Testimonials
Those of us who own a vintage British sports car, and are mechanically challenged beyond putting in fuel, air and oil top ups, know what a challenge it can be to find someone who really knows these machines and can work on them properly and professionally. Three years ago I found Steve Day at The British Car Ranch and my motoring experience changed for the better immediately.
Steve has worked for decades in the motor industry and has acquired a vast knowledge, with particular emphasis on British Sports cars of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. There is no short cut to experience and there is no substitute for personal integrity and professionalism. Steve has all these attributes in abundance.
Steve has developed a tried and proven approach to vintage car maintenance including car appraisal, analysis and work plan outline. His step-by-step approach gives an owner all the information required to make a well-informed decision.
It has been a privilege and pleasure to see my 1964 Austin Healey 3000 Mklll reach its full motoring potential under Steve’s talented care. I have no hesitation in recommending the British Car Ranch and Steve Day to anyone who wants it done right, the first time and every time. Happy Motoring,
Michael De Wilde
West Vancouver, BC
Canada
Woooeeee! A few years ago the best dangdest British Car mechanics on the Eastside of Washington hung out their shingle/rock! We have known Steve and Laurie Day for years. Sue and I want to let everyone know how pleased we are. In our travels and visits with them we have observed the knowledge and thoroughness that they bring to the repair and restoration of our favorite British Cars. While we have had several somewhat mundane things and a few major projects done to our car, we have observed Steve’s excellent diagnostic skills and organized approach to solving the problems on our car as well as others we have seen in their shop. With the addition of their son, Christopher in the shop, they are able to deliver in a timely manner more efficiently and thoroughly. We wholeheartedly recommend the British Car Ranch.
Bruce and Sue Jackson
Kenmore, WA
I have absolutely no qualms in recommending Steve Day and the British Car Ranch to work on your Healey (or MG or Triumph). I’ve known Steve and Laurie for eight years , have been to Run to the Ranch every time they have hosted it since 2009 and also to numerous tech sessions Steve has given. He has come to my rescue at Rendezvous (replaced the starter solenoid) and at the NW Meet (fixed a thermo choke that was spewing gas.) He has rescued a lot of Healey folks with car problems at these events.
This past April/May, I had him install a brake servo and an alternator in our BN7 that I had purchased in April of 1963. I also had him check on a click I heard from the rear end when I started out in 1st or reverse. The result was that the rear end was overhauled before it exploded.
When Steve gets your car he runs a 3 hour diagnosis on it and discovers things that you don’t even know are amiss. It’s your option what work you want him to do. You will leave the Ranch with a much safer, more reliable Healey.
Besides being nice folks, Steve is very proficient in all things Healey, is honest as the day is long and stands in back of his work. I’ve been very satisfied with his work and highly recommend him!
Ron Layton
Cascade Austin Healey Club
What can't be said about Steve Day and the British Car Ranch! I came to know Steve through the Austin Healey Club events and was impressed with his contributions as a member. His cars were impeccable and everyone sought him out for advice on their cars. Steve decided to turn his hobby into a business in 2008. I respected the way he went "all in" leaving his long time job and putting everything into his new venture.
I was one of Steve's first clients and could not believe the level of service. I purchased my 67 BJ8 from a restoration shop in 2005 but had never been satisfied with the ride. Steve quickly diagnosed the problem and we put together a plan to address it. The best part of our collaboration was his empathy for budget and timing. We were able to stage the work so that I could enjoy the car when needed and plan the work to match my available budget.
Needless to say, the work has been flawless. Steve is a master! His attention to detail, quality work and sense of urgency is unparalleled. If you have a classic British car and need help sorting it out, there is no better place to look. If you live in the Northwest, look for Steve at a local show or better yet, take a drive to Wenatchee, WA to meet him and tour his shop.
Thanks for your contributions to the sport Steve!
Eric & Debbie Dremel
“The British Car Ranch is the only place I have trusted to repair and maintain my Big Healey for the past five years. In fact, I drive three hours each way to get it to them and home again. Steve and Laurie treat it as if it were their own car. Experience, honesty, and integrity are their hallmark, and besides, they are great people! What more could a British car owner ask?”
Dwight Jones
'65 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
Tri-cities, WA
“Steve's assessment sheet is a well thought out document which allows him to make accurate estimates and schedule repairs in order of their importance.
Mr. Day keeps his customers fully informed of progress, delays, and if any additional problems are discovered during the course of the agreed upon repairs. At this time the customer becomes fully involved in the decision making process as to what level of priority the new repairs should be given.”
Joe & Barb Hahn
'71 MGB
“We recently moved to East Wenatchee from Couer d’Alene, ID. It has been great for us to find Steve and the British Car Ranch. Our 74 ½ MGB was having a serious stopping problem which he diagnosed and fixed in the time promised and for the price quoted. We had input and Steve kept us informed. We appreciate that he is willing to work with us in establishing future repair priorities. Our thanks to Steve, Laurie Day and their British Car Ranch.”
Cliff & Diana Mc Lean
'74 ½ MGB
East Wenatchee, WA
I was one of the first people to take advantage of the British Car Ranch “Winter Plan” I left my 1957 Austin Healey 100-Six BN4 with Steve in the fall (after our clubs annual “Run to the Ranch”). The plan was to have the engine completely rebuilt and back on the road in time for the next spring’s touring season. I was most pleased with the results. The car was done on time and I could not be happier with the results.
Steve was very good about keeping me advised of his progress and any issues that came up during the disassembly and re-build. I was sent pictures and e-mails about the progress he was making.
I was given a summary of the work that was done as well as a report of the total condition of my car when I picked it up.
I would be more than willing to recommend Steve for the quality of his work and for his knowledge of British cars in general.
Jim & Terri McDermott
1957 Austin Healey 100-Six BN4
Seattle, WA
Having recently had an engine and transmission overhaul at the BCR, Jan and I were very pleased with the results. We have known Steve and Laurie for a number of years and feel very comfortable leaving our cars in their care. They are very honest and straightforward with their thoughts and suggestion if asked. Everything is explained in a manner that is very understandable no matter what level of mechanical knowledge that you may possess. They both have an exceptional work ethic and are honest above reproach.
I have seen Steve help people out that have had mechanical problems along the road, us included. He has an amazing mechanical method for diagnosing and fixing problems. He doesn't just throw parts at a problem. His pragmatic solution for correcting mechanical problems are very admirable. Having unlimited patience is a blessing too. Steve and Laurie’s efforts go above and beyond any expectations in order to provide service to their customers.
Dennis & Jan Saxon
1965 BJ8
Auburn, WA
WE gave our BJ7 to your hands for a major upgrade and decided on possible further repairs if they were discovered during this operation. We also decided on a schedule and a pickup date.
On delivery of the car in October of 2009, we were impressed with your shop, a clean and an orderly operation.
Everything went exactly as promised by you and we are very happy with the work you did. On time and on budget, including the additional items that came to surface.
You got five stars from us (there are no more stars to give) and appreciate your honesty, integrity and friendly approach. If needed, we will certainly come back.
Also special thanks for Laurie for her behind the scenes good work.
Haluk and Maggie Taysi
Seattle, USA and Weyhe(Bremen) Germany
To anyone considering choosing the British Car Ranch as their source for repairs and information about maintaining and operating their British car this is home of a great mechanic. Steven Day worked on our car over the course of several months. We were impressed when we picked the car up and were more impressed after we drove it home and looked at the detail of the work Steve did for us.
Steve is passionate about British cars and about doing the job the right way. Steve took our car and made it reliable and safe to drive and his workmanship is excellent. There are few craftsmen left in this world of disposable everything.
An old British car needs a mechanic that does not only know the car but understands and appreciates each and every vehicle for it's uniqueness. Steve is just such a mechanic. Give the British Car Ranch a try, you will not be disappointed.
Mike & Teddy Lubow
Linda and I were fortunate to bring our 1976 Triumph TR-6 to the British Car Ranch in 2018 for some touch-up work and Steve and Laurie's assessment of where our car was at mechanically and to devise a work plan to address several things found in the assessment. Little did we know that trouble lurked just below the hood of the car. When we took the car out to use it before checking it back in for winter work per out plan, our engine (and supercharger) decided it was time for a rebuild. Perfect timing in retrospect. Not only did the Ranch hands not kick us out, they embraced the car and got it in line with their existing work and commitments for what would turn out to be about a year (or so) of major work on the engine, supercharger, and several other things that were discovered during the rebuild process. Communication with Steve and Laurie was beyond great and led to a project that has changed our car. It's the British Car Ranch but we call it the British Car Hospital with Dr. Steve and his fantastic team curing what ailed it. Their personal and caring touch in the rehab of our 3rd child was so comforting. The decisions of what to do were very well thought out and led to a total success. We are very excited to take the next step this winter to put us in a position where we will have a close to new car that just might make it another 44 years and 100,000 miles. Thank you Steve, Laurie and Christopher!!!
Mike and Linda McMahon