Independent Motors
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Independent Motors
Those in the know call Independent Motors the auto repair shop with a conscience. And we're proud to do our part of caring for vehicle owners living in and near Boulder, CO. And the environment. We opened our garage doors in 1983 to fill the need for a Boulder auto repair service facility that was in line with local core values: Community, Trust and the Environment.

These same values sustain us in 2020. To this day, families and local residents continue to trust us with their automobile repair, service and maintenance. To some, we're a family tradition. And for that, we're grateful to the community and our loyal customers. And repeat business! Why? Because we treat our customers the way that we want to be treated: fair and honest.
Services
Our crew can service any Domestic, Asian and European car, truck and SUV from 1996 and onwards. What's more, they're a good bunch of guys. That's why some of them have been with us for well over two decades now. There is no big secret to how we've built our business. We charge fair prices and pay our crew fair wages.
And "Truth in Engineering." Your Audi is an award-winning vehicle that goes beyond performance and safety. Its unmistakable exterior with its lightweight, less-is-more construction, signature single-frame grille and distinctive LED daytime running lights and headlights, make a distinctive Audi style statement.
Independent Motors is here to help look after your BMW repair and service with an experienced team guaranteed to get you back on the road quickly and safely. Independent Motors has been in business since 1983 and we are a household name when it comes to auto repair shops in Boulder. People trust us and they admire our passion for quality auto repairs and our commitment to customer service.
We specialize in Honda Repair and would be happy to provide you with a free initial Honda repair assessment. In 1998 Independent Motors hired a top local area Honda Service Writer and due to popular demand in 2000, we started servicing Hondas. The word got out quickly that we repaired Honda vehicles and ever since then there has been no looking back!
Nissan conveniently dropped its Datsun brand in America two years after our owner, Bill Bender, opened Independent Datsun here in Boulder, CO. So, we updated our shop's name to Independent Motors and Nissan doubled down on the styling and performance that earned the automaker a niche following in the '70s and '80s.
Reviews (24)
Christian Ray Nemeth
Christian Ray Nemeth
Jun 29, 2020
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I contacted independent motors from a great reference. Upon hearing about their work I immediately took to the internet to find out if they could work on my 1986 Nissan Hardbody. It was with great relief and… comfort that I saw listed on their website that they have been a specialty shop in Nissans, and specifically hardbody's amongst other models, since 1984!!! However, it was to my own dismay that I requested an appointment and was contacted and informed that they no longer have interest working on vehicles prior to the year 1996. Very disappointed in the website portraying false information
Richard Schuh
Richard Schuh
Dec 10, 2019
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I came in with my front end making horrific noise on my 2004 Toyota Sequoia with 250,000 miles on it. I was in no mood to put $2000 + into this vehicle at this time.
Imagine my surprise when Jason from Independent called back saying it was loose lug nuts. Another garage had rotated my tire 3 days prior and the Dumb fools had only tightened 1 of 6… lug nuts! The tire was vibrating and making the noise.
They could have stuck me for whatever they wanted to. I was expecting a $2000 bill- It was $65. An honest garage. Priceless. They have a lifetime customer. I continue to roll in my Sequoia
Evan D.
Evan D.
Mar 09, 2019
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Do you remember the scene in The Mask where Jim Carey goes into the car shop to pick up his Civic? Where two less than reputable gentleman inform him that his brakes are shot and he needs a new transmission when all he wanted was an oil change? You don't have to understand the finer points of film to see that these two are trying to screw over poor Jim Carey and probably make a business out of that same practice with other customers... After two visits to Independent Motors, the only nice thing I can say about them is that they reminded me of that scene in a beloved childhood movie.
I took
Krista E.
Krista E.
Dec 28, 2018
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We moved to Boulder and could not find a good auto shop. Even the Lexus dealerships were terrible. I'm so glad we found this shop. The guys are beyond helpful and fair. I highly recommend independent motors to EVERYONE!
Tim C.
Tim C.
Oct 13, 2018
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I actually didn't end up using them (at their suggestion due to some technical stuff on my 2018), but they were super awesome during the multiple conversations trying to figure out what I wanted done on my truck.

Bummed it didn't work out, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing work done on their vehicle.
Justin Beard
Justin Beard
Jun 27, 2018
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Bill, Greg, and the entire team at Independent Motors are great to work with!
I was faced with the dreaded blown head gasket with my Subaru Outback earlier this year... Not only did they fix my car quickly,… they were honest and upfront during the entire process, something I appreciate.
My car is running better than it ever has and I've even brought in my Ford F150 to have some work done to it. I'd been taking the Ford to a dealership in Lakewood for the past two years and not once did they tell me about a PCM update that was available. Plus, I was tired of being asked if I wanted to trade
Paul W.
Paul W.
Apr 14, 2018
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It's rare to find such a peaceful, clean, conscious mechanic. Anywhere else you'd most likely find a little mayhem, some miscommunication and a sprinkle of questionable paperwork - but NOT HERE! This place is awesome.

They don't rush a quote, they follow-through with everything they promise and they even encourage you to keep an eye on the things that may cause you a little headache going forward.

Independent Motors took care of my Ford Explorer Sport Trac, fixed the AC, replaced all sorts of fluids and filters and they found a few things that could have been dangerous down the
Dennis O.
Dennis O.
Mar 20, 2018
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I'm giving a shout out to Independent Motors in Boulder - a shop I've used much of the 35 years they've been in business (though I nostagically miss their old location on very west Pearl Street).

Owner and founder Bill Bender and his staff have always treated me well, done a good job, not tried to saddle me with unnecessary charges, AND they even offer loaner cars which makes it easier given I live 61 miles away!

I drive a 2001 Infiniti QX4 with 300,000 miles on it. When having my snow tires put on a couple months ago (like I needed them this year :) ) a Discount Tire shop down
Joshua B.
Joshua B.
Dec 17, 2017
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Great shop for our Toyota. Greg was super helpful and transparent upfront. We appreciate their efforts to take good care of our new Rav4, also they let me drive a loaner, free of charge while waiting. Highly recommend Independent Motors!!
Cristina C.
Cristina C.
Oct 31, 2017
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Integrity is right -- The folks at Independent Motors did an excellent job of diagnosing and helping me prioritize all of the maintenance and repairs my car needs. Paid $150 for a complete diagnostic on my German vehicle; mechanics were thorough, helpful, patient and competent!

Although I opted not to get all the repairs done at the immediate time, I feel very confident that when I return I'm going be in very good hands.

Service shop is just absolutely impeccably clean. You can really tell these guys take pride in their business. These guys seem to be very straightforward; straight up
Max C.
Max C.
Apr 27, 2017
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I have been very impressed with these gentlemen. I was referred here after a horrific experience at Boulder Toyota. It was a lot of work but Jason and the guys at Independent Motors got my FJ running at tip top shape. Great service and very reasonable prices. Especially considering the quality of their work. Also the best alignment I've ever had. I love that the owner Bill drives the shuttle. It's very rare you have an owner that is so invovled in customer service. If your looking for a mechanic you can trust, these are the guys!
Josh S.
Josh S.
Aug 17, 2016
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From the time you walk in until you pick up your car this place is above five star. I have been having my Jeep Grand Cherokee serviced at Independent Motors for the past several years. On every service visit the staff was professional, careful, sensitive and thorough in its handling and care of my vehicle. The latest service was for installation of four new tires and an oil change and filter. During the service they found a tail light out and replaced it too. Care and confidence describes the service I received. The tires were a huge savings over Discount Tires on the same brand and model of tire
Greg Frost
Greg Frost
Mar 27, 2016
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Independent Motors is the most honest and reliable car repair shop I have ever worked with. I like giving my business to Bill and his team, because I trust them, they get the job done on time and on budget, and they do it all with a smile.
I have brought 5 different cars to Independent for repairs over the past 20 years. In many cases, the same… mechanic has worked on each car on every visit. That's quality service.
I feel like I get straight, plain English answers to my questions. I have never felt that any repair that Independent made was unnecessary. In fact, on several occasions I had
Robert Z.
Robert Z.
Mar 09, 2016
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I do a lot of work on my truck, so I can recognize when I'm being taken for a fool. I've rebuilt transmissions, worked on engines and done most regular maintenance tasks for all my cars over the last 20+ years.

We've had big and small repairs done our 2008 Mazda 3s, and I am consistently amazed at the honesty of their team and the fairness of their pricing. We've had about a year of service there, during which the Mazda has been across the US a few times.

I've shopped around many places in the area for many repairs, and while IM may not always be the cheapest, they
Wesley R.
Wesley R.
Sep 10, 2015
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Terrible mechanics. Air intake left disconnected. MPG didn't work when we got it back. We only took it for a pre-purchase inspection and they said a great car needed lots of stuff replaced that my other mechanic said is fine. Criminal mechanics. Go across the street. Haglin. Way more honest.
Sandy B.
Sandy B.
Jul 30, 2015
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Summer Road Trip 2015 - seven states, two countries and over 3,300 miles in less than two weeks on my 16-year-old Celica. She ran like new and kept us cool thanks to Bill, Jason and the crew at Independent Motors. Just one of the MANY reasons they've been my go-to shop for almost 30 years. Keep up the great and honest work!
Bob Leben
Bob Leben
Jan 10, 2015
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We have taken our family's Toyota vehicles to Independent for nearly 30 years. Need I say more? Thank you Bill and the entire Independent Motors staff that has served us so well over these many years. Congratulations on the move to the new location!
Kjerstin Davies
Kjerstin Davies
Dec 18, 2014
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They are the most honest people here. I have been going to them for two years now and they always do what is best for me and my family, not what is most profitable for them. This keeps me coming back! They also will squeeze me in when they are busy when my car is really in need of maintenance. I wouldn't go anywhere else. These people are smart, nice, honest, and affordable.
Taylor S.
Taylor S.
May 28, 2014
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My car has been on and off dying immediately after I've started it, and the most recent time this happened, I had it towed to Independent Motors. When they got to it, the car wouldn't act up and ran just fine (I think my car hates me).

They drove it at least three times that day trying to duplicate the trouble I was having with it. I even stopped by a few minutes before they were closing and one of the mechanics rode around with me and checked it out one more time that night, even though he was already off the clock! They asked if I wanted to leave it over the weekend and see if
Lindsey Wolff Reeder
Lindsey Wolff Reeder
May 26, 2014
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We love this place! They have worked on on cars for over 10 years, and we have always been thrilled with the service they offer. Great guys all around. So helpful and friendly...a perfect example of what a small business should look like! Awesome customer service all around.
Yvonne E.
Yvonne E.
Apr 06, 2014
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Great price, mechanics, polite, professional and take great care of my 96 Lexus 450SL SUV. I wouldn't trust any other mechanic with my truck.
Amy F.
Amy F.
Sep 20, 2010
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I was totally bummed to lose my mechanics after trading in my Saab for a Subaru, and my terrible experience at Super Rupair made me regret ever buying something other than a pre-1993 Saab! Then I found these guys and regained faith!

They're always honest, thorough, and fairly priced. They're the only people I've taken my car to who haven't tried to convince me that my spark plugs need to be replaced (the previous owner installed pimped-out ones that don't really belong in an old Subaru but will last forever). They're also very friendly, never condescending. What
Sam F.
Sam F.
Jun 23, 2010
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I had a good experience at Independent Motors. I have been going to Hoshi, but Hoshi was too busy for me. They were good enough to recommend Independent, since my clutch was about to fail.

Independent was able to look at it that day, and fix it quickly the next day. They even came in under budget! I'm sure I will be back.
Gina M.
Gina M.
May 24, 2010
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These guys rock. Chan's is also great--very HONEST, and will tell you when you don't need to worry about something, but they mentioned that my transmission plugs were stripped & I should take it to the dealer, probably to fix it. Boulder Nissan tried for a day, but told me it'd be over a THOUSAND DOLLARS to replace the transmission casing.

Second opinion--the guys at Independent Motors were confident, and did great--replaced stripped filler & drain plug, finished it within 3 hours, and only charged me $110. AWESOME!!