This place is fantastic. They finished the repairs ahead of schedule, and their customer service was very good. But the main reason for my very positive review is AA's honesty. I needed a new transmission and I was told the cost would vary depending on whether the transfer case needed to be reprogrammed -- that would be an extra $500. When I picked the car up, they told me that fortunately reprogramming wasn't needed. They could have said the opposite -- I would have paid the extra $500 -- and there's no way I would have ever known the truth. I am just posting this review because to me honesty is basically everything in car repair places. And Arlington Autocare is honest. read more

I wish I had a better experience here and would especially not recommend this business to any female going by themselves. When taking my car in solely for an oil change, after it was complete my car was returned to me with the driver's seat reclined an absurd amount. Additionally, the electronic switch to raise the head of the seat was broken and I knew for a fact it was not broken before I took my car in to get serviced. The next day, I brought it back to address the issue and have the shop fix it because it was very difficult for me to drive my car with the seat reclined so much. I did not feel like my issue was taken seriously initially by the mechanics. When explaining the issue, it seemed like they thought I didn't know how to raise the seat up in my own car. It wasn't until showing them the problem that they admitted this was a real issue they would need to run diagnostics and charge me for. I asked why they would feel a need to recline the seat this much to complete an oil change in the first place, and they continuously doubled down that the mechanics have to be able to move the driver's seat in any way they need to drive the car and could not admit the issue was their wrongdoing. It makes sense to me to move the seat towards and away from the wheel, but my seat was reclined so much from the original position that seemed incredibly unnecessary. After running the diagnostics, they wanted to charge me almost $900 total to replace the switch altogether. When expressing to the mechanics once again that this issue is on them because the seat was not broken before I brought it in for the oil change and it is ridiculous to ask me to pay this much especially in labor charges, they would not budge on their stance that they can move the seat however they need and said charging this much and replacing the whole switch is what needed to be done. The next day I called right when the shop opened to speak to the manager about this issue. Every time I called, the mechanics said the manager would be in later that day and everytime I called after that the manager was never available. Eventually in the afternoon, the mechanics were able to communicate the issue to the manager themselves, and later on they updated me that the manager is aware of the issue and looking into it to see what he wants to do.I made it clear to the mechanic I spoke to that I still wanted to speak to the manager myself, and they said they will give the manager my number to call me. I never got a call from the manager, instead the shop called me back saying the manager wants the shop to comp all charges with this switch fix except the part. I made it clear that this is the least they could do because they were the ones that caused this issue. I still want to speak to the manager about this and they expressed that the manager had left for the day and is busy so wouldn't have time to call me about this, which I think is incredibly cowardly of the management of this shop to not be willing to hear out the customer's concerns directly. When picking up my vehicle the staff was incredibly unfriendly and visibly upset about the whole situation. I asked if the part had a warranty and was met with an "I don't know, I think a year." When asking if they could confirm that with someone that knew, they responded "It's a year warranty" without verifying with someone else. When paying for the cost of the part (which was $250 that was for an issue I did not cause) I politely asked if they had a discount for nurses/first responders and was met with "why should we give you a discount, we're already losing money on this." I will not be returning because of the lack of customer service and the lack of respect I was met with from staff as a single young woman. read more

This place is a scam recommended by AAA. Stay away from here. AAA recommends this place but I do not recommend this place. They try to take advantage of women and they lie. I waited for hours and the person helping me left for the day and my vehicle wasn't even being looked at. They told me the diagnostic was $130 then called to tell me it would be $130 then when I came to talk to them in person and told them the dealership charges $199, then they went down to $195. SCAM!! read more

This place is an absolute rip-off. I went in yesterday and they told me it would be $25 for a simple tire swap. I didn't have time at that moment, so I came back the next day -- suddenly the price jumped to $75 and they told me I'd have to wait until 4 PM. That's not just unprofessional, it's straight up dishonest. How do you triple the price overnight for the exact same service? If they can't keep their word on something this basic, how can you trust them with anything bigger? The staff clearly has no respect for customers' time or money. There are plenty of tire shops in the area that actually treat people fairly -- do yourself a favor and avoid this place at all costs read more

I've been going here for years. Advanced towing messed up my vehicle during a tow. Arlington Auto was able to fix everything same day, with very little delay. prices are very fair, better than what I've been quoted around the area. I recommend. read more

Worst Store Never Go There！ I went here for an annual inspection in March. After the check, I was told that the emissions were not up to standard. When I asked about the repair cost, they quoted me a sky-high price of three thousand dollars and also charged me an extra 260 dollars for the repair report. I immediately took my car away and went to another auto repair shop. They offered me a free check and fixed my car for less than a thousand dollars. Never go to this lousy shop! read more

I was visiting from out of town and obliterated the underside of my car driving over the corner of a curb. I had a 2.5 drive ahead of me and was on a time crunch. I called Arlington Autocare and they were able to get me in immediately for a diagnostic. When I got to the counter, I spoke with Mohamed and explained I just needed the car safe enough to drive on the highway and I needed to be on the road in 2 hours. He was completely understanding of my situation and said the diagnostic would take an hour and we threw in an oil change while we were at it. Luckily my car was totally drivable and the damage was surface level. Mohamed advised I should get the damaged safeguards replaced as soon as I got home in case I had to face my mortal enemy again (curbs). This place is a super reliable and the customer service is next level. Highly recommend! read more

they are first of all overpriced, and was suggesting that i replace the whole valve cover because of a snapped bolt. i still accepted it but then when i got the car it was idling like crazy, and they didn't acknowledge it. then i found out that they left a wood board next to my engine probably causing the weird idling read more

Arlington Autocare - Auto Repair Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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They apparently have No accountability. During most recent oil change they recommended replacing cap for oil pan. Fast forward a couple of months I forgot that this service occurred but did notice oil drips in my driveway/lot so I took to my Subaru dealer. Subaru diagnosed and clearly documented that the cause of leak was incorrectly -threaded aftermarket oil plug. Subaru replaced it (for cost) and charged for the additional required oil change . I contacted Arlington auto and provided the documentation and requested a refund.. The response from Arlington auto was "this is the first complaint we've received complaint about oil leaking...as a gesture of goodwill you can come back in and have a free oil change". No refund for the oil plug, oil change, let alone the additional $$$ spent duplicating the service at Subaru. Would you take your car back to a place that can't even accept responsibility and compensate for a clearly documented mistake on their part? read more

Absolute horrible service! My husband took my vehicle in for tire rotation and wheel alignment. Quoted 2 hours and took over 5 hours to complete. What made matters worse is that my vehicle didn't come back in the condition that it went in. Oil and grease all over my driver door and steering wheel. In addition to this they ran a tire across my bumper which requires detailing. Sent my husband back to get a refund and instead offered detailing of the bumper next week! To hell with this place. Absolute horrible service! My husband took my vehicle in for tire rotation and wheel alignment. Quoted 2 hours and took over 5 hours to complete. What made matters worse is that my vehicle didn't come back in the condition that it went in. Oil and grease all over my driver door and steering wheel. In addition to this they ran a tire across my bumper which requires detailing. Sent my husband back to get a refund and instead offered detailing of the bumper next week! To hell with this place. read more

Arlington Autocare - Quality service? Yeah right - Auto Repair Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Quick and easy, very nice and professional! I popped into Arlington Autocare to get my VA Vehicle Inspection. I called to see if they were busy, they were friendly and said come on in.. the wait won't be long! It certainly wasn't! I pulled up and he was finishing an inspection right before mine. I probably waited all of 4 mins. I went into the waiting area/office which was large, clean and spacious for a mechanics shop. Before I knew it, my inspection was complete! They provided me with my recommendations without the feeling of pressure to get anything done or else type vibe. Their pricing didn't seem expensive compared to other shops in the area, so I would say the value is there along with the high level of service. I will certainly take my car back for future inspections and/or servicing. read more

Called this morning to ask if they do emissions testing. After an initial hang up I called back. The guy says yes until 2pm.i drive over 5 minutes after the call and they tell me not today. read more

Took car to get inspection. Had to wait a few minutes but otherwise quick and easy to get and no BS charges. Total was $20. Would recommend for your annual inspection. read more

Called and asked about state inspection, first come first serve. Website says they open at 7 AM. Show up at 7:05 AM, am told that I can't be helped until the "guy" shows up at 8 AM. I just left as I have work at 8:15 AM. read more

I heard a screeching in my car from something that was stuck and I could not find it; I brought it in and Manuel E. found a rock stuck in the brakes and called me to come pick up the car, when trying to pay I was told it was on the house. I highly recommend Arlington Auto Care. read more

TLDR: Unfortunately, the staff may not have your best interests in mind. I hate to give a bad review as I know that there are good, hard-working people here. But after 5 years of service, they have lost my trust and my business. I took my car in for a $20 safety inspection, handing my keys to the inspector. He took a look at my car before getting into the driver seat, and then drove it to the garage. When I came back to pick up my car, I paid for the service and took my car home, arriving in my driveway only to notice that there was no new inspection sticker. Instead, there was a sticker that read "REJECTION -- cracked windshield". I called the shop and was confused as to why they didn't notify me of this when I came to pick up and pay for the inspection. They weren't sure, and said that a mistake must have been made because the inspector typically lets them know if a car has failed inspection. No big deal in my eyes. Mistakes happen. Customers must pay for a safety inspection whether they pass or fail. That's not ideal, but understood when you consider the labor that goes into the work. However ... The crack is very large and spans the entire driver's side of the windshield. The inspector would have noticed immediately -- likely as soon as he took a look at my car when I was still inside of it, and certainly would have when I handed him my keys and he got into the driver's seat. Nevertheless, he performed the inspection. I asked the staff member on the phone, "The inspector could have told me that my car would not pass given the crack in the windshield, rather than taking it into the shop, knowing before even opening the hood that it was going to fail. This would have saved me the money and the time, and I would have returned after getting the windshield fixed. Instead, you will now make double off of my safety inspection." He replied, "No, there was nothing wrong about this. You are unaware of how safety inspections work." He told me that, by law, as soon as the car is brought to the shop, the inspector must remove the current inspection sticker (though mine had not yet expired) and conduct the inspection. Confused, I said, "Ok, but do you see what I'm saying? I would expect an auto shop to look out for their customer's best interests. Instead, your shop took my car in, knowing that before any labor was to be done, my car was going to fail the inspection. And yet you proceeded to conduct and charge me for the inspection. In my opinion, an auto shop should look out for their customers. I have heard countless stories of other auto shops advice their customers to first fix something on their car and then come back, because they had recognized that the car would fail the inspection. Actions like this build trust a save the customer's time and money." This is how all customers would like to be treated. They want to know that their service shops are making the effort to help them. Instead, his response was something like, "I don't care what other shops do. My only concern is what happens within these four walls." .... I said, "Really? You don't think that this could have been handled differently? You don't think that there is a better way to treat your customers?" He replied, "No, I think that you just don't understand how safety inspections work. If you want, you can come back and I can offer you a $20 refund." I concluded with, "Honestly, I'm surprised that you fought me on this instead of saying, 'I understand. We could have handled that differently and I'm sorry. Here is what we can do for you.' You flippantly offering a $20 refund at the end of the conversation is not a favor that I should just be grateful to receive. This exchange tells me a lot about the way that your shop views and treats their customers in a business that is grounded in trust." He reiterated that he didn't care what other shops would do and the refund offer stands. I said, "Ok". And we hung up. I hope that others have a different experience than I did and that this shop strengthens their ability to keep an eye out for the customers. read more

Had to stop in for a quick emissions test, tire air pressure fix, and putting on new license plates. They did the latter two free of charge and it was all done very quickly! read more

Unmitigated conflicts of interest here. Flunked my state inspection and were quick to offer me solutions for just 680+dollars! Took it to my mechanic who said the car was fine as was, and car passed. Not going back there. read more

Quality of the work here is good. Customer service really needs to be evaluated. I went in to schedule a tire change and was passed from one person to another. Then when dropping the car off they fumble around had a hard time finding the paperwork for my tire and the tire itself, all while the person who ordered the tire in the first place just stood around to see their coworker drown. After that they let me leave without checking if my tires had wheel locks, and asked me what they should do about my tire sensors (you guys are supposed to be the experts). I had to make three trips in total to this place, think about if I actually lived far away. Then when I went to pay they charged me for my my sensors even though they were never replaced, since the cashier didn't know the mechanic didn't need to replace them. Again it only came up because I inquired about the charge and I got a refund. Safe to say I will never be back, and from now on just goto the dealer as I've always done. read more

This was my go to auto shop for about 4 years. I lived super close and they were always pretty quick with the service. They are also generally really pleasant. The thing I wish they did improve on is bringing things to your attention when you bring in the car for service. read more

Asked them to scan my car for engine light codes and determined my price was 150$ when they typically will do it for free. Dont go here! Go somewhere else where they won't rip you off read more

UPDATE: I did email the recommended email. No response back....called Christoph the GM ON 3 occasions over the span of 5 days with the request of a call back. No response from the GM. I wonder why the staff is as bad as they are??? Took my vehicle to a real mechanic and got a full diagnostic test done (unlike the one performed at this shop). The difference in service and information provided made it apparent to me that there is no way a real diagnostic test was performed on my vehicle at this location. After presenting this information to JP, the service manager, he said I would need to provide the information in writing??? A quote from another mechanic because he didn't do his job??? Laughable. Another mechanic spent 30 minutes on the phone walking me through the diagnostic results. This shop has a 2 line overview of their "test". Choose another shop! This place is a waste of your time and money. read more

*** Cliff Notes version: They will find a way to run up your bill, take you for a sucker, and rip you off. Beware!!! *** Being new to Virginia I was looking for a small shop mechanic to service me vehicle. Arlington Autocare was right up the street and the people seemed friendly so I used them to perform my vehicles first inspection. Of course they failed my vehicle because of an air bag light that had been on for the past 14 years and figured out a way to milk $800.00 out of me to repair a clock spring in the steering column. Unfortunately immediately after the repair work my cruise control stopped working. I took my vehicle back to have to have them look at a scrapping sound in the steering column hoping that it was the cruise control issue. Of course they couldn't find a problem and the cruise control still wasn't working. While my vehicle was in, I requested they change the oil. They called and sent me pictures of my brakes and recommended a coolant flush. I agreed to the work. After picking up the vehicle I could smell coolant. Thinking thats probably normal following a coolant flush, I didn't pay it much attention. Shortly after I'm driving down the freeway and coolant is spraying out all over my vehicle's engine. After towing it to the shop, they show me a part that was leaking. They denied seeing the leak when they did the coolant flush and wanted to charge me over $800.00 to replace a $50.00 part (looked it up online). They had me between the legs because I had to have my vehicle towed there. After I told them I would have AAA pickup the vehicle and take it somewhere else, they lowered the bill a little over $100.00. The bottom line, this place finds a way to milk every dollar out of you. I don't know if they set me up for a failed part they should have noticed in the first place, but I feel like they really took me for a ride. I'm a fool for giving them a 2nd chance. Beware, they will rip you off! They see can see a sucker coming. read more

Quick service and friendly staff. I came in on the Saturday before Memorial Day for a state inspection/emissions. Their current prices run $28 for emissions and $16 for the state safety inspection. I pulled up to their driveway and was immediately met by one of the mechanics who asked what I was in for. I handed off my keys and they took the car in almost immediately. The waiting room was small (8 chairs total) + a single restroom. A lot of the customers were coming in to drop off there cars and could walk about 1.5 blocks to the Clarendon Metro as needed. Overall in and out within 15 minutes. read more

Another 5 star, just because this is the only place I've gone in the Arlington area that doesn't tell me I have to replace a light, or some other random issue, in order to pass inspection. I did need a very legitimate repair at one point, and it was priced very fairly. read more

I have been a customer for about 10 years whenever I have needed auto service in town. Staff friendly and great at communicating timing/expectations on services. Location is convenient too in case you want to do some work in nearby neighborhood coffee shops. read more

Process took longer than they were telling me. Ended up with cross threaded lug nuts from the service

After going to this place for car repairs over the years, I have decided that I will NOT be returning. Here are the list of problems I had to deal with during/after my last visit here: 1. They charge $119 just for taking a look at your car and don't make you aware of this until you pay. 2. Their prices are outrageous. I ended up needed some things replaced/repaired and the total cost was almost $2000. I found another mechanic that is charging me less than half that price. 3. Expect other problems to pop up after you have picked your car up. I opted to just get some lights changed and when I got my car back the brake lights wouldn't turn off. Turns out the break light switch had been messed with and now my battery may die before I even take the car to the other mechanic. read more

I've been to Arlington Autocare for a few services now, and I always have such a smooth experience. Efficient, trustworthy, and friendly. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes for my inspection and emissions check, and they've gotten me in the schedule day of for patching a flat tire, oil changes, etc. I've had dealerships try to take advantage of me in the past, but Arlington Autocare hasn't tried to tack on additional services that don't make sense, so they have earned my trust. Also can't beat the location if you live in Arlington. read more

If they can take advantage of you they will. Took my car to get inspected, and they failed me because the amber light was a wrong color and wanted $500+ to fix it. (That is a first) Glad I did not listen because I took my car to the place down the street and they told me my car was perfectly fine. Will never go back here and unfortunate places like this give a bad rep to the honest car shops. read more

I've debated writing a review for a while. I am very uneducated about cars, so I'm not confident when I go to the mechanic. I dropped off my car for a battery replacement and was charged $375 (for a battery test and a new battery). The day I picked it up I had to bring it back and was quoted almost $1200 for new repairs. Because I spend so much on the new battery, I called another mechanic who told me they could do the repairs for $850, and advised me that the shop was charging me labor hours at dealership rates. I'm so embarrassed I've spent so much money at this place, I will absolutely not be going back. read more

It's a very impressive, comprehensive business. Thank you for your work. I feel as though there is a greater attention to detail than I get even at my dealership. read more

If I could give this zero stars I would. Stay away! I went in to get my 2001 Ford Escape inspected. I was told that I also needed to get a safety inspection. Ok fine. Run both inspections, it'll pass. I pass emissions but fail for safety because my front brake hoses are old. I say okay. Probably some dry rot, no big deal. I ask for how much it would be to replace them, $300+. They proceed to tell me it is safe to drive and no rush to bring it in. Mmm okay? I take my car to another mechanic and tell them that I failed my inspection and tell them what I was told. The mechanics at the second place laugh at me and tell me I was being take for a ride. There was nothing wrong with my brake hoses, just that they were old and dirty. Do not come here if you are a woman. You will be lied to and taken advantage of. read more

I brought my car here today to get an alignment and have new tires put on. Arlington Autocare was fast, super friendly, well priced, and overall just a really easy painless experience! They went above and beyond helping me with my car (including a small bump in the front bumper). I had ordered the tires from the Goodyear website and was able to book my appointment with them online. When I did call to see if I could bring my car in earlier, they were really accommodating. Overall a really positive experience and I'll be bringing my car back here in the future! read more

I spent almost $3000 on brakes, pads, calipers, and other stuff this year, over the course of six months. Then, I brought it back for an inspection, and their tech gave me a rejection sticker for a brake issue. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that is possible, but I have not had a single issue with my truck until I started bringing it here. read more

Mechanics do a fine job and did right by my car the one time I took it there. These guys are severely lacking in the customer service department. The time I took my car in for service, the front desk attendant constantly questioned why I was not doing any "recommended" repairs beyond what I asked for. More recently, I called in to check availability on a set of tires. The employee on the phone said they did not have the tire in stock. That's all. No "let me check our incoming shipments," no "can I recommend another tire," no "let me check another locations availability." I ordered the tired I wanted off Tire Rack and had them installed at my house. Won't be coming back to these guys. read more

Went to Arlington Autocare for the annual safety inspection. I got there around 8:30 and Autocare opens up at 8 AM. While appointments cannot be made for safety inspections/emissions inspections, there was only two cars ahead of me and I was done within the hour. Staff was friendly and helpful. Also, Autocare does both inspections and emissions - good to know because I accidentally went to a place that only does one. One stop shop for Nova state requirements. read more

Took three days of them having my car to not find the issue and would barely explain anything. Took the car to another place and they had the work day within the day. Not a fan of this auto shop read more

They fit me in when other places wouldn't, but I would never willingly go back since everything is overpriced and the front desk will not work with you if you're trying to save money. They were charging me over $800 to change a starter in a fairly new and well maintained Toyota. A quick call to another mechanic revealed it should have been nearly half that price. What is worse is that the majority of that was attributed to labor costs, which doesn't make sense when that replacement itself takes less than 10 minutes to do when you google any video on getting this done online. So unless you're trying to misspend money, please stay away from this place read more

Epic incompetence. I took my car in for an oil change, alignment, and a brake check. They called me back saying that I need a set of new rotors and pads to replace a set of rear disk brakes. On the car that has DRUM brakes on the rear. I told them that I believe that my car has drums in the rear, to which they assured me that I got full disk brake setup all around and gave me a quote on rear disk brake replacement. I declined the offer, because they were either straight out lying to me or so incompetent, I could not allow them to service critical systems on my vehicle. BUT WAIT! There is more! When I picked up my car they charged me for the oil change and an alignment. I asked for an alignment before and after printout. They could not find it, told me will email next morning. No email next morning. I called the shop. The manager said that their alignment machine broke and they did not do an alignment on my car and that it why there was no printout. Offered to refund the money. Now, imagine it was my wife or my daughter who would have agreed to their "disk brake repair" and then paid for the "alignment" and just assumed that they've done it and trusted those people? They would have wasted $120 and kept driving the car for another year destroying the tires. These people are incompetent crooks and I would not recommend doing any service with them outside of basic oil change. I see some glowing reviews here and I am sure my wife or my daughter would have given them good reviews because their are indeed friendly and appear and sound professional. But if you know even a little bit about your car - you will see a very different picture. read more