Sterling Automotive Service Center

I only got a car inspection and emissions here, but I have done it a few times and the people here are always very nice and friendly and very fast. Would not hesistate to take my car here for any other problems.

Sean & Peter are great. Always honest and reliable. Sean is very patient and helpful.

Had a GREAT experience. I was freaking out because my engine light was on and I needed an emission inspection and did NOT have the extra cash to pay for expensive repairs. Shawn was really honest with me, he looked over my car and told me what my priority was to get my car in good condition a not kill my budget. I thought (because of a previous jerk at Virginia Tire and Auto in Centreville) that I needed 4 new engine cooling fans, 2 new tires and a valve replacement. Shawn checked my engine fans and said they were fine but if the engine light came on again he would check them, my tires were a little worn but fine, and all I needed was the valve! Peter (the owner) explained everything they did when I picked up my car and even told me he test drove it himself to make sure everything was working fine. I definitely found my new repair shop — local ownership, HONEST and great customer service.

Summary: great service but you definitely pay for it.
I got a coupon for a $ 15 oil change and when they found out my car had a V6 engine they charged an extra 10, which was a little annoying because I have never been charged extra. Normally I would have tried to lower it more because the coupon did not specify but I also had them check my brakes, which I knew needed work. The mechanic was honest and showed me everything they needed work and also recommended I change my tires (which I knew needed replacement). However the final price was still almost $ 600, which seemed a little high (replaced all brake pads and rotors). I got great service but I think I was overcharged. I am not worried about the quality but i think i could have gotten a better deal for similar quality work. I even asked for a student brake (at least on the labor charge which was almost $ 100/​hr) but all he have me was $ 30 break. Overall I would recommend their work but you may be able to get a better deal.

I have been going to Sterling Automotive Service Center for close to 15 years and at least four different owners. Only now that the current owner has stablized things, I’m pleased to leave a five-​star review.
Frankly before the current ownership, the service had been inconsistent and I went there mostly for the proximty to our home. But once owner Peter and service manager Shawn took over 4 – 5 years ago, things changed dramatically for the better.
For one, service manager Shawn is a car guy himself, not somebody who was selling shoes last year and bagging groceries the year before. Not being a car guy myself, I’ve appreciated how he’s been able to put complicated problems into layman’s terms that I can understand.
We own three Dodge Caravans. And anybody who owns an older model of these knows how much TLC they need to perform at peak. I have never felt pushed into an unnecessary repair. On the contrary, most of their suggestions take the form of, «While it’s not imperaitve right now, something you might want to keep an eye on is X. If the van starts doing Y, you might want to consider Z.»
I remember a conversation I had with Shawn shortly after Peter bought the place. He said, «The very first question Peter asked me was what equipment I needed to make this a state-​of-​the-​art facility. I’ve never had an owner ask me that before,» he related.
And finally I wanted to address a previous poster who left two one-​star reviews. I was perplexed because my experince with Sterling Automotive was so starkly different than his. But then I looked at his reviews of other establishments and saw that this shop is in good company, as that individual apparently doesn’t like anybody.

Update: 8÷2÷12:
BBB contacted Sterling Automotive regarding my complaint, but they did not make any attempts to rectify the situation. As a result, this business is now rated «C» on BBB. Be sure to check out my detailed review below. If you’re still thinking about going there, I strongly suggest checking their latest rating on BBB prior to doing so.

Things have changed for the better since about 2 – 3 years when this place apparently underwent an ownership change. These guys aren’t necessarily the cheapest car repair shop around (although the price is still pretty good), but they use genuine, warrantied parts, and they are honest with you about everything. I got my bumper replaced recently and never felt I was being taken to the cleaners — the way I feel at some other places, and they did a heckuva job as well. This is a place worth checking out.