnosed that I had a problem with my drive shaft, likely the front universal joint. At that time they quoted me $450 to fix it. I didn't have the money at that time so I waited on making the repair. Two months ago I had them replace a CV boot, and they reminded me of the drive shaft issue. I asked the tall fellow there what he thought it would cost to fix it. He said "even if the whole drive shaft needed to be replaced it would only be $800." So, last week, having $800 for the repair, I took my car in to have the drive shaft replaced. They called me and said the drive shaft itself was $1,250! At least the labor was only quoted at $91. Not having $1,500 for the repair, and suspicious of the ever increasing estimate on the repair, I took back my car without work being done on it. I got home, called the DEALERSHIP to get a price quote on a new drive shaft, which was $1,063. WTF?! The dealership wanted $200 LESS than what Larry's quoted me! When does that happen, when the dealer is cheaper? So, I got online, and found a new drive shaft in about 15 min. that was $435! And it was shipped to me for FREE in two days. After receiving it, I called and left a message at Larry's asking if they'd be willing to install it for me still. I never got a call back. Funny, considering they had been prompt to call me back in the past. So, I drove over to Emerald City Repair on 4th. Michael at Emerald City was the nicest mechanic I've ever come across. Bonus: Michael used to work at a "Volvo only" shop for years and even owns one. His price for the install? $123. So, by NOT going through Larry's I saved myself about $900, and found myself a great new trustworthy mechanic at Emerald City. Another bonus: I always had to wait a week to get in over at Larry's- Emerald City? Same Day. Warren over at Larry's seems like a nice enough guy, but c'mon! I'm going to get a plasma TV with all the money I saved myself.

Update: DO NOT TAKE YOUR VOLVO TO EMERALD CITY! THEY'RE CLUELESS! I'm going to give Larry's another shot since Emerald City repair f'ing awful job. Though what I said in my original review was true, Warren seems really polite and nice and close to my house and I obviously need a Volvo specialist.

• Pros: Parking, close to home, expert Volvo repairmen
• Cons: Price! Price! Price! Waiting a week or more just to get an appointment.

04/24/07

A Little Out of the Way for Me, but Worth It

by mywifehatesmypokerskillz at Citysearch

Went to Larry's early last year for the first time. I was a little leery at first because I was bringing in a new 2006 S-40. I wanted a place that specialized in Volvo's, but wasn't an expensive dealership. I love finding hole-in-the-wall businesses that offer great service and Larry's seems to be one of those places. I've been there three times now, so I think I can acurately review them.

After finding Larry's on Citysearch I tried them at my 15000 mile service. I waited in the small waiting area reading magazines. I would recommend bringing something to read, or a laptop/dvd player. For the active types Beacon Ave has a strip of park that you could run or walk. Don't know about the crime in the area, but it didn't seem too bad mid-week when everyone is at work or school. Larry's got it done pretty quickly for me and didn't seem to have any problems with my new car. When it came time to pay the bill I was like, "Whoa, is that all?" My wife drives a 2000 Mercedes that cost us more than double, maybe triple, that same week at a dealer. Needless to say my wife now goes to a hole-in-the-wall called Mercedes Garage in Bellevue that has been like Larry's for her.

The second time I went to Larry's I had them put synthetic oil in. They said no problem, charged me a very reasonable price for the more expensive oil, and the total service price was again very reasonable. This time I came prepared with some books and my dog, and walked the park area while they did the service.

The next time I went it took a little longer for my regular service because it was the special 30000 mile service. Expecting this I used the Metro bus website for planning and then took the bus across the street downtown to do some shopping and reading in a coffee shop. I took the bus back a few hours later. It dropped me off practically at the front door. All for about $3 total roundtrip.

Overall - good prices, good service, access to park and bus a bonus

• Pros: Service, Prices, Access to Bus, Access to Park area
• Cons: Not many business close to walk to, small waiting area

03/02/07

Done on time and quoted cost!

by jlt333 at Citysearch

Went to Larry's on a friend?s recommendation, she is also a Volvo owner. Good recommendation! The job was done on time at the original cost. What more needs to be said? Oh, the car was NOT covered by greasy finger prints and the owner was trustworthy and friendly. I am going to take all my service there.

• Pros: Done on time at cost!
• Cons: nothing so far!