Airport Road Auto Center

These are by far the most honest and efficient mechanics in the area. Several times they have performed repairs for much less cost and in a shorter time than other repair shops in Charlottesville. We drive over 40 minutes out of our way to have them work on our cars and have used them for more than 12 years. I've tried other shops closer to where I live, but have always come back to Airport Road when the quotes seem excessive. They always do it for less and repairs never require follow up.

I found their drop off and pickup service useful and convenient so I decided to use them for my yearly inspection. My usual practice is to inspect my vehicle for lights, tires and general safety monthly and before taking it in for a state inspection, I've done this for over 30 years. I get the call from airport auto a couple of hours after drop off and they inform me that I'll need to spend about $700.00 to meet inspection. They needed to replace a rather expensive LED light and all four of my brakes needed to be done. I told them not to do anything and I would come pick the car up. The LED light was not working at pick up but was working that morning I knew something was not right. So they gave me a rejection sticker. When I picked the car up they were cool yet apprehensive with me, I think they expected me to argue about their results. I took the same car to a mechanic closer to home a bit less convenient and not on my way to work but I knew to be honest. The results were quite different all of my breaks were within the specifications but the light was not working. I had him replace the rear brake pads anyway as I tow a camping trailer and those had some ware on them. Total cost was $150.00.
I would not recommend Airport auto to anyone and since I've heard from others that have had similar experiences.

My experiences have been up and down with these guys. Good that they have nice drivers to drop you off at work, but not cheap and are 'good' at finding extra issues with your car. I finally called them on a wiper blade cost after an inspection. I said I'd buy and put blades on myself but they said they'd have to fail the inspection. Charging $22 for wiper blades, I think they should last for 5 years (I wish). As a parting shot, they not only listed my wiper blades but also noted that my brakes failed (on the pink rejection note). Time for me to go elsewhere, these guys aren't the worst, but they do have some work to do on customer service.