I believe during these difficult economic times it's important to support our "local" shops. Saying that Elmwood auto care was recommended to me by a friend and one of their neighbors. If there is anything worse then trying to find a honest, fair, well trained mechanic with integrety..........I don't know what it is. After going to 2 other local mechanic shops to give my son a estimate on what his car "really" needed and still not feeling they were on the up and up.......I went with my friends mechanic "Leon" at Elmwood. Let's just say it was almost 1,000 less then the others.........yes that was a bit fishy but we both had a good feeling with these guys (also Shane). Let's just say the car was fixed, we saved money and there were never any issues with any work they ever did. These are the only people I trust with my Prius. They have always gone above and beyond what I would expect in being accomadating. They always give me options price wise and when I ask for their opinion they give it to me but let me make the ultimate decision......even if their opinion is less than what I choose. I have recommended them to everyone I know and all that have been there have had the same experience as me. I appreciate their honesty, friendliness and always trying to get me the best deal. Support your local merchants! Kudos to Leon and Shane!!! read more

I own a 2009 Corvette convertible and I received my first code from a sensor while I was driving. I first brought my car into Elmwood Auto because I had seen good reviews on the Corvette Forum about his work. I certainly didn't want to take it to the official GM screw-u-ship. So Leon came out and hooked his diagnostic machine up to it and couldn't find anything. So he didn't charge a thing, which I thought was very nice of him. So for that I had him do an oil change with synthetic oil. Compared to where I was going he was completely reasonable. So I was happy. This Friday car blew another code and trapped me on the side of Rt. 28. I called Leon and he helped me get a flatbed tow and even offered to drive me home to Dumfries from Sterling. It was a holiday weekend. He looked at it on Saturday order the part on Tuesday because of the Labor Day Monday and it was back to me on Wednesday. It was an unusual part so it took extra time. He gave me the bill with another oil change and again I was completely happy with...well not happy with it but you know what I mean...so I don't know what the lady is complaining about below but I Love this place Leon and the tall kid that works there...but...in a non touchy hetero way..I'm just sayin' :) read more

Elmwood Auto Care is the best garage in Sterling thanks to its owner and leader, Mr. Bakatsias. I own a ten year old Mustang Cobra, with a series of high end modifications that are complex and often very particular. The car has had a series of problems that often follow modifications, the age of the car is a factor, and a driver who pushes the car to its limits a bit too often also have an impact. Mr. Bakatsias, Leon as he likes to be called, has been outstanding in diagnosing and correcting each problem. His care of the car mirrors my own feelings about the vehicle and I can see how he hates to have me drop it off for work because he'd rather see it on the road. His work on repairing cars is so reliable, we bring every one of our family cars to him for repairs and preventive maintenance. We recommend him to others regularly and we have never received anything but happy reports from our friends who use him. Thank you Leon for everything you do for our family and our cars. read more

Elmwood Auto Care is a great family-run auto care business. We have taken all 3 of our cars there and have been very pleased with the results. We have recommended them to family and friends - who have also been very happy with their services. They are take care of small jobs, as well as more complicated issues. I've even called and been told to stop by because something wasn't working correctly. I appreciated that immediate attention and it put my mind at ease that is was something minor. We had an oil leak in our Saab. They looked at it and didn't jump to conclusions about an expensive repair. The first solution didn't resolve the problem. The second solution did! Another garage wanted to charge over $700 replace "frozen" tie-rods. Mr. Bakatsias fixed the problem for under $100. In addition to being a terrific repair facility, they are amazing supporters of youth activities in our community - sponsoring sports teams and school activities. read more

I was referred to Elmwood Auto Care by a friend when I was having trouble getting an issue resolved. My check engine light wouldn't stay off and my regular mechanic and a second mechanic were grasping at straws. The other guys had me replace several expensive parts with the promise that it would resolve my issue but it would always come back, and my state inspection was almost expired. I took my car to (Leadros/Leon) at Elmwood Auto Care and explained the history. They took my car for a few days and I know the problem stumped them for a while, too, but they took the time to try a few things and not just sell me a "quick fix" to get to the next customer. The best part is that it they ended up cleaning some parts and replacing an inexpensive part and my problem has been solved for over a year now. Since then Elmwood is my go-to mechanic and I haven't been disappointed. read more

We have been taking our cars to Elmwood for several years. We are the type of car owners that have all the routine maintenance done at the recommended scheduled intervals and keep our cars as long as we can. The mechanics and especially owner of Elmwood has been great for our needs. When we have had a problem with our cars, it is diagnosed and fixed in a timely fashion. If something can wait to be fixed, Leon will let us know and we can then budget for this upcoming repair! That never happens at a dealership. Dealerships are always trying to add on repairs and make problems sound worse than they are. I have found that even when a repair wasn't quite right they were more than willing to look at it again and fix it, no argument and no problems. I will be taking my cars to them for years to come and have recommended them to several friends! read more

For many years Elmwood Auto care has done my family auto repairs. He did a wonderful job and always was honest. Leon or his mechanics have worked on our 2010 Toyota 2004 Toyota and an old maxda Miata. We had other family cars for our children he worked on also. I refer all my employees there and anyone who wants to get an honest repair without overkill. It is a family friendly atmosphere and the staff is always awesome. They work long hours and sometimes late into the night to meet a deadline and I trust any member of my large family there for repairs and that is a big relief and one final point. You are getting 110 per cent from Leon and he will tell you sound advice that costs you nothing and loses him money. read more

I met Leon when I was coaching his daughters, so I decided to give him my business ( I have three old vehicles that I am trying to keep on the road). I have never asked how much a repair will be, because I know he will give me an extremely fair price. He also has talked me out of many repairs that I thought I needed and saved me a lot of money. What a luxury to have a mechanic who I can trust that much and never worry about whether I am doing the right thing for my cars! His side kick Aurther is also great, a good get for Leon. I recommend Wlmwood for any type of repair to any vehicle. Steve read more

Excellent service, repairs and trustworthy diagnoses on any vehicle problems. I've been taking my 3 vehicles to them for years and have never had a problem. I used to go to my manufacturers dealer and get ripped off all the time for those labor fees but that never happens here. Another great benefit of going to Elmwood Auto Care is knowing who fixes my vehicle by first name. This way I can see that they really care about the quality of their work. And on the rare occasion, I can say that if there is something they can't fix, they will always make a good referral. read more

I have never been able to find a shop where the mechanic actually drove me home when I did not have time to wait! He has even taken me to work before! They are the most honest and reliable auto repair shop that I have ever encountered. They don't rip you off and they always show you your old parts so that you know for a fact that it needed to be replaced. I used to go to a shop in vienna which is right near my house, never again. I was referred to Elmwood Auto Care and they are my dream come true! read more

Elmwood Auto Care services both our family cars. I absolutely trust them to be honest with what services my car really needs and fair on the price. Recently, I was pressured by the dealership that several thousands of dollars of work needed to be done ASAP. I took the car to Elmwood and they assured me that they would keep an eye on my car and let me know when the services were truly necessary. They are very accommodating with appointments. They work hard to get it right for the customer. read more

I have taken my personal cars as well as my company trucks to Elmwood for service. We have always had great service as well as fair pricing. They have even been recomended by me to a few of my neighbors as well and everybody seems to be very happy!! The are very honest and quick with the repair also. One of our work trucks took much longer to replace the brakes because of an issue with the wheel and the fee did not change. GREAT SERVICE AT HONEST PRICES!!!! read more

I've known Leon for a long time. My business was once located next to his over on Elmwood Court, so I was able to see how he does business. He's a straight up guy. Although we're no longer located there and it's a little out of the way, we continue to take our vehicles (a Saturn, an F-150 and a Mercury) over to Leon because we're confident he will make only the repairs that are needed and perform the routine service the right way. read more

One of the best auto care places you can find! Elmwood is my exclusive auto repair place. The reason is simple: excellent work at very reasonable price. Add to that flexibility, the willingness to work on Saturdays and help in an emergency and you have the only auto care place you need! Some people may be dissatisfied, but all you have to do is ask if something is not to you liking. Leon and company will make it right! read more

I've been going to Elmwood Auto Care for years and the care I get for my car has been fantastic. I trust their advice implicitly and they aren't afraid to tell me when things are needed, or when to keep an eye something I may need in the next 6 months (i.e., tires) Also, the personal service is outstanding. Professional and compassionate... it doesn't get any better. I recommend them to any one who asks! read more

My car overheated and Elmwood took great care of it. It's hard to find a mechanic you can trust and I'm so happy that I have. It's great to have a place to take your car for a fair price and that does only the necessary work. One time, I got an estimate of $1000 for a repair from another shop but Elmwood fixed only what was really wrong for $14! Thanks for taking such great care of my car. read more

You will never go to another auto place again after you visit Elmwood Auto Care. They are honest, fair, dependable and trustworthy. I have never used those words to describe an auto place! We have never been disatisfied and have saved thousands of dollars. We have been going there for years and have always been happy. Highly recommend to all our friends! read more

Had a belt break on my work truck while driving in MD. Had to have it towed to Elwood late afternoon. I spoke to them about getting it done same day as I needed it for work the following day. Leon said no problem after correctly diagnosing the problem and called me when it was done a few hours later...So clutch! Fantastic service and great prices!!!!! read more

I' ve taken both of our cars to Elmwood for years now - a BMW and Honda. Every time we have taken it in the service was fast, complete and a good price. They are flexable with their shedule and I have never had an issue with their work or when it was ready. We will continue to take our cars there. read more