Arlington Auto Repair

I hadn't seen the negative reviews for this place before I went, and I'm happy I didn't read them because I would've passed right by without a second thought; I'm glad I brought my business here.The staff was friendly and professional and helped me with a minor issue with my car (a loose battery cable) and an oil change. They also informed me that my safety inspection had expired (true - my bad) and performed one for me on-site. Since I was told it would take more time than I wanted to wait, I caught a bus home and was pleasantly surprised that they called me each step of the process with fixing my battery, completing the safety inspection (passed), and made sure my car was in tip-top shape for a very fair price (about 110 bucks for an oil change, inspection, and battery work under the hood).The Manager informed me of some upcoming things to watch out for and told me my car was ready for pick up - all within 2 hours. These guys are great!To the reviewers who lamented the safety inspections, don't blame the service station - that's something mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.To the people complaining that they give a discount for cash or debit users (vs. credit card users), would you rather have a dishonest business that charged cash-paying and debit-using customers the same amount for a service (credit card fees) they didn't use?To those who complained the inspectors found something, would you complain about a doctor who found out you had a medical condition during a physical exam and about the price of your treatment? No, you would be thankful that it was caught early before it got worse.Bottom Line: If you want great service, honest advice about your car, a fair price, and if you want to support one of the few remaining family businesses in the area, give these guys your business.

Refered me to help, very good

I was on my way from Shirlington to Potomac Mills with two kids in my car and the "check engine light" went on. I really didn't want to get stuck on 395 with kids on a cold day so I stopped here to see if someone could make sure my oil, etc. was okay. Not only did the older man at the counter come and have a look, he checked my oil and then when I told him it had been recently replaced he explained that likely they had not reset the computer. He went back inside to look up how to reset the switch for my vehicle and then came back and reset it for me. The entire encounter was about 10-15 minutes. When I asked him what I owed, he told me there was no charge. What a pleasant surprise. Didn't think anyone was actually that generous anymore in the car repair business. I will come here again when I need an oil change.

I never go anywhere else for my car's safety and emissions inspection. The staff here are trustworthy and have never tried to sell me unnecessary repairs. The fuel prices at the station are a bit higher than average, but that's to be expected as the station is right off of I-395.

Had them do the AC, oil change, and other work, and while the follow up to say they were done was a bit lax the job was done well, and when I found a small oil leak they jumped on it and fixed it at no charge. I live in "The Villiage" and it's very convenient, and I found them very helpful. As to the gas $$ issue, if they're willing to dicount for cash vs a flat charge no matter what the payment I'm a fan.

Best diagnostic shop in N.Va.!

Only ever been there to get our vehicles inspected and emissions tested, but I like that they let you just "drop by" without having to make an appointment. Pretty easy, unless you're an idiot and wait till the end of the month. It's not the nicest place, in fact it's pretty dirty and crappy, and there's nowhere to wait (which isn't a problem, because I live in Shirlington), but the dudes there are cool. I'm glad it's there!

Best diagnostic shop in area!

This is really only for the nice guy who always sees me checking the tire pressure on my old Honda Accord...he always offers to check them and fill them for me, no questions asked. Very kind, thank you!

I have brought my 2002 Volvo to shirlington service center many times for a number of repairs and have had absolutely no issues with this place. Staff is knowledgeable and polite and always has work done within the estimated time. I would take my car there anytime for any type of repair.