After receiving a laundry list of car repairs from the dealer I wanted to see if things really needed to be fixed. The guys at Distads were honest about the repairs I needed (not as extensive and therefor less expensive) and were able to do them with short notice, and very quickly. I felt like they were doing a good honest job and not taking me for a ride. Definitely recommend them for auto service and I will be back for future needs. read more

I've brought my car to Distad's several times over the years for a variety of issues and basic maintenance, and they continue to earn my trust and customer loyalty. Their prices are always reasonable. They have never tried to up-sell me on suspicious, seemingly unnecessary services or products. In fact, quite the opposite -- at times, they've fixed a fairly basic issue and indicated that a more expensive fix was not needed at that time. Services over the years have included investigating and solving a mysterious electrical problem that caused my car to lose power while driving for no apparent reason; tire replacement; oil changes; A/C recharging; etc. When they recently recharged my A/C with freon, it still didn't feel very cold. They acknowledged that before any prompting from me and charged it up with more freon again, until it was blowing as cold as it should. Most recently, I had a bit of a problem there in that, after they finished servicing my vehicle, they parked it on the street, and in the day or so before I was able to come pick it up, my car was broken into and the stereo was stolen. Fortunately, as soon as they were told about the incident, Distad's said they would repair the broken window and (although a downgrade from what I had) install a basic manufacturer-grade stereo, free of charge. Fortunately, they were able to find the necessary parts from a used-auto-parts source. For my very old car, this was sufficient for my purposes. It was quite a relief that they took care of this issue without any persuading or cajoling on my part. I hope they know that it was appreciated and that it was a good business move on their part, as they have earned my continued customer loyalty for years to come as a result. I will continue to recommend Distad's to others. read more

Reliable, honest and trustworthy mechanic located near the Eastern Market metro. I took my car in for scheduled maintenance service today, and they were friendly and efficient, and did not overcharge me for anything. This place is family-owned and has gotten top satisfaction scores from Washington Checkbook. Highly recommended!! read more

I'm disappointed that I have to update this review and even more disappointed that Distand's is no longer an option for me to get my car serviced. I have tried several times to get my car into their service department but it has been an exercise in frustration. My past experiences had been wonderful but I can only guess as to what has happened to that friendly local repair shop that you could count on. The last few times I have called or stopped in my interaction was very abrupt and I could not get my car dropped off. One time the service person actually told me not to come back until check engine light came on - even though it was obviously not running right. I ended up at another local shop and they were able to help. I will miss the Distad's that I once knew. read more

I have been taking my car to Distad's for 7 years. They are a family-owned operation, with the daughter working the counter and dad running the shop. They are also good, honest mechanics, sincerely interested in helping their customers. If they can't fix something, they will tell you that up front. And simple problems that don't require them to take the car into the garage they won't charge me for. It's also close to the metro, which makes drop-off convenient. I typically drop my car in the morning, jump on the metro and go to work, then metro back at the end of the day. It couldn't be easier. read more

I have always been happy with their honesty and quality of work. Their prices might be a little higher for some things than going to a large chain like say a Merchant's or a Midas, but some things it may be better to go to places like Distad's because you know they will not cheat you and you know the work will be done right. Large chains always try and up-sell you, but Distad's never recommends anything that isn't really needed. I have had good experiences and bad experiences at chain mechanics, but Distad's has always done right by me. Their customer service depends on who you get when you go and how busy they are at the time. Sometimes it's great and sometimes its meh. They are busy, very busy and some of them just don't have the time or patience to deal with much beyond getting the cars in, fixing them and getting them out. But with that said, I'm not going there for tea time, and crumpets, I'm going to get my car fixed and at that they do well. 5 stars for honesty 5 stars for reliability 5 stars for doing the work correctly 4 stars for their prices read more

Only 5 star review I have ever written about anything. Found Distad's through Car Talk (NPR), and the reviews there (and here - minus the woman with identity issues) are so spot on. My dad was a mechanic, and while I don't know cars as well as he does, I know BS. You don't get any at Distad's. Sure, it would be nice to get the car back quicker - we are all so busy (get the sarcasm?) - but the car takes a while when the mechanics are trustworthy. Besides, would you rather get the car back quicker, or have more money in your pocket (and confidence in the repair)?? They answered all my questions, listened when I described the problem and my thoughts on what it was, and gave me some options. I have never had to return the car for a repair performed here. read more

My family has been taking our automobiles here for nearly 10 years. Simply put - they are one of the most honest, trust worthy, and reliable mechanics you'll ever meet. When they charge, it's not cheap. But, when they charge, it's because you needed the work. They've NOT charged us more times than they have charged us. We taken in an old Ford a million times with the check engine light. The scan it, and tell us frequently, "oh, it just hasn't run it's diagnostic test. You need to hit the highway and the light will go off." I wish there were more businesses like this in the world. read more

Love these guys/gals. They know their business they are honest and respectful and the $ is just right. They are the most reliable mechanics in the city that i have discovered and i manage a fleet of work trucks that get dogged all the time. read more

I've been going to Distad's for about six years. Always pleased with the service, price, honesty. Recently took my daughter's 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, which was barely running. She'd tried another mechanic who couldn't diagnose the problem. We thought we were looking at having to replace it. Turns out it needed two new ignition coils. Leave it to Distad's to diagnose the problem when others couldn't. The price was very reasonable and the car is now running like a dream. Couldn't be happier! read more

I'm so glad I found this place! I brought my 2006 Honda Civic to Distad's for an oil change, tune-up, and tire rotation. A Honda dealership that shall remain nameless wanted to charge me $1,400!!! Thankfully, I called Distad's and they said they could do it for around $300, and they kept their word. They are honest, friendly, professional, and fair. They will definitely get my business again! read more

I'm always skeptical of going to gas station auto shops in a city as they tend to be overpriced and try to up-sell you or rip you off. This was not the case at all at Distad's. I was driving around when white smoke started coming out from my hood. Luckily I was close to home and could quickly park and see what the problem was. All I could tell was there was something wrong with the radiator or coolant system. I had been planning to drive to New Jersey the following day so I called Distad's (at about 6:30 pm when they close at 7pm) and asked if they could take a look. I had never been to Distad's before, but they were the closest option I had. They immediately ran a couple tests on the car and said it looked like the engine thermostat was malfunctioning. They would have to order a new part, but because a snow storm was expected to come through the following day they weren't sure how quickly they could get the part. Once I told them I was planning to drive to New Jersey the following day they said they should be able to get the part in and replace it by the end of the following day. Low and behold I get a call around noon the following day that they got the part and replaced it. Not only that but what I went to pick up my car they told me when they started it up to make sure everything was working properly, they didn't like the sound my engine was making. So they looked around and saw that there was a wrong sized bolt holding my engine in place, so they replaced it (for only a couple bucks). In total for parts and labor the whole thing cost about $100 and only took a few hours. My car is a 1996 Toyota Camry with its fair share of problems and I've been resigned to always have the check engine light be on for the past 5 years or so. But since taking my car to Distad's about a month ago, the check engine light has stayed off. I take my car to be regularly serviced at mechanics I trust, but this is the first time the check engine light has actually stayed off. So from now on, I'll be going to Distad's. read more

Honest to a fault! Not once but twice have I been duped by Mr Tire and their estimates for work. The first time I brought my car to Mr Tire, it was for brakes and they wanted to charge me over $500 for calipers and brake pads. I bring my car to Distads and all they said was needed was a brake cleaning and reshaping for $130.00. The second time I brought my car to Mr Tire, was last week, to get my battery looked at and they wanted to charge me $700.00 for a battery and replace the alternator. I got a second opinion at Distads and they said all was needed was a battery. Distads is in the business for repeat customers by their honest practices and not into scamming like Mr Tire. I highly recommend that if you are living in the DC area to bring your car into Distads for work. read more

Best mechanic I've dealt with in years. They give you the real skinny, have affordable prices, and you don't come out with a car with a new transmission you didn't need. I love these guys. read more

Top of the line customer service, excellent workmanship, fair and honest appraisals and pricing. What more can you ask for?

Nice guys and their work was reasonably priced - but the window motor they installed died less than a year later. So I think here might be a quality problem on the parts... read more

$670 for brake pads and rotors, which is absurdly overpriced. Not sure why this place is so highly rated. Could have gotten the same work done at Monroe for half the cost and with a lifetime warranty on the pads. read more

Wow. I took my car here today when it wouldn't start without a jump. They called me in less than two hours to confirm the battery was the problem (not completely dead but not enough juice to start the engine). They gave me a reasonable quote to replace it, but since the battery wasn't that old and still under warranty I opted to take it back to Autozone for a replacement. For diagnosing the problem and charging it up enough to get me on my way they charged me NOTHING. I will definitely be bringing by business here in the future. read more

I gave this place a shot after reading these yelp reviews. I found the company to be honest, reasonably priced, and quick. They explained to me what was wrong (my break pads were loose so I didn't need new breaks like I thought). I was charged one hour of labor (around $100 plus tax). I've been to several other places in DC, and I am confident everywhere else would have charged me much more. read more

Incredibly reliable, honest, speedy, and fair priced service. I've had my tires fixed (plugs) and both times have been excellent experiences, much better than when I take my car elsewhere. Highly recommend these guys for quick easy maintenance work. read more

Wow. I mean WOW! I do nearly all of my own work on my car and find most places either over priced or under-skilled. Distad's, while they "don't work on saabs" were willing to take a look at the suspension, steering, and brakes on my 1994 Saab 900. I'd recently taken this car to a LeDroit park (unnamed) shop that charged me $70 to incorrectly balance a wheel and look my car over to let me know what might be wrong with it (30 minutes of work). Distad's on the other hand, took that same wheel, balanced it correctly, and set my car up on their alignment system only to find that it's not align-able without some frame straightening and new tierods - for which they charged me only ~$15 to balance the one wheel. THEY'RE SAINTS!! Honest and reasonably priced. Thank you Distad's - please stay in business and keep up the good work. read more

I have to concur with everything all the previous posts said. These people are first rate. I've been taking our cars there for almost 20 years and now we take the fleet vehicles from my workplace as well. read more

I just had my second experience at Distad's and I am pleased as punch. The first time I took my car here I had an estimate in hand from a dealership to do recommended work totalling $1300. Distad's assessed the estimate, looked at my car, told me what I actually needed and what was not necessary, and then completed the required work for under $700. Today I brought my car in because I'd been hearing a wooshing noise when I turned the wheel. It took the servicing mechanic 1 minute to diagnose the issue (blocked drain) and 1 minute to fix it (blow air on the end of the drain to release the clog). And he charged me nothing. As long as I live in DC, I will never take my car anywhere else. read more

Awesome place to take your car. They are always busy, but I am glad for them. I was also given a laundry list of items that needed to be fixed on my car. The dealership quoted me over $900...Distad's was honest and told me precisely what needed to be done to my car, with none of the car dealer BS! They also helped me scrounge together some quarters so I could take the bus home...how nice! Great place!!! read more

I will probably still use them because they're quick and local, but keep an eye on their work if you can. After putting nearly 1,000 miles on it, I looked close and realized that they mounted a brand new tire BACKWARDS last time I was there. Unfortunately, I was in Alabama by then and didn't have the opportunity to insist they correct it. I know what you're thinking- who cares it it's backwards? But proper directional mounting is important on most new tires with asymmetrical tread patterns- that's why tire manufacturers stamp "INSIDE" on the sidewalls. You should never see that stamp if you've paid someone to put a tire on your car! read more

Blew out my tire a few days ago. After getting my car to Distad's I left my keys with the cashier since it was after hours. Left a note requesting a new tire and a 25k factory recommended tune up since i was due for one anyway. Everything was done the next day in the early afternoon just like that and at a very fair price. Will definitely take my car back at the 30k check up. read more

Great local repair shop. I think Distad's is family owned...and you can tell. Staff is friendly and professional and they don't sell you stuff you don't need. read more

Now that the warranties are up on my cars, I'm thrilled that there is such a quality shop a block from my house! This shop is straightforward, seemingly honest, fast, with great prices. Highly recommended. I saw that some other reviewers complained about their attitude and communication style, but I didn't see this at all. They don't BS you or kiss your a** but at the same time treat you with respect and get you in and out efficiently. It's a business transaction not a therapy session! read more

Had to write about Distad's as I have been going there for at least 10 years and have never posted. I heard them talked about at work and gave them a try. Figured they had to at least be better than most. I was and have since been very pleased with their work. I won't go anywhere else. I have lived in both DC and Md during this time. When in DC they safely parked my car on the street (they don't have a lot of space in their lot), now in MD the car is on the lot when I get there. I have always found them to be open and they seem to be honest to me. Every so often they tell me something that may cause a problem in the future, but in the same call tell me where to get it fixed more cost effectively if they will be much more expensive. Just one instance of this is one time I had no idea the tread was badly worn on one tire. They told me I only needed one, not a set, but due to the cost and time for them to get a tire I could get a better deal and get it done quickly at ___. They have told me things i may need to look out for in the future that were fine now that I need to be aware of. I feel that they are not just "a mechanic" but a partner who is looking out for my interests, like a good friend. I will continue to go there until something they do makes me feel otherwise. I have seen one or two of the same people there the whole time I have been going. I am satisfied with the service and pricing. I don't give the 5 because nobody's perfect, but right now I have no complaints. read more

I've been here only twice now, but each time has been fantastic. I've never been oversold (in fact it's been so cheap I worry about them meeting their bottom lines!) and I'm always given real information about what they are doing and why. One of the real, honest mechanics I've ever been to. Been in for a regular tune-up and a super quick tail light replacement. Got a great lesson on my car, including how the lights work, my gas mileage, battery life expectancy and some common replacement costs. I seriously cannot recommend these guys enough! read more

Known Distad's for 13 years. They've always been straightforward and honest with me. Even found me ways to save money when it came time to replace my tires. They were recommended to me 13 years ago by someone who had lived here for 15 years, and now I recommend them. Old school mechanics. read more

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE --BEWARE!! Last month my well-kept car, a1996 Nissan Sentra, broke down on a Saturday evening. For a number of reasons, I had it towed to Distad's BP rather than my usual mechanic; a fateful decision. It turned out that my car needed a new distributor, an expensive but relatively simple fix, so I gave Distad BP the okay to proceed with the repairs. The first sign of a problem appeared when I tried to pay for the repair. I was told it would be no problem picking up my car after the mechanic shop closed because the gas station would be open and they could handle the transaction. I ran my credit card at the gas station multiple times, but it didn't work so I had to call my bank. My bank saw no problem with my account so I had to ask the cashier to run the card again. After trying for 45 minutes with no success, the cashier used a different register in the shop and my card worked fine. Once I got the keys to my car and started it, I immediately knew something was wrong. The car used to drive smoothly, but now it is noisy and it skips every time I turn the ignition. It even cuts off at times when I am at a stop sign and need to put it in first gear to drive- this never happened before! My car has less than 100,000 miles and I've made sure to get routine checkups every year so the car is in pretty good condition. As a result of Distad BP's carelessness, a car that has been a reliable source of transportation for 21 years is no longer reliable. I took my car in for one issue and now my car has multiple issues since the repairs done at Distad BP. I am NOT a satisfied customer. read more

Distad's is the most honest, trust worthy shop I have ever encountered. If every business was as reliable and honest as they are... we would be living in utopia. Getting a new set of tires put on there tomorrow and wouldn't think of going anywhere else. read more

Dishonest !!! Went to get a CO2 sensor fixed so I could pass DC emissions. Charged me $250 and told me I would be good to go and that I just needed to put on some good city/highway miles and that the computer would reset and I would be good. They asked me to bring the car back the evening before I went to the emissions place so they could run a final test to make sure she was ready. Went back and they ran the test. Told me something went wrong and that the car was not ready and would not pass emissions. Left the car there all day and when I went back they told me they had no idea what the problem was. Frustrated and not willing to drop another dime until the official DC emissions test told me what I failed, I took the car to the emissions site. I passed with flying colors. Who knows what Distad's would have told me was the problem or how much they would have charged me. Luckily I didn't give them that opportunity. I would never take my car back there. Dishonest workers! read more

I like this place a lot. The prices are fair; not extraordinary, but it's DC so it's as good as can be expected. They always have been able to see me the same day, and often finish the job by my requested time, which is really important to me since I drive for work. In addition, they've helped me out quite a few times with small things (like screwing my front license plate on, securing my wheel well, etc.) free of charge and right away. I have never got the female bias I've experienced from other mechanics. I admit, they are lacking at times in customer service, but if you chat with them everyone is actually really nice. They are busy people, which is no excuse, but in my opinion it's no reason to avoid this place. It's a convenient location (right by Eastern Market metro) and great place- I highly recommend it! read more

Here are the things I appreciate about Distad's: 1) They are convenient. I do not have to travel far from the Hill. I am able to pick up my car anytime after hours. 2) They are honest and quick. They tell me when they can do something and how much it will cost. We had an overhaul to our whole brake system and the cost was extremely competitive. I would highly recommend Distad's for regular car service. read more

This place is absolutely excellent. Even better than my small town roots in NC. It is family owned and they NEVER have charged me what they quoted (always has been lower) and they never make you waste money. I rarely recommend anything, but I bet on Distads. read more

The service techs and manager are super nice and the price is right. They have been in business for a long time and no wonder they continue to do great things. read more

I have a particular distain for taking my truck to get fixed by a mechanic. This is primarily because I am a Midwestern girl who grew up with a fully equipped garage (complete even with an engine hoist) at her disposal, which my dad made sure I knew how to utilize. Unless it is electrical in nature, I can fix my own truck. But, in DC, I have no tools or garage and (like most folks these days) little to no leisure time anyway, so off to search for a mechanic which has been a struggle over the seven years that I have lived here. Fast forwarding to 2012, I have stumbled upon Distad's. As of this review, I have now been to them three times. First, a battery issue. Second, an oil change. Third, an oil change, air conditioning issue, and brake/rotor repair. Because I know my way around vehicles, I also know BS "repair" suggestions. Distad's has not done any of that and have had the opportunity to do so (e.g., a prior mechanic tried to sell me on fixing my "bad" alternator when I knew and expressed that only the battery was the problem). They have listened - truly listened - to what I tell them I need fixed (you women will understand what I mean when I say they did not give the female treatment that many mechanics give). Also, their prices seemed to be fair compared to the other mechanics I have tried in the area (who charged similar or more for less qualities repairs). Also, the most recent and most extensive repair to date that they have done on my truck was done for $75 less than I was quoted. Bottom line-when the repair/maintenance cannot wait for me to take my truck home to fix, I am comfortable as I will ever be taking my truck to Distad's to be serviced. read more

I've been taking my car to Distad's for a number of years, mostly for oil changes, but occasionally for a repair. I have always found them to be trustworthy and reasonably priced. Most importantly, I do not feel as if I am getting ripped off when I go there. I recently dropped my car off one morning because it was making a clicking noise when I would accelerate and decelerate while driving in the city. Expecting the worst, I took my car in and braced myself for the news that it was my transmission and would cost $1500 to repair. At the end of the day I received a call from the mechanic telling me that he and his guy drove it around, heard the sound, but couldn't figure out what the problem was. They asked if they could keep it another day, which wasn't a problem for me. The next afternoon I received a call from the mechanic again who said he found the problem, it was my middle exhaust, and it would cost just more than $300 to fix, but I could save myself the $300+ because the middle exhaust isn't affecting any other part of the car, it's not leaking, nor will it fall off. If I wanted him to fix it he would, but the car would be fine just the way it is. I asked if I could drive it to NY and back. He told me I could drive it to California and back and all would be well. I also love that if I can't get to the garage before it closes, I can pick my car up 24/7 by settling my bill the gas attendant on duty. Now that's great service. read more