Mathewson’s Automotive

We had issues with out Chevy Avalanche over the past year where the truck would randomly power down and go in to an energy saving mode — which is quite scary driving the truck at high speeds on a highway then randomly it shifts down much slower.
After doing a lot of research online about the issue and getting a diagnostics test at Midas, we were referred to come to Mathewson’s for the electric work. As it turned out, we needed the throttle body replaced. The guys at Mathewson were very knowledgeable about a recall for the throttle body switch, in turn we needed to replace the entire throttle body which is a up to date part. Anyhow, yes a more expensive part but it has fixed the electrical problem. We have not had any issues since. They were easy to get an appointment with our work schedule and in a timely manner where we did not need to leave our vehicle over night.
The only issue was a little mis-​communication when we went to pay the bill. We were quoted one amount and then were charged for an oil change we never asked to have. The guys were super nice about the mishap and offered to take it off of the charged amount on our credit card, or give us a free oil change later. They happily took the amount off of the charge for the oil change. We definitely plan on getting future oil changes with them for one, it was a better price then Jiffy Lube and two, they seem trustworthy and knowledgeable.
After our visit back in May, I believe Mathewson’s definitely gets 5 stars for the service done on our vehicle. We would recommend this place to anyone who wants honest and reliable work done.

Josh and the team at Mathewson’s are always accommodating, thorough and professional, and my most recent visit was no different. I wouldn’t trust my old classic with anyone else.

I do not know what people are complaining about. I have used this shop off and on for 30 years and never have had any difficulties. I treat them as any other professional, ask what is wrong, not tell them. They ALWAYS call to say what they found and what it will cost to fix. They always call to inform me about when my vehicle will be ready. They always suggest what should be done while they are in the area, saving me money in the long run. Only once have they ever had to re-​do anything AND then it was done without charge or long discussion. They are not cheap — you get what you pay for. No wonder AAA rates them highly.

I have taken both my car and my husband’s car to Matthewson’s four times now. I have also recommended their service to friends; however, after today I will never recommend them again. Being a loyal customer, I thought I would be getting exceptional treatment and honest service. This is not the case. I took my car in for a brake check and Matthewson’s said my car needed rotors, calipers and brakes replaced on the front of my Geo Prism (1997). Their quote was astronomical compared to the real prices of parts for my vehicle. I called Autozone and found parts for 3x less than what was given to me there. I chose to get a second opinion, paid for the brake inspection (which most places don’t charge for, but they do), and left. Welp, driving out of the lot my car is making a weird noise that it had never made before and sounds awful! I am even nervous to drive it 1 mile down the road to my house!
I called Thomas Auto Rebuild and asked if they knew a good place and they recommended Tony’s Auto Care on Logan in Renton. I told Tony’s about the noise I was hearing and how bad it sounded, also that he should hear it even when he pulls my car into the shop. He calls to tell me the noise I am hearing is the back drums of my car are rotting and need replaced. Matthewson’s failed to tell me this. The write up said 4×4 service may be necessary but never verbally told me about the drums rotting. The sound was not present when I dropped off the car and was present when I picked it up. They must have heard it too! Failure to tell a customer this is beyond liability to me. I provide services to people everyday as an Exercise Physiologist and I have a duty to care, what happened to their duty to care also? My life is in as much their hands as it is mine when I get behind the wheel. Not telling about the rotting drums is negligence and could result in my brakes failing. So, If I were you I would not take my car there. The price I got at Tony’s was 200+ less than Matthewson’s and the reliability of honesty!

Mathewson’s is a shining star when it comes to honesty, service and communication.
My Dad recommended that I take my 1998 VW Jetta to Mathewson’s when I was having issues starting it. My folks have taken their car to Mathewson’s a few times and have had ONLY great things to say about them (coming from my Dad, that means a LOT!!) I thought maybe the ignition coil was out, maybe the fuel pump, but I called Mathewson’s to schedule an appointment and was given a quote for the 1^st hour of diagnosis, and that they would call me with details of what they find. I was also advised to drop my car off at the night key drop (which was very easy and convenient), with an explanation of the problem. That next morning, they called me to let me know that it wasn’t the fuel pump or the coil, but that they wanted to try a new distributor cap, plugs, and a fuel filter to see if that fixes it. They kept it overnight to try and re-​create the problem, and their suggestions resolved the issue, Potentially saving me tons of $$!
Even though I suggested to them that it may be the fuel pump or ignition coil, they were *honest* with me and let me know that it wasn’t that, and that I should try this less expensive fix first. Upon picking up my car, the personnel explained to me in detail what they replaced, and why.
I ended up spending a lot less than I thought I would have to spend, and because of their honesty and reliability, I will be bringing my car back to them with any service needs.

I’ve been taking my car to Mathewson’s Auto for routine service for over two years. These guys have consistently been honest and fair with me. They do what they say they will, and they get it done on time at the price quoted. I highly recommend Mathewson’s for quality car repair that you can trust.