Chris’s German Auto Service

Chris’s German just moved to a bigger, nicer facility that is convenient to get to. We have four Porsches and take them all to Chris’s for service as they work on all kinds of Porsches, from 911’s to Cayennes and everything in between. The technicians are extremely experienced and knowledgeable and Chris’s team goes above and beyond to source parts at a discount and pass those savings on to the customer. You can always depend on Chris’s to tell you exactly what your car needs and when it needs it. You can’t find a nicer bunch of guys to work with and we would never take our Porsches anywhere else!

Often, in life, there are moments when 1 singular act, can trigger such chaos, that it literally requires the idea that «It takes a Village to raise a child.» When that child is in the form of a vehicle, and not only misused by one OTHER than it’s loving owner, but returned to it’s rightful place in such poor condition that most advise to simply «Write it Off», it is the hope that we as a community, still believe in «Soul Repair». Enter «John» A Man I met over the phone. A voice of such positive nature that you simply could not help but be hopeful. Enter the scenario, it is a vehicle in need of an «Artisan’s» hands, and the mind of one with compassion.
After relaying what was needed, what the owner had been through, and where this all began, «John» simply stated…“Let’s get her back to where she needs to be.” At that point, I began to realize that «John» was not simply referring to the vehicle, but also to the heart and mind of the owner of said vehicle. Not only did «John» facilitate the shipment of the non running vehicle to Chris’s German Auto, He also kept in touch with me during every step of the process. If they had completed something, «John» let me know. If the vehicle needed something they could not do, «John» made a call, and opened the doorway for myself to pass through, thus clearing the «Red Tape» of being a typical «Walk In, Have to Tell the Story Again All Over» client.
After all was said and done, Mr. John Robison, «Service Writer» of Chris’s German Auto, gave life back to what was considered a lost cause. You see, this vehicle is not mine, I am writing about my Boss and her Porsche 911 Turbo. And the team at «Chris’s German Auto» worked tirelessly, almost with a «Davinci’esque» nature. Consumed and emblazoned with determination, accepting no LESS than Excellence, and providing a welcome return to an Owner that has «Been Through It.» But Her story is for another day.
On this day, I thank John Robison «Service Writer» and Hero Of Communications, Hunter McDonald «Technician» and Mechanical Genius, and most importantly, the one I have yet to mention. The person with which none of this healing would be possible, had this Man decided to be a Chemist in a Lab, due to his formal education. I humbly and gratefully thank Mr. Chris Powell, «Owner /​Technician and Member of PCA National Technical Committee All 911, 1974−1994″ For it is one thing to be an „Owner“ of any given establishment, it is ENTIRELY different, to be able to spot the talent in another, and delegate that individual into an organic algorithm that can create a „WELL OILED TEAM.“ Although I only met the 3, my compliments and thanks to the WHOLE of „Chris’s German Auto“ for their hard work, dedication to their craft, and their kindness to someone in whom I find a Mentor, a Friend, and my Boss. You see, I could have brought in ANY type of vehicle, and they would have still kept to the same code of „Service Before Self.“ And when she requires a break from assisting others, and feels the weight of the entire World on her shoulders, nothing makes me happier, than to see her be able to, as „John“ put it…“Just Go…» What someone else had so selfishly taken from her, «Chris’s German Auto» gave back to her, and then some.
Well done.
Respectfully,
Thomas S.

A week after we brought home our 2010 Boxster the shift lineage failed. I called my previous mechanic (a BMW specialist) for a recommendation. There was no hesitation at all! Chris’s was the only place he said he would take a Porsche on the Eastside. I called, made an appt and had the car towed over there. John worked on getting our after market insurance company to approve the repair and the next day we drove out baby home.
This is a class outfit. I feel very fortunate to have found these guys.

I first started using Chris German when I needed a second opinion on a repair. First shop told me ‘$ 10k and an engine rebuild’. Second opinion from CG was, let’s repair the leaks, plus they spotted an additional problem, sourced the part, and installed it all for the original budgeted amount. Car runs great, lots of power, doesn’t burn oil, and didn’t need a rebuild. Not yet!
I drive an older 993, and it’s great to work with a shop that understands the car, and can work with me to do the right repairs, at a reasonable cost.

These guys routinely save me thousands of dollars over what a Porsche dealership would charge for similar services. By «routinely» I mean like almost every time I go there. Example: the service advisor at P. Bellevue said I needed about $ 3200 of work on a Cayman S. Chris and his crew patiently explained why none of this work was needed, except for replacement of a broken bolt for a grand total of $ 70.00. They may not have a luxe waiting room with free coffee, TV and pastries, but it is far more entertaining to shoot the breeze with JR who has a wealth of knowledge about sport driving, racing, and the local sports car scene. Oh, and they saved me from making two very expensive mistakes when deciding whether to buy used Porsches.

very over-​priced for simple service. Tire pressure set incorrectly. Doesn’t really engage customers. Maybe they are very knowledgable to deal with old porsches, but it’s still doens’t justify the price and the experience.
Wouldn’t recommend.

These people are like family. The first time I went in was to talk to them about buying a 996 and I was looking for advice. It was a Friday afternoon and I sat down with John (service manager) for a good 30 minutes chatting about cars. Some of the mechanics popped in as well and joined the conversation.
Next time I went in was to inquire about pre-​purchase inspections since I had located a 996 that I was potentially interested in. Again, we chatted for a while and based on our conversation, I decided to revise my search parameters.
Fast forward to last month and I found a «too good to be true» 996 in the Bay Area. I printed out the info and asked John (and Chris who was there) to talk me out of buying that car. They gave me some pointers and then I did something nuts and decided to buy a different one in Palm Springs. While I’m getting a local PPI done in Palm Springs, I phone up Chris’ and spoke with John and explained what I was doing — I’d done my due diligence on the car based on their coaching as well as what I’d learned myself by reading the various forums and generally trying to be an educated buyer. John took the time to go through a few items that he thought that I should check despite the clean service history. As I result of his advice, I had an uneventful 1400 mile drive back to Bellevue.
Naturally, I popped in the day after I got back to get them to take a look at my purchase and to a «post purchase inspection.» Chris was able to do that on the spot (no guarantee that he’d be able to do the same if you drop in.) and did a thorough diagnostics check and drive test. He then reviewed the service history and like a medical specialist gave me some recommendations, one of which was to go and see Tru-​Line to check the alignment.
I had identified a smell of gas and by process of elimination narrowed it down to the fuel sender area under the battery. I emailed Chris the picture and showed up the next day because he thought it might be a quick fix. Long story short is that it wasn’t and is going to be a complex procedure of removing and replacing the fuel line. But the bottom line is that they’re open, honest and straightforward. I don’t feel like I’m being taken for a ride and I feel that they want to do the job properly. Case in point with this fuel line issue: it is not a common repair. They’ve never done one on a 996. Nor has Barrier (the local dealer), so they’re going to make sure that they take the time to learn how to do it, which will help other customers in the future.
These are car guys and great people. You’ll be happy with the way that you’re treated and the service that they provide.

If you have a Porsche and it’s not under warranty Chris and his crew are the only people you want touching it.
From day one I felt like family. JR in the front office is always up for a chat about anything automotive and Chris and the techs are always keen to show you the cool stuff they’re working on.
My father took his Porsche to a good shop in Seattle and even they ended up having to call Chris to get the parts and advice they needed for his repair.
This is one of those rare places where you feel like part of the team working on your car.
Such a great business.

Jason, John, Kyle… Everyone at Chris’s is great. They’re the shop for my 911!

Chris’s is the place to go with your classic Porsche, or even new one.
We have 4 Porsches ranging from 1973 to 2008 and they take care of everything. No job too complicated. Had an emergency this week with my daily driver 911 and it was in and out in two days even though there were maybe 20+ cars in the lot and bays. i highly recommend them.

Cleared

without a doubt the best team of technicians and service specialists for your Porsche. Leading the way in m96 Water cooled car service and repair with a major in air-​cooled tuning, service and restoration.
I have had my car worked on and referred many people. I always come away feeling like I was treated fairly, my car received the best service and I know I will be back when and if needed. I also found that after several trips they treat you like family, remembering your name, car and what was done last time… making suggestions and offering to go above and beyond the call of duty. I have even stopped in and had minor things fixed right on the spot with a «don’t worry about it» repair bill… what more could an enthusiast want — My 86 3.2 with 170k miles is under their care as was my previous 99′ 996 C2 with over 125k miles. Water cooled experts and LNE trained in the newest repairs for keeping them going.
Lastly, if you need something else, they offer referrals to other great places and I have found their referrals to be excellent too !! Great place for a PPI too !