Larry's Volvo Repair & Service

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.

Posted 09/06/08

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

Posted 08/26/08

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.

Posted 04/24/08

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

Posted 04/24/07

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!

Posted 03/02/07

I came up to seattle to see a friend and my car breaks down, great stuff hu. Anyways my buddy up here said to take it into Larry's, sounded good to me, im pretty sure we're all scared of mechanics.

Anyways i had no problems at all. got my car over there, chatted with the owner, great people and great service. Car's been running clean since.

Posted 06/20/06

I went in to get the "Brake Failure" light on my '84 240 DL wagon checked out. They tested the brake system but found the cause was a faulty relay switch, not the brakes...which was a relief. I also asked them to reconnect my overdrive switch to my gear knob; they wound up fixing the overdrive system by flushing and replacing the fluid, and they fixed the weighty clutch that I've had for years. All for $200! I was very happy with the service. They also tried to call me 3 times before going ahead with any extra work, which I appreciated.

Pros: very nice mechanics, reasonably priced, fast

Cons: location, no loaner cars

Posted 04/19/06

Went on a friends recommendation years ago... Now the only place we would trust with our car, and it isn't even a Volvo anymore. Larry's used to service our Volvo but we sold it and now have a BMW. Still the same great service!

Updated 9/11/08 Have now taken my BMW X5 several more times and happier with each visit. Great service, great price.

Pros: Trustworthy, Prompt, good price

Posted 04/10/06

I was told that my transmission was slipping and that it would need to be replaced, or rebuilt for an estimate of $2,500.00. Thats where Larry's Volvo came in to save my Volvo's life ;-) Without the funds necessary to have either of the above suggestions performed, Warren at Larry's Volvo came up with a temporary soultion until I could save up the money. Well that was a year ago, and she is still running strong at 182,000 miles!

Pros: saves you money, on time

Cons: none from me!

Posted 02/26/06

I've been going to Larry's Volvo for a number of years now, they have worked on all 3 of our Volvos and have been keeping our old 240 sedan running strong for over 10 years now, they have always been honest and not pushed us to repair things that could wait a few months. The same mechanics have been there forever! I can always go out to the shop and talk to them about my car and they are as nice as Warren, the owner.
Bottom line, I would not trust anyone else to take care of our family's Volvos.

Pros: Very Friendly, Honest, Fair prices

Cons: small waiting room

Posted 02/16/06

I was almost ready to get rid of my Volvo because every time I went in for a service, the other shops I tried before Larry's Volvo would try to get me fix EVERYTHING! My friend finally told me about Larry's Volvo and I've been totally happy ever since. Warren (the owner) lets me know if I need to do things right away or if I can wait and save up for the repairs...never any pressure to "you have to do it right now" that I got from the Dealer and other shops. It makes a big difference to me being a single mom.

Pros: Honest, can talk to the techs, prices fair

Cons: parking sometimes

Posted 02/16/06

After spending hunderds of dollars at two different shops in Seattle that was suppose to be "Volvo experts" I was almost ready drive my car back up to Bellingham to have my old mechanic check it out when he recommended I try Larry's Volvo. They worked my car into their busy schedule and spent many hours checking it out and finally figured out the problem. They even gave me a break on labor because I already spent $$$$ at the other shops, WOW! Can't praise Warren and his crew enough.

Pros: Inexpensive, Trustworthy, Friendly

Cons: Parking, Small waiting area

Posted 02/01/06

I took my Volvo ( a 1991 240 wagon) to them for evaluation... it was running rough, and the fron t end was shaky. After 1300 bucks I was put off by the fact I had to call and ask what needed to be done, and when. I was more annoyed that they aligned the front end, and noticed that it pulled hard to the left after I drove away. When I called to mention this, they said it was a problem with the tires and they didn't fix it. Arrrgh.
My wife's car canked out the next day... hit the accelerator, and nothing. They couldn't figure it out. Witha a toddler that's scary stuff.
Doubt I'd take the car back there, but my experience may not be the rule.

Pros: availablity, spoke english, volvo certified

Cons: didn't explain prob's, didn't call, didn't follow through

Posted 01/21/06

I have gone to several dealers with only one with comparible service but at twice the price! These guys are honest and quick to get you in whenever you need the job done, I have had many positive experiences with them and plan to have many more!

Pros: Very Honest, Super Quick, Inexspensive Labor

Cons: High parts cost, Thats about it!

Posted 09/26/05

This was my first experience with Larry's Volvo having just moved to town. They got my 1987 Volvo in quickly and and made the necessary repairs same day. I had a few standard maintenance questions and they were hones in their assessment telling me repairs were not needed. Total bill for the repairs was very reasonable and much less than I would expect to pay at a dealer.

Pros: Inexpensive, Timely, Friendly

Posted 05/19/05