After two years of horrible experiences getting state inspections, I was recommended by others to try Williams. They don't take reservations/appointments however even on a Saturday morning they got me right in. They only took about an hour and a half to complete inspection. Without hesitation, they passed my vehicle and it was deemed that I didn't need any major work done (other places quoted me $800+ for "major work" in order to pass). Looks like I will be going here from now on. PROS: - Very upfront and honest people (won't try to scam you in any way) - Price - Effectiveness/Quickness CONS: - Waiting area could use an update read more

classic scam mechanics. lied about doing an alignment on my car a while back. an honest mechanic is hard to find. you will not find one here. please avoid read more

I would leave zero stars if it were an option. This place will rip you off quick. I took my car in for an inspection. I ended up paying well over $1,000 and was told repairs were needed that were not. What they didn't know was that I had just had repairs done very thoroughly due to a car accident. The mechanic who did those repairs first (a trusted mechanic) told me there was no reason for that part to be replaced and described the condition of the part to me in full as they saw it during their time with my car. The part that was replaced required an alignment afterward, which was not only not done but was offered to me as an optional item to purchase during my inspection with zero explanation as to why or any explanation that it is literally a requirement to align the vehicle after that part is replaced. When I tried to get them to align and calibrate my vehicle, they did not care at all. They were incredibly passive on the phone and it was as if they were completely used to getting yelled at by a swindled customer. Then when my partner tried to talk to them they kept putting him on hold for thirty minutes and then hanging up before threatening to call the police if he comes with my vehicle. This place is ready to scam you as fast as they can and you will not only walk away paying for more than you needed to, but you will have additional repairs needed when they are done. The shop I had just had repairs done at right before Williams has photo evidence that the part never needed to be replaced and that my alignment and calibration were done. Williams also never took a photo of that part during my inspection but took a photo of everything else-super suspicious, huh? They are trying to call my bluff but I am taking all of this evidence to the state police to hold them accountable and have filed a complaint with the BBB. They probably should have just issued the refund because I will not just roll over and take being scammed out of serious money over things that did not need to be addressed at all. They might scam people all of the time but they have done it to the wrong person because I will not let this go without reporting it and making sure they are held accountable for taking advantage of customers and ripping people off with full intention. I will copy and paste this review so that I can replace it EVERY SINGLE time those cowards take it down. read more

I got a new set of tires here because I had multiple blow out on me and they were the closest place to get service from where I live without going on any busy streets. In retrospect I should've just payed for a tow anywhere else because they overcharged me to an absurd degree. On top of that, I had also asked them for an engine diagnostic to see what my check engine light was about. I don't remember the exact price but they said they charge something like $90 for the diagnostic! I've never known any place charging for that, let alone such a ridiculous amount. Luckily I had the sense to say nevermind to that request. I'd avoid this place unless you don't mind price gouging. read more

I DO NOT RECOMMEND GETTING YOUR CAR INSPECTED HERE. TL;DR -- Experienced racism from manager. Rejected my car in inspection. Tried to tell me there were only 4 brake cables that exist for my car in America and replacing it would be $500. Other shop said there was nothing wrong with my car and Williams Auto failed me on a technicality, lied about part availability, and inflated the price. Read on for a detailed review: The manager very clearly discriminates against individuals. The manager called me a very derogatory word under his breath when he was returning my car. They had inspected my car and told me that the breaks worked but the cable was "loose and hanging" and then rejected my inspection based and marked the breaks as not working. The estimate to fix it was $497, an insane amount to charge for replacing 1 cable. They also told me there were "only 4 of these cables in the whole country." The guy at AutoZone had the cable for $37. He also purposefully kept calling my Chevy Spark a Yaris because it "looks like a Yaris" and wouldn't stop even when I corrected him. It was very clear he was trying to get under my nerves and bait me. I took it to another shop and they said NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR. In their opinion, they said that the previous shop that looked at my car, which was Williams Auto Service, failed me on the most minor technicality they could find in a car so that they could make $500. read more

They were very efficient and communicative about the status of my vehicle. After diagnosing the vehicle, they send me multiple quotes with the pricing broken down- super helpful and easy to access. They're always busy but they try to their best to help everyone that comes in, very hard working people. read more

New to RVA and in need of an inspection, my insurance agent recommended Williams. Checking out the location on Google maps, I was happy to discover that it was nearby. I checked out the website first to see if I could make an appointment on-line (introvert issues! ha ha). Inspections are done on a 1st come basis (no appointment). So I called to check availability and whether they could do an overall check on my sweet 4-wheeled friend. I was told that they couldn't accommodate me that day, but I could drop the car off the next day when they opened. 8 AM the next morning I was there, and there were already folks in the waiting room. Gal in the front office was very clear about what would happen and how much the inspection and once-over would cost. If there were any additional costs, she would call before any work was done. I only had to wait until 1:00 before they called. Clear communication, work done well, friendly staff - I would definitely recommend Williams Auto. read more

This is my local auto repair shop so they are my first call any time I need anything. They are super responsive and nice. They answer questions patiently , charge affordable prices, and never try to oversell you more than what you need. I definitely recommend them! read more

My car broken down this Memorial Day weekend on a road trip, and I was able to coast into Williams Auto Service. They were able to see me on short notice. When they realized my car was a lemon, they helped me document the problem with the car and guided me through the process of talking to the dealer. The people here went above and beyond to get me back on the road. Great, honest mechanic work and some of the best customer service I've ever experienced! read more

This will be the last time I take my car here they are overpriced, don't get me wrong they do good work, but they try to overcharge you for things you do not need. How are you gonna charge me $60 for windshield wipers but I can go to the store and get them for 33. then on top of that charge me 350 for two tires generic tires I can go get from Walmart but I can go to discount tire to get all four of my tires changed for under $300. Crazy!!! All they wanna do is make money and not really help the customer, I was dumb enough to fall for it, but please do not be like me. read more

We drove from Iowa to Virginia for an event and our lights stopped working. We got in Monday morning and they had it fixed within an hour. They were so kind and honest with us and helped us as soon as possible so we could get on the road the same day. We are so grateful read more

Worst experience EVER Besides them hanging up on me, besides them admittedly overcharging me, beside them putting oil in my spark plugs THE MANAGER IS A LAIR Do not go here, do not trust these people I literally have it on video read more

. If I could rate this place below zero stars, I would. I feel as though they tooktook advantage of me being a woman (as many mechanics have a tendency to do). I was given three separate quotes to replace My marker light ranging from $20 to $60 then $100 , they repeatedly changed their reasoning for the change in quote before landing on "I was missed quoted at the initial service and should have been quoted for 100 originally". Then when I asked for them to honor the original quote he said that he would not due to wanting to protect his mechanics, this was the worst experience because I felt that no matter what they wanted to fail my inspection or have me pay for something at a significantly higher rate than anybody else would charge in the city. This is a terrible place and I would not recommend anyone going. read more

Unfortunately this place is like most mechanics. I went in for a inspection and they said I needed my tires replaced and they wanted to charge me over $900 to do so which is so insanely overpriced I'm shocked they thought I'd be dumb enough to do that. If they tried to take advantage of me, they'll try to take advantage of you. So who ever is reading this, just go at your own risk. read more

I went to Williams Auto Service on a Monday for my April car inspection and they were so friendly, helpful and courteous. They were very fast and got me in and out in 30 minutes also! They didn't try to offer any extra work that I did not need like most car places so I appreciated that. Overall service was excellent! read more

One word best describes this place and that word is FAIR. They are not over priced and their service is exemplary!!! The young lady at the front desk has this place running like a well oiled machine, no pun intended. Response time is quick and they say what they do and treat you with respect and kindness. I wish I had found them sooner. I would recommend this shop so don't waste your time with other locations for your vehicle needs. read more

Just visited this place to get the worst service ever in my life. Went and did wheel alignment and wasn't done correctly as the car wasn't going in straight line. Went to drop of the car second time for them to redo it and not only that the alignment is still not done correctly but also they scratched my vehicle by hitting another car. The manager himself drove the car as he said, well looks like he ain't a driver at all since he hits parked cars... Wouldn't recommend art all, stay away from this place!!! read more

Williams Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I am a VCU Student and am always hesitant about going to car places because of being scammed out of money or leaving with a broken car, ... but this place is AMAZING! I came in for a State Inspection and was nervous to see if I would be charged a lot but it took less than an hour, they explained everything to me about the costs and what they did, and I got to sit in the comfy waiting room watching TV with plenty of refreshments. I 100% recommend this place and would give it over 5 stars if possible!! Thank you, thank you Williams Auto! read more

I wish I remembered her name, but the woman who was working today was so sweet, prompt, and compassionate! Got my car done in just a few hours and she said she didn't even get help on the weekends! The price was good and they took a great job! read more

Dont go here. I went for my state inspection because my family mechanic is an hour away and I go to VCU for school. So first of all, i got there first thing at 8am they told me it would be an hour wait and to leave my car and they would call me back. Hours would go by and no call, i called back TWICE to be told my car was "up next" and to wait for a call back. I finally called again after a class at 1:30pm and was told i needed to pay 600$ for a leak or i wouldnt pass my test. I pay my "failed" inspection fee and decide to make the drive and take my car to our family mechanic and he told me there's absolutely nothing wrong with my car and i passed the state inspection. Very disappointed and frustrated with this company trying to lie and take advantage of a young woman to get their paycheck! read more

Man, these guys are amazing. Quality and honest local service. Always quick and are sure to work with you. The woman at the front desk, Anne, is so kind and knowledgeable. They've gone above and beyond for me. I'm so happy to have found a mechanic like this place! read more

I've been taking my cars to Williams since I moved to Manchester two years ago. They are an honest shop. I now know the owner Matt. He's a straight shooter, an honest guy and he runs a good shop. They did a timing belt, water pump, plugs and belts on my Tacoma, they replaced the master cylinder and rebuilt the front breaks on one of my older Mercedes, a timing belt on my Audi A4 and an assortment of other work. The price was always fair and they never charged extra. Work was A+. I've had bad experiences with other shops (and most dealers are straight up crooks) but I highly recommend Williams. And ignore the reviews from the guy that couldn't get his car to pass a $15 inspection. I've spent at least 5k with Williams and they are legit. read more

Do not get your vehicle inspected here. They will come up with lies to bring you back and spend more money after they reject your car. Their Saturday inspection took 7 hours. Highly do not recommend. read more

Everytime I or my wife has been to Williams repair shop we received nothing but great service.

Squeezed me in for a inspection and were honest about it. I used to bring my vehicle here and they always fixed it and gave updates and a fair price. Thanks again guys. read more

Super friendly and super helpful. They fixed my car within 24 hours and even offered to allow me to tow my broken down car to the shop and leave it overnight. The front desk is very polite and the mechanics were careful to explain everything that was wrong with my car to me in detail so I could understand. I just moved here, so I'm not sure how their prices compare to other mechanics in the Richmond area, but they definitely do good work. Highly recommend. Update: These guys really do great work. I had a transmission a month after my first review of Williams Auto Service on here and they made the time to get me in the garage again ASAP so I could have my car back for work as soon as possible. The receptionist was super nice and helped gather information on the phone to make sure everything was fixed right too. I thought my car was completely toast... but they got me back on the road quick and for a decent price. Highly recommend because of their customer service and speed. Local small shop but still professional and timely. They'll take care of you if you can get your car over to their lot. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place! I was traveling from NJ to Florida and was having car issues. Luckily I found this place when I pulled off of 95. The woman at the desk was extremely helpful and understanding and the two technicians were knowledgeable and fast. I was back on the road in no time. What could have been very stressful was taken care of seamlessly! Thank you, thank you, thank you:) read more

I was told getting my oil changed would be 30min, but it ended up being an hour, which is okay because I brought something to keep me occupied. My major gripe is that small waiting area. That waiting area is one of the dirtiest waiting areas I have ever been in. Dirty carpet, dirty walls, dirty, uncomfortable chairs, ancient vending machine. Please update/renovate your waiting area. read more

I am incredibly annoyed and upset by this shop. I went there for a car inspection 2 weeks ago. I originally called to verify the appointment times etc. and was told it was on a first come first serve basis. I arrived early on a Saturday morning and the guys in the shop outside said to park my car on the street. Then I go inside and the girl Brittany said I am sorry but we are already full and cannot do anymore inspections today. Then my friend who was with me called back and stated we had JUST called to verify there was in fact space and she then told me I could leave it. Fast forward a few hours later they informed me that my car had failed inspection but that I could either have it fixed there or get it fixed elsewhere and then return for a repeat inspection within 14 days. I was quoted about 3 times as much as anywhere else for my one front shock to be replaced so needless to say I decided to go elsewhere. I finally get my car fixed and then call the Friday before my 2 week mark and verify that they are open Saturday. We take it there early Saturday and to our surprise they are closed. I call back again Sunday and leave a voicemail...still heard nothing and they are still closed. We call back again on Monday and now are told they cannot do my inspection within the 14 day window period (where you don't have to repay for the inspection) since I did not bring it beforehand. Seriously??? It's not my fault I was told they were open and then they were closed on the one day I could get off to take it there which mind you would have also been within my assigned timeframe. I will never go back here and will 100% tell my loved ones not to go either. Customer service means a lot and since my dad was a mechanic for years I feel even more strongly about this. read more

I've been using William's Auto Service for more than 25 years and would never go anywhere else. ALWAYS reliable, fair and honest.

HORRIBLE place for safety inspection - go anywhere else. I went to them for a safety inspection and an oil change. The car was handed down from my mom, a 2006 Nissan Altima, and had never had any issues. I failed inspection for the following... Headlights needed cleaning (they were going to charge $100+ for that alone) Engine "not mounted properly" - something about the "upper left mount" (???) Latch underneath hood was broken (yes, that was true) For those issues, they wanted to charge me $500-$600 for repairs. They also mentioned something to me about a "weak battery" The following weekend, my dad purchased a headlight cleaning kit for $20 and took care of that. He fixed the latch himself. Did nothing with the engine. Before I took the car somewhere else for inspection, my car battery died. My dad replaced it and when he took the old one out, saw that it was from Roanoke, VA - he said that he was the last person to replace the car's battery and that he NEVER bought this one. They replaced my battery with an old one! After putting the new battery in, I was able to pass inspection at another gas station in Northern VA. I had no problems with them, and they never mentioned anything about how the engine was mounted. I know these guys tried to rip me off thinking that they could get away with it because I'm a young woman in my mid-20s. I had a bad feeling when I walked in that place to begin with, do NOT trust them! read more

Very impressed with their service! Moved from the suburbs were we had a go to place, but now I can walk to and from car servicing and I thoroughly trust them. When I first went, I brought 3 cars in for inspection where they could have easily said other services were needed, but didn't. Most recent visit they recommended things but I never felt pressure...Based on the age of the car, it made sense. I feel very fortunate that I found them. read more

This is a real review from one of their customers including pros and cons. They have good mechanics but they are not trustworthy. Every time I went there for a service I returned 2 or 3 months later to do something more. They are expensive and force you to pay for that. I went for an state inspection and they charged me for unnecessary welding for 80$ plus inspection cost + tax, totaling 100$. Another time I took my car for inspection, my car was running very well, William said I have to change a part to give you the sticker, once he did it for 200 $, he gave me the sticker BUT I COULD NOT DRIVE MY CAR ANYMORE. It was shaking so bad. so he told me to pay him more if i want the alignment. This was my last visit. People should know about the type of service he provides. I would give him No star if I could. read more

Brought them my Porsche Boxster and they did a great job fixing it up. Replaced the fuel pump, fuel sender, gas tank etc... They were very professional - Matt and Corey. Prices were good and everything was smooth. read more

Williams Auto is an auto repair shop that takes car of both foreign and domestic cars. I have had both of my vehicles (a VW and a GMC) serviced there. They're service was great and they warranty the parts and service. If you drop your car off, it is done by the afternoon. Since having my cars serviced here, I have had zero problems and they both run great. I would recommend this service station to anyone. One tip is to schedule your state inspection early, they are pretty busy when come to end of the month inspections. read more

I got my state inspection done here today and even though they had a full schedule, they were able to squeeze me in at the end even though I did not have a prior appointment with them. I waited for an afternoon and picked my car up before close, and paid $16. Would have been very inconvenient for me to keep the vehicle there overnight. Thank you for your great service! read more

My experience at Williams Auto was great. The first time I went, I was hoping to drop off my car and get into work then get my car at lunch. But they assured me it would only take 30 minutes to get my oil changed. They squeezed me in and they able to get it done in time. I got to work on time and I was very pleased with their service. The second time I went was to get my brake pads replaced. The price was fair and the service took an hour and a half. As a female, I usually feel like I am being taking advantage or up-charged, but every experience I have had has been easy, well-priced and quick. read more

Super friendly and super helpful. They fixed my car within 24 hours and even offered to allow me to tow my broken down car to the shop and leave it overnight. The front desk is very polite and the mechanics were careful to explain everything that was wrong with my car to me in detail so I could understand. I just moved here, so I'm not sure how their prices compare to other mechanics in the Richmond area, but they definitely do good work. Highly recommend. read more

State Inspection. I verified my headlights did not need adjusting. I told them when I dropped it off that if any repair was more than $10, to reject it. They called, said it was done. I was charged $40.00 for headlight adjustment to pass. I showed them the intake saying to reject it if any repair was more than $10. They said they missed that, and that it needed adjusting to pass. I told them that they did not need adjusting, and the repair was not authorized. When I threatened to call the State Police, they released the car w/o additional charge. read more

i would leave no stars if i could. total rip off to young inexperienced woman. never fixed original issue with car.