Yates Automotive
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Yates Automotive
Regular oil changes are critical to ensuring your car continues to run great and to avoiding costly repairs down the road. Stop in today and take $10 Off a Yates Signature Oil Change. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. I have come to Yates several times and have always had great experiences.

The staff is always very nice, they are usually busy but still get through the service quickly, and the price is always fair and transparent. Will be returning again. Went in for a basic oil change/service and received a freshly washed, clean vehicle at no additional cost; totally unexpected. Extremely personable service.
Services
Yates Automotive is a third generation, family-owned business which was founded by John Yates in 1964. It has continually served customers in the city of Alexandria for more than 50 years. While obtaining his degree, John worked as an evening manager at Steve's Shell Station on Montgomery Street. After his graduation, the service station across the street went up for sale and John was able to get a VA loan and purchase it.
Finding a trustworthy auto service shop can sometimes be a difficult process. We understand how important your vehicle is to you and we are proud to have earned the trust of our customers for more than 50 years. Being family owned and operated allows us the ability to get to know our clients and we make our clients and their satisfaction our top priority.
If you would prefer to call to make an appointment, please call us at 703-215-3255. We provide our best service when our customers drop their cars off with us, but if you prefer to wait for your car to be serviced, please let us know. STATE INSPECTIONS: Please note, due to state regulations, we are unable to accept appointments for State Safety Inspections and Emissions Tests.
My 2010 RX350 had an oil coolant line rupture out of nowhere. This major repair took Yates less than 24 hours. The only downside was that the mechanic forgot to reconnect the A/C condenser line. But they fixed it within a couple hours the following morning, and communications were very clear at every step.
Basic auto care goes a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of a vehicle and fall is the ideal time to give your car some extra attention before harsh winter weather sets in. For a limited time, our Fall Car Care Service is a comprehensive package at a great value! Taking a little time for auto care now can help you avoid the headaches of a costly emergency breakdown later.
Reviews (22)
Lindsay S.
Lindsay S.
Jan 20, 2022
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Like everyone else I had a flat tire during the early January snowstorm. I called Yates on Wednesday to ask if they had the bandwidth to look at my flat, they said to bring it over. I did, and they then said they were backed up because everyone is having mechanical issues, and to leave my car overnight so they could look at it in the morning. I get that the storm was bad, so I say okay.

The next day, the morning passes with no call. I finally get the call in the afternoon, and they quote me nearly $50 for a patch and almost $220 for a replacement. Then they tell me that they can't get to
Tom C.
Tom C.
Dec 21, 2021
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I took my car in for a noise in the front end. They gave me a long list of repairs they said needed done. I told them to only do one repair when I dropped it off. When I called Yates to check on the car and they were doing all the repairs they had recommended. It cost me over $4000. I will never go back to Yates. That includes buying gas.
Elyse J.
Elyse J.
Dec 04, 2021
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I recently had repair work and two days later I went to a different auto repair for the safety inspection. They noted work had been done and just for interest I was curious about what they would have charged. It was almost 2K less then what I had paid. I understand everyone needs to make a living and it was my responsibility for getting a second estimate which I did not. I have learned a expensive lesson and will not return nor recommend. So very disappointed in their business behavior.
Robyn G.
Robyn G.
Nov 21, 2021
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Love Yates--they are extremely responsive, always courteous and friendly. You can make appointments for maintenance or detailing online. Besides bringing my car in for general maintenance, they have an awesome detailing service. My car was spotless! I mean, when is the last time your gas tank looked like this?
Alexandra G.
Alexandra G.
Nov 19, 2021
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I would never recommend this place to anyone. I only went here because I was a loyal customer to Tony's and didn't know where else to try, but clearly they sold to the wrong people. Wish I could give zero stars. I took my car in for an oil change, have a hub cap put back on when they checked for a low tire & a state inspection with emissions test. I have gone to tons of car dealerships & garages and no one has ever taken it upon themselves to clean my floor and rummage through my things without consent, but left all the dust on the dash. Paper floor mats are perfectly acceptable
John R.
John R.
Nov 19, 2021
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What a bunch of jerks. Called for a simple tire patch, guy said he could get me right in if I came straight over. 10 min later I am there and they have no room for me / guy is telling the other one behind the counter he never told me that. Would never go there again
Michael Carr
Michael Carr
Nov 04, 2021
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Seemingly good customer service, but very poor communication on updating me on the status of my repair. Repair quotes are not itemized and are over priced. Following an egregiously over priced engine diagnostic, I took my vehicle to the dealer and was saved from being stiffed price gouging. They even recommended repairs that were not necessary. I would not recommend them for serious vehicle repair.
Lenor Reese
Lenor Reese
Nov 01, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
This morning, Dwayne greeted us and asked if he could help. We needed air in one of my tires. He said he'd check all four tires. Dwayne is always friendly and professional. He got right to it and we were on our way. Thank you Dwayne! I appreciate you.
Service: Tyres
Nl Boylan
Nl Boylan
Oct 30, 2021
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Hi Joey and all Yates professionals
Thank you for servicing my car.
I feel confident driving it knowing that it has been checked and repaired at Yates.
Everyone at Yates has been helpful,informative and kind.
I also appreciated the ride you provided to return me to the station to get my car.
Thank You...
Nancy Boylan
Kayla Boston
Kayla Boston
Oct 24, 2021
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***UPDATE***
I called the shop to express my disappointment in the prices and the fact that pricing was never discussed with me before the work was completed on my car. I spoke with Joey, the manager, and he was INCREDIBLY NICE! He actually REFUNDED me money for the miscommunication, which is unheard of. I will be speaking to Joey directly from now on if I ever need anything done on my car. Thanks Joey for being so understanding and for actually rectifying the situation, much appreciated!!!
(see original review below)
“I have to say that when I picked up my car this afternoon, I was APPALLED
Aaron
Aaron
Oct 13, 2021
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I went to Yates for a safety inspection and my vehicle failed inspection for the first time ever. I was suspicious of the things they were telling me as the reasons for the rejection and was quoted over $2,000 to fix it all. I brought my vehicle to an auto shop I’ve used in the past and was quoted significantly less ($300) with only 1 of the issues they mentioned. I feel sorry for anyone who uses these guys and gets taken advantage of. Embarrassing.
Brittney Goldstein
Brittney Goldstein
Oct 03, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
We were on a road trip from MA to VA and noticed a strange noise so we stopped to have the car looked at @ Yates and we couldn’t have had better service. The owner and staff were all so kind and helpful. I would highly highly recommend Yates to anyone in VA. Really exceptional service.
Eric Hageman
Eric Hageman
Sep 11, 2021
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My 2010 RX350 had an oil coolant line rupture out of nowhere. This major repair took Yates less than 24 hours. The only downside was that the mechanic forgot to reconnect the A/C condenser line. But they fixed it within a couple hours the following morning, and communications were very clear at every step. Very impressed by this shop’s professionalism and speed.
Steve H.
Steve H.
Sep 09, 2021
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Yates has taken care of our cars - Porsche, Audi & Ford Expedition for years now. Simple things like oil changes for the Porsche & Audi and everything for the Ford. Very professional service, very friendly, and very nicely done overall. Thanks guys.
Jim G.
Jim G.
Aug 18, 2021
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I had an appointment today that Yates confirmed to replace two tires. I show up at my appointment time and find that they have no technicians in today. Not the front desk guys fault. He was fine. Management needs to address this colossal waste of my time.
I've gone to Yates for several years for most all other work and it was great.this is beyond ridiculous.
Elisha Davison
Elisha Davison
Aug 03, 2021
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They do good work here and the employees are very nice, but it's expensive and I always have a small issue every time. Once it was being charged far more than quoted when picking up my car (had to call a manager who did reduce the price enough), forgetting the tire rotation the first time, not putting an inspection sticker on my car resulting in a ticket, etc. These little things add up overtime. No shop is perfect and gets it all right every time, but it's different when you feel like you need to be extra vigilant every time you pick up your car.
Genny C.
Genny C.
Jun 29, 2021
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I am rating Yates low due to my experience with them as a brand new customer. I went in for a safety inspecition AND an emissions test. I repeatedly said I needed an emissions test when the front desk worker kept saying only a state inspection to me. It seemed like the person didn't care enough to write that down on the paperwork based on our interaction. So I repeated myself several times that I needed both before dropping off my car, and he nodded his head. Three hours later, I call to just get an update since it was a workday, and I would need to uber there to get my car. They said I failed
Margaret A.
Margaret A.
Jun 20, 2021
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Yikes. Let me preface this with I have used Yates before and have been generally happy with what they do. But something has seriously changed.

Took my car in for routine manufacturer recommended service and to have someone look at my tire pressure system. While I was at work, they did call my husband to okay the services they planned to do - it was all good with us. When I took a look at the bill when I picked the car up later that afternoon, I was aghast. $800 for regular service. When I asked if anything was wrong with the tire pressure system, I was told it was reset and all was good to go
Katherine I.
Katherine I.
Jun 01, 2021
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Update!!!
Yates reached out to me and completely blew my mind. Joey the General Manager called and asked me to explain the situation. He actually listened to what I had to say and then he surprised me by asking how much the dealership charged and when I told him he REFUNDED THE DIFFERENCE!!!! That is unheard of. I have never had a business actually listen to me and take action, I am completely impressed and I had to come back and update my review. I will be sending all my friends, relatives, and strangers to Yates. A lot of us are struggling during this time and spending that amount of money on
Brian H.
Brian H.
Feb 11, 2021
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I can only assume this place thrives on a steady stream of wealthy Alexandrians who know the family and/or are not price sensitive. This auto shop embodies the sleazy mechanic places that recommend frivolous fixes at exorbitant rates. I took my girlfriend's 2006 Honda Accord here for a routine VA vehicle inspection. I purchased this vehicle for her a year prior, so I assumed there would be no issues with the inspection. Yates Automotive informed me that there were several issues with the vehicle and failed the car. I was immediately suspicious and demanded to have someone show me in person
Richard S.
Richard S.
Feb 05, 2021
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Took my LR4 there the other day. The service writer took hand-written notes on the problems I was having with the vehicle and was very transparent about prices and fees. The mechanic called a few hours later and said the issues were minor and that all I need was basically a software update. They kept it overnight to make sure all the problems were fixed. All the issues are gone and it's running like new. Very fast, professional service with smiles all around (including mine).

My only knock is that I had them send the truck to be washed at their car wash arm. They did a terrible job. Missed
John S.
John S.
Sep 01, 2020
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My daughter took her 2014 Jeep Cherokee in for a VA state safety inspection two days before it was set to expire. Yates told her that her rear brakes were bad and they needed to be replaced in order to issue an inspection sticker. They quoted her $800 to replace the brakes. She was a bit panicked and called me ask what she should do because they put a Failed Inspection sticker on her car. I told her to leave Yates. We just brought the car to my mechanic in Vienna and he determined that there was nothing wrong with her brakes at all! And her car was absolutely safe to drive and passed the VA safety