Barrett Automotive

The owner and receptionist are about as rude as they can possibly be. I live in the building nearby so thought it might be convenient, but I will go elsewhere. While I was waiting for an estimate, I overheard a client who was arguing with them because of some of the work they had done without him approving it. Of course they were trying to charge him a lot of extra money and from the sound of it were also trying to charge him grossly more than he was quoted. The repairman was being very rude, wouldn’t apologize to the customer or even admit fault in the situation, and just kept claiming he had told the man about the repairs but hadn’t written them in on the original forms. I got tired of hearing the argument and was in the process of debating whether or not to go elsewhere when I decided to step outside for a moment to wait, mainly to avoid hearing anymore of the argument. While outside, I overheard the receptionist yelling at someone who was smoking in the alley (which belongs to no one) claiming that smoke was getting in her office. I was in there; it didn’t smell of smoke. I decided then that I didn’t want to give them my business. They just came across as very rude and disrespectful of others; I don’t like to do business with people who are dishonest and clearly don’t respect others.

Staff are nice, but the management stinks. I and many of my neighbors used to go to this shop, but none of us no longer do, for a variety of reasons. That tells something. Dunno if the owners have paid more to have the more negative reviews drift to bottom of pile here on Unilocal,but I would advise that researchers read ALL reviews before deciding whether to patronize this place.

I dropped off my car with a flat tire yesterday morning. They called an hour later to say it was fixed … at no charge! I had driven over a staple, apparently, and they patched it up. My husband and I are new to Portland, and this is the second time we’ve taken our car to Barrett. Both times, they were really professional and quick. So glad we stumbled upon them!

These guys saved my band’s tour, plain and simple.
Hours away from home, our van started to give up the ghost on the highway, losing power going uphill, and barely sputtering its way into a friend’s driveway in Portland as an emergency overnight stop. We looked up Unilocal reviews for local mechanics, and Barrett was at the top of the list, so we brought it to them first thing in the AM.
Barrett went so far above and beyond the call of duty that I’m inclined to buy a beater car, abuse it some more, and bring it down to them just so I can experience their amazingly great repair service all over again. Just a really, really impressive, 100% pro shop.
Thanks again, guys — we appreciate it a ton!
–Bone Cave Ballet

I just took my car here for the first time and was very pleased with the service! Everyone was friendly, helpful, and listened to me despite my impressive lack of knowledge when it comes to cars.
What I was most pleased with however, and the reason I thought it important to write this review, was that I didn’t feel like they were trying to scam me or make unnecessary repairs. Choosing a new shop to take your car to is risky (although the process is much improved thanks to this site) and worrisome for someone like me who knows absolutely nothing about the engine in my vehicle. I brought my car in because sometimes it would make a strange «clunking» sound although running just fine. After the guys at Barrett looked at it they called to tell me they couldn’t find anything wrong and had replaced one part that could have been the culprit for a mere $ 60. They could have just as easily made up some bullsh&* about replacing parts and charging me an arm and a leg. But they didn’t! So good on you, Barrett for being honest. While I hope my car never breaks down, I’ll be back when it does!

We took our older car in last year after having terrible experiences with 3 other mechanic shops. These guys were so nice and personable. They told us what REALLY needed to be fixed and what could be put off until a bit later. I would recommend this shop any day as they are well priced and quick!

My company has been taking our vehicles to Barrett’s for years. I started to go there after I learned of them from my boss. They are always courteous and fair.
Bill and crew have always gone out of their way to make each experience a pleasant one. My Brother in law recently had them put a new engine in his Durango. It’s been running like a swiss watch ever since.
I can’t say enough good things about Barrett. Try them yourself, you’ll find yourself an honest mechanic — something that is hard to find in 2011.

Imagine it’s 1953. You’re brother-​in-​law has an automotive shop and he and his Dad run the shop and drink soda pop. They listen to Chubby Checker and say «golly gee» all the time. I’m not related to anyone at Barrett but there is no way these guys would rip you off, over charge you, or make you feel like a tool.
I went here initially because it’s near where I work. But I am so lucky they are nearby because their service and attitude and friendly demeanor is a rare commodity in 2011. These guys are maybe are the nicest people in Mayberry… I mean Portland.

I have taken my car here for 9 years– always had polite service– never been yelled at by anyone–
Always gotten an estimate first–
Seems odd when there are «zero» star reviews and 5 star reviews???
Work is done on time.
yep– I am a fan.

Where is the 0 star buttons? I can’t even begin to tell all the problems I have had with Barrett. The work done on my car was completely botched (putting my family and me at major risk) and it all had to be redone by someone who knew what they were doing. But that was the easy part. Getting the owner to return my calls (over 5 weeks) and having an intelligent conversation with him was next to impossible. He was incredibly rude and condescending (He actually said, «What part of ‘what do you want’ don’t you understand?») and never let me finish a sentence. And all of t his was after I had to keep bringing the car in (about 7 times). I would NEVER recommend this auto shop to anyone. I do believe that the reason for the different reviews is that if they do happen to know how to work on the car you bring in and you only have to deal with Chris, who does most of the work, it can be a very pleasant place. BUT if you have something more difficult that needs to be done or a car they are not familiar with or have to deal with the owner then you are really in for an unpleasant ride.
I do have to say that the owner refunded me some of my money because they did such a bad job on my car, but I certainly would never go back.

I have always loved my neighborhood, but I swear to baby jesus that my neighborhood is made all the better by the good folks at Barrett Automotive.
Do you ever just want to take your car to a mechanic you can completely trust? Who won’t try to sell you repairs you don’t need? Who will fix your car on time? Who will offer a wide variety of services regardless of the make/​model of your car? I get all this and more, and like my Unilocal friend Bob S., I can walk there. I love these guys, and even when I move out of the neighborhood one day (my new neighbors are crazy) I will still bring my car here. Nuff said.

Super reliable, fair, and honest. What more do you want? I love that I can walk to the place.