Preferred Automotive Associates Inc

Auto Service, Auto Tires, Auto Inspections,

About us

Preferred Automotive serves Rockville, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Garrett Park, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Potomac and the greater Washington D.C. areas. We offer a $50 first time customer discount because we appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Please take a look at our customer reviews on Google Reviews , Demand Force Reviews and our web site to see how much we appreciate our customers. Preferred Automotive has earned the best reputation for auto repair in the Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg and greater Washington area by caring about the customer first. This may seem obvious, but in this day and age it is less common. We have always done the right thing (whatever that may cost us) and put integrity and honesty first. We have been fortunate to be recognized for 18 years by Washington Consumers Checkbook, Washingtonian Magazine and Carquest Autoparts (nominated Preferred Automotive as the best shop in America 6 years running) as doing the job right the first time with accuracy, honesty, and unparalleled customer satisfaction! Get $50 off your first visit with us.View Our Coupons Page Or, learn about or special Valvoline Promotions. We have the ability to handle everything from oil changes to tune-ups, tire rotations to four-wheel alignments, engine & transmission overhauls to complete replacements. We have a state of the art facility on and off line to support the latest problems with cars, trucks, and SUVs of all types including hybrids. With employees that attend ongoing training on a regular basis, and a staff that has been with us for an average of 18 years, we feel that if we take care of our employees, our customers will receive the benefit in the end. Award wining.

Business highlights

35 years of trusted experience
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Family Owned & Operated
Eco Friendly

Services we offer

wheel alignment, brakes, transmission repair, flush, coolant, power steering, fuel induction, tune up, timing belt, hoses, oil change, lube, filter, muffler,exhaust, suspension,differential, electrical, computer diagnostic,emmissions, serpentine belt, alignment,tires,heating and air conditioning,clutch,coolant system flush, power steering flush, transmission flush, brake flush, alternator, starter, battery,balance tires, struts, shocks, hoses,thermostat,tire repair,factory service intervals,

Services we don't offer

Upholstry, painting, major body repairs

Amenities

Warranties
Yes
Senior Discount

5%



Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
Financing Available
MasterCard
Visa

Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.998 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
94%
4
5%
3
1%
2
0%
1
0%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.7
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Showing 1-25 of 98 reviews

John A.
02/2025
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
Excellent customer service. Friendly yet professional at the same time. Felt very relaxed, not tense like some shops. The work I had done was great and in good time. Had my quote same day. It was for a 60,000 mile checkup. Everything recommended was what I expected. No surprises. Gary was at the front desk when I picked my car up. All of my questions were answered and I never once felt like I was being taken advantage of or treated like I was an idiot. I’ll never take my car anywhere else. Thanks again!!
Description of Work: All fluids flushed and filled (breaks, power steering, transmission, coolant), rear brake pads and rotors replaced, tune-up, full synthetic oil change and tire rotation, air and cabin filters replaced, fuel system cleaned, probably one or two other things I have forgotten. I don’t have my very thorough report I was given in front of me.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,600

carolyn L.
02/2023
5.0
car inspections
  + -1 more
The name of this place (preferred auto) doesn't begin to describe this shop. I immediately felt comfortable. Came by referral from someone whose been using this company for years! I admit I was hesitant at first. Tod offered to do a check-up first for a reasonable fee and am I glad it did it! I found out my undercarriage was corroded away with pictures. We're not talking rust we're talking possible salted roads etc. My Saab is almost 20 years old. I was frequenting a foreign auto service place here in Maryland for years and no one mentioned it as I poured thousands into it. The interesting part for me was they didn't do it to make more money, just too give me a starting point. I couldn't be more grateful to them. Superb service. My only wish is that I didn't find them sooner. I thanked my girlfriend (the referral) for saving my life as I should have said to them. Heck I'm saying it here. :) I would strongly recommend them. Class act and most honest people I've ever come across in the business. I can only hope that this review won't prevent me from coming in again, when I need to. Naaaa. I think it won't be a problem.
Description of Work: Just a cruise control issue, that turned out to be working.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$194

Kristina W.
03/2021
5.0
auto repair, car tires, heating & air conditioning/hvac
  + 1 more
They are amazing! Great service from the start. I've never felt more comfortable at a mechanic before. Not only do they text you a link of everything they found wrong, but they even add explanations and pictures. Can't afford it? They will chat with you an work within your budget. It was incredible how Todd easily worked with us in saying what can wait and what needs to be fixed now. Not to mention Gary followed up with us after we left to make sure the car was running well. Amazing service! Will recommend to everyone.
Description of Work: Vehicle maintenance

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,500

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you So much for the great review! Gary

Melissa F.
09/2020
5.0
Gary and all the wonderful men at preferred automotive were amazing. They were not just professional but kind. I love how they take pictures of what needs to be done and are also more then willing to explain what needs to be done even if it is multiple times for someone who does not know anything about cars like me. I highly recommend taking your car to Gary and his amazing staff. Thank you for everything
Description of Work: Oil change and other repairs

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you very much! Sincerely, Gary

Doug K.
03/2020
5.0
auto repair, car inspections
  + 0 more
Todd texted me the report including photos. He also called me to explain things in detail about the inspection. With the info, Todd saved me a lot of money & headaches. Take all of your automobile business to Preferred Automotive Associates. They will treat right!!
Description of Work: A pre purchase inspection for a truck I was wanting to buy.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$99

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you very much for taking the time to comment about Todd and how great he is with customers. Sincerely, Gary

Mara F.
02/2020
5.0
auto repair, transmission repair
  + 0 more
My experience at Preferred Automotive was fantastic. Not only was the team friendly and responsive, they were able to clearly explain to me everything they found wrong with my vehicle and give me advice on pursuing my dealership for warranty issues. They followed up the next day, making sure the dealership wasn't giving me a hard time or false information. They even offered to talk to the service manager at the dealership as my "fake dad" in order to ensure I was not being taken advantage of! Their level of customer service is beyond anything I've every experienced and I'm so grateful for their help! I will be recommending their shop to everyone I know with full confidence.
Description of Work: Transmission Service and Oil Consumption Information

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$150

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you so much for coming to Preferred Automotmive. Sincerely, Gary

Charles C.
01/2020
5.0
auto repair, car inspections
  + 0 more
Well done. Gary and Todd professional and transparent. provide options on must repairs and things that could wait. Much appreciate these guys.
Description of Work: Brakes Rotors and Pads

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thanks [Member Name Removed]!!! Great catching up with you the other day. Gary

Ray A.
09/2019
5.0
auto repair, radiator service
  + 0 more
I started using Preferred Automotive when I lived in Rockville 30 years ago. After two moves, I continue to go extra distance just to continue to use them. The service has always been extremely professional. Gary and Mike have never tried to sell me on unnecessary service or repairs and have actually worked with warranty companies to save me lots of money. Because our car has been consistently serviced by Preferred, when the radiator needed to be replaced, they worked to get us a $577 rebate from Valvoline. I'm a customer for life.
Description of Work: Our car started overheating and needed the radiator replaced.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,400

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
When we hear a customer still wants to see us even after they moved further away it makes us want to try even harder. We thank so much!!! Gary

Ken B.
07/2019
5.0
auto repair, heating & air conditioning/hvac
  + 0 more
I have only great things to say about Gary & Todd. In the decade we have been using them they never recommended work that was not needed. They tell us what they think we need, tell us why, and an estimate of cost, so that we can decide what to do. They kept our 12 year old Civic running until repairs exceed its value and continue to keep our 12 year old Accord running safely. This means that their mechanics and technicians are talented, responsible, and skilled. I am hopeful that this team can keep the Accord going for another 250,000 miles. Our goal is to travel the distance to the moon and back. We are now into 11,100 miles of the return trip.
Description of Work: Air conditioning repair

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thanks [Member Name Removed] for everything, Gary

Deborah B.
06/2019
5.0
muffler repair, auto repair
  + 0 more
Was was promptly professionally and we were kept involved and informed for the entire process as a bonus the quoted price was almost 50% less than the rip off dealership
Description of Work: Tailpipe need replacement, other parts were involved. Quote from dealership was outrageous

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you very much for taking the time to review the shop. We really appreciate everything. Gary, Mike and Todd

Charles C.
06/2019
5.0
auto repair, car inspections
  + 0 more
It went well. I like the fact that they arrange the inspection elsewhere. My car did not pass the inspection, but Gary arranged for the requisite repair (license plate bulb) quickly and it passed within a couple of hours. Thanks!
Description of Work: MD Inspection

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$150

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thanks so much, Gary

David S.
03/2019
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
Car repair service done right! From the moment you walk in and are greeted by the owner, to the time of picking up your vehicle, you know exactly what's going on. Amazing friendly, courteous service with the customer in mind. Gary and his crew fixed my front end within a day and also did a vehicle inspection which identified other potential issues. There was absolutely no pressure sales for additional work, but just a way of letting their customers know the current condition of the vehicle. You will receive updates over the day on your service. When it's time to close the order, they will walk through everything done and those potential problems identified. Then they guarantee their work. This guarantee is unmatched by any other shop. Read the history of the shop on their web site. A true local facility that has historically provided superior customer service and satisfaction. Highly recommended. This is my new repair shop.
Description of Work: Front end repair

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you for the kind review!! Sincerely Gary

Debra N.
02/2019
5.0
auto repair, car tires
  + 0 more
Great, as always. They were flexible with times/appointments and came up with solutions in case they couldn't fix the windshield cleaning fluid issues. And, they wanted to know how I was doing. (We share life experiences and advice.) They have always helped. For example, a few years ago, my mother was ill and I couldn't pick my car up. They came and got me even though I was with her in Potomac at the time. That meant a lot. Even my boss was impressed when I got back to work that afternoon with my car and told her how I got it! They are like the primary care physicians for my car.
Description of Work: 93,000 mile check, replacement of left turn signal light, battery replacement, replacement of fluids, and repair of cracked hose to window shield cleaning solution

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,400

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thanks [Member Name Removed]. You know your family here. Thanks so much, Gary

Sam L.
01/2019
5.0
auto repair, car tires
  + 0 more
It was raining that morning and I was running late. They were very professional and helpful. Quoted what I thought was a very fair price. They were fast and took the time to explain what was done and what to look out for. Very happy with this experience. Also, the morning coffee and donuts were an awesome surprise.
Description of Work: Oil change and tire rotation and balance

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$150

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you very much for the review. Sincerely, Gary

Dennis R.
12/2018
5.0
car tires
  + -1 more
Made it very quick and easy and also addressed an issue with the brakes. They always inspect the vehicle no matter what service is provided and offer suggestions that are appreciated.
Description of Work: Replace tires

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$130

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you very much for the trust in our services over the years. Sincerely, Gary

Bryan C.
12/2018
5.0
auto repair, transmission repair
  + 0 more
They took the car immediately and I had it back the next day. They found a few other maintenance items to be performed. Could not have been happier with work performed and everything they did. Class A work.
Description of Work: Brakes and general maintenance.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you so very much for coming in to use us for you service. Sincerely, Gary

Ilya R.
07/2018
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
Preferred automotive is a polite, honest and professional car mechanic. They try to save customer's money and never do more than necessary.
Description of Work: Excellent car mechanic

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thanks so much, Gary

Amit H.
04/2018
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
It's always a pleasure doing business with Todd and Gary. They are professional, personable, and always give great advice. We get all our cars serviced at this location. I have already recommended them to many friends!
Description of Work: 75K Miles Maintaince

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you. The feeling is mutual. Gary

Douglas G.
04/2018
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
As usual, they did great work at a good price. They provide an appropriate amount of communication and are very accommodating.
Description of Work: Regular service and oil change

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you for you business. Gary

suzanne S.
04/2018
5.0
auto repair, transmission repair
  + 0 more
It's always a pleasure doing business with Todd and Gary. They are professional, personable, and always give great advice even when it means a service is not needed. I have already recommended them to many friends!
Description of Work: routine auto service

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$900

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Dear [Member Name Removed], Thank you very much. It is always great to do business with you and to get to know what a great mother and grandmother you are. Sincerely, Gary, Mike and Todd

Beth B.
12/2017
5.0
auto repair
  + -1 more
Gary, Mike, Todd et al explained exactly what needed you be done and my car is running like new again! Thanks guys!
Description of Work: every warning light on the dashboard was lit up!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Dear [Member Name Removed], That is great to hear!!!! Thanks so much, Gary

Joe C.
09/2017
5.0
auto repair, car inspections
  + 0 more
Dropped by without an appointment and they were happy to help, timely service and professional which you don't get from people very often these days. I appreciate the service they provided.
Description of Work: Oil Change, Brake fluid change and over all inspection of condition of vehicle

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thanks again young man I really appreciate it! GaryMember Name Removed].

Tony M.
09/2017
5.0
auto repair, car tires, car inspections
  + 1 more
Excellent service, proffessional workers, great customer service and fair pricing. This is an excellent place to have your vehicle repaired.
Description of Work: Brake service, Low coolant light, tire repair.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thanks [Member Name Removed] very much, Gary

Harold S.
07/2017
5.0
car inspections
  + -1 more
Fine - I was satisfied by their efficiency.
Description of Work: Inspection

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$86

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you very much, Gary

Barbara R.
06/2017
5.0
auto repair, car inspections
  + 0 more
I was referred to them by one of their long-time customers and I am grateful for it. This place is great -- honest, knowledgable, fair, friendly. They saved me from 2 very bad used car purchases, got my Accord back to purring condition so I can drive it with confidence, and stopped the Escape's interior flooding from rainstorms. I changed from my previous local mechanic, which was walking distance to work and 10 minutes from home, when I lost confidence following a management change. For me, getting to Preferred Automotive is out of my way -- 30 minutes from home and involves a metro trip back and forth to my office -- but well worth it.
Description of Work: In the past 6 months, Preferred Automotive has done 4 pre-purchase inspections for used cars, a pretty comprehensive set of maintenance service on my 2006 Accord, and a water-leakage diagnosis and fix on my 2009 Escape.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
Thank you very much we can't say thank you enough, Gary

Contact information

12356 Wilkins Ave, Rockville, MD 20852

http://www.preferredautomotive.com

Service hours

Monday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Licensing

Bonded

Insured

Licensed*

Trade License Number
6856
Trade License Locale
MD
Trade License Authority
Maryland State Police

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
No
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Auto Service,
Auto Tires,
Auto Inspections,
Auto Transmission,
Auto Mufflers,
Heating and Air Conditioning,
Auto Radiators,
Natural Gas Lines

FAQ

Preferred Automotive Associates Inc is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

Monday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Preferred Automotive Associates Inc accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,Financing Available,MasterCard,Visa
No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer a senior discount.
No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer emergency services.
Yes, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc offers warranties.
Preferred Automotive Associates Inc offers the following services: wheel alignment, brakes, transmission repair, flush, coolant, power steering, fuel induction, tune up, timing belt, hoses, oil change, lube, filter, muffler,exhaust, suspension,differential, electrical, computer diagnostic,emmissions, serpentine belt, alignment,tires,heating and air conditioning,clutch,coolant system flush, power steering flush, transmission flush, brake flush, alternator, starter, battery,balance tires, struts, shocks, hoses,thermostat,tire repair,factory service intervals,
Upholstry, painting, major body repairs

Contact information

12356 Wilkins Ave, Rockville, MD 20852

http://www.preferredautomotive.com

Service hours

Monday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM