Rainbow Auto Service [ www.rainbowautoservice.com ] (Bellingham, WA) Mechanic(s): Larry, Beau McGregor
2729 Jensen Road , Bellingham, WA 98226 (360) 734-6117
Features and Specialties: Volvo

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Survey results:

They are always honest
They are competent
The repair price is always reasonable
They fix the problem the first time
They complete the work in a timely manner
They respond well when they screw something up
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood
The hours of operation are convenient for customers
They treat male and female customers in the same manner
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed)

Reviewers Comments:

Larry is a Volvo genius, specializing in older Volvos. He knows these things inside and out, and he'll explain things to you in as much detail as your interested in. He's real good at prioritizing the cars needs and working within a budget. And he believes in preventive maintanance, dealing with things before they become major problems. If you have an older Volvo and live anywhere in Whatcom county, you need to know Larry.

As a shade tree mechanic I really appreciate Larry honesty and willingness to talk about a problem in depth. His prices are what it would cost me if I did it myself and paid myself half of what my employer pays me.

By putting "rainbow" in front of his working class name, this guy can rip-off the local hippy-dippy and liberal intelligentsia population with impunity. I am a shade tree mechanic, and I know for a fact that his customers are lambs to the slaughter. I know I am not supposed to bad-mouth mechanics here, but the truth must be told, and I thought you guys might find this phenomena interesting.

Beau's one of those mechanics who you always wonder why he's a...well, mechanic. He's competent, intelligent, and witty, and anything he doesn't immediately know, he will endeavor to learn and use. The rest of the mechanics at Rainbow are also worthy of mention for their skill. Rainbow handles Volvos of any vintage or type, which are very popular here in the Northwest, and can get nearly any part. They also have an extensive parts-yard.

I have owned four volvos over the years. My new one is 13 years old with 171,000 miles. Larry has helped keep all of them alive and well.

I found Larry to be very helpful over the phone. He assisted me evaluating the most cost effective repair and even some options not involving his business.

Decades of good experiences with Larry. Their address is 2729 Jensen Rd., 98226. Phone: (360)734-6117

I would recommend Larry to anyone. He even came to my house to fix my car when I couldn't get it running! What more can I ask for? I hate dealing with car repairs, but I (heart) knowing that Rainbow Larry is there to fix my old Volvo.

Howdy. Thought I'd add a few comments. I haven't had many dealings with Larry, but when I did, I found them worthwhile and memorable. Larry is a "character", and works only four days a week. His answering-machine messages alone are worth listening to. Other Volvo owners that I know, who've dealt with Larry a lot, all think very highly of him. His shop is in the rural area, and has plenty of "parts cars" on site. His style may not appeal to the upscale, conventional, or regressive mentalities, though. "Regular folks" love 'em. I just pulled this information off of Larry's website, "rainbowautoservice.com" (which has a link to these comments). Who are the Rainbow guys? Larry, David, and Brian have nearly 40 years combined experience. We have pioneered fixes for many problems unique to Volvos. We answer your Volvo questions and offer solutions to problems. So visit us, and speak with our friendly, knowledgeable team of technicians. Larry Watson the owner and facilitator has worked on cars since ?'74. He aims to balance your car needs with your car dollars. Larry found his first Volvo in 1975 and has had one or more ever since. He has been driving the same car for 15 years, an 82 black 244GL beauty with over 311,000 miles and counting. Larry is ASC certified in 9 areas, including Advanced L1 Engine Performance. He can fix cars by phone, and believes an informed driver travels farther and more safely. David Johnston the #1 Under Car Technician graduated from the Bellingham Technical College Automotive program. Single (no kids) with one dog, he's driven the same car for 15 years (Sorry, it?'s a Fiat Spyder not a Volvo). Dave has been at Rainbow since the summer of 2001. A heavy metal and Kiss fan that is frequently heard saying, ?gotta get her done, Dave ?rocks the under car world. Brian Lunde the Drivability and Electronic Technician since 1999. He is ASE Certified in all 9 areas, including Advanced L1 Engine Performance and air conditioning. He graduated at the top of his class in Bellingham Technical College's Auto Program. He found his calling with us tracking down errant circuits and smoothing out motors. He drives a rare black ?'85 242 Volvo Turbo intercooled 2 door that turns heads as a ?"stealth night rider" and he?'s also a bit of a ?"biker" with 2 scooters in his fleet.

I had the misfortune of having a teenager turn head on into me resulting in a "totalled car". With Larrys helpful advice and mega parts cars, I was able to repair my car completely for less than 1/3 of the insurance settlement i received. If you have a Volvo and haven't been there.. GO

Larry and crew have been a real treat to work with on son's 81 Volvo 245 with 250,000+ miles, and daughters 87 Volvo 244 with 100,000+ miles. They keep both in 'tip top' shape. It's cost me $ but what doesn't? If you have a Volvo and live within 50 miles of these guys then drop everything and visit. The 'back 40' full of Volvos is like visiting a museum and is worth the trip alone. Al Zimmerman, Bellingham, Washington.

My coffee problem started my regular (today it was a mason jar full of water spill) trips to see the guys. I always feel like my car and I are in good hands.

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