1st Choice Auto Service

Been a loyal customer (when living in Oregon) since 2007 for good reason. John runs an auto shop the way you would wish all shops were run. He’s honest, his people do good work, and he is very fair to the customer. As long as he runs 1^st Choice, I will always take our cars there.

I came in ⁸⁄₂₇ around 4:55 to have the driver’s side windshield wiper arm looked at because it stopped working. There were 4 or so Tech’s in the garage, and Josh was inside. There was one customer. ONE. I explained: the arm worked, but was out of sync, would catch on the other, then stop working. I asked to have someone look at the arm, I thought it was just a nut or screw that needed tightened or was stripped.
I apologized for not having an appointment, but stated I thought it’d be a quick fix. Josh gave me a big sigh and said, «boy, the guys out there are really busy right now». When I pulled in, there were cars up in the bays (not all), I could see a couple working, but there were a few others not under a car and not looking «really busy». Again, I realize I did not have an appointment, but I didn’t believe this was something that would take more than 5 minutes. Josh said he’d talk to a tech real quick and left.
I reiterate, I wanted a tech to LOOK at the arm of my wiper. Josh came back and relayed to me the tech said it was the assembly, and the entire assembly would have to be replaced. I said I really didn’t think that was the issue, the other arm worked fine, the problem wiper was working, but being slower than the other it gets caught and stops. I just wanted someone to look at it. Josh again explained to me, in case I didn’t get it the first time, the tech said the assembly’s are separate from one another and the one arm could work while the other didn’t. I asked how much that would cost for my 2002 Hyundai Sonata. Josh said it looked like it would be a tough part to obtain. He then found it, and relayed the cost of the part not including labor was $ 270. I thanked Josh for his time and said «I’ll take my chances».
I drove down the road a mile or so and went to a mechanic recommended by a friend if I ever needed one. By now it’s after 5:00. The owner of the shop, not one of his 3 mechanics but the owner– after I explained to him what was going on-​had me run the wipers. I didn’t even need to open the hood. He had me run them a second time, said the screw was turning, went and got a wrench, came back, tightened the nut, had me turn them on once more, and they worked-​both arms. He then loosened the nut, adjusted the arm to lay in the same line with the other, re-​tightened the nut and wouldn’t allow me to give him a dime.
I think part of the shuffle at 1^st Choice was because I didn’t have an appointment. I think another part-I’m a woman. What could I possibly know? Surely, although I had examined the assembly myself-​something not done at 1^st Choice-​I couldn’t possibly know what I’m talking about. It takes a special gift to be able to diagnose a problem without even LOOKING at the problem. What I know with certainty is — 1^st Choice will be my last choice and if anyone I know ever talks about needed car repairs, I know exactly where to tell them NOT to go. I also made sure to share my experience with friends who don’t need a mechanic, so they too will be able to not recommend 1^st Choice.

These guys are always honest and affordable. Never been disappointed with their service.

Couldn’t ask for better service! After looking around to find a new mechanic, I sought the help of Unilocal and it’s reviews. I am very happy to say that the research paid off and I found 1^st choice auto. The customer service was everything I could ask for from the inquiring phone calls to the final transaction. I am glad to say that I no longer have to look for car help, and would recommend 1^st Choice Auto to anyone in need.

Terrible place! Take your car anywhere else! Horrible horrible service!!! They forget to put your car back together properly when finished and even forget to put back certain parts to your car that you then later have to pay for. Very sad. Save yourself the pain and suffering. Go anywhere else!

))))) THIS REVIEW IS A MUST READ ((((((
DO NOT EVER GO HERE! YOU WILL WANT TO READ WHY TRUST ME…
First of all I had a tune up done on my car which was supposed to be $ 200 and then magically during the tune up they discovered something was leaking (car was just with my previous mechanic and nothing has ever leaked… had to stop going to him because he was too far so I took a chance on First Choice Auto… Huge Mistake I found out) and wanted another $ 200. So I trusted their word and yes I paid them $ 400 for all new wires and all new other stuff that my car didn’t even need and mind you the tune up took almost 7 hours. They have never taken this long ever!
Then I had to have my car towed 2 weeks later because the brakes weren’t working and when I got there it took them 4 hours I got there at 9:15 am and they didn’t let me go till noon (Wonder what they were doing when no one else was there but me) all to tell me they think its my transmission. My car is only 8 years old with more than normal maintenance being dont to it no way in hell would it need a new tranny this early. And they flushed the tranny without my permission mind you and added new fluid. They told me if it runs ok between 2 days to pay them $ 100 for the fluid they added without even asking me. Who does that right?
Then my car starts to smell weird that same night and I pop the hood to find the pcv hose disconnected which is the air for my brakes and that’s why they weren’t working properly and the air intake wasn’t even screwed on tightly. So you guys had my car for 4 hours, couldn’t figure out what was wrong, tried to fix the wrong thing, and forgot to hook up the little necessities? Wow
When I called them to explain John (I’m assuming the owner) acted like everything disconnected wasn’t his doing and acted oblivious. Mind you between the expensive tune up and having my car towed to them… they were the last ones to pop the hood and work on my car so thats a straight up lie and completley inexcusable. And their professionalism is terrible. They will tell you they are on a test drive when really they are on lunch and tell you just 15 more minutes but then an hour will go by and they just get more attitude the more you ask how much longer when the time they told you is inaccurate anyway. They even left one of their dirty rags in my car which reeked of oil.
This place by far has given me one of the worst experiences of my life and not only will I never ever recommend them to anyone I know… I will go out of my way to let everyone this is the worst auto repair shop in Oregon!
And «First Choice Auto» do not reply to my review and try to make excuses and try to make me look like I’m a disgruntled customer in anyway when you guys were totally in the wrong this whole time with everything. Here’s a tip… when a girl comes to you and looks like shes 17… don’t ever assume she can be taken advantage of because she could actually be 30 and a big business owner with lots of lawyers! I hope you guys get your act together and never pull this with anyone else ever again.

John and his crew are legit. I was recommended this place by my brother and when I’ve shopped around for quotes on different vehicle repairs, the folks at 1^st Choice always seem to have reasonable pricing.
I’ve had routine oil changes there, they frequently run a deal — maybe 19.95 or so, I know some places you can get one for 9.95, right? I have good trust here.
I’ve had large and medium jobs performed here on my 14 year old Acura. He doesn’t try and talk you into other repairs, but gives advice and will let you take your time.
This last job was a headlight assembly replacement. It wasn’t cheap, they beat the price w/​labor and an added oil change for what I could’ve bought the part for alone at an auto parts house.
They even gave me a lift home –when I needed to leave my car for the day.
Lobby is nice — big spread out area, TV, plenty of magazines, kids play area, and coffee and clean bathrooms.

Everyone in my family takes their cars here. Totally honest and has never tried to sell me on not needed repairs. Really fair prices and great to work with. I never 2^nd guess that I’ve been over charged. John and Brandon are great!

I brought my highly modified 2ZZ-​GE Toyota MR2 Spyder in for aftermarket bracing installation and an oil change. They were not fazed by my unique car at all. Brandon was excellent both on the phone and in person. They took care of me on a Saturday — same day I called in. They had the whole job completed in an hour and a half, and charged me 50% less than I was quoted elsewhere.
Could not be happier with the quality of service I received.

My fiancé came in Friday to get our brakes done on our 07 Toyota Camry. It was $ 115 cheaper than the dealership. She called the on Friday day to get a quote for front brake service amounting to $ 175, and was able to schedule and get it done the same day. (F*** yeah). They did not try to up-​sell anything, or make her feel dumb. (Thanks guys)
After driving for a couple of miles after the service, the brakes started to make a high pitched squeaking noise, everyone turned our way (STOP looking at me people *shame*). Also the it started to make a low squeaking noise even without pressing the brakes (holy s***). Went back the next morning, Brandon got the keys and went to work. Another tech came out and says they need to resurface the rotors, takes about 45 min. I didn’t ask if it was done already, since the receipt stated it was. I guess it was done poorly the first time? Anyways, they resurfaced it and its quiet as a mouse now. Brandon apologized and gave me a 15% discount off any service in the future.
That was my experience for one service. It wasn’t spectacular, but they’re close-​by and the price was more than reasonable. The service is great, they kept me updated and what they were going to do. The waiting room has cable and magazines. So, if you don’t want to leave, you can stay. Sure, I’d come back. I’ve had a bad experience with Brake Team (shop across the street now called Brakeforce), so I’d figure I’d try it out here.
I’ll update if I have any further issues with my brakes though, for anyone interested in a brake service done by 1^st Choice Auto. So far, its good. I’ll be back for maintenance on my 100,000 mi Camry.
Update: Took the brakes back, it was resurfaced badly. John warrantied the brakes and rotors (free), while I also did a auto-​transmission flush and new belts. I’m a fan!
Update 4÷5÷2014: I was trying to fix my battery, and the brace to hold the battery came off. Went down and Brandon provided a quick fix for FREE.
Updated 7÷11÷2014: Been to busy to update, but after a few weeks of getting the past service done, our brakes were back at squeaking. Will not go back for a fourth visit to figure it out because I just don’t have the time. The owner says to stop by, although I just simply can’t keep coming in for a sound that has to be there when I can’t force it to happen.

Terrible service. Had to return for the same problem to be fixed correctly. Never take your car here!

My brother called John and made an appointment for my mothers vehicle to be serviced. The day of the appointment I arrived early to drop off the vehicle. The appointment was nowhere to be found and I was informed they MAY be able to squeeze me in.
Aaron at the front desk informed me that it was normal for John to NOT enter appointments and customer concerns into their reservation system.
The NO BIG Deal attitude at this service center is inexcusable. John carelessly did not do his job and inconvenienced myself, my brother, my mother and my co-​worker who followed me there to then take me to work.
Unbelievable. Even after the error, there was no attempt to fix the problem. They really did not care.
Tigard location Ba Humbug!!!

We moved to Portland in a car that should have died years ago. However, with the quality service and professional (not to mention honest) staff, we have been able to continue driving. I can’t speak high enough about the owner of 1^st Choice Auto Service, he has truly helped my husband and I on multiple occasions. He even drove our car down to get it passed for the DEQ himself.
Overall, we’ve been using this shop for everything from regular maintenance to larger, more costly services. We are grateful for this shop!

I can’t emphasize it enough. If you’re having car problems, you wont find a better mechanic. Super honest service and Repairs are done right and at a fair price. I had the computer reading of everything that was wrong with my car and the gentleman that helped me showed me what should be done asap and what could wait. They answered my questions and made sure I understood everything. I’ve recommeded this place to family and friends and they were all super happy with their experience here.

Needed a timing belt for the trusty Toyota. Drove in without an appointment and they said I could have it back that afternoon for $ 700. The did the job and it came in at $ 640.
I took the truck back for a funny smell, and they were really cool about it. Turns out that one of the fan belts was just breaking in. The jumped right on it and told me that if there was trouble, they’d stand behind it. It’s running just great.
Good, quick job that came in under the estimate. Thanks!