Frequently Asked Questions

Parts and labor guaranteed for one year / 12,000 miles

Servicing all makes of cars and trucks

Authorized Washington State Emissions Specialist

Complete Automotive Diagnostic and Repair

Foreign and Domestic

What makes of cars do you work on?

Doctor Don’s Automotive services all makes and models of cars and trucks, foreign and domestic.

What kind of repairs do you perform?

Doctor Don’s Automotive is a full-service facility, offering complete diagnostic and repair. Our expertise ranges from simple tune-ups to complete engine overhauls, including the following:

  • Brakes
  • Tune Up
  • Diagnostic: no-start and running problems
    Manufacturer-recommended 30, 60, and 90,000 mile services
  • Exhaust
  • Fuel Injection
  • Engine Rebuild
  • Transmission
  • Troubleshooting
When are you open?

Our hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are preferred; please call (206) 783-6303 for scheduling. We can accommodate breakdowns and emergency circumstances.

How do I find you?

We are located in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood at 1136 NW 50th. That’s one and a half blocks due east of the Ballard Bridge on NW 50th (on the north side of the ship canal). Click here to go to our Find Us page.

What kind of payment do you accept?

We accept cash and the following major credit cards:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
What guarantee do you offer?

Parts and labor are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles. Exceptions are made to accommodate customer requests for specialty parts and services.

What is owner Ric Heideger’s background?

Ric Heideger is a Seattle native and has been the owner/operator of Doctor Don’s Automotive since 1997. Heideger is a 1986 graduate of Arizona’s Universal Technical Institute. He is a Master Certified Technician by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)—this is ASE’s highest possible rating.

Prior to taking the reigns at Doctor Don’s, Heideger spent 8 years as Manager of West Seattle’s Complete Auto Repair, and 4 years as Station Manager at Northgate Chevron in North Seattle.

In his spare time, Heideger aids his son, Christian, in their wood baseball bat company, Wild Woody Bats.

Who is Don?

Our beloved founder Don Beyer launched Doctor Don’s Automotive in 1977. Ric Heideger assumed ownership of the facility when Don retired from the auto repair business in 1997.

Happy Customers

Doctor Don's Automotive
4.2
Based on 71 Reviews
Elizabeth B.
Elizabeth B.
2023-02-03 08:16:20
My catalytic converter was attempted to be stolen during the ice storm in dec. Had a cage around it so the thieves couldn't steal it but they did remove it... read more
Mike B.
Mike B.
2022-11-13 16:32:13
I have used these guys before and been happy. This time however, they really shafted me. The brakes went out in my hearse the Friday before the week before... read more
Meghan G.
Meghan G.
2022-10-21 13:48:51
I RARELY write reviews, but I felt compelled to write about the amazing service I received at Dr. Don's. My car has been having an issue for several months,... read more
Emma C.
Emma C.
2022-09-10 16:48:02
My husbands fuel line went out, they replaced it quickly and we are back up and running. Thanks so much read more
Matthew S.
Matthew S.
2022-04-22 12:26:41
I wouldn't recommend these guys for complicated technical diagnosis sadly.I just sent in my car in for them specifically to run a compression test and a... read more
Devin B.
Devin B.
2022-04-14 10:39:50
I have had my imported Japanese Domestic Market diesel van repaired here a few times -- first time for a new drive belt, second for a new clutch install.... read more
Regena H.
Regena H.
2021-04-05 10:58:53
They were rude to me when my truck was towed there through AAA (based on AAA's recommendation), put in a driveline that didn't fit properly and made... read more
Les C.
Les C.
2021-03-03 14:31:36
I've been a customer here for over 15 years, and they've helped me through all sorts of issues with lots of different cars (Kia, VW, Subaru,... read more
Emily C.
Emily C.
2021-01-29 18:43:49
Doctor Don's has excellent service. They are friendly, professional and quick. I've taken my foreign diesel there twice and they have done a great job. I... read more

AAA Washington

 AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities

ASE Certified

 AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities

Consumers' Checkbook

Unbiased Reviews and Undercover Price Research on Local Services

Seattle Magazine

Winner, “Best of Seattle”
Winner, 2001 “Where to Find It”

Brands We Service

Acura

Alfa Romeo

American Motors

Audi

BMW

Buick

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Chrysler

Datsun

Dodge

Daewoo

Eagle

Ferrari

Fiat

Ford

Geo

GMC

Honda

Hyundai

Infiniti

Isuzu

Jaguar

Jeep

Kia

Lancia

Lexus

Lotus

MG

Maserati

Mazda

Mercedes Benz

Mercury

Merkur

Mini

Mitsubishi

Nissan

Oldsmobile

Plymouth

Pontiac

Porsche

Rolls Royce

Rover

Saab

Saturn

Subaru

Suzuki

Toyota

Volkswagen

Volvo

Professional Associations

AAA Washington Approved

CarQuest Parts

TechNet Professional

ASE Master Certified Technicians

Moog Chassis Parts

Our Full Service Auto Shop is located in Ballard at:

1136 NW 50th St.
Seattle, WA 98107