German Formula Auto Repair

Nov 30, 2024

Great group of people working here. Love the service, and way they don’t assume I’m ignorant of cars, just because I’m a woman. Keep up the great work!!

Nov 07, 2024

I've had more than my fair share of terrible work done here. More expensive than the dealer and they don't stand behind their work whatsoever as many others have mentioned. Here they replaced a bulb and when I was irritated they weren't the same color they told me to kick rock's. I wasn't informed beforehand, John charged my credit card gave me the receipt and as an afterthought told me oh by the way, the lights are different colors. EDIT: March 31st, 2021 I see German Formula put all their attributes in sarcasm and none in empathy. Yes, one year and $500 later a light bulb still functions, quite an accolade for a mechanic. I'm not arguing the way a xenon bulb functions, although, I did not know at the time of the repair. The point being, for a shop that works almost exclusively on higher-end Mercedes, Porsche, and Audi's, you'd assume, although incorrectly, that they would understand people that own these vehicles may care about the aesthetic to some extent. It's great you recommend people change both, although, at no point during our interaction was that suggested. Let's be crystal clear, it was actually myself that advised you to inform people to do this moving forward to avoid the situation in the future. The reason I explained to John, their service manager, that I was upset was simply because I no longer had the option to re-evaluate the repair. Had I known this going into the repair, I would have consider the $1,000 it would cost for two light bulbs and woud;ve looked into upgrading the lamps entirely to something brighter. I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and came back several months later for another repair as I wanted to support local business vs dealer. Round 2. Characteristic axle ticking sound, brought the car in, told the CV boot needs replaced. Got a quote. After extensive research online, everyone says change the axle, screw the boot. At 100k miles it's a matter of time for the axle. I ask for an axle quote. Was advised that it would be foolish for me to replace the axle. I'm also told "we do a million of these we are certain it's the boot." I pay for the boot. $600. Great. 5k miles later, the sound is back. I ask them to re-inspect the work I paid for after getting a second opinion from a different shop. The other shop said the axle is toast, German Formula need to check their work. I bring the car in and these clowns actually expected me to spend several hundred dollars in diagnosis fees to check work they completed that I already paid for. After some haggling they agree to do it gratis. Next day I get a call, "there's nothing wrong." I show up to the shop and spend 90 minutes or so driving these guys around in my car with their head sticking out the window so they can hear the loud ticking sound of my axle. All the while they are pretending they don't hear anything to get me out the door I'm sure. They throw it on the lift and spin the wheel by hand while asking me to turn the steering wheel back and forth, we waste another 30 minutes on this before the mechanic finally admits, yea the axle is toast. I ask them to warranty their work and meet me in the middle on the axle replacement. By this I mean, I paid $600 for a cv boot, it's another $1,200 - $1,400 for a full axle replacement 90% of this being part cost. I asked for this repair initially, was ill-advised, misled, what have you, and ask them to comp the labor. Are they in the red if they do this? Absolutely not, it's a break even. Admit you screwed up, settle this difference, let's move on. German Formula wasn't willing to stand behind their work or their word and because of this I cannot in good faith recommend their services to anyone. Moral of the story isn't that they are completely incapable of accurately diagnosing an issue as simple as an axle, but that when they make a mistake, they can't own it and won't make things right. It's really not hard to just be a good person and do the right thing simply to uphold your reputation. With so many shops in the area, why take the chance on these guys?

Sep 07, 2024

I decided to bring my car to German Formula Auto Repair when my car wouldn't start and I couldnt diagnose the problem myself with the limited knowledge I have. They were super kind and very understanding of my situation with the tow and also got me in within 3 business days. As someone who is often seen as feminine and therefore doesn't know about cars I felt very comfortable and listened to at this shop especially compared to other shops I've been through. 10/10 I will definitely be going there again if/when I need another fix up.

Aug 07, 2024

I recently had to buy a used Porsche Macan After my newer version was totaled. I found German Formula and I’ve had nothing but the best experience. They have been able to not only take care of any maintenance issues or questions that I’ve had, but even went so far as to drive out to my workplace when I couldn’t leave to handle a repair, When the car could not be driven. They went so far as to take the car back to the shop and also leave it on my driveway when it was done. They are very polite and very welcoming and I will see a return customer and send them referrals for anyone with a German auto. It’s fantastic to find a place so close to my home that is a local business.

Aug 07, 2024

Longterm customer. These folks really know their German cars. I've only had positive experiences with them and they have really improved my 95 EuroVan over the years.

Jul 07, 2024

Misdiagnosed a clearly apparent suspension issue. Charged me over $1000 to replace parts that did not fix the issue. Noise was still clearly apparent immediately upon leaving their location after the "repair". I doubt a proper diagnostic or test drive was done. Parts swappers,not competent German auto mechanics.

Jul 07, 2024

Nick did an awesome job brainstorming and diagnosing a couple issues on my Audi, as well as servicing my vehicle! Would highly recommend GF for your German vehicle needs!

Apr 07, 2024

Thes guys are super solid.

Jan 07, 2024

German formula has already earned their 5 stars with me and they haven't even performed the work yet, Liz has gone above and beyond and the owner "boss" to make my project happen. I have a very unique situation and they are making it happen! I want to personally thank Liz and the owner for accepting my unique situation! I have faith my Mercedes will be in good hands! We need more honest shops like this for German Automobiles. Don't hesitate to bring your German Automobile to German Formula.

Dec 07, 2023

$180 for an oil and filter change! even the dealer only charges $100. beware

Dec 07, 2023

*Bad Shop. *The reason why they DON'T give price quotes over the phone is because they're strategically ready to RIP YOU OFF !!! Beware!

Dec 07, 2023

Awesome shop! Needed a battery replaced in my Bmw. They got me in/out pretty quick. Great customer service!

Dec 07, 2023

BEWARE! "New Management". They will not diagnose and fix your car on the same visit, even if you can leave your car for a few days. They will charge $185 to diagnose and then book you for the repair 2-3 weeks later. Under previous ownership they operated like EVERY OTHER repair shop where a customer can expect to have a diagnosis and repair done at least within a few days without having to make a second trip. Note they probably know that most people wouldn't go for this so they don't tell you this is how it works up front. They just spring it on you when you arrive with your car for your "appointment".

Dec 07, 2023

Best Porsche repair facility in Portland

Dec 07, 2023

Brought my M340 in for an oil change and downpipe replacement, staff was friendly and knowledgeable and got my car done quickly.

Dec 07, 2023

Got my BMW serviced here for a oil change and had a few questions regarding my vehicle. Everyone was very helpful and friendly service!

Dec 07, 2023

Great service, friendly interface. They went above and beyond to research an obscure issue with my Mercedes suspension system and comped me another diagnostic when they couldn't ID the exact source the first time.

Dec 07, 2023

They said they changed the oil and filter in my 1984 VW Westfalia before a road trip I took. It turns out theycould not get the filter off, damaged it so that all the oil drained out on my trip, and nearly blew up my engine. Not only did they lie to me, they nearly destroyed my vehicle through their deceit. I would never use them for any vehicle of mine again.

Dec 07, 2023

This place has gone downhill. I can no longer recommend it. Their sole competent tech finally left, disgusted. Bring them your car at your peril - you have been warned.

Dec 07, 2023

i will spare you the details and tell all this is hands down the best shop in portland. real fair accommodating authentic transparent and expeditious. truly an amazing staff and shop :)

Dec 07, 2023

Good people. My battery died and these guys were nice enough to give me a jump.

Dec 07, 2023

Great staff, well knowledgeable, friendly atmosphere, great pricing. It's definitely a go-to spot for our company shuttle service. 5+ stars. Always

Dec 07, 2023

I Wanted to give acknowledgement to the team out at German Formula, We brought our vehicle in and Liz and her team were prompt and knowledgeable. We appreciated their suggestions without them sounding like salesman, but more informative. Its nice having reliable help available!

Dec 07, 2023

I had my 2015 Jetta TDI serviced at German Formula a few months back for a timing belt replacement. Everything went as expected, Liz and Gavin made the experience so smooth and simple, I would never go anywhere else after feeling so valued as a customer at German Formula. These guys know the ins and outs of Volkswagens and truly are the most honest shop in town.

Dec 07, 2023

My boyfriend had his vehicle serviced at German Formula a few weeks back and it was the smoothest experience we've had with a repair shop. Liz made us feel confident in our decision to invest the money into our car, unlike most experiences I've had where I felt like the mechanic was after my wallet, the team at Germsn Formula is here to make sure your vehicle runs as it should and that you're safe on the road. Gavin, Shane and Aaron truly care about the vehicles they service. Thanks again, guys!

Dec 07, 2023

Wow, the reviews here are full spectrum - amazing to trash. Since the shop is apparently under new ownership, I looked for recent reviews and tbh there were more one star reviews than I care to take on. Dealerships are ripoffs but independent shops seem to have a roller coaster of reviews.

Dec 07, 2022

Jonathan and Nick were great to work with. Very easy going guys. Communicated well, got the job done. Will go back!

Dec 07, 2022

I popped by as my check engine light came on. Reese came out with a reader of some kind and assessed an air leak. We set an appt for the (non emergency) repair and he reset the light. So far, so good.

Dec 07, 2022

This is the spot for Sprinter Van repair, they know them inside and out

Dec 07, 2022

This place is garbage. John the service manger is a con artist. Read his responses to the one star reviews. Dude is off his rocker. Writing is on the wall. Stay away.