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Preferred Automotive Associates Inc

Electrical Baseboard or Wall Heater - Repair, Central A/C - Install, Central A/C - Service or Repair,

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 experience

Services we offer

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

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.996 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
93%
4
5%
3
1%
2
0%
1
0%
Showing 1-25 of 96 reviews
John A.
Feb 2025
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,600
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!!

Carolyn L.
Feb 2023
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$194
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.

Kristina W.
Mar 2021
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,500
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you So much for the great review! Gary"

Melissa F.
Sep 2020
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
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
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you very much! Sincerely, Gary"

Doug K.
Mar 2020
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$99
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!!
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.
Feb 2020
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you so much for coming to Preferred Automotmive. Sincerely, Gary"

Charles C.
Jan 2020
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
Well done. Gary and Todd professional and transparent. provide options on must repairs and things that could wait. Much appreciate these guys.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thanks [Member Name Removed]!!! Great catching up with you the other day. Gary"

Ray A.
Sep 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,400
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.
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.
Jul 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thanks [Member Name Removed] for everything, Gary"

Deborah B.
Jun 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
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
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.
Jun 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
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!
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thanks so much, Gary"

David S.
Mar 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you for the kind review!! Sincerely Gary"

Debra N.
Feb 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,400
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thanks [Member Name Removed]. You know your family here. Thanks so much, Gary"

Sam L.
Jan 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you very much for the review. Sincerely, Gary"

Dennis R.
Dec 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$130
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you very much for the trust in our services over the years. Sincerely, Gary"

Bryan C.
Dec 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you so very much for coming in to use us for you service. Sincerely, Gary"

Ilya R.
Jul 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Preferred automotive is a polite, honest and professional car mechanic. They try to save customer's money and never do more than necessary.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thanks so much, Gary"

Amit H.
Apr 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
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!
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you. The feeling is mutual. Gary"

Douglas G.
Apr 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
As usual, they did great work at a good price. They provide an appropriate amount of communication and are very accommodating.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you for you business. Gary"

Suzanne S.
Apr 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$900
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!
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.
Dec 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Gary, Mike, Todd et al explained exactly what needed you be done and my car is running like new again! Thanks guys!
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Dear [Member Name Removed], That is great to hear!!!! Thanks so much, Gary"

Karen S.
Nov 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Repair went smoothly and the car was ready for pick up ahead of schedule. The car has been working great ever since - 8 months ago.

Joe C.
Sep 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
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.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thanks again young man I really appreciate it! GaryMember Name Removed]."

Tony M.
Sep 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Excellent service, proffessional workers, great customer service and fair pricing. This is an excellent place to have your vehicle repaired.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thanks [Member Name Removed] very much, Gary"

Harold S.
Jul 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$86
Fine - I was satisfied by their efficiency.
Response from Preferred Automotive Associates Inc
"Thank you very much, Gary"
Showing 1-25 of 96

Licensing

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 Find Licensing Requirements page.

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FAQ

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

Preferred Automotive Associates Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard

No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer free project estimates.

No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer a senior discount.

No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer emergency services.

No, Preferred Automotive Associates Inc does not offer warranties.