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.

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
