Independent European & Import Specialist - Richmond, BC

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More About Ara

Ara began working in automotive repair at just 11 years old in his uncle's shop. He later joined Top Technique in Lebanon, where he serviced vehicles for government officials and other high-profile clients, before moving on to a BMW and Alfa Romeo dealership.After immigrating to Canada in 1991, Ara continued building his expertise with respected European automotive specialists in Vancouver. In 2013, he purchased the business that would become AVS Auto Repair Ltd., continuing its tradition of honest service, careful workmanship, and long-term customer relationships.When he's not working on customer vehicles, you'll often find him driving or maintaining one of his Porsche 944s — a reflection of a lifelong passion for the cars he services every day.

Independent European & Import Specialist - Richmond, BC

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Independent European & Import Specialist - Richmond, BC

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Shop Policies

At AVS Auto Repair, Ara focuses on accurate diagnosis, quality repairs, and clear communication. To provide the best service possible, there are a few things we do differently than some repair shops.Can you provide an estimate before I bring my vehicle in?Sometimes.For routine maintenance and manufacturer-recommended services, we can often provide an estimate based on the vehicle information and service requirements.For warning lights, drivability concerns, unusual noises, or unknown problems, Ara will typically need to inspect the vehicle before an accurate estimate can be provided. Proper diagnosis helps prevent unnecessary repairs and unexpected costs.Do you replace parts without diagnosing the problem first?No.Many vehicle symptoms can have multiple possible causes. Rather than guessing or replacing parts at random, Ara takes the time to diagnose the issue correctly before recommending repairs.Do you install customer-supplied parts?No.AVS supplies the parts used in repairs to help ensure proper fit, quality, reliability, and warranty coverage. This also allows Ara to stand behind the repairs performed.Do you offer loaner vehicles?No.As a small independent shop, AVS does not offer loaner vehicles. Repairs are scheduled and completed as efficiently as possible to minimize downtime.When is payment due?Payment is due when the vehicle is picked up.Have questions about a repair recommendation?Ara believes customers should understand what is being repaired and why. If you have questions about your vehicle, diagnosis, or recommended repairs, he will always take the time to explain the issue and discuss the best path forward.

Independent European & Import Specialist - Richmond, BC

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Read What Our Clients Say About Us:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Akash Anees Aug. 2026}
I have been coming to AVS Auto Repair for several years and always had the best experiences when it comes to servicing my vehicles here. Ara is extremely knowledgeable and I trust him repairing my vehicles and is very reasonable with pricing. It’s always a pleasure dealing with Ara and the rest of the AVS team. If perfection and high quality is what you’re looking for, I recommend AVS!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Stephen Sawada Aug. 2026}
Recently went in with an issue with one of my tires and rims. Professionally diagnosed issue. Solved my tire/rim issue. Car drives great, thank you! Quality family run business, excellent service.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Alp Atilgan Aug. 2026}
Super honest and knowledgeable guy. Been taking my C350, C63 and GLK Diesel here and he has replaced my ESL, resealed my timing covers and even washed the engine bay after. Superb quality of work. Recommended for anyone that loves their car.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Ebrahim Jafferjee Jun. 2026}
Ara is an honest mechanic and always has your best interests in mind. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Lawrence Bourke Aug. 2026}
Ara and Lisa are amazing! Looked after the family vehicles for years!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Mac Aug. 2026}
One of the go to destination for any European makes services!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Mandeep Singh Jul. 2026}
Lisa did an excellent job of make my wife and I feel so welcome! Very kind and we really felt like we were being treated like VIP customers. Shoutout to Lisa and the Crew!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Edward Nguyen Jun. 2026}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Afif Mirzad Jun. 2026}
If you own a Euro car, save yourself the hassle and take it to Ara. I initially got an inflated quote from another mechanic, but Ara was a refreshing change. He quickly diagnosed the problem and explained everything clearly, without trying to upsell me on unnecessary services. It’s rare to find a mechanic who’s this honest, knowledgeable, and fair with pricing. I feel completely at ease leaving my car here. I won’t be going anywhere else!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Su Li Jun. 2026}
Best car service and repair shop in the Lower Mainland. Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Jonathan Shen 2368 Jun. 2026}
Lisa at the front made everything so understandable for me. My experience was ten times better thanks to AVS Auro repair. Best shop in the lower mainland for your high end European car.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Andrew Lau Jun. 2026}
It is nice to meet with Ara and his team. They are professional and efficient. Pricing is reasonable. Will definitely keep servicing at their shop. Hassle-free.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{3mr Vancouver Jun. 2026}
I have been using this shop for the passed 4 years Best mechanic in town. I’m really happy with the service and price. Highly recommended
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Tyler Malone Jun. 2026}
BEST mechanic in the city! Very happy with their service!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Xavier Cabral Jun. 2026}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Annie Whatmore May 2026}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Macke Lim Feb. 2026}
Amazing service
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Isaac Jan. 2026}
Great service and great price
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Astro! Jan. 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!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Shubham Chaudhary Jan. 2026}
Best in city, must visit
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Chau Nguyen Oct. 2025}
Very knowledgeable and straightforward with great service.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Amrit Dutta Sep. 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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Gul Gulsen Sep. 2025}
I took my broken-down car to Ara after just purchasing it from a local dealer that scammed me. He diagnosed the car, repaired it and advised me on how to deal with my situation. He is honest and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend. I now go back to him for maintenance of the car.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Valerie Z Sep. 2025}
Took my used Lexus rx330 to AVS for a prepurchase inspection a decade ago and the owner thoroughly showed me everything about the car before purchasing. Last month we just sold the same car and recommended AVS to the new owner for an inspection. Ara again did a very thorough job and the new owner happily bought the car knowing every mechanical detail about it. AVS is skilled, and well priced, something that's hard to find in a mechanic shop these days. Highly recommend
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Action Z Sep. 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 thing. That in itself is a miracle. Highly recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Molly M Sep. 2025}
Very good service! Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Sharni K Sep. 2025}
Great service, very helpful and keeps you updated on everything along the way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Hailey Sep. 2025}
The absolute BEST auto shop experience we have ever had. From the moment we walked in, Ara and his wife were incredibly friendly and professional. They were thorough and honest and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and happy. We highly recommend AVS auto repair to anyone in need of reliable and trustworthy auto repair services. They have earned our trust and business for all future car maintenance needs. Thank you for the exceptional service! -H & S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Hanhan Nguyen Sep. 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!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Justin Wong Sep. 2025}
Brought my Cayenne to Ara due to a failed steering wheel lock mechanism. Ara was very communicative on every step he took to take apart the interior to access the broken mechanism. Ara also knew I needed the car back as soon as possible, and worked beyond shop hours to get the job done as soon as he could. His pricing was very reasonable and I was very happy with his service. In fact, he reached out to me a few days later to check on the repair! He went beyond what I was expecting to ensure that not only was I satisfied with the repair, but that the problem maintained fixed. I will be bringing my Cayenne to him for all future work. Absolute professional. UPDATE: I brought my Cayenne back to Ara again due to a failed tailgate softclose latch (no idea why Porsche designed it that way). This repair was a little different, because it was faulty when I bought the car, with the dealeship knowing that it was faulty. Thus the dealership would be paying for the repair. Ara worked as fast as he could to get my car back. And when I retrieved my car, he walked me through all the work that was needed and the parts that were required for replacement. He educated me thoroughly so that I would be knowlegeable enough to respond to any points the dealership could bring up challenging the expenses. As with my original review, I highly recommend him. If you have any doubts about his work because of the 1 review that gave him 1 star, ask him about it. Its a long story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{路录布点 Sep. 2024}
Great work on my Honda S2k AP2 head work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Ernesto Rassi Sep. 2024}
Ara, is an amazing mechanic I have been taking my cars to him for years . He is reliable perfectionist and reasonable price. I strongly recommend him.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Ray Wong Sep. 2024}
Ara was impressive and experienced master! He specialized in Euro cars. He replaced my starter on the BMW which genuine OEM part and handled the warranty for us. Thank you! 🙏 🙏 …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Kathy Lo Sep. 2024}
Excellent service. Mechanic is very honest and knowledgeable . Highly recommended
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Darcy Pughe Sep. 2024}
Don’t waste your money going anywhere else. Ara is very knowledgeable and will get you back up and running in no time. Highly recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Roni Sep. 2024}
Exceptional customer service, very friendly, honest and trustworthy, Ara is very knowledgeable and honest mechanic, Fair price, amazing service.. I highly recommend AVS for your vehicles service and repair. They will treat you like a family member. AVS auto is our preferred mechanic for the last 30 years.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Andrew Xiao Sep. 2024}
Had a flat tire and took my bmw to AVS and received amazing service and reasonable pricing!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Karis Chow Sep. 2024}
Took my car in for lowering spring install and a cannot express my gratitude enough to the owner, car sits amazing, hassle free interaction and very knowledgeable in the field of automotive. I will definitely be coming back and will be referring others.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Joey Li Sep. 2024}
I never make google reviews but I really wanted to after my experience at AVS. I would like to say for the record that AVS, by far, was the cleanest mechanic shop I have ever been to. Ara was so reasonable and after worrying day and night about the cost of repair work for my vehicle, Ara presented me with a very reasonable price. Not only was his pricing amazing, he never forced unnecessary work on my vehicle . Thank you Ara and team AVS!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Mitchell Pughe Sep. 2024}
The best, most reasonably priced mechanic around! Honest and reliable, I highly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Atul Mahendru Sep. 2024}
Thankyou for a tea ☕️ You make my day Sir 🫡🫡😄😄🙏🏻🙏🏻
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Mano Kozanian Sep. 2024}
The best car service I have ever had. unbelievably professional and their prices are unmatched. Ara is super honest and always has his customers wellbeing as his top priority . If you need your car serviced.,this is the place to do it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Peter Tsakumis Sep. 2024}
Had to get my breaks done last minute on my BMW, they were able to find the time to do them the exact same day and give a very reasonable price as well. highly recommended going to this place. UNBELIEVABLE TREATMENT!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Jun Kang Sep. 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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Jenny Gjine Sep. 2024}
Best service so far.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Errol Antonio Aguilera June. 2024}
Super friendly and honest. Experts in BMW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{William Chang June. 2024}
30+ years of experience on European car, Doing all my service and Mechanical job here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{SDA11230211 Feb. 2024}
Great experience all around. Car is running great. The cost of repair is very reasonable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{maureenxoxo1 Sep. 2023}
Ara is the best in town! Me and my significant other takes our vehicles there and he always delivers he is one of the best and he knows what he's doing! He's very experienced and knowledgeable. Thank you Ara from Maureen and mohammed ! We'll see you soon!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Alex Faris Sep. 2023}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Osman Akbari Sep. 2023}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Ion Ciobanu Aug. 2023}
Excellent service for last 10 years, for all the 4 cars my family owned during this time. Would strongly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Danny Hausil Jun. 2023}
Hi, my name is Moe. I have been going to AVS for about the last 10 years I take my car to Ara because he does a really good job on my vehicles. I trust his work and most importantly, I feel safe after I pick up my vehicle, and that is the most important thing to me. I highly recommend his expertise and his experience in high end German super sports.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Nicole McKay Jun. 2023}
Great service, very knowledgeable! (Brake replacement)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{P. Struyk May. 2023}
Ara has looked after my Mercedes for years and is the only mechanic I trust with it. He is knowledgeable and honest.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Mike Van't Hullenaar May. 2023}
Great place. I was treated fairly and Ara explained everything to me prior to doing the work. He even went above and beyond and fixed a couple things on the car for no additional cost. I would definitely reccomend this shop.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Gavinn Jan. 2023}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Danielle Chu Jan. 2023}
(Wheel alignment)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Lucas McKay Jan. 2023}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Jacob Moriarty Jan. 2023}
Amazing mechanic and shop. Truly family run, so you’re supporting a local and independent business. Ara is the most meticulous and thorough mechanic I have ever met. He is truly only concerned for the well-being of the car. He frequently goes above and beyond, fixing other mechanics poor work and doing other small tasks while “already in there”. There is no one I trust as much to be upfront and honest, knowledgeable or to do the job right. If you want your car fixed properly, and dream of taking what your mechanic says at face value; Ara and AVS is the shop for you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{E. Jan. 2023}
After countless searches for a local shop to fix my Mercedes E class I decided to send my car to AVS Auto repair. The owner Ara was extremely friendly and helpful in every way possible, it’s clear from his knowledge he’s been doing this awhile, I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ll be sending my car back if ever needed, his expertise is strong and I felt at ease when the work is being done. I recommend AVS auto repair and I applaud the owner for everything he’s doing here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Mr Mercedes Benz Dec. 2022}
Great business owner super friendly and very knowledgeable been bringing in my Mercedes to this shop for many years hes the man to go to. Best automotive place and highly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Tyler Laramie-Chan Nov. 2022}
Long time customer of Ara at AVS. Skilled and dependable mechanic, I would not take my car anywhere else
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Geoffrey Allan Cowman Oct. 2023}
Outstanding service, yet again. I was overdue for a regular service and the owners fit me in WITHOUT an appointment, accommodating me in less than an hour with no surcharge. I have referred many friends to AVS and will continue to do. Prompt, professional and with remarkably fair pricing, I highly recommend that you check them out!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Hayr Karekin Shekherdemian Oct. 2023}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Yue Cheung Oct. 2023}
I have a 88’ prelude and a 997 Porsche 4s. Both completely different cars and require expertise in their field. I am so glad to say that I take both these cars to AVS. He knows so much about cars in general and know what he’s talking about. Fair pricing and very knowledge. Looking for a mechanic in the lower main land? any car, this is your guy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Dian LeRoux Sept. 2023}
Ara is a super cool guy, he's work is the best I've seen in Richmond so far for European cars. His pricing and generosity is unmatched hands down. If you own a German car... This is your guy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Hamzei Dec. 2022}
Very knowledgeable and helpful about maintenance on all brands. Fixed my car asap and for a very good rate. Recommend it to everyone I know.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Tariq Rafiq Dec. 2022}
Very helpful, got my car running again
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Johnson Zheng Nov. 2022}
Got an oil change quick and easy we’re very helpful.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Greg Billings Nov. 2022}
Ara is an experienced mechanic with an extensive network of trusted connections in the auto industry to find the right parts for your vehicle - maybe an aftermarket part is right, or maybe a new part from the dealer, you name it, he knows where to source it. Ara works on my wife's car as well as my SUV and completed multiple repairs - I know I can trust his advice and quality of work - and you can too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Drama Time Nov. 2021}
good place highly recommended
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Gareth Driscoll Nov. 2021}
I have taken my Volkswagens here several times, and I am always extremely pleased with the level of service, knowledge, and professionalism demonstrated by Ara. Many thanks to AVS!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Liam Dwyer Oct. 2021}
Good work 10/10 got the job done
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Blair Johnston Oct. 2021}
Knows his Porsche product really well
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Marisa Pierri Oct. 2020}
Ara is the owner of this shop, along with his wife Lisa . Ara is very knowledgeable about all vehicles, especially the foreign ones. He is very open, honest and fair. He will never tell you your vehicle needs something it doesn't and his rates are great! I have a collector BMW that I inherited and worried where I would take it for service as BMW dealers and other fancy shops charge a fortune even just to diagnose the issue. The best part is Ara gets right to the source because he is so knowlegable!I won't take my car anywhere else!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Jason Huber Oct. 2020}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Matteo Angeles Jun. 2019}
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Jay Lehmann Jun. 2019}
I heard about AVS through a family friend and was blown away with how accommodating and thorough their service was. I now drive from downtown Vancouver to Richmond to have my car exclusively taken care of by AVS. Competitive prices and welcoming staff. The owner Aram is extremely knowledgeable and cares deeply about his practice and clients. Highly recommend!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ _{Mike Stanton May 2018}
AVS auto repair is a very high quality family owned and operated shop. They are your dealer alternative for service on European imports. They do excellent work at a fair price and the whole family is extremely friendly and professional! I highly recommend them to anyone looking to not be ripped off at the expensive dealerships.

Independent European & Import Specialist - Richmond, BC

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Common Questions

What is your warranty policy?AVS Auto Repair Ltd. provides a three-month warranty on labour and a twelve-month warranty on parts from the date of service, unless otherwise specified on the written estimate.Do you provide estimates over the phone?In many cases, yes.For routine maintenance and manufacturer-recommended services, we can often provide an estimate based on the vehicle information and service requirements. For diagnostic concerns, drivability issues, warning lights, or unknown problems, Ara will typically need to inspect the vehicle before an accurate estimate can be provided.Why should I choose AVS Auto Repair instead of a dealership?AVS Auto Repair offers dealership-level diagnostic and repair expertise without the overhead and complexity of a large dealership environment. Customers work directly with Ara, who has more than 44 years of experience specializing in European and import vehicles. Our focus is accurate diagnosis, honest recommendations, and repairing what the vehicle actually needs.Do you work on non-European vehicles?Yes. While AVS Auto Repair specializes in European vehicles, Ara also services many premium import vehicles including Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus, as well as select Japanese and Korean models.Do you perform pre-purchase inspections?Yes. AVS performs pre-purchase inspections for European and premium import vehicles. A professional inspection can help identify existing issues and provide peace of mind before purchasing a used vehicle.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?Yes. Our waiting area is stocked with coffee and snacks, and homemade treats are often available. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available.Are you approved with any third-party warranty programs?Yes. AVS Auto Repair Ltd. is approved to complete repairs under Global Warranty programs.Still have a question?Please give us a call, send an email, or reach out via WhatsApp using the links below.

Independent European & Import Specialist - Richmond, BC

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Independent European & Import Specialist - Richmond, BC

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