Duke & Pickett Auto Repair Center

donot go there if you want to get ripped off bad mehanic and bad service since bob sold the place

This station appears on Unilocal twice. Once under the name Shell and once under Duke & Pickett Auto Repair Center. I am posting my review under each to be sure all are aware of the new owner and terrible service.
This was one of the best but now under new ownership. I did business with the old owner Bob Anderson for years and had no issues with price or honesty. Unfortunately Bob retired and the service station was taken over by seemingly nice people. But, alas they too are gone and the place is now being run by a dishonest shady individual. Today, July 13, 2015 a warning light associated with charging system issues came on. I went to the Shell station at 5200 Duke St and found no familiar faces. I explained to the new owner that a light indication charging system trouble came on. He and another man took my car for a test ride. He came back after about 10 minutes. Before he even got the car into a bay or lifted the hood he said to me, «it is your tranny»…
I mentioned the name of one mechanic who worked for the old owner and he proceeded to tell me that the mechanic was coming back to work for him in a few days. He also told me the warning light meant that the battery had a problem, again without ever examining the car. Then I noticed a sign on the wall stating that warranty work performed by the previous owner would not be honored. I had a bad feeling about the place so I left and went to another Shell station that I knew friends had used. I was pleased to find that the mechanic I had asked about was now working there. I was informed by the mechanic that there were no plans to return to work at 5200 Duke St and that this new owner habitually lied to customers about the same subject. As it turned out, I was correct. There was a charging system issue. My transmission has no problems and my battery is also fine. The car was fixed within a few hours. I highly recommend that you steer clear of 5200 Duke Street. It is sad to see what was a good place to do business be destroyed by a dishonest owner.

I would give the Service Center a «0» on ratings, but I can’t. Ever since Bob sold the Gas Station, the customer service and service mechanics have all gone to trash. We no longer have trustworthy mechanics, business owner and quality service. I wouldn’t recommend this Service Center to anyone. (Money Guzzlers)

Bob Anderson and his staff are extremely reliable. When I first moved into the area, I was advised by my sister to go to him when my car needed some tune up repairs. Bob and staff are always honest and up front when quoting for repairs. When I decided to try a Midas shop off Glebe Road, I thought I found a better mechanic shop, but my car started facing several mechanical issues ever since that Midas visit. I returned to Bob and have never looked back. Bob has helped get my car back into operation, and I am grateful for shop’s honest work. The quoting and evaluating may be more expensive, but the thoroughness, I believe, for the sturdy work when you drive on the road. I have felt in my car again after after these repairs. Thanks as always, Duke and Pickett Service Center. I’ll keep coming back.
Other Plus: I am from North Carolina, and personal relationships are huge deal to me. Bob always remembers me, entering the shop or by phone, and he always asks how I am doing. Coming from the south, it’s the little things like these that I appreciate.

I, too, have used the Duke and Pickett St. Service Center for eons and find Bob and colleagues to be great at their work and more affordable than competitors.

I’ve been taking my car here for years, as does most of my family. I’ve always found the employees to be honest and upfront. I’ve even received a ranking for what is the most urgent car work needed and what is ok to put off a few months when my car was having numerous issues ($$$). My favorite note about this place is that an employee offered to drive me home during one of the huge snow storms without hesitation! I can’t recommend this place enough!