Came here after trying to get a simple safety inspection at two other places earlier in the day. The first place's safety inspector was running a half hour late despite me calling ahead to ask about their opening time. The second already had an hour wait at 8:30am. Came to Barber's around 1:30 and didn't even have a wait! Easy! read more

First time customer here and new to Virginia. I came here on the last day my emissions test was due after finally figuring out the Rapid Pass cannot be used for your first emissions test. Unfortunately, the DMV did not tell me that, or anything except that I needed an emissions test and they didn't tell me I needed an inspection either. I came in on a Mon, June 30th around 2pm. They were slammed of course. Opi (sorry if I got your name wrong!!) said I could come back in about an hour and a half and he'd work me in. I did as he said and while they were still swamped, he was able to get me what I needed, complete with a certificate regarding my emissions test, and even circled the information he knew I would need to enter into the DMV system to renew my registration. This is my 6th move to another state and it never gets easier, trying to figure out what every state wants and when and how, but he made it much easier and saved me money by helping me get everything done in just the knick of time!! It was $50 for both the emissions test and inspection which seemed just right to me. Thank you!!! read more

Overpriced. No posted prices. I took it for an oil change. They left a hose unhooked. Had to bring it back. They admitted mistake and rehooked it. Took for check engine light. Overcharged for diagnostic. Diagnostic does not even go toward repair cost. Overcharged on repair part , which costs around 300 dollars. They want over 900. Will not be repairing here or going back. read more

I've taken my Volkswagen to barber's for an oil change, inspection, and other services and they provide great service every time. I never feel scammed by them. They're super quick and efficient and better pricing than the expensive dealership. read more

Excellent customer service ! Had my car's AC recharged here back in 2016 and again in July of 2022. Air conditioner now blowing cold air for the next 6 years I'm hoping. read more

I've been coming to this shop since 2018. Mike is approachable and honest. Great customer service. I'm never upsold on products or services. I've received nothing but honest feedback on the maintenance of my vehicle. read more

What a great place to get work done to your car, they are friendly and fair, highly recommend to all in the area.

I recently moved to the area and needed to get my regular oil change, as well as a VA state inspection and emissions testing. Barber's was friendly, professional, a great price and quick turn around. The manager even contacted me afterwards to inquire how the service went. Great service and would recommend. Will be returning for future needs. read more

First, I have reviewed Barber Auto Service before under Liberty Petrolium. But today while checking in I saw this listing and thought the other reviews were unfair. In my time in the DC area, I have used many different Auto Repair Places. Is Barber my favorite--no. But with that one in upper NW DC and me working in Alexandria while living in Howard County. Barber's has been an excellent option. Everytime I have had work done here, it has been done quickly and at a fair price. How do I know the price was fair? I tend to look up how much the parts cost on the internet, as many garages will only charge labor if you bring the part. They have not overcharged me for a part yet, and labor is well within reason for the DC area. The mechanics do sometimes find work that needs to be done. However, what they have found on my Jeep is work that I know needed to be done anyway, but was putting off until the next paycheck. For instance, yesterday I took the Jeep in for an oil change. While doing it, they noticed I needed new brakes. The mechanic offered to put new pads on, but said that the caliper was grooved too much to really be safe. Well, I could surmise that this was all true based on the number of miles I had put on since I had my brakes last serviced. When I asked for the total bill, it was about $100 less than I have paid at other places. By the way, my car feels a ton better after having the repairs done. Everyone has different experinces at repair shops. Mine has been good at Barber's. I would suggest giving them a try to see if you like them. read more

Staff is unprofessional. Did not acknowledge my presence at all. Allowed other cars into the garage ahead of me, although they were behind me in line. I came to the garage at 8am to get the VA state inspection for my car. The garage doors were closed, so I went in and spoke to a man who did not seem to speak good English, but motioned to me to park my car in front of the garage door. I had been waiting for about 10 minutes with another car behind me when a car drove up, honked, and was admitted to the garage though the door to my left. Shortly after, a man opened the same door and motioned to the car behind me to drive in. He did not communicate with me at all. I waited for another 7 minutes (thinking perhaps the other two cars had appointments) before I went to another garage. read more

AVOID this place. AVOID. AVOID. They scam customers. They constantly have problems with their credit card readers. I used my debit card there on 17 September 2018 for $23.78 in regular unleaded gas. Then, yesterday, without any prior notification, on 10 DECEMBER 2018, I see that this same merchant has debited my checking account WITHOUT MY EVER HAVING GONE BACK THERE in the amount of $11.42. This charge appeared on my account 3 months later out of NOWHERE. My bank said the merchant made an "adjustment" to the original payment of $23.78, and they have a legal right to do it. Really?? I am certainly going to the police about this, but for anyone thinking to buy gas here or have a repair done GO ELSEWHERE. read more

I am thoroughly impressed by the way the owner, hedi, handled my situation. He called me apologizing about what happened and wanted to make things whole by redoing the service at no charge. Unfortunately, I had already booked an appointment with another mechanic to fix my squeaking brakes. Hedi, was still persistent to make ends meet and offered to refund me the amount I paid. I graciously accepted. This is how you do business. The old manager that originally handled my situation has since been let go. If the new manager is anything like Hedi, I would recommend. Update on my brakes-The new mechanic put in the factory parts and guess what? No squeaking!! I couldn't be happier! read more

First time coming here for an oil change and a safety inspection. Was told it would be about an hour, and they called in about an hour to say everything was complete. Prices are reasonable, way cheaper than any dealership. The gentlemen behind the counter was friendly. It felt like a honest shop. Would recommend and will be coming back again. read more

I'm new to NOVA and discovered that I needed an emissions testing before I can get my annual registration... After waiting for over 30min at a nearby service shop when they FIRST opened at 7am with rude customer service I decided to leave and came across this place at 8am ...all the employees I encountered (especially Patrick) were friendly and I was done in 15min!!! I'm definitely coming back here for my auto inspection in FEB!! read more

Very quick turn around on a spark plug and coil pack replacement on my Toyota. Had it towed in there on a Friday night and it was done by Saturday around noon. Mike was really up front about the issues and prices and explained everything. Only reason it's not 5 stars is because of the price of the parts, but I guess that's because of them getting them that day or they're just extremely high quality. Will definitely be back for any future repairs read more

Although, management turn-around is happening more than I like, this is the only place I take my Jeep. The new manager, Mike, is always helpful and explains things to me in great detail. The mechanic, George has always taken good care of my vehicle and this shop will come out and check your car on short notice. read more

Went there on 8/30 for Safety and Emissions Inspection. Expected a long line since it was the end of the month but was in/out in no time. Maurice (Service Manager) was fabulous and the inspector (didnt get his name) was great too, even walked me to the friendly cashier. All in all a very positive experience! read more

This is the best inspection and emissions place around Arlington Alexandria. They are quick, thrust worthy and know what they are doing. There is a mechanic down there that if I have the name right is called Pratyush, he is very caring and would always try to help everyone even though he is always busy and everyone keeps going to him. He try's to help you out as if he knows everyone personally and is never fake with you. They should hire more people toile him and actually give him raise or bonus or maybe he get all that already but just that place wouldn't be the same without him. 7 Stars because of the employee!! read more

I don't have enough good things to say about this place. Super reasonable pricing, and incredibly honest.

Love this Auto Shop. Maurice is the best! Patrick was great with my state inspection. Explained everything and is very honest. I will miss these guys when we move to MD in a few weeks. I highly recommend this shop for every auto need. read more

Regardless of the type of car you own you are in good hands here! That being said of you happen to own a German or luxury car and hate paying dealership prices this is the place to go. Moe (one of the techs) is brilliant with with German cars. The service work on my BMW was phenomenal and has brings me back for regular services. These guys are a gem in the rough. The staff all around is really helpful, managers and techs alike. read more

Barber's Auto Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Was really impressed with the new service manager Faisal. He was very honest and upfront about my automotive needs. I will definitely bring my car back to Barbers automotive for all future work. read more

I've been going here on and off for prob 2 yrs. Took it in for an updated state inspection. They said they'd fail it cause of the brakes and estimated me 300+ dollars. So I said that's fine I'd take it to my dealer. They called back 10 min later to say they'd "pass it just get the brakes changed. Pads and rotors" so days later at the dealer after freaking out while driving around... they said I had 5 millimeters left. They're sold at 10 millimeters and to fail at 2. So clearly that was a blatant lie and they wanted 300+ more dollars out of me. Never taking my cars here again. Never. read more

Ignas, the maintenance shop manager, is very personable and knowledgeable, having spent 15+ min chatting with me about my car on unrelated topics. They're quick on inspections, too. I'd bring my car here for sure if I didn't already have a specialist. read more

4.5 Stars I've never had any bad issues at Barber's Auto Services. In fact, my experience has been completely opposite than some of the reviews I'm reading. I've never failed an inspection and I have never felt gamed. I've actually felt gamed at my Volvo dealership where they told me I needed brakes and then the guys (Patrick, the VA State Inspector) at Barber's told me that it wasn't the case. There was one time I came in for an inspection and my muffler was rotted, and they told me it needed to be replaced, otherwise it would fail. I'm pretty sure that was a good call to let me know. On a different occasion Patrick, the inspector who is very observant, let me know that my front tires were wearing funny and that I honestly needed new tires because I was driving on unsafe tires. I bought the new tires and installed somewhere else, but wow.. he was right. I've been going to Barber's Auto for many years and one of their mechanics (spanish man) actually saved me from possibly breaking down on a long road trip. He discovered that my belts were frayed and needed to be replaced. He even showed me the decay on the belts and I agreed that they needed to be replaced. Worst thing that could've happened was to break down 200 miles away from home because the belts broke. I am thankful for his keen eye and really looking at the vehicle. Especially because I asked them to look it over because I planned on driving that SUV on a 500 mile trip. I have always been greeted with kindness from all the guys there and feel like they do a good job of being observant and careful with the vehicles and the customer relationship. After reading some of the bad reviews, it made me pause for a minute, but I've never had a bad experience there. I have no doubt that it will stay that way. I trust the Barber's Auto Service guys, and that is coming from a guy that has 100% always taken his vehicles to the dealership for service. read more

We go to the Liberty Station for gas all the time. My husband's car needed service, and I took it in here to try it out. They were great! Very straight forward with what needed to be done, and the quote was right on. It was just an interval service, but John, the manager I spoke with, was very upfront about what had been checked and what did or did not need to be replaced based on that check. The bill was itemized and very easy to understand, which was a nice plus. Overall I'm glad I've found a great shop in the area and will continue to take my cars here. read more

This is my go to spot, whenever I've had car issues. I work nearby. They seemed to be under new management. The guy running the show is super nice. I was told that I needed brakes and rotors elsewhere, but Barber's said I had plenty of padding. Big savings!!! read more

In an after hours flat tire emergency, I stopped to see if they could patch my tire. No one was available but a young gentleman employed by Barber's offered to put on my spare for me as a courtesy. It was cold and dark. This is customer service so rarely experienced anymore. THANK YOU!! read more

As you can see from my review from 2011, I was a loyal customer of this garage for a long time. The service manager who ran things so smoothly left several years ago, however, and the place has gone downhill in quality ever since. Eventually it was enough that I finally went looking for an alternative. Since then, I've learned that the extensive work they performed on my car's engine was shoddy, causing it to have to be redone at the dealership. Not only would I no longer recommend this place, I would urge people to avoid it. It's sad, because this used to be my go-to place. read more

Barber's Auto Service saved me $1200!! I noticed a rattling in my 06 Chevy Malibu so I originally took it to Merchants on King Street. The guy told me I needed to replace my catalytic converter. With parts and labor it would come to $1250. Or he told me that he could punch a hole in the catalytic converter to get around the blockage. He said that my car would still be able to pass inspections with this fix and it would cost $440. I called Barber's to get a quote, and Alex was very friendly. I explained the situation, and he told me that punching a hole in the catalytic converter like the first guy had suggested was illegal and would not pass inspection. Alex asked if my check engine light was on, and I said it wasn't. He said that I might want to get a second opinion. So I brought my car into Barber's. Within 10 minutes he had my car lifted and showed me that I did not need a new catalytic converter. I only needed to get the heat shield tightened. I couldn't believe it. And on top of that Alex said that he wasn't even going to charge me a shop fee for it, just give the guy working on it a couple bucks. Barber's has my business from now on! By the way 20 something female, so I'm sure Merchants was trying to take me to the cleaners! read more

I took my car here for a state inspection. They failed my car and said I had no brakes on my car and I would need new pads cost $160. They were closing and failed my car saying I would need to come back tomorrow to have the brake pads added and I would pass after paying $160. The next morning, I took my car to the dealership, got my car inspected, an oil changed and requested they really look at my brakes. I was told my brakes were fine and did not need to be replaced and the other place failed you for no reason other than to game the system. So clearly, this was a blatant lie and they just wanted $160 out of me. I went back and told them they lied and asked for a refund, they refused saying we need to look at your brakes again. Never take your car here, poor customer service and the store manager is rude. read more

This is a letter that I had originally sent to my credit card company while disputing charges from Barber's: I am writing to describe my experience with Barber's Auto Repair at the Liberty gas station on King St. in Alexandria. On my way down from Baltimore to my son's house, I stopped at the Liberty gas station to pump gas. When I finished pumping gas, I attempted to start my vehicle, a Toyota Yaris, at which point the engine was ticking, but would not start or "turn over". The vehicle was also showing signs that the battery still had some life (e.i. the dash lights or headlights weren't fading). At this point I tapped the starter on the vehicle to see if the starter was the problem. Taping the starter did not get the vehicle to start. Not knowing what else to do at this point, as I did not have jumper cables, I went into the gas station and inquired about having the vehicle looked at the following morning. The mechanic's shop attached to the gas station was closed for the day, so no one was available at the time to look at it. The following morning I received a call from a mechanic at the shop named Sammy who told me that the vehicle needed a new alternator, serpentine belt, and battery. Shortly thereafter Sammy called me back with an estimate for the work. I called my regular mechanic to compare pricing on replacing these three parts. My regular mechanic confirmed for me that the estimate given by Barber's Auto was a fair price for parts and labor to correct the problem. At this time, I made my way over to Barber's Auto to talk to Sammy about the repairs. When I arrived at the shop, I found that the alternator had already been removed from the vehicle. After asking several questions of Sammy, related to the repairs he had suggested, I insisted that he test the alternator in front of me to show that it was not charging the battery sufficiently. Sammy refused to illustrate that the alternator was not charging, claiming that he had equipment that could only test the alternator if it was still on the vehicle. Despite my insistence on being sure that the alternator was in fact no good, Sammy suggested that if I wanted it tested I would be charged twice for labor for putting it back in the vehicle. At this point, I questioned him as to why he took the alternator out of the vehicle in the first place, a question that he had no answer for. This is when things got very strange. While I took a cell phone call from my regular mechanic, I observed a Hispanic man who was working with Sammy take my removed alternator, which had been placed on the hood of my vehicle, and wisk it away into one of the mechanic's work bays. The man proceeded to go into a corner of the shop, looking into the alternator with a flashlight in one hand and a screwdriver in the other. At this point, I ran into the bay and snatched the alternator from Sammy's worker fearing that the man intended to tamper with my alternator after I had suggested that there was a possibility it was working just fine. Needless to say, I took the old alternator and locked it in another car I had arrived in while I waited to have the Yaris towed to my regular mechanic. When I confronted Sammy about his mechanic taking my alternator into the bay for no apparent reason, he proclaimed "no funny business" with a smirk on his face. I proceeded to pay for the labor for taking the alternator out and back in. Directly after this, I had the vehicle jump started and driven to my regular mechanic at K&G Auto Repair and Detailing to have it checked out again and confirm that the alternator was not charging the battery sufficiently. At this point, Kostas at K&G determined that the alternator was working fine. The battery had cracks in it, causing it to not maintain the charge it was receiving from the working alternator. At this point, I knew that I had received, and paid for, a false labor charge from Sammy at Barber's Auto. read more

I wouldn't recommend anyone to go to this place. they tend to overcharge you without doing any real work. very disappointing. I certainly experienced better service at other places. read more

Not trust worthy. The owner Sam will try to get all the money out of you that he can. He tried to over charge me and my husband called him out of it. We have not gone back since and never will! read more

I dropped by here to get my vehicles state inspection. My car was next in line so I did not have to wait long which is the only pro for this place. I had walked to Xsport while I waited to work out a billing issue and when I returned to figure out where I could sit to finish waiting one of the techs was very rude asking me what I was doing there. Once my inspection was done I was told to pay at the gas station counter (that man was also a bit rude). I happened to pull into the parking lot at home the same time my husband did and he noticed right away that the hood of my car wasn't closed properly! That is a HUGE safety hazard- it could've flown up into the windshield while driving! While I understand it is my vehicle and I should also have a certain amount of responsibility, we place a certain trust with car mechanics and having my vehicle returned to me unsafe is unacceptable. I will not be returning when I feel that is car maintenance 101- make sure the HOOD IS CLOSED prior to handing off your vehicle to the customer. read more

I had my oil changed, tires rotated, and a hole in my tire plugged. It took about an hour. The waiting room is clean and comfortable with seating for 6 or 7 customers, a television, and free K-cup coffee. The service attendants were nice and didn't try to sell me on any additional services (one of the main reasons I avoid Jiffy Lube). Prices were pretty reasonable, about what you would expect from an auto service place. read more

Brought my car in for an inspection. They told me that a belt needed to be replaced in order to pass inspection, so I agreed to have them replace it. Immediately after the completion of what should have been a simple repair, my four year old vehicle that had not ever been in an accident nor had any minor or major repairs...would no longer accelerate properly (it would just stop accelerating while on the interstate) and my AC stopped working. The manager at the time was politely condescending and told me they were not responsible for what was happening to my car. The owner and manager agreed to fix their technician's mistake but would charge me. I ended up spending over $1,000 in repairs at a Nissan auto service (the place I should have gone to in the beginning). Avoid their services at all cost. Get gas and leave. read more

Barbers auto fixed my brakes! I was given quick same day service and after calling a dealership for price comparisons, Barbers gave me an excellent deal and quality. I will no doubt trust this auto shop with my car for as long as I'm in the area. Moe was my mechanic and didn't try to sell me on anything I didn't need, but also showed me some things I might want to monitor, that always gives me a piece of mind. Great service, good value and left happy! read more

I went in for one thing, I came out with three. When I went to Barbers, I went for a tire plug. I.mentioned that my engine light HAD been on and that my car seems hesitant to start. When I picked my car up, not only was the engine light now ON, there was a check gage light on. I went back and the technician swore up and down he hadn't touched a thing in my car, yet, he told me that my thermostat housing was cracked...mind you, he never bothered to hook my truck up to the machine. When I took it back, he came up with another reason the gage light was on, and that was because my needle gage which shows whether my car was hot or cold was broken. Well, it wasn't when I took the car to them. I recently took my car to another place and he showed me that a wire simply was not plugged... It was the wire that engaged my gage. Something SO simple and the first question he asked me, was someone under my hood. I kept twlling the technician at Barbers that my car came out worse after them than before and that they had done SOMEthing. The technician was so inexperienced that he didn't even bother to think that the plug was the cause, he immediately blamed the check gage on my need for a thermostat housing. What was frustrating was, I kept telling them they did something and they would not only own up to it, they flat out lied about what they did or didn't do to my car. read more

There was some confusion with the whole line waiting for safety and emissions inspections, and customers had to go inside to ask for directions on who to speak to. However once the line was moving I got through very quickly. It was a much shorter line then other facilities in the area waiting for inspections read more