Engine repair service near Anacostia, DC

YOU JUDGE: I bring car in for MD inspection to register it. While up on the lift then discover the rear drums and brake cylinders need to be replaced on both sides and they recommend a brake fluid flush. All total they quote me $950.00. I took the vehicle home and did the entire job in 45 mins with $165.00 in parts, WHILE teaching my 14yo how to do it. (He did the second side with my oversight and helped pump the brakes for me.) I return for re-inspection and ask the basis for their estimate. The Owner's reasoning: "We buy better parts than local stores so it costs more." Yeah. Right. My opinion... they tried to rip me off. I've been in the business and their excuse is the standard BS line given by those that lack integrity. Realistically. Say the parts cost TWICE as much... does that mean labor was $253??? for less than an hour's work? Remember, they already had it on the lift, disassembled. So labor would be in changing out the cylinders (15mins each) and grabbing the new drums for reassembly, then bleed the brake line (which is the same as replacing the brake fluid they 'recommended' for $99.00) Again. You be the judge.

Overall a great place to go. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else. That said, they WILL up-charge you signifcantly to change your engine and cabin air filter. The guy said that to change a cabin air filter, it takes 30 minutes to access the filter itself, thus necessitating a charge of $50 for parts and labor. I knew that was patently false, as it can be easily accessed on my vehicle (2013 Accord) through the glove compartment, which unhinges without any tools. I bought the same cabin air filter from NAPA auto parts for $15 and installed it myself. Essentially the same speech was given for the engine air filter, and I did the same thing. BLUF: Know about how much something should cost and how easy the job is to do it.