Larry's Volvo Repair & Service

04/24/2008 Posted by adampeart

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.

Pros: Parking, close to home, expert Volvo repairmen

Cons: Price! Price! Price! Waiting a week or more just to get an appointment.

04/24/2007 Posted by mywifehatesmypokerskillz

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

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful