The Muffler Shoppe

Got an exhaust pipe welded for lower than what I expected — and a quick turn around too! Nice staff and easy to find (across from AutoZone).

Upon arrival I watched Dave fix a broken exhaust hanger in 4 minutes flat. This includes putting the car on the lift and bringing it down. I knew I came to the right place.
Dave is quite the character and no BS type of guy. He works and talks FAST. Quoted me $ 130 (+tax) and 1 hour for adding in a resonator + muffler that I supplied myself. He had it done in 43 minutes for the price quoted. While under there he also corrected some hanger fitment issues and a pipe rubbing issue I had as well. (these were cheap mandrel bent ebay 2.5″ pipes I installed myself) Hits cuts, welds, and placement look precise and professional.
My girlfriend and I found Dave to be very courteous and quite a hoot. He will be getting all my future exhaust business and recommendations to friends.
Don’t pay attention to any negative reviews on here. If you need your hand held go somewhere else and pay 2−3x as much. If you just need an OEM repair or replacement, or if your going aftermarket and have a good idea of what you want, this is the place for you.

I read the reviews and expected a gruff guy, but even though I was almost an hour late for my appointment — — rough day — — Dave squeezed me into his schedule and fixed my Outback’s issue in 10 minutes and for a very reasonable price. I’m bringing my 1992 Toyota pickup for a new muffler and tailpipe next week.

The owner Dave was very rude to me for no reason when I came in to set an appointment for minor exhaust repairs. Days later when I brought the vehicle back he again was immediately rude to me for no reason. He may do excellent work but I’ll never know because I just drove away. He looked confused. I can’t imagine why because that was some of the worst customer service I’ve ever had anywhere.

Absolutely awesome service. .Dave is a true master at his craft and the last of a dying breed of customer service specialist. .Highly recommended, Installed a catback exhaust system on my 2010 camaro ss… And couldn’t be more satisfied. .“THANKS DAVE”

I’d like to say this place could be great but a little effort in customer service would go along way.
The shop is owned and operated by a man named Dave. It’s in a less than desirable area but I guess it makes for a better profit — or maybe there’s a higher concentration of cars in need of muffler nearby. I realize it’s an auto shop, but even being so it is pretty grimy.
Anyway, I first came here a few years ago. Dave installed some magnaflow mufflers per his suggestion as they were a little cheaper than a stock replacement. The car ended up having a horrible drone at freeway speed but but I chalked that up to my mistake for allowing him to install the aftermarket mufflers on my car.
What bugged me about that first trip was when I went to pickup the car. Dave greeted me by saying «well it might not be fast but at least it sounds fast!» I chuckled awkwardly and he continued with a few other comments like «too bad it’s not a five speed.» I found it odd that he was openly berated a customers car preferences.
Some years later I decided to give Dave another shot at an exhaust job. He did a good enough job the first time and like I said, the freeway drone was probably my mistake. It helped that he quoted the job $ 100 cheaper than the next guy.
When he got done with the second job he asked «do you want to pay now or start it up first?» I decided to start it up and upon doing so we both heard there was an obvious exhaust leak. «Turn off the car» was all he said and seconds later I was sitting in my car being lifted by the hydraulic lift. I’m sure more than a few safety rules were broken that day but I attributed it to eccentricity. That job turned out fine.
Most recently I Dave to have some exhaust work done on a friends car. He was talking a million miles per hour on the phone an quoted me $ 150 to fix the exhaust. That’s great, for the price I can deal with his idiosyncrasies.
I showed up right on time for my appointment and parked outside the garage door, thinking we would roll the car right in. When I met him in the shop he scoffed «OH, so you’re blocking the driveway. Move your car.» Alright sure, he could have asked a little more politely but that’s fine.
A few minutes later we went to check out my car. During that time someone else parked outside the garage door and Dave began to yell at them, «What don’t people get, move your car!» It seemed obvious he should paint a ‘do not block’ in front of the garage doors. But again I was just there to get a muffler fixed.
The other customer came into the shop proceeded to scold him like a child for blocking his driveway and then interrupting him while he was with another customer (me). It was all very awkward.
His quote ended up quoting me three times the price he gave on the phone quote. He also suggested we install a magnaflow muffler (which I heard him suggest to the other customer before I left). Before he gave me a quote I noticed he only called one shop to find the part he needed. That’s all fine if it’s a good price, but he obviously wasn’t going to shop around for a decent price. I didn’t even see a computer anywhere in his shop.
I ended up buying an OEM muffler on eBay and having a different shop install it for $ 80. It isn’t exactly rocket science installing a muffler and they did a fine job. It took me about 5 minutes to find the part and it saved me over $ 350 from going to The Muffler Shoppe.
I’m reading a lot of reviews where people mention Dave is rough around the edges, but that he’s a real solid guy at heart. It seems Dave relies on condescending his customers as a first impression to assert his superiority then tries to buddy up by offering a cheap fix and fast turnaround. Sort of a Stolkholm syndrome and hive midn mentality among these patrons. Strictly business? A part of any business is customer service or at the very least just not being a dick.
I give this place a 1-​star because literally every time I’ve been here Dave somehow manages to make the mood extremely unpleasant and suggest installing a manganflow muffler on a car where one really doesn’t belong. That along with the pricing on the last trip.

This place is amazing. I drive a 99 Range Rover and I’m telling you I can’t get my rig out of the shop for less then $ 500. Called Midas and they quoted my $ 485. Called Dave over at The Muffler Shoppe who said it would be ?$ 129.00? Dropped it off that evening, job done over night. Was able to take the bus after work.

A few weeks ago my center and rear exhaust system split down the middle from rust and I was told by Firestone that it would cost over $ 2,000 to replace the system. I decided to get a second opinion to see if there was a way I could repair the issue without spending thousands of dollars, so I brought my car to Dave and am SO GLAD I did. This guy knows his stuff and is truly a welding expert. I couldn’t recommend his services more. He is super fast, kind, simple, and SO INEXPENSIVE. I literally cannot remember the last time I brought my vehicle somewhere and felt better taken care of; Dave’s can-​do attitude is incredibly refreshing.
I walked out of the shop after 30 minutes (didn’t even have an appointment) and my total was $ 55. Issue is fixed and my car is nice and quiet again. Dave, you saved me and my wallet.

Does every repair, (not like the midas who tell you to replace parts even thought they are still fine) and does it well. I watched him repair my tail pipe, quality work. He’s my guy

Strictly Business
Dave at Ye Olde Muffler Shoppe is a class act. No nonsense. Not that he doesn’t do nonsense, he doesn’t do nor does he tolerate nonsense. He’s also not a grouch, he just likes to do what he likes to do and he does good work fast and cheap.
My visit this morning came courtesy of a referral from another West Seattle automotive expert (Ben at Complete Auto Repair). My exhaust fell apart on my 20+ year old car. He referred me to Dave. I showed up early, Dave greeted me but told me to wait until 9am even though his bays were all empty. I sat and waited the 6 minutes and we got right to it. I drove the car onto his lift and left the engine running. Dave lifted it, diagnosed the issues and gave me some price options within just a few minutes. He got my phone number, wrote up the bill, and I went and got coffee for an hour. Upon return, my car is so quiet I have to look at the tachometer to figure out when to shift because I can’t hear the engine.
Regarding the single 1-​star review here: Yes, Dave is rough around the edges, and he will say some stuff that sounds like he has no patience. The edges are where it stops though. While I was waiting until 9am, a landscaping crew came with a huge truck. Dave launched into the guy for not showing up or calling to cancel an appointment the day before. The guy apologized and Dave said something neither funny nor nice. Then, Dave said «I’ll have it ready for you by noon, come back then» and they shook hands. I bet it’ll be cheaper than anywhere else in town too.
Bottom Line:
If you want kindness or if you want factory certified parts, go somewhere else and pay crazy money for the underside of your god damn car. If you pick Dave, just do what he says and understand that the moment the harsh words leave his craw, he’s already thinking about something else. You’ll save a ton of money. I’d recommend Ye Olde Muffler Shoppe to anyone who asks.

Low-​pressure, straight-​forward, inexpensive, and quick. Dave was great in welding my exhaust pipe back together on my Civic, and I’ll be back for any other problems I have.

Dave is great! He has done all my custom exhausts in all my vehicles since I’ve started driving. He gets it done right at the right price! I won’t go anywhere else for my Exhaust needs!

He came off a bit rude but he’s a straightforward guy and will do the job you ask, came here for a straight pipe was quick and easy.

My exhaust system was in a sorry state. Rusted out muffler and a gaping hole in the exhaust line. I arrived for my morning appointment a little early and found that Dave was indeed the straight-​forward man described here.
We got my car up on the rack. He gave me a reasonable quote and got to work. He seems brash, almost careless, until you realize that he just makes the work look effortless because he’s been doing it day-​in, day-​out since the ’80’s. He’s fast, and he’s enjoyable company if you’re open to conversation and don’t mind a frank opinion or two. We had a nice conversation about camping and aviation.
You might ask: Why is he so cheap? He must cut corners or do poor work!
This is simply not the case. His shop isn’t fancy. He does one thing, does it very well, and he’s his only employee. He works fast, and seems to have a very clear understanding of how much work he can do in a given day. He can be cheap, because he can afford to be cheap. He’s not paying wages for a shop of 10 mechanics and their benefits in some great location. He does good, honest work at a price that keeps him competitive with anyone.
If you have an fancy expensive car and expect factory licensed parts and certifications, take your business elsewhere! He’s happy to do whatever you want, but you’re simply not going to be on the same page.
If you’re looking for reliable and affordable exhaust service, it’s hard to imagine a better alternative. Dave is your man.

The muffler and pipe on my car were well past due; now they’re brand new and the car is silent. The pipework looks as tidy and proper as the original factory installation. Based on my experience today, Dave does skillful, careful work to a high standard of craftsmanship. He does it when he says he will, and he does it quickly and efficiently. He knows what he’s talking about and he speaks the truth (I know enough about the subject to have a well-​tuned BS detector). His prices are friendly. There are exhaust shops closer to me than The Muffler Shoppe, and there’s one in particular that did good work for me on a different car last Autumn, but Dave did better work at a lower price for me today.

very sarcastic and funny guy took my SC300 there for a custom exhaust. Dave didn’t mess around gave me a really good deal and even finished it early i was extremely satisfied and i definitely will return to Dave for all my custom exhausts and any exhaust related repairs!

Was referred to The Muffler Shoppe by Roxbury Auto Parts. My 95 Pointiac Bonneville was running loud and I need to find out what was going on. I arrived at the shop and met Dave. He’s a fiery, sarcastic and funny business owner. It caught me off guard at first, then I realized he’s just really funny and I’m too serious!
Anyway, he had me turn on the vehicle, stuck his head under under my car and said my muffler had a hole in it the size of his first. He said he could put a new one on in under a half-​hour for $ 90! What? Did I just hear under a $ 100 dollars to put it on now? Sweet.
Was done within 15 – 20 minutes. I paid, shook hands and left a happy customer that wants to tell others about his straight forward, no nonsense, inexpensive and speedy work. So, here I am telling you about it!
Oh, he likes root beer. If you want to bless him, bring some. I plan on stopping by and doing the same.
Go see him. Be ready for a hilarious ride of muffler goodness.

As much as I don’t want this place to get busy, I know how hard it is to find a car place you can trust and rely on. This is one of those places. Fair, honest and stands behind their work. And, if you’re lucky, Dave will be able to get you in on a Saturday.

I have never enjoyed spending money on my car… especially my commuter car… But I have to tell you. Dave over at the Muffler Shoppe is awesome. Not only is the man a pipe-​bending, custom welding genius, but he is entertaining and sharp as hell.
Backstory:
I bought a 2002 Honda Civic from a local car lot… only minor upgrades done to it which is why I bought it… Cold air intake and a new exhaust system… Stainless steel all the way to the tail. Only one problem… the guy took out the catalytic converter… Long story short had to have one installed. Mind you…2.5″ all the way to the tail.
So I take it to the Muffler Shoppe recommended by my other car shop for general stuff the Firestone Courtesy Tire in West Seattle. They tell me this guy is the shit for this stuff. I run it over and Dave takes a few minutes… «I can have it for under $ 300 installed.» I think… Ok…So I figure that means under $ 500 the way mechanics usually work.
Anyway…I call Dave back up later… Ok…When can I drop off the car to get it done… He goes «I can do it today… takes about an hour»…I’m thinkin’…uh huh… ok.
So I take it in… He has me pull the car in and I tell him I’ll wait up front, out of the way. He says…“Naa…I like the company anyway.” So I stay generally out of the way and he goes to work… Now mind you… As we start the work, he finds several other issues and I start thinking «here we go… Price is going to skyrocket.»
Turns out the cable and sensor for my car is only about 1ft long so he has to move where the converter SHOULD go and puts it inline under the car… and because of that… he also has to HAND MAKE a section of bending pipe that comes off the header because it would hang too low. He proceeds to cut off the pipe section and CREATED A NEW one… in about 5 minutes. All fully welded up and everything.
Keep in mind he is talking the whole time about growing up around planes and how he is a pilot and about history of flight stuff I didn’t even know… and I work for Boeing…14 years now… This guy is not only sharp and funny… but very multi-​taskable.
Anyway…All said and done… In and out of the shop in 1.5 hours… learned a ton about planes and flying I didn’t know… and car… get this…$ 285…not making this up…
All in all. if I ever need any of this kind of work done again… on my Rubicon or another car… on ANY vehicle… it will be this guy Dave at the Muffler Shoppe. Period.

Best muffler shop in town.