I've been going to Cardinal Plaza Shell for several years now, and they've consistently delivered the best service I've ever experienced at an auto shop. Whether it's something simple like a state inspection or more custom work on my various vehicles, they always take great care of me. One of my favorite things is their text message updates--it makes the whole process so much easier and keeps me in the loop without having to call and check in. What really sets them apart, though, is the personal touch. Every time I walk in, they greet me with a "Hi" or "Good morning"--by name. It genuinely feels like my service center, not just some random place I take my cars. That kind of consistency and friendliness is rare these days. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for honest, reliable, and personable auto service. read more

10/31/2025: DISHONEST RIP-OFF BUSINESS. My wife brought here car in for a simple annual inspection. They failed the vehicle for a cracked tail light lense (see attached photo) which was very minor and has passed for years. There was no water or dirt inside the tail light, all the lights functioned perfectly but most importantly there WAS no holes on the plastic lense until we brought it there; at which time magically a new hole appeared when there never was one. They told my wife the "entire rear assembly on the car needed to be replaced". Of course she shares this information with me after the asshat who works at Cardinal Plaza Shell Station told her it would COST $847.67 to replace it (see attached photo of the estimate). The part from a DEALERSHIP is $300.00. You mean to tell me it costs $547.67 in labor to replace a tail light which consists of four screws and a few light connections?! AVOID this "generational family run establishment" and take your vehicle somewhere that has integrity, doesn't try to take advantage of people especially women. read more

Cardinal Plaza Shell - Estimate showing excess charges and taking advantage of female customers based on mechanical knowledge. - Gas Stations Near Me - Springfield, Virginia

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1 star for the lack of accommodation. I arrived at 4:15pm for a state emissions test, something they offer between 7am - 5pm Monday thru Friday. I was told that the inspector had promptly left early and the service I needed (which they state is offered until 5) was not available. Bad quality service on a gas station that looks nice but misleads its customers. Take your business elsewhere. read more

They did an awesome job over two days that my vehicle was in the shop. They kept me informed the whole time. The offer that I took for a shuttle ride back and forth from my home was greatly appreciated. George & Jack were competent drivers and very professional and we talked all the way to and fro. Very pleasant. Joe the service attendant kept me in form of the repair needed and the cost. . read more

I went to a custom shop to get my LED side marker light replaced. It isn't stock but takes the same amount of time. It just plugs in. The place I went to closed up at 2pm!!! So I stopped in at Shell with my 2018 SS Camaro. I asked them to change the light. They immeditaly fixed it and it was FREE!!! I gave them $20 for their trouble so lunch is on me. (Not a great lunch but McDonald's for 4 would work! Lol. They found that it was corroded by water infiltration. I so much appreciate what they did. I do get gas there 100% of the time. So it was totally fair and unexpected. THANK YOU GUYS!! read more

Cardinal Plaza Shell - This is what they are supposed to look like Thanks so much. It isn't easy to get out with the back tire in the way. - Gas Stations Near Me - Springfield, Virginia

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Concur with other reviews. Used to be my first choice for service. Now I tell everyone to steer clear. Went in for an analysis of a small problem. 1000 dollars later I got the car back with half a dozen things replaced. Still had the problem. Took replaced parts to other shops that confirmed the parts didnt need replacing. Go at your own risk. when they call asking to replace other parts take the car elsewhere. Any work done ask for the old parts. read more

I was running an errand in this shopping center when my car wouldn't start. I was parked in front of the CVS - a stone's throw from the mechanic - so I walked in to see if one of their guys could just help push me out of my spot so I could roll downhill to the shop, or at least come listen to the sound it was making to advise on next steps. Rather than offering any assistance, I was told I'd have to leave my car at the CVS overnight and risk it being impounded. In disbelief, I wound up calling AAA, who came out and quickly got my car jumped and started. Even the tow truck driver couldn't believe how unhelpful they had been in this situation that would have taken someone five minutes to make a great, positive impression. I hope nobody else has unexpected car trouble near this shop because they won't help at all. I will never give this shop any business. read more

Nice people work here. This works in a pinch. It's not the rip off, that another Shell station to the west is on the Burke Center Parkway. They have earned my irritation for good reason. Here it's not as competitive as some for 87, 89, or 91 octane. Yet it at least is reasonable. A clean station as well. This is probably among the better ones, to hit if getting ready to take 95 from Old Keene Mill Rd. I like cleanliness, and also a well illuminated station at night. It can be seen well, and the police are literally less than a mile away, at the West Springfield station. That is a good thing, as is the snacks available. If you're in a hurry, usually you can roll in and out of here. read more

I have zero confidence in this Shell. I only went there because KC auto was closed, and I heard some decent things about this shop. I went with my son to see about a possible brake light that was out on his car (his friends driving behind him said it was out). NOTE: I should've looked at the brake light myself instead of taking my teen sons word, lol. Lesson learned there. Anyway, 2 young guys (looked to be around 20) inspected his car, had him apply the brakes, etc. First, they had difficulty accessing the compartment to even get to the light. Second, they tried a few new brake lights and said they didn't work either, so "it's an electrical problem and you can bring it back for us to look at." NOPE. I purchased this Lexus for my son and had it thoroughly inspected so I knew unequivocally there was no "electrical problem." I left & took the car to KC Auto the next day who said it wasn't a brake light, rather a tail light that was out. No electrical problem. Fixed in 10 min....so yeah, zero confidence in Cardinal Shell. If the guys couldn't recognize something that simple, I have zero confidence they'd be able to fix something more complex. UNLESS, they were BS'ing me, thinking I was a gullible woman who knew nothing, lol. They were nice, pleasant boys but unfortunately, that didn't fix the problem I came in with. I def won't return or recommend Cardinal Shell. Shop manager...would you care to respond? read more

Shoutout to George who changed a flat tire for us tonight! Changed and solved in under 10 mins!

They took my money but did not repair my car. Even though I drove off their parking lot with smoke coming out of my car. They Dismissed my concerns, as if I didnt know what I was talking about. Terrible customer service. read more

Over the last 15 years I have taken 5 different vehicles here and the service is always top notch.

I brought my old (2007) Ford Focus in for air conditioning repairs in July. I needed a new compressor & accumulator which were installed. The cost was $1,947. Three weeks later the air conditioning was failing. I brought the car back in. After troubleshooting the problem, Cardinal Plaza Shell called me and reported they had installed an incorrect o ring. This had caused the refrigerant to leak out of the A/C system. It cost the shop $326 to correct the problem and fully restore the A/C. I was charged nothing. This is typical of the shop. They are honest. If they make a mistake, they tell the customer what they did wrong and correct it without additional charge. I have been taking cars to them for over 40 years and have never had any issues. They are competent, trustworthy, and good neighbors. Tom M. read more

I don't typically do reviews but had to post one. Had a flat tire and went to a couple places that couldn't fit me in (even next day). I stopped by and asked their hours (they were closing so I was checking for next day). They went ahead and took care of me anyways. For customer service alone, they get top marks. Thank you. Now to go get some ice cream read more

Make sure you're using the GetUpside app and you can save 15 cents a gallon on average here! Input my code: YHY28 and get an extra 15 cents off your first fill up! Not only is this the best shell around, it's locally owned and has the best decorations!! read more

We've done a state inspection, oil change, road trip check and axel repairs here and every time the team has been fast, responsive, kind and honest. They found what needed fixing on our Jeep after 2 other repair shops couldn't, or wouldn't, put in the time to thoroughly inspect it. Highly recommended. read more

My car was making a clicking sound and a rattling sound.... The expert mechanics led by Chris quickly diagnosed the problem and fixed my car. They are a friendly and professional bunch. Once you find a good mechanic stick with him (or her). They are great at what they do. read more

Pump accepted my giant discount but then cancelled transaction. When tried again said I no longer had the 40 cent off per gallon thru giant. Manager said it wasn't his fault but giants. Yet it was his pump. read more

Big shout out to the great team at my family's favorite service station. Plugged my tire and gave me the best deal ever Always professional and a great neighborhood business! read more

My car has been in several times and I have been lied to each time. I'm shocked! It makes no sense for a car to have a problem and they want to replace the engine. Small issues cost big bucks. I needed an oil change and the brought out old oil in a Dixie cup saying it was my oil two weeks later. Who keeps old oil? No name on it, no dates. I'm going to the Better Business Bureau next. Zero stars!! read more

About a week and a half ago (September 7), I paid just under $2000 for a repair at another service center, and they told me that they'd "suggest" 3 more repairs and 4 new tires. A very good friend who does his own car repairs said I should get a second opinion; another very good friend strongly recommended Cardinal Plaza Shell (CPS). After also reading the very good reviews of CPS, I decided to have them do a diagnostic review of my car - and am I glad I did! Instead of paying for further repairs amounting to about $4000, CPS said my car was in good shape and that the only repair they'd suggest would be an oil change, which I had them do. Instead of that possible $4000 bill, CPS charged me about $73 for their work. When the mechanic called to tell me my car was ready today, I asked him, "If this were your car, would you feel confident in driving it out to a family home in northern Wisconsin?" Without hesitation, he said, "Yes. I used to have a car like this, and I would definitely feel confident in driving it that distance. So, yes, I would feel confident and safe in driving (your car) a long distance like that." I cannot say enough nice things about the people I've dealt with at CPS - - - Joe, John, Jon, and Wilbur. They're friendly, helpful, not pushy, and well-qualified - and they genuinely care about what's best for our cars. I will definitely return to CPS for any and/or all repairs my car needs - and now my husband and friends will, too. I am so thankful that my abovementioned two very good friends ultimately guided me to Cardinal Plaza Shell. read more

My car needed to pass inspection. Dropped it off. They texted me throughout the day like 3-4 times. Every time I spoke to them my car needed something else. All it needed was for them to fix the problem it had to pass the inspection. They did more work to it, and the worst part is it didn't pass inspection. When I picked it up it was over 800.00. I highly recommend you don't take your car to this place. Employees are very unprofessional, and bad customer service. read more

The whole staff were very professional and nice. I was hesitant at first, but since I was in the neighborhood, I thought I can stop by and ask if they can fix a minor issue I had on my car. They squeezed me in and got it done in no time. read more

I had the best experience at Cardinal Plaza Shell this morning. From the friendly woman who took my call and told me to come right in, to the outstanding technician, Drew, who helped me. Volvo had told me a tire that I knew had a leak was fine. Drew went the extra mile to find the hidden nail and repair the hole that I knew was there. I will definitely return here again for my next tire or car service need! I highly recommend Drew and this establishment! read more

Have been using the station since the 70s and they never fail to please. Would strongly recommend them for any automobile repair for both their efficiency, confidence, and friendliness. read more

I agree with Greg F on his review and if I could give this place a negative star, then I would. We trusted this place with our basic oil changes and inspections and then one year, we find that our inspection failed due to the brakes on a car that was less than 4 years old and less than 45K miles. Sadly and trustingly we had them install new brakes and ROTORs..seriously how bad could brakes be when the rotors too need replacing. I'm NOT an expert but I know enough about cars and car parts. Walked away with a 'pass sticker' that costs us $600+ Fast forward 2 years, and the SAME brakes need replacing along with rotors. Had to get to the bottom of this and went to our trusted and honest mechanic at KC Automotive..yes, folks, look at my review for KC, go there because you will get someone who cares and who is honest enough to educate you and go above and beyond. I thought something was wrong when one of the brake pads was laying on my driveway..yup folks, why would a metal pad be laying on my driveway...all the while my rotors are being trashed. After calling and speaking to Cameron, who gave me the salesy script that they warranty 2 years or 24K miles and that they could not explain why a brake pad 'fell off my car' unless they looked at it. I explained my lack of faith in their work. I learned from my mechanic that sticky calipers were the cause of the wear/tear on my brake pad. They kept getting stuck, so now we have to replace. When I asked Shell why they didn't notice this when they replaced it 2 years ago, I of course, got the song and dance that this only happened recently...really...I'm positive that they failed to detect this problem but instead just replaced pads/rotors.. I talked to another neighbor who told me that she was given a quote of almost $3K at this Cardinal shell then she took her car to KC Automotive and got the same repair for $300.... We trust mechanics and trusting a gas station is probably asking too much. It's an expensive lesson learned but I will be sure to alert others in my hood to either find an honest service station versus believing a gas station whose only priority is to make sure they get your money and keep you coming back. read more

Cardinal has dealt with my car like its their own car for years on end. The staff (Dan and John especially) is very friendly and always willing to help and answer any questions! I refuse to take my car anywhere else but Cardinal Plaza Shell. read more

I brought my daughter's car in 4 months ago for an oil change and safety inspection. When we picked up the car we were told that the car, including the break pads were in good condition. This was very important to me because my daughter is a new driver. We just brought the car back for a leak in a tire and were told that the pads were worn and the rotors needed to be replaced. An $1,100 job. I was then told that the back pads measured at 3 millimeters at last inspection and that is when pads should be changed. I am upset that I was not told that the first time as we would have had the pads changed immediately. Not only has my daughter been driving under dangerous conditions, but now we face more extensive repairs. read more

Our family has used Cardinal Plaza Shell since 1976 and highly recommend for integrity and honesty. Scott, Chris and the rest of the employees aim for your satisfaction. U.T. would be proud of the way you continue your family legacy for trustworthiness. read more

Customers beware. Do not get your vehicle safety inspection done here. Granted my car is 18 years old. Two of the three items i can see getting repaired. But the third one was totally ridiculous. I was told that the drivers side seat belt was frayed. It was only slightly frayed in a very small area on one side of the belt and had no chance of ripping or tearing. I went to my repair shop to get the repairs done. The seatbelt ended up costing me $530.00 all in for the seatbelt and labor. The guy that was doing the inspections for the last 30+ years retired, he was fabulous. But the new guy is nit-picking on items such as the seatbelt and who knows what else. There are plenty of other places to get an inspection and i would never let them do any repairs on my vehicle. Good luck out there and beware of the crooks. If anyone is interested, a very good place to get repairs is K&B auto in Alexandria. They are very reliable, professional and affordable. read more

I love this place. They have gas, they fix my car, and they have the most pleasant seasonal decor. They have saved my car more than once, and they were convenient. We have young children, so having someone come to get our car for services is amazing. They have also patched my tire before, and I was in and out in under 15 minutes. These people are awesome. read more

Ty Allen just did a safety and emission inspection. Very thorough and found a twist in my brake line from a caliper installed elsewhere. Quickly reinstalled it correctly. Just appreciate the detail to safety and friendliness. Thanks. read more

I used to go here all the time. Supported local charities, fun seasonal decorations, attractive landscaping (for a gas station) and free air pump. But one day I went and got a full tank of gas, then stopped by to use air pump. I was harried and had my special needs daughter in the car. The pump wasn't working right. The manager(?) came over and rather than helping me yelled at me that I was ruining his air hose. Turns out hose was in disrepair and consequently had twisted but I was on the other side of the car, preoccupied, and hadn't noticed. He could have come over and helped me but was so unpleasant I will no longer buy gas or go to that Shell. There are two others nearby. read more

I had routinely taken my Suzuki Grand Vitara to Cardinal Plaza Shell Station for repairs. Cardinal Plaza Shell diagnosed a problem with the instrument cluster and I was told that they would only install OEM parts. Suzuki no longer produces cars in the USA and parts like instrument clusters are difficult to find. MTR in Lorton, Virginia found a used Suzuki instrument cluster and installed it so my car will pass Virginia State Safety Inspection. MTR has my business now. Cardinal Plaza Shell is honest with little up selling, their repairs are done at a reasonable price, but they will NOT go the extra mile to help you out. read more

I have taken my cars here for several years - I trust these guys. I have taken my cars here for oil changes, tire rotations, radiator work, and diagnostics on bigger problems. They are great about calling me up, walking me through my options and letting me know the status of repairs. I work in the city, so I drop my car off early in the morning, grab a bite to eat across the street, and then hop on the bus to the Pentagon. My car is always ready at the end of the day. Note: I work on cars myself. I like a shop that communicates well, and will return the old parts (if requested) - these guys do both of those things well. read more

Review is for the gas only. For a Shell gas station, this place has great prices on fuel and is very convenient to visit. Has two entrances. Competitive prices that usually match or are lower than the three surrounding gas stations. Avoid going to the one across the street because this one has a huge area and is very well kept. Owner always adds seasonal decorations too which is a nice touch. Will stop by again. read more

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Bathroom out of order, but no sign, just the cashier claiming it. Says 7-11 has a bathroom. Was in dire need. Felt very... biased.

This Shell station should be rewarded as the most FESTIVE gas station in the area! They seriously go way overboard on holiday decorations, from Halloween to Thanksgiving to now, Christmas. I can't imagine the amount of energy needed to sustain over SIX balloon displays on their roof and on their lawn plus yards upon yards of lights and other light-up decorations. Wasteful? Yes. Tacky? Maybe a little. Eye-catching? Yes. While summer may not be filled with holidays, but this Shell has water fountains flowing and flowers growing along the intersection of Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling Road. Perhaps the manager is also a landscape designer? 5 Stars for creativity and upkeep of the grounds. read more

Sadly, I must disagree with Charles on this place. I am glad he had a positive experience here and wish I had as well. I did not though and here is my situation: I brought the car in for an exhaust fix. I knew I had a hole in the tailpipe where a welded bracket broke off. To pass my emissions inspection this had to be resolved. That being said, I explained to the guy that within the past year my transmission had been flushed, my brakes were changed and my lines bled, my oil was just done and that I knew that I needed a new windshield and tires soon but all I was concerned about was the exhaust. I also stated that due to the fact the car is only worth between $600 and $800, I refuse to pay more than the car is worth for the repair. I also let him know that my exhaust system was replaced within the past five years and when they replaced it they welded the muffler to the piped on both sides. I would not pay for a new muffler, that they needed to cut the tailpipe and re-weld if they would not patch the pipe. So, the following day we get a call with the quote. $650 for a new muffler and tailpipe. They basically wanted to replace from the catalytic converter back as that is where the clamp was. They just wanted to loosen the clamp and apply a whole new setup under this thing. We already talked about that so now they are wasting my time... and theirs for that matter. On top of it, they quoted me a transmission flush, brake line bleed, and get this, battery terminal cleaning. Seriously? I had just replaced my battery in the past year, cleaned the terminals when I did (I worked in automotive before, common practice) and was deployed for a majority of the year so the car wasn't even being used. All this came to well over $1000 and all I needed was a simple fix. Bottom line, they tried to gouge me. Bad! I brought it to Midas and they fixed it up and did the emissions inspection and it was under $150 for both. I maintain my vehicle and I know what has been done and what needs to be as I have worked in automotive. On the flip side, the people were really nice. When I got frustrated the said no need to get upset, it's just a quote and said other shops were around, just give them a call. Clearly they wanted my service, but they also didn't want me getting upset so I will give them credit where credit is due. Oh, my car also runs very well on Shell gas. It is more expensive so I rarely get gas here... but my car does appreciate and lets me know this by its performance. This is a convenient location and to be honest, based on customer service... I would bring another vehicle to get a quote. If they were rude, no, but they were not. Based off all the other reviews I would be willing to give them a second chance as I can't actually base anything off of quality of work. read more

After spending several thousand dollars over the last 2 years at Cardinal Plaza Shell, I will never let them repair my vehicles again. Over the past year, they always seem to be trying to sell me unnecessary repairs and parts. Now I have proof that this is absolutely true. I used to be a Fleet manager for 60 Delivery vans, because the vans routes involved considerable stop and go driving, we had to change brake pads every 20-25,000 miles, but we did not have to change the rotors until at least 50K miles. These vehicles were on what as known as "severe duty maintenance schedules". A year and a half ago, my Toyota Highlander, needed new brakes and rotors, this was after 106K miles. Cardinal Shell did the work. I asked them to replace the front brake pads, after 45Kmiles on 8/3/13, but this time I measured the rotors to make sure that they were in"Spec", which they were. Cardinal Shell tried to sell me not only front brakes, but also rotors, when I told them not to machine the rotors and just replace the pads, they refused. Why ? because machining would have put the Rotors slightly below "Spec", this way they could sell me $ 320 of rotors. It is not necessary to machine the rotors each time you replace the pads, unless you want to put the rotors out of "Spec" and sell additional parts and labor. Two months ago I had my 2010 Toyota Corolla in for oil change and tire rotation, the car had 25K miles on it. The car was hardly driven over the last year, but Cardinal Shell told me the Transmission fluid was dirty. They then proceeded to sell me a Transmission service for $240. When I checked the Service manual, Toyota does not even recommend replacing the Transmission fluid until 100K miles. NOW I KNOW I WAS RIPPED OFF ON THIS SERVICE ALSO. Cardinal Shell at one time used to be an honest shop, it is not anymore, the owner does not seem to care that the people he has running service are now in the business of RIPPING OFF UNKNOWING AND UNSUSPECTING CONSUMERS. read more