Called today May 30th around 415 for a last minute inspection that my adult son waited until last minute and thank god they said sure come on over. I told him that inspection station would be busy and waiting until the end of the month was a bad idea so I am beyond thankful for fries garage. I will definitely be back with my car to get an estimates on a few repairs my car needs. read more

I took my deceased father's truck to have it inspected at a local place in Gainesville as a favor to my mom. When they failed it citing that the brakes and rotors needed to be replaced, as did a bearing in a front wheel, I took it to Fries to confirm since I was unfamiliar with the original shop. After looking at the truck, they replaced the bearing and said the brakes and rotors were fine, and they passed the inspection. A couple of months later, the ignition locked up, so I had AAA tow the truck to Fries to have them look at it. I also asked that they look at the check engine light, which was on, and a squeak that was coming from the rear of the truck. They called me back and let me know that it would take a while but would be $600; I authorized this. I received a call as promised that the truck was ready. I asked if they'd looked at the check engine light or the squeak. They had not but said they would. I received a call that a pressure sensor was causing the check engine light. I did not authorize anything and asked about the squeak. They had not looked at it but said they would. During this time, they continuously called my husband despite us both asking that they call me. They called me only a couple of times, and when I called back I left a voicemail. I never received a return call from any of my messages. Two days ago, I received a call when I was out of town for work. They said the calipers needed replacement, so I assumed that was the squeak. I was told it would be $2,700 so I said I would need to check with my mother (who is on a fixed income and lives alone since my dad died two years ago but insists upon paying for things herself). Today, I called to say that I would be picking the truck up and would pay the $600 bill. At that point, they informed me that the bill was over $2,000 because they had replaced the brakes and rotors, claiming that my husband had authorized it, which I knew to be untrue. The employee even admitted that my husband had said he would not authorize repairs. He told me he would find out who authorized it since it appeared to have happened while he was on vacation and he would call me back. Knowing I could not actually expect a return call, I got in the car with my husband and drove to Fries. When I arrived, I explained to Billy that I had come there to avoid getting swindled by a shop I didn't know when I was told the brakes and rotors needed to be replaced in the not-so-distant future, and that Fries had (upon passing my dad's truck in the safety inspection) had agreed that this was unnecessary. I asked why this work was suddenly authorized and done without my knowledge at all when just a month or so before Fries had told me it was unnecessary, and I had take the truck in for an ignition problem and simply asked them to look at a few minor things. He explained that he could make a call to see if there was anything they could do on the pricing, but that he would have to call me and I could not take the truck then. I asked him to call someone right away, because I was not leaving without taking the truck as it had been almost a month. When Billy walked in the back, I was surprised to see him followed by Gene, the owner, who apparently was onsite not requiring any call back. When Gene came out, he immediately informed me that my husband, who he did not know was in the car, had authorized the work before telling Billy that he was uncomfortable authorizing anything because it wasn't his vehicle, but my mother's. This obviously made no sense, so I called my husband in. My husband informed them that no such thing had happened. Had Fries simply admitted to the mistake and attempted to make some kind of concession, I probably would have been fine. I work in the service industry myself, and I understand these things happen. Instead, my husband and I were essentially called liars, and I was told that it was my fault that the vehicle had been there for so long because I didn't answer my phone. They had no excuse for constantly calling my husband instead of me, and for not returning any of the (at least six) voicemails I had left, or the call I had made directly with a human being last week. I was told that I was not leaving with that truck unless I paid the bill they claimed was due. Once I realized I was being held hostage, I will admit, I went COMPLETELY off (not sorry), at which point the owner's wife felt the need to say that her husband was no liar (again insinuating that my husband and I are), and further stating that if I didn't like it, I could just take them to court. I had to truncate this for space, but you get the idea. I would never recommend this place. read more

They never called my son about the repair on his vehicle even though he brought it in early in the morning. He had to call them to find out the status and when he went to get his vehicle there was nobody to be found at the desk or in the garage. To top it off they wanted him to wait a week before it would be repaired and it cost 3 times more than another garage that fixed it in less than a day. He is not going back to this garage. read more

Avoid this place! They kept my car sitting on their lot for 2 weeks before they even touched it, to try to tell me what was wrong. I heard excuses that the staff was sick. For 2 weeks? I did not call & harass them because I was afraid they might jack my bill up. When they finally diagnosed the problem, I was told the part for the repair would be $400. When I got my receipt the part was $298. I was told my bill would be $1000. Shouldn't the total cost have gone down, if the part was less than expected? It did not. The labor time listed on the bill was less than an hour. They did install a new battery for over $200. They kept my car a total of 3 weeks! My car was never given any priority, nor did they even apologize when I picked it up. This is a "good ole boy" kind of place. That was my impression. If you want professionalism, do not go here. I won't be back. read more

Have you ever asked anyone: 'can you recommend an honest mechanic'? As consumers who work hard for our pay, we have a fear of having a 'bad' mechanic experience and spending lots of $'s. I think most all of us can tell a bad 'mechanic story.' Few of us can tell a 'good mechanic' story but this is one. I recommend you talk to Billy on the phone, he will give you the straight scoop. The issue was a 2004 Mazda 6 that had a 'check engine light' on. The car is tagged in NC and the registration expires the end of May. In Carolina you can't get your registration renewed unless your vehicle can pass a State inspection. After talking to Billy on the phone he said bring it in let's take a look; It was almost 5p on Friday when I got there. I think most people are ready to roll @ 5p on a Friday. He has straight up and professional. He said we will run a diagnostics on it and if we can fix it we will but we'll call you if it's going to cost you money. We spoke on Monday morning. He said we ran the diagnostics and we can't find an issue and there is no bad code history. What's the charge I asked? No charge he said, all we did is run the codes and nothing is wrong with it so you can come pick it up and theres no charge. Now we are holding our fingers that the check engine light doesn't come on before we get it to NC for a State Inspection so we can THEN get the registration renewed before the end of the month. So that's the rest of the story. I would not hesitate to recommend these guys. read more

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I live in PA and work in Manassas. The starter on my truck died. The guys at Fries got me in the next day, they had the part waiting and hooked me up with a tow to get there. In the garage at 930 out at 10. Good people decent price. They are now my goto garage when I'm at work. Thanks again Billy! read more

My father has been using Fries Garage for years and I've recently started taking my vehicle here. Great service and quick.

Gene and his team are awesome. I have used them numerous times from very simple (state Inspection) to complicated jobs. They have always kept to their promise and their pricing is very competitive. It's easy to get ripped off and pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars when it simply isn't necessary. Great to see that honest hard working and reliable garages still exist. read more

I love this place and the staff because they were always respectful and nice. The only reason I have not been back is that I received a price quote from the guy who is usually at the front desk and I called back to confirm it and a lady answered and gave me a quote that was higher than before. That made me uncomfortable so I have not been back. As a woman, I am always on high alert because I have gotten ripped off so many times. Other than that I have NO Complaints about them at all. read more

I dropped off a van on Sunday evening. I had not made an appointment and I noticed that many vehicles were "in queue" for Monday! Billy worked with me to get everything that I needed done in record time. There was a bit of delay as we waited on parts. This was a 2003 model year car and parts were not quite as readily available. The work was completed and special arrangements made so that I could pick up the van after hours. So delighted to work with the Fries team and especially appreciate Billy at the front desk! read more

These guys always take care of their customers no matter what. Car is always done and ready in a timely fashion.

First time going to this garage. Needed to get my car inspected before end of the month. With the COVID19 going around, I wasn't sure how long I'd have to wait. Called and said I needed a car inspection. They said bring it in and we'll get it done. So, I drive in, give them the required info and the keys. Sat down to read a book, and the car was ready before I even turned the page! A big thank you !! read more

This is the garage that your folks warned you about. I tried to get my oil changed at a quick lube type place, however they couldn't get the filter off because it had melted on. I went to Fries and asked if this was something they could handle, as well as replacing my brake pads. They assured me it wouldn't be a problem. Two weeks later we traded the car into a dealership. When we went to drop off the check he stated "you know that your filter was melted on?". They charged us for work they didn't do. I even asked them when they rang me up "You were able to get the filter off?" and they responded "yep, not a problem". I emailed and called several times to get a refund for that work, a not a single call or email was returned. Be very cautious about this garage as they will indeed take you for a ride!! read more

This place is horrible NEVER USE THEM!!! Totally screwed us over! Told us we needed 4 new tires a year ago, we bought them from them and them installed, after normal driving the tires are completely worn out and we were accused by them of getting into an accident and causing the issue! Then we were told that we have performance tires on our HONDA ACCORD??? Well they put them on there and we never would have requested performance tires in our car we drive our 1 year old around in all day long. Bottom line horrible garage and liars! read more

The staff and ownership are great! The mechanics will let you come back, look at your car, and ask questions so that you can learn. Furthermore, their pricing for parts and labor are very reasonable in combination. Finally, if you don't want to bring your car in for one thing to be fixed and find yourself bringing it back for something else to be fixed-- THIS IS the place to come with your vehicular maintenance needs! Great job guys! Thanks for taking care of my car. read more

This place is awesome! They do great work, work quickly and are very dependable. We have taken our vehicles here for years. We have several grown children and they all use them too. One of our sons came home on leave from the army. His car broke down about 20 miles away before he got home. He had it towed to Fries. They were so accommodating for him and were able to get his car fixed quickly and he was able to continue on his leave trip knowing his car was fixed right. Thanks Fries!! You guys are awesome!! read more

1st thing I want to say is the owner Gene Fries,.. Is one of the best owners of any repair shop I've ever visit ....Gene,.. Has a man in the front of the shop name Billy, which is a well educated person on automobile repair and is one of the nicest people to deal with... the mechanics Jose and others are very pleasant, very respectful if you ever have any car problems and you need a competent repair shop I would highly advise going to this place.... read more

This is a warning to those who decide to use this garage. I will start with a little history. In the past the folks at Fries garage were always polite, stuck to the quote that was given, and did satisfactory work (There is always something missed, but usually little stuff). I have been working on cars for over 30 years, but sometimes I just don't have time. The first work I had this place do, was to replace the rear main seal on my Dodge pickup. That was completed without any issue and for the price quoted. Later I found a missing bolt that I had to replace...I can't think of what it was to. Next I brought in headers and full exhaust for my 350z. This was done for less than 500.00 bucks...what a deal right! The mechanics and guy at the desk were always in good spirits, even when I brought the car back because after the install it wasn't running right (Turns out they pinched some vacuum lines while installing...No big deal). This last experience though counts among the worst service I have ever received from anyone. Due to an accident one of the headers on my 350z broke. So I ordered a set from OBX (Name brand...been doing it forever). I also ordered a full DNA motorsports exhaust and two new Kinetix Racing High Flow Catalytic Converters. All known companies who have been doing this stuff forever. I received a quote from Fries for $453.00. The shop had lost a mechanic or he was out sick for a while so it took a bit to get in, but for that price given my history with the shop I was happy to wait. Oh and I had already removed the exhaust so one less thing they had to do. About a week later I get a call that the car is ready...sweet. I go to pick it up just to have a $990.00 bill tossed on the desk! I said this isn't the price we talked about. Then comes the excuses and swearing about how the mechanic had 20 F-ing hours in the install and how the headers weren't the same as the old ones and some how all of this is MY fault. I said how about a phone a call before you increase the price by $537.00...The response was to throw my keys on the desk near the wall and tell me to wait for the mechanic and to talk to him. Great my family, including a new born and our parents had just dropped me off and were supposed to meet me for lunch after I picked up the car. I remained calm and told him I would pay and that this would be the last business Fries garage will ever get from me. I called the mechanic after having lunch and having settled down. The mechanic insisted it was such a hard job. Oh he had to remove the starter and lift the motor (What did he do with the other 19.5 hours?). I asked why the exhaust was uneven up and down and in and out. I was told this is what I get for ordering crap parts off e-bay. I asked the mechanic why he didn't just call me when he thought there was going to be a problem...I could have ordered new parts within a couple of days. I was told that would be a hassle to bring it off the lift and push it back into the garage. I didn't get in to who made the parts but I asked what they (Fries) were going to do to make this right. The mechanic said I can't do anything, and that I would need to speak to the first guy again. I said thanks and that I would write this review instead. So now everyone knows you only use this shop at your OWN risk! To add insult to injury as I was looking over the motor for missed stuff, I notice my intake hold down bolts siting just below the windshield and had to install them back in the car. P.S. Fries garage you will be receiving a BBB complaint and you should expect an email to the manufacturers that I will CC you on so they are aware that you are calling the products crap and using that as an excuse to steal money (That is what it is if you hold vehicles and charge a person more than double the agreed upon price without permission). read more

Never again! I would have left no stars but this page would not let me do that. This place was close to work and seemed to be busy so we thought we would try it out. That was our first bad move. We took our Silverado pickup truck here because my wife was hearing noises coming from the rear brakes during her trips out with the horses. The estimate we got back was for over 3 bills for replacing the rear pads and rotors (pads worn & rotors warped). OK, safety is important to me especially when it is my wife's and her horses so I told them to fix it. After the repair we noticed that the inside of the rotor area looked "more open" than what we remembered it, so my wife called and asked if they were sure the correct rotors were installed. They assured her they were and it was not possible to install the incorrect rotors. A couple weeks later on her next trip out, she passed by one of the rear tires and noticed a smell. When she got next to the tire, the heat coming off of it was obvious and excessive. She could not hold her hand on the wheel rim. I took it back in and when they looked up the previous job, I was told "Oh, you are the guy whose wife accused us of putting on the wrong rotors". I said, "No, we were verifying that there was no mistake made." This time I was told that the right rear caliper was stuck and that the repair would cost just under 3 bills. OK, 6 bills to fix a brake problem was a little excessive to me but there is the safety involved so "Yes, please fix it". When I paid the bill and looked at the invoice, I noted that a comment was added to indicate that we may have future problems with the left rear of the vehicle. On the very next time out my wife noted a liquid leaking from the pickup when she pulled it into the garage. Further inspection found that brake fluid was leaking down the left rear wheel. This time I took the vehicle to a different shop and had them investigate. They reported back that a brake line was loose and all they had to do was tighten it. I asked if it was possibly due to being left loose while bleeding the brakes and was told that there would have been no reason to loosen the line where it was leaking. Why would Fries loosen a brake line and not tighten it back up? I assure you I will NEVER take ANY of my vehicles back to this ripoff joint. You got me for almost 6 bills AND you risked the life of my wife and her horses - you won't get another chance to do it again. If you want your vehicle repaired right - go somewhere else - ANYWHERE else - not here! read more

I can't say enough about this wonderful, HONEST garage. The work they do is outstanding and they only do what is necessary. I never feel like they take advantage of me. My family of 5 all bring their car's here and we wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

This is one of the few trustworthy garages in the area. They are always honest, fair, kind, and greet you with a smile. My car is always ready on time for the price agreed upon. Thanks Gene for running a great local business! read more

I really like and trust this place. I work in an office complex that is walking distance so I drop my car off and they work on it while I'm at Work. The prices are decent and they have been very honest. Billy is great and always remembers me when I call in or walk in the office to drop if my keys. read more

I've used this garage many times personally and with my previous and current employer. Their customer service is top notch - I always ask for Billy. Prices have always been fair and excellent work completed. I highly recommend! read more

Have been there several times with my car, replaced the transmission filter and fluid but could not get the dip stick out when completed. Told me it must have been that way. After a few tries the handle came off. They dropped the pan again and found that the mechanic had bent the dip stick when installing the filter and bolted it to the plate that holds the filter. Then tried to say the bent dip stick was my fault. Once I pointed out the bend that was 90 degrees and bent back into place they agreed that it was their fault. Ordered me a new stick and when checking the fluid level had put 3 quarts to much transmission fluid. Some service. Went today for an inspection and was told my motor mount was broken and plate light not working and window film was 1/16th to long. Could not show me where the crack was on the mount and one plate light worked and the other flickered (led). Never will I go back again their attitude is not our problem we have your money now. read more

Any time something big needs to be done to my cars I make the trip from Fredericksburg all the way there because these guys are awesome. They're not going to tell you that you need to fix something that's not broken just to make an extra buck like so many other places. read more

Dropped my car off on the last day of the month bright and early. They called me around noon to let me know I needed new front tires, they were extremely helpful and went to the tire place next store to find me 2 used tires (my lease is due next month and didn't want to pay for 2 brand new tires). Very impressed with how quick and helpful they were. read more

I've had repair work done at this facility in the past and have always been pleased with the quality of work and fair pricing. Today all that was needed was to check the fluid levels on the front and rear differential and transfer case. They immediately took my truck in and checked the fluids without charge. Most places would have nickel and dimed me for at least 15 minutes to a half hour labor for doing this. I highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for honest repairs, quality work, and fair pricing. read more

I have been bringing my 2010 Tacoma here since I bought it new. I brought it to the dealer twice ; once for a recall repair, once for what I thought would be a convenient oil change. What a mistake. Gene and his staff are everything you want in a garage. They are honest and give you a true estimate of cost and time. I have never had a bad experience. Everyone needs "a guy", Gene's shop is it! read more

We are very loyal to this garage and would not trust our cars anywhere else. The staff are always professional and courteous, and they have no trouble fixing our Volvos, as well as my husband's old T-bird. Call ahead to make an appointment because they are usually very busy. We highly recommended their services. read more

Well, I work near there and today my car decided to disintegrate. The fan belt completely fell off and my car was smoking, it was a mess. I had taken it to a mechanic two months ago, and they said they had replaced it (they had not). Anyway, I live in Fredericksburg and I really needed my car to work that same day. These fine gentleman managed to get the part, fix my car, and charge me a decent amount all between 9 am to 6pm. I am grateful to them and they were very nice to me, despite my nagging through out the day. Also, my car works great! read more

Always polite and more than helpful. I been comming here my whole life and wouldn't go anywhere else. I've had them time and time again fix minor problems that other shops have told me they where serious read more

Theses people are terrible. Not only did the mechanic toss my key remote 30 feet to the cashier (instead of walking it over to him) literally right in front of me. The cashier rang me up for my oil change, 75 dollars he asked for. I said are you crazy? He then tries to act like I'm an idiot and say your car takes 6 quarts and it recommended full synthetic blah blah blah. I told him I get my oil changed at Bills auto (full synthetic as well) for $44 dollars... And he basically had nothing to say besides bullsh*t. I will NEVER come back to this place and I don't recommend it to anyone. I was in the area and needed an oil change so I gave them a try and that was a huge mistake! They are a bunch of crooks. Stay away from this place if you can! read more