This is hands down the best auto shop in NoVA. For a couple years, I naively went to the AAA center in Fairfax thinking I could trust them, but I'll save that for a different review... Anyway, these guys are honest, dependable, and I highly recommend them. After a friend recommended I try them, I never went anywhere else for anything (accept alignments, which they can't do)! I've got so many stories that could prove their integrity, but long story short: bring your business to them! Examples: during that ice storm a couple year ago, I thought I ruined my breaks driving home in it. Had the car towed to them the next day, and they inspected it. Ray called me and explained that nothing was wrong and that the breaks were just iced over. Told me it was safe to drive and I could pick it up. They didn't charge me for their time and didn't use the opportunity to make me pay for something I didn't need. Such great guys! Another time I took my car to them because it was idling rough (mind you I didn't look under the hood myself) and brought it to them. They identified the issue as a broken fan and recommended I replace it ASAP. Which I did and they finished the work so quickly! I am so glad I found them and was able to get quality services at an affordable price from guys I can trust. read more

Scam artist I came in to get an inspection after previously failing for having worn tires and showed Amir my failure clause from a different shop. I had since replaced my tires so I was thinking this may only take a few minutes since I called prior to arriving. Immediately Amir approaches with an attitude saying "I don't care about your previous inspection we have to do our own" but since they had no waiting chairs inside I watched as my car was "inspected" which really bothered him. After lifting up my car and checking my tires, he immediately tells me I'm going to fail because he claimed oil was leaking (5 minute total inspection), no oil was leaking. I said ok whatever just give me the inspection report and I'll pay. He refused and held my keys hostage while claiming my car was his car now and that he would take my keys home (as he entered his vehicle) so police were involved. He tried trapping me inside the shop and even shutting the gate on top of where I stood saying "you're not from this side of the bridge" like if he is some kind of gangster. I ended up paying $20 for the 5 minute "inspection" that did not state what was inspected and left after police intervention. I just moved down the street that was the most sour experience I've had since living here. I had absolutely no animosity towards him and just wanted a proper evaluation. I will never return and I would recommend everyone else stay far away. read more

No longer trust this shop, we have been taken advantage of, lied to, and had shoddy work done. Never again.

I brought my car here for inspection, and they didn't want to take my car. They seem to not care!!!

I used to take my my cars regularly to this location for various works, being oil change, tire repair, inspection, etc. but I noticed that as I became a regular at this location they seem to take advantage of my benevolence and their prices kept going up every time I went back. Last time was about two months ago when I wanted to install new front brake pads and rotors for my 2016 Cadillac XTS and I was quoted $680 for that and I was also charged $35 for a single tire plug. They also charge $120 for a synthetic oil change. So, I took my car to Shell gas station on Franconia Road for the same job and was charged only $420 for replacing the rotors and the brake pads, $52 for synthetic oil change and they charge all of $15 for a tire plug. Taking advantage of good-hearted clients may bring them more money at first, but it also nets them comments like this! read more

I highly recommend this business. I brought my car in for an oil change in the morning as a walk in. I had also been experiencing some abnormal vibration while driving. After mentioning I was driving a significant distance out of town that day, they not only completed my oil change quickly, but found the source of the vibration and repaired that as well, all within a couple of hours. I was extremely impressed by the quality of the work, but also the customer service and professionalism. I received a follow up phone call later that afternoon to check in and make sure my drive was going well and I the repair had indeed fixed the issue. read more

I was told several different hours of operation and returned two days in a row to get my state required inspection. Employee #1 told me to come back tomorrow at the same time. Next day: When I returned, the inspection person (employee #2) refused to leave the garage and sent employee #1 out again. Employee #1 looked at me and said they only "do inspections" on Saturday morning. I told him that we spoke yesterday he told me to come back today at 3:30. The employee just stood there looking stupid and then said to come back early Saturday, because there would be a line. I proceeded into my vehicle and left before the argument went too far. By far, the worst customer service. I will never EVER recommend the mechanics or gas station period on Memorial Street. read more

I have brought my car into this shop maybe five times now and here's what happens every time: * I get called with a quote same day * Everything is thoroughly explained to me * My car is ready within 24 hours * The car is fixed properly the first time * The cost is very reasonable All of that is worthy of a return visit. But that is not solely why I return. For one thing, this guy seems to love what he does. And so dealing with him puts a smile on my face at a time when the last thing I want to do is deal with a car repair. For another thing, and I know this will sound odd coming from an older woman, but he cares for my car like my dad would have. For example, yesterday I brought my car in for a new starter and Ray, like my dad, also checked the oil. So he changed the oil. And, like my dad, he let me know how gross the oil situation had gotten in my car. Not a lecture, but enough to know I could be doing better. And he's right. On another occasion, I brought a car in to get it all prepped for inspection. Ray noticed I was due, so he inspected me too. I wouldn't have thought to ask for an oil change or an inspection, but he proactively saw what I needed and took care of me. Like my dad would have. Another thing I'll add is that both cars I have brought in are old. One was 26 and the other 16. So he's working with old technologies and outdated engines under my hood. And he does stellar work every time. In more than 20 years living in the area, I have brought my cars in to all the legendary Rt. 1 area mechanics. I really know little about cars and depend on reliability. I rely on reviews to choose the good guys. I have had a lot of good work and a few disasters. When all is said and done, when you consider cost, reliability and turnaround time, nobody beats Ray. Nobody. read more

Worst service ever!!! There is a mechanic whose name is Ehsan. He lacks basic mechanical skills. He did not realize the head gasket was bad, insisted on fixing other parts of the engine. His inability to diagnose properly costed me $1000 and the engine is now smoking. I wish someone would have warned me about him!! read more

Awesome service - a couple years ago I'd come back to the US and my car battery would die when I turned the engine off. I called to make sure they were available since it was an emergency - they were jam packed with customers when I got there. I was willing to wait (what other choice did I have?) but they took me in immediately. $60 and 20 minutes later - I got a new battery and able to get home after a 4-day multiple-leg flight coming from a deployment. never a problem after! These are my go-to guys for inspections, checkups, & regular maintenance. Quick, easy, no fuss or upcharges. I've recommended this place to several friends - great service, honest and reasonable prices. read more

I've been taking my car here for years. I have a lot a wear and tear on my car. With so many miles on my 02 accord, I've reached the service life on many parts. I had alternators replaced, rack and pinion replaced, oil pan replacement, oil changes, just to name a few things, completed here. They definitely have kept my 02 Accord running. Thanks! read more

This review is long overdue. I have taken my car to Ray since 2012. I agree with everything in the previous comments-Ray and his crew are good, honest people. They are not the typical bloodsucking mechanics we have all encountered elsewhere, especially at the dealerships. Good and honest mechanics are very hard to find!!! He gives you options on parts, you choose which ever you want without any pressure. He will tell you what is reasonable. For example my car is an older model and he suggested that there is no need for me to choose he factory parts which cost three times more. AND BEST OF ALL- HIS PRICES ARE FAIR!!! read more

They are the always so professional and do honest, great work! I quit using the dealership and go here for anything that I need now! Excellent work and I highly recommend! It's nice to know that I won't be pushed to get things done that are not truly needed. Ray is the best!! read more

The best. Always take care of me like I'm the most important customer on Earth. Really personable folks and honest with pricing. read more

This is my favorite auto repair and maintenance shop on Route 1 in Alexandria (Groveton.) I've been taking my automobiles there for years and have always been extremely satisfied. The two brothers who own and operate this business are thorough and a pleasure to deal with. Plus their prices are always fair and reasonable. read more

I definitely recommend stopping here for car service! My company brings it's vehicles here, and I've now started bringing my truck here for service. They are always really friendly and extremely fair with pricing. They never pressure you into more than you need and are honest. It's hard to find a great place like this. read more

This is my second year getting my car inspected here and both times I've been very satisfied. I usually take my little girl with and it has not been a problem. I recommend the place, the people are nice. read more

Fast, courteous, professional, competitively priced. They have my business when I'm in Alexandria. Whether it's a brake job, an inspection or any auto repair/maintenance, these guys are top-notch. read more

Exceeded expectations. So pleased with the quick and efficient service by Ray and his team. It's evident this auto center really values customer service. Ray instantly recognized who I was from my phone call and immediately started working on my car when I pulled in. There was zero wait time- which is rare with auto repair centers. Ray was straight to the point and honest and fair about pricing as well. HIGHLY recommend. I'll be going here from now on about all car related problems. read more

I've lived and traveled all over the country and this is the best auto shop I've ever gone to. They are fast, efficient, and honest (to the point of telling me when I don't need to get something done, or should go elsewhere for it). The entire staff is friendly and helpful. I can't recommend them enough! read more

Amazing! I told my mechanic william what was going on with my car he identified my problem in a jiffy.... I took my vehicle 4 times to my dealership and all they did was play the guessing game! Highly recommend this place not the best looking but best and sincere techs! Never judge a book by its cover! Lol read more

I got my emissions inspection done here recently. They did their very best to make sure it was as inexpensive as possible. He could have have charged 600 for a new canister but he drove it some so it would pass without the expensive repair. He got done an hour earlier and it was cheaper than what he estimated. They are very honest and nice people. Great service and helpful read more

I took my car there for a break flush, they charged me for the flush but only changed the fluid in the reservoir tank, very deceiving. Please do not be deceived by the positive reviews, they will only be fair the first time, once you take your vehicle there regularly, they will take advantage of you. read more

Very honest hard working peops. Excellent choice for auto repair. Ray is the best but it's a family business so your treated like that from all who work there. read more

I took my car here for a state inspection. The mechanic completed the job in 15 minutes and there were no issues cited.

I came in one afternoon because my vehicle was leaking coolant. After quickly taking a look, they told me that it looked like a leaking pipe. Unfortunately, they couldn't get the part the same day so they had to order it and asked me to come back in the morning. I arrived at 9:00 am and my vehicle was repaired by 10:00 am. I was very pleased. read more

They've earned a new repeat customer. Very fair pricing and speedy service for exactly what I needed- no being talked into something extra. I had been procrastinating on a tire rotation with tire patch because I don't enjoy dealing with sales people who take advantage of my lack of car knowledge to make money. But the two gentlemen here completed the work on my vehicle in 20mins or less and I noticed a significant difference in the drive away from the shop. I'm telling my coworkers about Route 1 Auto Care in case they ever need an honest, hassle free mechanic close to work. read more

I'm driving north on Richmond Highway on Saturday, January 12 about 1pm when the radiator on my 10,000lb work truck fails spectacularly. I was able to make it to the first service station before the temperature gauge went all the way into the red and happened to park next to another car with a technician standing next to it. That technician was Ronnie and he was showing a customer how to check her oil level. He looked over and saw the steam billowing from the truck and told me he would be over to check it in a minute. Ronnie then retrieved his pressure-test kit to locate and repair the leak only to find that the entire radiator failed. About that time Ray came over the check and immediately called his parts supplier to see how quickly they could deliver a new radiator. As it happened, Ray called just before they closed and they were able to do a last run and deliver it. Ray quoted me a price (that I thought was very reasonable) and said he could have done in a few hours. I picked it up later and Ray informed me that it didn't take as long as anticipated so the final price was a little less. The service and honesty is refreshing in a world where customer service seems to matter less and less every day. read more

Visiting from out of town and the check engine light comes on....just had this problem addressed a week ago! Pulled into the garage and was taken care of IMMEDIATELY... that's rare in this business. Fair pricing, clear explanation of issue, fast, friendly service. Highly recommend! read more

I have an older vehicle and I want to keep it. Had a few things going on and took it in. Ray and his crew are good guys, he tells the truth, and he wants to fix your car, and he fixes your car. This is my second review. And as I stated before "this is where I am going from now on". read more

Hands down they are THE best mechanics that I have encountered in the D.C. area!! I have been here multiple times over the course of a few years (after the dealer quoted me outrageous prices for some basic services and repairs) and Ray (the owner) is awesome. He is very nice, honest, and reasonable. They will not try to sell you services that your vehicle does not need. Each time I've paid a 1/4 of what the dealership was going to charge me and I never had any post-issues. These guys have become my primary mechanics, as they fix your problem and get you in and out, and don't charge exorbitant labor prices. Long live Route 1 Auto Care!!! read more

I am new to the area and needed an emissions test. I was directed to Route 1 Auto Care. While getting the inspection I inquired about have my wheel bearings replaced. Ray gave me a swag which was cheaper than the most recent quote I had recieved. A few days later I called Ray to set up having the work done. I could not be happier. The service was professional, fast and cheaper than I had hoped!!! Thanks to Ray and his crew and I will gladly use this shop for any other future auto repairs. read more

Please be careful if you decide to take your car here. The owner can be rude and extremely unprofessional. My mother had a terrible experience and believes that it is only fair to warn customers to seek a second or even third opinion when deciding whether or not to move forward with recommended repairs. My elderly mother was treated like trash and I really did not appreciate Ray's blatant refusal to fix her car or return a portion of monies back. Good mechanics are hard to find and even HARDER to find today so please make sure you do your due diligence before letting Route 1 Autocare work on your car! read more

Please reconsider using Route 1 Auto Care the owner Ray is unprofessional and basically took advantage of my elderly mother. Specifically, my mother had to have her car taken back to this auto repair facility over 3 times and each time she was charged more money. If an auto care shop is truly honest to its clientele then they wont keep taking your money but instead tell you to "cut your losses instead, right?" Instead, Ray kept taking my mother's money then when she requested to get some her money back or the vehicle repaired since it kept cutting off, she received NEITHER!!!! This is totally unacceptable. I blame Ray the owner for this and I am extremely disappointed that he thinks he can do as he pleases especially when it comes to hardworking people and their money and more importantly to hardworking SENIORS in our community...I do not enjoy writing this review but want to make sure that you receive an honest review of the work that was not completed when we took our car to Route 1 Auto Care. Do your homework, get things in writing and definitely get at least a minimum of 3 opinions before you allow any mechanic to do any work on your car...is the best advice I can give to anyone or you might find yourself out of thousands of dollars!!!! Hope this review is helpful! read more