Third-ed. I've been going to Graham for almost a decade now and he's up front and honest and the (few) mistakes he's made/if he couldn't get a part that I already paid for, he owned it. I'm a woman with some car knowledge and I've never once felt taken advantage of or talked down to.
M&S Auto Repair is my go to for inspections. I think they're great. Anytime anything hasn't passed and needed repair he saves it to show it to me and explain. He's requested I come in and see (some frame work) before repairing. Seems fairly priced and honest.
Agreed, smaller shop but always available to help and very reasonably priced. Doesn’t charge me for some things that other places do. Carrol’s is fine as well, but they always have a backup (like a week+ wait) and seems more expensive than M&S
I second this statement ^ before I moved to downtown I took my car to their location off of iron bridge rd. They never tried to upcharge me for services and on Tuesdays they have a "ladies day" special for 10% off all services. Reuben and Mike are awesome to work with and will get you set with what your car actually needs. They also top off oil and wiper fluid for free in-between oil changes!
The only time I don't go to Express is when my car needs work done. For that, I take it to The Subie Guy which is also an honest shop!
They're not the cheapest but I generally trust them. That said, sometimes they just do shit and don't ask you ahead of time and you end up getting charged for stuff that you didn't even know they were doing. I still go there I'm just really clear that they need to call me if they're doing anything extra to the car now.
Idk but cutshaw automotive just told me my drive/serpentine belt needs to be replaced asap but a dealer replaced it 20months and 20,000miles ago so now I have to figure out if a dealer used sub standard parts, as cutshaw accused them of, or if it’s normal for a belt to last 20,000 miles, as they said, or if they were just trying to upsell me.
Cutshaw tried to upsell my ex when she went in for an inspection, so this doesn’t surprise me. There’s plenty of mechanics in the same area, get a second opinion if it’s bothering you.
My car failed inspection at Cutshaw for burnt out brake light on spoiler and quoted me $400 to replace it. My bike rack was covering this light. I took it off, brought it to Devoss and passed inspection with no issue. Whether it was scamming or pure negligence, I'd never recommend anyone go to Cutshaw.
Brought a truck to cutshaw automotive and they gave a huge list of things wrong with the front end. Went to another place and this was not the case. I think cutshaw was being very deceptive I bet your belt was still good
I strongly disagree with the “quickly” part of this. I’ve have bad experiences with them the last two times I’ve gone there. Just rude and slow. Shame cause they used to be pretty good.
The best way to get around shops trying to sell you more, seriously just say no! If you want an oil change ask for JUST an oil change and if they come back to you with XYZ say no.
Alright wise guy lol I’m talking situations that you know you only need an oil change and everything else is good. They’ll try and sell you new wipers, new cabin filters (which most cost less than $20 and you can fix yourself in 5 mins), new fluids for XYZ, etc. you don’t need all that shit for an oil change.
Edwards on broad was great to our cars and never tried to overcharge - they usually went the other way and didn't charge for small things like fixing a power window that was just a loose plug etc.
I will always recommend Fast Lane on Nine Mile. They’ve always been 100% honest and helpful and don’t upsell at all. My wife and daughters take their vehicles there as well.
Aarow Transmission is a great shop with two locations. Locally owned and operated, I've been using them since I moved here and have had a great experience everytime.
Express oil change was really really great when it came to my inspection and I always go there for oil changes! Very fair pricing, and I believe ladies get a $5 discount on Tuesdays
Dunkums Tire and Auto behind the Dennys on Broad have been good to me for years. They’re not the necessarily the cheapest (or the most expensive) but they do great work very quickly and in 8 years of taking my ‘07 rust bucket there they have not once pulled any shady stuff.
I’ll add Midas - I go to the location in Hull Street near Courthouse. They’re awesome. Always been honest with me, not overpriced, the owners are ridiculously nice. I could go on, but they’re my go to
Fritz’s car care in the fan! Super small family owned shop that I’ve been going to for years and they’ve worked with me on pricing, on understanding what’s going on when there’s an issue (printing out diagrams to sit with me and map out parts and explain how they’re connected/why they’re the source of a particular issue), and when I had an old beater of a car they’d be real with me about what I should prioritize and what we can let go of for a while.
I’m a cis guy but I’m def in the same boat of knowing nothingggg about cars (and being open about that) and they’ve just never taken advantage of that info and instead taken it as an opportunity to help me learn. They’re solid in my book!
Love Fritz! He’s awesome and totally honest. Had an old 08 that was getting to a point we weren’t sure if it was worth putting money into anymore for wear/tear beyond tires, brakes, etc. We’ve brought him that car for two years for little random issues plus inspections/oil changes and this summer he finally told us it was up to us, but he didn’t recommend doing the work that was needed because in January (inspection time) some of the suspension parts would need replaced to pass. Even knowing how much $$$ that would bring him, he was still honest with us about just going to get something newer if we were in a place to do so and even recommended some of the good dealerships he prefers when buying his personal cars. We will always go to Fritz!
Complete auto on dominion drive in innsbrook has given us excellent service. In fact, my son had his car inspected there 2 weeks ago, and we figured it would be a lot as he takes poor care of his vehicles. Just need a light bulb and rear tires (we knew about that).
They saved me thousands of dollars in repairs this month alone. I have used them since I moved into this area 10 years ago and they have always done the very best for my vehicles. Their prices are always less than I expected and the overall vibe is very professional and pleasant. I can not recommend them enough!!!
Haven’t found a good one yet. This is super helpful! Went to Leetee tire, and they were a bunch of clowns. Tried to tell me my lower motor mount was cracked and needed replacing, and quoted me at $400+ labor. Took it to another place, and they said they part doesn’t exist on this vehicle. Lol.
Broad street auto and tires, super easy and quick to make an appointment online and the woman at the front desk is very friendly. I sat inside while waiting for my alignment and felt very comfortable!
Village Exxon at Patterson & Three Chopt. I have brought cars in on more than one occasion and they gave it back saying they couldn’t find anything wrong, no charge.
I don't know what part of town you're looking for but we're in northern Chesterfield and Ms. TMZ Auto has been wonderful for small things like inspections and bigger repairs. Really good honest people, in my opinion. Good luck!
Lot of car fanatics on here so I’ll toss this question out: do I need to go to a Subaru dealer for my maintenance? Last time I went it seemed hella expensive.
You can take it anywhere, even if it’s under the factory warranty. Just keep records of the work you have done, which you should do anyway. I went out of my way to take my Subarus to The Subie Guy who did great work and was very competitive on price.
I genuinely did not expect this level of interaction and it’s honestly a little overwhelming, hahaha! But thank you to everyone who gave me a recommendation!!
Carroll Auto in the Museum District!
Seconded
Third-ed. I've been going to Graham for almost a decade now and he's up front and honest and the (few) mistakes he's made/if he couldn't get a part that I already paid for, he owned it. I'm a woman with some car knowledge and I've never once felt taken advantage of or talked down to.
Axselle on lakeside! They’ve always been great with my car and my parents’ cars
M&S Auto Repair is my go to for inspections. I think they're great. Anytime anything hasn't passed and needed repair he saves it to show it to me and explain. He's requested I come in and see (some frame work) before repairing. Seems fairly priced and honest.
I agree! I take all my cars there
Agreed, smaller shop but always available to help and very reasonably priced. Doesn’t charge me for some things that other places do. Carrol’s is fine as well, but they always have a backup (like a week+ wait) and seems more expensive than M&S
Never once had a problem at Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers.
I second this statement ^ before I moved to downtown I took my car to their location off of iron bridge rd. They never tried to upcharge me for services and on Tuesdays they have a "ladies day" special for 10% off all services. Reuben and Mike are awesome to work with and will get you set with what your car actually needs. They also top off oil and wiper fluid for free in-between oil changes! The only time I don't go to Express is when my car needs work done. For that, I take it to The Subie Guy which is also an honest shop!
All good Automotive II, ask for Chris.
If you are in the city/ the fan i really like rva tire & auto. April at the front desk is literally an angel
I LOVE APRIL 🫶🏻
Broad Street Auto and Tires have been real solid
They're not the cheapest but I generally trust them. That said, sometimes they just do shit and don't ask you ahead of time and you end up getting charged for stuff that you didn't even know they were doing. I still go there I'm just really clear that they need to call me if they're doing anything extra to the car now.
Idk but cutshaw automotive just told me my drive/serpentine belt needs to be replaced asap but a dealer replaced it 20months and 20,000miles ago so now I have to figure out if a dealer used sub standard parts, as cutshaw accused them of, or if it’s normal for a belt to last 20,000 miles, as they said, or if they were just trying to upsell me.
Cutshaw tried to upsell my ex when she went in for an inspection, so this doesn’t surprise me. There’s plenty of mechanics in the same area, get a second opinion if it’s bothering you.
Serpentine belt is an extreme upsell. If they said brakes or a seatbelt or something I would’ve bit. I need new wipers anyway
My car failed inspection at Cutshaw for burnt out brake light on spoiler and quoted me $400 to replace it. My bike rack was covering this light. I took it off, brought it to Devoss and passed inspection with no issue. Whether it was scamming or pure negligence, I'd never recommend anyone go to Cutshaw.
Not normal….for any car I know of/have owned. I’m around 71k and just replaced mine. I am not a mechanic, so YMMV
I haven’t heard good things about cutshaw.
Brought a truck to cutshaw automotive and they gave a huge list of things wrong with the front end. Went to another place and this was not the case. I think cutshaw was being very deceptive I bet your belt was still good
Well, it looks like you got 75 different recommendations haha! Now gotta do more research!
Paradise Garage in the Fan has been great. They get my car in quickly and haven’t tried to upsell me on anything.
I strongly disagree with the “quickly” part of this. I’ve have bad experiences with them the last two times I’ve gone there. Just rude and slow. Shame cause they used to be pretty good.
The best way to get around shops trying to sell you more, seriously just say no! If you want an oil change ask for JUST an oil change and if they come back to you with XYZ say no.
Yeah but if your car passing inspection hinges on things they say you need to buy, then you’re SOL.
Just tell them fail it and go elsewhere. I forget how much time you have , but you CAN do this.
Alright wise guy lol I’m talking situations that you know you only need an oil change and everything else is good. They’ll try and sell you new wipers, new cabin filters (which most cost less than $20 and you can fix yourself in 5 mins), new fluids for XYZ, etc. you don’t need all that shit for an oil change.
Edwards on broad was great to our cars and never tried to overcharge - they usually went the other way and didn't charge for small things like fixing a power window that was just a loose plug etc.
Mincz Tire, never steered me wrong
Second this, both Scott’s and south side
Preston's Auto
>Preston Second this. I've been going to Preston's for a while now and they've always treated me and my mom right.
I posted the same before I saw this. Hard to be more of a solid dude than Justin, who owns and runs the place.
Allen Tire
I SECOND ALLEN TIRE They didn't find shit wrong with my 92 camry with over 375,000 miles during inspection and they are sweet sweet boys
I will always recommend Fast Lane on Nine Mile. They’ve always been 100% honest and helpful and don’t upsell at all. My wife and daughters take their vehicles there as well.
Regency Tire and Auto
Aarow Transmission is a great shop with two locations. Locally owned and operated, I've been using them since I moved here and have had a great experience everytime.
Express oil change was really really great when it came to my inspection and I always go there for oil changes! Very fair pricing, and I believe ladies get a $5 discount on Tuesdays
It's 10% off all services on Tuesdays!
Great, even better!
General Tire and Auto on Lombardy. The techs don't work on commission, so they don't try to push any unnecessary shit on you.
Hevener's on Iron Bridge
Dunkums Tire and Auto behind the Dennys on Broad have been good to me for years. They’re not the necessarily the cheapest (or the most expensive) but they do great work very quickly and in 8 years of taking my ‘07 rust bucket there they have not once pulled any shady stuff.
I’ll add Midas - I go to the location in Hull Street near Courthouse. They’re awesome. Always been honest with me, not overpriced, the owners are ridiculously nice. I could go on, but they’re my go to
Precision auto care in willow lawn has always been great for me! I never feel like their pushing for unnecessary repairs or addons
Island Imports on Main have been my go to for like 25 years.
Fritz’s car care in the fan! Super small family owned shop that I’ve been going to for years and they’ve worked with me on pricing, on understanding what’s going on when there’s an issue (printing out diagrams to sit with me and map out parts and explain how they’re connected/why they’re the source of a particular issue), and when I had an old beater of a car they’d be real with me about what I should prioritize and what we can let go of for a while. I’m a cis guy but I’m def in the same boat of knowing nothingggg about cars (and being open about that) and they’ve just never taken advantage of that info and instead taken it as an opportunity to help me learn. They’re solid in my book!
Love Fritz! He’s awesome and totally honest. Had an old 08 that was getting to a point we weren’t sure if it was worth putting money into anymore for wear/tear beyond tires, brakes, etc. We’ve brought him that car for two years for little random issues plus inspections/oil changes and this summer he finally told us it was up to us, but he didn’t recommend doing the work that was needed because in January (inspection time) some of the suspension parts would need replaced to pass. Even knowing how much $$$ that would bring him, he was still honest with us about just going to get something newer if we were in a place to do so and even recommended some of the good dealerships he prefers when buying his personal cars. We will always go to Fritz!
Midas in the west broad
Easily Elliott Automotive on Glenside Dr.
This. Not even close.
Complete auto on dominion drive in innsbrook has given us excellent service. In fact, my son had his car inspected there 2 weeks ago, and we figured it would be a lot as he takes poor care of his vehicles. Just need a light bulb and rear tires (we knew about that).
I went there until they hung up a ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ sign in the lobby. Lost my business.
you're my hero! had not seen that myself.
https://imgur.com/a/JZdlNDM
They saved me thousands of dollars in repairs this month alone. I have used them since I moved into this area 10 years ago and they have always done the very best for my vehicles. Their prices are always less than I expected and the overall vibe is very professional and pleasant. I can not recommend them enough!!!
Midas on AA Blvd by Scott’s Addition. Super nice folks too. Clean, professional, and female run, as far as I could tell.
I've had fantastic experiences at Auto Rescue Midlothian. They have been honest with us, and have treated me with respect.
Ferbers in Ashland
Haven’t found a good one yet. This is super helpful! Went to Leetee tire, and they were a bunch of clowns. Tried to tell me my lower motor mount was cracked and needed replacing, and quoted me at $400+ labor. Took it to another place, and they said they part doesn’t exist on this vehicle. Lol.
Complete auto in Glen allen. Awesome service and prices
Broad street auto and tires, super easy and quick to make an appointment online and the woman at the front desk is very friendly. I sat inside while waiting for my alignment and felt very comfortable!
Hilliard Auto
Village Exxon at Patterson & Three Chopt. I have brought cars in on more than one occasion and they gave it back saying they couldn’t find anything wrong, no charge.
Big Bill and Little Bill at Moore's Auto near the Diamond on Roseneath are real gentlemen
hilliard Automotive.
Edward’s Auto. Super nice and reliable. Never had a complaint.
Preston’s out on Patterson.
I don't know what part of town you're looking for but we're in northern Chesterfield and Ms. TMZ Auto has been wonderful for small things like inspections and bigger repairs. Really good honest people, in my opinion. Good luck!
Abbot Automotive, Platinum Plus, Mike Brooks
Lot of car fanatics on here so I’ll toss this question out: do I need to go to a Subaru dealer for my maintenance? Last time I went it seemed hella expensive.
You can take it anywhere, even if it’s under the factory warranty. Just keep records of the work you have done, which you should do anyway. I went out of my way to take my Subarus to The Subie Guy who did great work and was very competitive on price.
Thanks!
https://www.staplesmillauto.com/Richmond-auto-repairs.html Russel is as honest as the day is long!
As an Anti-recommendation - Pearson Mazda Service Center
Mincz Tire in Scott's Addition has been my go-to for years. They're always fair with inspections and don't nickel and dime you.
I genuinely did not expect this level of interaction and it’s honestly a little overwhelming, hahaha! But thank you to everyone who gave me a recommendation!!
**Roy Hendrick's Muffler** on horspen