Need a non-ripoff Volvo Mechanic in McLean/Tyson,VA

sri_gondi · Post by **sri_gondi** » 24 May 2011, 07:30

Friends,

I am a new proud owner of an 2001 v70 2.4T. I am in search for a reliable mechanic in this McLean/Reston/Tyson Corner/Vienna (VA) areas as I have taken a job here in Washington area and I have few things to be taken care for my car ..Please suggest me someone I can trust and does not look into my wallet when I take my car....

Post by **anjill182** » 24 May 2011, 08:55

Probably too far for you, Paul's Volvo in Richmond, VA.

sri_gondi · Post by **sri_gondi** » 24 May 2011, 09:20

Yes, it is it is like 100 miles from my work..... Some shop near by to my work or to my apt is good for me.

elmo142 · Post by **elmo142** » 02 Jun 2011, 03:34

I am new to this forum, but have lived in the area most of my life. I would try Autoscandia in Herndon, they are probably the oldest Volvo shop in the area. Based on my experience they are one of the best. Whenever I go I always ask for Wayne. If you tell him you were referred by this forum I am sure he will take pains with your visit. I have left reviews for various businesses on several forums and always let the owners know this. Autoscandia is no exception. It never hurts to tell a merchant you found them through a forum or other review site. From my experience that keeps everyone on their toes. I have reviewed every imaginable business and it never ceases to amaze me how owners will roll out the red carpet when I make them aware of this. I also go to the dealer, Don Beyer in Falls Church, on occasion. The key with the dealer is to pick your service writer. Tracy has been my contact at Beyer. If you are willing to drive you can try Scandinavian Import Service in Rockville. They have also been around a very long time. I can't give you a contact at Scandinavian since I know of them by reputation alone. There are others, but these are the biggies. You may have gathered I am no youngster, all of these shops have been around awhile.

Post by **eyeroll** » 06 Jun 2011, 18:36

I have 3 volvos and have them serviced by Mark at Swedish Imports on Spring St. near Fairfax Circle in Fairfax, VA. Mark is the owner and the only person who works on your car. He is NOT cheap but I have found him to be very honest and extremely thorough. He will take the time to look at your car and explain your car problem and usually offer multiple solutions.
Don Beyer is a dealer in Falls Church with a good service dept., not cheap but good.

I have used AutoScandia in Herndon but did have one bad experience there when they told me my tranny needed replacement and I went for a second opinion at Don Beyer and they fixed it by simply replacing a relay.

I have recommended three people to Mark and all three have had a good experience with his service.

sri_gondi · Post by **sri_gondi** » 08 Jun 2011, 11:43

Thank you guys.... I will speak to them and let them know that I cam from MVS...

sri_gondi · Post by **sri_gondi** » 30 Jun 2011, 14:58

Update...

I went to Swedish Imports in Fairfax and happen to speak to Mark... Seems very nice guy. He explained me why the Check Engine Linght came and not to bother spending money on fixing it as it is not a show stopper... He said one of the code mean that at one point of time in the entire life of the car the CAT efficieny was less than 80% and the code was thrown and the second one was for the VVT clutch which is not worth fixing....So he did not really want to make money out of Check Engine Light... I am going back to him on next Wednesday after July 4th to have a test ride so that he can tell me what else need to be fixed as my car is pulling to the right when I brake and I get a jerk start quite often when starting from a complete stop... I like him and I dont mind spending little more than regular technician who wants to rip me off for everything... Thanks Eyeroll and the rest of you all for your contribution in finding me a good mechanic....

Roadrunner · Post by **Roadrunner** » 02 Aug 2011, 16:22

Have you tried Merv's Auto Repair at 6850 Springfield Boulevard- Springfield, VA. 22150 Ph# 703-644-1900?
He has a honest shop.

sri_gondi · Post by **sri_gondi** » 19 Aug 2011, 09:49

Update..

The car was in need of the both lower arms for both wheels... So had to change them.. he tried to do the job was unable to take the wheels off from the car as the lug nuts of the wheels were too much torqued and had to give up as he broke 2 of his tools in loosing the wheel nuts...I felt bad as he is an elder person and works alone on the car in the shop. So, I took the car from him and went to another shop to get the wheels nuts loosed and took the car back to him and have him replace the lower arms... He was good in communicating all the way long in updating me what is going on the car and was very honest. He said it would cost something aroung 800 to fix them but ended up changing few more parts in the process and the bill went 50% more what we initially thought It would happen he was very embarassed to tell me that ,such a nice guy... I assured him that it does not matter and its okay... He is a veteran and he is not keen on making money on fixing things which dont have to be so... that being said the car is fixed and it now rides like a charm..and it does not pull to any side after fixing the lower arms.....Phew .lot of work and was expensive but I felt it was worth it.....

sri_gondi wrote:Update...

I went to Swedish Imports in Fairfax and happen to speak to Mark... Seems very nice guy. He explained me why the Check Engine Linght came and not to bother spending money on fixing it as it is not a show stopper... He said one of the code mean that at one point of time in the entire life of the car the CAT efficieny was less than 80% and the code was thrown and the second one was for the VVT clutch which is not worth fixing....So he did not really want to make money out of Check Engine Light... I am going back to him on next Wednesday after July 4th to have a test ride so that he can tell me what else need to be fixed as my car is pulling to the right when I brake and I get a jerk start quite often when starting from a complete stop... I like him and I dont mind spending little more than regular technician who wants to rip me off for everything... Thanks Eyeroll and the rest of you all for your contribution in finding me a good mechanic....

vbouchar · Post by **vbouchar** » 17 Jan 2012, 14:15

Swedish Car Specialists used to be great until Pablo left and they changed locations. They were not able to diagnose AC problems which Don Beyer Volvo identified the second time I took it in to them (relay switch). Right now, I'd like to know if anyone knows someone else, because I am losing confidence in DBV. We have 3 Volvos and have been using Don Beyer for years. Recent service issues with our oldest ('96 850) relate to things which should have been noted during major servicing. And there is the battery drain problem that has been going on for several years. This week they did $1100 worth of work on the car (all unexpected). My daughter went to get it today and, guess what, it wouldn't start. Welcome to the world of disconnecting your battery cable every night! So, at this point, I couldn't recommend anyone, but would like to hear from others in Northern VA who may know of a good shop. (I understand Colin Powell likes to work on Volvos!)