Engine repair service near Engleside, VA

The managers and mechanics at Bowie Shell are honest. They do not inflate prices and provide a thorough and honest assessment regarding the status of the car and fair pricing for any repairs needed. Carl and Ron are the greatest.

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.

Had been going to this guy for 15 years. In April 2014 Took my car in, guy kept if first 2 weeks, didn't address the problem. Afterwards I had to return the vehicle 6 times and he still didn't repair the problem. Took the car to the dealer who found the problem and said GAC had installed a cheap aftermarket part (not OEM) that was incompatible with the vehicle that doesn't take aftermarket parts. This guy ripped me off and refuses to reimburse me. Also I asked from the beginning for the parts he replaced, he lied saying I never asked for the parts. He did the same thing to my daughter. I would never take my car back to this guy after the way he ripped me off.

We know your car inside and out!

This gentleman stands behind his work and always keeps the prices well within affordable. A good mechanic is like a good Doctor or other professional, I take mine and my wife's car there all the time.

On February 3rd 2016, I went to Burrels Automotive in Dahlgren, VA with brand new parts stated above purchased. They in return said they would just charge labor. So as I went with all new parts, (Brake pads, rotors, and calipers for both sides) The technician did the entire side on the passenger side, and proceeded to do the drivers side, but did the rotors, and brake pads, and put the old caliper back on new equipment which gave the same noise with new pads that were eaten on the inner side of the caliper, but according to the, ""MASTER TECHNICIAN"" was able to save it?! Why save it when you had a new one in the trunk, and was instructed to put all new equipment on the car?!