Yep, indeed.  As a Vanagon owner in the Seattle area for the last 17 years
I've tried quite a few repair shops.

For non-dealer service I'd highly recommend Louis Foreign Auto Repair
(7301Roosevelt Avenue N.E, 206-524-3366).  Small, independant shop
offering some of the most highly skilled service, value and integrity in
the Seattle area.  Owner/head mechanic Dan Richardson is a true wizard and
a gem of a person.

I recently took my 91 Westy in to fix an a rattle that had been annoying
me for a couple of years.  Based on diagnoses from a couple of other
reputable shops, I was planning on doing a full muffler & cat
replacement.  Dan determined that the rattle was actually coming from a
loose muffler bracket.  Tightened it up, remounted the old muffler and cat
and saved me a chunk of $$.

For dealer service I'd recommend Carter VW (located in the Ballard area).
 Conscientious w/ skilled technicians, but pricey.

-Wes

> Date:          Mon, 2 Nov 1998 12:16:14 -0800
> From:          Eric Broussard <broussar@AMAZON.COM>
> Subject:       Vanagon Friendly Mechanic in Seattle

> Noticed BIG coolant leak under engine last night.  Only leaks when engine
> is running - not sure where it's coming from but drips tons.
>
> Recently moved to Seattle - Any recommendation of a good/affordable
> mechanic around here? Tks
>

Wes Neuenschwander
Seattle, WA
wesn@eskimo.com