About LeDoux's Auto Service
LeDoux’s Auto Service THE TRUSTED MECHANICS in Salem, OR, continues to be the trusted choice for auto repair and service in the area. Our owner, Gary LeDoux, started this business in 1986 and has committed his life to providing his community with the best possible automotive services ever since.
Gary’s grandfather actually started and ran an auto repair shop from 1917 until 1975, along with Gary’s father in later years. Gary has been in the business for over 32 years and grew up in the automotive business, spending time in his grandfather’s shop when he was young. He is a member of AAP, ASA, and ATI. His hobbies outside of the automotive industry include traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and camping.
Gary continues on his family’s legacy by being the top choice among the neighborhood for auto repair, serving the third generation of local families. There is a reason why we are considered the local neighborhood shop! We love our customers and are constantly trying to give back by donating to local charities and events. Our goal is to make sure that our community receives the best possible service and repairs and are kept safe on the road.
So, Who Actually Works On My Car?
MECHANIC? - NO
The word «Mechanic» makes you think of a guy from the 1960´s named Joe, with dirty hands, smudged face, greasy clothes and a wrench in his pocket. The high school dropout who might not have the intellect to work on our complex cars today. Hence the term MECHANIC is quickly disappearing.
TECHNICIAN? - NO
On the other hand, the word «Technician» conjures up mental pictures of a guy in a sterile lab coat who hasn´t had his hands dirty in his life. He may be able to think about what´s wrong, but will he be man enough to dive into your car´s problem to fix it?
Automotive Service Technician - Yes
A Great Auto Service Technician Is Worth His Weight In Gold!
The truth is that with today´s sophisticated cars, the good auto service technician must be a combination of diagnostic wizard, mechanical engineer, electrician, continuing student and great mechanic. It´s not glamorous work, but it´s exciting work. Part detective, he must discover the problems and then, take the puzzle apart and put it back together again to work perfectly.
A great auto service technician is a combination of curiosity, constant study, refined intuition, well earned experience, deductive reasoning, strong arms and nimble fingers. Plus, he loves his job.
To you, his job is extremely important. It keeps you on the road, getting you to work, school, shopping and vacation. It keeps your car reliable, from the day-to-day routine, to cross country trips or the late night emergency.
A great auto service shop, with dedicated technicians, is worth its weight in gold to you. When you find a good shop, stick with it, and tell your friends about it, because we all need reliable transportation.
Many Benefits For You
- Fast - same day service, always our goal.
- Honest - do only the work necessary.
- Professional - ASE Certified Technicians.
- On Site Owner - you can talk to.
- Priced Right - highly competitive pricing for the most respected service in town.
- Convenient - Free Courtesy rides.
- Extended Warranty Work - encouraged and accepted.
- 100% customer satisfaction - our most important goal.
- No surprises - on your bill. All prices must be approved by you before any work is done.
- Work done right - the first time, on time.
History
Gary's grandfather started an Automotive Service Center back in 1917 in Mount Angel, Oregon, called "LeDoux's Super Service". The original "TEXACO" branded building is still there and standing on the corner of East Church Street & South Main Street in Mount Angel, Oregon. It was later remodeled, painted, and turned into a NAPA Auto Parts Store, which is still in business today.
In 1935, the start of LeDoux's Auto Service was born. This was a 3rd generation auto repair & service shop with all three working together in/out of that location. Gary, as a young kid, worked alongside his dad and grandfather.
In 1985, Gary LeDoux took the step to open his very own Automotive Service & Repair location in Salem, Oregon. He started with repairing & replacing exhaust systems & mufflers and offering basic maintenance services. As the industry changed, so did Gary. He began offering Automotive Maintenance Services & Repair Services along with tire sales. As the auto industry kept evolving due to automotive technology constantly improving, Gary was able to adapt and remain one of the Premier Automotive Repair Shops in Salem, Oregon. He continuously updated & improved his diagnostic equipment/technology to stay up to date with current automotive repair needs.
Gary greatly enjoyed serving multiple generations of families for several years with their vehicle services & repairs. He would often tell stories about what each family drove for vehicles & who had the nicer cars out of the family. Gary sure loved the classic cars! He would often say, "It was really a neat deal to meet & take care of the great grandparents, grandparents, parents, and their kid's vehicles." "To have that type of connection for that many generations made me feel like I was doing something right." He would always say, "I'm here to help our customers and more importantly keep our community driving safely & reliably."
Gary LeDoux in January 2025 was finally looking to retire and pass the reins on. Steve Hensley & Vahn Stone joined forces to purchase the business from him. All great minds think alike, and when Gary LeDoux gave us the option to purchase this business, we felt honored to be able to continue to service his great customer base & our local community members.
Steve and Vahn worked together for several years prior to coming together to purchase LeDoux's Auto Service. Most recently, they worked together at a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge & RAM Dealership. They also worked together at a Ford Dealership. They quickly knew that they worked very well together and wanted to one day own their own Automotive Repair Shop. It was just the perfect timing to be able to purchase LeDoux's Auto Service.
Steve came from being an Under Car Technician for 30 years where he specialized in Alignments, Tires, Steering & Suspension Repairs, Differential & Axle Upgrades That Includes Differential Gears, Lockers & Updated Stronger Housings for Off-Road Applications & Improve Performance & Longevity, Lift Kits, Lowering Kits & Installing Aftermarket Vehicle Accessory Kits that include Winches, Off-Road Lights, Side Steps, Nerf Bars & Running Boards, On-Board Vehicle Air System, Custom Fenders & Fender Flares, Custom Bumpers, Factory JEEP Off-Road Accessories & Overlanding Equipment. This has not only been Steve's job but his passion for the last 30 years. He loves being outdoors and enjoying time in the sand and rock crawling with family & friends. He also enjoys scuba diving in the ocean.
Vahn has worked in the automotive industry for over 19 years as a Service Technician, Store Manager, Service Advisor, Shop Foreman, Service Manager & A Parts & Service Director. He worked for Independent Repair Facilities & Dealerships all throughout Oregon. Vahn always wanted a shop of his very own to be able to take care of customers on a more personal level, not a corporate one. Vahn has always said, "It's a very simple philosophy, We are in a community that needs assistance in vehicle repairs & services, this is our time to shine and take care of our customers because they are our neighbors." "The goal is to provide exceptional service to create a positive and lasting impact on every customer interaction. After all, we want Raving Fans, not just customers."