Feature: The Get It Done Guide's Car Services

Let’s face it: Life can be overwhelming. Who has the time to get the car fixed, spring clean like your grandmother, figure out how to properly install a car seat, plant a vegetable garden? Well, you can relax. All over town, pros are poised to help. We dug deep to find some of the best and most innovative personal services available. Set them to work, and all you'll have to do is cross things off that to-do list.


MOBILE MECHANIC 
Darwin Richard, who has specialized in on-site automotive services since 1992, takes great pride in bringing his expertise to your door (at home or the office). The Renton-based owner of Mr. Mobile Automotive Services can handle the full range of service and repairs—from lube and oil change to brake pad replacement, transmission services, drivetrain problems and more. Just think, no more need to arrange for rides or plan how to while away the hours in a waiting room. And next time your car breaks down on the roadway, would you rather call a stranger at AAA, or your own personal mobile mechanic? Richard handles roadside repairs, too. “We’ve traveled to Olympia, Everett and even Snoqualmie Pass for our customers,” he says. 
Mr. Mobile Automotive Services 206.930.7788; mrmobileauto.com Repairs, $80/hour; service calls begin at $20

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PERSONALIZED VAN TOUR SERVICE
Your house is brimming with visiting relatives, and you want to treat them to a special outing, like a wine-tasting tour. Do it in style by using Butler Transportation and its fleet of biofuel-powered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. Brothers Jeremy and Stuart Butler offer customized tours of Woodinville Wine Country complete with private tastings, barrel sampling, gourmet food (picnic style or restaurant) and, if you like, a personal sommelier. And when your out-of-town guests buy a bottle or two of Washington’s best, Butler Transportation will arrange to ship it back home, making airport security a breeze. Not a wine aficionado? They’ll work with you to develop a customized tour. Butler Transportation 425.883.0850 butlerseattle.com From $350/first three hours; $75/each additional hour

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CAR SALES BROKER
You can spend hours visiting car dealerships and haggling with salespeople about price or you can buy a new car the easy way. We vote for easy. Buyer’s agent Heidi Hough, aka The Amazing Autowoman, has worked with Microsoft executives, auctioneer John Curley and others to deliver the perfect car at a price that’s usually at least $1,000 less than you could get it for on your own. Her fee includes delivering your dream car without the usual hassle. Amazing autowoman 206.909.2476 amazingautowoman.com Fee: $325­­–$375

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AT-HOME CAR DETAILING
There’s no need to head to the car wash or detailer when your vehicle needs some spit and polish. Make an appointment with White’s Mobile Detail, Inc. (with offices in Seattle, Bellevue and Mill Creek), and a uniformed crew will come to you (be it at home or the office) and make your car look like new—both inside and out, thanks to their fully-contained mobile unit. White’s uses only water-based, biodegradable products, making them both convenient and earth-friendly. 
White’s Mobile Detail, Inc. 206.423.7333 whitesmobiledetail.com $120–$295, depending upon car size and service 

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Originally published in March 2010

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