Del Ray Service Center

Marisa Lee

★★★★★

8 years ago

We just bought our first car and needed to get the Safety done. We live about 5 minutes away so we figured we would drop off the car and walk up Mt. Vernon Ave while we waited. It did take a little while since it was the last day of the month (that was our fault, haha), but we received a call saying our brake lights was out and they would fix it. We had no idea it was out, so we were thankful for their call. They called when it was done and had the car ready for us when we got there. They were friendly and informative, and we are so happy we found their shop. Our car needs some tune-up maintenance, and we will definitely be bringing it here. Great mechanics, honest workers, and they don’t overcharge you!

Meg Biram

★★★★★

5 years ago

I have taken my Toyota Highlander to Del Ray Service Center several times over the last 3 years. Sam in particular has helped me, and is extremely knowledgable about cars, specifically Toyota/Lexus. Recently another mechanic told me I needed a few things done (after they gave me an oil change) and I went to Sam for his opinion and also b/c I'd rather have him work on my car, and he pointed out that what they thought was a problem wasn't the right thing. He also showed me that this other company tried to tell me I needed a new battery when mine was fine, and also was under warranty. What I'm saying is that Sam is never going to try to find something wrong with your car that doesn't need fixing. He is an honest person, and they always fix my car so quickly I'm usually surprised. Highly recommend Del Ray Service Center, have only ever had great experiences there.

Rick Bell

★★★★★

8 years ago

I would recommend this place to everyone. They are honest, fairly priced, and I'm very happy with the work. They clearly care about their business because most reviews for other places don't have responses from the owner, which shows they take the time to get feedback from the customers. Some people complain about the wait times here, but if there is a place that does good work it will hardly be a secret. You may have to wait for quality work. I came in for an inspection. No one tried to sell me an emissions test that I didn't need. Being new to the area I could have easily been sold. Each inspection took 15 minutes. I had to wait 45 minutes because I had to wait my turn, but it wasn't the end of the world. I didn't get his name, but I watched him do the safety inspection. He was very thorough and actually did an inspection. I was initially nervous they were going to find something and fail it, and they could have but didn't. They found issues with my truck that I knew about that other inspections did not catch. If you are looking for someplace to just slap a sticker on your car then this isn't the place. The repair I needed required some welding. They didn't fail my inspection and force me to use them for the repair. I came back a few days later with the parts needed and Christ had the job done a day before I requested it to be complete. The work was professional quality and other than the fresh paint on the weld I can't tell that any work was done. Christ called me after he was off work and let me know the job was complete. I was worried I would need to find a way out of work to pick it up while the garage was open, but you can pick up your car up until 10:00 PM or as early as 7:00 AM. Very convenient. I was looking for a place I can trust and go to for just about anything and I think I found it. If I had to complain about something, they could use some more chairs in their waiting area. 5 stars.

Andrew Greenway

★★★★★

5 years ago

I went in for a second opinion and Sam was extraordinarily helpful. He took the time to talk with me, explained what was going on with my car, and what the costs would be if I had them done then, and what makes sense to repair now, vs what could wait a bit longer. While I didn't have the repair done there because part of the repair was under warranty from another shop, I would definitely recommend them. Honest mechanics at a reasonable price are hard to find, especially in the area!

Jacob Hamilton

★★★★★

8 years ago

I got my state emissions and safety inspection done here today, I was one point away from failing because my tires wheel lock had corroded into the wheel, Crist, the shop manager was very helpful and somehow managed to get the wheels off for me to pass inspection. He did this for free and it certainly took more time than the average inspection, I appreciate his kindness, helpfulness and willingness to go out of his way for me. I'll certainly be a returning customer and will more than likely refer them more business. Highly recommend, best customer service in town!

Craig Gomez

★☆☆☆☆

Edited 2 years ago

Sadly, I will no longer go here... This was my go-to place to get my cars inspected for 8 years. It used to be if your car needed something easy to pass inspection, you paid a reasonable repair bill so your car would pass; however it was a bit strange that all my cars seemed to need new wiper blades every year... I never cared and just paid the bill. They did brake work for me once (to pass inspection) and they only lost one lug nut, but they found another one that fit, even though it didn't match.. but no biggie. I asked them to please plug in my horn cable that is dragging on the ground before inspecting the car. Charge me whatever. It was explained to me that my car would first FAIL inspection, and afterwards a $150 "troubleshooting" fee would be charged to diagnose the problem. My 9 year old "troubleshooted" the issue when she saw the loose cable dragging under the front bumper after I complained our horn hadn't worked for a while. I plugged it back in, and when the horn worked, I gave her a $20 for her "diagnostics." After they FAILED the car, we fixed it in the street and then got back in line to pay the re-inspection fee. Be aware that once your car fails an inspection, you are required to go back to the place where it was initially inspected. Actually, that's what the manager told me.. might need a Fact Check. Time eight year old spent on diagnostics: 2 seconds Time it took me to fix horn: 2 minutes. Time manager spent explaining why it couldn't be done: 18 minutes. As Chevy Chase used to say: "Thank you Very Little." Or, as one of the Bob's said in Office Space: "What would you say you do here?" I mean, I went there initially because I could walk there. I can't say they were ever Really Good, but at least they have never been Really Awful before. I believe management has changed and they might not be a good fit in our hood any more. Talking to the manager was like a scene out of the movie Idiocracy.

Eliza Hemenway

★★★★★

2 years ago

I took my car in for annual inspection, and they were friendly, honest, and efficient. My daughter took her car in as well and also had a great experience. The air pressure was low on her tires, and as a courtesy, they filled them. Highly recommend.

Kelly Chapman

★★★★★

2 years ago

Just had my state safety inspection done here and I recommend them fully. My car was failed the same day by Yates Automotive (down the street) for an issue that was bogus based on my every day use and clearly a money grab, hoping a woman wouldn’t know what they were doing (“your parking brake isn’t fully releasing, so we need to take it apart to see what the issue is”). Del Ray did their full inspection and passed the vehicle, asking “Why did they think something was wrong with the parking brake? It works fine.” I appreciated their honesty and that they didn’t try to upcharge for unnecessary work, which I’m learning is rare around here. I will be trying them for other maintenance and mechanical issues going forward. Thank you, Del Ray. Your ethics are noted and appreciated.

Andrew Johnston

★★★★★

3 years ago

New to VA and went for state safety and emissions inspection. I went right at opening and was there with maybe 3 others in front of me. Was in and out in around 1.5 hrs. Note that the waiting area is fairly small but there are a few local businesses nearby for food and coffee or shopping so plenty to keep you occupied while you wait. I have an older vehicle that I maintain myself and didn't have any issues with the inspection besides a light that was out. Inspections appear to take 20-30 min from what I saw. Minor (not visible but can feel it) grease/grime on steering wheel and parking brake handle from handling but that seems to be the norm anytime I get my car serviced somewhere. Will likely come again and will update in the future if the quality of service changes.

Sasha Jet

★★★★★

a year ago

I was visiting my daughter in El Del Ray neighborhood when the power steering wheel stopped working. My car was towed to Del Ray Service center where the technician ran a diagnostics test. The staff was very honest and I was advised to take it to a Ford Service Center to get it fixed. They went the extra mile and printed details of a recall Ford made about the power steering. Unfortunately, Ford did not honor it. The staff at this shop are honest and I'm very thankful, that even though they were not able to fix the issue, they were dud their best to help me.

Adam Willett

★☆☆☆☆

Edited 6 months ago

Edit: After posting an initial critical review, someone from the shop tracked down my phone number, called from a non-business line, and berated me for posting. They said they had my personal information (which i never supplied to this business); that seemed like a threat. I ended up reporting the interaction to police and the FTC. Edit 2: Since this guy can't help himself and replied to my edit below. I never supplied my phone number because I walked out before ordering services.

Brady Ripka

★★★★★

9 months ago

Always good service. Really appreciated the last time we came in for steering issues, and they immediately knew they couldn't fix it, and it would have to go to the dealership. Was very thankful that they were upfront about it!

Jonathan McCone

★★★★★

a year ago

Fantastic shop. The owner, Sam the service manager and all of the employees are first rate. Very knowledgeable and have been able to fix both our expedition and jeep wrangler. The jeep had MANY issues when I brought it in and they were able to correct all of them. I highly recommend Del Ray Service Center for all of your car/truck repair needs. -Jon M

Gisele Nighswander

★☆☆☆☆

2 months ago

He failed my car inspection and tried to get me to pay $400 to fix it. I took my car to another mechanic for a second opinion, and it passed.

mm mm

★☆☆☆☆

6 months ago

I had one of the worst experiences with this inspection company. The inspectors were extremely unprofessional, rude, and even racist in their behavior and remarks. On top of that, I felt completely taken advantage of because I am a woman. They quoted me a ridiculously high price to “fix” issues just so my car could pass, making it clear they were trying to exploit me. I decided to get a second opinion elsewhere, and my car passed inspection the same day with no problems at all. That just proves how dishonest and unfair this place really is. No customer should ever be treated with racism, sexism, or scammed with inflated prices. If you value respect, fairness, and honesty, avoid this company at all costs.

Anitaben Tailor

★★★★★

2 months ago

I have been taking my car to Del Ray Service Center for many years, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They are always upfront, honest, and incredibly efficient. Recently, my car broke down and had to be towed to the garage. Sam handled everything and was absolutely brilliant. He kept me updated every step of the way and gave me a very reasonable price—it would have been significantly more expensive at a dealership. Even when the car had an issue while he was test-driving it, he was completely transparent and fixed it without any hidden costs. He was so humble about it, simply saying, "It’s my job." If you need a reputable garage, Del Ray Service Center is the place to go, and Sam is your man! Bonus: There’s a great cafe right across the road to hang out in while you wait.

Gailord “Guyde almirage” Alumira

★★★★★

3 months ago

⭐ Strong Reputation & High Ratings • It has very high customer reviews, with many reviewers highlighting its quality work and trustworthy service. On CARFAX it’s rated around 4.9/5 based on verified reviews, noting quick, friendly, and honest service.  • Other review aggregators also show positive feedback, especially for inspections and basic maintenance.  ✔️ Experienced & Honest Technicians • Customers consistently mention that staff are knowledgeable, honest, and straightforward, especially about what work is truly needed versus upselling unnecessary repairs.  • Reviewers appreciate transparency in diagnostics and repairs — a big plus for inspections where honesty matters.  🛠️ Quality Inspection Service • People report fast safety and emissions inspection turnaround, often done in under an hour, with polite and friendly service.  • Many locals choose them year after year for annual Virginia state inspections.  🏡 Local, Family-Owned Feel • This is a locally owned, community-focused shop that’s been part of the Del Ray neighborhood since 2005, which many customers mention contributes to its friendly and personal service vibe.  • Neighbors on local community sites praise the team’s commitment to customer service, even recognizing individual staff members by name.  💡 Convenient & Full-Service • It’s more than just an inspection station — they do routine maintenance and many repair services, and they can handle a wide range of vehicles.  • Some customers like that they also offer reasonable gas prices and other services right at the same location.  📍 Popular Pick in the Community • Many locals recommend them as a go-to place for inspections and repairs, often specifically because of the friendly, honest, and efficient experience they provide.