Capitol Hill Auto Service DC 20003

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Irvin Otto

This is the most amazing auto repair shop in the world. I was on my way from NJ to SC when stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic my Cadillac overheated on 695 near the Capital Building. Getting off into DC and not knowing where I was I called a tow truck and had my car towed to Capitol Hill Auto Service at about 9pm on a Thursday night. Walking to a hotel with my wife and desperate for a room we stayed the night waking and trying to call CHAS only to get the repeated message to email them. Finally I email them and their response was very fast. I did not know what was wrong with my car, I did not know if they could get to it right away for us or how much it would cost to repair. I walked back to CHAS leaving my wife in the hotel and approach Chris about my problem. The shop is obviously very busy and Chris was a little curt with me but I made sure he understood my situation and then went back to my car, where it was left the night before and stood by in hoping CHAS would come to my rescue but understanding that CMAS were working on current customers cars. I was not only out of state but they probably knew they would never see me again. About 20 minutes later a mechanic comes out to get my car and takes it into the shop. Was it the water pump? A broken hose? Or something much more serious? About 20 minutes late the mechanic comes out and tells me he can’t find anything wrong with my car, having pressure tested the cooling system. After testing the cooling fan he informs me that it is a 3 speed fan and it is only running on high. He said that a diode needed to be replaced and after checking said there where none available. He had refilled my cooling sysem and when I went to Chris to pay the bill, it was $60. Wow!! It could have been anything they wanted to charge me but being honest by nature Chris charged me what was the correct amount, considering he put me in front of other cars and the labor involved. In NJ this would have been a minimum of $300. Thank you Chris and thank you Mechanic. By the way, I tried tipping the mechanic and he refused to take a tip. This is the most honest, hardworking car repair shop you will ever bring your car to. Please, if you have any auto repairs, please give your business to CHAS and you will not be disappointed!

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Erika Furlong

I do not understand how this place is highly rated. I expected to pay a little extra for the convenience of a garage in Capitol Hill but literally every aspect of my experience with this garage has been shady. I asked for a quote to have a conventional oil change and my tires rotated. They asked for authorization to charge up to $170 for those services and an inspection. That seemed excessive but I was willing to pay extra for the convenience. During the inspection, they informed me that I needed an additional $2000 worth of repairs ($1700 to replace brake pads) and $300 (because they claimed my car was out of alignment). I found these quotes overpriced and dubious so I declined further services. When I picked up my car, they charged me $141, which I assumed included having my tires rotated since that was the service I requested and agreed to pay for. But no, I paid $141 for a conventional oil change… they decided (without telling me) that they would not perform the tire rotation unless I agreed to the realignment. In my opinion, that is hallmark unprofessional/unethical behavior by a garage. And I wouldn’t mention this if not for everything else but it is also illegal to charge a fee in DC for using a credit card unless you disclose the fee beforehand. Consistent with everything else, they charged a credit card fee without any notice etc. Incredibly disappointed.

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Timmy Briseno

The best mechanic in the District of Columbia. I have been going to Chris at Capitol Hill Auto Service for over 7 years now. He has the best prices, shop hours, and service. He has worked on my 2005 Audi A6, 2010 Honda Civic, and 2015 Acura TLX. 10/10 would recommend to any and everyone looking for a new TRUSTWORTHY mechanic.