Ootmar Automotive Ltd

Reviews 6

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Trevor Cumming

Years ago I found myself new to Vancouver with an old muscle car I had just bought that, while exciting and new to me, was hardly in showroom condition. I had no experience with mechanics in Vancouver, and so turned to the internet. Ootmar seemed to fit the bill. Here it is five years later and I am constantly and continually blown away with the quality, service, value and overall experience I receive at Ootmar. Most recently, after a summer of hard miles, Al did a full engine and transmission overhaul on what was a tired and very original 1968 Buick big block. The results are simply spectacular; I cannot sing high enough praise. The powertrain isnt just new, its better than new. Completed with the attention to detail that only true professionals and enthusiasts could replicate or appreciate. More than the shiny and new, though, Al and Ootmar Automotive have always been respectful, fair, and honest with me about the state of my car. What it needs, what needs to be watched, and what can be lived with. I highly value this approach. Ootmar keeps you safe, while being mindful of your pocket book. Once or twice Ive had other mechanics do work on that same car. Inevitably, and in all instances, the car has ended up back with Al to correct what was done before. An expensive lesson for me, and one that Al was gracious about when he had to fix other peoples mistakes. I never felt taken advantage of by him, even when other people had taken advantage. Thank you Al, and thank you Ootmar. You have my complete recommendation. I encourage anyone reading this to give the team at Ootmar a try.

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Joyce Wurtele

I decided to take my car to Ootmar Automotive based on their solid reviews and also because I wanted a second opinion as I didnt feel the dealership had my best interest at heart. Im a female who knows absolutely nothing about the mechanics on how a car works. I have a 2005 Nissan Xtrail which would shudder on occasion when idling at a light or when the car was in reverse. The dealership didnt know what was wrong with the car but suspected it may be a head gasket issue which was an expensive repair of several thousand dollars. Luckily, new spark plugs was all that was needed to correct the shuddering. Ootmar serviced the car so it is current on its maintenance. There were some minor repairs and a terra clean service performed (recommended) so now the car runs smoothly and Im happy knowing Im driving a reliable vehicle. I also liked how they prioritized the repairs so that you didnt feel you have to have the work done all at once. I highly recommend Ootmar Automotive if youre looking for reliable, trustworthy auto mechanics who know what theyre doing. UPDATE - had to take the car in as it developed a scraping and metallic rattling noise. It was very unnerving driving and I thought it was related to the recent work done but it was debris that has gotten into the brake pads and had lodged itself. Ootmar took care of the problem promptly even though it was a hectic Monday morning. We did a short test drive and they had the problem fixed within 20 minutes and I was on my way. They also didnt charge me which they could very well have. Thanks Peter and Ben!!

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Josh Newton

I feel so fortunate to have made such an excellent “mechanic connection” at Ootmar Automotive. I was without a vehicle for 15 years and when I decided to get back on the road I worried that I’d never find a trust worthy service station. A friend told me about Ootmar Automotive so I checked them out. I dropped in to introduce myself and explain my needs and was met with such friendly, honest and down to earth people that I was pretty sure right away that I’d found my car clinic. Well, I’ve never looked back. Without fail, I have received quick, competent, value priced service. I’m never surprised by extra charges and they always explain exactly what they’ve done and why. They even let me know about things that are going to need doing in the future so I can plan a bit. I truly feel that the whole team takes my safety very seriously and the work they’ve done in keeping my car ( 1993 Mazda 323) in great running condition for 5 years now has always been top notch. The staff and the owner are all so friendly and personable; they make me feel like a valued client. The owner even offered to give me a lift home once! I have recommended Ootmar Automotive to several family members who have also been very satisfied with the work. Once you’ve had the best, you never want the rest! A truly satisfied and happy customer

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Adrian Reagan

It has been a great pleasure to work with Al and the team at Ootmar Automotive over the years. Ive had my vehicles serviced at Ootmar and you wont meet more honest mechanics. Its incredibly rare to find a team that recommends whats needed immediately and things that can wait (for example Al mentioned my spark plugs were overdue by mileage on my X5 but encouraged me to contact the prior owner to see if theyd been replaced when he couldve just said I needed new ones). My girlfriend recently had a pre-purchase inspection (at a better price than BCAA) and they ran a full diagnostics on the car finding up to $10k of potential problems. Al took the time to explain each of the issues to both of us in great detail and followed with honest advice regarding the purchase (to run). As a busy professional its nice to have mechanics who you can trust to get the job done timely and efficiently. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a team with high standards of integrity and also a great place for detailed pre-purchase inspections.

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Bryce Parker

Between Lawrence and Al in the front and the quality work behind the job, these guys are amazing! I had a lengthy issue last august that was unexpected. They kept me up to date along the way and took the time to explain the process. The end result was a fixed AC unit. I also had a part that I had broken off my Jeep (plastic on the shifter) and they thought is was garbage when they were cleaning my car for me to pick up. I wanted the piece and thought it was long gone. Fast forward 1 year. I bring a truck into the shop for my friend, and Lawrence hands me the piece he had gone through the trash to get. He still had it from a year earlier. Needless to say, I dont think any other shop would have gone through that amount of trouble or effort for a broken piece of a part. I would hands down recommend Ootmar for any job, and I have already had 2 calls from my friends thanking me for sending them to Al at Ootmar. Keep up the good work!!! Bryce

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A Private User

I have been entrusting my vehicles to Ootmars for about 20 years, starting with my vintage Mustang. They have always been quick to find out the problem and return my car back to me ship-shape. Not only do they do excellent reliable work for the price quoted within the time quoted (and that’s already outstanding these days) but also make sure to let me know if something else needs attention soon. They are proactive in preventing future problems that could leave a person stuck on a highway. They look out for my safety. I’ve often found a ‘bonus’ fix up or two – a little extra gift that says to me these people are proud of the job they do, enjoy turning out a properly working vehicle and take my safety and client satisfaction seriously. Please don’t even THINK of ever retiring, Al – unless you can be cloned!

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