Just awful unprofessional service. I have not been this regretful in a... read more Just awful unprofessional service. I have not been this regretful in a long time, especially after my best friend pleaded to me to take my car to the Toyota dealer. Anyway, this place jacks prices up due to the neighborhood (mostly wealthy to outright rich). My experience was a true price gouge, but since my car was already in the shop and I was 5 miles away, I agreed to let them do the work (totally my fault). But, I did asked the guy to pledge that the work would be done right. His response: "Always". Well that was a lie. Now my car is making all kinds of creepy sounds. The ride is still bumpy and the brake job makes odd noises when you stop. Save yourself a lot of headache and heed my warning. Run, don't walk, to another repair shop. This place is not a quality shop. They don't even bother responding to negative reviews, because there is too many. In the end, I blame myself. I took my car there and I approved the work. I got a bad deal and they did terrible work. (that part is on them) Please don't give them any of hard-earned dollars. Not worth it.
Farina's has the best, most ethical mechanics in Maryland, possibly in... read more Farina's has the best, most ethical mechanics in Maryland, possibly in the world. As a woman who is clueless about car mechanics and often low on funds to pay for any car repairs, I used to fear having to bring my car in for repair. Then I lucked into finding Farina's. The first time I brought my car in, I said, "I fear the radiator's busted as my car is overheating, and I'm worried it's going to cost a lot to replace." When I came back the next day, he charged me $20, explaining that it was just a simple hose replacement and that the radiator itself did not need replacement. I was stunned by such efficiency and honesty when I wouldn't have known any different. I've been a loyal customer ever since, and just yesterday I was reminded again of how wonderful they are when they replaced my key FOB battery for free. Farina's has changed the way I think of auto repair shops, through years of excellent, professional, speedy, and reliable service. What's more, they've restored my faith in mankind. I would never dream of going anywhere else.
Despite higher prices, not always getting the job done accurately (but... read more Despite higher prices, not always getting the job done accurately (but, we're all human), and negative reports from neighbors and friends, my family has been a regular customer of WOODLAWN AUTO CENTER for over thirty years and, because we were such longstanding, loyal customers, felt Chris, the owner, would always treat us fairly. I’m not one to complain, but after sending Chris this post to allow him the opportunity to rectify the situation and not getting a response, this last experience deserves a review for public knowledge. Several months ago my father brought his car in for a simple oil change and upon completion, the gas tank no longer functioned properly – the gauge read as close to empty and the tank allowed only 7 gallons of gasoline. My father brought his car in again and although Chris could not fix the problem, he charged for labor. ADDITIONALLY, while the car was in the care, custody, and control of Woodlawn Auto Center it was sideswiped. Chris ignored the fact that he should fix the dent and only offered to repair the window regulator, for which he also charged my dad labor costs. It's unacceptable to me that my dad had to pay for damage caused by Woodlawn Auto Center and it wasn't even a full repair of the damage. They were only willing to fix the functional damage they caused, not the cosmetic damage they caused, and had the audacity to make my father pay for it. According to USAA, not only should Woodlawn Auto Center have repaired the bodywork, but they should have provided my father with a rental car as well. I believe that my father, an extremely kind and tolerant elderly man, was taken advantage of and feel compelled to let the public know in order to help others avoid a similar experience.
