Independent European Auto Repair - Richmond, BC
Independent European Auto Repair - Richmond, BC
Meet Ara
With over 44 years of experience, Ara has built his career specializing in European vehicles, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen.Ara began working in automotive repair at just 11 years old in his uncle’s shop, later joining Top Technique in Lebanon, where he serviced vehicles for government officials and other high-profile clients. He went on to work at a BMW and Alfa Romeo dealership before moving to Canada in 1991.After gaining extensive experience with respected European specialists in Vancouver, Ara purchased the business in 2013, continuing its tradition of honest, expert service under the name AVS Auto Repair.Known for his careful diagnostics and straightforward explanations, Ara believes customers deserve to understand what is being repaired — and why.If you visit the shop, you’ll often see Ara’s two Porsche 944s parked outside — a reflection of his lifelong passion for the cars he works on every day.
Independent European Auto Repair - Richmond, BC
What We Do
AVS Auto Repair Ltd. is an independent European and import auto repair shop in Richmond, BC. We specialize in Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen, and service select Japanese and Korean vehicles.With more than four decades of experience working on European cars, Ara focuses on the types of work where careful diagnostics and expert repair make the biggest difference.Services include:• Brake service and repair
• Diagnostic testing and check-engine light troubleshooting
• Engine performance and drivability issues
• Suspension and steering repair
• Cooling system and overheating problems
• Routine maintenance and serviceWhether your vehicle needs a specific repair or you’re trying to track down a problem that other shops haven’t solved, AVS Auto Repair takes a careful, methodical approach to diagnosing and fixing the issue properly.Not sure what the issue is? Bring it in — proper diagnosis is the first step to fixing it right.
Independent European Auto Repair - Richmond, BC
What We Don't Do
At AVS Auto Repair, Ara focuses on doing the work properly and providing clear, honest service. To keep the shop running efficiently, there are a few policies customers should be aware of.
No estimates over the phone
Modern vehicles require proper inspection and diagnostic testing. For that reason, estimates are only provided after Ara has had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle.
Guess or replacing parts unnecessarily
Some problems with a vehicle can have multiple causes. Ara takes the time to diagnose issues correctly before guessing or replacing parts at random.
We do not install customer-supplied parts
Using parts supplied by the shop helps ensure proper fit, quality and warranty coverage.
No loaner vehicles
Because we are a small independent shop, loaner cars are not available. Most repairs are completed as quickly as possible so you can get back on the road.
Payment at time of pickup
Payment is due when the vehicle is picked up.
If you have questions about your vehicle or a repair, Ara will always take the time to explain the issue and the best way to address it.
Independent European Auto Repair - Richmond, BC
Read What Our Clients Say About Us:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Astro! (January 2026)
11/10 service, brought my Audi in a while back after some friends recommended me, Ara took more care of my that any dealership. He diagnosed my car briefly at no charge and was able to give me recommendations on how I should be driving the vehicle till the problem was resolved. I ended up bringing it back when I was ready and the car hasn’t given me any trouble since. If your looking for experience and trustworthy help these are the guys!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Amrit Dutta (September 2025)
Just took my high end vehicle to AVS and it’s safe to say; if you have a new and expensive vehicle , AVS is the place to maintain and get it fixed. For those who care about their cars. You worry about what going to happen and how your car will be treated. I had a dashcam and a tracker on my vehicle when I dropped it off to AVS, worried it’ll be treated poorly like all the other car repair shops. AVS did the exact opposite, they only pulled the car in and out of the shop and went around the block for a test drive. Amazing experience at AVS, their treatment for customer cars is unmatched, not to mention their fair and reasonable price⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Action Z (July 2025)
Been taking my cars to Ara for over 2 decades pre- Google review era. He is honest, extremely knowledgeable, and very reasonably priced. Aside from repairs and maintenance on my Mercedes and Lexus, he worked his magic and got my straight piped catless 1978 Datsun past aircare every year when aircare was still a thin. That in itself is a miracle. Highly recommended.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Hanhan Nguyen (February 2025)
My Audi Q5 had a drive system malfunction which I had taken to the dealership for further inspection. They quoted me over $6k for a turbo replacement which I thought was strange as my car was under 5 years old. Thankfully, my cousin recommended Ara to me and he recommended an adjustment and seeing how things go from there. My car has been great ever since and I'm so happy with Ara’s assistance! I will definitely come back for any further issues. Thanks again Ara!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Jun Kang (February 2024)
The technician was very knowledgeable in fixing engine issues that I couldn't fix at other garages. My car is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 van vehicle. The repair price is reasonable and no arbitrary charges will be made
Independent European Auto Repair - Richmond, BC
Common Questions
What is your warranty policy?
From date of service, we offer a three month warranty on labour and twelve month warranty on parts unless explicitly listed on our written estimate.
Do you provide estimates over the phone?
Because modern vehicles require proper inspection and diagnostic testing, estimates are only provided after Ara has had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle.
Do you work on non-European vehicles?
Yes. While AVS Auto Repair specializes in European vehicles, Ara also services many Japanese and Korean vehicles.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Interac Debit, Interac e-Transfer and cash (Canadian currency).
Can I wait while my car is serviced?
Our waiting area is always stocked with coffee, snacks and homemade desserts while you wait. We also offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
Are you approved with any third party warranty programs?
AVS Auto Repair Ltd. is an approved to complete repairs for Global Warranty
Have a question not answered here?
Please give us a call, drop an email or reach out via WhatsApp at the links below.
Independent European Auto Repair - Richmond, BC
Active In The Community
AVS Auto actively supports youth sport in Richmond.As former hockey parents, Ara and his wife Lisa have three boys who each played organized ice hockey and while the cost to play continues to go up, sponsoring teams is their way to give back for all that ice hockey did for their boys.Go Jets Go!
Audi, BMW & Mercedes-Benz Repair Specialist
Work directly with Ara — your technician
No service advisor or middleman
✅ Former Dealer Technician✅ 40+ Years Experience with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz✅ Celebrating his 14th Year serving the Vancouver area✅ 70+ client reviews with a 4.9 Star Rating across Google, Facebook & Yelp
How Ara Can Help You:✔ Advanced troubleshooting & professional second opinions on dealer recommendations✔ Engine, transmission & electrical diagnostics✔ Suspension, cooling systems & ignition repairs✔ Oil changes, brakes, batteries & scheduled maintenance
Buying a pre-owned
Audi, BMW or Mercedes?
Get it checked before you commit.
Work directly with Ara — former dealer technician
Same-day or next-day inspections available
How It Works (Before You Buy):❶ Bring the car same day or next day❷ Ara inspects the car cold and warm, including a hoist inspection and advanced diagnostics to uncover hidden issues, fault codes and data inconsistencies❸ You get a clear recommendation before you buy
What Does It Cost?
$165 Pre-Purchase Inspection
Per vehicleHow Do I Pay?
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Interac Debit, e-Transfer, or Cash (CAD)
Why Trust Ara?✅ Former Dealer Technician✅ 40+ Years Experience with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz✅ Celebrating his 14th Year serving the Vancouver area✅ 70+ client reviews with a 4.9 Star Rating across Google, Facebook & YelpSome sellers clear codes or hide issues — Ara knows where to look.