FDA Automotive Services

Portland, United States

4.7

Open now

15 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 503-236-2871
Website:
www.fdaautomotive.com
Address:
1040 SE Clinton, Portland, OR, 97202
Central Eastside, Southeast Portland, Hosford-Abernethy
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
300 ftSoutheast Milwaukie & Gideon
610 ftClinton Street/Southeast 12th Avenue
690 ftSoutheast 11th & Division
Categories:
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Today

Today 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Portland) 4:35 PM Thursday, November 28, 2024

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Brakes

Tune Up’s

Scheduled Services (30,000, 60,000 etc)

Computer Diagnostics

Lube, oil and Filter

Cooling system Repair

Air conditioning/​Heating repairs

Axles

Emissions (DEQ)

Fluid Flushes

Pre-​purchase inspections

Clutches

Timing belts

Fluid Leaks

Suspension/​Shocks

Batteries

History

Established in 1984.

We started in Sellwood then moved to then 11th ave location near Ladd’s Addition in 1987. We are now in a bugger and brighter shop at 1040 SE Clinton Our business is family owned and operated.

Meet the Business Owner

Jim D.

Business Owner

Jim DeMarco started Foreign Affairs Automotive Service in his home garage in 1983 after

graduating from Oregon State University. After various Corporate positions, Jim realized that his passion for cars and interest in all things mechanical was his aspiration.

Jim set his entrepreneurial sights on a career that would enable him to problem solve and create, but more importantly to empower and teach.

Since 1984 Jim has been teaching and empowering his FDA customers on how to care for their cars and the importance of timely maintenance. Jim explains things in laymen terms and believes that no question is a dumb question. Foreign & Domestic Affairs Automotive Service is simply called «FDA» these days.

FDA has thousands of clients that have trusted Jim with caring for their vehicles and know that he’ll always give them the most honest and best price on service and repair.

Come see us today!

Like US on Facebook for current discounts, car care tips or to ask a question of the team at

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15 reviews of FDA Automotive Services

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
I can walk home from here while my car is serviced, love the location. Strange store front, but Jim is an upstanding individual who loves what he does. He’s a knowledgeable, no nonsense, straight forward guy that isn’t interested in scamming or taking advantage of customers. Want to know more about your car? He’ll let you know all about it in detail. Give them a call and see for yourself.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
The service was timely and Jim not only explained exactly what the issue was, but only charged me for the part itself (it didn’t require much time). Very professional and friendly all around. FDA was recommended to me and I would recommend them to others.
Place rating: 5
Southwest Portland, Portland, OR
I was on I-​5 the other day and had a break down in my truck. I got on Unilocal to find a shop near by and FDA came up so I gave them a call to see if I could have it towed to them. One of the mechanics offered to come by since I was so close. When he got there he was able to remedy the issue. I was so happy a tow was not needed. When I asked Jim the mechanic that showed up how much it would be he said «just help out somebody the next time you can and come see us if you have other issues» They saved me money and more importantly time. I highly recommend this shop. They treated me like family and I can’t thank them enough.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
These guys are great! I have an old beat up Volvo and they have worked on my car three or four times now. I’ve never have to wait to bring the car in and they have always completed the work the same day. The estimates have all been accurate or I ended up paying less than their original quote. I could not be happier with the service I’ve received at FDA.
Place rating: 2
Portland, OR
I got a lot of work done, and had several issues:
since I was getting a lot of work, I figured I would ask them to rotate/​balance tires. they told me they have a place they contract with and it costs $ 30. when I got the car back the invoice said $ 100. I should have brought it up but I was late for work. then, I didn’t take it on the highway until weeks later, but they balanced it wrong. so I had to take MORE time off work to take my car to a tire shop that will do it right.
I honestly feel like they performed some unnecessary work on my car. I don’t know enough about cars to substantiate my claim, but it didn’t feel right.
I asked them to fix a squeak and it didn’t get fixed. I brought it back and they still didn’t fix it. to be fair, nobody can really fix it, so this item isn’t that big of a deal.
lastly, my car started making a new, weird noise the instant I drove it away. when I brought it back for the squeak, I mentioned it, and they said they couldn’t hear it/​said I probably needed more work. well, I just spent thousands of dollars on the car, and it’s pretty fishy that it’s making a new weird noise the INSTANT I get it back. I didn’t bother following it up with them further bc it seemed like things haven’t been going well with these people so I’m not going to keep dumping time and money into them.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
I took my car to FDA because of their ratings and distance to my house. Turns out, they were really honest and straight forward, quick and organized and affordable. Bottom line they deserve your business and you deserve their services!
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
I brought my car into FDA because I could tell the front rotors needed replacing. I also wanted my car thoroughly checked out because I’m moving soon and know that good (or at least fair) mechanics are a bit harder find there. Jim ended up finding a few maintenance things needing attention and we discussed which ones I could get away with not fixing right away. I ended up having them do almost all of the suggested repairs and all the work was done with quality parts. Though it’s not the least expensive shop I’ve ever been to, it is very reasonable, and my car is driving as smooth as I can ever remember it. In the end, I got what I paid for and I’m extremely satisfied with the work.
Place rating: 5
Nederland, CO
Wow! What a great place. I called to see if I could get them to take a look at the VW I was interested in buying. The mechanic knew SO MUCH about the Jetta b/​c he cared for his dads for years. He ‘fit me in’ to look over the car, and took great care of us. I feel that I made a very smart buy after hearing his insights. Thank You!
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
Maybe we’re biased as we live across the street, but this place is great. I’ve been there several times where things were making weird noises, and they just checked them out for us. Didn’t charge us when nothing was found wrong. Always friendly, and honest. Feel we’ve lucked out as we can leave our car where we normally park it and just say, «Get to it when you can.» They’ve also made great recommendations when something comes up they don’t do.
Would definitely recommend them; they’ve worked on a ’08 Aveo and ’86 Bronco of ours.
Place rating: 3
Portland, OR
Based on the reviews here I went to this shop this week. They charged $ 500 for a «tuneup», a valve cover gasket replacement, and oil change on a 1992 Camry. That’s not a ripoff, but seems to me to be on the high end of «reasonable», especially after giving me an estimate of a little over $ 300. Jim is pleasant, and they got it done fast, and the car works now. But I was expecting better and won’t be going back.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
Ever since this shop was recommended to my by a fellow Honda owner, I have never gone anywhere else. Jim is honest & straight forward & his prices are totally reasonable. He will tell you what needs to be done now & what can wait a little longer. Also, none of that condescending, sexist crap that is unfortunately common in repair shops if you are a woman. plus if you recommend him & they come in & mention your name, you get a free oil change.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
I’ve taken my cars to Jim for years now. He’s a great mechanic, and really knows his stuff, and charges fair prices. I recommend Foreign and Domestic Affairs to everyone!
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
In nearly thirty years of owning and driving a car, this is the ONLY auto-​repair shop I have ever been to that has:
1. A friendly & helpful & knowledgeable staff
2. Reasonable prices
I’ve found dozens of garages that have either (1) or (2) but never both. This place has both. I am never going anywhere else from now on.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
Both my husband and I have had our vehicles serviced at Foreign & Domestic Affairs and feel very comfortable with this shop. Jim, the owner, is a very good communicator. Once you’ve described what you think the problem is, he will tell you the different options for what it could be, and why he thinks so. After looking at the vehicle, he explains in detail what he found as well as what options you have. He is especially good about watching the cost for you and if you have multiple items that need fixing, he will prioritize them and tell you what you let go a little longer. I trust that what he says is truthful.
Place rating: 5
Portland, OR
It’s hard to find a good mechanic who you can trust. Especially when you are someone who isn’t the most car savvy person in the world. When you have a car that likes to have a lot of problems and has really expensive parts, it’s even more important that you can find someone who you know is honest and cares about their customers. This is what you will find at Foreign and Domestic.
Billy is a great guy and he will explain the issue to you and all of your options without treating you like an idiot who doesn’t know anything about cars (which I’ve experienced before). They always try to find a good deal on parts (which I know because I’ve checked with my mechanic friend to see if he can find cheaper and he can’t), and they are experienced with volkswagons which will help with the labor costs.
If you need a good honest mechanic, this is the place to go.