About Our Shop in Sandpoint, ID

Founded in 2016 by Joe, a former U.S. Army tank mechanic, Compass Mechanical Repair was born from decades of hands-on experience. Joe’s career started in the late ’90s with the Army, where he honed his skills working on heavy-duty diesel equipment. Over time, his expertise expanded to include railroad maintenance equipment, underground mining machinery, and eventually light-duty diesel and automotive repair.



Starting small, Joe opened the original Compass Mechanical Repair in a modest shop at the back of his property in Sandpoint, Idaho. His wife, Staci, joined the business in September 2020, bringing invaluable support and helping grow the business to meet the community's needs. By March 2021, the shop had outgrown its original location and moved to a larger facility. In May 2022, Joe and Staci purchased the property and expanded their repair facility from 2,500 to 5,000 square feet, reflecting their dedication to providing exceptional service for every vehicle that comes through their doors.

ASE Certified | Compass Mechanical Repair

Our Expertise and Capabilities

While we’re known for our light-duty diesel diagnostics and repair, our team provides full-service automotive repair for both import and domestic vehicles, handling nearly every service except engine and transmission rebuilds, tires, and alignment.


We pair our experience with advanced technology to ensure the highest-quality repairs:

  • 4-Channel Diagnostic PicoScope – Unlike standard scan tools, our PicoScope acts as an “X-ray machine,” allowing us to see actual electrical signals. This ensures accurate testing of individual components before replacement, helping us achieve a first-time fix.
  • Heavy-Duty Column Lifts – With a lifting capacity of 64,000 pounds, we can safely service larger trucks equipped with service bodies, cranes, or man baskets.



Whether it’s a daily commuter, a heavy-duty work truck, or a fleet vehicle, our combination of experience, technology, and attention to detail ensures every repair is done right the first time.

Our Commitment to Sandpoint

As a family-owned business, we take pride in treating every vehicle and customer like family. Our after-hours drop-off and financing options make it convenient for busy schedules, while our professional, hands-on approach guarantees reliable results. From routine maintenance to complex diesel diagnostics, our goal is to keep Sandpoint drivers safe, confident, and on the road. As a statement of our commitment, we also offer 1 year warranty on labor and a manufacturer's warranty on parts.



Visit us at 31497 ID-200, Unit B, Sandpoint, ID 83864, and experience the Compass Mechanical Repair difference, where local expertise meets advanced technology, and every vehicle is treated with care and precision.

Our Values

Evidence Based Diagnosis

No guessing or parts swapping, but rather a systematic, data driven process of verifying concerns, testing the relevant systems, and identifying the root cause component failure through various proven testing methods. Images and videos are provided to ensure transparency.

Services Recommended Only When Needed

Services recommended that can save you thousands in future repairs of major components. Several services include additional warranty. Services based on mileage, driving habits, and years of professional experience.

Protecting Your Investment

Helping you to keep your vehicle longer, potentially saving thousands of dollars in vehicle payments, without sacrificing comfort, dependability, or quality.

Transparency and Honesty

Full transparency and honesty throughout the diagnostic and repair process including complete and easy to understand explanations of diagnostics and component failure determination, images and videos to demonstrate failures, complete and accurate estimates with recommendations based on decades of Automotive Repair experience, and 100% workmanship guarantee.

We Specialize in a Variety of Auto Repair Services

Standard Maintenance Services

Factory Scheduled Maintenance

30/60/90/120K Mile Services

Computer Diagnostics

Oil Changes

Tune Ups

Filter Replacements

Safety & Emissions Inspections

Windshield Wiper Blades

Fluid Services

Trip Inspections

Maintenance Inspections

Check Engine Light Diagnostics & Repair

Brake Repair & Antilock Braking System (ABS) Repair

Shocks & Struts Repair

Chassis & Suspension Repair

Suspension & Steering Repair

Engine Services

Engine Repair

Engine Replacement

Engine Performance Check

Belt Replacement

Hose Replacement

Cooling System Repair

Radiator Repair & Replacement

Water Pump Repair & Replacement

Drivability Diagnostics & Repair

Fuel Injection Repair & Service

Fuel System Repair & Maintenance

Ignition System Repair & Maintenance

Transmission

Transmission Service

Transmission Replacement

Driveline Repair & Maintenance

Axle Repair & Replacement

Clutch Repair & Replacement

Transmission Fluid Service

Flywheel Repair & Replacement

Driveshaft & U-Joint Repair

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Rebuild & Service

Valve Body Repair & Replacement

Heating & Air Conditioner Repair

Heating & Cooling System Diagnostics

Auto Air Conditioning Repair & Service

Heating System Repair & Service

Belt Repair & Replacement

Compressor Repair & Replacement

Evaporator Repair & Replacement

Refrigerant Replacement

Fleet Services

Factory Scheduled Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance (PM)

Semi & Commercial Truck Repair & Maintenance

Pre-Purchase Inspections

DOT Inspections

State Inspections

Fleet Accounts

Auto Electrical Services

Electrical System Diagnostics & Repair

Alternator Repair & Replacement

Starter Repair & Replacement

Windshield Wiper Repair

Power Lock Repair

Power Antenna Repair

Power Steering Repair

Power Window Repair

Power Accessory Repair

Light Repair & Bulb Replacements

Exhaust Services

Exhaust Repair & Replacement

Muffler Repair & Replacement

Tailpipe Repair & Replacement

Catalytic Converter Repair

Exhaust Manifold Repair

Custom Exhaust Fabrication

Exhaust Upgrades