Abbott’s Auto Service

Abbott Auto is (in my opinion) the absolute BEST mechanic in the state of VA. Pete Abbott and his son-​in-​law Steve run this shop with honesty and integrity. I was introduced to Pete as soon as I could drive at 16 years old — that was almost 30 years ago — and my parents have been with him since before that.
Each time I bought a car (always used cars) I would never commit to anything until they gave it the green light. One time I must have brought them 4 or 5 cars to look at — and they nixed each and every one. The last car they looked at — they gave me their stamp of approval. This was a 1998 Altima that I purchased in 2002. After purchasing this car I literally only saw them for routine maintenance. They were right on point. I still drive that car today and it still runs perfectly.
I never have to worry that they will try and scam me — fix things that don’t need fixing or ridiculously inflate prices. They do what needs to be done and nothing more.
**Side Note** My first car was a 1974 VW Bug Semi-​Automatic. At this point in time I worked within walking distance of a Firestone. All I needed was an oil change. When I went to pick up my car they charged me for an oil filter. Now — I was about 17 years old and really didn’t know much about cars — but what I Did know that this particular car did not have an oil filter — it had a strainer that you could rinse and use again. When I questioned the mechanic about that he flat out told me that I was wrong. We argued for a bit until I told him to show me the oil filter they’re charging me for. Obviously he couldn’t do that — so he tucked his tail between his legs and removed that charge from my bill.
They take the time to explain what’s happening with the car and the reason for the repair. As a woman I have found that mechanics will often talk down to us as if we are idiots. Abbott’s has never done that. They are old-​school — patient, humble and courteous and will answer any question you have without making you feel as if they’re rushing you no matter how busy they are. Also, each time there’s an actual repair (not maintenance) they will give you and estimate and most of the time the actual price is below their estimate.
They may be a bit more expensive than Jiffy Lube type places when it comes to oil changes and such — but it’s totally worth it in the long run. I will gladly pay a bit more for regular maintenance because I am a true blue loyal customer that will support them since they don’t make money by scamming you. They give me peace of mind and that’s priceless.
They do not advertise — word of mouth is how they get their customers and everyone I know that has done business with them never looks back. Because of this they are usually pretty busy. I would recommend making an appointment if at all possible. If your car breaks down and you don’t have that option — rest assured they will fit you in and have your car fixed as quickly as possible.
I used to live just 10 minutes away from their shop — which was very convenient — but about 3 years ago I moved to Midlothian — a little over 30 minutes away and never thought twice about looking for someone closer.
I can go on and on and on — but you get the picture. If you decide to take your car to them — which I highly recommend — you won’t regret it.

Abbott’s is that rarest of beasts: The honest mechanic. Three times I have brought my car here with a diagnosis from somewhere else that would run me over $ 600. Three times they’ve looked at it and found a much cheaper repair. They gave up hundreds they could’ve taken me for simply because it’s the right thing to do. Quote: «I fix your car like I fix my car, and I sure as hell am not putting expensive parts in my car that it doesn’t need. I’ll only sell you something you need.»
Only once have these guys not been able to fix something I brought to them. My girlfriend brought her car to them and, try as they might, they couldn’t figure out the repair and recommended she go to a mechanic that specialized in her manufacturer. Despite having spent the better part of a day looking at it they refused to take any money in compensation for looking at it.
Abbott’s is usually busy because of their fantastic reputation so make sure you call ahead. They are pretty middle of the road in terms of cost, but if you factor in the fact that Abbott won’t try to sell you extra stuff you don’t need you’re coming out way ahead. At Abbott’s, the peace of mind comes free of charge.

I highly recommend Abbotts Auto Repair. I was shopping in Short Pump with my 3 kids, when my check engine light started flashing. I found them on Unilocal and called. They had it fixed less than 24 hours later. Very honest, down to earth friendly people! Thanks guys!

Pete is really nice and honest. There have been times when I have given my car for some issue and there would be something very minor and Abbott auto would fix it without any charge. Pete would never suggest on changing or replacing things until it is really needed. I would highly recommend trying Abbott Auto for a very honest and genuine experience.

I was passing through Richmond and my check engine light came on. I found this place on Unilocal.They did a quick diagnostic and took care of it in minutes. Wow, we’re they great!

Cost effective and honest but not the friendliest or best work you will find.

This is the only mechanic I trust in Richmond.
I drive from Chesterfield near Hull St. all the way up to this mechanic.
I tried Firestone at first for repairs and the prices were high along with all the up-​selling making me wonder if I needed anything at all. I took the same car to Abbott’s and they confirmed one diagnosis from Firestone but the charge was 50% of what Firestone was charging.
This place is always extremely busy and there isn’t much parking — but I believe this is a result of the excellent service and fair prices.
My spouse and I take our Honda Civic and Mazda Protégé to this shop and are always pleasantly surprised. I mentioned problems I thought I was having and they checked them out and found no problem and told me I didn’t need any service and didn’t charge me.
I have summarized multiple trips to Abbott’s but I can’t say it enough times. If you don’t want to believe me — GOOD! Take your car somewhere else and get a repair estimate. Then take your car to Abbott’s. You should keep track of the prices and what repairs each place says you should get. Come back to Unilocal and post a review for everyone to see.
I want to keep this place my little secret but I want Abbott’s to be rewarded for all the excellent service. I decided to do right by Abbott’s and tell the world about them because Abbott’s has always done right by me.
Even if this place cost more than somewhere else (which it hasn’t yet for me) I would still go there because they do excellent repair work. This is no discount work for a discount price. The work is better than a Lexus dealer and for a fair price.
1 diagnostic computer pull from most chains will cost you $ 20-​$ 100, this is not the simple $ 10 code read that you get for free at an auto-​parts store. This diagnostic read has always been free when I went to Abbott’s. They probably do the simple computer code pull for free too but I never bothered because I can get the better diagnostic for free.

AN HONEST MECHANIC. True story follows:
1. Took my 97 Civic to West Broad Honda because the check engine light came on (2^nd time it’s ever come on in all the years I’ve owned the car)
2. Honda checks the light, charges me $ 90 to do so, then tells me I need a new catalytic converter for $ 900, which I don’t have. I ask them what’s wrong with it and they say «wear and tear».
3. I panic, run to my co-​workers, and get a recommendation for Abbott’s. I retrieve my car from West Broad and take it to Abbott’s.
4. Abbott’s takes a look at my car, calls me to tell me that the computer probably tripped the «Check Engine Light» because my emissions settings are set to strict CA level standards. Mr. Abbott actually said «I can take your catalytic converter out and put it next to a brand new one and other than some dirt and rust, it’s exactly the same.»
5. I pick up my car from Abbott’s that day; they just hand the key over, with NO CHARGE for taking a look at it for me.
It’s been a month and my car still runs great. I will DEFINITELY be coming back.
Other pluses (or minuses if you’re allergic to cats): A cute black cat roams the waiting area.