Alexandria VA auto repair

So I've had really bad luck with auto shops - do I have "I'm a girl, thus a complete sucker!" on my forehead? I'm the girl who ends up with barely enough oil (but got charged full price!) in her car after taking it to the shop around the corner for an oil change. I also am the one who, after taking it to the dealership to deal with one problems, ends up with 3 other new issues that end up costing more than my mortgage.I actually found this shop through Angie's List, and cross referenced w/Yelp. I'm thrilled with this shop - they've been trustworthy, honest, and do an excellent job taking care of my car. Not only that, I usually end up paying less at Yates than what my dealer quotes me for service!I've been so pleased with Yates that I've referred my best friend when it was time for her 30K mile checkup. She was stunned to find out that she'd be paying nearly $300 less than what her dealer was quoting her. HA! Suck that, stupid dealerships and crappy garages!

I live literally around the corner and wasn't sure about moving into a place with a gas station in my back yard. Turns out, Yates is a top notch neighbor. The are the epitome of what a service station should be...friendly, accomodating and convienent. There gas isn't cheap but it's usually a few pennies less than the stations up Mt. Vernon Ave. Their service isn't cheap ($115/hr labor rate) but they're honest and keep their promises. As others mentioned, they decorate for the seasons and constantly landscape. It's a 3 minute walk to the metro so dropping your car off is easy. Note: they don't do inspections onsite themselves but will drive it for you to another station that does. I don't believe they charge extra for that. Also note, they're hours are limited, so don't expect to get gas late in the evening or Sundays. Good for the employees and neighbors, bad for you if you're on 'E'.

I've been going to Yates for years and I have always been happy with their service. They guys are professional and proficient. Rob, Ben & James know me when I call and can always get me in when I'm in a pinch. One time I broke down in the neighborhood right after Yates closed. I called and James offered to come pick up my truck the next morning and take a look at it. After work I came to pick it up and it turned out to only be the battery. I questioned the bill when it didn't include a towing charge. They told me that "that's what we do for our customers". Their prices are competitive but, above all, their service is unbeatable! I will continue to use Yates for all of my automotive services as long as I live in Old Town.

There is nothing negative I can say about Yates. They're honest, professional, quick, convenient to Metro and know what they're doing! What more can you really ask for? My mom and I have been taking our cars there for over 10 years. As other writers mentioned, they may be slightly above average price, but I am more than glad to pay that for the level of service I receive. Every time I've left my car there for service, from a job as small as an oil change or as large as a motor changed, they call me with an estimate and, if you want, will go to junkyards to get the parts needed. The last time I had work done it left me in a bind on a way home. While I was dialing for a cab they volunteered one of their loaner cars (which I had no idea existed up to that point) to use while I waited for the work to be done! Recently I moved to Falls Church but will continue to use Yates. I can't imagine trusting my car with anyone else!

Yes, it costs a little (or a lot) more to take your car here, but I believe the personal, friendly service they provide, and the fact that they're super nice and appear trustworthy, makes the additional expense worth it. It's easy to drop your car off here and then hop on the Braddock Road Metro (a short walk away); then you come back via Metro at the end of the day to pick up your car. These guys treat you with respect and consideration, whether you drive a Honda Civic or a Lexus. As I have heard someone put it once, they are the "Nordstrom" of auto service in the area-- amazing customer service, but don't come here expecting to get the lowest price repair. If you want the cheapest possible cost, avoid this place, but if you don't know much about car repair and want a reliable place you can trust, you could do far worse than to patronize this establishment.

There's fine Pennsylvania gasoline flowing from these pumps, but that's not the reason that I am totally in love with this gas station. It's that the owners and employees have a serious fun streak. Drive by this place during any holiday, and you will be delighted by a decoration extravaganza!During Hanukkah and Christmas, enjoy tinseled trees and a menorah standing atop the station's pumps and service building. Be dazzled by shiny red hearts on Valentine's Day. See the red, white and blue streamers and feel more hatred for Dubya on the Fourth of July. And be freaked out by the ENORMOUS spider covering the service building on Halloween. Halloween is when the station looks best.As a side note, this station is accessible from two cross streets, is generally not too busy, and has really nice attendants. And the gas is usually comparably priced to other stations in the area. Definitely worth a stop, because getting gas has never been this much fun.