Del Ray Service Center

Reviews

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

  Rachel Cochrane
a month ago
Took my car in to get it looked at and AC serviced. It s an old 2003 Toyota. Now it s running like new. And the price was very fair, they gave me a complimentary oil change as well. Highly recommend, very good and honest mechanic!

  Chris Stapleton
3 months ago
Went in for a state inspection and failed to my shock- 2018 tiguan. The technician explained my rotors were the wrong size (too small/another story for another day) and my brakes were functioning improperly.Took it to the VW dealership for a double check, their "brake check" indicated nothing was wrong.After this clear report, I asked them to verify what DRSC told me, the dealership went back and verified my rotors were too small! Impressed these little shop picked up my and the dealership's mistake.

  Kelly Catherine Chapman
6 months ago
Just had my state safety inspection done here and I recommend them fully. My car was failed the same day by Yates Automotive (down the street) for an issue that was bogus based on my every day use and clearly a money grab, hoping a woman wouldn t know what they were doing ( your parking brake isn t fully releasing, so we need to take it apart to see what the issue is ). Del Ray did their full inspection and passed the vehicle, asking Why did they think something was wrong with the parking brake? It works fine. I appreciated their honesty and that they didn t try to upcharge for unnecessary work, which I m learning is rare around here. I will be trying them for other maintenance and mechanical issues going forward. Thank you, Del Ray. Your ethics are noted and appreciated.

  Eliza Hemenway
6 months ago
I took my car in for annual inspection, and they were friendly, honest, and efficient. My daughter took her car in as well and also had a great experience. The air pressure was low on her tires, and as a courtesy, they filled them. Highly recommend.

  Chris Raine
3 months ago
Horrible, terrible place to take your car. They will charge you above and beyond. They will make up lightbulbs that don t exist that they want you to change. They quoted me over $2000 for repairs for a car that I got done for $ 750 at different gas stations. Do not go here. This place is a rip off!! ZERO STARS!!!!!

  Andrew Johnston
a year ago
New to VA and went for state safety and emissions inspection. I went right at opening and was there with maybe 3 others in front of me. Was in and out in around 1.5 hrs. Note that the waiting area is fairly small but there are a few local businesses nearby for food and coffee or shopping so plenty to keep you occupied while you wait. I have an older vehicle that I maintain myself and didn't have any issues with the inspection besides a light that was out. Inspections appear to take 20-30 min from what I saw. Minor (not visible but can feel it) grease/grime on steering wheel and parking brake handle from handling but that seems to be the norm anytime I get my car serviced somewhere. Will likely come again and will update in the future if the quality of service changes.

  Caleb Jones
a month ago
DO NOT get your inspection done here! They will find any way they can to fail you! Save yourself the hassle and go somewhere else

  Craig Gomez
8 months ago
Sadly, I will no longer go here...This was my go-to place to get my cars inspected for 8 years. It used to be if your car needed something easy to pass inspection, you paid a reasonable repair bill so your car would pass; however it was a bit strange that all my cars seemed to need new wiper blades every year... I never cared and just paid the bill. They did brake work for me once (to pass inspection) and they only lost one lug nut, but they found another one that fit, even though it didn't match.. but no biggie.I asked them to please plug in my horn cable that is dragging on the ground before inspecting the car. Charge me whatever. It was explained to me that my car would first FAIL inspection, and afterwards a $150 "troubleshooting" fee would be charged to diagnose the problem. My 9 year old "troubleshooted" the issue when she saw the loose cable dragging under the front bumper after I complained our horn hadn't worked for a while. I plugged it back in, and when the horn worked, I gave her a $20 for her "diagnostics." After they FAILED the car, we fixed it in the street and then got back in line to pay the re-inspection fee. Be aware that once your car fails an inspection, you are required to go back to the place where it was initially inspected. Actually, that's what the manager told me.. might need a Fact Check.Time eight year old spent on diagnostics: 2 secondsTime it took me to fix horn: 2 minutes.Time manager spent explaining why it couldn't be done: 18 minutes.As Chevy Chase used to say: "Thank you Very Little." Or, as one of the Bob's said in Office Space: "What would you say you do here?"I mean, I went there initially because I could walk there. I can't say they were ever Really Good, but at least they have never been Really Awful before. I believe management has changed and they might not be a good fit in our hood any more. Talking to the manager was like a scene out of the movie Idiocracy.

  Edward Greenaway
6 months ago
Tucked away in Del Ray they were very fast and got me in and out for my VA inspection quickly. There are several places to eat within a short walk.

  Nick Bandura
a year ago
I'm new to Virginia and did a walk-in for the Virginia safety inspection. It was very easy to get done here. There are 2 coffee shops and several restaurants nearby that you can wait at. I will go here again next year and for any maintenance/repairs that I need in the future.Service: Vehicle safety inspectionService: Vehicle safety inspection

  Natasha K
3 months ago
Honest, fair, efficient. These guys are the best. They go above and beyond in their service offered.

  John Elkhoury, PA-C
a year ago
Called Del Ray for a walk-in appointment of a quick mechanical issue that two different Audi dealerships couldn t accommodate me for today. This shop had my car done in half an hour at an excellent rate. Thank you guys.

  Jacob Hamilton
6 years ago
I got my state emissions and safety inspection done here today, I was one point away from failing because my tires wheel lock had corroded into the wheel, Crist, the shop manager was very helpful and somehow managed to get the wheels off for me to pass inspection. He did this for free and it certainly took more time than the average inspection, I appreciate his kindness, helpfulness and willingness to go out of his way for me. I'll certainly be a returning customer and will more than likely refer them more business. Highly recommend, best customer service in town!

  Andrew Greenway
3 years ago
I went in for a second opinion and Sam was extraordinarily helpful. He took the time to talk with me, explained what was going on with my car, and what the costs would be if I had them done then, and what makes sense to repair now, vs what could wait a bit longer. While I didn't have the repair done there because part of the repair was under warranty from another shop, I would definitely recommend them. Honest mechanics at a reasonable price are hard to find, especially in the area!

  Ambyr H.
5 years ago
Ladies, a mechanic you can trust! I would highly recommend bringing your car here for any mechanical issue it has. I just moved from PA and needed inspections, and it turns out some work on my exhaust. Chris was wonderful from start to finish. He took the time to explain the problem, showed me the part and explained in layman's terms what caused the problem and how he was proposing to fix it. He didn't try to upsell me the more expensive fix, and was honest about his pricing. He encouraged me to even call around before making a decision. I took it to him, the work was done in a timely fashion, and with good communication. The price was exactly what he quoted. I have found my mechanic here for sure! Thanks for the great service!

  Geoffrey Edelmann
3 years ago
I had a safety inspection at a different place. They told me I needed new $1000 struts on a 37k mi car! I got a second opinion here and they explained that I had a floating suspension and I was being inspected incorrectly at the other place. Plus they noticed one of my tires was on backward which the other place missed. They are honest and knowledgeable.Service: Oil change

  Ben Morris
5 years ago
Stopped in here a few times over the past couple years for service (and bi-weekly for gas). Service is always amazing, everyone here is super helpful - they helped me with a dead battery issue post-deployment, (charged it for free and made a recommendation if I needed a new one). Stopped in again for state inspections and oil change, Crist did me a real favor and helped me find the exact part I needed from the dealer - didn't make me buy it from him and helped me avoid the safety failure.Bottom line, these guys will help you out; people are more important than money here.

  Rick Bell
6 years ago
I would recommend this place to everyone. They are honest, fairly priced, and I'm very happy with the work. They clearly care about their business because most reviews for other places don't have responses from the owner, which shows they take the time to get feedback from the customers. Some people complain about the wait times here, but if there is a place that does good work it will hardly be a secret. You may have to wait for quality work.I came in for an inspection. No one tried to sell me an emissions test that I didn't need. Being new to the area I could have easily been sold. Each inspection took 15 minutes. I had to wait 45 minutes because I had to wait my turn, but it wasn't the end of the world. I didn't get his name, but I watched him do the safety inspection. He was very thorough and actually did an inspection. I was initially nervous they were going to find something and fail it, and they could have but didn't. They found issues with my truck that I knew about that other inspections did not catch. If you are looking for someplace to just slap a sticker on your car then this isn't the place.The repair I needed required some welding. They didn't fail my inspection and force me to use them for the repair. I came back a few days later with the parts needed and Christ had the job done a day before I requested it to be complete. The work was professional quality and other than the fresh paint on the weld I can't tell that any work was done.Christ called me after he was off work and let me know the job was complete. I was worried I would need to find a way out of work to pick it up while the garage was open, but you can pick up your car up until 10:00 PM or as early as 7:00 AM. Very convenient. I was looking for a place I can trust and go to for just about anything and I think I found it.If I had to complain about something, they could use some more chairs in their waiting area. 5 stars.

  Meg Biram
3 years ago
I have taken my Toyota Highlander to Del Ray Service Center several times over the last 3 years. Sam in particular has helped me, and is extremely knowledgable about cars, specifically Toyota/Lexus. Recently another mechanic told me I needed a few things done (after they gave me an oil change) and I went to Sam for his opinion and also b/c I'd rather have him work on my car, and he pointed out that what they thought was a problem wasn't the right thing. He also showed me that this other company tried to tell me I needed a new battery when mine was fine, and also was under warranty. What I'm saying is that Sam is never going to try to find something wrong with your car that doesn't need fixing. He is an honest person, and they always fix my car so quickly I'm usually surprised. Highly recommend Del Ray Service Center, have only ever had great experiences there.

  Marisa Lee (Craft)
6 years ago
We just bought our first car and needed to get the Safety done. We live about 5 minutes away so we figured we would drop off the car and walk up Mt. Vernon Ave while we waited. It did take a little while since it was the last day of the month (that was our fault, haha), but we received a call saying our brake lights was out and they would fix it. We had no idea it was out, so we were thankful for their call. They called when it was done and had the car ready for us when we got there. They were friendly and informative, and we are so happy we found their shop. Our car needs some tune-up maintenance, and we will definitely be bringing it here. Great mechanics, honest workers, and they don t overcharge you!

  Alfredo Ramirez
a year ago
I went here for an inspection and emissions testing. They were quick with the service (dropped off and completed in an hour). They do operate as first come, first serve and typically stop accepting same day by 3:30pm.Services: Vehicle Inspection, Auto emissions testingServices: Vehicle Inspection, Auto emissions testing

  Sue Perez
5 years ago
I m so glad I read these reviews! I went here a few months ago to do an oil change, tire rotation, and a VA car and safety inspection. The service was well-priced and everyone was super nice. Crist walked me through everything and gave me good advice. He also gave recommendations of where I get a good and less expensive battery for my car. I will definitely be going back.

  Mary Huber
6 years ago
Highly recommend! We love Chris, Rohan and the Del Ray Service Center. Chris is honest, affordable and thorough. He told us just today that an expensive repair the dealership said we needed (we took our car in for a recall replacement) isn t needed for at least another year or two that the dealership was way too premature on the diagnosis.

  Arcadia Lee
5 years ago
Brought my car in for oil change and tire rotation. Crist was my mechanic and provided excellent service. My bumper was loose from a minor accident and he offered to zip-tied/bolted it back on free of charge. Best customer service and pricing I've ever had at an auto repair shop!

  Timothy Anderson
2 years ago
Needed repair after my check engine light came on. Had vehicle towed to this garage. Repair was made in a timely fashion. Great communication and competent. Would highly recommend and will use this business in the future.

  Sarah Honig
8 years ago
I requested an oil change and change to my washer fluid and the experts at Del Ray Service Center followed the recommended maintenance checklist for a car with my car's mileage. They then offered me additional services that I could choose to take or leave. The team is friendly and fast. Make sure you find out why they are making a recommendation, because it may save the life of your car in the end

  Vanessa Torres
5 years ago
Chris did an amazing job, he was very helpful, my car wouldn't start and he charged my battery and he made sure it was running well again with NO CHARGE! I would definitely recommend to go to him to get their car fixed. Thanks Chris, from your friend Cecilia!

  Matthew Ingram
2 years ago
Took my car to get inspected and it had some issues. Went to the Lexus dealer to get them fixed and the Del Ray service center said some things were broken that not even the Lexus dealer was an issue. Spent hundreds of dollars on fixes between the dealership and an auto parts store. Went for a reinspect and the tech broke what I worked so hard to fix right in front of me and said still fails . Go someplace else if you have an older car - terrible customer service.

  Google Mail
3 years ago
Had to get some routine maintenance done and they were great. Super friendly and got the car back to me the same day and took care of what I needed. So much easier and cheaper than having to go to the dealer and waiting a few days for it.Services: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenanceServices: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance

  John A
3 years ago
Horrible place. Rude manager was yelling at customers who simply asked for an update on how long it would be until their car was finished. I also saw him trick a customer into paying for an emissions inspection months before the previous sticker expired. Stay away from this place!Edit: Convincing attempt (below) by the business to save face. However, this actually happened. Behave unethically and eventually your customers will call you out on it. Admit your mistakes and people may trust you again eventually.