I've used Big Al's in the past and never had a problem. A friend of mine needed a new exhaust so I began looking at reviews at different locations. I was going to use the one on S. Battlefield in Chesapeake but after seeing all of the negative experiences from customers, I decided to look for others. The reviews from this location were stellar so it was an easy choice. I met the manager, Travis, who everyone on here spoke so highly of. He was extremely professional and helpful with what I needed. Yes, they are busy. I expressed my concerns about getting my car back by the end of the day and he ensured it would be completed. By 3pm, Travis called to let me know it was done. He even did the work for less than what he had originally quoted. My friend and I couldn't have been happier with the overall experience from Travis and his team. I'll make sure I tell others about your service and be sure to use you again myself in the future. Great work and Thank You again for keeping customer service at the highest. read more

I went to Big Al's because they had a special. It wasn't special. I was charged $99 for an oil change $59.98 for a check of my cooling system. I was told I needed to replace two hoses and was quoted $995. I also asked for my wiper blades to be changed and they stated they couldn't because a piece was missing. When I got my car back I was suspicious that the oil change had not been completed. The window sticker nor the car had been reset and still stated "change oil". I went back inside and spoke with the service adviser James. He insisted the oil change had been completed by verifying the paperwork and asking the technician/foreman Vernon if it had been competed. Vernon was smug and said "yeah". James joked about the sticker and made one and came outside and placed it on the window and reset the "change oil" setting. Two days later I had another person look at the car because I needed assistance changing the air filter. When I looked, I personally noticed an old oil filter. I called back to "Big Al's" and made an inquiry again stating that the work had not been complete. James the service advisor patronized me. The next day, I went in person and James came out, looked at the vehicle and acknowledged the work had not been completed. He stated he could not immediately issue a refund because it had to go through his supervisor. James told me I could come back. I immediately called the main office and was provided the number for the supervisor. The supervisor Charles said they could go ahead and change my oil and issue me a credit for My next visit. Do you think I trust them to change my oil or a flat tire or anything anymore? Nope, still waiting on my refund. Don't go here, especially if you're a woman. I took my car to the dealership to have the oil changed for $75. Shame on this location. They will smile at you all while being patronizing and talking down. read more

Big Al's Mufflers & Brakes - Receipt for work not performed and faulty recommendation - Auto Repair Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

See all

Please note that you can drive your car into the shop. I called to make an appointment, but it looks like it is first come, first serve. I was told that I would be notified once they see what the issue is or just to give an update in the next 3 hours since i am dropping my car off. This was not the case, I was not notified. Please note that when working with this shop to call around lunchtime if they do not contact you. Communication was my biggest issue, but everything else was great. read more

Horrible customer service now..omg..This location has completely gone down the drain. I have been taken my cars at this location for over 13yrs....An they were the Best I had all my friends and family bring their vehicles- Never ever again- they fix 1 thing then tell you oh this also is the problem after fixing 2 things" then call you afterwards-to pick your car up-on to drive off an it is worse,then when you brought it in. A guy name Travis- who use to work their had EVERYONE CARS IN MY FAMILY, UP AN RUNNING IN NO TIME- I mean the man was unbelievable respectful, reliable .He has not been working their for a couple years-he ranned it very Professional..Please does anyone know if he still fix cars..possibly ' is he in another location..Help read more

Wanted to charge my college student $3,500 for 6 ignition coils/spark plugs and a new Y pipe. I had the car towed back home and found all the parts for less than $300 and fixed it ourselves in about 3 hours. Easy cheap fix... DO NOT trust these guys! read more

Indian River Location, Mr James is awesome! Brought my car to them. Had it fixed in no time, great pricing and very great customer service. My car drives so much better after having the issue resolved. Don't let the negative feedback stop you from going here, these are really great people not shady and try to help out any way they can!! read more

stay away from this place . they create problems so you can bring your vehicle back to make more money off you. They left my vehicle in worse condition than it was when I took it there spent lots of money to have work done when I got my vehicle back it smoked bad , I had valve covers replaced and was told that the PVC valve was attached and that's the only way I could get the valve replaced so I agreed and now I was told that the PVC valve is sticking that's why it is blowing out white smoke. After returning to the store and talking to the assistant manager, he told me he would look into it, but then he called me and told me that there's nothing they could do to help me. I am stuck with the faulty PVC valve that causes my van to smoke upon start up. whatever you do please stay away from big Al's on any river Road very shabby work never again. read more

Went in for a brake job at Chesapeake location. Was called 2 hours later and quoted $460 over the phone for brakes and front rotors, I agreed although 2 months ago another garage stated I still had maybe 20,000 miles on the brakes. They charged me $490 for ONLY THE FRONT BRAKE PADS, ROTORS AND A "FLUID KIT". ONLY THE FRONT FOR 490??????? I had to ask for the $25.00 "Deal" they claim on their website. I feel they overcharged me and scammed me! $490 for front brakes only on a Compact car?? I will never go here again. read more

I took my daughter's 2014 Acura MDX to Big Al's March or April of this year2024 she had to go out of town that following weekend. The Mg. there at the time name was James or Jim I left the SUV there he said he would call me and I said Ok, when he called me he stated that the Noise that the Mechanic heard was the ball joint, Tie-Rods, everything that pertain to the front end of her SUV got the truck the next day the noise was still sounding on the SUV the first job was $1752, the Mgr. had given me a $59 discount when I told him I have life time front end alignment on my daughters SUV he took the $59 back because I did not want them to doo the front end alignment and the we took it back to get it checked out by another Mechanic there and he found the problem it was the hub beside the Rotor and that was another $644, no labor charge I asked him why didn't he see that from the gate he looked at me like I don't know ! If I go back to Big Al's ever again they will be out of Business. I know for a fact that the Mgr. got over on me he's gonna Loose out more for everybody that he has crooked to make it look like his business is great. One thig I can say a GREAT SHOUT OUT TO VERNON the MECHANIC at the Indian River shop. Thank You Vernon for finding the Problem. read more

My 2017 Cadillac has had an exhaust leak for almost a year. I complained to the dealer, and finally after 3 visits they found the exhaust leak. The quote was $1,600. I took my car to Big Al's and they fixed it completely for less than $130. Quite a difference. These folks are honest and do great work. They have my business from now on! read more

Went in to get brakes done within an hour of closing time. Staff got the car in and made some recommendations for service after putting car on the lift. Work was done quickly. Will definitely come back. read more

After being told that my exhaust system repair would be $700+ I decided to take it somewhere else. It was 4:30 (and Big Al's closes at 6) and Travis said he would check my exhaust and see what he could do. He said he could repair my exhaust for $225 by making it out of pipes themselves. Then he said he could have it done by the end of the work day! I was so thankful and he truly saved the day. read more

Came to the Indian river location after a one quoted me $400. I got there when they opened at 8 and was out before 10, all for $150. Friendly service, and didn't rip off a woman who came in alone! read more

I should of put a review here several years ago when I had work done on the exhaust system in my car. I agree with several people on here. Travis and his guys are the best! I would highly recommend for several reasons. He is always honest. He will save you money. He has been doing this work for many years and does a fine job of running the place. I need to get a oil change and inspection done soon, that's what prompted me to write this. read more

The positive reviews are correct. Travis and his crew are good people. Professional. We had a very good first time experience. Prices are much less than competitors. This location saved us over $400 to replace the radiator. We will continue to use this location for future repair needs. read more

The positive reviews regarding Travis and his staff are accurate. My son had his car towed to the Indian River Road location from another auto repair facility because Travis pricing for a new radiator was about $400 less than the other auto repair facility. I've never met Travis myself, but speaking with him over the phone, Travis was professional and customer friendly. They were able to get my son back his car within one day. When we got it back, the car ran much better and was much quieter. Months later the car is still running great. Thank you, Big Al's, Indian River! We will be back soon for an oil change. read more

This place is great takes care of all my needs and always honest and upfront with me and my family. They are busy but worth the wait and for someone to give them a bad review and never having any work done is funny! Thanks Big Als! Travis and team! read more

These guys are awesome! They have won a customer for life with me. I had a terrible experience at the mieneke right up the road from them and went here because the reviews were great on google. I was not disappointed. Any car issues I have I will come to these guys. Totally trust worthy and they have great prices! read more

Always consistent and great customer service. Travis is has been upfront and reasonable. He has taken the time to explain the problem and how to resolve it. This company has shown to be reliable and honest. As a female I can always appreciate that. read more

Travis (the manager) is the best! They are always willing to help with anything in the car. I am a female and I don't know much about cars and they do not screw me over. My husband's friend recommended this place to us when my engine was dying. I have come back for almost everything for my and my husband's cars. I definitely recommended this place! read more

This place has taken great care of myself and my vehicle. Travis at the front had just saved me from a $420 quote from pep boys to a $45 quote. They value all of their customers and I greatly recommend going here ! read more

Big Al's Mufflers & Brakes - Auto Repair Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

Travis and His guys are a step above the rest. I've been going to them for over a year and have nothing but good things to say about them. Honest and very good prices! 10/10 would recommend read more

My wife took her 2003 Nissan Altima to your Indian River Rd location and was told that she had a bad catalytic converter and that a new one along with an O2 sensor would be $1000. Once we dropped the car off, we were told that it was in fact a bad valve cover and gasket and a bad coil. We had those replaced along with four (4) new spark plugs for a total of $600. Were we then told that the throttle body was cleaned and needed to be replaced for another $390. I replaced the throttle body and the same problem was present. The throttle body was "hunting". We took it BACK to the location and are now being told that the car needs to go to the Nissan dealer to have a HARD RESET done because they cannot fix the issue. The dealership said that the problem was initiated when Big Al's did the throttle body cleaning when AUTOMATICALLY requires a throttle body "re-learn". Hmmmm. Well, we habe taken this and other vehicles to this location for over 12 years. We have referred countless people with vechicle issues to this location over the years. All of that ended today. First off, the manager (when we took the car in) "Ed", never seemed sure of what he was saying. We have dealt with "Travis" over the years, but now I don't feel comfortable with either one. I hope that this is an isolated incident, but it probably isn't. read more

Im giving this place 4 star close to a 5 just due to the fact they are swamped with people and only have so much time, there is a wait but they will get the job done and get it done right. You have to show up at 8a.m on the dot if your tryn to get it done that day. Travis the manager real awesome dude and will give you answers straight up. But good place. read more

I received very poor customer service. I dropped my car off for service on Tuesday and picked it up on Thursday. After paying $524 dollars for service, I was given my car keys. When I got into my car, before pulling off, I noticed that my windshield was severely cracked. I went back inside to let the store manager Travis know. He took pictures and said that he will let his supervisor know and someone will call me back. After waiting two days, I still did not receive a call. So that Saturday, I called Travis's supervisor Patrick. Patrick told me that he would file an insurance claim and someone would call me on Monday. After leading me to believe that my windshield would be replaced, Patrick called me on Monday and said that Big Al's was not responsible and that they would not replace my windshield. So I called the district manager Charles. He told me the same thing that they were not going to replace my windshield. I informed Charles that my car was not dropped off to them in that condition and that is was under their care. He showed no remorse. He then told me to do what I had to do because they would not replace my windshield. I was shocked and surprised that a company such as Big Al's would not do what was morally right. I will never take my car their again. In addition, I will tell my story on social media. I am going to tell all of my friends, family and co-workers to never take their car to Big Al's for service. read more