Wiygul Automotive Clinic

I’ve been coming to Wiygul for a year and a half and always felt like I’d been treated fairly. I appreciate their driver service, have purchased their VIP card, and have recommended them to others. However, I recently I had an experience that makes me question if I’ll be returning.
I went in to have a headlight bulb replaced and asked them, since one headlamp was already going to be open, to use a chemical to make the headlamp plastic less cloudy. I was quoted nearly $ 300. It seemed like a lot but I went ahead with it. When I got the car back, the plastic was a little more clear but not a lot. I felt like it was a waste.
I recounted the story to my partner and he remembered having something similar performed at a Walmart Tire & Lube Express center nearby. We looked and found that having the headlamps restored as $ 30 (vs $ 200) and replacing the headlight was $ 7.50 (bulb not included) (vs $ 50, + $ 20 for the bulb). A huge difference in pricing so I won’t be returning to Wiygul for simple stuff like this.
I may return to Wiygul for bigger stuff but I’ll be getting a second or third opinion before agreeing to their prices.

Be very afraid. I went to Wiygul with a Living Social $ 20 voucher for a $ 40 oil change. After 1.5 hours, they brought me a work order to authorize for $ 644.32. It included a brake system hydraulic fluid flush, front disc brake rotors and disc pads. The pads alone were priced at $ 323.60. I had not asked them to put my car on the lift or in any other way inspect it; I just wanted the oil change. I declined and several weeks later went to another mechanic. All I needed were the front disc pads and they charged me $ 156 total. I understand that Living Social vouchers are meant to encourage other business but performing unauthorized inspections, lying about what is needed and charging more than twice what a more honest shop will certainly does not accomplish that goal

I have been here many times over the years and have been to other places that are not as good. The service has always been excellent and the timeliness of the work has been good. I have recommended them to neighbors as well as here.

Run! If you are thinking of using these guys. Run!, RuN! RUN! Took my car in for an oil change. They came up with an estimate of $ 3,200. For a car that ran fine! It did need a bit less than $ 150.00 worth of work, but nothing and I mean NOTHING anywhere near what they wanted to do. Total theives.

It’s been a while since we took one of our cars to the Alexandria Wiygul’s location because, in the year and a half since we did, it has needed nothing done, other than routine oil changes. While they are kind of far for us to take in for simply routine service, we took our car there about 18 months ago because it had been making noises and, although no one else seemed able to make any determination about why, when I drove the car, I noticed it pulling to the right. After talking to David K., the manager at Wiygul’s Pickett St. location, my wife and I dropped the car off for diagnostics. While it has been many years since I was a mechanic in the military, I suspected that the car’s suspension components were pretty well shot and later that day, Dave called me and confirmed that. While I was mystified that other shops where we had brought the car for tires and oil changes, as well as to try to get a diagnosis on the noise the car was making and the pull were unable to diagnose the problem, I was glad that someone finally had. As I mentioned, it has been 18 months and no problems. As a result of their work, I went on Wiygul’s site today to get their number and refer a friend of ours to have Wiygul inspect a vehicle he is considering buying to give him a clear idea of if it is sound or he will simply be buying problems. Based on our experience, I would feel comfortable with referring any friend or family member to Dave and Wiygul’s Alexandria location.

Took my car there and the front desk guy wasn’t so sure about what was wrong even tho I was telling him. Talked to the mechanic that worked on my car and he knew everything and more what was wrong with my car. His name was Ryan, more like mechanic Jesus. Fixed my car and I will always bring it back here.

After several issues closely related to service visits to Wiygul Automotive Clinic I am revising my review down to 1 star (if it could be zero, I’d do that). On two occasions I discovered broken wheels studs on one car shortly after safety inspections. I suppose that could be coincidental but my suspicion leads me to consider over tightening lug nuts as a cause given how soon after the inspection I found the broken studs.
The final issue was with loose wheel nuts (4 on the drivers front and 3 on the drivers rear) on another car which I discovered 4 days after new tires were installed and a routine safety inspection was done at Wiygul. Unfortunately, the discovery came during a trip to NYC with my boss (of all people). By the time we crossed the George Washington Bridge, he and I had begun to notice quite a bit of heavy clunking noise at the front left. When I was finally able to stop I discovered the loose lug nuts. I count myself lucky the wheel didn’t come off at highway speeds. Given the close association between the service visits to Wiygul and these incidents, I won’t be using Wiygul ever again.

I used to go to this place. They were good years ago and they are close by. They send out tons of coupons — but if you go in there for a simple repair or oil change etc — they will try to sell you ten more things that «need to be fixed» — DON’T BUY it. One of the head guys there is extremely rude and pushy. Some of techs at the front desk are very nice — but it seems their policy is to oversell and there work isn’t that great — I had a major repair that failed and they didn’t stand by the work — they found a loop hole in their guarantee.

This place is a horrible rip off! I purchased an oil change on groupon! Worst mistake ever!

Very expensive. Took my car in for an oil change and was told I needed a new timing belt package. They quoted me just under $ 1300, pushed to do the job immediately, and offered their financing. I held off and called around. Wound up getting exactly the same job done for just under $ 600. I think Wiygul gave a reasonable recommendation in terms of the repair, but their cost was exorbitant and they clearly had $$ in their eyes. They have lost my confidence and my business.

The guys are very customer service friendly and keep you informed about your vehicle. Added bonus of being military friendly. If you go there enough times, they know who you are and all of your vehicles if you have more than one. They also have great plans and constantly have sales or specials which are awesome!

I really only wish I never began this headache with this terrible company. I got a Groupon after reading some terrible reviews but thought to myself, its an oil change and tire rotation … what could go wrong?
When I got the call from them to quote me for work that was «absolutely necessary» they listed a long laundry list of items. I literally laughed out loud when he read the total price to me. I told him not to touch my car and that I declined the work they wanted to do. He tried to guilt me into doing it by saying «well what is your car worth to you.» — NOT THE RIDICULOUS PRICES YOU WERE QUOTING ME FOR. I understand you guys have to make a living but a tune up on my 1998 vehicle for over $ 800, ~$ 300 per new tire, and more ridiculous prices for unnecessary work… WHAT THE HELL. If I were a man would you have even tried this bull? I doubt it. When I went in to pick up my car I was read a totally different list of things that were wrong with my car… uhm? wait what? what happened to the «absolutely necessary» list of things the guy on the phone was trying guilt me into having done?
They didn’t even rotate my tires (which I paid to have them do). I mentioned it and they assured me that they were rotated… I had a missing hubcap and some small marks on my tires. I felt so disrespected that a family company like this SO HEAVILY takes advantage of women. I know my tires were not rotated.
Two days after bringing my car (which I have never had a single issue with) my brakes COMPLETELY gave out… I didn’t even get a quote for any brake work… What the hell happened? I brought it to a couple mechanics and even after I got the work done the brakes completely didn’t work properly. I am so disappointed. Yes my car was a beater but it had 76K miles and was perfect for commuting.
I was left without a car for over a week and I ultimately had to give up on my car and go and buy a new one instead of paying out money to fix whatever these unprofessional crooks that work here did to my car plus pay for a rental to get to work. My car was worth double what I got for it in a trade in because of this brake issue.
I can’t express enough to anyone about to bring their car into this place; please, please don’t you will regret every single second of the nightmare they put you through.

This is our local auto repair shop. We’ve been going to Wiygul since 2000 and I can’t believe I am writing our first review.
They consistently provide good auto repair and service. I recommend them to our friends and neighbors.

I called here this morning for an oil change and they were able to fit me in. When I arrived the people were very friendly. Even though it took a little longer than normal they continously gave me updates on the status of my car. I ended up needing a light blub, windshield wipers and fluids flushed. I let them do all the work and they didn’t charge me any extra labor for the bulb or the windshield wipers. Plus when I had questions the guy at the front had no problem asking and finding out for me.
Overall I had a wonderful experience. The guy at the front went above and behind. He ensured I understood everything and was satisfied with my service. Ok will def be back for future services. Everyone that spoke with me was very nice. Also they didn’t try and sell me a bunch of crap that I didn’t need. (lots of places try and take advantage of woman. Not here)

Went in to inquire about a warranty replacement through the manufacturer. I purchased the tires through Tire Rack. Over the phone the employee I spoke with, Ben, was extremely helpful. He told me to go in so they could get some information from the tire/​car and to bring the invoice for the purchased tire.
Went in and wasted 45 minutes of my time for Brandon to give me the run around and then to say that the tire rep only worked until 5pm (it was 5:30). I left with them telling me that they’d call the rep the next day and then call to update me.
No phone call back. I called the next day in the afternoon to follow up. The employee, Brandon, claimed that he spent over an hour and a half on the phone with Tire Rack and said that I should just contact them for a replacement. He kept claiming, we’re a new distributor for this manufacturer, so I don’t know how the warranty replacement works. That is no excuse. He was lazy and didn’t want to do the work. I told him as such, as well.
Thankfully, another tire place in town had stellar customer service (Virginia Tire & Auto) and easily assisted me with the warranty replacement.

I really want to love this company. Family owned chain. Fast service– quick pick up from metro. Nice enough guys, but you could get probably more affordable maintenance elsewhere.
I was hoping the guys could be «my» repair shop, but I wasn’t certain the repairs were always necessary.
I also took the same automotive question to the other location and got diagnosed with many cosmetic problems that HAD TO get fixed on my 10+ year old vehicle.
Bottom line; they will fix your car, they won’t rip you off, but it won’t always be the most affordable or needed.

Big shop, big attitudes. They recommend expensive replacement parts and often charge about ¹⁄₃ more than other shops. The guys at the front desk chewed me out in front of other customers when I said that I price shopped the repairs and wanted to take the car somewhere else. I never feel good after talking to them, and get tired of getting pushed around in an environment where I already feel like I’m at a disadvantage.

Scheduled an appointment a week earlier for service and was told with an appointment that it would be one hour wait. When I arrived I was told that it was mislabeled as a drop off and would take 4 hours. They were no willing to work with me at all and said the only other options were during the week or next weekend. Poor customer service. Would not recommend d at all.
Update
Upon leaving this review David called me to tell me how wrong I was. So lesson learned. Don’t write anything negative about this place. They will call you and tell you how wrong you are.

***GET SECOND OPINIONS***
I bought a groupon to get my oil changed here. I use full synthetic so $ 38 was right up my alley plus they give it the looky-​loo
I was told my radiator hoses were in bad shape and driving would be a huge risk without replacing them. Cost to repair — $ 500
I let my mechanic know what was going on and bought the hoses from amazon for $ 25. I took it to him and he showed me the hoses were fine. I would suggest that when they mention problems that you ask them to show you the problem. Not take pictures — show you. If the problem is legit, handle it with them (or your mechanic). If your not convinced it’s a problem, get a second opinion. I’ll bring my car here for oil changes but they took a BIG HIT in the credibility department.

Quick work and friendly service! I stopped in the other day to do my emmissions, and they were able to get be in and out in an hour… and thats with the person who does the test taking a lunch break. It would have been quicker if I arrived before he left. I will return in the future for other service.
4.6 Stars!