Huntington Car Care

2600 Huntington Ave, Alexandria, VA 22303, USA

Address:	2600 Huntington Ave, Alexandria, VA 22303, USA
Phone:	+1 703-960-4300
Rating:	4.4
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 8AM–3PM Closed

Location

Photos 6

Reviews 14

Cody W

Short version: They wanted $500 in labor to change spark plugs. Markup parts prices 500%. Hope and feed on customers who dont know better, and cost 2X dealership. When I found this place on Yelp and Google I was excited to have a reputable shop within walking distance. I dropped my vehicle off right away and everything seemed great. Unfortunately the reviews seem undeserved. When they called me with their diagnosis, the conversation became more and more dishonest. They said the engine was misfiring because of a bad ignition coil (sounds right) and that it the bad coil needed replaced (right). They then said that I should replace all 6 ignition coils (slight red flag) to be safe. A little odd since the other coils should still have 40,000+ miles of life, but this place had great reviews, so I was really trying my best not to get skeptical. Then they said that because my car takes special laser-cut spark plugs (big red flag) it was going to cost $1,300. To fix just the bad coil, it would be $800, but my car would probably break down again right away. I know DC is expensive, but thats outrageous. I said Id call them back. I called the Toyota dealership. The dealership should be the most expensive shop in town, since they use only factory (not aftermarket) parts, have specialized training and give white glove service. Dealerships have the added benefit of a corporate structure you can call up if you have service problems. The dealership quoted me $650 to get my truck running (which would be fixing the bad coil plus two others on the same side of engine). If I wanted to be super safe and replace all six ignition coils, like HCC claimed I should do, the dealership would fix it for $800 with factory parts. Huntington Car Care wanted DOUBLE what the Toyota dealership did. A 3rd party shop using aftermarket parts, with mechanics of questionable skill and no amenities (shuttle service/loaner), thought a 1-2 hour repair warranted $1,300. Its one of the simplest repairs anyone could do, and one of the first things any mechanic learns. Their price broke down as: --$17 per spark plug (3-5x part cost) --$121 per ignition coil (2-3x aftermarket cost, more than OEM) --$500 in labor. When you push back on them, they throw out all the mechanical jargon indicative of a dishonest shop. Car people will recognize this, but unfortunately it works to scare the majority of people who dont know better, and they get tricked into over-paying. A good mechanic wants you to understand everything going on, and will explain in simple terms. If you get nothing else from this review, I hope people recognize jargon as a red flag for "rip off". They claimed my economical 7 year old Rav4 needed "top shelf laser cut $17 spark plugs". Thats when I gave up on them. They were obviously hoping to take advantage of someone in a tough spot. I had to suck up public transit for a few days but ordered parts and a couple tools for less than $300 and fixed the truck in under 2 hours a few nights later. Im angry at the shop, and sorry for the people leaving positive reviews who clearly dont know better. Consider Toms Auto Stop in Shirlington - thats how an HONEST garage operates. Ive been there before and they were great, just not convenient to where I live now. Or go to your dealership - youll still spend less than if you let Huntington Car Care rip you off.

Laura Bate

I cant tell you how much I *love* having a garage that treats me honestly. Ive had a couple occasions to compare estimates on my car, and by far and away, Dons answers are always clearer, his prices are lower, and the work is excellent. I had grease leaking around my axel- I had one garage tell me I needed a new front axel, and another tell me they needed to replace the axel boots for hundreds. Huntington Car Care took the time to figure out that it was just the clamps on the axel boots, and replaced those for a fraction of the cost others quoted. I was so grateful they really looked into it, rather than giving me an easy (expensive) answer.

Brendan Corcoran

My family has been taking our cars to Don and his crew for as long as I can remember. His prices are firm but reasonable, and they will let you know if extra work needs to be done without forcing the issue (i.e. its up to you). His mechanics are honest and they will even use your replacement parts (obviously without warranty) if you just have something you just cant do yourself. I do a lot of my own car work but sometimes I need the skills only a shop with specialized tools can provide, and thats why I keep going back. I recommend them highly.

Blah Blah

They had my car ready before the time specified. Thumbs up. $360 to replace all rotors and brake pads (I supplied the parts). It should have been no more than $250 for labor especially since its one of the easiest things a mechanic can do. Thumbs down. Dont put your address down if youre doing night drop off lIke I did. They probably noticed my address and thats why they overcharged me for labor. I drive a 2012 honda accord se............2nd to lowest trim.

Thomas Arnold

I, my father, and my family have been going to Don for years. He and his employees are smart, competent, and fair. He has gone as far as to answer questions over the phone and give advice without charging. When a repair fails within an unreasonable amount of time, he will fix it. They say finding a trustworthy auto repairman is difficult, well weve found ours.

Anonymous User

They quoted me for two parts totaling $944. I asked them if they were aftermarket parts and they said, "yes, the manufactured parts would cost MUCH more!" I found the same aftermarket parts for $450 brand new at autozone with a 5 year warranty. The $89/hour for labor is more than I make as a lawyer so at the very least stop ripping off your customers on parts!

Anonymous User

Most important in finding an auto repair shop is trust. Huntington Car Care does honest work, only the necessary work, and for a competitive price. I have always been treated well at this shop and I have had work done here on three occasions thus far. I will be happy to return in the future and I am happy to recommend them.

Troy Rutkofske

Over the past 10 years, Don has saved me thousands of dollars I was expecting to pay. "Well, I could do that for you, but it really doesnt need to be done, unless you want me to." Always friendly, and he and his crew are always helpful. Just dropped my car off to get the heat fixed, and not a worry to be had.

Robert M. Lee, Jr.

I have been using them for years (my neighborhood) and they have been great: honest, competitive prices, and they back their work and warranties. They have my highest rating for an automotive repair facility.

Anonymous User

These guys are great. Fair prices, good customer service, language spoken is English, and work is professional. What more could you ask for? Maybe lunch. Jk

Stanley Gerard

I have been using Huntington Car Care since 1997. Adept mechanics and great service. My truck is a 1998 Ford Ranger, they treat it like their baby too.

Anonymous User

I found that they did quality work when I brought my car here. They diagnosed the problem and turned around the repair in a reasonable amount of time.

Andrew Mingin

Fast, honest, and reasonable. The trifecta.

These guys are great. Fast service.