Ben Nielsen's Skyline Automotive

My local shop which had been changing my oil for years closed. I trusted them to no end, so I was apprehensive about going anywhere else, even for a simple oil change. I wasn't expecting much, but definitely was impressed. Very helpful, professional and got the job done. Thanks!

I had not problems scheduling an appointment to drop off our car on a Friday morning for an oil change and "used" car inspection. Everyone I dealt with were friendly and professional. As expected, multiple issues with the car were discovered, but I hadn't expected the number and severity of the issues (but all were not surprising given the age and abuse this car has taken over the last 9 years). The folks at Skyline were very understanding and were able to break down the various issues into "critical," "urgent," and "soon." This enabled us to break up the work into cost affordable chunks while making sure that the vehicle was still safe for daily use. We still have a couple more items to knock out on the car, but we are happy with the work and price so far and will continue to use Skyline Automotive. Overall, our experience was pleasant, professional, and we are completely satisfied with the work done to date.

This summer we brought our car back to the States after having it overseas for the past three years. We knew it needed a major overhaul, and were prepared to spend quite a bit of money getting it into tip-top shape. Since we were new to the area, we relied on the reviews from Angie's List and chose Skyline Auto. What a HUGE mistake. We were under a tight deadline -- we had to have the repairs done in order to pass VA inspection, and we needed the car to move our daughter to college in Tennessee just a week after the car was delivered to us. We were assured the car would be done in time, and were told the work would take 2 days; it took 7 days and the communication from the shop was TERRIBLE! They never called us with updates or information -- we had to call every night to see if the car was ready. Every night they would say "Tomorrow", then no news from them the following day until we called in the evening. We finally got the car back the day before we had to take our daughter to college, which gave us NO time to test drive it with the repairs before making a 12 hour road trip. The final bill for all of this work was between $5-6,000. We then discovered that several things they were supposed to fix were not fixed, maintenance they were supposed to have done was not done, and every time we brought the car back something new would go wrong within just a few days. We developed an oil leak after they flushed the system/changed the oil, the heat went out because they did not flush the radiator or change the tubes -- even though they charged us for that service. They misdiagnosed the oil leak and did a $500 repair that was unnecessary and ineffective. Two of the men (Bob and Randy) were polite and tried to be helpful, another man named Marty was just downright rude and treated us like we were idiots every time we questioned their (terrible) service. I would NEVER go back to Skyline. They are either completely incompetent or downright dishonest, and neither option is acceptable to us. We have a new mechanic (Cardinal Shell on Old Keene Mill Road) that is FANTASTIC -- fair rates, reliable service, competent, helpful....I only wish we had known about them back in August when we returned to the States. Skyline has been a nightmare and I deeply regret ever taking my car to them.

Replaced the main exhaust system on my 1998 Infinity I-30. I've had the car since day one and have kept it in mint condition. The dealer wanted $1400.00, I was able to have it done for $699.00 at Skyline Automotive. I selected them due to high ratings in Angie's list. The only down side to the experience over the dealer was I didn't get a loaner car.

Prompt service. Great advice on repairs and future options. Shuttle service was prompt and greatly appreciated I'll definitely take my car to them again. Work included safety inspections, emission inspection and repairing a major power steering leak.

When I gave my car, I told them that I felt like my brakes needed changing since it had been a while, but asked them to see what other services my car may need. I was dropped to my office by their shuttle service and recieved a call about 2 hours later saying my car was ready. When I picked up my car, they told me that my brakes were fine for at least another 10,000 miles. But my two front tires needed to be replaced and my windshield was cracked and needed to be replaced (both of which I already knew). They recommended that I get a transmission fluid flush if it had been 30,000 miles or more since my last one. In addition, they said my airfilters needed to be replaced. That's it. When I told them that I would look at my records to see when my last transmission fluid flush was, they said I could bring all my records to them and they will maintain a profile of my car, and advise me when work was due. Although I have not been back to give them my records, I am very happy with the service they provided. I feel like they were fast, honest and reasonable.

These guys do great work and I trust their suggestions. Never disappointed.

The staff was friendly, professional,informative and honest. They took time to show me the problem with the exhaust and check on another new sound which didn't require repair at this time. I have experience working on cars and I was very happy with my experience at Skyline Automotive.

Overall, [trying to block out that rude man] the visit went well. We were able to park, hand over the keys, our cars went in without scratches and came out without scratches. Our oil was changed, we paid and left. The atmosphere was friendly and the mechanics are friendly.

I had taken my car to Mr. Tire (near Clarendon) who initially quoted me $2300+ to replace all brakes lines and do front brakes, but said they could "work with me" on the price. When I asked them the best price they could give me, they cut it down to $1580 "cutting all corners." So I found Skyline on Angie's list and called them. They were much more communicative and went into great detail on parts I'd need and workarounds they could offer. They also said I needed a new brake cylinder, which Mr. Tire didn't mention. But I believe the guys at Skyline when they say they tested it, and it needed to be replaced too. But even with the brake cylinder added, it came in about $350 below Mr. Tire's best price. My A rating for quality of their workmanship comes with a caveat because I have no way of judging that other than that the brakes now work. I'm guessing that it's good. Very pleased with these guys and would use them again, even tho' they unfortunately are not near a subway stop (near Bailey's Crossing). But they offered to pick me up at a station if it wasn't rush hour (which unfortunately usually doesn't work for me). ### BTW this Angie's List web site is retarded in that it makes me insert data on my home address - when this report is about my car! I also had to either reveal my home address (NOT!) or put in another address, so I used Skyline's.

Called today to ask for an estimate to replace muffler/tailpipe for 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan ES to pass Virginia State Police safety inspection. Asked me to bring it by for a visual inspection to give an estimate. Stopped by within 30 minutes of the call. Upon arrival, car immediately inspected and a estimate was provided. Although it was just under 2 hrs before closing, Skyline agreed to complete the work. I returned 35 minutes before closing and the car had just been completed! On top of very prompt and efficient service, I received a 10% labor and parts discount as an Angie's List member!

Above all else, Skyline was professional, trustworthy and prompt. We dropped the vehicle off in the morning and within a very short time I'd had a very professional phone conversation describing the problems they had found and the options to repair a failed brake system that was almost 15 years old. They were very straightforward with the repairs that needed to be made and explained the details of how they would be effecting repairs. When we picked the vehicle up, Skyline had made an additional complimentary repair to a component I did not know was malfunctioning and the proprietor took the time to show me all the repairs that had been made.

Skyline is a successful business, you can tell by how it is run. I can see why. They are communicative, prompt, and professional. You often get what you pay for, as they say, and my impression is that you may pay a couple dollars more for Skyline, but they provide quality service. An added touch is the pickup/dropoff service that was invaluable to my family, as we never missed a beat while our car was being serviced. They earned my business as a new resident in Arlington.

Please see above. We've recently had 2 cars there, and they've serviced our 6 cars as needed over the last 11 yrs for repairs and maintenance. Skyline is dependable, honest and customer-oriented. Very professional - you'll enjoy working with them.

Although the cost seemed significant. to me, I believe it was competitive with other service garages, and/or the dealership. I don't do my own maintenance, nor am I inclined to search around for "the best deal." Skyline honored the coupons I downloaded via the Angie's List link. I am pleased with their service. They allowed me to drop off the car on a Friday evening, place the key in the secure drop box, and pick up the car after the service was done on Saturday. The following Friday they installed, balanced, and aligned my tires. The were flexible with my schedule and prompt with their service. The waiting area at their facility is clean, has coffee, and free Wi Fi. I walked to lunch nearby and then I only had to wait a few more minutes and used the internet on my Kindle while waiting.

They just rotated my tires but that wasn’t the problem at all. So I ended up paying for something that I didn’t need. The price for rotation was fine and the quality of work was fine but they didn’t diagnose the problem and I manly paid for something that I didn’t need. I would not use them again.

Every service date has gone smoothly. The guys at Skyline are very accommodating of my schedule, always keep me informed on what's needed and I always have the car(s) ready as promised.

I haven’t had any major work done with Skyline Automotive Company so far. They have different levels of oil change where they also include some additional service. Their price is what the going rate is, its average. My experience with them has been pretty good. I would recommend them. They are professional. I’m going in there next week for an oil change for another vehicle. We have a twenty year old car that has had some issues for a long time but I’m not going to deal with that right away. They were very good about trying to figure out the problem with that car.

I took my wife's car in for an inspection, The serviced technician noticed unusual wear on one of the front tires and found that the tie rods were wornout. Had one of them broken she could have had an accident. They were able to order the parts and get here car fixed the same day. They were very courteous and helpful and the work was performed as they had said it would be with no extra charges. I would definitely use this auto shop again.

After having the car inspected, I was told that the front right axle needed to be replaced as it was too short and the root of the noises we had been hearing. The price quoted for this service was fair. However, we had just had a new left and right front axle installed in the car just a few months prior. Skyline said the part was defective and recommended that I approach the previous shop who installed it, Yates Automotive, to have the part replaced under warranty to save me money. I appreciated the advice and the kind customer service. That said, I took the car back to Yates, they tightened something in the exhaust and the sound we had been hearing went away. They noted that the axles were fine and their inspection showed nothing out of the normal. I took the car back to Skyline, they were confused, but wanted to help to make sure everything was okay. After looking into their records, they found that they had incorrectly reported that the right front axle and that it was indeed the left front. They took me under the car and showed me how the left front axle moved more than the right front when pulled on. I took the car back to Yates Auto who inspected it again, and assured me that the axle was fine and that one axle is shorter than the other in these models and that it will have slightly more give. After taking the car to multiple shops for a 2nd opinion, it was clear that the axle was actually fine. I was very disappointed in the incorrect diagnosis of the car. If I had stuck with Skyline's original plan of action to correct the sounds we were hearing, they would not have gone away, and I would have lost $400 on the axle replacement that was not even needed. In addition, they quoted me a $800+ estimate for replacing the car's distributor (specifically with a new Hitache). The estimate included $600+ for the part itself, which I could purchase online between $275 and $350. I then called Yates Automotive who quoted me $588 for the entire job. I live nearby to Skyline and wanted to be a long term customer, but the markup fee on parts and the series of issues in this interaction was too much. While I believe that the staff is kind, professional, and certified, the results just didn't match their qualifications and reputation.

Skyline Automotive has cared for our aging Toyota Tercel and RAV for years. They are fine diagnosticians, excellent mechanics, provide terrific customer service, and are as honest as they come. Skyline has dealt with every system on each car at one time or another. Upkeep on older cars can get expensive as mechanical systems age, but Skyline employees care not only for cars and trucks. but for the owner's safety and wallet as well. They are excellent educators and the maintenance/repair process is transparent . . . the owner knows what is being done, why it needs to be done, why it costs what it does, and when the work will be finished. Bob Kuhn owns an automotive care center that is characterized by superb customer service, professionalism, and reasonable cost. They care for the customer's car as if it were their own.

Their estimate was accurate and the price was fair, they finished the job when they said they would, and they couldn't have been nicer. I've had Skyline replace tires, and I'll be back this month for new brakes. How many car repair businesses throw a ten-year anniversary party for their customers and vendors? If their work and prices hadn't convinced me in the past, the high regard shown by everyone at the party sure did. I wouldn't take my car anyplace else.

It seemed like they were honest and competent. We never know exactly what is absolutely necessary unless we take our car to different places.

It seemed like they were honest and competent. We never know exactly what is absolutely necessary unless we take our car to different places.

They did great work, but I am still not sure that I got the best deal when it came to the repair. The cost for the part and the installation was $850 - that seemed awfully high. There is nothing grand about this vehicle because it is old, and the part should have been cheap. The quality of work was great. It was probably my fault that I did not ask for a bid or approximate cost. I know one of the guys who work there. I went there because they are known for their quality. They were very responsive, punctual and professional. I would use them again in the future but that would depend on what I am getting done there. The Jeep Cherokee is a four-drive vehicle; I would go there if there was something critical, because I would want to make sure that it is done right. That is where I usually spend my money. It depends on the nature of repair. If it is something simple, I would have the mechanic in the neighborhood do it for me.