Woodlawn Auto Center in
Alexandria (VA)

Easy and convenient. Friendly customer service. Fairly priced. Vehicle inspections for $20 and $28 for vehicle emissions review. 8am - 5pm M - F and 8am - 1pm Saturday.

There's nothing like having car problems while on vacation. Luckily, I stopped at Woodlawn when I needed a new tire. Mack and Mr. Chris were thoughtful, friendly, and courteous, with Mack taking the time to call around and find the right tire to prevent issues with my AWD vehicle. (The local Subaru dealership was unwilling to do this.) They got us back on the road and home. Overall, a fair price, and the work was done as promised.

I used to go out of my way to support this quality local small business shop, but under new management I was just charged $40 to check my tire for a leak that they didn’t find. Last year it was $25 to find AND fix a hole in my tire. Disappointing.

Simply the best mechanical team in the area, and the price for gas is always the lowest in the Mount Vernon-Fort Belvoir area. Mack provided quality repairs and the work was done correctly and on time. Well done Woodlawn Auto, take your car in for an inspection, oil change, mechanical work and you will be happy with the work completed and the price charged!

Everyone here was great. Came in last minute for a state inspection; was in and out in about 10 minutes and only cost $20. While I was waiting a mother came in and asked if her daughter could use the restroom. The gentleman behind the counter let her even though they weren't paying customers. Just a great impression of this place overall.

For the past 20 years, my husband and I have taken our commuting car to Woodlawn Auto for inspections, oil changes, minor and even a few major repairs. I always enjoyed the mornings when I would take the car in early and got to talk to the owner while the mechanic made sure our car was safe and sound. Chris often talked about how much he loved the country he immigrated from (Greece), how much he loved his new country and his love for gardening. When my husband recently took the car in and waited for the inspection, Chris wasn’t there. Sadly, the only talk came from the extreme “news” that was on the TV. I’m hoping Chris sold the business (his beautiful plants no longer brighten the pumps) and he is enjoying his time in two beautiful countries. Goodbye Woodlawn and goodbye Chris.

We called ahead to see if they take walk ins, the man on the phone was super friendly and told us we can come. When we arrived it was super quick for our emissions test. We spoke to the owner and he was very friendly. We are moving out of state next week, but if we weren’t then this would definitely be our go to spot!

I have taken my Subaru and my Honda Pilot here for brake jobs, oil changes, and alignment (although I thing they drove my vehicle somewhere else to do the alignment). They diagnosed a problem for me by driving me home and listening for the sound I was describing. I like having a close by, no nonsense repair shop that doesn't overcharge.

Brought my car in to mount and balance two tires. Quoted me $35 per tire, then after it was done charged me $50 per tire "because I had brought my own tires". Not recommending this place to anyone. If you value your money and want to be treated fairly, stay away.

**A secret that I wish I knew about years ago** I brought my 20 year-old SUV in for an O2 sensor replacement to pass emissions. Mike (who scheduled my service) was honest, up-front, and transparent in what needed to happen to get the vehicle running right. The repair came in below what I expected to pay based on other estimates, and was done - as in, finished - in 24 hours. This SUV hasn't run this well in a solid 3 years. These folks have EARNED my continued business. I don't understand the negative reviews - in my experience, they're a diamond in the rough, being an honest repair shop in NOVA. Did I mention they don't require appointments?

If not paying attention you could miss it, it is a gem hidden in plain sight! Awesome service, great low gas prices. Bonus is they have beautiful sunflowers and other exotic flowers on their property.

Amazing service I recently just got a flat tire do to a pot hole . Thankfully I was near this great gas station a soon as I pulled up i was attended quickly . I did have to wait over night but that is just part of the process they had my car ready in the morning the next day . Amazing tires btw you can tell there are the best quality of tires you can EVER get !!! You don’t have to worry about a pop tire again . I’m very satisfied with there service . Will defiantly be back for all my tires :)

I literally rolled into this place by accident. My truck broke down and I had to coast into the Woodlawn Auto Center parking lot. I called my husband to pick me up and while I waited, Mr. Chris came to my car and asked if I was okay. When I told him what happened he gave me a (brutally) honest assessment and estimate on the spot. After researching where I normally take my car for service, Woodlawn was a fraction of the cost. Mr. Chis has been working there for over 30 years. As I read the other reviews about rudeness...did not have any issues at all. Mr. Chris, the folks at the front desk when I dropped my truck off and the personnel the desk when I picked it up were professional and friendly. Prices for various services are posted and adhered to (unlike some places). I will be visiting again.

Terrible experience, do not recommend for service, inspection or gas. I never ever write reviews but this one got me so boiled, I couldn't help it. Innocently took my SUV in there several weeks back for a simple safety inspection. The inspector improperly jacked my car to check the brakes and caused a rear brake line to break. They repaired it, I paid over $200 (too much). Come to find out after a bouncy ride home and having another mechanic look at it....that the rear suspension bag near the repaired brake line was blown and folder over. I returned the car haggled over who would pay for the repair, we sort of settled on free labor if I buy the part. Well, that didn't work out because they gauged me on the cost of the part probably to cover the labor. Don't go here for service if you want to be treated fairly. Apparently the customer is not always right...spent over $400 in repairs for problems caused by an inspector improperly jacking my car. I was just tired of arguing with these guys....and to top it off, it took two weeks and lots of calls and messages left without call backs. DONE with Woodlawn Auto Center. I almost forgot that the brake line repair was originally done illegally against VA State inspection code. I had to ask them to redo it correctly, which they did do, but come on! 1 week later update: 1) the passenger side is what was lifted by the inspector, I was sitting there watching and it immediately caused the brake line to break. 2) all of the sudden after picking up from your shop, I have a battery problem... meaning dead, my daughter drove the car back to school and the battery is dead, almost a brand new battery with ZERO issues prior to bringing to your shop so I suspect more sloppy work caused a short somewhere. 3) you gave me 10% off the cost of the part (which was broken due to your sloppy work) 4) I do realize you have been in business for 39 years and I know people that speak very highly of your work which is why I am even more shocked by all of the "coincidences" and you guys truly did not do enough to make this right. I cannot overstate enough, I NEVER write a review or complain about merchants.

I can’t tell you about their actual service. I can tell you about my experiences with inspections and they are my go to shop. I’ve never had an issue. The guy that does my inspections is amazing! He is efficient and proficient. Chris looks like he’s been there since day one and he is a sweet heart. He offered me a cup of coffee, he went and said hi to all of the customers pumping gas. You sure don’t see that kind of customer service anymore. They are genuine and honest people and that’s why the shop is as successful as it is. Stop by and use them. They will take good care of you.

These guy's were wonderful!!! I can't thank them enough. We were heading home to buffalo and our car broke down. They were closing at 4:00 but stayed to help us out. Definitely showed us their southern warmth. Sent us off with prayers for a safe trip home. This includes the wonderful tow truck driver. God bless all of you. Terri, Tim and Mike from buffalo.

I’ve been here once for an oil change and 2 vehicle repairs. I’ve always gone through Mike (service manager) who is responsive and always communicates prices before any work is done. I feel very comfortable leaving my vehicle with this shop. Mike always returns my calls and is very friendly. Any time I’ve needed work he’s explained to me exactly what needs to be done and why. This shop is the only one in the area that accepts my warranty plan, and Mike always puts in the time for paperwork and phone calls to make sure the parts/labor are covered by my warranty. Mike is always positive and kind and is very genuine towards customers. He makes me want to return to Woodlawn Auto center for anything that my vehicle needs.

They were really great at helping me do a much needed checkup on my car. Hands on and friendly. Great gas prices. The guy in the front helped me learn more about taking care of my car well

Best gas prices in the area. They charge the same price for gas whether you pay w/ cash or credit card. Nice guy working the inside register. I was concerned about 'skimmers' on the pumps, so I went inside to pay w/ my credit card. He said they check the pumps very often to detect any illegally attached 'skimmers', etc. They also do repair work.

Good, friendly service and very reasonable prices. I had struggled to find a great mechanic in the area until I stumbled on this shop as it's near my place of work. Now, it's hard to imagine that I'll ever get my car serviced elsewhere. When I bring my car to Chris' shop, I know I'm going to be taken care of with fairness and respect.

My brother recently drove our mom and sister here in her van to live with me. I brought her van here for a diagnosis due to smoke under the hood. They recommended a new radiator and other additional stuff with it for just under $600. Sure, I'll pay. The same day we pick up the van, it overheats and shuts off mid drive. I bring it back to have it checked out, and the same person who did the diagnosis tells me the engine is too destroyed from driving with a bad radiator... That would have been great to know before on putting nearly $600 into his diagnosis recommendation. I had to junk it. They possibly might have done a great job on the new radiator, but he saw the engine was bad the same day I picked it up and had to have it towed back. I feel scammed.

Came in this morning for an emissions test. The lady at the counter was obviously in a bad mood but hey, we all have our days. Told her what I was there for. Told me to wait because the inspector was not in yet. No problem. 20 minutes later, another gentleman walks in asking about an emissions test. The owner quickly tended to him and had him park his vehicle. The lady did not mention me being there first or bother to address me once the inspector was in. Got up and left, scheduled the test elsewhere. Would not recommend coming in early Saturday mornings. Hopefully the lady at the desk has a better rest of her day.

At two pm they told me a simple trans service/oil change/inspection would be done before they closed (at six). Never received a call and finally went down there shortly after six to see what was up. They never even touched my car! Took the guy at the front desk ten minutes to even find my service ticket. I wouldn't recommend taking your vehicle here for any service.

These guys are awesome. I have been to several mechanics to find iasues with my truck, each one different than the last. These guys were recommended to me by military mechanics on post. They correctly diagnosed and fixed everything for a great reasonable price. Honestly they probably have the best auto service prices in this area. I will definitely go back!

Been going here since I first had a car, so almost 5 years now. These guys know their stuff, and won't try and screw you over. If you live close by, they may give you a lift home. Bobby is awesome because that dude has helped me with several repairs now, and has gone out of his way to give me advice as well as giving me a ride to and from the shop. Outstanding job y'all!

This is the best place in the Mount Vernon area to get a safety inspection. The staff is super friendly and kept us informed on our car along the way. Plus- while we were there, an elderly man needed to wait a day for his car to be ready, and a mechanic drove him home! So sweet! :') I definitely recommend this gas station!

I take my car here all the time and have a lot of experience with the staff in the garage. I started going because of the convenience, but the work they do is impressive and keeps me coming back. Mike, the service manager, is very knowledgable, trustworthy and upfront. Prices are fair and they won't run up your bill with unnecessary repairs like a lot of places these days.