Gili's Automotive

Overall Gili and his crew were great. Initially brought my car in to replace timing belt but after computer diagnostics there were many things that needed to be repaired. The items that needed to be repaired were explained in detail so I could understand what really needed to be repaired immediately. All though I did not relish the thought of spending so much money, I now have confidence that my car is running at it's best. Even when driving my car now I notice a difference in acceleration and the smoothness of the ride. Gili and his crew were professional and a delight to do business with. I would highly recommend this business to all my friends.

I got a special price for basic services, and they inspected some codes that the car was displaying. They said the catalytic converter and drive chains (belts?) needed to be replaced, and other parts of the engine needed work, but the price quoted led me to get a second opinion, which was similar in price but less certain about the results. Gili's did describe to me in clear detail all of the repairs necessary, which did make sense given my experience with the car, the age and usage of it, and the second estimate I got. Much appreciated even if I don't decide to go and fix it, probably will just buy new and sell this car. All in all, I think my car has issues that are more expensive than would be worth it to fix, but Gili's did a great job of returning my car in a temporarily operable condition and of explaining what would be needed to get it back at 100%.

I have no complaints. They got me in quickly. Called me with an estimate that was fairly accurate and got me my car back when they said they would.

I looked for a 'second opinion' because the my dealer (Sterling Mini) quoted $2,400 in services/parts when I was expecting something closer to $800. I went to Gili's based upon positive reviews in Angie's List, willingness to work with a Mini Cooper, and availability. I explained to Greg what I was looking for and why and brought in my car. He confirmed that the car needed the services quoted by the Dealer and offered to perform the above services for $2,200, so not much different. I went with them anyway and, overall, I'm not sure it was the right decision as the dealer has extensive experience working with Mini Coopers, they provide a loaner car while your car is being serviced, and they clean the interior and exterior of your car before returning it to you. Anyway, Gili's performed the service and was professional about it. I don't remember how long it took, but do remember them saying it would be ready in the afternoon. When I called to check in, they said early evening, when I came by with my wife and kids around 5:30pm (they close at 6pm), it was not ready. We stayed until 6pm and then drove it away. It took me a while to determine it, but the oil pan was leaking (I park on the street... never quite in the same place). Shortly thereafter, the brake warning light came on. Greg from Gili's was very accommodating about it and said to bring it in when I wanted and it would be the top priority. I did and was dropped off at a shopping center to work while they fixed the car. They estimated it would be ready by 2pm... then 4pm... then 5pm... then I asked to be picked back up at 5:30pm and waited while they finished up around 6:15pm (no charge). Both problems seem fixed.

We first discovered Gili's last winter when the AAA tow truck driver recommended his shop to my stepson, who had just had a minor accident. The shop did a good job on the body work and then checked over the car and let us know that the brakes were very worn. The personal service was amazing - Gili offered to bring the car to our house and made sure we knew that it was brought in with the front license plate missing. He also took the time to give us some advice to pass on to my stepson on how to use the brakes more effectively and minimize future repairs. We've been back for several other things, including a check-up when the college student was home on vacation recently. We really appreciate that Gili's mechanic will tell us truthfully what really needs to be done right away and what isn't a priority but will likely need to be done in the near future. Gili's is the kind of auto shop that I remember from my midwestern childhood - the place your dad would insist that you take your car to!

I purchased an extended warranty from AAA and need a local AAA shop. I reviewed the list of approved shops on Angies list and Gili's had an impressive number of positive reports. I had body and repair work done on my 8 year old Dodge Caravan, $1,561.00 for the body and $1,469.00 for the repairs to the engine, etc. The body work was not covered by insurance and I had gotten previous estimates. Gili's came in at about the same as the lowest estimate and the final job was excellent. The other service included oil, filters, brakes, cooling system, seals. There was a transmission leak and originally it was thought to be a solenoid pack but when I informed him that it had been replaced a year earlier Gili's mechanic cleaned it up, took a test drive, and discovered a leaky hose seal which fixed the problem at a very reasonable cost. I believe they are an honest shop that takes a personal interest in my vehicle, and really values their reputation. My job requires me to get to work no matter what the weather, and when I had the vehicle out in the blizzards I was glad that I had recently had my car serviced by Gili's. The car performed flawlessly, and the body work looked great. I will continue to use Gili's and will recommend them to others.

The experience was great. I walked in on a Monday and Gili saw me personally. I had an unfortunate run-in with the side of my garage when parking and put a scratch on the side of my car. The rear bumper was also pretty scuffed from parking on the streets of DC. Gili and team fixed both up beautifully, and even replaced a cracked hub cap. I had the bumper paint touched up once before at a different establishment, and Gili's work looked better and was less expensive! They did exactly as I requested, there was no attempt to "up-sell" any services, and it was a pleasant and low-pressure environment. Even the receptionist was very pleasant and nice to deal with. The work was done in less time than estimated, and the price was as quoted -- so surprises. Hopefully I won't need a body shop any time soon, but if I do, I would I definitely use them again.

The price wasn't outrageous considering that I had to have a new tire. I've been happy with them.

Highly recommend Gili's. Used them before I joined Angie's List and they have always been professional and honest. Helped with replacing/selecting new tires and love that you can make car maintenance appointments on-line.

For the clutch, I called and described the problem: clutch pedal going to the floor, couldn't change gears because the clutch was not disengaging. They said it was probably one or both of the clutch cylinders, but they would have to look at it. I brought it in that afternoon and they were able to complete the work the following morning. The work was quick, effective and to the estimate. A clutch replacement would have been more expensive, but they did not try to sell me on this because the clutch was fine. The price was fair and well worth the work - that is why I graded the price a B instead of a C. A few days later I brought the car in because I was hearing some noises in the front suspension. They noticed some things which might cause the problem, but did not try to sell me on anything I did not need. They did notice that the oil pan was almost rusted through which may have caused catostrophic engine failure. This saved me a lot of money-none of the other places I brought the car to noticed this. Overall Gili and his staff strike me as honest and very good mechanics. I went in with a skeptical eye and checked his estimates. I am very satisfied and I will continue to take my car there.

I originally found Gili's Automotive via an internet search for tire repair services near my home in Rockville, Md back in July for a leaking tire due to a nail imbedded in it. I called them, they said come right over, and within 10 min of my arriving there they were done. They were extremely friendly and personable, and we had a nice little chat. Fast forward to September, and another tire found another nail. I've since moved to another city 25 miles away, but I was so impressed with Gili's that I called them again to get my tire plugged. Again, they said come right over, and again they were done in approx 10min. The mechanic (I believe his name is Greg), even remembered me and my situation (in the process of moving, my profession, etc), which impressed me even more. These guys are top-notch in customer service and professionalism. Should my car need more intense service, I have every confidence that they will perform honestly, fairly, and with the highest quality. I usually get regular maintenance done at my parents' mechanic (whom they've gone to for 20 yrs) when I go for visits, but that's a 3 1/2 drive. I've been wanting to find a reliable, honest mechanic closer to my home, and I've finally found him!

Greg got me in real quick when I called and said I had a check engine light on. It turned out to be a sensor had jiggled loose and just needed to be plugged right back in. When I brought it in, I asked if he would install new spark plugs and wires, serpentine belt, and a fuel filter that I had already bought. I don't have a garage in my town home community and the neighbors complained that I was doing auto work in the parking space (which is, after all, against the neighborhood covenant). Greg graciously agreed and so I didn't have to buy the parts from him. He also gave it a good once over. I had asked him to check and service the transmission, and he advised that it was in good shape and didn't need anything. He advised that I needed new rear shocks, new engine coolant lines, and new upper and lower front ball joints. He advised which were more urgent in his opinion and was honest enough to say that nothing was in imminent danger. Because of that, I'll bring it back to him when I have the money to get it done.

I bought a vehicle from an out of state dealer and so had to get a mandatory MD "safety" inspection before registering. I took it to Greg @ Gili's as other Angie's List members have recommended him. He came back with estimates on failed items on the safety inspection and an estimate for doing the work. I took care of the small things (brake light, windshield wipers, and a new passenger side mirror) but didn't have time (or my own garage) to get in and do major repairs myself. As a result, I feel like the price was high, but that's because I normally do this stuff myself. I'm relatively new to MD, and live in a little townhouse with no place where I can do my own work. Greg is very friendly and the final price was exactly what he initially quoted. The work took a bit longer than initially expected (Greg said that they just had a hard time with alot of bolts; for some reason a lot of them were seized by rust), but not a lot longer (2 days instead of 1). The quality of the work was great. The mirror that I installed while I waited for the real one to come in from the dealer was low quality, and Greg wouldn't give me my "safety inspection" certificate until I had something that was up to par. That was my only hang up; $1,600 worth of work and I had to wait an extra day for a $40 mirror. Not Greg's fault for being a stickler for the rules, I suppose.

The car had failed the MD VEIP and also has a very high mileage. The quote from the dealer was very high. I took the car to Gili's after finding them online and then looking at them on Angie's List. I decided to give them a try after reading all the reviews. I called and set-up the appt. with Greg. I told him that I wanted a laundry list of problems and his recommendation on order of importance. Greg was very thoughtful and diligent about following up with me and made solid recommendations on course of action and the cost of each item. I gave him the go ahead on major items and on some of the more minor ones. We plan to take the car back Gili's and complete all the work as money allows. We are taking the car back in for a follow-up, but we are happy with the service we received and felt that the pricing was fair.

We have been happy with them. They'll always call with estimates before they do any work. They finish when they say they are going to finish. Sometimes you do have to wait for them to get a part in, but I guess that's true with anyone. The car always works when they are finished and we keep going because we're happy with their service. They are also straight forward with us too as we had a van that we drove into the ground and at the end, he let us know that it was better to get a new car rather then to get it fixed. It's convenient taking your car in as you can drop it off and then hop on the metro that's right down the way.

I am quite satisfied with the work they did. I would go back here in the future.

They were very professional. It was a good experience. I would go back.

Professional,courteous and efficient from beginning to end--Numerous conversations exploring options to keep costs down. Greg, thanks for your patience! I'm glad I found an alternative to the dealer. Successful businesses have figured it out. Customers are willing to pay for decent and fair service. Not only will I be a repeat cutomer, but I intend to share my experience with others--That is how businss grows--Thanks GILI'S!

The charge to replace the motor was what they said it would be, but there was a $20 supply charge, which I think was overboard. On the oil change: I was charged $39.49 for an oil filter and 5 quarts of engine oil. The car I have has a V8 motor in it. If the oil filter is changed, you should have 6 quarts of oil, not just 5. I didn't notice that until I came home. I checked, and the oil was full, so I'm not sure if they didn't put the new filter on, or if they didn't charge me for the extra quart. But they do a lot of checking and tell you what you need, supposedly. They told me there was a leak and several other problems which would cost me over a thousand dollars. That bothered me, because I don't think I have that much mileage on the car. Overall, I would say I didn't really like them, and I would not go back.

They quoted a price and performed the work in a timely manner. They also drove my husband to work while the repair was being done.

The work was explained very clearly and they did a great job.

They did a very good job. They were an honest shop and you don't see that very often. They came highly recommended and I would recommend them as well.

Called in the morning and they said I could come right in. Gili dropped me off at work even though it was not their standard drop off location. They called during the day letting me know their assessment of my vehicle and what I could expect in the near future in terms of repairs. They were honest enough to tell me what I needed right away and what could wait. After picking up my vehicle I noticed a noise that wasn't there before. I left a message (this was after hours Friday evening) and they called me first thing Monday morning asking me to bring it in. When I brought it in Gili took it for a test drive and checked out everything. The sound was most likely due to the tire rotation and uneven wear and tear. They offered to set them back if I wanted. I appreciated the time Gili took to check things out for me and explain what was going on.

Fine. It's always hard to spend that much money for a car repair and we thought of replacing the car instead. After much consideration and weighing of pros and cons and Gili's opinion that the car was basically in good shape, we decided to fix it.

My wife's Lexus had a horrible hissing sound that would get worse everytime I drove it. I took the car to two local dealers and they charged me all kind of money to do different things. The problem got worse and they claimed they could not hear the sound. I was recommended to Gil, and within an hour he found the problem. A rock or stick had hit a piece of my rim and lodged itself by the brakes. He fixed the car in a few hours and it has been great since. I will never take my cars to anyone but Gil again.