Ben Nielsen's Charles County Automotive

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  K. Jones
4 weeks ago
I received a mail coupon which brought me here for my oil change. I really like that I was able to get a courtesy ride to and from the shop to drop off and pick up my vehicle. The drop off to my house was in the company branded car. I was very surprised when the pick up to bring me back to the shop was in my personal vehicle. This really took me back and made me feel a little violated. The staff is very nice, personable and knowledgeable. I love the system they use to inform customers of the service performed and services suggested... accompanied with pictures of the concern. It was very user-friendly to accept or decline services. They are pricey but seem to do good work.

  C. Burns
2 weeks ago
I drive an 11 year old BMW that is in excellent condition with under 100k miles. When I scheduled my service with Charles County Automotive it was the first time I ve ever taken my car for service other than a BMW dealership. I was very impressed with the service from scheduling my appt to the actual service. Things were explained to me in such detail that I immediately felt that I could trust this business. There were no up-sells. They addressed my immediate needs and followed up with a report on the health of my car. This was the least I ve ever paid for a routine service and it was a great feeling to not be out of thousands of dollars. I am glad that I found a trusted business for car service and I will continue to patronize Charles County Automotive for all my car needs.

  William Perkins
3 weeks ago
The guys at Ben Nielson's Charles County Automotive was very quick and response to my automotive needs. They provided me a good quote that was reasonable. The work was done in a timely matter and I have had no issues. They also provided good recommendations for some up coming areas of concerns.

  kelci parise
2 months ago
From the moment I walked into the shop I was met with friendly faces and knowledge. They drove me home while my car was being inspected. They gave me a full diagnostic report and were very helpful overall. Definitely recommended this facility.

  Peter Chevere
a month ago
I have a Honda dealer I really like and who I never thought I'd ditch. But my AC started blowing warm. Honda charged me $300 just for a diagnostic and then recommended changing the compressor to the tune of 2k. A family member told me to try BN as their estimate was free. Not only did they check out my Honda for free, but they made one adjustment and now my AC is blowing cold air without a new compressor. BN told me if it goes back to blowing warm again to bring it in and they'd replace the compressor. They quoted me a price hundreds less than Honda. If you think they cut costs by using generic parts, guess again. Genuine Honda OEM pieces. I told BN I think I found a new lifetime auto shop.Some other things to know about BN. They don't really have a waiting room. I spent 1.5 hrs on a bench outside while I waited. The weather was cool so I didn't mind but if it had been raining, snowing, or scorching hot, I wouldn't have enjoyed sitting there. That said, BN will drive you back home or some other place you want to wait at and pick you up, no charge.The only other ding I'd mention is I wish they would've put a paper mat down as I had some grease marks from dirty shoes on my car mat afterwards. But they were doing me a favor that day by getting me in late in the day so I figure they were just trying to hurry to get me done. And mats are easy to wash. So no harm done.BN didn't try to sell me something I didn't need and tried to find the lowest cost solution to my problem. That kind of honesty is hard to find and for me, worth coming back for. I highly recommend you give them a try!

  Alan Gantt
a month ago
While I've had great service performed by CC Automotive a number of times, my most recent experience was a little different. I had an issue with my car's cooling system, and CC Automotive flushed the system and returned the car to me. However, the heat didn't work on one side, so I took the car back. They then discovered that a part called an actuator needed to be replaced. After that was done, I still wasn't satisfied.New CC Automotive manager Dion listened to my concerns, took the car back in, and had his crew run extensive tests and totally cleaned out the cooling system, all for no additional charge.My takeaway is that while nobody's perfect, it's what you do to follow through that coints. CC Automitive took responsibility for the situation and made it right, thus restoring my loyalty.

  Daren Miles
3 months ago
They're slow. I had to keep calling to see if the part came in. They dont follow up at all. They say they're going to call back, but for the most part, they bever do. There was one guy who called back when he said he would. They quote me a price for the repair after charging $200 to determine what the issue was. Then they told me $200 would go towards the cost of the repair. By the time the part came in (over a month later), the repair cost doubled. It went from $600 to $1200. They are rip off artist. Now I'm out of $200, and my vehicle is still not fixed.I wouldn't recommend this shop if my life depended on it. Dont go here if you can help it.

  Wendy Miller
a year ago
I have been back 2 more times for various work and they are great every time! Thanks Mike and Shawn!What can I say about a shop that I took a vehicle to that was sitting for 3 plus years? First the tow truck driver Joe was awesome and very friendly. They had a lot to do, starting with the entire braking system being replaced, including 4 new tires. The fuel pump also had to be replaced. Not to mention all of this on a 30 year old truck and the amount of rust they had to work around. We figured it would be a couple weeks of work, and they had it finished in two days! Extra special shout out to Mike behind the counter for all of his help. Kudos to all the mechanics for their hard and diligent work.Services: Tires, General repairs & maintenance, Auto brake repair, Brakes, Auto tire replacement, Vehicle safety inspection, Auto brake replacement, Oil change

  Les Anne
3 weeks ago
I called the service station Thursday (Sept 24, 2023) around lunchtime. I spoke with Dion, and told him I thought I had a slow leak in my right front passenger tire (pressure was down to 26psi, was 42 less than a week prior), and asked whether I might be able to get the car in that afternoon. He said sure!Got there about 1530 (3:30 p.m.), a young man had the tire off in no time, removed a nail , inflated the tire to 42psi, and I was back on the road in no time.Dion was so nice, super accommodating, everyone in the office, and shop, were ALL really awesome - HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!I also had my car in for body work about a month ago, to Neilson's Body shop (Charles County), and what a beautiful job they did.HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!March, 2024 driver side rear tire had a nail(s) in it; however, because the car is a 4-matic, all 4 tires needed to be replaced. Dion (shop manager) quickly ordered and replaced all 4 tires the next day.Also as a courtesy, a complete vehicle inspection was also performed as a courtesy, all was a thumbs-up, so another pleasant and successful experience with Dion (the wonderful shop manager) and staff at Ben Nielson's Charles County Automotive.5 stars EVERY TIME.Service: Tires

  Joseph Neuman
4 months ago
The service, both at the front counter and of servicing of my Tundra has always been top notch. I have been bringing them my Tundra for service for 4 years now and will continue to do so.

  Thomas Pollard from the DMV!
3 months ago
Once my vehicle was diagnosed it took several days before they can get the parts in I felt my vehicle with being held hostage. The cost of labor is kind of high. Compare to other repair shops in the area.

  Estel Rickett
6 days ago
I have never been treated so wrong in my 75 years.i would not recommend then.

  Leta Holland
a year ago
I love this place! Everyone there is so very nice. I thought I needed new brakes , they were honest enough to let me know my brakes were fine. I got an oil change at a reasonable cost and I had one of my belts replaced because of the wear. Not only did they fix my car in a timely manner, I live locally, they picked me up when my car was ready. They are definitely my go to place. !Services: Brakes, Oil change

  frank Gatchell
a month ago
Dion was very helpful the tech did what was needed which was different from (and better than ) what others had said very good job

  David L Warfield (dave)
7 months ago
Maybe a accounting error? Not that I care; they charged my girlfriend slightly more than a $100 bucks for a oil change? And no, were not talking about synthetic oil change, this was good ole dinosaur oil, right? For a Japanese car that is more than old enough to vote or drink! 4.5 quarts oil, filter; $100???Right, I know where I WON'T GO! Two stars as they seem to have a somewhat loyal following but still, $100? Just can't get my head around that price for a simple oil change.Service: Oil change

  Mikki McKune
6 months ago
This is Steve, Mikki's husband. In August we drove up from Austin. I stopped in for an oil change but an inspection revealed other work was needed including a new battery. Long story short, my wife drives the truck to Pittsburgh for her sister's birthday. In the middle or the road outside her sister"s condo the truck dies. No power of any sort. Towed to PepBoys where eventually it was determined the battery cable hadn't been connected properly. There was a charge for towing and another for finding and fixing the problem.When the Mrs got back I drover over to Charles County Automotive. I explained what had happened and what it had cost. I was asked for their invoice, which I provided along with the receipts from Pittsburgh. The manager, Dino, looked them over and asked if I had credit card to put the refund on. Dino took the card, made copies of the bills, entered some stuff into the computer, and refunded not only the full out of pocket cost but added a bit on top for the hassle.There was literally not a single word of push back or excuse. I thanked Dino and mentioned you don't see that kind of standing behind your work very often these days. An older gentleman waiting for his vehicle heard that and said, "They do here. Been coming here for over 20 years. Never had a problem."Made my day, I can tell you.

  Diane Holder
4 months ago
It was my first time at Charles County Automotive. I went for an oil change and services were just as advertised on coupon. I was in and out in no time. I will return again .

  Murhl Adams
4 months ago
Thank you to the mechanics and the regional service mgr. for finally getting to the root of my heating system problem everything working perfectly and I would recommend you to any of my friends and family so many thanks again!

  Anna Barba
11 months ago
The best car maintenance experience I ve had in a long time. I will absolutely be back! Randie was thorough while completing necessary maintenance. The ladies behind the desk were so welcoming and engaging, that it didn t feel like a first time encounter. Very grateful to have this business in my community.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment, Auto tire replacement, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil changeServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment, Auto tire replacement, Auto maintenance, Auto brake replacement, Oil change

  Lakes D
9 months ago
Took my car here because it would not start. I was told I needed a new engine, quoted over $7700 to replace it with a used engine with over $110,000 miles.I knew it wasn t the engine - never had a single issue with my car.. Was charged $200 for diagnostic .So I had it towed from there on Monday. Now 2 days later, my car is running just fine. It was only the alternator! Cost me less than $400 to fix.This place is a ripoff.

  Janine Grako
3 weeks ago
They were prompt and polite. Great service and prices!! Repeat customer!!

  Erica Bays
9 months ago
My check engine light was on and my car was stalling out. The service center checked it over and told me that there was a number of things wrong but the turbo charge was what was recommended to me for repair. This repair cost me over 2800.00 and it didn t fix the problem. I took my car to another mechanic, who looked it over and checked everything. He informed me that I was billed for parts that were not replaced, the turbo charge was the only new part. All the piping was original. The new mechanic also agreed that it wasn t the turbo charge but my O2 sensor. The turbo charge probably didn t need replaced but the fasteners may have been loose and needed attention.They saw me coming a mile away. They pitched me on the most expensive repair knowing that I would need more repairs.I addressed this and received a response stating that they told me that I may need more repairs and to call them if the light came back on. In other words, they knew it wasn t going to fix the problem.No acknowledgment or response to why the pipes were not replaced that I PAID for but they want me to bring my car back to look at it again and see what is wrong with it. Service: Engine repair

  Arnold nash
2 months ago
My experience with cc auto was great and I will bring my vehicle back to them when I need some repairs.

  Nia Myhand
7 months ago
I am new to the area so I wanted to give a local mechanic shop a try. I had issues with my brakes and needed replacements regarding new pads and rotors and a new tire rod. I also had an issue with a noise I kept hearning in the rear.As I was given details to my problems; I was also told I had other issues. I needed a wheel alingment, along with some fluid repalcements. I agreed to the tire rid, wheel alignment, and new tire pads and rotors. I was given the price and although it was expensive I was given 100$ off. No problem.Later on during the day I was called and told that I needed new calibers; this was NOT told to me sooner and that increased my price almost 500-600$ more. If it needed to be done I was fine with it but disappointed this wasn't discovered sooner as we already agreed on a price. Seemed very suspicious to me.As I recieved my car back I was told my brakes were set and I had no other issues. I was told the noise would go away once my new brakes were used to my car. The mechanic and the receptionist exchanged comments to one another but said nothing else to me.A week has passed and I am still hearing the same noise in the rear. An my brakes are not as secure as they were when I first got my car back. I went back up to the shop and was told by the same gentlemen that helped me prior that i needed new sway bar links. Noone told me this. If this was a problem WHY DIDN'T THEY FIX THIS WHEN I GAVE THEM MY CAR THE FIRST TIME. If you all knew what the issue was, why didn't anybody say anything to me initially when looking at my vehicle. I am not going back. I feel that I was scammed. I am very disappointed that I was spoken too as if I knew this information initially. Wrong.

  Richard Burton
10 months ago
What excellent customer service! They were able to assist me with same-day service and even gave me a ride home so I wouldn t have to wait in the lobby the whole day. I ve brought all three of my vehicles here, and they are wonderful!Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto brake repairServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, Auto brake repair

  ruth zeledon
2 months ago
Great service, excellent very friendly staff, easy schedule. I going back when I need all my services from now on!

  cindy price
a year ago
They went above and beyond making sure my vehicle was towed the same day. Dealt with my numerous calls and questions. They worked with me on pricing and did only what needed to be done. If you want a good, honest shop to take your vehicle to, this is it!! I ve had the pleasure of dealing with this shop for many years. Good people. Good work. Even under new ownership/management they are carrying on their good name!!Service: Tires

  Tara Mccormick
a year ago
Mike was very helpful when I initially called to see if it was ok to drop my car off. He called back within the hour with a diagnosis. It was a little more expensive than I anticipated but they were willing to work with me which I really appreciated. My brakes are working fantastic as well as the additional things they found that I had to replace and repair. Overall it was a great experience and don t let me forget to mention it was completed before I got off work which was super awesome!!! Thanks to Mike and Tim for getting me back on the road.Services: Brakes, Oil change

  Donna Griffin
10 months ago
Ben Neilsen s in Indian Head, Maryland provides EXCELLENT customer service. I ve found them to be honest about the repair work my car does, or doesn t, need. I recommend them to anyone requiring vehicle service.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Wheel alignmentServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Wheel alignment

  Jim Penfold
a year ago
Took my 2020 Jeep for it's annual oil change & tire rotation. While I waited,I received an email with detailed pictures and descriptions of their complimentary total vehicle inspection prior to work.This is something that you'd expect at a high-end dealership service center and is very much appreciated. Even though there are a handful of shops much closer, I will gladly give Ben Nielsen's Charles County my business.