Reference Automotive 2114 Verona Street, Bellingham, WA 98229

"Great service and experts in VW and other classic German cars. Josh the owner is top notch. This garage is a hidden gem. Go find it! I will not take my VW anywhere else."

"If you're seeking someone with more than just a job-related interest in vehicles but a genuine passion, then Josh is your go-to person. I own a JDM import Toyota truck, and discovering this place in Bellingham has been a stroke of luck. Josh treats your vehicle as if it were his own. I first encountered him when he approached me in a parking lot, expressing interest in my truck and informing me about his expertise in working on such vehicles. After scheduling an appointment for general maintenance and a few specific tasks like a tow hitch installation and addressing a peculiar noise, Josh showcased meticulous attention to detail. Instead of settling for the minimum, he went the extra mile, even test-driving the truck to identify the noise I mentioned. He fixed a malfunctioning dome light, tightened the alternator belt, and conscientiously pointed out a fluid leak, providing realistic insights and making me aware of it without pressuring me into unnecessary repairs. In essence, my experience with Reference Auto has been great. I would confidently entrust any vehicle to them, knowing they exceed expectations, maintain honesty, and offer more than fair pricing. Josh's evident passion for unique cars goes beyond mere discussion—he is genuinely excited to share insights and details about your vehicle."

"My whole family has trusted Reference Automotive for years and we always appreciate Josh's kindness and automotive ingenuity and craftsmanship. He's honest and worthy of his pricing. I purchased a '92 Delica a few years back and Josh has been my #1 mechanic for this speciality diesel import. I recently found myself in need of some mechanical questions on the side of a road, Josh answered immediately to help me make some sound decisions and promptly sourced parts. Highly recommended!"

"When I found myself with the exhaust of my van threatening to completely fall off, Josh helped me out in a cost effective way that got me back on the road quickly. He is honest and friendly and works hard to get work done on specialty import vehicles like Delicas. Cheers!"

"Just wow. I've been on a road trip from Colorado out to Washington in my 87' Syncro Westfalia and started hearing a whooshing noise that I thought was a wheel bearing. Josh was recommended by other shops in town for Vanagon work, and after calling him and driving over to his shop he immediately hopped in my van with me for a test drive to help understand what noises I was hearing and what might be wrong. Good luck finding another mechanic who cares enough to do that today. Over the next week Josh did a handful of truly challenging repairs to my suspension and frame. He welded and repaired my insanely rusty lower control arms (something I knew needed done for years but didn't know anyone capable of locally), and in the process he discovered that my upper spring mount had basically rusted away and might break-through at any time. He repaired the frame properly - which I can see in the finished product. My Syncro is now driving better than it ever has in my ownership and Josh has made it clear that he stands behind his work if I have any follow-up trouble. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Josh to the next Syncro owner in need of a great mechanic, and I'll probably drive all the way out to Washington again in a few years to have Josh work on other systems that need fixing."