Dulles Automotive Service Center

NEGATIVE 5 Stars!!! CUSTOMER BEWARE! I guess that’s why they have ongoing Groupons. They friggin recommended getting the Groupon for brakes, and then I buy it and when I got there they wouldn’t honor it because I actually didn’t need all four brakes just fronts only. And they STILL charged regular price and said take it up with Groupon. Piss poor service and regard to customers. Oh and of course you will be sold on everything else BUT what you came in for. 2 Thumbs Down!

I thought I’d add a review here since the vast majority are 1-​star and seem to be from people who bought the brake change Groupon and were later charged an arm and a leg after they took their car in. Ouch!
I purchased the Groupon for the State Inspection + Emissions Test for $ 21.00. Realizing that this test is simply a money grab by State politicians (I am jaded because emissions tests are free in Illinois, and should be, since we all have an interest in keeping our air safe no thanks to the scumbags at Volkswagen).
I arrived at 4:30 pm, and luckily for me I got their just before they stop taking cars for inspections (their cut off is 4:45 pm). The staff had me fill out a form and then I took a seat in the waiting area, watched a bit of TV and chatted with the guy at the desk. I was all quite enjoyable until they told me I needed to pay $ 800 for a new gasket engine valve to pass emissions. JUST KIDDING! I was out of there in just about 30 min, no issues, and they handed me the certificate keys, and I was good to go.
My only complaint and I knocked a star off their review for this, but the guy who inspected my car tracked quite a bit of mud into the drivers side floor. It was very noticeable when I got into my car. Dealers and many auto repair places will put a paper cover or something to prevent things like this. I suppose you get what you pay for. Regardless, no issues with the inspection, so I can’t complain there. Good luck.

Horrible customer service, please don’t fall for the Groupon offer for the inspection, I took my car for inspection and the person at the counter showed me what was wrong with my car etc and told me it would cost $ 400 for the repair that he had showed me, he said it’s very hard to do this etc etc I looked up on youtube how to fix that particular thing it only took 10 mins to fix it, I didn’t fall for his nonsense. I showed my buddy who owns a car shop and he said that you failed because of this that’s stupid because this is not a big deal for you to fail the inspection, So I had my buddy fix it for me for $ 50 and then I took my car back got it inspected again and passed it. Not going here anymore, please spread the word!

I wish I could give them a NEGATIVE rating! No lie! DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR TO THIS PLACE!!! I AM WARNING YOU. They are dishonest, do terrible work and the service is pathetic! My car battery wasn’t working back in October. I had them come get my car and tow it to their facility while I was in meetings that I couldn’t leave. They gave me a call and told me I needed the battery terminals changed, battery and alternator and charged me almost $ 1000!!! And they didn’t break down the cost at all on the bill. I asked them and all they did was give me the run around. That was in late October. They put a VERY cheap battery in my car. It’s not even 2 months later and the battery light on my car is constantly on and it’s running down again!!! Also, my radio was working when I took the car in and when they gave it back, it wasn’t working. I wouldn’t dare let them touch my radio. That is how horrible the service and price gauging was the first time.

Please don’t fall for Groupon offer for inspections and never ever go there. They are thugs. I took a $ 20 groupon there and ended us paying $ 370.
They first came back saying my emission is good but vehicle has an issue with serpentine belt which should cost $ 150 else they will fail the test. I reluctantly said yes. And that was my mistake. After an hour the came back saying that the belt is now good but the ball holds or something is now not working and needs replacement. When I said no they said that then you cannot drive your car from here as its non operative. I had no choice but to comply with them from there and ended up paying $ 370 for which I believe nothing.
I had a oil change and inspection done 1 month back from another station and they never said any issues about car.
Please never ever go there to save few bucks. You will end up paying even wah more. They are real thugs cheat out there. I will also complain to the department of motor vehicles to cancel there like license. These people should be taught a lesson.

DO NOT BUY THIS GROUPON! I made the mistake of not reading reviews before buying.
My boyfriend and I purchased this groupon for new breaks on his car. I, like many other customers, rely on Groupon to only deal with reliable merchants. However, when we went to get the new brake pads, they informed my boyfriend he needed new rotors. Then a brake flush. Then calipers. Overall, not counting the price of the groupon, the «extra work» totaled over $ 800.
My boyfriend explained that he cannot afford that work on his car (he had been in the hospital earlier that week and finances are tight), and asked that the car just receive the new brake pads. They said they couldn’t replace just the brake pads. He said fine, do nothing, he’ll be by to pick up the car. They told him they could not put the car back together. They said he «better make a call» to find the money. They also said they needed payment that night or the car would be towed and we’d have «a whole different problem». Are you kidding?
This was the most appalling experience. I’m shocked that Groupon is still offering a deal for services with this company, since this scam has apparently been occurring for 2 years now.

DO NOT BUY THEIR GROUPON. They either have no idea what they’re doing, or they are just ripping everyone off. I drive a really old car and came in for an inspection knowing that I needed repairs. I was fully prepared to leave my car there for them to fix whatever issue I had but was not prepared for them to diagnose a problem they knew I knew nothing about and for them to quote me a price that was probably worth more than the car itself. They weren’t even willing to suggest alternative options and instead, told me that it would be very dangerous for me to continue driving… Stay away from them unless you’re going in for a routine oil change or something they can’t rip you off for. I just got my car repaired today from another place who charged me HALF of what Dulles Automotive was asking. Such a waste of my time. They intentionally find things wrong with your car especially if you have a groupon. They did the same thing to my brother who actually just had a recent repair done elsewhere and went in for an oil change (since they are so close to my house) and they tried to tell him he had some sort of leak and luckily he called them out on it and didn’t buy into it.

My 2008 Buick Enclave was taken to Dulles Automotive to diagnose a front end problem (the car was too dangerous to drive wandering all over the road with steering and/​or suspension problems. It sat several days at Dulles automotive and when they finally pulling it into their shop, they prepared for an alignment before checking for any more serious issues. They requested to request a new tie rod because they loosened and felt it would not tighten again (but it did). I said I would consider it, but wanted to know what the real problem was (this was just to make it easier to adjust). The agreed to do further analysis, and I explained that the engine had just been removed with much of the front suspension and I suspected the drivability issue might have been related. The mechanic agreed to investigate. But then it sat again. The shop that replaced the engine (just a couple doors down) also questioned the need for a tie rod replacement (and the shop that had just aligned it a few thousand miles prior (and did not have trouble with tie rods) was also skeptical, an also quoted a far lower price if indeed it was needed) I called back the next day, and Tony who I have been talking to all along said he would ge tit I in. I asked if they could do an inspection, and he said yes. I said IF don’t come out that way often, and if the mechanic thought it would fail, then not to do it, (because inspections have to happen at the same place) He agreed, and said they would do the work Thursday. But late Thursday I called ad Tony said they had not gotten to it yet, but promised that his mechanic would either do it later that night (working overtime) or first thing in the morning, and said it would be done by noon. I said I could give him till 2pm if he wanted, and he was thankful. I called late morning Friday to access progress and to note that Saturday might be an option if they were at least on the way to a repair, but to my suppose, Tony said they were not going to do the work. They were not going to diagnose the problem, nor do the inspection. He said that since I did not want to pay $ 350 to replace a $ 25 tie rod (not needed to diagnose not align) that they were not going to do any more work on the cal. The asked the Engine shop to that the car and diagnose (the engine shop does not know suspensions and steering however, nor can they perform an alignment). There were at least two other time I spoke to Toney and he said they would diagnose the problem and let me know, and let me know if there would be a problem with the inspection. And he said the car would be complete Thursday, and later Friday. Just really really bad customer service and failing to do what they said would be done

Primarily the complaint is for the rudeness of the staff initially calling me ridiculous when I tried to make a point about servicing and installation. There is a complete difference of opinion about rear brakes and rotor installation with me and this place I understand — but when I try to make a point and debate about this they come back and put a restraint order? On what basis??? (Bad Customer Addressal to a whole new level). They say they have a bill and pictures to go by — and I said I understand but the verbal agreement was something else — I do not have proof so if I am forced I will have to spend the money on the parts — thinking I had already paid for installation. Then they said they will charge for that too! Now I see why there was such a strong difference in opinion.
However I still stand my ground and CHALLENGE THEM to bring the video of August 20 (They say August 18^th I think) — but a video of either of the dates and check back the conversation I had with the manager. Unfortunately since I signed the paper in a hurry and on a different trust factor — that she kept asking me to have — my argument gets limited. But — If all of that had to be paid for from scratch then why was it even written on the bill in the first place. It could just have been a new service ans new bill when I walked in. The fact that they mentioned that on the bill should have some meaning don’t you think???
Now — also consider this — Then when I ask about the $ 423 money I did pay for other stuff — some of which falls under warranty — I had a simple question for them. If you have a restraint order on me how are you going to service that under the warranty terms if I cannot bring my car (because of the restraint) if any issues arise. And this time I have a voice recording to prove what I am saying — they say we will cross the bridge when it comes — how will they cross the bridge if there is a restraint order? They said they will send the parts to another repair shop — which sounds ridiculous. How will the examine the car and decide they need to replace the parts and therefore send it to another shop.
The so-​called manager picked up the phone — put me on hold and gave it to another guy. Before this she had picked up and put me on hold for over 7 minutes. I had to hang up and call back. They refuse to give me the number and name of the owner. I HAVE A VOICE RECORDING TO PROVE ALL THIS.
So if the owner of Dulles Automotive is reading this — please respond!!!
Disgusted!!! Do not go there even if they are the last option. And if you are stuck with them for any reason — record their voice of any promises or have it all in writing in detail and get them to sign it too.
They just lost a happy customer who was telling everyone about them and recommending them until now! Never again!
THERE ARE OTHER REVIEWS THAT WILL SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT TRUSTING THEM (which I didn’t believe earlier — but hell yeah I see their point now!).
Oh by the way — my car is making a loud creaking sound when I release the brakes as I back up — I told them that and they said I am fabricating stories — ridiculous!!! It is happening in the front area after they installed their rotors — who is going to answer for that? They were not even ready to listen with a sane mind on the phone! I read some more reviews on Unilocal here — It looks like they did this on purpose — they seemed to be good at fake-​solving one problem and creating another expensive one.

Made the mistake of not researching this place before buying a Groupon for brake pads (with a 2 year warranty). I sat nervously in the lobby reading reviews of how they try to sneak in charges as a lady bought an item from the vending machine. The item was stuck and she was told that they had no cash and they also could only call the vending machine guy and could do nothing. I realized they had no coffee out so I asked — they have no coffee. There’s also nothing within walking distance to grab some. 1.5 hours after my appointment I’m finally told that they suggest to also replace my rotors and do a brake flush. They wanted to add this to the tune of an additional $ 285. I declined and they said it would void the Groupon 2 warranty. I didn’t care so, I had also asked about an oil change while I was there but I realized it was more expensive than most places. I only did it since I was there but not happy. Next time Unilocal before you buy a Groupon.
So as my vehicle is foreign, the charge an extra $ 20. Because I turned down what seems to be their standard request (rotors), I lost my 2 year warranty and because I made the poor choice of coming here, I paid $ 33 for an oil change. Overall I paid an additional $ 50+ on top of the Groupon price and was left feeling as though I was taken advantage of. I would avoid this place at all costs.

I purchased a Groupon for an emissions test at Dulles Automotive spur of the moment trying to save some cash last week. I took in my ancient Corolla last Saturday to have it done. The shop was easy to find, and the waiting room was neat and clean. There were two nice women at the front desk who greeted me immediately.
I waited about 45 minutes to have my car tested, and was on my way. They accepted my Groupon with no issue. My wait was a little longer than it would be at my normal shop, but the wait for a $ 14 buck emissions test on a Saturday afternoon nearing the end of the month is perfectly fine with me.

Well based on previous reviews of this place, I must have been either a.) Just plain lucky or b.) Happen to have come just in time for new friendly staff to take care of me.
I came in on a Groupon to take care of my inspection. Even with one customer in front of me, it only took about 20 minutes for them to get to me and finish looking at my car. Surprisingly they only said I needed a new windshield wiper and a new headlight. That’s it!!! I was expecting them to make up all this crazy BS like every other car place does just to make an extra $ off a clueless girl. Yea I admit it… or clueless when it comes to cars at least. Anyway, I took care of it on my own, brought it back the next day and was done in 10 minutes.
Two girls were at the desk and they were both super friendly. So like I said, I don’t know if I was just lucky, but overall I would say my experience here was quite positive! :)

Worst Groupon decision ever! This shop is running a SCAM. Car horror story!
I tried to save a few bucks on my safety inspection and this place failed my car, then told me I’d need over $ 400 of rear rotor repairs to get it to pass inspection. Plus, they advised me it would wear out the other side of my car unless I repair the rotors on the other side too– a whopping $ 730! After they have my car in the shop for over 2 hours I get a call telling me they dont even have the part and they would have to order it immediately and come back on Monday. The front desk woman fast talked me into a decision to pre-​pay for all this which I regret. Whoa…
So, I got a second opinion at another, more trustworthy, reputable shop and sure enough, my car passed inspection just fine and they told me it was shady that they had failed it and told me I didnt really need to replace rotors any time soon. Strangely, Dulles Automotive also had already put the passed inspection new sticker on my car even though I hadnt yet done the repair or reinspection with them– which is illegal!
I called up Dulles automotive and needless to say, they argued on the phone with me when I requested a refund and told them I had passed inspection elsewhere and no longer need their parts/​services. They refused AND said they would be notifying a state trooper that I had failed inspection! Even though I paid for services not rendered. Sorry, your intimidation tactics dont work. I informed them I will be cancelling the payment via my credit card since they refused to. I also called Groupon and reported them and let them know they are business they should not be working with, explained how they are scamming people. Just read the reviews! Groupon issued me a full refund as well and apologized.
I only wish I read the reviews first. These comments are all true and speak for themselves.

Avoid this place at all cost people. Don’t be fooled by their groupons or living social deals. They will lie to you and they will try to up sell you. They will put you in what is referred to as «captive» customer status. Meaning they will give you some doom and gloom story about your car and claim urgent fixes are required. They will attempt to charge $ 80 to drum a rotor. These guys are dishonest scam artist. Avoid at all cost.
AGAIN DONT BE FOOLED BY A CHEAP GROUPON. THEY WILL SCREW YOU OVER HARD CORE.
They strung me along for two hours while I waited in their lobby for pads to be installed. Their idiot front desk person Madison is a complete idiot. She told me that they were diagnosing my car for 2 hours. At the 2 hour point they dropped my car saying that they couldn’t honor my appointment after making me wait 2 hours. Even though Madison said they where diagnosing my car they did nothing. Not even take a tire off or road test. Then tried to tell me that I would allow them enough time to properly diagnose the car. THERE WAS NOTHING TO DIAGNOSE JUST PUT THE PADS ON MORON.
AVOID THIS PLACE. COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED WITH STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. THESE BAFFONS NEED TO BE PUT OUT OF BUSINESS FOR GOOD.
IF YOU DONT BELIEVE MY REVIEW READ THE OTHERS AND GOOGLE THIS PLACE.
AVOID AVOID AVOID

DO NOT GO HERE. ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A GROUPON. I just uploaded an email from groupon which I’ve been trying to resolve for the past 2 months. They just took my money without even performing the service on me! I’m extremely angry about this situation, the lady I dealt this at the front desk at this place was named Alicia, she assured me she will not be processing my groupon since they didn’t end up changing my breaks. BUT GUESS WHAT, they did and now they’re changing their words saying I did get the service.
I decided not to get the break change service because they came up with all these other problem with me car which were $ 300 worth more and without fixing these other problems, changing the breaks will be harder and take even longer time, I was in a hurry so I said don’t worry about it and took back my car. When I told them not to change the breaks they said ok and made sure they won’t redeem the groupon. They’re not trustworthy and just interested in taking your money.
I wish I could give them no star but you know how Unilocal stars work… And KARMA’A A B*TCH.

I spoke with the manager who scolded me, repeatedly, for not telling them what was wrong with my heater. Well… if I knew what was wrong I wouldnt have paid for a diagnostic test!!! Isnt that the point of a diagnostic test?! I dont go to the Dr and tell them what Im sick with, I go in and tell him Im sick. They run tests and come back and tell me whats wrong and how to fix it. Apparently that same concept doesnt apply with them. Your supposed to know whats wrong, tell them, pay them to run a diagnostic and then they still dont fix it. I brought my car back and apparently there was a nest which was making the sound?! A NEST?! How did they miss that during the diagnostic they supposedly ran?! Anyway they also told me another part of my heater was broke but for ~$ 100 they could replace the part or do a quick fix and weld some piece together. I opted for the quick fix and I’ll take it to a real mechanic later to look at. My car STILL shakes around 60mph (which it NEVER did before I took it there) and it STILL pulls heavy to the right (which it NEVER did before I took it there). I reported them to the BBB and I received an email from the BBB saying they had reached out to the business and the they never replied to them. «We have written to the firm referenced above on two previous occasions. Since we have not received a reply to our requests for a response, a final notice will be sent to the company today.» This is a highly unprofessional business and obviously NOT in good standing with the BBB. I still have not seen a broken down invoice of what they actually did to my car. Most places (grocery store, doctor’s office, retail, basically every place) gives you an itemized receipt showing how much you paid for what. I have received ONE despite bringing my car in for the groupon winterization package, then to fix my heater (2 separate transactions) then when I brought it back in for them to actually fix my heater. There should have been three separate invoices– the groupon package, the diagnostic and work done during that time and then the third time when I brought it back for them to fix it and got told I had a nest (still confused but whatever).
The only invoice I’ve received is the one I got when I picked it up the first time and the only thing it lists other than taxes and fees is
HP PRESSURE HOSE– $ 320.00
RADIATOR CAP– $ 286.22
Soooo not even sure what they did or what I ultimately spent $ 654.67. Im so disgusted and feel like I was taken advantage of and ripped off.

DO NOT COME HERE FOR ANYTHING!
On 1÷31÷2015, I saw a Groupon $ 169 for front and rear break pads. I called to schedule an appt and the receptionist told me she will honor the Groupon if I don’t buy it from Groupon but just come in. I came in and she asked me to pay $ 169 right away for front and rear pads. I dropped my car off, later, she called and said I needed rotors and brake flush. I asked her CLEARLY, what do I need and how much will it cost TOTAL, FINAL, LABOR & PARTS. She said, rear and front pads, rotors, brake flush, total $ 738.67. She said the entire bill is $ 738.67 FINALIZED. I agreed to it on the phone. I came to pick up my car, signed the paperwork. A week later I called her why I was charged $ 169 and $ 738.67 and $ 20 GROUPON FEE even I didn’t buy it from GROUPON. She said $ 169 was to get them start on my car. She said she won’t refund me anything.

Be careful with the sales girl or you will get swindled. Came here for a groupon offer. the intake process was real smooth promising no extra charges and complete warranty and all that stuff. Then the real «bait & Switch» starts. to make up for the groupon deal, they make stuff up and tell you how dangerous your car is. when I balked and said I cannot afford it now, they acted like they are helping me and now changed the whole story and said, they could some minor fix and make it work like new. ALl this within minutes. so beware !! do not go unless you are an auto expert !!

Dont ever go there for any service, they are complete ripoff. I went since i had livingsocial deal for Safety inspection and did oil service. It was advertised as 19.99 for oil change on website. But they put lot of hidden charges like shop supply, hazadorous material to balloon it to 45 $.seriuosly.for an oil change, thats the most expensive I have paid in my entire life. Also, made to wait for like 3 hours for this crappy service
For the safety inspection, he said the license plate light needs replacement and it will be about $ 20. During check out they added another 10 $ in hidden fee. When asked the lady at the front was rude and said this is how we do in the system… we cant change it.blah.blah.
WILL NEVER EVER VISIT THESE GUYS… STAY AWAY FROM THEM.

DO NOT GO HERE UNLESS YOU WANT TO GET SWINDLED.
I came here a few days ago to get my car inspected; the owner called me up front & told me I had two serious problems with my car: she said I had a valve gasket cover leak & something was wrong with my axles. She told me both problems were dangerous but the former was particularly bad & that basically there could be a combustion at any time which would ruin my engine. She said I should’ve had it fixed a LONG time ago, that she couldn’t believe I was still driving it & that if it were her car it would be up on a cart getting fixed already. I assumed these things meant I failed my inspection but she told me actually those issues aren’t a part of the safety inspection. She said my axles were «borderline» & her mechanic was going to see if they were passable. I told her all of this shocked me because I have had my car worked on multiple times in the past 6 months – brakes replaced, all new tires & other minor repairs – & that I was shocked that during all of this work, no one (in particular the people at Valvoline or Jiffy Lube for oil changes who find every existent & non-​existent problem they can & try to sell you on it) hadn’t mentioned this to me before & that the leak could’ve gotten so bad so fast. She told me all of those places won’t check for that kind of stuff & don’t care enough to tell you. She told me the valve is normally a $ 600 job but they would do it for $ 450, & the axle repair was $ 250. I told her I could not afford to do any repairs until my next paycheck on the 15^th, & she laughed at me & said I definitely did NOT have that long (less than 2 weeks).
A few minutes later – I now realize when she could sense that she might have a bite from me – she went & talked to the mechanic (behind closed doors) & came back & told me my car passed. Then, she told me to follow her into a back room & proceeded to tell me that she felt bad for me & wanted to help me out – she asked me how much I could afford to pay for the valve repair. I’m smart enough not to answer a question like that, so she told me she «could do it for $ 325». I told her that was much more manageable but that I still could not make any payments on anything until the 15^th. She warned me again about the urgent, dangerous nature of my problem & I told her I may check with family to see if I could borrow money if the problem was THAT hazardous. I said I would let her know what I could come up with in the next couple of days, & she told me that she could not guarantee the price would be $ 325 when I came back if I did not take the deal now, & went into a long explanation about ordering parts and how that changes the price of repairs, etc.
I don’t know much about cars, but I know a lot about bullshit. This girl was young, attractive, a VERY fast-​talker & seemed to know her shit about cars. She was a great salesman & I picked up on that right away. I also picked up on her affectation with the whole pitch & then sneaking me back into a room to try to negotiate with me. I got the feeling like she was trying to work me over, but I have an old car and I know that I know nothing about cars, plus she had been nice enough to fit me in & pass my car so I wasn’t completely sure if she was just a really nice young girl trying to help a sister out or really excellent at her job of spotting the newbs & milking them for all they’re worth. She didn’t give me anything written down naming the problems with the valve &axles, so I asked her what they were so I could write them down, which very obviously irritated her. After repeating them for me she told me to be aware that their parts have a lifetime warranty & that if I were to take my car anywhere else, they could do a bad job w/​cheap parts & I could be in the same situation in a year. I tried to be nice & thank her upon leaving but she barely acknowledged me & I think this was because she realized I was already out the door & probably wouldn’t come back once I got the real info.
I may be an automobile dummy, but I know how to do my research. I talked to my car-​knowledgeable friends & coworkers & did my own research. Finally I took my car to another shop who has done a few jobs for me in the past & so far proven to be honest, trustworthy & reasonable. I have a 4-​hour trip to take for Father’s Day next weekend & wanted to see if they thought I really should not even be driving it to work & back – as this girl had warned me – or if I could afford to wait for the repair until after the 15^th. I also wanted to see what they would charge for comparison (but I didn’t tell him that until after he told me their price). Right away the owner came out, popped my hood & told me he could tell me right then & there how bad the valve leak was – he said I did have a leak but it was not bad & I could definitely wait until after the 15^th; he quoted me at $ 140. He then checked my axles and said there was nothing wrong with them.
THANK GOD FOR GOOGLE AND HONEST GARAGES